#audrey watches tos

[warpfactor9]

as a tos-raised trek fan watching tng for the first time, i find myself yearning after the idea of sulu, chekov, uhura, or scotty getting their own slice of life episodes the way data and geordi or deanna occasionally do in tng... it would've been so nice to just follow them around the enterprise for a day watching them in their off-shift hours, getting into their own tomfoolery separate from the full bridge crew

[favvn]

TAG GAME

get to know you better game! answer the questions and tag 9 people you want to know better.

Last song I listened to: still listening to The Correspondents' Fear & Delight (going on +48 hours now ahahahaaa. But the lyrics! Carmelizing them in my brain.)

Currently watching: Star Trek: TOS slowly, yet surely lol (if I'd stop being Compelled to work on/finish other things, I'd be further along)

Currently reading: ....mmm I have very questionable reading habits (multiple books at once, swapping between them if I get bored with one or hit a wall/get read for filth/etc.) but Storygraph tells me I am currently reading

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (the Maude's translation)

My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand

Audrey: Her Real Story by Alexander Walker

Collected Essays: Slouching Towards Bethlehem, The White Album, and After Henry by Joan Didion

And even though I haven't added it yet Erotism: Death and Sensuality by Georges Bataille (I wanted to finish reading it in full before posting about it, but... that post had been cooking since March. If I sat on it any longer, it would've been deleted for good. I'll kick myself later if more pieces stand out, assuming I don't actually drop it)

Currently obsessed with: ....my blog has inadvertantly become a Star Trek blog after years of just being aesthetic stuff. Like. I have hit the Obsession Level of writing fanfic for it (I haven't written since August of 2020! Wow!). Sorry to the people still following from before I watched The Naked Time and wondering when I'll stop trekposting, but I'm alive & having a blast!!

Fave color: still in my yellow phase 💛

Tagged by: @hope-of-enterprise, thank you!

Woof tag nine people uhhh. If you see this & wanna do it, consider yourself tagged by me!

[yamcat]

the ever lovely @saltedpin tagged me in this <3

tag someone you want to get to know better! Or just check in with.

favourite colour: on a whim, i'd say orange, but lime green is up there with it too! but nothing satisfies me more than seeing a bunch of different colours fitting harmoniously together with one another.

last song: involuntarily, pazza musica - marco mengoni & elodie as it was the last song i heard playing as i was leaving my pottery class yesterday and i haven't been able to stop singing it since. voluntarily, mentira - manu chao as i wanted to put on something soothing and his music always calms me down so much. clandestino is one of my favourite albums.

last movie: embarrassingly enough, the lizzie mcguire movie... two of my flatmates and their friend were getting ready for an early 2000s revival party and they wanted to revise some of the staples, so this was the one i happened to watch with them.

currently watching: as in something i have been actually watching these past days, the fourth season of sex education. not my favourite, but i watched the first season when it came out because Gillian Anderson was in it and then actually got interested in some of the characters' storylines. AND also king the land with my flatmates, which i am enjoying a lot. i WAS also watching the fiery priest together with @saltedpin when i was over there, and watched a few episodes when i got back, but i was missing her too much and it didn't feel the same so i put it on hold. OH and i should definitely go back to watching the untamed too, GOD I MISS nie huisang the most...

other stuff i watched this year: oh god, more movies and series that i initially thought... i've rewatched tiger&bunny at the beginning of the year and I have been watching my favourite star trek tos episodes here and there... i have watched tear along the dotted line, as i really like the comic artist who wrote it. i have watched some of the hit movies that came out this year, such as barbie, across the spiderverse (which i LOVED) and, my favourite because it was just too funny, the pope's exorcist. watched almost all of the available somebody feed phil episodes. watched the dungeons and dragons movie because i missed chris pine and actually enjoyed it. OH i went to the far east film festival in Udine last spring so i saw a bunch of movies there too. and many other ones i have no memory of as of now because my memory is not the best.

shows i dropped this year: umhhh, not anything that i remember? i don't really start shows that i know i won't be into, but i do watch things casually sometimes if my flatmates are watching them and then don't really care about keeping up with them.

currently reading: the singer not the song by audrey e. lindop, that @saltedpin gifted me because she thought i might have liked it too and she was absolutely right. oh i am also reading skip to loafer and it's been such a lovely read.

umh i tag @rabbit-habits, @extra-rancid, @chalkythetalkie, @liquid-valo and whoever wants to do this, of course without any obligation to actually do it :)<3

[the-leech-lord]

STIMBOARD MASTERLIST PART 1

Horror

Freddy Krueger

The Fifth Floor

Slashers

Transfem Leatherface

Chop Top

Camp Counselor Jason Voorhees

Harry Warden

Scream

Buck from Eaten Alive

Dr Andover from Fear Clinic

Erik Destler (1989)

Catboy! Freddy Krueger

Kamen Rider Den-O

Momotaros

Urataros

Kintaros

Ryuutaros

Sieg

Deneb

Ryoutarou

Kamen Rider Build

Kamen Rider Build

Kamen Rider Build Hazard Form

Kamen Rider Grease

Evolt Black Hole Form

Bloodstalk

Kamen Rider Revice

Kamen Rider Revi

Kamen Rider Vice

Kamen Rider Evil / Kagero

Star Trek The Original Series

Jim Kirk

S’Chn T’Gai Spock

Leonard McCoy

Montgomery Scott

Nyota Uhura

Hikaru Sulu

Pavel Chekov

Genderbend Spock

Star Trek The Next Generation

Jean-Luc Picard

William Riker

Data Soong

Geordi La Forge

Deanna Troi

Beverly Crusher

Worf

Wesley Crusher

Q

Q (Anti Stims)

Robert Englund characters

Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street

Willie from V

Blackie from Nightmare Cafe

Buck from Eaten Alive

Dr Andover from Fear Clinic

Smiley from The Adventures of Ford Fairlane

Erik Destler from Phantom of the Opera (1989)

Catboy! Freddy Krueger

Huniepop

Aiko Yumi

Audrey Belrose

Beli Lapran

Jessie Maye

Kyanna Delrio

Lola Rembrite

Nikki Ann-Marie

Tiffany Maye

Celeste

Momo

Venus

Kyu Sugardust

Cringetember

Genderbend - Spock

Fursona - Vance

Goth - Tarn

Self Insert - Questionnaire

OC x Canon - Kaon X Cable

Yandere - Erik Destler

Neko - Freddy Krueger

Tumblr Sexyman - The Warden

Crossover Ship - Elsa X Thrax

Niche Interest - Comic Collecting

Hananaki Disease - Flowerfell Frisk

Maid dress - Tohru

Sailor Uniform - Konata Izumi

Scene - TFA Random Blitzwing

Crossover - Star Trek TOS x Green Lantern

Rainbow - Rainbow Dash

Emo - Mafuyu Asahina

Evil Version of a Good Character - Cupcakes Pinkamena

Edgelord - Underfell Papyrus

Gijinka - Parasect

Hetalia - America

Creepypasta - Laughing Jack

My Little Pony - Princess Cadence

Undertale - Sans & Papyrus

Undertale AU - Errortale Sans

Five Nights At Freddy’s - Withered Bonnie

Vocaloid - Big Al

Invader Zim - Gir

South Park - Tweek Tweak

Soul Eater - Death the Kid

Death Note - L

Masterlist Part 2

[dragonsandducks]

[descendantofthesparrow]

Happy Birthday to me~ Harry Hook x reader - oneshot

*kinda apart of rewrite but its after d3, no spoilers but-yeah*

=

You awoke to your phone alarm going off, the sound of birds chirping just outside your window. You let out a deep yawn and turned over after hitting snooze, using your hand as a sleep mask as the sun hit your face.

You heard your door open a moment later and you were too tired to even smile but you could feel it at your lips, hearing Harry whisper to himself as he tip-toed over to you. “she’s so cute” he chuckled to himself, carefully climbing onto your shared bed and kissing your cheek “love? It’s mornin’ and~ guess wha’?!” you hummed and peeked at him, smiling at his excited look (you akined it to a German shepherd or a pit bull, with that adorable grin).

“um-its national doughnut day?” you croaked out, reaching up with your free hand and stroking Harry’s cheek. He just grinned and shook his head, kissing your cheek.

“Happy birthday my love” he whispered, curling his arms around you and picking you up to sit in his lap. The blanket slid off your shoulders and into your lap, and you hummed; resting your head in the crook of Harry’s neck. “wha’ do yeh want ta do today?”

