#Oh look Sal's actually wearing a shirt

[entomolog-t]

STOP IT’S LITERALLY MARK

Sal thinks the resemblance is uncanny

[dean-samw67]

The Girl Next Door

Prologue

WARNINGS: ABUSE AND DRUG USE

After sneaking past her parents, JJ was headed down to meet with Larry. The boy had become her best friend over the years, even a brother figure. He was always looking out for her, especially after she returned from the mental hospital this summer. 

Larry had recently just met Sally Face. The new kid in the building. The two were talking, getting to know one another, while listening to music. Larry had shown Sally Sanity Falls, one of his favorite bands, as shown by his countless amount of merch shirts and posters. A knock at the door pulls both boys from their conversation. 

“I know you are in there, Larry! I can hear your music a mile away!” 

“It’s just JJ.” Larry waves his hand toward Sal, signaling there is no need to worry. “Come on in!” The door is opened to reveal a girl who was just a slight bit taller than Sal. She had a pale complexion and dark brown eyes, with hair that was black, no doubt that it was dyed. “Whoa girlie, how did you get out wearing that?” Larry chuckles as he turns the music down a bit, while they could hear each other he knew that if it was too loud it causes JJ migraines. 

“My parents were arguing. They pay little attention to me when they do that so I can wear what I want.” The dark haired girl shrugs. She wore a red plaid skirt with a band shirt that had both sleeves slipping down her shoulders. The skirt was paired with a pair of fishnet tights and some red converse. To top it all off she accessorized with rings scattered on her fingers, a black, simple choker, and a chain attached to her skirt. 

Sally eyed what she wore in confusion, “Why would you not be able to wear that?” 

“My parents are super religious, they swear I will summon demons with this type of clothing. I try to tell them that's not how you summon demons but they don’t listen.” JJ chuckles. “Oh, I’m sorry, I totally forgot to introduce myself. I’m JJ, it's nice to meet you. You must be the new boy who just moved into 402 right? My mom was telling me about you and your dad. I live in 400 so I am just a few doors down.” 

“Yeah. I’m Sally face.” 

“Sally face?” She questions the mysterious blue haired boy. To Sal, he was shocked. She didn’t ask about his mask, didn’t seem scared or concerned or bothered by it. It actually felt nice not having someone question him, like he was a normal person. 

“It’s what my friends call me.” He explains to her. 

“Some shitty friends you must’ve had.” JJ scoffs as she sits on Larry’s bed and leans back on her hands. 

“I guess they weren’t really ‘friends’ persay. But I figured if I own the name they can’t use it against me, right?” 

“I like this guy. Maybe dinner won’t be so bad tonight.” JJ offers him a gentle smile which for some reason causes Sally’s cheeks to get hot. Having a mask wasn’t always bad. 

“Dinner?” He questions. 

“Your dad didn’t tell you? My parents went over there and suggested bringing some of our home made food over so you guys wouldn’t have to eat fast food alone, since you all are still unpacking and all.” She explains. 

“Damn, if your parents didn’t absolutely hate me maybe I could have tagged along.” Larry crosses his arms. 

“They don’t like you?” Sal looks over at his new made friend. 

“Oh they can’t stand me.” 

“There’s a lot of things that come with learning my parents. One is that they are the most judgemental people.” JJ explains. 

“You don’t seem anything like them.” Sally observes. 

“Because I have also fallen victim to their judgment.” 

“Juniper! Juniper, I know you came down here!” 

“Shit! Well there’s my mother.” JJ grumbles. 

“Juniper?” Sal looks back over at JJ. 

“JJ is short for Juniper Jessica. My first and middle name. My parents wanted me to have a ‘unique’ name and my mom wanted me to have her name as my middle name.” She explains. “I don’t exactly like my name.” It’s only a minute more before her mother barges through the door. 

“So much for privacy nowadays.” Larry says sarcastically. JJ’s mom points at him with a glare and then looks over at Sal. 

“Oh, you must be the new boy who lives in 402 with his dad. Why do you have that ridiculous mask on?” 

“Mom!” JJ stands up quickly after the horrible question. 

“What? Any parent who lets their kid wear a mask like that is trying to raise a serial killer.” Jessica places her hands on her hips. 

“Stop! Seriously?” 

“I’m just kidding.” She waves her hand around. “What are you doing down here? And what the hell are you wearing? Are you two trying to corrupt this poor new boy?” 

“Yes, mom, me and Larry were planning to corrupt Sally and have him help us summon all our demons with our satanic music.” JJ rolls her eyes sarcastically. 

“Sally? What kind of name is that for a boy?” 

“Oh my god, mom!” JJ exclaims. 

“What? I’m just saying, clearly his parents were off their rocker when they named the poor kid. And don’t use God’s name in vain, sweetie.” JJ grabs her mothers arm. She gives Sal an apologetic look. 

“I’m sorry. I’ll see you tonight.” She whispers before dragging off her mother. “You have got to be kidding me?” She looks at the brunette woman as she pulls her into the elevator and hits the number 4 before looking her mother dead in the eyes. “Why were you being so rude?” 

“Rude? Honey, I was just curious what his parents have been on while raising him. I mean especially his father. His mother isn’t even anywhere to be found.” Jessica shrugs. 

“Mom! You don’t know anything about Sally, his life or his family. You can’t be judging him or his dad for anything.” JJ shakes her head. She felt so bad for Sal that she could cry for him. She couldn’t imagine how he felt after that encounter. 

“You shouldn’t talk to me like that, young lady. As soon as we get home you need to change and help me make dinner.” Jessica’s voice was now low and angry. JJ is quick to shut her mouth and look down at the converse she was wearing. She could feel her hands shaking and placed them behind her back to hide it. 

A ding signals that they reached their floor. Her mother hooks her hand on JJ’s arm and drags her out and to the apartment. Her grasp was aggressive and showed just how angry she was. The door is pushed open and she throws her daughter into the apartment, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground, hitting her head on the corner of the coffee table. 

JJ grasps her forehead. It wasn’t hard enough to break skin but it caused a quick bump to form on her forehead and was certainly going to bruise. She wasn’t intending to make her mother mad, she just felt bad for Sal with how disrespectful she was being to him. 

“Now go change before your father comes out and sees you dressed like a slut in that skirt.” JJ scrambles to her feet and rushes to her room, shutting and locking her door. She was fighting so hard to hold back tears as she looked through her dresser. 

She changes to a simple pair of black jeans and a striped black and blue shirt. She removes her choker and rings, tossing them into her jewelry drawer and slams it shut. She picks up the cross necklace off her dresser and sighs before putting it on. 

She looks up into the mirror and pushes back her bangs to see a dark purple bruise forming. She sniffles back tears and fixes her bangs to cover the bruise. She opens her undergarment drawer and digs to the back pulling out an orange pill bottle. When she got it, from someone at school, she was told it should help with pain. She wasn’t too sure about it but took them anyway. She hid them in her drawer and forgot about them until she came back from the hospital this summer. She was almost out but she knew who to go to to get more when school started. She presses the cap down and twists it open. She dumps two pills in her hand and closes it, before tossing it back into the drawer and covering it and shutting the drawer. 

She walks to her bedside table and grabs the water bottle off the table. She places both pills on her tongue before opening the plastic bottle and downing the room temperature water. She pulls the bottle from her lips and closes it back up before placing it on the table. 

“Juniper!” JJ lets out a sigh before leaving her room, going to help prepare the food they were going to bring over to Sally and his dad. 

***

JJ and her parents walked a few doors down to the Fisher’s apartment. Jessica gives a polite knock on the door and we stand, waiting for a response. It is opened by Sally who looks up at the three of them. 

“Oh, it’s nice to see you again. Is your dad in?” She asks in a sickly sweet voice. It made JJ cringe. Sal nods and lets them in. 

“Dad!” A moment after he is called a man with matching blue hair to Sal’s and a full beard walks out. 

“Jessica, Michael. Welcome. Thank you so much, this means a lot to us.” He offers both JJ’s parents a smile. 

“It’s no problem.” Michael, JJ’s father, waves off. 

“This must be Juniper. Hi, I’m Henry, Sally’s dad.” He looks down at JJ. 

“Hello.” 

“Sal told me that you two met.” 

“Yes.” JJ nods. She was trying to keep it short and sweet, making sure she didn’t say anything that could end her up hurt when they went back home. 

“Well, Sal, why don’t you show her around while we prepare for dinner?” Sally nods at his fathers suggestion. Henry takes some of the dishes and walks with Jessica into the kitchen. JJ’s father leans down to her ear, grabbing her arm before she could run from him. 

“Do not let us catch you slutting around with that boy.” His voice was in a low grumble for only her to hear. It was a threat and she knew it. She gives him a quick nod of fear before running to Sal’s side. Sally eyed Michael as he walked into the kitchen with the other adults. He had a bad feeling with the way he had grabbed JJ. And what did he say that made her seem so frightened?

Sally led her around the apartment. Showing her around was quick considering it was a small apartment and most of them were pretty similar looking. They walk into his room once They finish and both sit on his mattress. 

“Listen, I’m sorry about my mom earlier.” JJ apologizes. 

“It’s not your fault. You weren’t lying when you said she's judgemental.” Sal looked over at her. 

“Nope.” She shakes her head and looks down at her hands. 

“How do you deal with it?” 

“I mean how do you deal with the comments you get about your mask? There’s no choice. They’re my parents.” She looks back up at him as she fiddles with her fingers. 

“What did your dad say to you?” Sal crosses his legs up on the mattress. 

“Oh he just was reminding me that it was my dish night.” She chuckles but Sal couldn’t help but not believe her. Gizmo, Sal’s cat, comes out from behind some boxes, meowing. JJ looks back and smiles. “Aww, you have a cat?” 

“Yeah. He sort of has been an emotional support for me.” Sal nods as Gizmo walks over and rubs up against Sal’s leg. JJ reaches down and pets his head before sitting up straight again. 

“He’s cute.” She giggles. 

“So are you and Larry… you know…?” Sal knew it was a personal question but he couldn’t help but wonder if she was with anyone. JJ lets out a snort and a not so attractive laugh as she shakes her head. 

“Me and Larry? You are a funny one Sally Face.” She covers her mouth as she tries to calm her laughing. “Larry has been a brother figure to me since I met him. He approached a group of kids bullying me in middle school. We have been friends since.” 

“Bullying? You have been bullied?” 

“I mean… yeah.” 

“But… why?” Sal was shocked to even hear she was bullied. She was gorgeous and he would believe that she was someone who had a lot of friends at school and everyone loved her. At least that's how he felt. 

“I don’t know. They just call me names. Ugly, unlovable, fat. Kids are mean.” JJ shrugs. 

“Yeah, tell me about it. But, I don’t see why they would call you ugly. You are far from it.” Sally fiddles with his hands in his lap. JJ looks at him with a soft smile. 

“You’re really sweet, Sally.” She reaches over and takes his hand into hers to settle his anxious movement. “We’re going to be good friends, I can already tell.” Seeing the little squint in Sal’s eyes, which she could only assume was from him smiling, made her return him a bright smile, which only caused him to blush.

Masterlist

Chapter 1

[lovecolibri]

SaL anon here friend and I don't know if you're ready dive back into RNM yet or want to wait till 911 is over but the first trailer for S4 has come out and I figured I'd give you a quick guide before you decide to open that particular salt mine. Pros: oh hey, they let us know the major plot of the season; Arturo!!! Cons: Echo heavy, no Malex; in fact no Alex, Kyle, or Rosa; yet somehow still could spare a few seconds for the guest cast; Nathan did not deserve to have THAT done to his hair.

SaL anon here friend and we finally have some RNM promo pics. Stupidly Optimistic Me Who Never Learns: "At last!! S4 is giving us the Kylex brotp content we've been begging for since S1!!" Painfully Realistic Me: "Great, M*ria's dying again and we're going to be forced to watch everyone be concerned because her uselessness means they have no other plotline for her." Also why are they forcing poor Kyle to support her again??!! Hasn't that man suffered enough?

Hi bestie! I combined these asks so I could knock them both out and I spent my time recovering from my Covid booster shot (my arm STILL hurts, WTF is that about? It’s been 3 days??) by catching up a tiny bit on RNM stuff since I have looked at nothing since shortly after season 3 ended. I won’t be able to watch live though I’m planning on watching next day but that might be for the best.

So the trailer! Pros: yaaaaaas Arturo my beloved! Also saw Cameron which was a nice surprise! I’m mildly intrigued by the other aliens so that could be neat?

Cons: While I did love Echo at the start of the show and they have had some sweet moments throught, the fact that the show is constantly waffling on who Max is has been frustrating. Having him go from soft, stary-eyed writer who thinks Liz hung the moon, to going behind her back, and lashing out at everyone in anger because he’s a leading man, and a cop, and has to be Strong and Violent and Can’t Know How To Express Emotions Besides Anger (even though he’s a fiction writer and eloquently expressing emotions is like, the whole of what he does) is tiresome. Max is always at his best when he is being supportive and kind and soft and we unfortunately don’t get to see a lot of that so it makes me less excited to see what is going on with Echo. Also it’s 2022, the whole “will they, won’t they, let’s see soulmate happily date other people, then invent drama to keep them apart” thing is TIRED. Just let soulmates have each other’s backs and take on the things trying to tear them apart together. That’s LITERALLY the whole point of soulmates! They are on the same page, they work better together because they bring out the best in each other. Let them do that! (This also applies to Malex, of course.)

The fact that we didn’t see Alex, Kyle, or Rosa is a crime actually, especially considering they are the glue that holds everything together. I also saw some stuff from Tyler about fans not being too happy at the start sooooo we have that to look forward to! 🙃🙃🙃 And considering the amount of m*ria in the promo and the non-existence of Alex, Kyle, and Rosa, I’m sure this season is going to be a repeat of season 3 on that front. Yay 🙄

Nathan absolutely did NOT deserve to have that done to his hair. It’s not the worst, but his hair was sooo good last season! This is a definite downgrade.

The stills! Kylex brotp my absolute beloved!! I’m so excited to see them in the same room and it looks like Eduardo is there too? So MAYBE we get to focus some on what Alex is doing? Not holding my breath though. Also a lot of Dallas and Michael just chilling together which I love! 

That Team Liz shirt is very cute and I want the whole gang to have one and wear all the time to support her, it’s what she deserves. I’m also loving whenever they let her lean into the “geeky scientist” wear that you know people who are too busy being tied up in their brain and work put on instead of trying to make me believe Practical Liz would wear fancy heeled boots on an investigation she knows is to a cabin in the woods. Women can be fancy and well-dressed people but also wear practical clothes when it makes sense, I promise it’s okay.

I kinda saw the stills of m*ria and Kyle as her scans looking better or at least like she’s not getting worse? So I don’t think she’s dying again, but I wouldn’t be shocked if she was because of course she would be. Hopefully Kyle gets more to do this season that carry everyone’s burdens on his back while they all forget all about him when he gets kidnapped because they’re too busy fawning over m*ria. Fingers crossed we get some good content for him.

Anyway, sorry not sorry to anyone who followed me for 911 content for the salt gremlin I’m about to become over this show. This show always deserved better than the CW, though it’s a shame the CW is Like That because it’s network TV meaning it’s free and it’s one of the few channels that’s NOT cable or streaming that you have to pay for that really leans into genre shows. Soooo much of network TV is centered on cop shows that basically spend every episode brutally murdering people (very often women) and then investigating it with the occasional “live victim” thrown in for funsies. This is why 911 feels so different (and why going back to trying to watch other shows is HARD) because it’s SO hopeful and most of the time the people live! What a novel concept! Then you have the CW which plays a lot with mystical/sci-fi stuff, often centered on romance which is a nice change of pace! But it’s run by people who, it feels like, HATE or at the very least have a great contempt for and look down on teens, genre shows, and romance. And RNM was supposed to be adults! It was supposed to lean into the sci-fi stuff and the alien soulmate thing from an adult perspective. But since it was the CW they leaned into the teen soapy drama, which, spoiler alert, is not ever what people wanted out of their “teen” genre shows to begin with! I think things got confused since there wasn’t easy, free access to genre shows when CW first started cranking them out, and they decided to apply their idea of what “Teen Girl Logic” was (all the different hot people making out with each other is all anyone wants!) to shows about soulmates and science fiction, and superheroes etc. without taking into account that isn’t actually true, AND more than just “teen girls” like genre shows, but a lot of the “adult” ones are dark and brutal and hopeless. So watching media geared towards “younger” audiences can often be an easer, more wholesome watching experience. (Like Julie and the Phantoms! I watched it multiple times, and even my grandma who is in her 80s watched it more than once. It’s bright and happy and wholesome AND has ghosts! And music!). *me frantically trying to find the thread here* Point is, this show COULD have been the sci-fi show focused on adults (and soulmates) healing after a decade of being apart and a lifetime of hiding things, while still having fun shenanigans, and bright colors that a lot of people want, but instead we got....this. 

Whooo boy this got away from me and my head is fuzzy again so I’m going to just going to leave this word vomit here, sorry. Anyway, see you all on Tuesday when I get around to watching the premier! Lets all hope for some good things and brace for whatever it is we will be getting instead.

[rezzyromance]

Idk if this is how you request things or if it's just asking, BUT-

How would the Lords react to an S/O that's usually the chillest person that you will ever meet (not to be confused with a pushover because they are not), they've never seen them even mildly annoyed when something bad happens. But then something happens and, turns out, the S/O is utterly TERRIFYING when they're mad.

Hope this makes sense!

