#daddy trey always has me feeling some kind of way

[twistiraki]

🎀Headcanons how Twisted Wonderland boys met you and what kind of family you'd have 🎀Hearstlabyul

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗ TᗯIᔕTEᗪ ᗯOᑎᗪEᖇᒪᗩᑎᗪ Characters Riddle, Ace, Deuce, Trey, Cater x F!Reader Warnings none ‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

🌹Riddle Rosehearts  

Riddle first met Y/n in the hospital where they both worked. As a dedicated doctor, Riddle was focused on maintaining order and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Y/n, an ICU nurse, caught his attention with her compassionate and calming presence, providing a grounding force to his sometimes easily angered nature. Their shared commitment to helping others brought them closer, and amidst the hectic hospital life, they found solace in each other's company.

Y/n and Riddle have a lovely daughter who brings joy to their lives. They named her Lily, after her mother's favorite flower. Despite Riddle's strict nature, he melts into a caring and doting father when it comes to his little girl. He strives to be the best parent he can be, balancing his commitment to maintaining order with showering Lily with love and attention. They create a nurturing environment where Lily can flourish and grow, guided by her parents' unwavering support.

❤️Ace Trappola

Ace attempts to strike up a conversation with Y/n at the lively club, drawn to her magnetic charm. However, the blaring music proves to be a formidable opponent, drowning out their words in a sea of beats and bass. Undeterred, Ace flashes his signature mischievous grin and resorts to using exaggerated hand gestures and expressive facial expressions to communicate. He playfully points at the dance floor, inviting Y/n to join him for a dance instead. With a wink and a nod, he lets the music be their language, as they move together in sync, laughing and enjoying the night without needing to say a word. After that they soon got married and they’re now proud parents.

Ace and Y/n are proud parents of two children, a boy, and a girl. Their son, Arthur, inherited Ace's mischievous charm and cheekiness, making him a bundle of energy and excitement. Their daughter, Noelle, is a quick thinker like her father, and her honesty always keeps the family on their toes.

♠️Deuce Spade

Y/n and Deuce met at a blastcycle event where he tried to impress her but failed miserably. Deuce excitedly tried to start his blastcycle, but it failed repeatedly. No matter how hard he tried, the engine just wouldn't start. Feeling flustered and disappointed, he was about to give up when Y/n stepped in and comforted him, suggesting they try again later. Deuce felt relieved and grateful for her understanding. Instead, he took her on a wonderful date, and they both had a great time. As they spent time together, their hearts connected, and they fell in love. Y/n and Deuce are blessed with three children who bring laughter and happiness to their lives. Their eldest son, Oliver, is a reflection of his father's straightforward and hardworking nature. The twins, a boy named Bruce and a girl named Suzie, add double the joy to their family. Bruce has a playful and adventurous spirit like his mother, while Suzie embodies her father's nurturing and caring traits. Together, they create a loving and harmonious family that supports each other through thick and thin.

♣️Trey Clover Trey and Y/n's history goes back to their childhood when they were neighbors. They spent their days playing and sharing innocent adventures together, forging a lasting bond. Over the years, they grew apart, each following their own path. However, fate had other plans, and years later, when Trey worked in his bakery, they met again. The memories of their childhood friendship came rushing back, and they rediscovered the joy of each other's company. This time, their connection blossomed into something deeper, and they fell in love, cherishing the past and looking forward to creating a beautiful future together.

Y/n and Trey's family is filled with love and femininity as they have three wonderful daughters. The eldest, Jenny, takes after her father's laid-back and rational nature, radiating a calm and soothing aura. The middle daughter, Hattie, brings a playful and mischievous side to the family, always keeping things lively and fun. The youngest, Ella, is the light of their lives, with her innocence and love bringing warmth to their hearts. As a father of three girls, Trey couldn't be prouder, cherishing each moment with his precious daughters.

♦️Cater Diamond

Cater and Y/n first connected through the internet, forming a friendship based on their casual and easygoing natures. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, and they found solace in each other's virtual presence. As time passed, their bond grew stronger, and they realized that their connection was something special. Their friendship bloomed into a deeper affection, and they decided to take a leap of faith, meeting in person to explore the feelings that had developed between them. Their virtual connection seamlessly transitioned into a real-life love story, as they discovered that they were meant to be together, united by their shared love for life and each other.

Y/n and Cater may not have children of their own, but their love extends beyond blood ties. They adopted a beautiful girl named Janell, who captured their hearts from the moment they met her. Cater's peppy and easygoing nature combined with Y/n's nurturing spirit create a loving home for Janell to thrive in. They shower her with all the care and attention she deserves, and in return, Janell fills their lives with joy and happiness. Their bond as a family is unbreakable, and they cherish the special connection they share with their adopted daughter.

You can find the other parts here! Hearstlabyul (You are here) Savanaclaw/Octavinelle Scarabia/Pomefiore Ignihyde/Diasomnia

[letterboxd]

Chaotic Bisexual.

Shiva Baby writer-director Emma Seligman tells Ella Kemp about expanding her wildly cringey short film into an even more anxiety-inducing feature, why Virgo and Taurus make the perfect producing pair, and the eternal conflict of being a good Jewish girl.

“If I can skip a bris to see E.T., I like movies!” —Emma Seligman

It sounds like a strange riff on a guy-walks-into-a-bar joke: a girl walks into a shiva and bumps into her secret ex-girlfriend, then her sugar daddy, then his shiksa wife, oh, and their baby—yet the payoff is so much more rewarding.

Filmmaker Emma Seligman’s debut feature is a new kind of teen classic: 78 non-stop minutes teeming with well-drawn traits and tropes that define the best coming-of-agers, the best Jewish comedies and the best day-in-a-life psychological roller-coasters.

Shiva Baby began as a grad project—a short film of the same name—and Seligman’s feature-length embellishment impressed at last year’s virtual editions of SXSW and TIFF, where it was quickly snapped up for international distribution. In a way, Shiva Baby was perfectly tailored to the times we were living in: Danielle, our reluctant heroine, is trapped in a claustrophobic family event she can’t escape, as people from her past and lies about her future make their way deep under her skin.

Fred Melamed, Rachel Sennott and Polly Draper in ‘Shiva Baby’.

Shiva Baby is very much the product of a wry school of emerging filmmakers who understand excruciatingly mundane horror and pin-sharp comedy as intimate bedfellows. Seligman’s writing finds a way to flesh out gloriously caricatural Jewish relatives, probing and overbearing and irrational. She does this both through dialogue and a visceral, haptic aesthetic that lurches in and out of focus visually, and has a nails-on-chalkboard unease sonically.

Coming in hot with a 4.01 average rating, Shiva Baby is striking all sorts of discordant notes with film lovers. “Combines some of my biggest anxieties: being asked if I have a boyfriend as well as what my plans for the future are and people talking with their mouths full,” writes Muriel.

The film’s “bisexual chaos”, which hinges on a haywire performance from Rachel Sennott as Danielle, opposite Molly Gordon’s overachieving ex-girlfriend, Maya, is also one of its great strengths. Glee star Dianna Agron is the shiksa threat, Kim, while Danny Deferrari is Danielle’s hapless benefactor, Max. If that’s not enough? Polly Draper, Fred Melamed and Jackie Hoffman are also just there.