You grumbled a bit, closing your eyes. Harry chuckled, rubbing your back “yeh can't sleep more darlin’, I have breakfast all ready fer ya, buttermilk cinnamon swirl pancakes~” your eyes snapped open and you pecked Harry's cheek, leaping off his lap and bolting out of your room to the kitchen, Harry’s cackle following you.

You lept over (pets name), who followed you as you slid into the kitchen, grinning at the stack of still steaming pancakes that sat on the counter; out of reach from (pets name).

“yum~” you sang out, grabbing a plate and then some of the cakes, sitting down at the table, lathering them in your favorite toppings. Harry smiled as he joined you, spreading butter and syrup on his pancakes and digging in, leaning on his hand with his eyes bright as he watched you enjoy your birthday breakfast.

“so what’s the plan for today?” you asked with a mouthful of heaven, Harry chuckling as he poured himself a glass of apple juice.

“well, me sisters are gonna stop by, we’re gonna go to a theme park” you grinned at that, the two of you since before vk day, had hardly any time off; with your work with Ben and Harry’s work as a model, it was hard to even spend time with one another. And riding coasters was exactly what the doctor ordered “Uma n Gil are gonna join us there ‘round one, then fer dinner we’re all going to ruby’s”

You danced in your seat, happy at the plans laid out before you for your 20th birthday. Audrey’s birthday was also today, but she had her own plans; but the two of you had dinner the night before to celebrate each other so the other didn’t feel bad about missing anything the day of.

A few minutes after you and Harry had finished breakfast, and were getting dressed to head out to the theme park, a knock came at the door. “I got it!” you yelled, shoving your boot on and skipping to the door, Harry closed the door to your shared room so his sisters didn’t have to see him butt-ass naked.

Opening the door you were tackled, Cjs, thick blonde hair blocking your vision “happy birthday!” she squealed, Harriet patting your head as she passed you. You hummed at her and squeezed CJ, releasing her as Harry stepped out of your room and went to greet his sisters.

-

Hours later, you and Harry returned home, tired but happy with how the day went. Harry went into the kitchen as you sluggishly pulled off your shoes and tossed them somewhere for you to find in the dead of night by tripping over them.

“love?” Harry called, catching your attention and you moved over to his voice, a tired yet excited smile breaking across your lips as Harry held up a mid-sized (fav kinda) cake with several candles on top of it “Happy birthday (y/n)” you blew out the candles and kissed Harry, who hummed and set the cake down on the counter before cupping your face and deepening the kiss, tilting his head and molding his lips to yours.

You pulled away and pecked his lips quickly, clapping your hands as you twisted around to look at the cake “cake cake~” Harry chuckled, wrapping his arms around you and holding you tightly.

“alrigh’ alrigh’, lemme get a knife”

-

You kissed Harry’s cheek as the movie on your bedroom tv played its credits, Harry sound asleep against your chest as you ran your hand through his hair. “goodnight my love, thank you for today” you whispered, turning off the tv and settling into bed, Harry’s head coming to rest in the crook of your neck as his arms mindlessly wrapped around you.

What a great end to a great birthday

-end-

i turn 20 today~ yeaaaah~~~!!!!!

permtaglist

@queer-cosette​ @sephiralorange​ @lunanight2012​

@daughter-of-the-stars11​ @musicarose​ @random-thoughts-003​

@remembered-license​ @rintheemolion​ @imtryingthisout​ @thecaptainsgingersnap​ @jatp-rules-my-life​ @verboetoperee​

@saryguerrero​

[violetmuses]

Partner || Rick Flag (A "Parachute" Drabble)

J Krew: @nerdysuperchick @a-reader-and-a-writer @babblydrabbly @lacontroller1991 @shadowkittybucky @loverhymeswith @justin-hammers @weallhaveadestiny @xoxabs88xox @katjnordstrom96

=====

2016

Lorraine Tucker-Flag

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - Audrey Hepburn

“What are we doing, Lorraine? I still can't see anything.” Chuckling through his Southern accent between words, Rick nearly tip-toed forward with each passing step.

“Just take a few more steps. Keep listening to my voice.” I covered his face with both hands and guided him not too far away from the house.

“Okay.” He settled down, unarmed here at home and waiting to hear me again.

“Go ahead and look now.” I announced, taking my hands away from his face.

“Oh, shit! Is that a dock?” Rick asked. As for me now, I then tried my best not to giggle and give myself away.

“Yeah, but look out further on the lake. What do you see?” I continued, hoping that Rick would connect the dots soon.

“There’s a boat. Wait, what did you do?” Humored, Rick narrowed his perfect hazel eyes towards me and folded both arms.

“Nothing.” I shrugged, still playing along and winking underneath the fraying brim of my husband’s Task Force X cap.

“Lori, I always wanted one of these. Thank you.” He unraveled his stance of frustration and took my hands, watching with those pretty eyes again as summertime heat casted over us both.

“Happy birthday, Baby.” We stood feet away from the dock and kissed, celebrating his return home.

[syms-things-5]

Clear The Area - Chapter Eighteen

Previous Chapter Here

Notes: So sorry this took me an age to get out. Thanks for sticking with me. We’re in the end game now... 

Warnings: Heavy language. Angst. 

Tags: @jennmurawski13 @kelbabyblue

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 

Sarah was trying her hardest to get out of Lisa’s birthday weekend. Really trying. She couldn’t remember the last time she had put this much effort into something that wasn’t related to work or getting to a finish line she’d imposed upon herself while out on a run. 

She wasn’t a very creative person either. Not when it counted. She spent three days pathetically dropping hints that she was coming down with something. Scott dismissed it at first, insisting the fresh air would do her some good. She went as far as to suggest she was feeling quite nauseous so perhaps a five-hour-plus car journey might not be the best idea. Only she had downplayed it to such an extent, she inadvertently removed the problem from the table. 

She also tried the whole “it should be a family event” thing, but Shanna told her she was family and that she should stop mithering and start packing. 

Things got a little desperate. She wasn’t proud of herself but when Audrey had told her about a falling-out she’d had with Michael, well, it would be stupid to lose that golden opportunity. So, she told Shanna she was thinking of offering to stay and support her dear, dear friend and colleague but, with a glint in her eye, Audrey insisted it wasn’t that big of a problem. She was definitely off Sarah’s Christmas card list now. 

Truth be told, she didn’t have a legitimate reason to avoid the break. She couldn’t deny the prospect of having the entire apartment to herself for four days was enticing, though. She could enjoy some rare peace and quiet. She could read a book in a long, hot bubble bath without Shanna perching by the side and regaling her with the latest issues in her romantic life. She could cook and eat seafood without worrying about giving her best friend an allergic reaction. She could also lounge around in her pyjamas all day, or maybe even naked. 

No, not naked. She was never one for that idea. 

Carly had been filling the family WhatsApp with game ideas; some solo, some in teams. All kid-friendly, which was a speciality of the Evans’ clan. Lisa had planned a long hike for the Sunday morning followed by what sounded like an extravagant picnic with champagne, quiche and foot-long subs. She also sent a picture of three humongous bags of marshmallows, the size of small children, and suggested they could sit round a camp fire on the evening they arrive. That was assigned to Chris as his first job. 

There was also the small issue of a massive hot tub. Thanks to a new reliance on fast food during her late shifts, Sarah wasn’t much a fan of her body at the present time. That was another thing she’d have to contend with. She loved the family but forced fun in bathing suits was not really her “thing”. 

“If we get there early, we can bagsy the attic room.” Shanna suggested, nose in a gossip magazine. Sarah nodded in agreement while keeping her eyes on the television. “I’ll be damned if Scott gets it all to himself again.” 

“Sure thing.” Sarah replied, acting nonchalant and biding her time once more before she could raise again the possibility of her not going with them. 

“Don’t get anything out for dinner tonight. We’re heading to mom’s in a couple of hours. I hope that’s OK.” 

“Sure. Wait, what?” Sarah did a double take at Shanna, her face now fully hidden by her magazine. 

“Sorry!” She peaked out over the top of the page. “I forgot to say earlier but Mom wanted to have dinner at hers tonight so we can go through the itinerary in full. Make sure everyone knows what they’re bringing. I said it’d be cool ‘cos you weren’t working.” Her tone was apologetic. “You’re not doing anything, are you?” 

No, she wasn’t doing anything. And she couldn’t think of anything either. There was literally no thoughts running through her mind at that time. None that offered her any help whatsoever. Blank. Stupid, fucking, dumbass. 