Aw man I'm gonna feel awful scaring Moreau and Donna :(

Alcina

You're relaxing on a beautiful morning. The sun is shining through the window just enough to warm the room but not hurt your eyes. You hadn't even changed out of your sleep wear. "How are you feeling, my dear?", a sweet voice rang from the doorway. You were sitting in your favorite chair near the window. You turn and smile at her. She walks over and rubs your face in her large hand before leaning down and giving you a soft kiss. "I'm feeling amazing. And you?", you grab her hand before she pulls it away and you place a kiss on her knuckles. "I'm feeling alright. There's a new maid here. She's a bit slow. I'm giving her until tonight to finish dusting the entire castle or else she won't see another sunrise." It was almost comedic how dark her words were as you both stared out the window and gazed at the beautiful scenery. "Come on Alcina.", you stand up and place your hands on hers, trying to hold them despite the size difference. "Give the girl a break. It's a huge castle AND it's her first day.", you knew your words would probably change nothing. Alcina was rather cruel, but you looked past it. You tried your best to make the nervous maids comfortable whenever they arrive.

"We'll see how she does." She gives you one more kiss before leaving the room. You sit back down in your chair, enjoying the warmth of the sun for a little while longer. You lose track of time, minutes maybe even hours go by. Suddenly, there's a crash not far from the door. You jump and stand up, no longer comfortable after being startled. "What in the name of Mother Miranda?!", you leave the room and look down the hallway. The new maid stood there with a terrified look on her face. In front of her was one of the paintings Alcina had on her walls, now with a broken frame and a hole punctured. Your blood began to boil. It was a painting of you, her, and the girls all together. It was your favorite. "How in the hell did you manage to do that?!", you begin to stomp towards her. She cowers and struggles to find her words. "I-I-I was just dusting! It fell and I-I didn't mean t-", you cut her off. "How the fuck did you knock such a large painting over just by dusting?! DO YOU THINK YOU'RE ALLOWED TO MAKE SUCH STUPID MISTAKES HERE?!", you unravel. "I-I didn't mean to! I'm sorry!", she almost begins to weep. "SORRY ISN'T GONNA SAVE YOUR ASS!"

"MISS DIMITRESCU PLEASE HELP!", she cries out. You freeze, realizing that the lady herself is right behind you. You turn to face her. Her eyes are wide with shock. She has never seen you like this before and never even knew you had this type of side to you. She was impressed as much as she was terrified. "(Y/N)? Are you alright my love?" She had no idea what to do as your seething slowed down. "Why don't you go back to the room, yes? Settle down a little and deal with her later.", she places a hand on your back helps walk with you back to the room. Once you're there, she bends down to whisper in your ear. "I don't know where this side of you has been this whole time, but I am so amazed by you. And also a little frightened."

Donna

The Beneviento house was usually a calm place despite its creepy aura. You and Donna are both quiet and chill people. Never once have you fought or even raised your voices at each other. It was pleasant.

You had planned a nice dinner for the both of you. You wanted to try out a new recipe and surprise her, so you made your way to the kitchen to get started. "Okay, what first? I guess I'll need a pot.", you go rummaging through the kitchen and you find the pots stacked within each other inside one of the top cabinets. You groan and stand up on your toes, grazing the pots with your fingers. It didn't take much to cause them to tumble down, crashing on top of you with a loud sound that followed. "Aw shit.", you sighed and picked up the knocked over pots. A small but annoying pain began to throb in your head from where it made contact with a pot. What you didn't notice was you forgot to pick one of the pots up. It remained unnoticed. "It's fine.", you say to yourself as you maintain your composure. Next, a cutting board and knife. You turn around and begin to walk forward to find the cutting board, but you slam your toe into counter. You wince in pain and grab your foot. "SON OF A BITCH!", you yell.

You calm yourself, still wanting to have a pleasant meal with Donna. "Alright. Everything's fine." You step forward and kick the pot that you had forgotten to pick up. It caused your freshly kicked toe to ache even more. "OH COME ON! GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!", you scream and swear as you throw your arms up in pure rage and shock.

"...(Y/N)?", a gentle voice whispered from the doorway, causing you to whip your head in that direction. It was Donna. She looked absolutely horrified and almost looked like she could cry. "Is.. is everything... are you alright?", she worried. "Yes. I'm sorry. Just got a little pissed off.", you took a deep breath to calm yourself down, feeling bad for scaring the poor girl.

Moreau

You were sitting on the dock together, looking into the water as your feet swung back and forth above it. It was a sunny day and you two decided to spend it outside. Your hand slowly made its way over to his. His feet stopped swinging for a second as you entangled your fingers. "I don't know what I'd do without you, (Y/N)." his words were bitter sweet as a gentle smile formed from his lips. "Oh, Sal. You don't have to think like that. I'll always be here for you.", you kiss his cheek and continue to relax as you sway your legs.

"There it is! There's the beast!", a voice yelled from not so far away. You both look in the direction of the voice and see a few young village boys. Possibly between the ages of 13 and 16. Moreau had become some what of a scary story for the villagers. A tale that kids spread on school court yard and bring up during dares. But, you've never seen a kid brave enough to actually make it far enough into the reservoir to actually see Moreau. Now, there were about 3. All of them stood and pointed, shocked and terrified.

"Hey beast! Come get me!", one kid teases. You glare at the kids as a newfound rage begins to boil inside you. "Let's go back inside.", Moreau says before standing up from the doc. The sadness in his voice was heartbreaking. Suddenly, one of the children gathers the guts to pick up a rock and throw it as hard as he could. His aim was off, but not by much. It slammed into the wood near Moreau's feet, startling him. "Take that you devil!", he laughs. "THAT'S IT YOU LITTLE SHIT!", you begin sprinting in the direction of the immature brats. Two of them run from the direction they came from while the one who threw the rock was frozen in fear. You took the opportunity to grab him by the collar of his shirt. "Listen here you little waste of space. I'm gonna give you 3 seconds to turn around and run for your goddamn life. If you or any of your little snot-nosed friends come around here again, they'll be goddamn fish food. Do you understand?" The kid was too scared to speak and instead began to nod rapidly. You let him go and watched as he ran as fast as he could, screaming the whole way.

You walk back to the shack and find Moreau standing in the same place he was when you took off. His mouth was agape and he looked almost as scared as the kids. "You alright Sal? I made sure those little shits won't be coming around here anymore." "Yeah... I didn't know you could be so... scary", he says. "I'm sorry. But those kids were being cruel. I had to do something.", you say. "Well... it was awesome!", he smiled. "But also very scary!" You laugh which helps sooth him a little.

Heisenberg

"Screw driver.", is all Karl said with an outstretched palm. He was working on some type of mechanical heart for his experiments. He wanted you to lend a "helping hand" even though he could easily do it all by himself. He did this because he wanted to be around you, he was just too stubborn with too big of an ego to simply say it. So here you were, handing him every little tool he asks for.

"Do you want the big one or the little one?", you say with a hint of boredom in your tone. "Aw c'mon don't sound like that! Isn't this exciting? It's like you're working on it with me! Also, hand me the big one.", you do as he says and hand him the big screw driver. "I just don't get it. You literally have powers. You can easily do this by yourself and have been for so long. Why do you need me to help?" He pauses for a second and looks over towards you, his brow slightly furrowed. "I don't NEED you to help. I just thought it would be nice for you to help out. Plus, you're the one always bitching about me constantly working. Well, here you are! Helping me work! So, either suck it up or you can leave." His harshness had no real ill will in it. He was just confused and a bit too ignorant to consider his words. But, he was testing your patience. He continued to use the screwdriver until handing it to you without saying a word.

"Hand me a screw.", he demanded with his hand facing palm up again. "Which size?" "They're all the same sizes, dumbass." You feel your blood begin to boil. "They're different fucking sizes! This one is smaller than this one!", you hold up two screws that are obviously different sizes. This makes Karl angry. Not because you were right, but because you seemed upset over something that seemed so insignificant.

"If you came here just to yap in my ear, then I don't think I need your assistance.", he huffed. You put the selection of tools and supplies he was making you hold on the table he is working on and ball your fists. "You're the one who told me to do this in the first place!", you yell. "Yeah, because you won't stop bitching! Non-stop you're always compla-" you cut him off before he can finish. "SHUT UP!", you yell. The room goes silent. "YOU SAY I'M BITCHING? HAVE YOU HEARD YOURSELF? JESUS FUCKING CHRIST KARL YOU BITCH AND MOAN ALL THE TIME! I'M DONE TAKING SHIT FROM YOU!" He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't. He felt something much more overwhelming. Was he.. intimidated? He didn't move from his seat. All he could do was look up at you with a confused expression. What now? What is there to do? If he pushes you further, what would happen? He was actually too scared to find out.

You take a deep breath to calm down before speaking. "Now, if you want me to help with your shit, I'll stay as long as you keep your mouth shut. Can you possibly manage to do that?" He gulps nervously. "Yes ma'am."

[stickynotestoletters]

ugggh so I am a dirty little slut for sal fisher and I had a thought about it sooooo,,,,

Sal Fisher x GN (masc body) headcanons of what he's like with you

this is gonna be very heavily influenced by the fact I am sleepy and really wanna write this rn!

Warnings: Non-canon-compliant (Sal lives, Larry lives, Todd doesn't go crazy, no murder), some NSFW stuff, switch-bottom leaning Sal, Service Top Sal

Highschool

When he first meets you he's, hands down, the most flustered he's ever been before

Like, he's really into you

He just sees you in the hall and immediately blushes

he goes around his days as usual and stuff still but now he's eyeing you whenever you come into view

it's cute, he looks like a little kitten peering at you from around the corner because he’s too shy to say something

Larry makes little jokes about it and always tells him to talk to you

"wow, what a stalker" is his usual line when he finds Sal looking at you from somewhere

he musters up the courage to talk to you in his junior year when you wear a Sanity's Fall's shirt to class one day

from then on you two talk together whenever you have class and stuff

your parents move into the apartments in your senior year because of a demotion and you and Sal start hanging out outside of school

He finally asks you out on the last day of senior year

You and the gang go out to the football field the night after graduation

after they clean up all of the equipment for the stage

You guys end up smoking a blunt because Larry brought some of his stash and, hey, what's the harm?

You and Sal end up laying in the middle of the field while Larry chases Ash and Todd around on the bleachers

They're laughing and howling at the moon so you two just listen

Sal takes his mask off cause he feels more comfortable laying with it off

He takes out his pigtails and you comb through his hair for a bit

You look him in the eyes and just stop brushing your fingers through his hair long enough for him to look up at you

your eyes both meet and you two just stare

You see the stars in his eyes

Sal just thinks "You're the prettiest person I've ever seen"

"what?" "uhhhh....nothing"

"It's okay Sal!" You giggle at him and he giggles too

you both start giggling at each other and you two hug each other

still, just facing each other, heads tucked into shoulders, chests pressed so tightly together, legs intertwined

It's calm

He feels safe

So safe and warm

It's wonderful

So he sighs and says" I think I'm in love with you"

And it's an accident

He doesn't regret it, not processing it until you say "I'm in love with you too silly"

And you stay like that

no panic or guilt

just tucked away into each other

The gang goes to 7/11 that night-morning really it is 3 am-and get slushies

all of them are teasing you guys as you hold hands on the way there

it's cute

He's cute

You're cute

You both feel warm in the jackets you switch from each other

it's cute

"God the stalker finally got the victim in their clasps, another tragically happy ending" "Shut it Larry Face"

College

You both end up staying in different places after high school

You take a year off college and stay with your parents at Addison Apartments and Sal moves into the gang's house

It's nice, you see each other regularly for dates and ghost hunts

it's blissful

Then Sal starts having his nightmares again and you come over regularly for sleepovers

it's months into this routine of going home, getting new clothes from the apartments, go out with Sal, come and sleep at his place to help with nightmares, repeat that Larry has the most brilliant idea

"Why don't you just move in with Sal? You practically live with him anyway."

This is in front of you two, you're both at the gang's house and drinking some morning coffee

Sal not really jokes and agrees

And then you genuinely agree

It's a big moment for you two

Sal wanted you to move in right away but was scared his nightmares would affect you or you two wouldn't end up working out

So you two complied and stayed where you were

But this is gonna be an actual conversation where he is up for it and knows you two are stable

So you talk about it

You two agree

And you end up moving in that day

it's not that hard since most of your clothes are over there already

It's basically just moving your bed, knick-knacks, and bookshelf in so that's just the big things since you have a queen

It's bliss from there

you both settle into a nice routine and after you start college Sal decides to focus on his music for rn and take a break

You get a job and the dynamic is just... so pure

you guys are finally, finally, okay and the best thing is that you're together

He's still adorable and you're still sweet

You guys end up getting your own apartment outside of Nockfell and Addison Apartments

The gang stays around

Larry ends up moving in with you two for a little bit until he can afford his own place

Sal gets a lot more gigs out there in the city than he would have gotten in Nockfell and you get a job at a little club

Sal ends up playing there often because of you

NSFW headcanons

Okay so Sal is a hopeless romantic

before he moved to Nockfell he never really had anybody else who was interested in him

so he was super hopeless in planning your first time together

once you had slept over with each other a couple of times he makes this grand layout and waits for you to walk in to see him spred on the bed, clad in some cute underwear and nothing else

turns out though you were sick and sent Larry to tell Sal you couldn’t come over cause your phone was dead and you didn’t wanna get him sick

So Larry ends up walking in on a naked Sal and scarying the everloving crap out of him

He makes fun of y'all after that about it

So your first time is honestly uneventful after that whole fiasco

Deciding to just causally hook up at his place instead

Sal is a switch but he leans for bottoming

he can top, he's really good at being a service top

He’s not insecure about himself, he’s pretty big for his height *cough* (9.7) *cough*

but he prefers being spoiled and called pretty

loves being called feminine nicknames like "pretty baby" even if he is topping

stuff that's gender-neutral but is more feminine in origin

He likes it when you do it doggy-style if you're topping just cause if you press him into the mattress he can feel you better inside of him

Whines so much when you go faster

really likes getting fucked stupid, he wants his throat to be sore and his ass to be bed-ridden

Loves topping you when you're in his lap straddling him

He really likes to make you do work for a while, guides you and everything until you're breaking

when you eventually end up asking for him to "just fuck me already Sal...please?" He wants tears down your face, crying and desperate for him or else it’s not gonna happen

He ends up fucking into you like a monster from there if you are

loves when you lay on your back and he's on his knees sitting and thrusting into you, pulling you onto his lap

very vocal either way but he laughs and giggles more with you, his moans are less fucked out and more "oh god, yes!" in nature

His sex drive is really high, he could go for hours

If you end up getting tired when he's bottoming he's gonna bounce on your pretty cock and ride you so pathetically

It's so pathetically adorable

but if he's topping and you get tired he usually asks you if he can fuck you to sleep

You end up agreeing only if he cleans you up after

He doesn't have any severe kinks or whatnot

He's really into being breed though

Tie him up too while you do it

he likes gags as well

when you breed him he'll end up feeling bad after you finish and he can't feel it anymore once it's out

So you end up giving him a buttplug after to compromise

Sometimes if he's being a brat you'll tie him up, gag him, and leave him with a vibrator over stimming him

You'll leave him in the room and come back to a crying Sal, salivating and so fucked out without having even cum once

If you're ever being the brat he does the exact opposite

He'll tie you up but make it so you can't close your mouth

You have to be quiet though, he doesn’t want to hear anything louder than breathing and your pathetic whimpers

you're over stimmed to hell and orgasm so much it's difficult to keep awake

but do not fall asleep cause if you don't get through it to the end it won't end (Consensually of course)

He and Larry definitely hooked up once or twice before meeting you so I think he'd ask you to let him in on it

It becomes a regular occurrence until Larry moves out

But when you do have a threesome and he is feeling dominant get ready to not move for the next three weeks

It's nice though and doesn't end up changing the relationship between you three

That's it, I gotta stop before I cream myself into dirtier shit cause I am his slut. I have Sal Fisher brain rot syndrome so I'll definitely make another one eventually. Request some stuff and I'll be happy to write!

Continuation for Threesome hcs here by request

-Laika

[xoxo-denver-xoxo]

Sᴀʟʟʏ Fᴀᴄᴇ Cʀᴇᴡ ᴡɪᴛʜ Gᴏᴛʜ S/O!

Fᴀɴᴅᴏᴍ: Sᴀʟʟʏ Fᴀᴄᴇ

Rᴇǫᴜᴇsᴛᴇᴅ: Nᴏ

Wᴀʀɴɪɴɢs: Cᴜʀsɪɴɢ

𝕊𝕒𝕝 𝔽𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣

Sally doesn't really care about appearance.

I mean he wears a mask everyday of his life and has a glass eye.

He has no place to judge.

He likes your music taste! He sometimes doesn't understand the words said in the the songs but he still enjoys your music!

Okay hear me out.... Sal in gothic clothes.

You know CORPSE HUSBAND's TikTok? The one where he shows off all his rings? Yeah, imagine Sal wearing all those rings on his fingers.

If you're taller than him, PLEASE lift him up. He's super light, you shouldn't have a problem.

Imagine Travis or whatever his name was bullying Sal and then all of a sudden, hot goth kid comes up behind him to rock his shit.

𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕪 𝕁𝕠𝕙𝕟𝕤𝕠𝕟

You two are the biggest power couple!

Tall-ass Larry Johnson with a super cute goth S/O.

Your guys' music taste is incredible, you guys are so alike in many ways. Music is one of them.

He wants to paint you but he doesn't paint humans as well.

WEAR. HIS. SHIRTS. Please he'd die so fast, you lool so good.

If anyone gives you shit, he'd fuck them up so fast. No one makes fun of his bb except him (jokingly ofc.)

If you have piercings, he'd BEG to know where you got them from. Yeah, Sally in goth clothes might look cool af. But Larry with a nose piercing.