What do you think defines a Jewish sense of humor? Emma Seligman: It’s morbid usually, and darker—generally uncomfortable and cringeworthy. I think about Curb Your Enthusiasm or Seinfeld, and A Serious Man. It borders on, “Is this funny at all?” I think Jewish humor leans into the darkly funny British sense of humor. I’m Canadian, so I feel like I’m halfway between the UK and the US in terms of their sense of humor.

Was it always your intention to make a comedy that feels like a bit of a nightmare? You’ve mentioned Black Swan and Opening Night as touchstones… Because I came from a short film, the question when expanding into a feature was, “How are we going to keep everyone interested in this day?” It’s got to be a significant day, it’s got to be that this young woman’s life has completely changed from this day. So what is it that changes? Why are we watching it? I watched a lot of movies that took place in one day, one of them was Trey Edward Shults’ first film Krisha. And then from there I realized that anxiety and this scary psychological feeling is a great way to have the audience stay there.

I watched Opening Night because there’s a shiva in it, but it was more the lobby scenes that were so claustrophobic and tense. And then each step of the way with each department, we were like, okay, it’s gonna be tense, but then we got to music, I was like, okay, this has become a full nightmare. Initially, I was just like, it’s got to be tense, but by the end, I was like, well, it does feel like a nightmare to a young woman sometimes.

Because you mention that, I have to ask whether you’ve seen Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade? I have, it’s incredible. It’s so funny, they’re both coming-of-age [films], and one of them is about a fourteen year old and then the same sort of feeling exists when you’re 22. When you’re fourteen is when it begins, and when you’re 22 you’re sort of at the end of it and you’re like, “Oh, I thought I figured out what I was supposed to do when I started feeling insecure this way at fourteen about sex and boys.”

Diana Agron and Danny Deferrari in ‘Shiva Baby’.

Let’s talk about Rachel Sennott, who you have describe as your “Virgo rock”. What do you bring one another in your creative partnership? She’s a hustler, and she sets goals like nobody else. I think she moves very fast, and I’m more detail-oriented. I don’t know if the movie would have happened without her because she was like, “What are the goals to achieve this film?” After we made the short film, she just kept checking in with me. She goes well beyond what an actor does, which is why she’s an executive producer, because she was very, very invested in seeing the movie get made.

I think she pushes. We joke that she brings me out of my depression and I help calm her down. I feel like Taurus is a little more chill. Virgos are also earth signs, but they run on a faster frequency. So I think I calm her down, especially when we’re writing and bringing it back to structure. But she’s way funnier, she’s able to give jokes so quickly. We balance each other perfectly, for sure.

Do you think your partnership with Rachel is the kind of partnership you could see yourself maintaining throughout your career? Definitely. I think it’s important to have a good friend and also a young woman. She’s got different career goals from me, but they’re aligned. And we’re not in competition with each other. I feel so grateful because so much of the time I feel like the world does make you feel like you’re in competition with your friends that are trying to do the same thing as you when you’re a young woman—or just maybe in general.

Rachel Sennott and Danny Deferrari in ‘Shiva Baby’.

Her character in Shiva Baby completely subverts the idea of a “nice Jewish boy/girl” which can be a trope in movies, but also very much a real thing in life. Is that something you consciously wanted to subvert, or did it come organically from the story you wanted to tell? I wanted to contrast that idea of a “nice Jewish girl” because every nice Jewish girl or boy has a sex life. I felt the sort of nice Jewish girl stressors on me were completely opposite from the NYU art school sugaring worlds, and hookup culture broadly. My family is such a huge part of my life and I think that those two sets of pressures are completely contradictory; to be a good girl or boy and have a stable career ahead of you, and to be finding, even if it’s at the very beginning, your eventual partner, or to just be in a relationship. And I felt like in school, no one wanted to date, everyone was hooking up. So many of my friends are sugar babies. I tried it super, super briefly.

I felt like the world was telling me to be like “an empowered, independent, sexy woman who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her, and doesn’t abide by any rules”, and I was like, “This is the opposite of being a nice Jewish girl!” And I just felt like those two things were screaming at me. So I did want to play on that. But I don’t even think it’s playing, just because that felt like what I was trying to battle within myself. And I think a lot of young people do, whether they’re Jewish or not. That’s their family’s expectations. And then the world is like, “But don’t care and don’t commit…”

Writer-director Emma Seligman. / Photo by Emma McIntyre

But then you still have to go home to your parents at the end of the day and they’re going to tell you what to do… Exactly.

What would you want viewers to take away from Shiva Baby about the sugaring community that you feel has been maligned in the past? I’m not a sex worker, so I don’t want to speak on behalf of this community, but I definitely feel like there hasn’t been many positive portrayals of sex workers. So I just wanted to show someone—because I knew so many friends of mine who did it—who enjoyed it, or purposefully did it and didn’t feel bad or shameful about it. I think maybe a lot of people think that it’s always something that comes out of dire circumstances. But whether that is the case or not, I think there’s a lot of people who enjoy it and enjoy what they do like any other job. So I just hope that they’re able to sort of widen their scope of what a sex worker looks like and acts like. Every sex worker has got a family, friends, a full robust life, as we all do.

It’s time for your Life in Film questionnaire. Can you give me a few must-watch Jewish films for people who don’t know where to start? Fiddler on the Roof, Yentl, Keeping the Faith, Kissing Jessica Stein, A Serious Man. Definitely Uncut Gems, and Crossing Delancey.

Shiva Baby has been described on Letterboxd, variously, as “Uncut Gems but make it chaotic bisexual”, “the most stressful Jewish movie since Uncut Gems”, “the chaotic successor of Uncut Gems”, “if Krisha and Uncut Gems had a baby”, and, of course, “Uncut Gems for hot Jewish sluts”… Amazing, I love that. Extremely nice comparison.

Who is your favorite promising young woman? Not Emerald Fennell’s film, but a young creative or performer who you think is making waves. I love Hari Nef—I think she’s amazing and am really excited to see what she does next. I loved her so much in Transparent and Assassination Nation, and I don’t understand why she hasn’t been the lead in a million movies.

Molly Gordon with Rachel Sennott in ‘Shiva Baby’.

What should people watch next after Shiva Baby? Those Jewish movies would be a great start. And then Krisha, although I think a lot of people have seen it especially if they’re on Letterboxd! But then those Jewish romantic comedies, and then Obvious Child, all those movies are very sweet and endearing and helped me make it.

Separate from film, if it’s shiva-related then Transparent. If I didn’t have Transparent I don’t think I would have seen world of grounded, nuanced Jews that I could do comedy with. It would have been more in the Curb vein, which is also amazing, but a little more schtick.

What was the first film that made you want to be a filmmaker? My parents are huge movie buffs so I’m not sure there was one moment, but I will say that when I was six there was a re-release of the 20-year anniversary of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and I was at a horribly packed bris and my uncle was like, “Fuck this, there are so many people here, I can’t even breathe. Let’s go see E.T.” That was the first moment where I was like, if I can skip a bris to see E.T., I like movies.