“Yeh, no, of course. Makes sense.” She responded after a second had passed. She silently blew out a long breath and sank further into the couch. 

* 

When Shanna had said they were having dinner, Sarah figured it would be one of Lisa’s massive pot pies followed by the biggest tub of Neapolitan ice cream she could find. Something easy and comfortable that wouldn’t get in the way of the more pressing matters at hand, namely finalising plans for her birthday weekend. She was most certainly not expecting candles and a table runner, the fancy anniversary cutlery and four or five bottles of expensive red wine. Lisa had even added some fresh flowers as a centrepiece. 

Sarah looked down at her ripped black jeans and grey t-shirt and felt woefully under-dressed. She scolded Shanna with an annoyed look that didn’t go unnoticed. 

“I didn’t know she was planning some fancy thing, did I?!” Shanna whispered as they hung up their jackets in the hallway. “You know what she’s like.” 

Sarah did know what she was like so, really, she should have known better.

Shanna nudged her out of the way to walk into the kitchen and give her mother a hug, leaving Sarah standing in the doorway feeling like a potato and not sure how to make use of herself. She could hear Scott get beaten loudly by Carly’s husband on a computer game. She glanced her head inside the living room and waved at them, watching as they offered muffled sounds as acknowledgement of her greeting. Chris didn’t seem to be anywhere around yet which gave her some mild comfort at least. In fact, nearly a whole hour went by before he arrived. A light, summer shower had started outside and his arrival was announced to all by Lisa’s shrill tone instructing him to take his shoes off before walking on her newly shampooed carpet.  

“Yeh, ma, I got it. Gimme a break…” 

“Did you bring that picnic blanket I asked you to find? The one you brought last year? The large, tartan one?” 

 Chris gave his mother a confused look before she audibly sighed. “I asked you about it yesterday? I texted you earlier to remind you? Jesus….” 

 He shrugged off his sport jacket, placing it on top of Sarah’s, and toed his boots off before ambling into the dining room to join the others. 

 “She’s on one again.” Scott whispered to him as Chris took a seat beside him, across from Sarah and Shanna. “She called me three times this morning alone to remind me to pick up plastic cups and plates. Like I’m gonna forget something she’s messaged me about, like, a hundred times.” 

 “That’s nothing. You should see the list of jobs she’s given to Miles and Ethan.” Michael joined in. 

 “But they’re only kids.” Scott questioned him, half surprised and half...not so surprised. His memory suddenly recalled all kinds of jobs he was forced to do as a young boy, raking lawns and cleaning the family car. Michael just shrugged back at him, rolling his eyes knowingly. Scott looked between Shanna and Sarah, worrying for what she’ll impose upon them all next. 

 “She hasn’t given me any jobs yet.” Shanna said. She almost sounded offended at being left out of the menial work. The room fell silent as everyone else slyly eyed each other. “Oh, right. Thanks guys.” 

 “Hey, your job is to read the maps so we get there in one piece.” Scott finally broke the awkward silence. 

 “And Sarah? What’s Sarah’s job? I don’t think she’s been asked to do anything either.” 

 “Her job is to make sure you’re reading the map the right way around.” Chris interrupted and the room descended into fits of laughter. Shanna merely leaned back in her chair, folded her arms and cast a mental curse on her older brother. Sarah tried hard to mask a smirk that didn’t go unseen by Chris. 

 Pointedly ignoring his sister, Chris reached for the open bottle of wine closest to him. He leaned his arm across the table and offered Sarah a glass. “Want a top-up?” 

 They made eye contact for the first time in what felt like ages and he smiled at her, a slight crease appearing in the corners of his eyes so she knew it was genuine. “No, I’m OK. Better pace myself.” 

 They hadn’t seen each other, hadn’t messaged each other, in over a week. She was grateful for the break. He looked good, though. Lean and sculpted to a point that was inhuman or, at the very least, unfair to an average human being. A couple of weeks of working out and his body seemed to ping back to what it once was. It was like watching elastic snap into place. Sarah suddenly felt every single extra pound clinging to her thighs. Whenever she gained weight, it always seemed to land there. It was annoying and proved nearly impossible to remove no matter how often she ran. 

 “The hell is this?” Chris asked. He finally noticed the smooth table runner stretching out in front of him. “Are we expecting someone official?” 

 “Just keep quiet and let her do her thing.” Scott pleaded with him quietly before connecting eyes with Shanna and Sarah, everyone seemingly thinking the same thing. “Let’s try to get out of here in one piece, yeh?” 

 “What took you so long to get here, Chris?” Lisa asked as she walked back into the dining room carrying a large tray of what looked like bread rolls. She placed it down in the centre before moving to the side table to gather the salt and pepper grinders. 

 “Oh, it was just a work call.” He shrugged, confident enough in his manner that the conversation didn’t go any further. Scott elbowed him seemingly without anyone else noticing but Chris brushed him off with a shake of his head. He rested his chin on his hand as he took stock of what was in front of him, Sarah included. 

 His beard was thicker and apparently untended to, Sarah noticed, now that things had quietened down. He glanced at her through his lashes as things grew quiet and Lisa started dishing out vegetables to everyone. Lisa had a particular way of handling large family dinners – lessons learned from cooking for many kids over the years. You knew to wait until everyone had something on their plate before making moves for any more. It all smelled delicious. As unnerved as Sarah felt with the formality laid out in front of her, she had to admit she was looking forward to some proper home-cooked food. 

 Chris kept looking at Sarah, hands folded in her lap, polite as always, waiting for everyone else to go in front of her. He saw Michael help himself to three bread rolls before passing the plate back round to Lisa. Michael was a tall, hefty man whose appetite never seemed to be affected by anything. Even when he had horrendous flu that left him in bed for a fortnight, he still managed to put a lot away. He had never once experienced food poisoning. 

 “If you’re waiting for everyone else, there’ll be nothing left.” Chris spoke as he leaned in towards her so she could hear him over the sounds of cutlery and enjoyment. “Just go for it.” 

 She smiled shyly back at him and thanked Lisa for cooking what appeared to be a mini-feast. 

 “Can you pass the butter, please?” Shanna asked as she reached her arm over Sarah’s plate, forcing Sarah to lean back in her chair. She stretched her other arm out for the gravy that Scott was currently pouring over his plate. 

 “You’re always so polite.” Chris chuckled. “Shan, can you stop getting in the way and let the poor girl eat.” 

 “Huh?” Shanna questioned, unaware of what was going on. 

 “You’re getting in her way.” 

 “No, she’s fine. It’s fine.” Sarah quickly interrupted as she sensed him bristle with frustration. 

 He looked at her for another second before shaking his head. Shanna threw her brother a look of puzzlement but Scott appeared just as confused by his sudden tone.

 “Bet this beats McDonald’s, eh Sarah?” Carly said, before giggling to herself. 

“You’re telling me. I can’t remember the last time I ate something green and fresh.” 

 “Michael is so jealous.” 

 Michael’s ears perked up as he turned to his wife and Sarah. “Damn straight. Being only able to eat burgers and fries is, like, the dream scenario.” 

 “Why have you been on so many night shifts lately anyway?” Chris asked, a mouth full of chicken, placing the spotlight firmly on her. 

 She tried to shrug it off, act casually. “Audrey needed some extra support and I figured it would do me good to work in a few more nights. I always seem to manage to get out of them.” 

She was fast hoping Lisa would start discussing the impending trip to distract everyone but no such luck. 

 This felt like it was going to be a long night. 

 “It gave you time off for this weekend so swings and roundabouts, eh?” Shanna added. “Speaking of which, is there anything you need us to do for the trip, Mom? I noticed everyone else has jobs and lists except for us.” Shanna inquired, not quite able to hide the mild accusatorial tone creeping into her words. 

 “Um, no, I don’t think so, honey. Just trying to keep it as casual as possible.” 

Scott nearly choked out a chunk of potato. Chris, side-eyeing Michael’s increasingly red face, tried his hardest not to bark out in laughter. It was tough. Lisa noticed it, too. Choosing to ignore it, she turned back to her daughter. 

 “I meant that things are under control now so there’s no need to add to the pile. As long as you get there on time, that’s all I’ll ask for.” 

 Shanna wasn’t feeling convinced and the smug grin now on Chris’ face wasn’t helping to reassure her either. She turned to Sarah to see if she was thinking the same thing as her but Sarah just kept her eyes on the plate of food in front her, hoping that if she continued eating and finished as quickly as possible, she could get home again. 