If you wear like super goth things and have a punk music taste but act like an actual angel, expect him to cry with how much he loves you. He's a super sap.

𝔸𝕤𝕙𝕝𝕖𝕪 ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕝

Like Larry, you two get along so well.

You two probably met at a Hot Topic or something.

If you two are both women, it's so great! You guys could share clothes and do each other's make-up and ah lesbian.

Okay but Ashley with a tall goth bf is kinda cute.

If you're shorter than her, take her jacket. Its very comfortable.

Please pick out her outfit. And let her pick out yours. You both have such good clothing taste that, in Ashley's opinion, you both look better when you do it.

Ashley surprisingly isn't into heavy metal or punk that much. So if you're one of the goths that listen to classical musical religiously, than oh boy isn't she smitten.

However, Ashley won't judge you on your music taste! You can listen to anything you want.

𝕋𝕠𝕕𝕕 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕟 (𝕞𝕖𝕟 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪, 𝕓𝕔 𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟 𝕘𝕒𝕪)

Okay, won't lie. He's scared of you at first.

Don't take it the wrong way! He justs gets nervous around people that in his opinion look scary.

You're one of the only people that can drag him away from his ghost work and calm him down whenever he gets freaked about things.

He doesn't like loud music, it makes him feel nervous for some reason.

He won't wear anything particular gothic, but you can do his make-up when you two are in a private secluded area!!

Carry him. It's super easy because of how light he is so even if you're shorter than him, it will be easy.

If youre taller than him, expect him to fall asleep in your shirts/jackets. He just likes how warm they are, okay?

He likes to play with your tattoos/piercings/hair when he's stressed.

[peralta-guaranteed]

Bullies, Black Eyes, and Big Brothers

(read it on AO3)

“Let’s not jump to conclusions right away.”

“What’s there to ‘jump to’, Jake? He got in a fight and gave another kid a bloody nose and knocked out two baby teeth.”

“Yeah, okay, I know that sounds bad.” Jake sighs while shifting gears. They’d gotten the call from Mac’s teacher just fifteen minutes ago, but from Amy’s fidgeting, he could tell she would’ve liked to have already arrived at the school. For what it’s worth, he’s still surprised Holt let them both go without much explanation - he supposes the sentence “Mac’s school called” is some sort of magic spell to turn their captain into grandpa mode. 

“I just remember a lot of times where I got into trouble and wished my mom had listened to me first before the punishment, you know?”

Now it’s Amy’s turn to sigh.

“Okay. He gets one chance at explaining himself, and then we ground him for punching someone.”

When they finally make it to the classroom with Mac’s teacher waiting in front of it, Amy seems to have forgotten all about it though, as she already starts apologising to Ms. Hernandez for the trouble Mac has caused.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions.” The teacher says, and Jake remembers why he’s so glad that Mac got her as homeroom teacher in this grade instead of that nasty old Mrs. Lipschitz he had last year. “Yes, Mac and Dennis got into a fight, and they’re both a little worse for wear, but we have no idea who started it or why. Neither of them will talk to me, so I hoped that you might get more out of him than me. Dennis’ parents couldn’t make it yet, I’m afraid.”

Jake nods and sneaks a peek through the little window on the door - Mac and Dennis (he guesses - not a classmate he’s familiar with) are sitting 4 tables apart, both staring down at the desks with the most forlorn looks he’s ever seen on two 10-year-olds. He remembers his first fight that ended with heavy bruises and a bleeding eyebrow, right around the same age, after stepping between Gina and some teen she’d been mouthing off to. Dennis is still holding a slightly bloody towel up to his nose, and Mac’s t shirt is ripped at the collar, and - yeah, that’s definitely a black eye on his little guy. His stomach swoops down sickenly low and he wants to walk in and just carry him home straight away to ice cream and cartoons on tv and no stupid classmates that fight him anywhere. 

As it stands, he tries to walk in as calmly as Amy does, now that she’s pulled herself together again, before crouching down in front of Mac’s desk.

“Hey, bud.” He smiles at him, but Mac only looks up for a second and then back down to the table, and God can he please just hug his kid and not see the worry and fear in his soft chocolate-brown eyes? 

“Do you want to tell us what happened?” Amy says from his side, equally crouched down, and her voice is far softer than it was on the drive here. She’s probably thinking something very similar to Jake.

Mac, however, shoots a look over to Dennis, who’s decidedly ignoring all three of them, and then up to Ms. Hernandez stood beside him, before shaking his head.

“C’mon, Mac.” Jake tries to give him one more push. “We can’t do anything if we don’t know the story.”

Mac rubs at his eye - the non-black one - and sniffles, but that’s the only sound he makes. Jake fights back another sigh before looking up to the teacher.

“Do you think we could talk to him alone?” You don’t interrogate suspects with their aggressor still present, his detective mind adds, but he’s not sure if that’s an appropriate explanation for an elementary school classroom.

Ms. Hernandez nods, anyway, and tells Dennis to step out with her.

Once the door clicks shut behind them, Jake fully lowers down to one knee and smiles at Mac again.

“How about now? Do we get a story?”

Mac still seems hesitant for a moment, sniffling once again, but then-

“He kicked Maya.” he almost whispers, and his voice sounds sore, like he’s been yelling, or crying, or maybe both. “She was on the merry-go-round that he wanted to go on and he kicked her to make her leave and she fell off and I think she hurt her elbow. Ms. Mabel took her away for a band aid. I couldn’t check. I was too far away.”

“Oh peanut.” Amy says after she’s made her way round the desk to softly ruffle through his hair (it’s a mess anyway, probably from the fight as well). “You didn’t have to be afraid to tell us that. But it also wasn’t okay to hit him. I’m sure Ms. Mabel would’ve talked to him later.”

“He’s called her names before and makes fun of her.” Mac continues, the floodgates apparently finally open. “And he always pushes her out of his way. And she said he chased her around with a stick once until she hid in the toilets. So now she doesn’t wanna go outside during recess anymore. And he took her turrón de maní that abuela gave us that you packed us for lunch.” He looks up at Jake now, and so luckily doesn’t see the way Amy’s face begins to change from soft worry to unbridled mom-rage. “I gave her half of mine.”

Jake has to take a deep breath too, because he reasons that running out to punch a fourth grader in the stomach is probably not a good thing to do, no matter how strong the impulse.

“Why didn’t you tell us about all that earlier?” He asks instead and hopes that there’s no admonishment in his voice, because he really doesn’t want it to sound like he blames him for anything.

“Maya said not to.” Mac sniffles again and rubs his nose, smearing the back of his hand with snot, and Amy has a handkerchief drawn to wipe it as quickly as only she can. “She said she has to be the ‘bigger person’. ‘N I said she should punch him instead but she didn’t want to, so I did.”

Putting aside the fact that their second-grader has definitely picked up lingo that she’s nowhere close to old enough to really understand, he’s glad that at least one of their kids was decidedly against a violent approach - however fitting it would be in this situation.

“Okay, Maya was right that you shouldn’t hit people, unless you have to protect yourself.” Jake vividly remembers that heated discussion about principles in parenting he’d had with Amy not long ago, that ended in his ridiculous argument of ‘so if you’re getting kidnapped and the only way out would be to throw a punch you wouldn’t do it?’ and reminding her of the several times she’s actually punched him in mistaken self-defense before. It had convinced her to agree with him, though. 

“But if someone is being that mean to you or her and bullying you like that, you definitely should tell someone who can help.” Amy finishes for him. “Even if you’d promised not to say anything.”

Jake nods at the same time as Mac, and they look so similar that she can’t help but smile, as inappropriate as it might be for the situation.

“I’m sorry I started a fight.” Mac mumbles again.

“It’s okay.” Jake answers a bit too fast, and Amy’s raised eyebrows in his direction tell him more than enough. “I mean, it’s not great. And it’s good that you’re apologising. But I’m glad you stood up for your sister and protected her.”

Now Amy nods to that, and Jake’s knees ache only a little bit as he gets up after crouching down for so long.

“Tell you what. Maya’s classes are over by now, so what do you say we go pick her up and go to Sal’s for dinner?”

It only takes seconds for a bright smile to finally, finally break across their son’s face as he jumps up and Jake tells him to get his backpack from the other end of the classroom. Amy sidles up to him and nudges his elbow.

“Sal’s, really?” She says almost inaudibly, but Jake can hear the exasperated amusement.

“What?” He whispers back. “I think he deserves a reward far more than a punishment.”

“You only say that because you would’ve punched Dennis too.”

“Well, let’s see how bad Maya’s arm really is and then I decide if he deserved the bloody nose.”

“Alright, let’s not get carried away. You go tell Ms. Hernandez what happened and Mac and I pick up Maya in the meantime.” Amy only mumbles as Mac bounces back towards them.

After Sal’s and an entire Meat Supreme at display temperature for Jake, Mac and Maya (and one slice of spinach & feta for Amy), they watch their two little ones settle down in front of the tv for the one allowed nighttime episode of Adventure Time, Mac holding a small bag of frozen peas to his black eye, Maya snuggling into him on his other side and beaming up at her big brother from time to time.

“If we tell your mum about this”, Jake grins at Amy across the kitchen island where she’s busy making hot chocolate because apparently she agrees on the reward-over-punishment thing too, “I bet she’s gonna send them like a pound of turrón each.”

“We’re not telling my parents any of this, or my dad is going to have Dennis expelled from school or something equally over the top.”

“Hate to agree with Victor about anything, but I do think-”

Luckily Amy pushes a marshmallow into Jake’s mouth so he can’t finish whatever stupid joke he was going to make.

[booksarelife-stuff]

The Story of Us-Chapter 1

Jily (James Potter/ Lily Evans), minor wolfstar

Word Count: 1366

Modern Muggle AU. When Lily Evans meets the man across the hall due to a fire alarm, she has no idea that a new chapter of her life has begun. Featuring a librarian Lily and sports journalist James. 

Masterlist   Read on AO3  Chapter 2

Chapter 1- I was enchanted to meet you. 

Of course, the fire alarm would go off right as Lily was getting her bath ready. Lily cursed but was grateful that she hadn’t yet stripped down. 

She grabbed her keys and phone and slipped on shoes before heading out the door. She almost went to the elevator before she remembered that one had to take the stairs in case of emergency. 

She didn’t see anyone until she got to the third floor. Most days, she was thankful to have the top floor of her apartment building, but this was one of those times where she wasn’t so pleased. 

Lily was surprised by the number of people who filled the parking lot. She didn’t think the building was that big. She knew that they needed to stand back, so she went to her assigned parking space. She heard fire engines in the distance and for the first time, Lily wondered if there was an actual fire. The alarm in her apartment went off every time she popped some popcorn. 

She leaned against her car, the same old Toyota that she had bought right before uni, and opened her phone. She wished she had brought the book she had planned to read in her bath, but settled on mindlessly scrolling through social media, thankful that September hadn’t brought in cold weather, as she was wearing a t shirt and shorts.

She was seeing which former classmate had gotten engaged this week when she glanced up and saw a man holding a large, fluffy ginger cat. 

The man was handsome, a mop of curls on his head and thick black glasses. He was tall and had nice arms, judging by the way his t-shirt hugged his arms. 

He walked to the car besides Lily, meaning that he must be her neighbor, as the parking assignments were done by apartment number. The man unlocked his the door to a newer looking Volvo and gently sat his cat down in the backseat. 

“What’s your cat name?” Lily asked, as he closed the door. The man turned and smirked. 

“Buttercream,” he replied. Lily smiled and laughed a little. The man had a little bit of a Scottish accent as he talked. 

“That’s an interesting name for a cat,” she said. 

“He was named at the shelter. I didn’t have the heart to change it,” he replied. He leaned against the side of the car. Buttercream peaked up from the window beside him, wondering why his owner put him in the car. The man ran a hand through his hair. “So, we must be neighbors.”

“Seems like it. When did you move in?” Lily asked. “Last I checked an old man named Sal lived across from me.”

“I moved in about two weeks ago,” he replied. 

“Nice.”

It was quiet for a second. Lily turned and faced forward to see the fire truck arriving, it’s flashing lights blinding her a bit before they turned off. She wondered what happened to Sal for a minute.

“I’m James, by the way,” the man said. Lily turned back towards him, Sal forgotten.

“I’m Lily. Pleasure to meet you,” she said, flashing a polite smile. 

“How long have you lived here?” James asked, putting his hands in his pocket of his sweatpants.

“About a year now,” Lily said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “I moved here when I graduated uni.”

“Oh nice. I just graduated,” James said. “Would have been sooner but I had to take some time off.”

“What did you study?” 

“Sports Journalism and Broadcasting.”

Lily hummed. “And you landed a job here? I didn’t think we had any professional Sports teams here.”

The man tsked. 

“That’s where you would be wrong,” he said. “Our lovely town has a professional bowling team.”

Lily couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. 

“Do we really?” she asked. James nodded, a bright smile on his face. 

“We do. The Cannons,” he said. “Practice every Thursday at the Hog’s Head Bowling Alley.”

Lily giggled a little more. 

“So where do you work?” she asked. 

“The Prophet. I cover all secondary schools sports and the Bowling team,” James said. She liked that he seemed thrilled that that was his job. “What about you, Lily?”

“I’m a librarian,” she replied. “Actually at the branch just down the street from the Prophet offices.”

“Oh that sounds interesting,” James said. Lily was pleased to see that he looked like he actually meant it. Most people had one of two reactions when Lily disclosed her profession. The “that sounds boring” and the “why that?”. 

“Did you go to uni for that?” he asked. 

“Yeah. I’m working on a post grad degree now,” she said. “I want to run the whole library someday, you know?”

James hummed and looked thoughtful for a second. 

“You know,” he began. “I never thought that you needed a degree to be a librarian.”

“Not a lot of people do,” she replied. She looked from James to the window of his car, where Buttercream was swatting at the window. She smiled a bit. 

Silence fell again and Lily felt the need to say something. 

“So, where are you from?” she asked.

“Scotland. Elgin to be exact,” he replied. “It’s near the Loch Ness.”

“And Inverness,” Lily supplied. Outlander was a guilty pleasure of hers so she was quite familiar with the fictional version of that area.

James cocked his head to the side. 

“I think you’re the first Brit I’ve ever met that knew that,” he said. Lily laughed. 

“I could tell you why, but I think you’d laugh at me,” she said. “I would expect you to have a thicker accent than you have though.”

James sighed. “Unfortunately, I spent way too much time at a British Boarding school.”

“Probably so posh they didn’t like the Scots much?” Lily asked. 

“Yep. Tried to beat it out of me but it still lingers,” he said. “I can’t speak a lick of Gaelic though.”

“Neither can I,” she said. She felt smug as James laughed. 

“So, care to tell me why you’re so familiar with the Scottish Highlands?” he asked, crossing his arms. 

Lily looked away. 

“I said you’ll probably laugh at me for it,” she repeated. 

“I promise I won’t.”

Lily thought for a second. She normally wasn’t ashamed of her love for the smutty books, normally defended them to critics who say they aren’t real literature, but she reserved from actually saying anything. Maybe because she never had to talk about the books with a Scottish person before. 

“The series, Outlander,” she said. She looked back at James, whose expression hadn’t changed.

“I’ve never heard of it,” he said. 

“It’s a book series,” she supplied. “There’s also a television show.”

“Hmm. I’ll guess I’ll have to look into it. It may make me homesick though.”

The firemen started leaving and the others in the parking lot started heading back towards the building. 

“Well, I guess that’s the all clear,” James said. 

Lily waited for him to retrieve Buttercream, who let out a large meow as James scooped him up. He held Buttercream close to his chest. 

“So, where are you from?” James asked as they started walking. 

“Cokeworth,” she replied. 

“I can’t say I know where that is,” James asked. 

“I wouldn’t expect you too,” she replied. “It’s just a small town North of London. Dead in the middle of England.”

James nodded and they walked back in. Buttercream wasn’t a fan of being jostled up the stairs, as he meowed so loud it echoed through the stairs, causing Lily to laugh. 

“So Lily, I’ll guess I’ll be seeing you around, then?” James asked as they neared their doors. He ran a hand through his hair, making it even more unruly than it had been. 

“Of course,” she said. He smiled and grabbed his keys out of his pocket. 

Lily told him to have a nice evening before she unlocked her door and went to her apartment. She went to go drain her cold bathwater and decided a shower would have to do. 

Later, she went to grab the book she had intended on reading in the tub, but stopped short. She grabbed her copy of Outlander instead. 

[jokers-of-the-impractical]

Brian Quinn Mini Series “Don’t You Remember?” Part 1 of 3

(A/N: Woohoo! Part 1 is here! All three parts of this mini series are based on Adele songs, the titles of these songs will also serve as the title of the chapter. Also trigger warning: some swearing, minor counts of abuse, and miscarriage. Enjoy!)

Word count: 3000ish?

As I took one last look in the mirror and smoothed my hair down. I embraced in seeing my reflection in the mirror, it has been so long since I had looked anywhere close to decent, let alone actually dressing up with my hair, nails, and makeup done for an event. I sharply let out a deep breath that I didn’t know I was holding in and reminded myself to have an amazing time tonight. I was walked out of my bathroom and into my bedroom I looked around to see all the progress I had recently made in the past month or so. My bedroom was no longer littered with empty food containers, dirty clothes everywhere, and most importantly I was no longer a wreck that was either huddled up on the floor curled into a ball, only moving to my bed, the kitchen, or the bathroom. Remembering the last year and the hell I had endure I never thought I would be okay again. I stopped the thoughts that were pooling in my head, tonight was about me and my life, I was not gonna spend any more time thinking about my stupid ex boyfriend and havoc he wreaked on my life. Besides tonight I was going to see the celebrity that I wanted to be my boyfriend in real life so that made me beyond thrilled. I was taken out of my day-dream by the sound of my phone notifying me that my Uber was a minute away,  I gave my cat a few pets and a kiss on the head before I got in my Uber and began my journey to the venue.