Related content

From Short to Feature: Rob’s list of 2020 films that made the jump

Jewish Cinema (non-Holocaust): Amelia’s list of films “for when u want to celebrate your heritage but don’t want to have to think all too deeply about the Shoah”

Best Directorial Debuts of 2020: suggested by Letterboxd members, featuring Shiva Baby

Follow Ella on Letterboxd

Shiva Baby is now in select theaters and on VOD in the US. Film stills by Maria Rusche.

[asexualbuthorny]

Hey I'm back at it again with uncalled for and unwanted opinions on fictional characters. This might be long and entirely just word womit but this my blog and I do what I want.

The fandom I chose to desecrate today is Twisted Wonderland. Let's begin!

Heartslabyul:

Riddle Rosehearts. Love the boy. He a little too strict for me tho. Livin by the rules feels kinda like living on a schedule and I don't vibe with that. Baby has issues. He needs therapy more than he needs a relationship(simps sit down). Would not date him. Good friend material. He just needs to relax a little.

Trey Clover. He's the brother I never had and the father I wish I had. I bet he gives top tier hugs. Would go to him for advice. Would not date him 'cause he's dad. Want him to adopt me. Lovely boy. Very responsible and sensible. Trust him without doubt (daddy kink havers dni /j).

Cater Diamond. Suspishis. I don't know what he's thinking. Cannot trust. Good boy nevertheless. Probably has some issues. Im not a fan of social media so Im not with the whole magicam thing or whatever. Very pretty. Deserves more love. And hugs. Would not date. Good friend material pt.2

Ace Trapolla. More like crappola. Stinky bastard man. If I was there he wouldn't have kneecaps. Would throw hands. Annoying. Needs to get beaten up and put in his place. If he said shit to me I would throw his ass out a window. Would not date. Hardly a friend.

Deuce Spade. Wonderful boy. Sweet angel. Love him. Best boy! Best boy! Best boy! Has my heart. Would trust him. He may be dumbass but I vibe with him. A personal favourite. Would date. Would marry. We could raise chicks together. Dream boy. My heart is filled with love when I think of him. 10/10. A good friend and a potential lover.

Savanaclaw:

Leona Kingscholar. DISGUSTANG. STINKY. AWFUL BASTARD MAN. Leona simps get help. This man smells like pee. Lazy. Can't do shit by himself. I don't know if he's aware but if he wasn't royalty nobody and I mean NOBODY would deal with his shit. And his attitude like cool you can always fail and get held back 'cause you have daddys money and can go back home and live with your parents your whole life but not everybody has that kind of priviledge. That kind of ungratefulness just make my brain angry. Would not date. Not a friend. Would not deal with his shit. Throw hands on sight.

Ruggie Bucchi. Sneaky. Needs money. I understand Im broke too. Don't have much to say about him. Doesn't occupy much space in my head. Would not date. Hard to trust. May be a friend. He would probably rob me. Disrespectfuly.

Jack Howl. Good boy. Deserves the best. Very responsible and has a good sense of justice. A little too serious. Calm down. Tsundere. Want to pet them ears tho. Another best boy! We can all agree that he's a favourite among the fans. Would not date. Very good friend.

Octavinelle:

Azul Ashengrotto. Shady. Not trustworthy. Responsible. He runs a restaurant while being a top student. I can respect that. Very smart. Insecure. Don't worry bb we all been there. I like him. But he's still bastard. But like less. Idk. Would date but barely. Maybe a friend. Again barely.

Floyd Leech. Crazy mf. His simps are masochists I don't take critisism. He would fold us all like lawnchairs. Don't think about him much. Not my cup of man. I like his voice tho. Kinda cute. Can't trust tho. Would not date. Friend but very carefuly.

Jade Leech. Scary. This man knows things. Sells your secrets on the black market. Polite. Dangerous. Not much to say abt him. His simps rub me the wrong way. Would not date. A person I know from school but not a friend.

Scarabia:

Kalim Al Asim. Very friendly. Sunshine boy. Lively child. Very naive. I would fool him for the lols. Give him many hugs. I don't like parties so we wouldn't vibe on that. He could teach me new games. Rich boy. Probably buys his friends expensive shit and thinks it's a small present. Could date. Makes a better friend tho. Take me on a magic carpet ride pls.

Jamil Viper. Sneaky pt.2. Can't trust after the shit he pulled. Can forgive but not forget. He's a lot smarter than he looks. Even if already looks smart. Can cook so that's a plus. Big respect to people that can cook. He would fool me for the lols. I would fall for it every time. He knows things. Sells your secrets pt.2. He wants to break free. Would not date. Friend but very very carefuly.

Pomefiore:

Vil Schoenheit. We would not get along. Im very live and let live and he sticks his nose in other people buisiness. I don't care how I look and he's very aesthetic oriented. He would call me ugly. I would call him a bitch. We would throw hands on sight. Argue every day. I would hide and defend Epel from him and his bullshit. He's dedicaded to his thing and has a succsesful career so I can respect that. But he still a bitch.

Rook Hunt. Don't trust him. He's french. Creepy. Poor beastpeople tbh. Can't say much about him. I bet he writes superb poetry tho. 10/10 would listen. Would compliment me. Don't know if genuine. Would not date. Decent friend tho.

Epel Felmier. Arson buddies. Commit crimes together. Call Vil a bitch toghether. He wants to be buff and I can get behind that. He could beat my ass and I would let him. He's kinda like a little brother who you teach how to get away with murder. We would beat everones ass. Good boy. Best friend. Would not date. We would rule the school.

Ignyhide:

Idia Shroud. I could beat his ass. Wouldn't tho. Not worth it. Incel. Gets zero pussy. Probably stinky. Would still try to befriend. Bully him lovingly. Gatekeeper. Anxiety. Me too tbh. Not much to sqy about him. Roast marshmellows on his head. Would not date. Could be a friend.

Ortho Shroud. A child. We could be friends. I would teach him swearwords. Good boy. Don't know much about him. Friend material.

Diasomnia:

Sebek Zigvolt. Why he so damn loud? Like calm down boy. Still very good and dedicaded. Could not be in relationship 'cause he has other things on his plate. Tries to be responsible. Still a disaster dumbass. Love the boy. Would not date. Good friend.

Silver. Don't know much about him. Like what are you hiding sleepyheadass? Seems like a nice good boy. We could take hella naps together. Would not date. Befriend him.

Lilia Vanrouge. Dad/grandpa vibes. Would take care of me while Im sick. I would get poisoned by his cooking. HE GIVES THE BEST HUGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE MY MIND. Father I wish I had pt.2. Trickster. Would tease me. I still love him. Welcom to the fam. Would not date because him grandpa.

Malleus Draconia. THIS MAN. Im looking respectfuly. Gorgeus. Beautiful. Stunning. My husband. Give him love and hugs and kisses. I would marry this man. My sunshine my starlight. Im such a simp for him. Who wouldn't want a cool dragon husband. He owns my heart and my ass. 100000000/10. Would die for him. Bestest boy. My love please come to me.

Wwwaaaa this was long. I might post something strictly about relationships if I feel anything again some time soon.

[caranfindel]

Episode recap/review: Walker 1.14

I didn't expect to recap 1.14 and yet here I am, still avoiding my unfinished Summergen fic. I'm actually writing this in real time, as I watch the episode. So for once I'm not pretending I don't know what happens. I literally don't know.