 “I can do something, Mom.” She protested. “I could bring that lawn bowling game again?” 

 “Actually, Michael has one of those. It’s a bit newer and the skittles are heavier so the wind won’t keep knocking them over.” Carly spoke up before glancing apologetically at her sister. “He just got it from a friend at work, so… No biggie.”  

“What about wine and drinks? We could stop off on the way up?” 

 “I put an order in for all of that.” Lisa responded with a casual wave of her hand. “It’ll be here the day before so I’ll pack it up here before we set off. Speaking of which, anyone for more wine?” 

 Shanna remained quiet as the family conversed about nothing in particular. Carly was talking about some game the kids at school had taught her that might be fun for the weekend but nothing could remove the unease surrounding her sister. Sure, Shanna wasn’t the most reliable when it came to shopping lists and sticking to plans but it was unlike Lisa not to call upon her for something, no matter how small and inconsequential it might be. 

 Attention turned from one brother to the next as discussions about carpooling took over. Chris really wanted to use the trip as an excuse to take his new Audi for a drive but with all the gear he and Scott had to bring, there wasn’t much room for anything or anyone else. 

 “Except maybe Sarah?” Chris posed the question, keeping it casual. “You could tag along with us and then Shanna could go with mom, I guess.” 

 “I was thinking of hiring a car myself actually.” Chris looked surprised at Sarah’s sudden offer. She hated driving. “We could take some of the load off everyone else then. Lisa? We could pack up some of your stuff?” 

 Sarah had loosely discussed this with Shanna some time ago but they had ultimately decided against it because, well, she really hated driving. Now, however, sensing her friend’s growing despondency, she figured it might help her feel more useful. Plus, it would give Sarah some control over when they could head back home again. 

 Shanna looked at her friend and smiled gratefully. 

 “That’s very kind of you, Sarah. I supposed you both could go on ahead and get the keys from Maggie and we could meet you there soon after? I said we would be getting there some time around the early afternoon if that’s alright with you both?” Lisa requested, opening another bottle of wine. Shanna nodded, a smile wide on her face now and she felt a sense of relief. 

 Sarah mentally calculated backwards from “early afternoon” and reasoned they would need to be up and out of the apartment by 7am at the latest. Suddenly, her role in proceedings made more sense where Shanna was concerned. She gladly accepted a new glass of wine and made a mental note to contact the car rental in the morning. 

 “You know who you should ask about renting cars?” Scott asked. “Greg, of course! I bet he knows a guy who knows a guy who is the son of the guy that started Mercedes. Or something. Either that or he probably has shares in Hertz.” 

 Sarah rolled her eyes at him, laughing. He probably wasn’t wrong. 

 “OK there, brother. You need to ease up on the wine” Chris pushed Scott’s glass further away and patted him on the back. “There you go, little sis. Looks like you have a job after all.” 

 A clear sign of Chris’ irritation was when he chose to be patronising. Shanna was taken aback by his tone and Sarah felt her friend sink back into her chair, irritated. Sarah raised her eyebrow at him but all he did was shrug, playing innocent. Not his strong point. 

 The room stayed silent for a little while as people finished up their meals. As much as she originally wanted to pace herself, Sarah didn’t object when Scott filled her glass up yet again. He turned in his chair to place the empty bottle on the side table alongside the others. It was then that Sarah noticed all of the other empties. Had they really drunk that much? In little more than an hour? She clocked the time and there still seemed to be plenty of food left. They would be travelling much of it home as afters at this rate. Chris left the room briefly and returned with a couple of beers for him and Michael. 

 “What are you gonna do with all this left-over food, ma?” Chris asked as he sat back down indicating a second tray of roast potatoes that had so far gone untouched. 

 “Please don’t let us take any.” Sarah joked, holding her hands up in playful protest. 

 “What?” Scott asked before laughing. He looked at his sister before smiling broadly at Sarah as he watched her cheeks blush red. 

“Oh, she’s feeling self-conscious about her weight.” Shanna answered, nudging her under the table. That was helpful of her, thought Sarah. She could feel herself heating up as they all looked at her, waiting for her to speak up again. Chris took a swig of beer from his bottle and leaned his forearm on the table. 

“No way in hell are you fat, Sarah. That’s ridiculous.” Scott combatted. “You’re really trim, being on your feet all day. I’d love to give you my fit-bit some time. I’d probably gain a few thousand steps.” 

 Sarah laughed out loud. “Thank you, Scott. Can we please change the subject?” 

 “So, you’ll be wearing a two-piece, yeh?” Chris asked. She turned to look at him suddenly before chuckling nervously. 

 “Um, I have no idea yet. Are we even going to use the hot tub?” 

 “I won’t be.” Lisa laughed. 

 “Oh, we all definitely will! It’s the height of summer and that thing can fit a dozen people. Ample room for comfort!” Scott enthused. He should be a salesman. 

 “And it’d be a real shame if you didn’t join in, Bernette.” 

 She felt her skin heat up under Chris’ gaze as he attempted to hide the fact he was looking at her by taking another long swig from his beer bottle. “I’m not apologising for that by the way. As a man and your friend, I can say that and you can’t get mad at me.” 

 “What?” Scott asked. It was a valid question in the circumstances. “What a…weird thing to say.” Scott laughed a little uncomfortably but Chris didn’t break eye contact with Sarah. 

 “So,” Michael attempted to add some humour back into the room. “Bet it’s nice sleeping during the daytime now you’re on lates? I used to love lazing around the house when I did them.” 

 Scott nodded enthusiastically in agreement, slapping his hand on the table. “I remember night shoots on this one TV drama I did a few years ago and honestly, the sleep I got the next day was the best ever. I don’t know why but I always tend to sleep better in the daytime.” 

 “Funny, that’s what your teachers used to say.” Chris joked, swigging his beer. Lisa giggled and fondly touched her son’s elbow. 

 “Oh ha ha ha. You’re so funny. I swear if you’re this amusing this weekend, I might not survive my sides splitting open.” Scott rolled his eyes. “Which reminds me, we should figure out rooms now so there’s no fighting on the day. No way am I sharing with this idiot.” 

 “You only wanna do that ‘cos you know we’ll be there first and we will be bagsying the attic this time.” Shanna thumbed the space between her and Sarah. 

 “You don’t deserve the attic.” Chris pointed. “You’ll be half-cut the entire weekend, like last time. You won’t enjoy the space or the views.” 

 “Excuse me? What do you care?” Shanna retorted. 

 “You spent a whole day in bed with a hangover last time. If you’re gonna be sharing with Sarah, it’s not fair on her to have to look after you. Again. It’ll spoil her weekend as well.” He explained. “She deserves a break just as much as you do.” 

 Shanna looked aghast at her friend before regarding her brother again. She shook her head in disbelief. “I can handle my drink, OK? I was just gonna say that it wouldn’t be fair if Scott got that room all to himself. Especially if he’s on his own again.” 

 “Thanks sis.” 

 “Sorry, Scott. But…y’know. If anything, Mom should have it.” She suggested, looking towards her mother in hopes that she might appreciate the offer.

“Thanks sweetie but I’ll be staying in the guest house this time. With Carly, Mikey and the kids.” 

 “Since when?” Chris asked, surprised. 

 “We just figured it would be easier this time around. Plus, I can help with the kids and you guys can sort breakfast for us all. Get your pancake apron out again, hun.” She winked at him, sipping her wine. 

 “Chris is a great tosser.” Shanna said under her breath. 

 “Shanna….” Lisa nudged her. 

 “Wait, so does this mean we get a room each then?” Scott interrupted. He wasn’t even sure of what he was saying as the wine haze gradually descended over him. “Sarah?” 

 “I have absolutely no idea.” 

 “I’ve lost track of what’s going on now.” Scott said. 

 “That doesn’t answer the question of who gets the attic, though?” Shanna asked, a little whinier than she had intended. 

 “If Sarah and I take the downstairs rooms, we can figure out breakfast in the mornings.” Chris suggested. “And you can have your precious attic. That makes it easier, right? Does that make you happy, Shanna? Good.” 

 “What’s crawled up your ass and died this evening?” Shanna asked, irritated. 

“Oh my god, Shanna, it’s a fucking bedroom.” He practically spitted. “You keep dragging everything out and making everything into a bigger deal than it needs to be.” 

 “No, I’m not!” 

 “Yes, you are! I’m just making the decisions so we can all move the fuck on.” 

“Chris!” Lisa reprimanded her son and regretted over-ordering on the wine. 