As I was dropped outside of the venue I saw the giant sign lighting up with the four friendly faces that were the event. Sal, Murr, Joe, and Q all with the biggest smiles with tonight’s date in big letters. I could barely contain my excitement as I got in line. I smoothed my black jumpsuit and waited eagerly to get inside. I looked around to see what other people chose to wear and I was nervous. A lot of people came in t-shirts and shorts and there I stood with my hair curled, with a cat-eye and deep red lipstick, dark painted nails, and in a skin-tight black jumpsuit with a sheer netting top with two lace appliques on the chest with a nude camisole layered underneath, it was topped off with my favorite opal halo ring, stud earrings, my nose ring, and finally my black vans. I decided to heck with it! I love this outfit and that is all that matters. Soon, I got up to the front of the line got my ticket scanned and went inside to find my seat. Not long after sitting and waiting the stage lights lowered and the venue erupted with screams and applause as the Jokers entered the stage.

 The show was a blast! It was filled with so much silliness and laughter, and meshed into an enjoyable blur as I found myself exiting the venue and waiting near their tour bus. I had done this so many times after concerts that I hoped that maybe I’d get to at least see them up close in person. While I waited with the ten or so other people that had the same idea. I chatted with the roadies and other various crew that were outside, just because they weren’t famous didn’t mean they were any less cool, so I talked them about cool stories from tours they’ve done and any other topics that came up. After standing out there for what felt like hours, the jokers came out of the venue and the other people pushed and shoved past me trying to get photos and autographs from the guys. I was beyond star-struck to see the four guys who unknowingly gotten me through so much recently that I froze in place. I felt my hand slip into my bag and clutch on the envelope I had in there. I was in awe seeing them like a few feet in front of me. But I also realized when everyone else pushed past me I was now at the back of the line. I mean don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled to see them not through a TV screen but part of me hoped that I would be able to give Q the letter I wrote him in person. Seeing how after his horrible love life he was still able to find joy and bring it to others as well inspired me and played a huge part in helping me get over the nasty breakup I went through with my ex Dean. I stayed at the back listening to them talking to the fans and answering questions and debated leaving seeing as there was no way I was going to get to talk to Q. As I was about to turn around and leave Sal spoke up,

“Hey what about you back there standing all by your lonesome?” I looked around, surely he couldn’t be talking to me. “Yeah you! In the black jumpsuit.” Oh my God, he is talking to me. He motioned me to come over, and had the group of fans make a path for me. I gently shuffled to face the Jokers, I could barely breathe and I was practically shaking with excitement. There before were the Impractical Jokers. I took a brief moment and glanced at each one of them, Q last of course because he had always been my favorite. When I looked at his facial expression, I couldn’t quite place it. I had never seen him make that face on the show before.

“What’s your name?” Joe asked.

“I’m Y/N. Nice to meet you guys.”

“Hey Y/N! It’s nice to meet you too, is there anything we can do for you? A picture, an autograph?” Murr asked with his bright smile never fading

“I mean I would love a picture, but I don’t want to keep you guys too long. I mean I’m traveling to your show tomorrow night too, so it’s not a big deal or anything.” I saw Sal nudge Q once or twice on the arm before Joe finally spoke up. “Oh of course! Don’t worry you’re not taking up too much time or anything we love you guys!” I beamed a ginormous smile when he said that and asked one of the other fans to take a photo of all four of us and thanked them as they handed me my phone back. Now, I knew it was now or never that I had to give Q the letter so I piped up again.

“There is one more thing! If that’s okay?” I know they had just said it was, but I still wanted to check. Now, Joe tapped on Q. Huh, he was really shy in person, he didn’t speak a single word since I’ve been up here.

Sal smiled and was the one to answer this time, “Heck yeah, what can we do for ya Miss Y/N?” As soon he asked, he looked back at Q and I heard a small exasperated sigh.

My hands got shaky again as I reached into my purse and pulled out the letter sealed in an envelope and addressed to Q. “Um here, Q. I have this letter I wrote you and I was hoping to give it to you in person.” As soon as I said his name Q’s eyes darted to mine. He took it from and paused for a second. The whole world seemed to be silent in that moment.

Finally I heard Brian Quinn speak, “is it okay with you if I read it now, like not out loud or anything. I just want you to be here when I read it.” I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, never did I think I would be standing in front of Brian Quinn as he read my story about my horrible ex boyfriend who broke my heart and left me during some the of worst parts of my life to be faced alone. Just a year ago I was sure I was gonna marry Dean, that he was it. But instead he chose to flirt with my best friend, cheat on me, and claimed I was lying when I told I was pregnant after I got fed up and left him. He still thought I was lying when I told him the stress he caused me resulted in a miscarriage. Through the whole breakup (and most of the relationship too) Dean had me convinced that everything that happened was my fault and I should have been grateful to have him be willing to date me in the first place. The only thing that got me out of a year long slum of sadness and heartache for the Dean I used to know and the child I had lost was watching Impractical Jokers, they were the people that taught me to smile and laugh again. Because of them I went back to work teaching elementary school and finding happiness and joy in the little things. I nodded my head to Q that he could read it now. Before them, I used to look back at the relationship begging Dean to remember why he loved me before, but they helped me realize I deserved more.

I watched him open the envelope, take out the multipage letter and begin to read it. I could tell when he was getting into all the gory details of my breakup by the way his face showed sadness, and then anger. The guys kept watching him, trying to figure out what was going on in the letter. Finally, as he was getting to the end I saw a small smile on his face. He put the letter back in the envelope and said in a shy voice, “could hang around for a few minutes after everyone else has left? I wanna talk to you about this, but I also wanna make sure everyone gets their photos and stuff.”

“Sure, I could do that.” I let a giggle. After everyone else left, the first thing Q did was hug me. My brain was on fire! My celebrity crush was hugging me? AHH!! OMG YES! It was no measly hug either, it was a giant bear hug, he enveloped me and we stayed like that for a few moments. Finally we pulled away.

“Hey, if this isn’t too forward, what are you doing right now?”

“Umm. Nothing? I was just gonna go home, get ready for tomorrow’s show and go to bed.”

“Would you like to get some food with us? I know a really good 24-hour diner that we’ve gone to when we’ve toured here before.” Okay this had to be a dream, or you hit your head on your ceiling of Uber and are hallucinating right now. There was no way this was happening!

“I would love that!” And with that you and the guys piled into a sleek black SUV and made your way to the restaurant.

 On the way there you heard Sal mutter to Joe and Murr, “Geeze this guy practically can’t speak to her cause he thinks she’s so pretty, and now he’s inviting her out to food not 5 minutes later. What is up with him!” Joe and Murr exchanged glances and giggled. They both knew what this feeling was, it was what Joe felt with Bessy and Murr with Melyssa. Wait, he thinks I’m pretty? At the diner, you enjoyed the company of all the guys, with your permission Q divulged into the contents of the letter. By the time it was over Sal was hugging you and practically bawling, Murr was in shock and didn’t know what to say, and Joe was ready to hunt Dean down and kill him. You insisted you were okay and asked to spend the rest of the evening focusing on happy stuff. When it was time to go, Q had you put your phone number in his phone and he did the same with yours. As you were about to order an Uber to take you back home, Q grabbed your hand.

“This might sound crazy... But since you’re a teacher you don’t work tomorrow right?”

“Tomorrow is Saturday so no I do not have work tomorrow.”

“Awesome, so why don’t you come with us on the tour bus to the show tomorrow? It’s so far from here I would hate to think of the travel time it would take you tomorrow.” That really threw you off guard. Brain Quinn wants me to go with him and his buddies on their tour bus, overnight? The other guys chimed in and agreed with him. You thought it over for a moment, ya know what? Why not! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

“Sure! I’m down!” They all cheered but then a groan left my lips. “Shoot, but what am I gonna wear? What about the smeared makeup I’ll wake up with?”

“Don’t worry we’ll get that taken care of, Bessy and Melyssa are coming tomorrow so I’m sure they can grab some yoga pants and makeup remover on the way. And plus we have tons of merch shirts so you could take one!” Wow, he really thought of everything didn’t he. 

-THE NEXT EVENING-

Bessy and Melyssa were super sweet! Sure enough they came with makeup wipes and some really cute yoga pants that went really well with the tour shirt. I was invited to watch backstage with them and I happily agreed. As the guys were about to go on-stage I heard Sal, Murr, and Joe whispering about some prank punishment they were going to pull on Q at the end of the show. Occasionally, they’d look over at me and then go back to plotting so quietly I couldn’t hear them. Again tonight the show was amazing and funny! These guys just had such amazing chemistry with the audience and each other. Finally it was the end of the show when Joe piped up.

“Before we end for the night, we have a surprise addition to this performance, don’t we boys?” He looked over at Murr and Sal, Q looked around confused.

“Oh that’s right Joseph!” exclaimed Sal, “We have something special planned. And for this, I’m gonna need my buddy Q to go stand in the middle of the stage alone.” Q looked over the guys still wondering what was going on, then he briefly looked at me and then made his way to the middle of the stage.

Murr spoke next, “Joe, Sal, and I thought it would be fun to do an impromptu live punishment on Q. Does that sound good?” Q groaned and the whole crowd cheered. A live punishment how cool! I wondered what they have in mind.

But as soon as Sal started explaining the punishment I tired to put the pieces together. “Ya see,” Sal began, “Very recently Q has become friends with a girl that he finds very very pretty.” Q’s eyes went wide and the crowd continued to scream.

Murr continued “Yup! Just last night, after she fell asleep he could not stop going on about how he thinks he fell in love at first sight, and then after spending hours talking to her, he knew he was sure!” Huh? Did he meet someone else last night? Huh I’m not surprised he’s a chick magnet and amazing.

Joe followed “So we’re gonna need her to come out here right now to do this punishment. Come on out Y/N!” My jaw dropped. Brain thought I was pretty and thought it was love at first sight yesterday! Before I knew what was happening Bessy and Melyssa were leading me to the middle of the stage. Where I was placed right next to Q and the crowd went wild.

The boys asked in unison, “Q are you ready for your punishment?” He looked at me with a shy smile, gulped and then nodded his head. “ASK Y/N ON A DATE!!!” they screamed at the top of their lungs. The noise of the audience was now deafening. Joe came over and handed Q a mic. Then Brain turned to face me, his cheeks the brightest color of red.

“Uh,” he started out. “Hi Y/N.” I was then handed a mic too by Murr.

“Hi.” He leaned in and took a closer look at my face.

“Wait this is you without makeup?” He motioned to my face as he asked.

I nodded my head “yup.”

“Wow, you’re even more beautiful than yesterday. So uhh. Would you like to go on a date with me?” I didn’t even say anything I just turned and hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. The guys started cheering with everyone else.

Sal said one last time “Okay, so maybe that wasn’t a punishment for Q, but it definitely was for Y/N!” with a laugh “We are the Tenderloins from Impractical Jokers have a good night everyone!” With that we all walked off stage. My mind was racing, Dean who? A year ago I was begging him to remember me, but now I was begging for him to forget me as soon as possible, because the Brian Quinn and I had a date to look forward to.

(A/N: If you read this far, thank you! I know it was LONG. Feedback is always appreciated :) )

[startwithbrooklyn]

THE GREAT ND REWATCH OF 2021 / SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 // larkspur lane/the whisper box

this post is a double whammy cause they have 2 eps happen in the same day if u can believe it (thats how awful judging timelines in this show is!!)

-"hi josh..." LMAOOOOOOO

-BESS just breaking in lmaooo how many god damn times does bess just shit the bed in this show

-LOVE her frowny face at nancys closet ("my expectations are low" lmfaoooo but this would totally be me)

-"bet she meant it metaphorically" okayyy but then why did lucy say that at all? i feel like theres defo more to this story, combined with josh's cagey behavior (part of which is to get nancy to stop looking into shit d/t him and karen but still)

-"they dont accept visitors unless they're family" .....🙂

-ace "youre really good at that" to bess i fuckin love this friendship with all my heart (also love their talk at the claw mirroring nick & nancys talk in the last ep)

-also PINK AND ORANGE BESS ARE U BLIND (also 1) why tf would nancy own this and 2) where would she wear it??)

-okay wtf is vampire dip

-"boss??" see this is what i meant yesterday about nancy ruining everything for nick/george

-god DAMN she sucks at dealing with this news lmaooo that emotional competency babey + love george literally agrees to help bc she feels bad (AND nicks immediate look of "you just reprimanded me for helping her last ep and i know why youre doing this rn" lmaoooo)

-LOVE george noticing nick "shout out to jean valjean" lmaooo once again nancy would never have noticed/commented on something like that

-"get the hell out of here" was this foreshadowing for an epic dad joke for these two eps? "how do you make holy water? you boil the hell out of it" 😂😂😂😂

-so what i dont get about the whole haunting is the ball + kids' laughter but its all the emphasis on "mr roper" the adult? wtf like what kind of entity is this

-"how did you ever have a solo career??" 😂

-okay amaya's hair is gorgeous here (also "you feel like a snack" ....👀) *ahhh so the reason bess feels so off balance is bc its like a top vs a top scenario

-has anyone who's ever been to prison confirmed this is what it looks like?

-love how ace is the only employee there when they all leave so he had to fucking close the place when he goes

-why does she take the whole file? time constraints? it'd be smarter to take pics + replace it (better sleuthing) but this place is clearly not well run anyway 😂

-so this is a pretty decent cover she invents but theres no way she would get away with it so easily for a real guard

-love how ace recognizes ryan's car (+ is able to find it by driving around)

-"my father wouldnt do anything like that" LMFAOOOOOO SIS WHY ARE U DEFENDING HIM ironically, ace is actually the best person suited to engage w ryan here d/t the car accident + connection with laura being ryans SIL. its a unique set up

-i am fascinated by the concept of priests + holy water being so effective here combined with mcginnis' beliefs and basically nondenominational ghosts/seances etc after that. the show is very clearly big on diversity but definitely steers clear from too much WASP stuff yk? wonder if other stuff from christianity works against the ghosts/demons like taking refuge in a church "holy ground" or using silver etc

-"did this start after the night of sept 10?" *this is where you get the time line for the seance if you didnt know

-this is so fucking funny when u realize that patient sal talks to is actually a ghost so sal really is psycho i guess 😂

-bitchsplain/tall jar of mayonnaise 🙏🏻😌 2gether 4ever

-how did ace get this van? also heart attack when he yells at carson (but then grins at him like a goofball lmaooo)

-"for nancys sake and yours" damn she owes ace big time for all this shit

-"what do we do for 7 minutes?" ...ummm play 7 minutes in heaven lmaooo 👀🥵

-was not expecting ace to look this sexy holding an axe but okay (*ah, its his short sleeve shirt showing his arms. usually hes a sleeves guy)

-"desperate for attention" nancy (from gomber) vs "bc she's starved for attention" patrice --> lucy (and candace also...) we know nancys detective work makes her seem like an attention seeker, but what was lucy doing to make them all think that? she was trying to hide her relationship with ryan, not expose it. unless they just mean the rumors about her?

-so is patrice hiding lucy's "truth" talking about lucy being a whore or lucy being a ghost? what is lucy's secret? did patrice guess she was pregnant or did patrice's somehow garbled mind remember tiffany trying to show patrice the video with lucy on it?

-wonder what captain thom thinks of this stand off w ace lmaooo

-"like you do?" top v top shenanigans

-how awko for carson to talk to karen again like this

-"oh no" ACE 😂

-love how amaya says "be a human" like shes kind of admitting people in rich circles typically arent (^this is an interesting focus in s2 when bess's rich family rejects her, thus making her human again, but nancy embraces her rich fam and experiences subsequent moral struggle which is predicted with the wraith)

-wonder what ryan thinks he could get from the marvins (which he cant get now lmaooo)

-this damn whisper box. so many questions. who named it the whisper box? why are the ropers' old possessions still there? who decided to build a mental hospital on top of it? and patrice! she "hid lucy's secrets" hannah gruen thinks tiffany tried to show patrice video w lucy on it, which patrice then specifically says she hid in the thin mans book. so patrice knows of the thin man? can she see him? does she know he was a ghost/supernatural? she must have a supernatural sense to know about him (unless sal told or some shit) so then when tiffany shows up w/ lucy being supernatural in it patrice hides it to protect her? is this why she is "crazy" kinda like victoria? supernatural elements or ability to sense ghosts makes her unstable? this is why lucy being a ghost/nursery rhyme that she repeats makes patrice worse/"stroke"? how did patrice even get into the whisper box to put the key in the bible and get out without getting trapped? also, her dementia --> lucidity is really fucking off, some people mildly switch like that but usually with dementia they cant even register new shit anymore

-...so did bess take the ride? 👀

-interesting how celia says "your father will be disappointed" but nothing of her own opinion. wonder how much celia truly puts up with to keep everett calm and nonhomicidal

-like george asking nick follow up questions that nancy never really would have asked

🥞🥞🥞(ep13)🥞🥞🥞

-is this bitch just eating a plain pancake with her bare hand?

-"extra case load and excessive volunteering" ugh. nancy's family here are like, gross in how "good" of people they are // unrealistic, trying to paint carson in the best light/ no way ryan could ever compare (but the reality is theyre not that good of people for lying about nancy) **and shes arrogant to think shes better than everyone else ie the only one who truly lives virtuously, thinks she can do no wrong sometimes even tho using sex to cope, breaking and entering, etc is not morally "good" stuff she still thinks she is the only one who doesnt lie and plays fair (like in the pilot she lists everyone else as a suspect but herself- obviously we know she isnt guilty but no one else does. (i mean in theory we really dont, what if nancy was an unreliable narrator and was actually guilty, that would be a hella cool show)its reactions like that where she cant understand why others like the chief suspect her

-ooooh ironic that in the Good Place carson readily agrees to pay her for helping with cases as opposed to s2 in reality

-nick's house has "problems" so why does he need a lawyer? as opposed to an interior designer, plumber, or realtor?