We begin with Cordell and Grandpa clearing up the crime scene. How much do I love Cordell saying "Daddy?" A lot. And not in that way, you perverts. It just really brings out the Texan.

Liam is in bed, recuperating. He gets a call (note that he calls himself William professionally, which is news to me, and I like it for whatever reason) from someone asking for a comment, which he starts to angrily refuse before Gramma Walker grabs his phone and hangs up. Gramma Walker going all Mama Bear for Liam is also interesting, and unexpected. But Liam says "I can take care of myself" and she says "No, you can't. None of you boys can." And then looks sadly out the window, where Cordell and Grandpa are taking down the crime scene tape. I just have to think "none" and not "both" means she's thinking of poor dead Hoyt, who she obviously loved like a son, if not more so. (More evidence for the Hoyt is her lovechild file? Maybe.)

Geri shows up, wearing an unnecessary cowboy hat and Hoyt's old jacket. She's bearing Hoyt's last will and testament, written on a bar coaster! Oh, my heart. And in case you can't read it:

If I get shivved in the shower or some old horse kicks me upside the head. For real Liam stamp it and everything - I leave everything to Geri/"Geraldine Broussard"/angle [sic] face sweet lips etc. So that plot I bought over in Tanglewood is for her and whatever I got in my pockets or elsewhere. See ya in the next life.

Angle face!

I'm not sure this would stand up in court, since he didn't even sign his last name, although it is witnessed by William Walker. Anyway, it's a moot point, because the land Hoyt intended to give Geraldine "Angle Face" Broussard is transferring to new owners, effective tomorrow. Which makes no sense. The deal fell apart because he died, and yet it's so soon after his death that the police tape is still up. New owners wouldn't be in the picture that quickly. Reverting to previous owners, because it was owner-financed? Sure. But not new owners. (Whatever, Caranfindel. Move it along.) She asks Cordell to go with her to gather his personal belongings. And to bring the kids. Hmmm, let's see how Stella can mess this up. (Tanglewood is 71 miles from Austin. Of course I looked it up.)

But first, Cordell has to sign paperwork to begin his leave of absence. So he didn't actually intend to quit. I mean, we all knew he'd be back, but I kind of thought he was, at the time, intending to quit for good. Does Connie the HR person have a big old crush on him? There is hand touching and deep, serious gazing.

Touch him, Connie. Touch him for those of us who cannot.

Micki is sitting right outside the conference room where he signs his papers but still acts surprised that he's in the building. Did she not smell the rosemary mint shampoo as he walked by? He thanks her for the flowers and apologizes for not calling her back. And then cancels their lunch plans so he can go off with Geri and the kids.

Someone said this on Tumblr, and I think it bears repeating here. It's interesting comparing Cordell's grief, over his wife and now his best friend, to Sam's grief. Cordell is clearly deeply affected, and is also clearly moving on. Sam is just unhinged.

Elsewhere. The gang stops for lunch and reminisces about Hoyt dressed as Santa, wearing assless chaps. Well. That's memorable. (Also, I know people who did the whole leaving horse manure and pretending it's reindeer poop thing. Some people are just a lot more into Santa than I was.) Trevor (Travis? Whatever) called Stella. She's apparently avoiding him. Probably a good call, sis. Maybe the only one you've made in 14 episodes. (To be fair, I didn't watch the first four.)

Micki shares tacos with her boyfriend, whose name I can never remember, having been stood up by Cordell. She tells him Cordell seemed "off," which is great now, Micki. Why didn't you pay more attention to that feeling last week? The BF thinks Micki herself might be off, because she misses her partner. And she calls him family. Captain What's His Face comes to talk to Trey (that's his name, dammit) and asks if he knows a guy who goes to the same physical therapist's office. Friends, when I've done PT, I don't even know people who go to my therapist, let alone just go to someone in the same office. But maybe folks in Austin are just friendlier than they are round these parts. Oh, wait. The guy is missing, and was last seen in a heated discussion with Trey? What's up with that, Trey?

Tanglewood. Cordell asks the nice lady (realtor? owner?) about Hoyt's "personal affects," and she says "they are probably out grazing." Because Hoyt's personal effects are four horses and a llama. Which Geri owns now. "Where am I going to board four horses and a llama?" she asks. Cordell is oddly befuddled (and adorably, cause y'all know how I feel about befuddled Jared), as if he didn't live on a ranch. With horses. The family business, remember? The kids are entranced. I would be too. It's a damn cute llama. One of the mares actually nursed the llama, so they're family. (Watch out for falling anvils.)

Micki's house. Trey says the "heated discussion" was the missing guy showing him a judo move. Captain asks Trey to ride along and help him investigate, and poor partnerless Micki asks if she can come with.

Tanglewood. Apparently Hoyt's personal affects also included gear for the four horses, because everyone is saddled up. Geri doesn't seem like an experienced rider - she keeps her hand on the pommel of the saddle, which I always heard was a rube move. (At least she's not clutching the saddle horn. No shade. It's hard not to. It's a perfect handle and it's just right there.) Cordell, of course, rides perfectly, as he does everything perfectly.

Everything except his job. And raising his kids. But do I care about those things? Not so much.

Geri thinks the llama looks unwell. What is she, a llama expert? A veterinarian? And what are they doing on this trail ride anyway - taking the herd back to the Walker ranch? It's 71 miles away! It's an hour and a half driving! How will they get the truck? Why didn't Cordell just say "let's go back to the ranch and get Daddy's cattle trailer?" WHY.

(No one cares. No one but you thinks about these things.)

Stella is on her phone, but it turns out she's (allegedly) re-reading Hoyt's last text, not chatting with friends. And then she says she was "responsible for everything." Oh, wait. We're going there? Stella is finally going to face the music? Cordell says it's not her fault, but they're interrupted by the llama, who apparently is in distress. Cordell wants to leave him at a random homestead. Permanently? Like, "excuse me, ma'am, but can you take this llama?" Or just while they get the horses home? I dunno.

August doesn't like this, because the llama and the horses are family. Geri distracts him by claiming Hoyt wanted him to have the jacket she's wearing, although I find this rather dubious, because why did she wait so long to mention it? Why is she wearing it herself? It's a lucky jacket he won from a tarot card reader and card hustler named The Mystifying Mehar, who was "infamous for getting out of trouble because of that jacket." Cordell then asks Geri to go off with the kids while he hangs back and tries to ditch the llama. Oh no, Cordell, don't do that. He's family!

Back at the ranch, Grandpa chases off some more journalists. He also ignores Gramma's concern about his cancer.

Trail ride. We skipped the whole bit where Cordell found someone willing to take in a goddamn llama, caught up with his kids, and told them what he did. They're mad that he wouldn't even try, and then Stella impulsively rides off, almost falling into a revine.

Team Sassyboots 2.0 questions the missing guy's wife. Turns out he left a note. Doesn't sound like he's as missing as they thought. He said he would "fix everything," i.e., their upcoming foreclosure. They check his workshop and find evidence that he was a military contractor, and apparently this means he should have no money problems whatsoever, because they don't understand how money works. His gun safe is empty, so they figure he's on some kind of "black ops" job. And if it's going to be complete by Monday, I assume it's something local, and not a military operation.