 “It’s alright now.” Sarah attempted to calm things down. “I think we’ve pretty much figured it out so it’ll be fine.” Carly nodded and nudged Michael to offer something by way of support but he looked just as baffled by the tension as she did. 

 Chris landed his bottle on the table hard. “Sarah, you don’t need to keep standing up for her. She’s a big girl. She should be able to figure it out now without you babysitting her all the goddamn time.” 

 “What?!” Shanna also slammed her glass down on the table and looked to Scott and Carly for some back-up but they both seemed frozen to their respective spots. “I don’t need babysitting.” 

 “OK, guys. Dessert? I have pecan pie and or ice cream?” Lisa offered, standing up from her seat and making a shade more noise than necessary in the hope it might snap the kids out of whatever funk they were in. 

 Chris glared at his sister a beat too long and she returned the favour before turning away with a look of disgust. “You’re gonna be heaps of fun this weekend, I can tell.” Shanna shrugged. “Clearly, I’m not the one we need to be concerned with. Maybe it’s you that needs babysitting?” 

 “Fuck you!” Chris stressed, just low enough to miss his mother’s ears. 

Carly’s eyes grew wide in shock and for a second, Chris looked like he might apologise. Sarah reached a hand under the table to gently tap Shanna on her leg. Shanna felt it but didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, she leant on her elbow and rubbed her earlobe between her thumb and forefinger, a sure sign she was feeling upset and possibly trying to stop tears forming. Sarah tried to get Chris’ gaze back on her but he continued eying his sister, no apology yet materialising. He was a loose cannon when he was in this mood and she didn’t much want to stick around and find out what might happen if he downed another beer. 

 “We should probably think about heading home, Shan. I’ll check for an Uber.” Sarah stated. 

 “Don’t do that, I’ll give you a lift, hun. It won’t take long. We can have some pie and then go if you like.” Carly offered with a wink and for the first time that evening, Sarah noticed she hadn’t been drinking. 

 “Always looking out for you, aren’t we?” Chris said, lowly. 

 “Do you wanna calm down?” Shanna asked. 

 “I am calm.” Chris replied. “I’m just having a nice time, right? That’s what we’re all doing here, yeh? Sarah?” 

 “Sorry?” 

 “Are you having a good time?” He pressed. 

 She was sure he was leading her into a trap. 

 “I am OK. Sure.” She spoke each syllable carefully, trying to warn him off from whatever his motive was. 

 “I don’t believe you.” 

 She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, or anyone. She held her hands in her lap and paid attention to the air she was now breathing in deeply. 

 “Oh Jesus Christ!” Shanna called out. She was growing more and more frustrated with her brother by the second. 

 “Shanna!” intercepted Lisa. 

 “No! He’s being a dick and I wanna know why!” She turned back to Chris. “What the hell have I done to piss you off?!” 

 He stayed quiet, blocking her voice out. He focussed as much of his energy as he could at Sarah sitting across from him, willing her to look back at him, to let him know it was going to be OK. He swung between feeling regret and feeling practically and absurdly confident. It was the beer obviously. It really felt like a now-or-never moment. Fuck it. 

 “I’m sorry, Sarah.” 

 Sarah finally looked up at him, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. Her feet felt like they were weighed down with concrete to the spot underneath. She tried to feel them, to grab at the carpet between her toes. She was pretty sure she could no longer hear what was going on around her as she felt her heart beat inside her ears. 

 “Why are you apologising to her? I’m the one that’s upset!” countered Shanna, jabbing her finger at him, aggressively. 

 He shook his head before looking back at his sister. “I’m sorry, Shanna. I wish there was a better way of saying this but I guess not. I’m just…” 

He paused as he tried to find the words. Sarah felt her heart sink. What felt like goosebumps suddenly appeared up and down her arms. Chris looked at her again. Scott looked at her, too, picking up on something for the first time but what, he couldn’t work out. Damn that second bottle. 

 “I’m just tired.” Chris offered. Carly looked to Michael but he knew nothing of what was happening. “Of this.” 

 “Is it work again?” Lisa enquired. “Maybe you could work in some time off this time around, so you’re not away from home for as long.” 

 “No, it’s not work, ma. I’m just tired in general. Of a lot of things. People.” He pronounced each syllable as clearly as he possibly could. “And I know it sounds pathetic and you’re probably thinking I’m being selfish but I really don’t fucking care.” 

 “I…I don’t understand, honey.” 

 “Yeh, what are you talking about?” Shanna turned to her friend but her stare wasn’t quite matched by Sarah who looked like she was waiting for the ground to swallow her whole. “Does anyone know what the hell he’s talking about? Or why I am in the firing line for it all of a sudden?” 

 “Shan, I don’t think-” Scott started but the glare from his sister stopped him in his tracks. Scott looked at Sarah and things started falling into place. For some reason, of all the memories to have at that moment in time, his mind flashed back to standing out on his brother’s terrace on the evening of his birthday party. Chris had been distracted and checking his phone, even more than usual so Scott was certain it had something to do with a girl. Normally, he’d feel a sense of pride at being right but it didn’t feel altogether appropriate in the current circumstances. 

 “What the hell is going on?” Shanna pressed. She looked to Scott who had his gaze fixed firmly on his brother. “Do you know, Scott?” 

 Scott looked to his brother and when Chris met his gaze, he knew. He knew Scott knew, too. Call it brotherly intuition but something had connected for him and Chris was all the more grateful for it. 

 “Do you ever feel tired or dictating everyone else’s happiness?” Chris asked, breaking the silence. 

 Shanna dropped her hands on her lap in frustration. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? When have I ever dictated your happiness?” 

 “Do you even realise what people do for you? Do you ever take notice of everyone around you, going out of their way to make you feel better even if it makes them feel worse? Take tonight for example. Sarah doesn’t even wanna drive this weekend. She fuckin’ hates it, you know this, but she’s doing it anyway so that you can feel useful. It’s pathetic.” 

 “What? You heard her, she just offered.” 

 “Because you’ve been moaning about not having anything to do! If you’d just moved on, shut up, she probably wouldn’t have needed to.” 

 “That’s not true. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Shanna dismissed him. 

 “Why don’t I get the car running and you guys can meet me outside in 5?” Carly proposed, indicating to Sarah that she should try and gather her things, Shanna included. 

 Chris completely ignored Carly. “And you’ve asked her what she wants, right?” 

“Chris, please…” It was pathetic. Sarah knew that. 

 “I just don’t get it, Sarah.” He turned to her with a half-hearted shrug. “I’ve thought about it all week but I just don’t understand what you are getting out of this. Surely, I give you more than this?” 

 “OK.” Lisa got up from the table and moved round to where Shanna was sitting, rubbing a hand across the back of her shoulders as though it was in preparation of something, but Shanna abruptly pushed her hand away. 

 “Sarah and I have been seeing each other. For a little while. A few months maybe, I lost track of time.” 

 Shanna’s jaw dropped. Scott should have felt something but after glancing at his mother stood in front of him on the other side of the table, and recognising the same look in her eyes, he stayed quiet. He saw Sarah close her eyes and figured someone should try and comfort her, too, but it was hard to know where to stand.

 Shanna found some strength to open her mouth a few times but no sound came out, until… “What?” 

 “You don’t need to worry, though. It’s over now.” He placed his bottle of beer on the table and leaned back. He placed his fingers on the edge, running them up and down the smooth, varnished wood. “She ended it by the way. Because she knew you wouldn’t be happy.” 

 Shanna’s mouth hung open, dry. “Is that true?” She turned to Sarah. “Were you with him?”

 “I just said so, didn’t I?” 

 “I wasn’t asking you!” 

 Chris wasn’t sure what he was hoping for in that moment. He looked at Sarah and felt sadness. Sadness at the pain evidently coursing through her body in that moment. She looked small and deflated somehow. He felt astonishingly sober, more’s the pity. He wished he could go to her and hold her but he knew it was the last thing she wanted. Probably what anyone would have wanted. It wouldn’t have helped matters and he wasn’t sure anything he could say now would do that job either. 

 Sarah took in an audible breath and looked at her friend. She blinked back the few tears that had gathered but it only seemed to make things worse. “I’m…sorry. I don’t know what to say.” 

 “I think I’ll just…” Michael pointed to the door and left the table as quickly as he could manage, no doubt to fill Carly in. 

 “Oh my God.” Shanna replied. She put her face in her hands and didn’t move. “I don’t believe this.” 