-in the Good Place nick and george realize they are not going to work out after one date. does this failure in the Good Place predict failure in reality, or merely an easier way of figuring out the truth? does this mean that the "opposite" of the Good Place is reality, or only an opinion of what is better? (nancy says "you all like me" as her opinion of them liking her is skewed; does this then only reflect nancys version for what is the "perfect life"?)

-why is bess a hippie??? and love how george curls her hair and wears pink lipstick here

-if this dream is so realistic then why is the one thing it cant conjure smoke? like how random

-love the locket being a key realization bc with things like jewelry you dont notice the weight of them until theyre gone

-"you all like me" in her perfect life nancy means they "like" her objectively/regardless of circumstance even though liking her is still an objective choice (like they "like" her because of other reasons instead of her working at the claw? (like how you make friends with coworkers/people at school every day but after you leave the job/graduate you never speak to them again) and her "thanks for showing up!" as if theyre not doing exactly that in reality 😐like where is she getting this shit? she sort of acknowledges in earlier eps she is hard to like/that she puts mysteries before friends, but also pushing them away to avoid danger like the previous ep "why do u show up" etc

-is it just me or does the inside of nicks "house" look like the drews'?

-nick has a dick scar lmaooooo (or more likely was hit in the balls or smth)

-love how nick + george match their anger in confronting sal 100% on the same level

-so when did ace go back to work after having such a busy day earlier?? lmaooo

-damn father shane is a creep (casting defo hired him for his voice) and how tf did he just poof + escape? and what did he request???

-love bess's white hair bow here 😌+ her jacket, whole outfit on point as usual

-like how bess is right that nancy has to find her way out but thats kind of a nonstarter for a room full of panicked people wanting to help

-in the Good Place theres no bad blood between drews + hudsons bc nancy is really theirs

-"the only one who has the key is you" in the Good Place nancy has the key (smaller picture, to finding out what happened to lucy but bigger picture, post-reveal) but ryan has the clues nancy needs- following the Good Place's mirroring, this just means that in reality ryan will either be completely useless or an active hindrance (but you KNOW this is a dream bc in what universe would ryan remember clues like that 😂)

-so in a perfect universe ryan acknowledges his family's "criminal empire" as opposed to reality where he only makes under cover jabs about disengaging with being an "entitled corrupt legacy criminal" ie finding the bonny scot relics but does nothing about them, etc

-"strippers" 😂

-okay what is nancys obsession w her beanie?? bc her mom made it? "wear beanies do crimes?" idk

-making the call: nancy -unable to make up for lost time/both her mothers had to find out/suffer alone / in the Good Place nancy was able to be with kate while she called, and in reality she had carson; somethig about seeing the mother looking to the daughter for strength in the Good Place instead of the reverse (which is what reality sounded like, kate being strong for nancy through the illness despite the struggle)

-concept: nancy & nick "let's wait out the storm"

-"i believe that you believe it" nick in the Good Place + owen in reality both trust nancy when she says she's seen things (owen's is the teeth) but nick in reality (and not really knowing details) doesnt think much of their "moment" bc it wasnt real (so she had to leave the Good Place to save carson- but if she had known then he wasnt her real dad, would she have stayed to be w nick?)

-stranger - suede james 💙👌🏻

-"really anxious as a kid" v telling bc of her desire to know everything to remain in control of situations like she always does now

-"the medicine or the metaphysics?"/"you cannot beat supernatural with science"

-i love nancy playing with her pinky while saying goodbye 🥺

-"always seek out the truth even if it hurts" this is straight irony bc kate never told nancy anything. like does that include the truth about nancys parentage? they taught her to seek out the truth, but who taught her that the truth is the only thing to live by? ie things dont count anymore like carson and kate straight up raising her is tossed out bc she finds out its not "the truth" like all that work/stress to protect carson + she just drops him? with kate maybe shes just upset thst she spent all that time mourning for someone who lied. and would she do the same to ryan if needed? probably

-bess and ace head tilt 💙

-like how for all the time she spent there nancy only has a subconscious memory of blue curtains

-YESSSSS i LOVEthese beautiful overhead shots of hannah's hands. so out of character for the show lmao but so gorgeous

-i feel like future eps/grand future will be nancy going through the lock boxes to help people who asked hannah for help

-the video is officially dated Aug 22, 2019

-soooooo in the first ep nancy breaks into the hudsons house and finds tiffanys secret drawer w the nail polish and finds the amulet with a note that says "for your protection HG" yet on this video tiffany says she talked to a medium who gave her the amulet sooooo am i just confused? HG is hannah gruen obvi so is the address for the medium what hannah gave her? or was the address on the amulet which nancy dissolved in salt water to see? so how would tiffany know where to go? its chicken and the egg which came first hannah or the medium?

and lastly:

i close these two eps with a thought that everything in this show is sealed in death. all the lies, the imagery, the fake constructs people put up to get by all crumple the second someone dies- all the secrets come clean just like these doors have been unsealed.

[sambergscott]

the best thing is you

just jake, amy, and their favourite things about being parents

There are a lot of things Jake loves about being a dad: stealing his kid’s food when he can’t finish his plate, sleepy cuddles before bed, putting on voices for all the characters in his books, and wearing matching Adidas Superstars. But if he had to pick his absolute favorite number one thing, playing with Sam’s toys would come out on top.

Luckily, their apartment is filled with toys, organised by type, colour and size into various bins and baskets and labelled (Santiago Style!) so he always knows where to put stuff during tidy-up time. If Jake so much as accidentally puts one red Lego block in the yellow Lego container, Sam tuts, rolls his eyes and snitches on him to Amy later.

He has lots of toys but it’s not like he’s spoiled or anything; Amy has a big family and he gets a lot of hand-me-downs. Amy helps him write thank you cards every time he receives a new toy, they constantly remind him how lucky he is and donate his unwanted items to less lucky girls and boys.

(During one decluttering sesh, he puts his favourite truck in the giveaway pile for another kid to play with and Amy almost cries. They’re biased, but they’re pretty sure that Sam is the best kid ever).

They re-enact Ninja Turtles scenes with his action figures, roam the apartment with his dinosaurs and play shop (which consists of Sam selling Jake tinned goods that he already owns).

Both Jake and Sam’s favorite thing to play is the appropriately titled Detective Daddy game.

In short, Jake wears his badge and a tie (even over his t-shirts because, as he explains in his Grandpa Holt voice that never fails to make Sam fall over in a fit of giggles, wearing a necktie in the workplace is very important) and interrogates the three year old until he confesses to his crimes.

It usually goes like this.

“Princess Mommy has been kidnapped!”

Dramatic gasp.

“And I think you took her.”

“Me?” He clutches his chest, feigning innocence.

“I found her tiara in your bedroom, I checked the baby monitor security footage and you weren’t where you said you were and most incriminating of all, I found your fingerprints on her Amy water bottle.”

“My name’s Amy!”

(He often confuses the fact that they share one of the same names and thinks his name is Amy, not Santiago. It’s kind of adorable).

“I checked your file,” he brandishes a manila folder he stole from work and drops it on the dining room table, “and your name is Samuel.”

He gasps again. “I didn’t do it, Officer!”

“Just admit it,” Jake growls playfully, leaning forward to intimidate the suspect.

Sam climbs onto the table and closes the gap all the way, booping his nose against Jake’s and making him break character for half a second.

“Admit you kidnapped Princess Mommy,” Jake insists, tickling him until he finally surrenders.

“I did it! I did it!” He cries. “I kidnapped Princess Mommy and Queen Karen!”

Cue Jake a dramatic gasp from Jake this time.

“You’re going to jail for a long, long, long, long, long, long time!”

Jail is a pillow fort in the corner of the room.

(It’s actually cosy and super comfortable; Sam sent Jake there one time when he played the role of detective the morning after Jake had worked a night shift and he may have fallen asleep until his son decided to jump on him to wake him up so they could have more fun).

Jake scoops the dangerous(-ly cute) criminal into his arms and throws him in pillow fort prison, then rescues his Princess and Queen from the couch.

Sam can’t get enough of cop related games. It warms both Jake and Amy’s hearts that he’s so proud of what they do; it makes all the late nights and time away from him totally worth it.

Victor and Camila buy him a Police Station Lego set for Christmas and, after constructing it with mommy and daddy, it sits pride of place on top of his dresser next to a framed picture of the three of them. The next time he visits the Ninety-Ninth precinct he brags to Rosa, Charles and all the uniformed officers about how his police station is way cooler than theirs.

That very Christmas, he plays cops and robbers for the first time and kicks Santiago cousin butt. Amy high fives him in front of her brothers, thrilled that Sam is continuing her legacy of being the best at the game.

Jake will come up with elaborate (kid friendly) cases that Sam is obsessed with, for example, “oh no! Someone stole a pizza from Sal’s and is getting away!”

“Not Sal’s!” Sam cries because even at three years old, he is aware that Sal’s is the best pizza place in Brooklyn. Like father, like son.

He chases his police cars around the living room, making siren noises and eventually cutting the bad guy’s car off before he can escape towards the bedrooms down the hall.

(They’re going out for a walk when their elderly neighbour offers him one of her grandson’s fire engines that he’s got too old for. Sam declines because firefighters are for losers and the FDNY suck. Amy shoots her an embarrassed smile and herds Sam away).

When it’s time for bed and all the toys have been put away, Jake tells him the story of how a cool, leather jacket-wearing detective married the youngest female Sergeant in the history of the Nine-Nine.

Sam asks to hear it again every night.

--

There are a lot of things Amy loves about being a mom: baking chocolate muffins and pretending not to see when he steals some of raw mixture (even though he has chocolate all round his mouth), sleepy cuddles before bed, singing to Disney hits at the tops of their voices and trying not to cry when he brags about his mom being the youngest female Sergeant in the history of the Nine-Nine to everyone they meet. But if she had to pick her absolute favourite number one thing, teaching Sam to read and write and count would come out on top.

She was always good at school. She got the highest grades. She loved crawling into her dad’s lap and reading to him, glowing under his constant praise. She didn’t need any help with the big words unlike Tony and it wasn’t long before her teacher advised that she skip fourth grade.

She studied Art History at college, topped her class, and was the best in her group of recruits at the Academy, too.

As her brothers started having kids, she loved helping them read and, as they got older, helping them with homework. She especially loved when they would confide in her that she’s smarter than their dads. Beating her brothers, even as an adult, was still her greatest joy. Until she fell in love and had a kid of her own and beating her brothers was demoted to third spot.

The Santiago genes are just as strong in Sam.

He’s like Jake in a lot of ways: his dark, unruly curls, his nose, his sense of humour, his penchant for dramatic reveals.

(Running into their room at 5am shouting, “Mommy! Daddy! I didn’t wet the bed last night!”, for example).

But he is smart. Santiago-level smart.

He learns to count to twenty before all his friends, is a super reader and bilingual.

Amy has been singing him Spanish lullabies since he was a newborn, teaching him his “Por favor”s and “Gracias”s, whispering “Te amo” as she kisses him goodnight. She cries so hard the first time he says it back.

It’s very important to her that he can speak Spanish so they have  lessons with daddy on Tuesday nights. She buys a textbook and makes them sit opposite her at the dining room table like they’re actually in school.

“¿Cuántos años tienes?” She asks him after their first lesson.

“Tengo tres años,” he responds with a proud smile that has Amy gathering him into her arms and smothering him with kisses.

Rosa has been teaching Jake Spanish for a couple of years but his brain is so full of case details and Die Hard quotes that Sam quickly surpasses him, joining Amy on her side of the table.

“Tell mama she’s pretty,” he instructs.

He furrows his brow, immediately looking to Amy for help.

“Luces bien.”

“That was it!” He snaps his fingers. “Luces bien, Ames.”

She blushes, tucks her hair behind both her ears and flicks to the next page of the textbook. She’s only in one of his hoodies and leggings, she’s not even sure when she last washed her hair, but her husband makes her feel beautiful. Always has done, right back to the time he said her dress makes her look like a mermaid.

Along with Spanish, she teaches him basic geography. He knows that Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, that Havana is the capital city and can draw the flag with his crayons. He shows off to Camila the next time they visit and earns himself an extra cookie.

He can write his name, too, and she remarks that at age three his penmanship is already better than Jake’s.

(Jake sticks his tongue out at her, even if it’s true).

Like Amy, he loves books. Loves the silly voices Jake makes as he reads, loves reading along with Amy and love love loves reading the book of Jake and Amy (illustrated by Terry) that Jake has made for his fourth birthday.

“Don’t you want to read a different book tonight?” She questions foolishly. They’ve read it three nights in a row.

“Nope,” he grins. “Mommy and daddy’s book.”

Her heart melts as she opens the book and he snuggles into his arms.

“It was her first day at the Nine-Nine...”

--

After an interrogation that went on longer than expected, Jake missed dinner and bath time and had to break several speed limits to get home in time for his bedtime story and goodnight kisses.

He locks the apartment door behind him and follows the sound of Amy’s voice to Sam’s bedroom, recognizing the story immediately.

“I’m hearing wedding bells!” Amy reads, doing a spot on impression of Charles’ voice.

Jake stifles a laugh, leaning against the doorframe and listening to his wife recite the story he knows so well.

There are a lot of things they love about being parents, but at the end of the day, watching Sam play and learn and cuddle their spouse is the best thing of all. And soon they will get to watch them do it all over again with Baby Peralta 2: Peralta Harder.

[yoyogiboysareclueless]

Halloween Party with Gunzo

This is for @blubsamo. It’s a Halloween Event character side quest that hasn’t been made yet. I thought one for Gunzo would be nice.

At Shinjuku’s Halloween Party:

You arrive dressed as a mummy. You scan the crowd for someone who invited you here. Grabbing a glass of punch you search around the crowd.

Flashback:

You wake up from Lil’ Salomon poking you with his hoof.

“Master wake up.” He whined.

“What do you want?” You asked annoyed.

“You have a message.” Sal replied. You felt your hand twitch in annoyance. “Also, today is the Halloween Party.” You flop your face on your pillow and groan.

“Shit, that’s today. I forgot.” Your words come out a little muffled. You roll over and sigh. “What’s the message?”

“It’s from someone who goes to Yoyogi Academy.” Sal said.

“Ashigara?” You question.

“Nope.” Sal shook his head. “That rugby guy that we ran into on Valentine’s day.”

“Gunzo?” You look at Sal with surprise. “What does he want?”

“Apparently he wants to meet up with you.” Sal said.

“When?” You ask.

“10.” Sal responded. You glance at your clock. “Damn, only 20 minutes from now.” You think. You get out of the bed and head to the bathroom to get ready.

9 minutes after: (Still in Flashback)

Putting on your shirt you walk out of the bathroom. Looking for your coat you walk around your room.

“You’re sure off in a hurry.” Shiro joked.

“Yeah, I’m meeting up with Gunzo. He wanted to meet with me.” You say grabbing your coat and phone.

“Well don’t…” Shiro words didn’t reach you as you closed the door. You race down the step and head out the door breaking into a light run.

At Yoyogi:(Flashback)

You make it to the school with 2 minutes to spare.

“Man, I cut it close.” You say as you glance at your watch. You sit down on a bench sighing. “I wonder what Gunzo wants?” You think.

“Hey, (reader).” You hear. Looking around you spot a boy dressed in a red uniform waving at you.

“Hey Gunzo.” You smile at the man coming at you.

“Sorry, I was dragged into a practice. I couldn’t say no.” Gunzo says, rubbing the back of his neck. A goofy grin was plastered on his face.

“It’s fine.” You say. “So, what’d you want to see me for?”

“Oh...that..” He turned red and his smile faded. “Um…” He shuffled his feet and put his two index fingers together. “Would you...would you like to go to the Halloween party with me?” His face couldn’t hide his embarrassment even when he stared at the ground.

“I was already planning on going.” You say.

“Oh.” Gunzo’s face was bright red.

“God, I feel bad for him. He had the courage to ask me at least.” You think.

“Um, I was going to go but, I wasn’t going to go if I couldn’t get someone to come with me.” You lie partially to the rugby player. “Since you did ask, I’ll go with you.”

“Really?” Gunzo looked up. His eyes showed a slight glimmer of hope. You nodded. “Th...thanks.” He flashed a small smile.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you’d go to a Halloween party.” You tell him.

“Some of the others are going and I don’t want to be left out.” Gunzo paused. “Or made fun of.”

“Ah.” You say.

“Plus, I don’t want to be labeled as a scardy cat.” He had a slight bitter tone in his voice.

“Why would you..? Oh. I see now.” You say after you remember that Gunzo is afraid of ghosts. “So, what are you going as?” You ask.

“I don’t really know.” He replied. “Something that wouldn’t scare me to wear.” His eyes showed a small hint of pain.

“How about Frankenstien?” You suggest. “It doesn’t require much and it’s not scary at all.”

“Really?” Gunzo’s eyes were filled with light again.

“Yeah.” You say. “All you have to do is go shirtless, maybe some ripped shorts and a little makeup.”

“Shirt...shirtless?” Gunzo’s face lit up bright red. “I...I mean, I’m okay going shirtless to practice and stuff, but those are people I know...and…”

“It’s fine. No one will really look at what you look like anyway.” You cut him off. “So, don’t worry about it too much.” He sighed and nodded. Legion who was listening the entire time gave Gunzo a thumbs up. “Looks like Legion approves.” You let out a small laugh.