Walker Ranch. Someone who is Liam's "political opponent" comes to take care of him? And he's bringing barbeque? Is it poisoned? Gramma says Liam can't have barbecue because he's on bedrest, as if one had anything to do with the other. And... Grandpa wants to go mushroom hunting with her? Is that what the kids call it these days?

Trail ride. Cordell found someone to keep the horses. Temporarily? I'm still confused. Stella and Geri talk about Hoyt, and Stella asks about her forgiving him. Thinking about some forgiveness toward your own bad boy, Stella? She says "the two of you were always kind of like the dream to me," which is odd considering they were off-and-on, while her parents were very much on, and definitely seem more like couple goals. But okay. Stella confesses again that she is responsible, and Geri says "you let love in, maybe; that's your worse crime." I wonder if Stella blames herself for the fake truck crash that started the whole domino effect, or if she even realizes that's what happened. Obviously Geri wouldn't. Hmmm, I wonder what August thinks about all this?

Walker Ranch. Whoever this political opponent is, he must be a family friend, because he gave a toast at Cordell and Emily's rehearsal dinner. "Hey, when did your brother have such long hair," he asks, looking at a picture of the happy couple. Liam is growing facial hair again. I like it. Opponent suggests the spicy barbecue will put hair on Liam's chest and Liam tosses it aside and says "no, dammit, after I spent all that time waxing?" And Liam might drop out of whatever race he's in. I don't really care about that part. Let's talk more about Liam's chest.

I love that they can use actual Padalecki family photos as Cordell and Emily photos. No bad Photoshop needed!

Team Sassyboots 2.0. I don't really care about this missing guy either. Skipping it. You know, I understand this is meant to be an ensemble show, and Jared Padalecki and his stupid pretty face and long legs are not going to be in every scene. But Micki working a case with her boss and her boyfriend just bothers me and I don't want to be a part of it.

Trail ride. They're bedding down in the barn for the night? What the fuck? Where are they? Why didn't they just drive home? I'm so confused! Cordell and Geri talk about Hoyt some more. Cordell makes an awkward comment about "us together" and then amends it to mean all of us together, as in you and me and the kids camping right now, not, like, you and me together together, and then does a little eyebrow thing like whoo, good job, talked your way out of that one. NO, CORDELL, YOU ARE NOT AS SMOOTH AS YOU THINK YOU ARE. Anyway. There's a lot of guilt about poor dead Hoyt. Cordell tells Geri her name is still on the Sidestep lease (lease? I thought they owned it?), as if being part owner of a bar is always going to be a good thing, with no liability at all. And they don't kiss, for which I am grateful. The horses are really acting up. I hope nothing's happening.

Cordell checks on the horses and apologizes to the mare for leaving the llama behind. He realizes he made the wrong choice. "You know what," he says. "Let's go fix this."

I adore him.

Walker Ranch. Grandpa and Gramma have been mushroom hunting and are now getting silly. Um, what kind of mushrooms did you two find? And then Grandpa says "tonight's about Hoyt," which I do not understand. "I saw the joy he gave you," Grandpa says. Yes, Grandpa, and do you not find that even a little bit fishy? And then he decides to build something.

Trail ride. Cordell went and retrieved his llama! He is precious. I love him so much. He has some pratfalls in the same ravine that almost caught Stella, and then his family shows up and rescues him. (Can I point out that his "a-ha-ha" laugh is the same one we heard when he opened his gift from Dean in "A Very Supernatural Christmas" and I'm not sure it appeared in any other episode?) August offers the Lucky Jacket to use as a llama harness to haul the little guy out of the ravine. Oh, and it turns out the llama is about to give birth.

And, while I'm skipping Team Sassyboots 2.0, it's hard to ignore that Micki is now in a UFC fight. That might have been an interesting story after all. Y'all can fill me in.

Walker Ranch. They're building a little stable. Because this big horse ranch doesn't have enough stables. Liam, who was bedridden to the point of not being able to eat barbeque yesterday, is now helping build. He gets a text from his former fiance, who wants to talk. And Grandpa has decided to treat his cancer. Happy endings all around!

Micki's house. She says she was passive-aggressive with Walker because she's afraid of losing him. I get it, sweetie. He's someone you don't want to lose.

Trail ride. August is carrying the newborn llama, wrapped in the Lucky Jacket. Geri wants to cut out before they get to the ranch. She's going to ride the bus home? Seriously? Isn't her car at the Walker Ranch? She and Cordell talk abou their unfinished business. Yeah, like the fact she was probably involved in your wife's murder? That unfinished business, Geraldine? Grandpa meets them before they get to the ranch and informs them he has a strict no-llama policy on the ranch. But luckily, he just built an alpaca stable. They’re alpacas, not llamas. So, Geri called him, but how did he know they were alpacas? Did she send pictures? I am so confused. Anyway. The new family goes into their new home. They name the baby alpaca Hoyt, of course.

Little Hoyt, guys, he's the sweetest thing.

Breakfast. Political Opponent gives Liam a contribution. Oh, I get it. They're running for the same office, and he thinks Liam will draw votes away from his other opponent. Shrewd. Stella calls Trevor and says she might need to leave the past behind. And you are the past, Trevor. Cordell sees a truck pull up and runs out to meet Micki. She apologizes for holding a grudge over him leaving. She tries to shake hands and he hugs her instead. She thinks they can just be friends now instead of partners, and he says they're not friends, they're family. And then she oohs and aahs over the alpacas, which she recognizes immediately as alpacas and not llamas, and also points out that little Hoyt is actually a girl. Oops. Awkward. Cordell is surprised she can just tell. "Most people can." Yeah, you are the worst rancher's son ever. Then Cordell sees the fence is carved with a memorial to Hoyt. Aw.

He is also the sweetest thing.

So. Less drama than last week. More warmth. A ridiculous B story that was as annoying as giving Cas his own plot. Will I still watch next week? Yeah, probably. I have questions. How did Grandpa know they were alpacas? Where is the baby daddy? Can Cordell and his rancher father really not tell the difference between a male and female alpaca? Why is Geri riding the bus home, when her car is at the Walker's? Why is she avoiding the Walker Ranch? Will August ever get his own plot again?

It's just a shame that this episode didn't have any shout-outs to Supernatural, like the last one did...

[sa-nddd]

first mcyt post! this is a dream smp one! let me know what you think :)

Dream SMP headcanons: being the villain >:)

basically, reader is the chew toy of L'manburg. everyone uses her, yet treats her like crap. she's tired of being a toy, and finally unleashes her power.

takes place in the dream smp

warnings: strong language, injury, manipulation, explosives, strong themes

not proofread, it's 5am on a school night and I haven't slept :)

gender identity: cis female, she/her pronouns, no use of name

she was tired.

days, months, years of being pushed over and treated like shit, how didn't they see it coming?

it started in L'manburg's fight for Independence.