 Sarah looked beyond Shanna to Lisa who offered her a surprisingly reassuring smile that she was definitely not expecting. Did she feel grateful for it? She had zero clue. “I’m so sorry.” 

 “We don’t have anything to be sorry for, Sarah.” It was the gentlest tone Chris had spoken in all night. “Shan, I know it’s a lot to take in right now but you should know that this wasn’t just some fling or something utterly stupid. There’s a real thing here.” He looked to Sarah for reassurance. “Right?” 

 Sarah couldn’t look him in the eye. 

 “OK, I know I haven’t handled this in the best way-” 

 “-That’s an understatement.” Scott finally found his voice. 

 “-I accept that and for that, I am really sorry, I promise you. But you have to see things from my perspective here.” 

 “Chris, I don’t think that’s what needs to be said right now, OK? Your sister is very upset and I think you should maybe head home to sleep this off. Scott, can you...?” 

Scott nodded in agreement and left the room to grab both their jackets. 

 “Mom, this isn’t-” 

 “-I know.” She held her hand up to stop him. The less he said now, the better. At least until a few hours had been put between them. Chris, resigned, agreed. 

He looked at Sarah again hoping for something, anything, that might make him think things were going to be alright. Lisa noticed the plea in his eyes, practically begging her to look at him. 

“Sarah, sweetheart, you both can stay here tonight. I think we should probably be together for a bit, yeh?” 

 Sarah was flummoxed by the offer but grateful at the same time. She knew Shanna wouldn’t say anything to her if they just went home again, if she would even come back to their apartment at all. She’d shut her bedroom door and not emerge for some time and that would have driven her mad. She wanted to get out of there as fast as she could but…this was perhaps better. Safer. 

 It was going to be a long night. 

 *

[jackymedan]

snagged from @theniftycat

Last song: does a song playing in the background of a video you watched count? because if so it’s whatever the song behind that video with the guy chopping wood and dancing I just reblogged is..

Last movie: I’ve mostly been watching tv shows so I think the most recent movie I watched was in the summer? it was a french movie with audrey tatou called “A la folie... Pas du tout.” or “he loves me. He loves me not.” in english (my dvd has both the original and the translated title on the cover)

Currently reading: a book about linguistic quirks in dutch by Paulien Cornelisse.. and technically also Mort by terry pratchet but I keep forgetting to actually continue reading it.. (also like 5+ more books that I technically started reading and never finished over the past decade idek)

Currently watching: just finished watching the good place yesterday and cried my eyes out at the final episode (my eyes are still sore).. also watching star trek tos and tng with my mom every friday. and plan to continue watching psych again some time soon..

Craving: a good nights sleep and my eyes to stop hurting..

[lovemesomesurveys]

Do you and your parents like any of the same bands/singers?  Yeah, especially my mom and I. Is there any food in your bedroom? Just my ramen bowl from last night that I haven’t taken out, yet, but it’s empty. Do you know anyone who has road rage? Yes. How expensive is too expensive for a pair of shoes?  I admit to liking my Adidas, which are pricy, but the kind I get are at least under a $100. How far away do your grandparents live from you? They live in another state, about a 12 hour drive away.

What kinds of cereal are in the cupboard? I think there’s just Cinnamon Cheerios at the moment. My family and I don’t really eat cereal much anymore.  Is there anything related to cats in your bedroom?  No. Whats the last thing you spent over 10$ on?  Stuff from Bath & Body Works. They have their fall/Halloween collection in and I just had to get some stuff. Over 30$?  ^^^^ Do you know who lives three houses down from you?  Nope. Do you think Canadians all really love maple syrup? Do they Lane? lol. I’m not Canadian, but I do love maple syrup.  Is there a bulletin board in your room?  Yep. Is your mom a big health freak or your dad? Or neither? Neither of them really are, but out of the two my mom is more than my dad. My dad has a major sweet tooth and he likes his junk food.  Easter or Halloween? I enjoy both. Do you know anyone who wants to be the president one day? No. What kinds of chips are in the cupboards?  I don’t think we have any at the moment. Do you have your moms or dads hair?  I have my dad’s hair color, but my mom’s waviness. She actually had curly hair and has all my life, but she says when she was a kid and teenager it was wavy and then it became curlier as she got older.  Whats the first thing you see when you walk into your bedroom? The 4ft giraffe stands out a lot.  Have you ever skipped history class?  In college I probably did sometimes. I didn’t make a habit of missing class, but it happened now and then either because I didn’t feel well or just didn’t feel up to it that day. I always made sure I knew what was going on that day (like nothing had to be handed in that day or there wasn’t a quiz or exam, of course) and thankfully because of the syllabus I could keep up with the reading and assignments. I just allowed myself to miss a day or two. Do you own any yellow clothes?  I have a yellow shirt and a yellow Adidas hoodie. Do you have any friends who have naturally red hair?  I have a cousin who does. Have you ever cried when a teacher retired?  No, but I cried on the last day of 4th grade because I just really liked my teacher lmao. Everyone loved him, he was awesome. It was cool because he ended up being an 8th grade teacher later on and I got to have him again. Does your kitchen looks like it was designed in a completely different decade? No. Whens the last time you wore heels?  Never. Do you have your moms or dads eyes?  My mom’s.  Is there anything shiny in the room youre in?  Yeah. Whats the best date movie? I wouldn’t know. How long has your current best friend been your best friend? All 31 years of my life. Have your parents ever been out of the country? Yes, they’ve both been to Italy before I was born and I’m super jealous. Actually, my mom went once when she was pregnant with me so I kinda went haha. I’d like to experience it for real one day. Are you older then the last person you laughed with?  Yes. How many pairs of jeans, all together, are in your house? I am not even going to attempt to figure that out. Do you swear and yell while playing video games?  No. Would you rather name your daughter Andrea or Eva?  Not having kids, but I do like the name Andrea. Is there any alcohol in the fridge?  I think there is. If you had to get up at 6am tomorrow morning, would it be painful? I’d be up considering I don’t even go to bed until like 7/8AM. :X Have you ever seen the last person you watched TV with drunk?  Yeah. Has a best friend ever ditched you for a girlfriend/boyfriend?  I had a friend do that. Would you rather get a new brother or sister? No new siblings at this point. My mom had a hysterectomy anyway, so unless she’s adopting, which she’s not, it’s not happening.  Do you have anything in your room youve had for ten years or more?  A lot of things. Do your pets chase after bugs?  My doggo chases flies sometimes lol. She sees me going after them with the fly swatter and she tries to help.  Would you ever kiss the last person who messaged you on facebook/MSN/etc? No. Do eat at home or in restaurants more? Well, I haven’t ate out at a restaurant since February. We do a lot of takeout, though. We did that a lot even before all this, I prefer it. Whens the last time you were so excited you couldnt sleep? Why?  Back in February the night before my Disneyland trip. Audrey Hepburn or Audrey Kicthing?  Hepburn. I’ve never even heard of Audrey Kitching.  Do you e-mail more often then you talk on MSN/AIM?  I don’t know about MSN, which I’ve never had, but AIM hasn’t been a thing for awhile. It’s been over a decade anyway since I’ve used it. I don’t email either, except recently to try and dispute a charge. If your best friends birthday was next week, what would you get them? Well, her birthday is actually next month so I’ve been thinking about what to get her. What is your moms favorite movie? Grease haha. <<< Ha, that’s one of my mom’s faves as well. How much older is your dad then you?  He’s 27 years older than me. What TV family reminds you of your own family?  Hmm. Do you own any flip-flops? Nope. I don’t wear flip flops, sandals, slip ons, or any open toed shoe. Did you ever really believe that the stork brought babies? Nah, my parents didn’t tell me that. Do you have any relatives who really spoil you?  My parents. Are there any drawers in your house that are just filled with junk?  Yeah, we have the designated junk drawer. I personally have a few :X Is the last person you spoke to in love?  Not that I know of. How far away is Chicago from where you live?  It’d be a 32 hour drive and like a 4 hour nonstop flight. Do you know anyone who always looks perfect? Who? I think my mom does. She likes to wear makeup, but I truly don’t think she needs it. I’m also super envious of her flawless skin, which I sadly didn’t get. Do you know anyone who has security cameras in their house?  Yeah. Do you think Zac Efron is really that good looking?  Eh, honestly I’ve never really found him attractive. What was the last movie to make you cry?  Hmm. I’m blanking at the moment. Has anyone you know ever pulled the fire alarm in school, joking around?  No. Who was the main character in the last book you read? Her name is Emma Griffin.  Is the last person you said goodbye to single?  One of them is. Who are the last people you saw kiss?  People on the show I was watching. Have you ever posted a fan fiction on a website?  No. Do you ever fantasize about your future wedding? Whos the bride/groom? Nope. I don’t plan on ever getting married. I’m also not the person who has dreamt of their wedding since they were little. Chapstick or lipgloss? Chapstick. I like ones with a tint of color. What was the last unplesant thing to wake you up?  A nightmare. Do you have any friends who are ALWAYS kissing their bf/gf?  Does that get annoying? Would you rather look at clouds or stars?  Stars. If you could trade appearances with the last person you hugged, would you?  Like I said, I’m super envious of my mom’s flawless skin and I think she looks beautiful with or without makeup. Do you have any relatives who are expecting a baby really soon?  No. Do you ever wonder what the opposite sex do at sleepovers?  Probably play video games, watch movies, and eat. When you get married, who will be the maid of honor/best man?  Sigh. Does your best friend get along with their parents? This same question was in a previous survey I just did. Anyway, yeah she was very close with them when they were alive, but sadly they both have passed away. :( If you were to walk to Florida from where you live, would it take long? Uh, yeah. I live in California and Florida is all the way across on the opposite side. According to Google it would take 912 hours to walk there! Do you understand why 'To kill a mockingbird' is called what it is? I know I learned about the reason why, but I don’t recall. Okay, so I just Googled it because I was curious and yep the explanation is what I was told. When's the last time you broke plans? Why? It’s been a few years now since I’ve had plans, but I started having to cancel and not make plans at all because of health stuff and just for the fact I was really going through a hard time. Have you ever been in a wedding? What were you?  Nope. Would you feel safer with an alarm systen or security camera? Both. Does the last person you touched smoke?  No. Do you know someone who is CONSTANTLY texting? Does that annoy you?  It only annoys me when I’m trying to talk to them because so often they’re too focused on whatever they’re doing on their phone. Does it matter to you what kind of shampoo you use?  Yeah. Rate this survey from 1 to 5 (1 worst, 5 best):  I don’t like rating stuff, but it was fine.