Out of Flashback:

You spot a man with short reddish-brown spiked hair over by an ursine dressed like a baseball player. You make your way over to the two people you spotted weaving in and out of smaller groups as you make your advances.

“Gunzo.” You say. The man jumps a little. “Hey sorry I didn’t see you right away.” You apologize.

“It’s fine.” Gunzo smiled. You notice that Gunzo actually came shirtless. His chest and torso covered with grey and green make-up and black lines to represent stitches. His black shorts were torn and ripped in various places and part of his boxers showed in some of the holes. His face had a single line of stitching running diagonally across his cheek. Legion was also covered with stitches. The lines were uneven and a little wonky at some points.

“You aren’t going to even say, ‘hello’ to me.” The ursine complained.

“Hi Ashigara.” You smile.

“Do you like my costume?” Ashigara beamed as he flaunted his baseball outfit. His large stomach stuck out a little and his pants looked a little tight.

“Yeah, it looks good.” You say as you try not to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Ashigara narrowed his eyes.

“Well, if you bend over, you’ll definitely get a home run.” You chuckle. Gunzo let out a small laugh when he noticed your joke.

“Kyuma said that this was the biggest they had.” Ashigara complained. “You’re so mean like the rest.”

“Sorry, I just couldn’t help but slide into that one.” You joke. Gunzo laughed harder. Ashigara had a scornful look then let out a laugh.

“Yeah, you definitely did.” Ashigara smiled. “Now, I’m going to stuff my face at the buffet table.” 

“So,” you turn to Gunzo. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yeah.” He smiled. “Thanks for the jokes, it made me feel a little better.”

“You look really good.” You say.

“Thanks.” He blushed. “So do you.”

“I just put this together quickly.” You say rubbing the back of your neck. The two of you stand in an awkward silence not really knowing what to say to one another. Then Legion tugs on your bandaged leg.

“Legion, don’t you’ll make (reader) trip.” Gunzo said.

“You treat them like kids.” You laugh a little.

“Yeah, they can be a handful.” Gunzo smiled. “But, I know they mean good.” Then he got a weird look on his face. “I mean...what am I talking about heh heh…” Legion pushed Gunzo closer to you. “What are you guys doing? Stop!” You let a small laugh out at the rugby boy and his familiar’s actions. By the time Legion stopped, Gunzo’s face was a couple of inches away from yours. “Ahh...” His face was bright red.

“I guess that’s what Legion wanted.” You say as your face slowly starts to match Gunzo’s.

“I...I…” Gunzo goes silent. His eyes avoid yours. You place a bandage hand on his chest. “I like you, a lot, (reader).” He finally said.

“I like you too, Gunzo.” You smile at him. You feel everyone else in the room has disappeared to where only you and Gunzo are left.

“This is the first time that I’ve gone to one of these.” Gunzo let out a small laugh.

“Same.” You say. “My class rep had to explain what Halloween was to me.” Gunzo nodded. “But, I’m glad that you actually came.” You say. You place your lips on his cheek. His face turned red again and put his hand up to where you kissed.

“What was that for?” He asked.

“For coming here.” You grin. “You’re very brave in doing so.”

“Stop.” He laughed. “Your flattery is worse than Tanka’s.” You laugh at his comment. “But, thanks for the confidence boost.” He puts his hands on your arms. “It’s like you were cheering me on from the sidelines.”

“Maybe I was.” The two of you grew closer and closer. He moved the last inch and placed his lips on yours. His lips felt soft and warm and it contained so much passion that you took a small step back. Your lips disconnected from his.

“Sorry I…” Gunzo looked down at the ground.

“It was fine.” You smile. “I enjoyed it.” He looked up at you with a flushed face then looked down. You noticed his bright red face.

“AYE, WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?” You two hear a booming voice. You are about to look around but, you land face first into a large stomach. “You two better not be getting along without me.”

“We promise Ashigara.” Gunzo and you say.

After the Party:

“Thanks for coming.” You tell Gunzo again.

“It’s not a problem. Not anymore, now that I know that it isn’t super scary here. Plus, you’ll be there.” He added the last part softly.

“I’ll be waiting for next year.” You say. “Maybe you could go as a vampire?”

“I hope I can see you before next year.” Gunzo’s face grew a little pale.

“Of course.” You laugh.

“ASHIGARA, COME ON BEFORE I LEAVE YOUR ASS HERE!” Gunzo yelled at his ursine friend.

“Wait, before you go.” You grab his arm. The shadow silhouettes coming from the two of you on the ground become one as the sunlight slowly fades.

[atlasafterdark]

Protector and Prostitute of Mantle

Siren’s blared out as the city came to a standstill. The first grimm attack in months had the citizens running into their houses leaving the streets empty as RWBY+ ran out with nothing but good intentions. It seemed the areas was empty, not a huntsman or huntress in sight, and with the alarms ringing out and lights all turning red, no one seemed to notice the call from inside the clinic before the door shut leaving Pietro inside. Standing out in the open everyone drew their weapons expecting- well, anything.

One at a time the Sabyr’s stepped into view, a few of them carrying bits and pieces of automated defenses. Guns and droid parts dropped to the ground as the first one noticed the group and grunted, signalling prey to the others. All it took was for one of them to start lunging and it was on. Claws slashed, teeth chomped, blades flew and bullets wizzed through the air as the two sides clashed it out. It really was a one sided affair though, even against a new form of Grimm, the students were far more skillful than the savage beasts, and their numbers began to dwindle. It wouldn’t be long until-

The final few were quickly dealt with, though not by any of the gang. Green beams rained down from the sky, slicing the beasts and leaving only a few faint burns along the ground, and fading grimm-ash in the air. The siren's quietened down and street lights shifted back from red to their usual white.

All eyes were on the sky, the source of the lights that finished off so quickly what they were all still dealing with. Down from above one of the buildings they flew, silhouetted in the sky against the pale dusk light and brilliance of the moon behind her, Penny descended with a spin an a flurry. It was like a dance how she fluttered down, green jets extending from her feet, hair fluttering in the wind, and... a few streaks across her face and chest seeming to catch the light?

“Darling, why don’t you say hello to your friends?” A voice called out as Pietro finally joined up, his chair carrying up towards the back of the group, and regaining their attention before a gasp brought them back towards Penny.

With the grimm gone, and an old friend before them it seemed most began to lower their weapons, while Penny herself dropped lower to the ground. “Sal-”

Her hand touched the ground as she readied herself. The streaks glistening more as she moved, revealing the strands of something splattered across her body. They clearly weren’t part of her clothing- oh which- actually there was very little. “U-”

As her feet began to whir back up, faint green glows lighting up the pavement beneath each foot, she dipped down just a little bit further. The thin fabric of her top coming loose and slipping, giving the entire gang a peak at her bra-less chest, and the even greater amount of cum that was probably the only thing keeping her shirt from falling off entirely. “-TATIONS!”

Penny screamed as she took just a few running steps. The wind caught up and indeed pulled her top down around her waist before she leapt forwards with a burst of speed, slamming straight into an unprepared and stunned Ruby. The others in her way having to anchor themselves down as she launched past them, and those behind Ruby having to deal with the after shock of Penny’s near sonic boom.

All was quiet once more before Penny finally pulled herself up, Ruby stuck to her in more ways than one. The reaper was both hugging her old friend (or maybe just shell shocked enough that she couldn’t move her arms), but also connected by the white mess that would soon begin to stain her red and black outfit. As Penny pulled back she wiped away and connecting strands, except for the ones that seemed to cling to Ruby’s cheek, of which she gave her old ally a friendly lick.

“It is such a pleasure to see you all again!” The ginger recalled, hard drives skimming through her memories of Beacon and Vale. And she was honest too, she really was happy to see everyone once more- though from the looks on their faces, they perhaps were not? The look of confusion was two fold for most. 1, how was Penny alive? and 2, why was she covered in cum and dressed.... well

“P-Penny, I- I thought you-” Ruby stuttered out, hands reaching out to her friend and for a moment still unaware of the sticky mess lathered over her own clothing.

“Died? Well i guess in a manner of speaking, she did.” The doctor began to explain. “But we were able to recover her core from Amity arena, once it had made it’s way back to Atlas. It took me some time but-” “I’m as good as new!” Penny interrupted with a salute and a smile. “Better even. And now I’m the official protector and prostitute of the city.”

With that all eyes fell on Penny, except for her own, which stayed fixed on Ruby as she lowered her hands only to skim past the sticky mess, once again bringing her attention to it, and starting to put pieces together.

“Protector... and what was that again?” Ruby asked, in desperate need of some clarification as she gave Penny a look over again. While her legs seemed to be much more obviously mechanical than the last time they saw each other, that wasn’t the biggest difference.

Well for one, where her legs ended, the girls hips were a good size larger, and what little dress she did wear was struggling to keep her backside covered. It wouldn’t have been that big of an issue if Penny had been wearing anything underneath them. Actually that was wrong too, Penny was wearing underwear, it was just incredibly thin and from the back seemed to be swallowed up between her cheeks, from the front Ruby could see the very edge from where she stood, fair black lace with green swirls, and a slit down the middle that was obviously letting her naughty parts (did Penny have those kind of parts) air in the wind. She was surprised she didn’t notice when Penny was flying overhead, but there was plenty of other things it seemed Ruby and the others missed at first too.

Looking further up, her ‘dress’ was more so just a mini skirt with a pair of suspender straps that looped over her shoulders. A think white puffy shirt fit underneath it too, but the fabric seemed so thin it was basically invisible in certain lighting, not to mention that it was clearly over-sized for some reason, as if whoever had made it assumed Penny to be much more ‘well equipped’ in the chest than reality. Around her neck Penny kept her old collar piece, but there was something about the little glowing gold and green part she couldn’t quite tell through the black, it almost looked like a gag, but that would be ridiculous surely. Finally, there was her hair, longer and curled at the ends below her shoulders, it made her look almost regal, if it wasn’t for the-

“Prostitute. After my core was recovered I awoke to discover Atlas was in a terrible situation, all of Remnant was. We needed a way to keep the grimm away, and one of the ideas was to create as much positive emotions to overcome the fear and dread people had been facing recently. While my body was being rebuilt I assisted my brain power to help come up solutions and run predictions on their effectiveness. You would not believe the results, it turns out people really enjoy sex, and it makes them incredibly happy. So of course we set to implementing and curating a set of new laws to legalise and encourage sexual interactions. While doing so, I asked if my body could be made to accommodate and assist with such changes, and this was the outcome.”

After her lengthy explanation Penny just stood there, beaming away at Ruby before looking around to the others. “I was just with someone when the Grimm attacked, so I apolagise about the mess. Oh, since I’m probably not going to need to fly again for a while-” Penny paused to focus, her torso beginning to light up a little as her chest grew, filling out her shirt to it’s limits, and putting Yang to shame.

“So you’re... erm.. Yang?” The reaper called out, both unsure about if she heard correct still, and about if she had even remembered the word correctly. “A prostitute? Like... sex.. for money? Penny? sex? No, even I don’t believe it.” The blonde agreed, waving her hands as she took a step back.

“Not quite. I don’t receive payment, but the titles just sounds better than the alternative. If you’d like father has a few chairs in his clinic, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind lending us a room while I explain everything. We have so many things to catch up about, I can not wait! There has been a lot of changes to Atlas, so this may take some time. And while we’re at it I can begin designing you some new clothes, since those-” She started, again looking around at the others and taking a mental scan of their outfits, heights, sizes and themes. “will be far too concealing for Hunter work, unless that is you just wish to do the boring stuff.”

“erm...... s-sure?” “Wonderful! Well, the first thing would be to check your scrolls, you’ll find a new app already installed, and when we get your licenses all sorted I can guide you through picking out your preferences, and teaching you about those which you may not recognise- This is going to be so much fun!” Penny once again began to talk, her words a little fast at times as she continued to speed everyone through what would become a rather lengthy catch up. In the meantime she began to guide Ruby back towards the clinic, the others just as if not even more confused than Ruby soon followed.

[tricked-out]

Summertime Fun in Halloween Town

As promised, here's a fun little summer action for our favorite autumn characters! [Read on FF HERE]

June 12

Sindelfingen, Stuttgart

10pm

Ivy had never been more grateful for her impromptu Halloween haircut. Sure, the blade of Bloody Mary and the scissors of a nervous Jack wouldn't have been her first choice of barbers, but without them she'd still have a mane of dark hair that would no doubt be heating up her skull even more.

As it was, her short locks were still plastered to her face and the top of her neck, damp with sweat. She'd long since kicked off the covers and peeled off her shirt, trying desperately to ignore the heavy heat in the air as the June heatwave took over the city, slowing down the usual summertime bustle. Every window in the house was flung open, leaving bees to drift in and out as they pleased, but Ivy and her family were beyond caring. With a groan, she flopped out of bed and landed on the hardwood floor, stifling a whine at the lack of cool wood she expected to press against her cheek.

She tried to distract herself - remembering the most boring of lectures she'd had to sit through, the droning of the Creature when he got on a tangent, the comfort of being able to sleep without being worried one's skin would melt off. Not for the first time, she thought wistfully of the air conditioned buildings she remembered from the States. Although it had felt strange at the time to go from sticky, damp heat to getting a blast of frozen air in her face, Ivy thought she wouldn't mind the environmental impact if she could just have a little breeze, please.

"You're welcome to make this more bearable anytime," she mumbled aloud to the utterly still air. No whisper of the Wind answered her and Ivy reluctantly pushed herself to her feet, wincing as her skin peeled away from the wood. She grabbed her shirt and sighed as she slipped it on, already hating the feeling of fabric against her too-warm skin.

Sticking her head out the window wasn't much better. The stifling heat continued outside, just with the soothing sounds of distant cards and - ugh, an Igelkarussell. Wincing at the sounds of fierce mating, she clambered out the window and hefted herself onto the roof before flopping backwards, letting her feet dangle as she stared up at the stars. There were hardly any, this close to the city center, and Ivy found herself missing the paradoxical expanses of the Halloween sky, where unrecognizable constellations soared overhead and the moon winked back, if you didn't blink first. A fierce longing filled her soul, along with the first sparks of an idea.

She sat up and gauged the position of the moon in the sky, sending its white beams down to the old houses below. She had enough time, if she was quick - and months of practice had honed her instincts in the matter.

In a burst of energy, she sat up and closed her eyes, breathing in the warm summer air that smelled of cut grass and cigarettes. The hum of the fans in the house below added to her hypnotic state, and Ivy focused on the tattoo on her arm, waking up the part of Halloween that grew within her.

The Wind finally made an appearance, swirling around and cooling her damp skin, nearly knocking the girl from her focused state. Rolling her eyes behind her eyelids, she breathed out until the sense of unease was heightened, a Gateway to Halloween forming in the timeless instant. With a grin on her face despite the heat, Ivy leaned forward and let the Universe whirl her away.

Halloween Town

2pm

Town Center

Most days, Jack loved the weather in Halloween Town. It was a catalogue of every possible weather that had occurred on October 31st, ranging from deep colds to a warm night filled with new scents. Most often, of course, it hung in the middle - the embodiment of a perfect fall day, where one could wear a jacket or feel the slight bite of the Wind against their outer layer, where the sky was open and the nights were long. It was familiar, it was relaxing, it was perfect.

It was not usually like this.

Jack and the other Citizens were dead, true, and thus weren't as bothered by things such as temperature, but it was the principal of the matter. The sun had risen early and refused to be thwarted by clouds, and the beams - so often gentle and welcoming - were instead harsh and demanding, melting the tar off a few houses and causing steam to erupt from the Well. Jack picked at his outwear, his usual black jacket abandoned in favor of a rather bizarre shirt Ivy had gifted him a few weeks prior. He didn't quite understand the mischief he'd seen in her eyes, but the fabric was loose, so he let it be.

He sat with his feet up in the shade of the café, content to watch the usually bustling Town wind down in the heat of the day. The liquid-based monsters were being particularly cautious, hating the sizzle of evaporation that would occur when they poked their heads out from the protection of the falling ceilings of the café. Jack noted with amusement that Vlad was nowhere to be seen, but the rest of the vampires were grouped together, each one with an umbrella larger than the last. Their waiter desperately tried to squeeze between the gaps to serve them their hot toddies, contorting their body to faithfully deliver the steaming saucers.

There was the whisper of fabric behind him, the scent of blood, and Jack felt energy miraculously dart through him as Sally came into his field of vision. His grip on his own drink (a mixture of chilled rattlesnake venom and limes) faltered as she sat down across from him, new dress flowing freely from her shoulders and her long red hair swept up in a delicate knot that Jack knew his fingers would get trapped in.

Not that his fingers would have cause to be in her hair, of course, but -

"It's the first day like this I can remember," Sally said in soft wonder, almond eyes sweeping over to the Fountain, where the children were taking turns dunking each other in. "Isn't it funny, how those little waves come up from the cobblestone? It almost makes the air shimmer like a spider-web!"

It was easy, sometimes, to forget that Sally wasn't even a year old, with her quiet maturity and the strange wisdom that sometimes glinted in her dark eyes. Ever since the day she'd gained Citizenship she'd seemed to slowly change, and no longer looked at him with quite the hesitancy he'd seen before. It was welcome, naturally, but it also….

Well. He appreciated her ability to make him see the long-familiar world through different eyes, and for a moment they both watched the heat waves rise from the hot stones.

There was a strange sound accompanied by a shifting of pressure in the air, some monster's ears popping as a Gateway opened in the shadowed corner across the street, and a human form slowly materialized. For half a moment Jack's ribs clenched with fear (not again!) but it eased just as quickly when Ivy stood up, momentarily peaceful expression instantly morphing into one of sheer rage.