She was passionate, wanting to do everything to help her 'friends'.

she gave them shelter, weapons, supplies, and care.

thinking back, all she sees is their faces in red.

fast forward a bit, the war was done!

celebrations nightly, and never was she invited.

she didn't mind, thinking they just were distracted and forgot to send her an invite.

she does live a few miles away, anyways.

then came Schlatt's takeover.

once again, she sent pogtopia crates of her weaponry and materials, only wanting to help.

only to get left by herself, preparing to defeat Schlatt on her own.

when she saw them all walk to the battle field together, she was torn.

Once again, she was left to her own accord, almost getting hit with DREAM'S arrows.

Techno, however, pulled her away.

The only person who showed her an act of kindness.

She fought with a new determination that day.

A few days after that fight, Techno heard a knock from where he was farming potatoes.

Looking up, he saw her standing on the bottom step of pogtopia's stairs, holding an ender chest.

she walked up to him, stopping a safe distance away before placing down her e-chest and opening it.

she pulled out a few things, three stacks of pink fireworks, a few wither skulls, and netherite blocks.

he looked at her in confusion, not understanding why she gave him so many things.

he refused at first, which made her confused.

everyone always took her gifts with open arms, why wasn't he?

when he asked her why she gave him such a expensive gift, she ended up explaining her story, how she was unknowingly being used for her materials.

techno was low-key pissed.

he'd keep her in mind, he promised.

fast forward a bit more, and the two became closer.

since then, techno has taught her everything she needed to know.

how she was manipulated, used, and a victim.

after realizing what techno was telling her was the truth, she decided to stop her generous ways, giving less and less things to her 'friends' and more towards herself and techno.

the two became close, bonding over being used and their power.

the two were a powerful duo, finding strength within eachother.

they were attached at the hip, techno not being this close to anyone other than Phil.

it was surprising, but welcomed.

techno would teach her his ways in fights, and they often collected materials together.

they basically lived together at this point.

he was soft

skipping forward to Manburg's last battle, they agreed on something.

anarchy was the best B)

jk, that they would do everything in their power to destroy every government they could.

As the battle went on, they stood with their backs together, protecting eachother.

as they confronted Schlatt, techno pushed her behind him, not wanting her in reach of the mentally unstable man in front of them.

as they walked to the podium, leaving Schlatt's body behind, the duo stood proudly next to eachother.

the first government they tore apart as partners, it felt great.

they watched, their proud expressions slipping into angry ones as they watched a new government being formed in front of them.

"The fuck?" she whispered out, following techno as he stood up straight, preparing to shout his next words.

she pulled out her ender chest, doing quick work of pulling out her soul and and wither skulls, as well as some xp bottles to heal her and Techno's armour.

as techno started his speech, she handed him the materials, splashing potions in preparation for the blast damage they might take.

then, the ground rumbled beneath them.

They reacted quickly, moving away from the explosives.

Techno pulled out his crossbow and fireworks, firing at any one he saw.

she stood in front of him, her shield up, blocking the debris and blasts from them.

once the explosions passed their area, they got to work spawning in a Wither each.

"You want to be a hero, Tommy? THEN DIE LIKE ONE!"

The withers took off, heads flying everywhere.

As she looked around, she met eyes with a few of her 'friends'.

trey all looked at her with betrayal and anger in their eyes, finally connecting the dots as to why she was being distant.

she just smirked back, causing them surprise.

Techno was done speaking, it was her turn.

"You know, I don't know why I wasted all those years on the wrong side, this is fun."

they looked shocked, not expecting the usually soft girl to be so evil.

"Does the medicine taste good? Cause it didn't for me.

Betrayal is a strange feeling, isn't it?"

"Being used doesn't feel nice. But hey, you live you learn, right?"

She stared them down, eyes glazed over with dark clouds.

"Y'know, I'm a strong believer in Karma.

I'd say Karma comes in different ways for everyone, and we never know what shape or way it'll come to us."

"However, I do know how it will come back to you."

The group let her words sink in, trying to fight off the withers roaming around.

"It's by me!" she chirped.

" and I know exactly how I'm going to do it!" she smiled, pearly whites showing.

"I'm going tear you apart from the inside. just. like. you. did. for. me."

After that, everything was a blur.

she doesn't remember much, only coming back to her senses when Techno pulled her to the lake, pulling out his trident, and passing her her own.

they flew away, going to pack their things and run away.

time skip a few days, her and phil quickly became friends, the same with ghostbur.

Her and Techno are settled down in a cabin far away, having everything then needed.

things were finally good.

She had caring friends, and nice home, and left her old life behind.

it was nice.

time passed, l'manburg with a new plan to take down Technoblade.

would that happen? fuck no LMAOO

TECHNOBLADE NEVER DIESSSS!

anyways

Phil was under house arrest, Techno was taken by the butcher army, and she was pissed.

actually, pissed was an understatement.

she was stood behind Phil's chimney, peaking at the scene in front of her.

she wasn't afraid, she knew techno had a totem on him, as did she. (courtesy of sugar daddy dré)

However, that didn't stop her from jumping down and gripping onto Fundy's hair, pulling it back harshly and pressing her sword into his neck.

She wasn't going to kill him, she has morals, but they didn't know that.

while they were distracted with her, Phil tossed Techno a pickaxe.

He got free, pearling away.

Quackity noticed, running after him while yelling. the rest followed, leaving her unattended with Carl. She took Carl, waving at Phil and Ghostbur before riding back home.

Now, when she went down to the basement and noticed a misplaced block in the floor, she didn't think she'd find a human down there.

Especially Tommy.

Then again, that kid is always ending up in weird situations.

she dragged him upstairs, forcing him to stay put till Techno comes back from trading with the villagers.

while waiting, the two bonded over their experiences with manipulation, Tommy apologizing to her for what he did.

She forgave him, not blaming the young one for following in the adults foot steps. He didn't know better.

Boy, Techno did not expect Tommy and her to be laughing when he stepped in, but alas, it is what it is

Time skip the preparations, the day of the festival has come.

The three were sneaking around in invis pots, going over the plan multiple times.

That was, until she witnessed the Community House, or at least what was left of it.

She fell to her knees, the memories flowing through her mind.

It had been there since the beginning, something she helped to build.

kc when things were simple, no fighting, no war, just friends hanging out.

she remembers the nights where the ogs would stay up building it, sleeping in beds pushed up together.

just her, Dream, George, Sapnap, Callahan, Alyssa, and Sam, having fun, building and joking around.

back before the fight, when Her and Dream yelled at each other over something useless.

before she ran off to L'manburg, who hated her for her relationships with the opposing team, but kept her for her things.

Her invis pot ran out, her body appearing.

Techno panicked, trying to get her to drink another, but she told him it was fine, to trust her.

He hesitated, but turned his attention to Tommy. she snuck off, watching as people slow started swarming around.

tears fell down her cheeks.

she looked around, meeting eyes with Bad.

She ran to his open arms, crying into them.

This was the only place that she had happy memories at, before she met Techno.

The only place that kept her sane.

She let go of bad, turning to Callahan, who gave her a small, sad smile and pulled her into a hug.

She looked to the side after a few seconds, meeting eyes with George, who also hugged her.

she felt someone's arms wrap around her, and she turned around, meeting Sapnap's eyes, and leaning into him.

Finally, she turned to Sam, who was staring at the destruction with tears streaming down his face.

The two of them were the most attached to the community house.

She stumbled into his arms, both of them sniffling into their embrace.