[fox-in-the-library]

Tagged by @teashadephoenix for my 7 Comfort Movies so here goes...

1. Persuasion-the 1995 one with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. (Accept no substitutes.) You know what I love about this film? It pulls absolutely zero punches about what it means to have to live with the consequences of your decisions. Yes it's a romance, but it's also a very comprehensive meditation on getting older and wiser.

2. Ginger Snaps-is it the greatest low budget Canadian feminist werewolf film ever made? Yes, yes it is.

3. Two For The Road-the dialogue is so brilliant in this, and Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney are perfect together.

4. Morvern Callar/The Passenger-this one's a double bill because I can't think of one of these movies without the other, and watching one makes me want to watch the other. Morvern Callar is the comfort watch though-Samantha Morton plays a drifter who goes to Spain, and her performance is simultaneously opaque and transparent, and I can't figure out how she does it, but she's brilliant. And the cinematography is gorgeous in a woozy, vividly saturated way.

5. This was a toss-up between The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca, but Casablanca wins it by a nose. I watch it when I'm feeling really down, because the real romance isn't Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, it's the Marseillaise scene. If you haven't seen it, go see it.

6. Amateur. Martin Donovan is an amnesiac with a criminal past, and Isabelle Huppert is the ex-nun who believes that she's destined to save him (and to sleep with him.) Could have been unbearably quirky and mannered in the wrong hands, but it works because Huppert is utterly fearless.

7. Not a movie, but my ultimate go-to comfort watch is to marathon Robin of Sherwood. There's never been a better version of Robin Hood onscreen-the series welds together two Robin Hood origin stories, throws a solid dash of English folklore and legend into the mix, and comes up with a version of Robin Hood that's simultaneously original and definitive.

Can definitely think of other comfort watches as well, but the above are my go-tos...tagging anyone who would like to be tagged!

[kingdomofgufalla]

Virgil quietly creaked his door open and closed it behind him. His phone battery icon in the corner read 27% and that alone was enough to set him on edge. He didnt know where Logan was, or where he had gone, but he needed to get a phone charger.

His mind raced through the different residents of the mindspace. Roman was in Gufalla, Patton was with Thomas, who had a tickle plant that couldnt reach very far? Of course...deceit.

Kaa would be the easiest to slip by if he were to steal a phone charger from Deceit's room. It was only down the hall. Now if he could only make it there without being seen.

He tip-toed along the floorboards. In the kitchen, he heard Remy responding to Coco. He barely heard laughter from Logan's laboratory. But, he had no clue where Logan himself was. He needed to chance this.

He slowly rounded a corner and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw Logan pass through the hallway in front of him towards his laboratory. At least he would be distracted for a little bit.

Virgil began to walk a little more normally towards Deceit's door, opened it, then slipped inside. Kaa sprung to life immediatly.

"I'm hiding from Logan and he took my phone charger. Help a dude out please?" Virgil whispered.

Kaa looked hesitant, but motioned to the charger on the wall. Virgil smiled and slinked over to where it was, but faint voices began to fill his ears and he dove underneath the bed as the door swung open.

"...anyways Audrey could tell I was hungry. Also she was able to decipher the food I had left in my stomach before I ate the chicken fajita."

"Very interesting Deceit. You say you left the clipboard in here?"

"Yes." Deceit walked over to the table next to the bed Virgil was hiding under. Virgil watched Kaa move and they seemed if they were contemplating something. Upon deciding something, they picked up a purple marker. Oh no.

In big purple letters, Kaa began to write, "A wild Anxiety appeared" betraying Virgil's hopeful, nonexistence in the room. It wasn't long before Deceit noticed.

He stopped Logan mid-sentence to read Kaa's board.

"...a wild Anxiety appeared? Where? Here?" Kaa shook his whole trunk up and down simulating a nod.

Logan turned around and scanned the room with his eyes. Virgil knew he was in trouble, the moment looked to read at the board himself.

"Hmm...do You mind if I search your room, Deceit?"

"Only hiding places. No snooping."

"I wasn't planning on it. Logan began to carefully walk past the bed and towards where Kaa was. Deceit's room was a clutter, so the anxious aspect could have been anywhere.

Virgil waited until Deceit had walked past the bed as well, before he began to move underneath the bed towards the door. He slowly crawled out from under, watching their backs like a hawk as he slinked towards the door.

He was thankful it was open, or was thankful.

"Oh! Hi Virgil!" Dr. Picani stood in front of him and the two heads looking near the back of the room whipped around, staring directly at him. Virgil squeaked and pushed past Picani.

"Sorry!" He called out, running as fast as he could out of the room. Logan booked it as soon as he saw Virgil take off, running after him. Virgil whipped around corners, dodged obstacles, but Logan was slowly catching up. Quite soon, he could feel Logan's breath on his neck, causing him to shiver. He had one more trick up his sleeve.

He stopped right in front of Logan, hoping he would collide and throw off his balance, but the logical aspect was much to smart for that. He dodged Virgil, grabbed a hold of his arm, spun him around, and pinned him on the ground.

"Aaaahhh!!! Oof! H-how?"

"No questions Virgil. I have one rule for you. I tickle you, you get your phone charger back."

Logan held Virgil's arms above his head, beginning to tickle his ribs and tummy before he could agree or protest.

"Ehehehehehe lohoho nohohoho!" Logan was light though. He plucked his ribs and stroked down to his tummy, kneading in a little but causing Virgil's legs to involuntarily jerk.

"I won't do anything I know you can't handle." He squeezed up his sides and tickled into armpits, watching as Virgil writhed with laughter at the touch.

"Hahhahahahahahaah nohohohoho mohohore!"

"Almost done." Logan slipped both of his hands to Virgil's neck, smirking as his laughter went considerably higher pitch. "Oh? Does it tickle here?"

"Lohohohgananan You aaaaAAHAHAHAHSSS!" Virgil began to thrash a little more, but Logan didn't tickle too much more afterwards. He released his hold on Virgil's wrists and placed his phone charger on top of them.

"Thank you for complying." Virgil's giggles died off and his breathing even out. Logan did sit with him until he was able to get up on his own, just to make sure he was ok.

[ashley-slashley]

Tagged by @autie-jake . Noice!

You can call me: Al. Jk, just call me Audrey

I’d describe myself as: some geeky wacko

Fictional characters that I identify with or am fond of: Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Spock, Data, Pink from The Wall, AM from I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream, Catwoman, Willard from Apocalypse Now, The Photojournalist from Apocalypse Now, The Tenth Doctor, The Ninth Doctor, The Twelvth Doctor, Rory Williams, etc.