"Oh, come on!" She screeched at the sky, startling the vampires into their bat forms. Jack stifled a laugh into his tea, watching in amusement as Ivy marched over, her eyes landing on Jack and lighting up in a way that caused a good warmth to flood through him.

"Welcome, Ambassador Ivy," he greeted, never tiring of the look of exasperation she'd give him at his formality. "What can we do for you?"

"How about what she can do for us?" griped a nearby monster. "Don't you have your own world? Why've you got come down here all the time?"

"It's way too hot to hang out up there," she shot back, gratefully stepping into the shade.

"It's hot here, too," Vinnie piped up, her bandages nearly half undone in an attempt to cool off.

Jack watched as Ivy bit down a sarcastic retort to the monster child, instead giving her a tight smile. "You're right, it is."

"You look weird!" Vinnie continued brightly.

"Thanks, Vin."

It was somewhat true. Ivy was a very colorful human, in terms of her mannerism, language, and, today, her skin. It was flushed a deep pink, a strange sheen to her eyes, and sweat rolled off her forehead and beaded at her hairline. An open button down swung at her sides, and for the first time Jack could remember she was wearing shorts. The human ran a head up the back of her neck, then seemed to notice Jack fully for the first time, her jaw going slack. "Uh, Jack? What are you wearing?"

"You're not having memory problems again, are you?" Jack asked in concern, pinching the strange material. "You gave this to me, remember?"

"Yeah, but as a - you're actually wearing it?" Her voice went up an octave.

Jack frowned. "Is there a problem? Have I violated some taboo?"

"Jack, you're wearing a Hawaiian shirt."

"Is that what it's called? Fascinating! It's been many years since we've encountered the spirits on those islands - "

Ivy's voice was strained in that strange way it got sometimes, whenever Jack found she was being particularly obtuse. "It's - it's bright red!"

"Not my color?" Jack glanced down in concern. Sally had stared a bit too, but he trusted her eye for style wholeheartedly, and she hadn't said anything, so -

"Give me strength," Ivy muttered, rolling her eyes to the sky.

"How about a drink instead?" the waiter cut in, glaring at Ivy pointedly until the human huffed and pulled a chair over to Sally and Jack's table, curling up with her legs dangling over the side.

"Love your dress, Sal," Ivy said after a moment, giving the ragdoll an approving thumbs up. "And your hair looks great up like that - right, Jack?"

The skeleton was too busy attempting to formulate an appropriate response to see the warning look Sally threw the girl, nor the gleeful expression she gave in return.

"Sally manages to maintain a horrendous appearance with everything she does," Jack said, deciding to go for neutrality in lieu of any other answer. Sally's stern face dropped along with her eyes, a dark blue flush covering her cheeks. It appeared rag dolls felt the heat the same way humans did, after all.

"That's - that's very kind of you, Jack," she managed, picking delicately at the edge of the ragged tablecloth. "I think you look rather - dreadful yourself."

The two stared at one another, the strange tension that always seemed to creep up on them thick in the air, only to be broken by the slow slurp of liquid through a straw as Ivy looked at them, one eyebrow raised in disbelief.

"What?" She asked.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Absolutely not," Jack said firmly, halting Ivy's trajectory with one firm grasp on her collar.

"Why not?" she whined, straining the edge of the fabric and gazing longingly at the other kids, who were lining up at the edge of the bridge. "I'm in no mood to get dunked in the Well, so what's wrong with the river?"

"And have to send you back to your world smelling like a swamp? I hardly think that's a good idea."

"Snake slither!" Angus yelled, stretching his small bat wings wide and soaring into the air, then wrapping them around himself and plummeting down, causing a delightful splash of green water.

Ivy turned to Jack in pleading desperation.

"Oh, don't do that face," Jack said immediately, turning his gaze skyward, though there was a twinge of franticness in his tone. Ivy, who wasn't aware she had such a face, tried to simultaneously enhance and maintain her expression. After a few tense moments, one of Jack's sockets twitched downward and he flinched, then gave a dramatic sigh that let Ivy know she'd won.

"Just for a bit, alright?" He warned sternly, even as Ivy began to eagerly scan the edge of the bridge. "You'll come out when I tell you so you can dry and wash up before going back to the human world."

"Yeah, yeah," she said, distracted, and Jack gave another sigh - familiar in its world weariness.

"Go have fun," he said with all the seriousness of assigning a position on Halloween night, and Ivy wasted no time in sprinting towards her friends.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jack found a spot on the riverbank to watch, not trusting the human in the slightest to behave. Her general maturity level (at least, in comparison to the rest of the children) seemed to fly out the window at the opportunity to show off, and Jack had too much experience with her human fragility to let his guard down. He tried, briefly, to remember how long humans could safely hold their breath, then abandoned the thought. It would only increase his paranoia, he decided.

A familiar sweet scent distracted him as Sally knelt in the grass beside him, watching as Vinnie hurtled herself into the water, her bandages soaking instantly.

"Did you ever do this?" She asked suddenly, one finger tracing the edge of her black lace parasol. "In a river or …. Some other type of water?" Her brow furrowed, and Jack leapt, as always, at the opportunity to provide the rag doll with a new word.

"I hid at the edge of the ocean once," he confessed with a grin. "I was tracking one particular human, and thought that arising from the depths of the sea at my height may give him quite the fright. And it's easy to disappear into!"

"Ocean," Sally said, testing the new word on her tongue. "What's that like?"

A familiar face flashed behind Jack's sockets and he shook his skull, banishing the memories as he tried to focus on the sensations and scale of the waves. "It's alive, in a way this river isn't. The Wind creates white peaks on the waves, which forever crash against the shore." He pointed to the bank of the river, where the water lapped gently at the plants, sometimes disturbed by the next child's entry into the water. "Imagine, perhaps, that you are an ant there on the riverbank. All you can see before you is water, and the sun shining upon it turns the dark blue into gold. You know if you step too far, you'll either be swept away or drowned. It has a mind of its own, the ocean."

Sally stared at the river bank, her mind no doubt conjuring up fantastic images. Jack basked in the memory of a sunset on the beach one last time, then tucked it away once more, and the pair fell into silence.

A stone his his head and he turned, one hand shielding his vision from the sun as he looked up at the top of the bridge. Ivy stood there, toeing off her shoes, and staring down into the murky water with her usual focused expression. She crouched down, whispering something to the fascinated children gathered around her, then quickly glanced over to the bank to see if Jack was watching with a forced and awkward attempt at subtlety.

Jack gave her a thumbs up and watched the involuntary grin take over her face, even as she pretended not to see him.

With a determined nod, Ivy pushed herself up and into the air, arms wheeling out for a brief instant before she wrapped them around her legs, hurtling towards the river with a screech that could have only been learned in scaring class. She hit the water with a solid boom!, water rushing into the sky like a fountain and spraying the occupants of the bank and bridge. The children cheered, climbing over each other to go next, but Jack didn't celebrate until he saw a dark head peek out from the water, shaking like Zero after a storm. She treaded water as she called the next child down, who kept the ball formation until they hit the water, landing flat on their back that no doubt would have stung had they been human. Reassured, Jack turned back to Sally, who watched the proceedings with amusement.

"That looks like fun," she said wistfully, angling her parasol to better protect her from the spray. "I'm not sure it would be good for me, though."

There was such a sorrow to her tone that Jack turned his attention fully to her, watching the way her red hair glinted in the sun. The shouts of Ivy and the children provided a cover for their conversation, prompting him to lean in closer. Sally's eyes widened, two strands dangling before them.

"Have you ever tried?"

"No," she whispered, as though it were a secret. Knowing Sally's guardian, perhaps it was. "Only my hands, and then I had to let them dry in the sun."

Another old memory flashed in Jack's mind, though whether it was from Halloween or before he couldn't quite distinguish. Putting the puzzle aside he stood up, shaking his bones loose and sending Sally a dazzling smile. "Come, let's try something."

Sally blinked owlishly but soon joined him by the bank of the river. The children were oblivious, now attempting to get as many of them on Ivy's shoulders as possible before she was forced beneath the murky water. The practice made Jack pause, but when the human bobbed back to the surface and hurtled one monster away, he decided she could handle it.

He knelt in the loose pebbles, feeling Sally wordlessly join him with a trust that made his ribs tighten. She gazed at the water with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, one hand hovering just above it. Jack steeled himself for the eventual headache and dunked his head under the water, blinking into the dark depths.

The Siren, who had been rising from the bottom of the river with one webbed hand extending towards Ivy's ankle, gazed innocently at Jack before receding back down.

He pulled his head up and shook it, spraying an astonished Sally. "You want me to do that?" She stammered, eyes torn between gazing at him and the water in horror.

"Why not?" He asked with a craggly grin.

"I'm - I don't know if the Doctor would want me to," she stammered, but Jack could see the spark of rebellion in her eyes, something that had been steadily growing over the past few months, and was seized with a sudden desire to fan the flames, if only to see what creature would emerge. At the back of his skull, his respect for the Good Doctor protested, but the front of his mind was focused solely on the rag doll before him.

"You'd have time to dry," he said, sockets flickering to the beating sun above them. "And what he doesn't know won't hurt him."

Sally tilted her head at him, then tipped her head back and laughed. It was clear and far gentler than anything he'd ever heard in Halloween Town, and he felt a strange sadness within him as it died away, only to be replaced by the graceful upturn of her lips.

"I should have known," she said, amused.

"Know what?"

"That the King creates his own rules." She stared at the water once more, then squared her shoulder that eerily reminded him of Ivy - thought it made sense, he supposed, given Sally's origins.

"Shall we?" He asked, extending a hand. Sally's eyes grew large but after only a moment's hesitation she took it. With her soft hand in his, they plunged their heads under in unison.

Without the need to breathe, they both took in the sight of the dark water, with a few stray sunbeams piercing through to the muddy bottom, where dark green algae clung to the sharp rocks. The strands of Sally's bun grew loose, fanning around her head in a manner that reminded Jack of the sea sirens of legend. Then, with an instinct he didn't quite understand, Jack unhinged his jaw to scream into the water.

It was muffled, and no breath meant no stream of bubbles, but Sally heard him all the same. She stared at him in befuddlement, then hesitantly opened her own stitched lips and gave a scream of her own - small, at first, as if unfamiliar with the concept, then growing until it was louder than Jack's, what sounded like months of pent-up something spilling into the water.

A burst of bubbles and flesh cut both their screams off as Ivy sank beneath the water, her arms wrapped around her legs once more, eyes screwed shut. A look of curiosity stole over her face after a few moments of floating downwards, and she unraveled herself before blinking open her eyes to meet the gazes of Sally and Jack, peeking beneath the water like strange serpents. She huffed, bubbles escaped from her nose and mouth, and promptly ignored them, kicking off the closest rock and kicking towards the surface.

Laughing, Jack pulled out of the water, and after a moment Sally did the same. The fabric of her face was a much darker blue, though for once due to something other than a blush. She let go of his hand (Jack had almost forgotten about it) and began to wring out her hair, a look of familiar wistfulness on her face.

"I've never screamed," she confessed. "Isn't that silly, for a creature in a Town like this?"

"Not at all," Jack rushed to reassure. "If anything, one's first scream is best saved for a special time, don't you think? The first of many more to come, no doubt!" Then, with a touch of embarrassment. "I'm sorry for forcing your first upon you -"

"You didn't," Sally said, an equal reassurance in her voice. "Without you, who knows how long I would've gone without doing it!"

"Surely the Doctor -"

Sally snorted. "He doesn't care for me to raise my voice, Jack." Then, as though realizing what she'd said, she hastily added, "which makes sense, of course, he needs the peace and quiet to work, and I do talk quite a bit, I suppose -"

The thought of Sally talking too much was one that Jack didn't fully grasp, but he supposed he'd never understood much of the Doctor's thought patterns. He was a genius, after all, fully mad and everything. He knew when to pick his battles.

"Well, I always enjoy what you have to say," Jack decided to answer, leading Sally back to their spots. He could already feel the water being leached from his skull, and didn't mind collapsing onto the thin grass to watch the children once more. Sally had no response other than to hum quietly, sitting beside him and tipping her face towards the sun to aid the drying process, plucking the spider silk tie from her hair, causing a cascade of red hair to topple down her back and Jack to wish for the refreshment of the freezing water once more.

A shadow fell across them as Ivy stumbled over and sat down, flipping her head over and wringing river water from her hair. She grinned over at Sally, a look of proud expectation on her face. "What'd you think, Sally?"

"I liked it," the rag doll admitted in her usual mix of shyness and honesty, keeping her eyes closed. "Perhaps next time I'll swim fully."

"I'll teach ya how to do a cannonball if you want!"

"That's very kind of you," Sally answered, though not quite accepting the human's offer. "You're very good at them."

The distraction worked - Ivy puffed up, smoothing one hand through her wet hair, causing the back to stick up in a way that had Jack's hands twitching for a brush. No wonder her hair was forever tangled. "Yeah, it's way easier to do them here than back in the Schwimmbad. There's always too many kids and not enough depth."

Sally nodded seriously, despite clearly not understanding a word. Jack, who never could resist the urge to learn, prodded Ivy's back until she looked at him. "Sally and I were discussing beaches. Have you ever been to one?"

Ivy shrugged. "Yeah, we went down to Italy a few years ago, and it was pretty nice." She tilted her head, a new laughter in her eyes and voice. "Papa always said it wasn't a real beach, though. Too rocky, just like this." She gestured towards the river bank, where stones and dirt lined the edge. "He thinks a beach should be all white sand." With that, she flopped backwards, tucking her arms behind her head and closing her eyes.

There was something strange happening to the skin of Ivy's face, something that tugged at old alarm bells in Jack's mind, but time had eroded the memories too much. He frowned but let it be, leaning back on his hands and enjoying the rare stillness in the heat of the day. Sally copied Ivy, folding her hands neatly across her stomach and letting her eyes flutter shut.

"We should get you a - oh, what are they called? A floatie," Ivy mumbled, her eyes still shut.

"What's that?" Sally asked in turn, confusion winning out over her politeness.

"It's a -" Ivy dug one hand behind her back, pulled out a stick, and tossed it blindly towards the river, where cheers from the children rose up. "It's a bit of plastic that helps you float on the water without getting wet."

"Really?" Sally sounded incredulous. She opened her eyes and peered at the river. "So I could go out without getting wet?"

"Yup. Get all the sun and current you want, without having to be all wet afterwards."

"I would like a … a floatie."

"We'll make it happen, Sal."

"Would they work for skeletons, as well?" Jack asked, feeling oddly left out.

Ivy snorted. "Tell you what, Jack, if I can find one that'll fit your gangly ass, it's yours."

The owner of the gangly ass sniffed indignantly, but fell silent, choosing instead to enjoy the sight of his friends.

Finally, hours later, Ivy woke from an impromptu cat nap, stretching and blinking into awareness. Jack stifled a smile at the sight from where he stood in the river, allowing the tiring children to climb up his limbs and dive off his shoulders. Sally sat on the edge of the bridge, her legs swinging freely over the side.

"Ugh." The human grumbled, pushing herself upright, then freezing, one finger poking her face and causing an immediate groan. "Oh, damn it."

"What is it?" Jack allowed the last child to stand on his hands and launched them into the air, then stepped out, rolling his pant legs down. It wouldn't do to ruin Sally's handiwork, after all. "Are you alright?"

Ivy stared up at him, a grumpy expression on her red face. "Sunburn," she mumbled, getting to shaky legs. "And, ow, headache. Serves me right for sleeping in the sun."

"Sunburn?" The word clicked into his mind and Jack nearly hit himself as he saw Ivy's red and peeling skin with new sockets. "Wait, don't you have a - a potion you use to prevent this?"

Ivy paused from brushing the dirt off her shirt to shoot him a look of pure disgust. "What, sunscreen? I'm not a nerd, Jack, I don't need it."

"Well, clearly, you - don't pick at it!" He shouted, as Ivy peeled a strip from her forearm. "Why do you have to -"

"Guess that one monster was right," Ivy said, blowing bits of loose skin off her arm. "We really do shed sometimes."

"Please stop," Jack all but begged, shedding his Hawaiian shirt and tossing it over her head, as though to prevent any more sun rays.

"Hey, Jack, watch." She held up her red arm, then poked it, laughing at the white imprint of her fingers that were left behind. "Ah, that's going to hurt like a bitch in the morning."

"I don't know how to fix this," Jack confessed quietly. Ivy finally looked away from her skin, raising one unimpressed eyebrow. The disapproving look was somewhat lessened by the hem of the red shirt hanging low across her forehead

"Jack, it's fine. It's my own fault, and I'll throw some Aloe Vera on it when I get back - "

"Sally!"

"Oh, god, no -"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An hour and two plants later

Jack disposed of the last few plant stems, humming contentedly to himself. There was a silent stewing happening behind him, and that only made him smile harder.

"Quit smirking," the human's voice grouched. "I feel ridiculous."

"It's for your own good," he chided, turning and leaning against the sink, crossing his arms. The curtains were drawn at Ivy's insistence (and Jack found that it did make the Manor a bit cooler), so only a candle and Jack's night vision allowed him to see the scowl etched on his charge's now-shiny face, the strong smell of aloe vera juice permeating the air. "How were you going to explain getting that way overnight?"

"I'd've figured it out the same way I do everything else," Ivy muttered, and there was a weariness to the tone that gave him pause. He tilted his head and moved to - well, to try and say something, but Ivy seemed to sense the heaviness in her tone and brightened, touching one hand gingerly to her cheek, where a clump of aloe Vera juice lay. "You almost looked like you were having fun today."

That gave Jack a different kind of pause. "Do I not appear to have fun normally?"

"No, 'cause you don't," came the definitive reply.