They both kept their arms around each other, turing to the scene in front of them. As Tommy and Tubbo started fighting, she knew that's her sign to go back to Techno. she let go of Sam, meeting eyes with her friends, letting them know she'd be back.

she wiped her face, quickly gearing up before jumping down beside Techno. she joined him in splashing tommy with pots.

then things took a turn. suddenly, Dream has the disks, tommy is on Tubbo's side again, and Techno and her are pearling out of a mob.

She was out of it the whole time, the Community House affecting her alot.

she decided then, it's time to take revenge.

It was the day they were going to destroy L'manburg once and for all.

She was prepared, wither skulls and soul sand filled her pockets, stacks of tnt filling chests in the sky, the black structure towering over l'manburg.

She had a smile on her face, letting out all her stress and anger.

as l'manburg went down, she could feel herself feel more alive, more free.

She stood with Phil and Techno on top of the crater that was once l'manburg, laughing gleefully.

It was over.

The thing that caused he the most pain.

now that Karma has come collect it's dept, she can be herself again.

"C'mon, let's go home."

she smiled at Techno and Phil, wanting nothing more than some tea and sweets.

Her job was done.

for now, at least. >:)

[jonah-aesthetic]

That One Pt. 2  I Jonah Marais

Jonah Marais X Reader / Ivette X Daniel Seavey 

Plot: After Jonah Takes Y/n to his favourite ice cream parlour and takes care of her. She’s conflicted on her feelings for him, is he who everyone thinks he is? Or is he hiding himself from the world?

Word Count: 5K+

Author’s Note: More POC characters and pictured links. Sawyer may or may not be in this one. I feel like this part wasn’t good, but enjoy. Not edited.

Rating: 16+

Part 1 

________________

Mentally preparing yourself for the aimless flirting you let a sigh leave your lips.Turing toward him, your breath hitched as you looked up into his green. predatory smirk etched into his pink lips, you wanted them on yours. Nope you mentally hissed at yourself, you didn’t you couldn’t. That’s what you told yourself because you did want him. every inch of him tangled within you. But you couldn’t give him that satisfaction, so you bite at his ego every chance you got. Jonah was after you, everywhere you seemed to go he fell into your path. 

“Babe? Really?” Glaring him town, didn’t seem to work since he held a few inches from you.

“You love it, now lets get you home.” His hand is gentle resting between your shoulder blades. Beginning to guide you to the door, swerving you through the crowd making sure no one bumped into you. “What if I don’t want to leave?”  The alcohol in your veins doing the talking for you. 

“I didn’t think you did, Ivette has Daniel.” Jonah states still walking you do the door. You sighed in response, he was right you didn’t want to stay here if it wasn’t with Ivette. And frankly you didn't mind leave especially with your aching feet still in those heels. 

“Leaving so soon?” Julie’s sickly sweet voice was recognisable anywhere. You immediate turned at the first word, Jonah in tow following your every move like it was his job. 

Julie wasn’t alone, two others flanked her side. You met them before at brunch a few weeks ago. Rachel on her right, gleaming with her beautiful Korean features. Savannah on her left, beaming with her fiery red hair. 

Julie had on the exact replica of your dress, but hers was a crisp white. Gorgeous contrast against her mahogany skin, “Yeah I’m not feeling it, Jonah is giving me a ride home.” Your tone innocent as you smiled at them. He leaned into your side at the mention of his name, His arm now snaking around your waist in a protecting manner. Shuddering you felt the need to push him away, but not in the presence of her. 

“So the rumours are true, you two are together?” The prodding question came from Rachel. Watching the way Jonah clung onto you, maybe it was an excuse to hold you and maybe it wasn't. 

“I would of never pegged you two together.” Savannah chokes on a laugh. Where was Ivette when you needed her?

“It’s the unlikely to fall in love. Isn't it?” Jonah asks, almost making your eye balls pop out of their sockets. Yet you still held eye contact with Julie hoping she didn’t see the way you just slipped up. 

“Yes I guess it is.” Julie stares you down, trying to uncover the lie wrapping in the truth. Rachel and Savannah sharing curious glances, shit. 

“Have a good night Julie, I know I sure will.” You mange to get out, blaming it on the liquor still hanging in. Surprised etched into their features watching the way Jonah guided you for the door again. 

“Glad to see that your chicken pox cleared nicely!” Julie hollered from behind both of you, halting in your tracks, Jonah walked right into you. 

“They did, thanks.” You choked on the words in your throat, not sure on how to reply to her. 

Jonah helped you into the passenger’s seat of his Jeep. Thanking him you slid into the leather seat and rested your back against it. He shut the Jeep door, eyes connecting with his for a brief moment before he jogged to the drivers side. Collecting himself inside looking to you, distracted by the phone in your hands. Seeing no message from Trey still, why would their be? It’s 3:09am. 

“What?” You ask finally noticing his stare, 

“Chicken pox?” He asks amused, 

“It’s a long story, due for another time.” You curse yourself for implying you wanted to see him again. 

“I knew you wanted to see me again.” He teases turning the key in the ignition, the jeep wakes and begins to roll. Lurching forward as Jonah presses on the gas. Balancing his foot off the clutch, smooth enough for there not to be a jerk in the motion of the Jeep. 

“Thank you, for going along in there. I don’t think Julie likes me that much.” You change direction of the conversation. Jonah’s cologne reaching your nose, cinnamon and honey. Not an ounce of alcohol lingering in, you smile lightly. It must of been pop whirling in that cup of his earlier.  

“Julie palekin, never liked her much. The money her daddy has morphs her personality. “ Jonah says, gripping the steering wheel firmly, switching gears with the climbing speed. Green eyes on the road, glancing at you every so often. “I didn’t mind playing your boyfriend again. I’m getting good at it don’t you think?” The smirk is back onto his lips, teasing you till you die must of been his mission.

“This is the last time, Marais.” You say now turning your attention towards the window. Sky pitch black, littering with beautiful stars. Watching the street signs as Jonah passes them. Staying quite noticing you wanted and only the hum of the radio was heard. 

Gale

Peterson 

Everett 

Boston 

Instead of making a left turn towards campus Jonah turns the Jeep right, into the city. You sit up confused, eyes holding worry as you felt the anxiety creep in. “You’re going the wrong way.” you note, looking at Jonah, “Relax I know where I’m going.” He says humorously watching the way you reacted. 

“Where are we going exactly?” 

“You’ll see.” his voice calming 

Less then ten minutes later Jonah pulls the Jeep into a deserted parking lot. Chocolate spot was written in glowing brown lettering a top the building. Glowing light poured through the windows indicating it was still open. Parking he cut the engine. Turning to Jonah, he had this intoxicating smile, one you hadn’t seen before. Nothing like the wolfish smirk that was always plastered on his lips. 

“Where are we?” You asked cautiously, 

“ if you read the letters, that with probably give you a hint.”  

“Funny, I meant what exactly is the chocolate spot?” Curiosity dripping in your words. 

“An ice cream parlour, now hurry up or l’ll leave you here. Fair warning Cheryl has a mean alarm.” Jonah says before climbing out of the vehicle, who is cheryl? 