Three random facts about me: I’m 5’0”, I casually read Heart of Darkness for fun, I absolutely love pathology

Something little about my appearance that I kind of like: my eyes

An outfit that makes me feel powerful: my suit because I feel like Scully from The X-Files while wearing it

An object that is special to me: all of my plushes

A compliment that made me feel warm inside: literally when anyone finds my shitposts funny

Something I love about myself: my individuality

Something I’d love to buy someone else: books they want!

Something I’d love to buy for myself: books I want

Three things that make me really happy: my cat, Spock, Pink Floyd

Something I enjoyed recently: discovering a meme on reddit

Songs stuck in my head recently: Monday Monday by The Mamas and The Papas

I watched this, maybe you’ll like it too: literally any Cr1TiKaL video

Something adorable I came across recently: my cat

If you wanted to know me better you should check out these things: The Wall album, Star Trek TOS, 60s rock

Something I can/will do to take care of myself in the coming days: uhhhhhh idk

Tag: @theoriginalpurpledogpalace @david-watts

[hardoncaulfield]

How to feel like a glamorous spy from a 60’s movie

Fashion: white miniskirts and square toed boots. Black turtlenecks and big blazers. Slim leg suit trousers and shiny black oxfords with a white shirt and a skinny tie. Silver cuff links that catch the light. Big sunglasses. The Chanel style skirt suit. A string of pearls. A Kelly handbag. Kitten heel mules. White gloves - think Audrey Hepburn. A simple watch with a black strap. A black leather vintage briefcase as a bag. A black or white beret. A silk scarf. You should wear mainly black, white, navy, cream, and other nondescript colours. If you have to add colour make it a slash of red lipstick or a red flower in your lapel.

Details: white eyeshadow with thick black cat-eye eyeliner. Lots of mascara. Fake beauty spot by your lip. Golden shimmer on the cheeks (feminine). Clean shaven face, thick strong eyebrows (masculine). Hair parted and slicked over with shiny pomade (m) or else a slick beehive with an eyebrow length straight fringe (f). Include a pocket square in your jacket or a big statement ring.

Perfume: Pure Poison - Dior. Sauvage - Dior. Amour Nocturne - lucky scent. The One, for men - Dolce & Gabana. Eau Tendre - Chanel. J’adore - Dior. Guilty Absolute pour femme - Gucci.

Character details: listen to French songs from the 60’s eg. Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot. Carry a little vintage compact mirror to powder your nose/check you’re not being tailed. Carry around paperback novels in your briefcase/handbag to use for coded messages. Drink martinis. Smile at people mysteriously from over your martini in the bar and if they ask what you do for a living say “that’s classified.” Wear your sunglasses often and lower them to peep at people discreetly. Invite your friends to come over and watch old bond movies, while drinking martinis. Make up code words with your friends and use them in everyday conversation. Cultivate an aura of mystery by giving out as few personal details in conversation as possible while listening intently to what the other person is saying. If you’re not drinking martinis you should be drinking double espressos while reading a broadsheet or writing in a notebook in a little cafe with wooden tables and a window for people watching. Invest in silk pajamas and dance around your room in them, pretending it’s a hotel room in Moscow and you’re about to go on a date with a Russian spy to drink martinis and plot against the Soviet government.

{inspired by @roseate-angel }

[zrreed]

i keep wanting to ask about new snippets from endgame until i realize at the rate i want it i'd be asking for everything you've written so far😭

since y’all really wanted to know audrey’s major. she also made captain ;)

“Hey,” Morgan greeted, pushing off the wall to come to my side. She’d been waiting for me?

“Hi.”

She fell into step beside me as I ambled along the sidewalk that bordered the parking lot, heading in the direction of the main campus. “You did it,” she said happily, “congrats.”

I glanced over at her, and the slanted smile on her lips was nothing but genuine. “Thanks.”

A beat of awkward silence passed between us, and she stuffed her hands into the pockets of her track pants as her smile faded. “So… can I stop fucking off now? Or do you still want nothing to do with me?”

I couldn’t help looking over at her in shock, and after a moment of taking in the uncharacteristic timidity, I couldn’t help but huff an amused laugh. Was this week what she’d considered leaving me alone? Because the teasing and comments that had continued the entire time had given me the opposite impression. But despite the fact that she wasn’t competing with me for captain anymore, there was still something about her that scared me. She was easy and outgoing and insistent, when I didn’t like people getting too close too fast.

At my amusement, she turned to walk sideways and meet my gaze with confusion. And a little bit of vulnerability. So I teased, “You don’t have to fuck off as hard.”

“You’re ruthless,” she laughed, but she was clearly relieved by my playfulness. She pulled her hands out of her pockets, one of them carrying a set of keys. “Alright, well, I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy for you.” And she gestured toward the parking lot as she took a backward step away from me. “I’ll see you next week.”

“You drove here?” I asked, stopping. She dropped off the curb to stand in the gutter as she nodded. “You don’t live on campus?” Our college was an open school. The main part of campus was central, but it had buildings spread out all over the small town we were in. Most of the students walked everywhere.

She toed the corner of the curb. “No. I live with my mom and aunt just outside of town.”

“Oh.” I wanted to ask questions, but I also didn’t want to over encourage her friendliness with my newfound curiosity. “Okay. Well, have a good weekend.”

I turned to walk away, but didn’t get three steps before she called, “Hey, wait.” I stopped and faced her again. “You were supposed to tell me your major.”

I don’t know why I couldn’t resist teasing her, but I held back a smile and said, “Science,” and made to walk away again.

“Hey!” she protested, and I heard her jog to catch up. “Whoa, whoa, hold up.” She hopped in front of me to stop my stride.

“What?” I asked innocently. “I told you my major.”

“I was wrong about you being devious,” she laughed, and her usual playful grin was back on her face. “You told me what kind of major. Come on, throw me a bone.”

I stood there for a moment, taking in her endearingly lopsided smile while a smirk tugged at my lips. “Kinesiology.”

She let that sink in while her head cocked and she studied me, and then she breathed, “Huh.”

“Huh?” I repeated. “What? It doesn’t fit your idea of me as much as uptight librarian?”

“No,” she said amusedly, “it totally fits.” Her eyes scanned my face, and she said more seriously, “I didn’t mean that, by the way. I don’t actually think you’re uptight. A little guarded, maybe…”

I didn’t want to talk about that, so I asked, “What’s your major?”

She hummed while her lips pulled to one side like she was considering it, and then she grinned. “That wasn’t part of the deal.”

My mouth fell open with offense. “You’re not serious.”

“Look at this face, Caplan,” she said, doing her best to stop smiling. “I never joke.” And she stepped wide around me, turning around to walk backward toward the lot just so I could see that she was, in fact, still beaming.

I narrowed my eyes at her. “I’m making you run suicides the entire practice on Monday.”

She turned her back to me and threw her hands up triumphantly. “Suicides are my favorite!”

As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep from laughing. I watched her saunter over to an old, beat-up, two-door blue pickup truck and hop into the driver’s seat. She rolled down the windows as she started it up, the sounds of a familiar indie rock song flowing from the cab. She was still smiling as she put it in drive and pulled out of her spot, and passed me a wave as she left the parking lot. I really wanted to know what her major was then…

[dragonsandducks]

I’ve been trying to figure out for a while what, to me, is so compelling, gripping, and memorable about edith’s death in the city on the edge of forever and I think I’ve finally figured it out.

it’s the juxtaposition.

it’s spock and kirk finding mccoy, finally, and having that joyful reunion— with all of them hugging and smiling— and we almost forget what has to happen. and then.

we see edith. and the car.

and it just immediately sucks away the joy the audience feels at the reunion, because we know exactly what’s going to happen. and we know deep down that, as much as he loves her, kirk won’t stop it. and kirk stops mccoy. they make him an active player in her death, which is why it’s so much more painful when mccoy points exactly that out.

the scene is this crescendo of relief and joy, and then it’s followed immediately by a tragedy that our protagonists— who were just smiling and laughing and on top of the world— could have stopped. but at the same time we know they can’t stop it.

the whole thing is sort of about inevitability. we know that kirk and spock will find mccoy, because we know how the show works. but we also know that edith will die, because we know our protagonists, and we know that they have to let it happen.

it’s inevitable in life that bad things will happen. it is inevitable that good things will happen.

the worst is when they happen so close together that you barely have time to breathe.