"I'm consistently in good spirits!"

"Don't bullshit a bullshitter, dude."

"I do wish you'd speak less coarsely."

"And I wish you'd realize I know when you're faking being happy by now, so it looks like we're both disappointed." Ivy's arms crossed, and she gazed at Jack with a familiar piercing gaze. "What's going on with you? You had Sally today, you did your weird little bonding moment, why isn't that a good thing?"

"It is," Jack rushed. "I - it was… enjoyable, today, I suppose."

"Oh, high praise."

"Let me finish, please."

Ivy rolled her eyes but fell silent.

"Surely you remember the amount of things I'm responsible for in regards to running Halloween," Jack began, hoping that Ivy's memory wasn't failing her again. At her nod, he continued. "I can't afford to be lax in my days!"

"Yeah, but you also set the mood for the rest of the Town," Ivy argued, forgetting her promise to be silent (as usual). "If you're always high-strung and on the move, who's gonna be the voice of reason? We already have the Mayor for all the anxious nonsense, we don't need two of you."

"Hey now -"

"Jack, I think your bones are actually capable of falling apart when you're stressed." Ivy tried to glare at him further, only to immediately wince when it pained her face. "Just -" she took a breath, actually seeming to regain control. "Just - I'm here for you, ok? Like, I don't know how much help I can be, but, uh, I'll do what I can." She hesitated, then reached out to kick his leg.

"I feel the support," Jack responded dryly. Then, before she could make it worse, he hastily added: "and I thank you all the same." He sat beside her, and the two tried to exist with the heavy pressures of deceit and leadership on their shoulders. "And I am here for you as well," he said, as though uncertain.

Ivy laughed quietly, knocking her shoulder against his. "There's never any doubt of that, Bone Boy."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At Sunrise

Ivy's closet was the perfect place for a Gateway - cramped, timeless, and seldom used. Still, that never made it easy for her to materialize inside of it, holding in a swear as she tripped over her shoes and pinwheeling frantically as she was muffled by the clothing. She opened the door and crept out, still feeling the sunburn tighten her skin painfully. The sun was creeping upwards over the village, and Ivy hurried to change from her river-stiff getup into a new shorts and tank top combo, hiding the evidence in the closet. She'd have to find some way to clean them, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

A glance at her watch had her hurrying - she scrambled beneath the covers, now somehow cool, and closed her eyes against the gentle transition from dawn to day. She began to count, slowing her breaths, until the tell-tale signs of her father getting ready for work began. At 250 seconds, her dialed up hearing altered her to the handle of her bedroom door opening as he performed his customary check to see if his daughter was still there. Ivy remained still, her breathing slow once more. The checks were getting more random, less easier to predict, but Ivy hadn't missed it once.

The door shut and Ivy refused to breathe a sigh of relief. Eventually, her papa's footfalls faded down the hall, and Ivy begrudgingly decided to try and get some sleep before facing another tremulous - and no doubt, hot - summer day.

[benisasoftboi]

Just got back from the first night of the Birmingham stop on The Book of Mormon’s current UK tour. Notes:

So Kevin Clay and Connor Peirson as Price and Cunningham - unsurprisingly, both very good, as this is hardly their first stint in those roles. But I’d never seen either of them live before, so that was exciting (UPDATE: someone correctly pointed out that Clay has left and it was actually Robert Colvin. I read the wrong cast list. I’m dumb)

Colvin reminded me a lot of Robert Manion, who I now realise I really, really want to see as Price (I’ve said before that I want Lauren Lopez to play McKinley in the style of Draco Malfoy, can you imagine? Throw in AJ Holmes as Cunningham since he’s done it before, maybe Tiffany Williams as Naba, and Corey Dorris as Mafala, and you’ve got my nerdy dreamcast)

I like that Colvin makes the role his own (some Prices reeeally try to be Andrew Rannells, which I don’t like - I want to see how YOU do it!)

I’ve noticed there are, broadly, two ways the role of Price can be approached, and different Prices will fall somewhere on a spectrum between them. Price has two defining characteristics - he’s very naive, and he’s very arrogant. Actors generally choose one of the two to emphasise. The first is more common, having Price be a very sincere character - he’s definitely self centred, but above anything else he does mean well. He seriously believes in everything he’s doing, and is genuinely crushed and beaten down over the course of the story, only to regain his optimism at the end in a new, more mature form. With this approach, Price’s character arc is primarily about him learning to be more realistic. The other approach is to focus on his arrogance and minimise the naivete. This Price is fully aware that his situation is shitty, and he’s not happy about it. His optimism is a front so people won’t realise how annoyed he is, and it’s desperation to find something that proves that he’s as incredible as he thinks he is that drags him into misery after misery. He is self interested above all else, and it’s only when he learns to care about and listen to other people that he gets to be happy. This Price’s arc is primarily about him learning that he’s not actually the greatest human alive, and that other people matter too

I’ve seen both versions of Price, and others that fall somewhere between (Rannells is probably the most middle ground, unsurprisingly, as he’s the originator). Colvin leans on the naive side, but with just enough immature whining and self-aggrandising that he’s not quite at the extreme (of the Prices I’ve personally seen, the naive extreme is Adam Bailey. The arrogant extreme is Stephen Rolley)  

Side note, is it not SO COOL that the same character, with the same script, can have a totally different journey based nothing more than subtle changes to line delivery, facial expressions and general demeanour? I love theatre

Little things - he greeted his dad in Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, his All American Prophet was fantastic, and he tried to make the General dance with him

Connor Peirson is excellent at physical comedy. Cunningham is another role where the actors sometimes try to be the originator, and again this was thankfully not done

His final name for Naba was ‘Nigel Farage’, which is pretty standard for UK productions, but it always kills, and tonight was no exception

His Cunningham was a little more low key and sassy than I’ve seen others do, which was interesting

Tom Xander is probably still my favourite Cunningham, mostly because he’s the only one who’s ever managed to act like a convincing 19 year old in my eyes - but that’s just personal preference, Peirson is still very, very good

I LOVED this Nabulungi, played by Nicole-Lily Baisden. She’s far more mature than I’ve ever seen a Naba before, and I honestly really like it. It made the character feel a bit deeper

Her Sal Tlay Ka Siti was much less idealistic and much more desperate than most are, and she was generally pretty serious up until Baptise Me - which makes that song so much sweeter, because we’re getting to see her softer side 

Baptise Me was an audience favourite tonight (though I noticed that they got the water on her dress in the wrong place, oops)

Naba being more serious also makes the Hasa Diga Eebowai reprise that much sadder

She wore a different outfit in Hasa Diga Eebowai than she does in the West End? A pink dress as opposed to a shirt and shorts. I like the West End outfit better

Also, the build up to that song was amusing for me because it was very obvious who in the audience had seen the show before based on when they started laughing at the title phrase

McKinley! I was super excited for this because of the main cast, he’s the only one I’d only ever seen one actor portray (live) (don’t misunderstand, I love Stevie Webb a lot, but it’s fun to see other people’s takes as well). And... I love William Hawksworth a lot too

Not sure if Colvin is tall or Hawksworth is short, but there was a full head’s worth of height difference between them

Also he was not wearing a blue tie, what the hell, how else am I supposed to pick him out when I’m too poor to afford seats where I can properly see their faces

McKinley is yet another character who came across as more serious than usual in this production. He felt older than Webb’s McKinley, and was less sassy and bitchy. But he was also, it should be noted, much, much more camp

Hawksworth’s Moroni, though? Sassy little shit

His delivery of the ‘I have it nightly’ line is my favourite I’ve ever heard. He says it very matter-of-factly, like he doesn’t even realise how messed up it is. Some try to play it up as sad, which I don’t think is in character, he should either do this, or show some awareness that it’s bad, but be trying to brush it off. His whole thing is denial, after all

McPriceley watch: He was very forward with Price, taking every opportunity to get in his personal space, especially on ‘was I in it’. He was visibly grumpy about ‘oh no, I’m not having gay thoughts’. Almost kiss had him notice that Price had put his hand on his arm, and then it was like his brain lagged, he didn’t even try to lean into it until Price had already walked away. Not my favourite take on it, but not bad. Also a little Hell Dream flirting

But, oddly enough, he kind of seemed to have a little thing going with Elder Michaels, of all people (McMichaels?)

And also (and I loved this) the moment Cunningham started doing his prophet thing, he started flirting with Cunningham instead of Price. It was honestly really cute. But like, what a little-

Both he and Price were hit in the face by streamers during Joseph Smith American Moses (where he seemed more irritated by what was happening than anything else). Also, the Mission President was visibly into that song (at first), which I haven’t personally seen done before

He hammed it up a lot in the Hell Dream, blowing kisses and everything

In more general stuff, this particular theatre is designed in such a way that the lighting in You and Me (But Mostly Me) looked better than I’ve ever seen it, go just for that

My audience really loved both Joseph Smith American Moses and Hasa Diga Eebowai. It’s always interesting seeing shows in different places, because different jokes tend to land better depending on where you are. This trip has backed up my previous experiences with going to shows in Birmingham, which is that everyone in this city has a sick sense of humour. It’s great

But they also tend to react really strongly to emotional stuff, lots of awwing Naba and Cunningham. They also really liked the dancing in Two By Two

There was an audible ‘oh NO’ from somewhere in the audience when Naba announced the play. There was also an audible ‘his SUITCASE’ in reference to McKinley at the end (the suitcase was also different from what I’ve seen before, it’s pink on a black background)

There were some mistakes in Spooky Mormon Hell Dream - Price missed his final line, and McKinley’s jacket came undone at the back. He tried to fix it several times to no avail. He probably would have preferred me not have been watching him the whole time, but I like seeing how actors deal with that sort of thing, so sorry, William Hawksworth, but I saw it all. Sincere well done for keeping it professional as you desperately tried to subtly reach around your own back

Ran into an actual Mormon outside who tried to recruit me

So overall, if you’re still here after all that - this is a really, really good production! Go see it if you live in the Birmingham area! 

Final note - Webb always dabs when the curtain falls. Always. I kept my eyes on Hawksworth. He disco dances. I don’t know who I hate more

[ninjakasuga]

Sonsal Celebration Year 2, Day 4: Choice

Here we go again; prompt number four for day four. I hope everyone is enjoying the fun we’re having with the Sonsal celebration hosted by @boundforfreedomsonsal and hope you all look forward to the rest of the celebration prompts as they come!

Choice: “Nrghh, I can’t make up my mind Sal!”

Sitting in the chair by her desk desk in their bedroom; Sally continued to dry her hair with a towel, while another was wrapped around her figure. Craning her head towards Sonic as he stood by a full-length mirror, with two different dress coats in hand. A small smile curls on her lips as she instantly figured out his problem. “Having trouble deciding on what suit to wear Sonic?”

Turning to face her, the hedgehog’s expression was that of a childish pout, two clicks away from blowing a blood vessel. “I don’t do clothes besides my gloves and shoes on principal, but now I gotta wear a monkey suit. Pants and a shirt and jacket, man it’ll drag me down! Plus, I dunno which of these things looks good, they’re both fancy as heck!” He ranted, holding up, each suit and jacket pair to place emphasis on his points.

As she finished tying the towel around her head, she got up from the chair and walked over her main squeeze, eyeing each outfit as she spoke to him sympathetically. “I know a fancy dinner isn’t your thing, but it’s a dinner with both of our parents and my brother and his family. A family get-together and celebration of our recent good fortunes.” Gently she brought a hand up to run through his head-quills, allowing herself a content smile as he made a soft murring sound and closed his eyes. Obviously enjoying her handiwork very much. “Your Mother’s pregnancy, my Father’s health taking a turn for the better, your Dad being deroboticized, the recent victories.”

“-Getting you back.” He added, opening his eyes, his gaze looking upon her with slight concern. When he didn’t see the ‘dead dread’ in Sally’s eyes, relief flooded Sonic. That was a sign Sally was slowly making progress recovering from the mental distress of that ordeal. Often times bringing it up, she would get quiet, nervous, and starting to relive events in her mind. Putting the two outfits on small hooks on the wall, he turns to face her and takes her hands into his as their eyes meet again. “You good Sal?” He inquired gently, wanting to confirm things were alright regardless.

With a wry smile and a nod, Sally leaned in so their noses brushed together. “I’m good hun, the nightmares happen less and less, and I don’t, start having vivid flashbacks from just bringing it up.” Inching closer, she kissed him, looking deeply into his emerald orbs seeing the worry and love in them for her. “You don’t need to be on eggshells around me with that topic.”

Squeezing her hands the speedy hedgehog let himself chuckle. “Just checkin’ Sal, I know you’re no pushover, but a Hedgehog worries from time to time.”

“Worry no more my love, now as for your outfit woes…” Looking over at the choices, she points to the right one. “That one.”

Eyeballing the outfit, a simple black pair of slacks, and matching sports coat with a white button-up shirt, and a solid red tie. “Why that one?”

“It’s nice and the colors compliment your blue quills and your tan fur.” She replied, reaching up to run a finger along his tan-colored muzzle. “Plus, it’s simple, no extra frills, but stylish, at least I think you’ll make the suit look good.”A laugh erupted from Sonic’s throat, unable to help himself at her compliment. 

“Well, do make cool, look cool so I’ll take your word for it.” He smiled, wide and knowing he was full of bull, to which both of them enjoyed a long chuckle and a hug. “Thanks for the assist hun.”

“Anytime.” Kissing his cheek, she walked over to her own dressing area and removed her towel around her figure. At the wolf-whistle coming from her boyfriend, she looked over her shoulder. “Behave, you’ve seen me fully unclothed plenty of times.”

Waggling his eyebrows, Sonic flashed one of his trademark cocky grins. “Doesn’t mean I ever tire of it. Especially with that tail wagging at me.”

As if to defy him she shook her booty and even wagged her tail, but held up a hand, wagging her finger in a ‘no-no’ gesture. “We have dinner in a few hours. I want to get ready in time. So this time my dear Sonic, fight the urge to jump me. I’m doing the same if it’s any consolation.”

Crossing his arms, the blue hedgehog sighed dramatically. “Oh, aaaalllright. I guess I can not jump my beautiful, smart, sexy, amazing girlfriend this once.” After playfully sticking his tongue at her; to which she had a good laugh, (which made him smile inside) he turned away and walked out of their bedroom to let her finish her ‘fancying up’ without giving into ‘temptation’. 

He wasn’t that bad, well most of the time he wasn’t. Maybe, occasionally he let his ‘lower brain’ do the thinking. After all, who could resist that fluffy tail wagging at them? He sure couldn’t!

“Oh Sonic, you have it bad.” He chuckled to himself, smiling and stopping in the middle of their shared living space, and just, admiring their relatively new home. Not long after his Mother announced her pregnancy; Sally and he had a sit-down and talk about the other… thing that happened that day. Specifically being busted for having a ‘sexy sleepover’ at his folks home. Suffice to say, they were a bit gun-shy about it happening again, and both cringed if there was a repeat concerning Sally’s folks instead of his. Sonic rather liked not being on Max’s bad side, and undoing any respect he gained from both her folks in general nor did they want to wear out any welcome or leeway his parents were already giving them.

So they made a choice and opted to get a home together. Of course, Nicole built it via her nanites, but they both had input on the interior set up and design. It wasn’t much, but it was theirs. The only real hurdle was doing so without stirring up any hubbub with their parents, well more Sally’s than his given their traditional sensibilities. His folks as expected instantly supported the idea, so it was down to a discussion with the Acorns. Suffice to say, Sonic was gobsmacked when Sally and he explained their plans to Max and Alicia, neither objected and gave their blessing.

“All I ask is you keep loving and protecting our daughter as you always have Sonic, and yes you can have our blessing.” Max had said plaintively as if the topic was a simple affair. Alicia chimed in her own words of blessing, and well, boom, here they were. To this day Sonic was still unsure what happened to improve his standing with Sally’s folks but he was grateful for it. Having their own home; felt like a big step in their lives, and one both of them were ready to take.

Oh sure, they had some small arguments about this and that, habits both had that got on the other’s nerves, or each having a preferred method to solving a home issue. Yet for any bickering or actual argument they had, to Sonic it felt like they came out of it wiser, and closer. Cleaning the house, making meals together, tending to the small garden outside, even decorating felt new and another experience to strengthen their bonds. Not to mention the privacy was nice; they could walk around practically naked without care if they wanted, and well the improvement of their sex lives could not be understated.

They’d only been living together for two months now, but it felt longer and, almost magical in how soothing having something that was ‘theirs’ to call their own. Everything gave Sonic optimism about their future co-habitation. In fact, as such optimism swelled in his chest, he walked over to a small alcove and reached into a vase and retrieved a small black box hidden within it. Opening the box, he admired the simple, forged re-sized power ring topped with a special gemstone he recovered on one of his adventures. Closing the box he looked up towards the doorway to the bedroom, wondering if he should wait a bit longer, or make the choice and ask Sally the big question now?

The hedgehog’s answer came almost instantly as his brain seemed to work in tandem with his heart. Smiling, he holds the box behind his back and walks back towards the bedroom. “Hey Sal, got a second?”

“What is it Sonic?”He smiled as he strode in, his tone playful. “Oh, nothing much, just a question I’ve been burning to ask ya’ hun.”

That night, Sonic not only got a resounding ‘YES!’ to his question; but the two were, a little ‘late’ to the dinner party, but luckily for them, they had a proper excuse that made the celebration that night, all the more memorable.

Author Notes: I admit this one gave me some trouble and I found myself kind of ‘adding’ to the actual ‘choice’ into several choices. The first choice being Sonic’s outfit, then the choice of the two acquiring a home together, as well as making the leap to being a live-in couple together. Lastly, Sonic’s deciding to propose to Sally that night.