You sigh for the millionth time thinking it was best to follow him. Rather then wait for his slow ass in the car. By yourself at 3;30 in the morning. Before you could reach for the handle the door opened for you. Causing the lights in the car to flash on again. Looking up you were met with Jonah’s beaming face.

“I can open the door myself.” You whisper pointedly at him, green eyes watching as you tried to move your legs. Seething at the burning sensation blossoming onto the pads on your feet. With the adrenaline and the fading affect of the liquor, you felt the entire pain that these high heels endured. 

“What?” Jonah’s voice holding concern, as he came to your side to aid you in any way he could. Too blind from the pain you hadn’t noticed how close he was willingly to get. Breath mingling with yours. 

“Heels,” You mustered through you teeth. 

Without another word Jonah knelled in front of you, moving your knees towards him to have your legs dangling out of the jeep. “Ouch!” You yelped at the sudden bolt of pain rushing up your legs, “Sorry.” Jonah mumbled before his warm hands started working on the buckle around your ankle. Jonah’s eyebrows knitted together, concentrating on the task at hand. 

You watched him, wondering what it’d feel like to rake a hand through those curls. What it’d feel like to read a book and have his head tuck safely in your lap. 

Unclasping the buckle he firmly gripped the back of your calf. His other hand on the bottom of the heel as he soft removed the death trap you called a shoe. Pulling the straps out of various wounds, opening the cuts. You seethed gripping the door frame of the jeep till your knuckled turned white. “Fuck. you’re bleeding. How did you manage to walk out of there without twisting your ankle?” He asks looking up at you, placing the heel on the floor of the vehicle. 

“Adrenaline and alcohol.” You say with a shrug. 

“That’s it.” 

“Yes.” 

He didn’t respond only stared at you for a little longer. Then his attention on the other cages foot, Doing the same. But this time he counted down from three before removing the shoe. Giving you time to mentally prepare yourself of the stinging yank. “There, your cute little toes are free, Although they’re sporting some nasty battle wounds.” Jonah smiled before standing up again, your feet feeling free and light as ever. 

“My hero, what would I do without you?” You asked mimicking a princess, not thinking. 

“No need to thank me m’lady it was all my pleasure.” Jonah plays along and bows to you in the process, you both burst into a fit of laughter. Enjoying the way they meld together perfectly. The laughing died out as your mind wandered off

Stop, don’t give in. Not to Jonah Marais. But this guy in front of you didn’t feel like that Jonah everybody knew. The one who go himself into heavy trouble giving him those brutal bruises you forgot about. The one who had everyone falling at his feet, the one who goes through them like it was a damn race. This kindness he was giving you was a trick. It had to be right?

“Let me help you out,” Jonah offers his hand out to you. Spotting gorgeous ink crawl up into his sleeve. You nod too sacred your mouth would betray you. Placing your hand in his, warm sensation worked it’s way up and you fought the urge to pull away. You grip stead in Jonah’s giving a small smile before you started to jump. 

Your feet never hit the cold paved ground, Jonah crouched capturing you in his arms. He groaned lightly as you screeched in his ear unaware of his devious plan. One arm against your back and another under you legs in a bridal style manor. He chuckled at the way you reacted to him, wide eyed as your heart thumped wildly in your chest. 

“If I told you, you would’ve bite my head off.” He explained himself, closing the jeep door with his back. With a loud honk, it locked. 

You only glared at him because he was right. You would’ve objected the idea of him carrying you inside. Would’ve risk infection then agree to be in his arms, especially with the intoxication. You didn’t trust yourself this close to him, where you breathe danced with his, where you could feel the steady beat of his heart. Where you could feel his words vibrate within his chest.

Walking inside you were memorised by the place, you could easily tell the theme was retro. The floors were tiled black and white like a chess board. Both the booths and chair were a pastel teal and pink. Down the aisle of the tables was a vintage jukebox, teal and pink neon lights ran along it. 

“Jonah my boy! Come in! Come in!” The words covered in a french accent. Behind the counter stood and older man, short and pudgy. Black hair with bits of grey sprinkling in, dark brown eyes resembled the earth. A bright smile towards the both of you. 

“Hello to you too Marcel.”  Jonah chuckles walking to the counter, 

Marcel’s smile became  brighter as he spots you in Jonah’s arms. Eye’s sparkling, “Oh who is this sweet thing? Must be your girlfriend.” It was more of a statement then a question, “No, Marcel this is y/n, she’s just a friend.” Jonah explained and you swore you could here the drop in his voice. 

Jonah Finally places you into a cotton candy booth. After shows you all the ice cream choices behind the glass casing. Ordering and catching up with Marcel which didn’t seem to be much as he seemed to come her often. Almost as if he knew the parlour like the back of his hand. 

The leather began to stick to the backs of your thighs, bare feet on the cool marble floor. You over hear Jonah asking for the first aid kit as you looked around the place a little more. Noticing a group of younger kids, laughing and leaning into each other, show each other videos from their phones. Probably fourteen or fifteenth. Another couple sat at a centre table, beautiful smiles as they talked. Must of been one of those deep conve- 

“Jesus Jonah!” You hiss at him, 

The sting ran up your nerves, scrunching up your face as you tried to yank your foot from his death grip. It only tightened making sure your foot didn’t slip. You wondered how he’d react if you kicked him with your free foot, on to his ass. 

His expression bored and slightly irritated, holding a cotton ball drenched in rubbing alcohol above the cut. It gleamed bright red from the light above, vaguely cleaned. 

“Stop being a wuss and let me disinfect.”

“It fucking Burns Marais!”

“I know.”

“Give me some sympathy.” 

He sighs, placing a cotton ball down a small serving plate Marcel donated for the cause. Jonah reached into his back pocket, his eyes never straying from your. “Here.” He places a black bandanna that has seen better days then this in your hand. You grimace and look at him, “What’s this?” you mumble. He rolls his eyes at you, “Just bite down on it! It’ll help with the pain.And before you ask yes it’s clean.” 

You shrug, what did you have to lose? Folding the tattered fabric you did as told. you gave Jonah a thumbs up and an eager nod like you were ready for war. He shakes his head and chuckles, thinking you were the cutest thing this world had to offer. 

Did he always have a piece of material rotting in his butt pocket for situation like this? If so, where the hell was it ten minutes ago?

You whimper into the cloth. Feeling the burning returning as he began disinfecting your wounds again. He glanced up for a few seconds seeing he discomfort in your eyes. Then the focus back on your foot. 

You watched him. The way he took care of you within the last hour, you were surprised he was still single. He serenaded girls left and right with is band and his gentle touch. He never got to you, what was the point if it was just a night? what was the point if it didn’t turn into something more? Yet with all these thoughts you wanted him but you kept telling yourself no. Wha-

No. You blamed the thoughts on the alcohol still swimming in your system. 

By the time Jonah finished each cut and bandaged them, Marcel brought your ice cream cups. Sliding them across the table with an innocent smile, capturing yours you stared in awe at your favourite flavour. Confusion etched into your eyebrows though, the ice cream behind the glass was hard and this was soft ice cream. 

“Marcel mixes in a little bit of milk before blending it. And out comes this delicious soft ice cream.” Jonah moans sliding into the booth across from you. Mint chocolate chip ice cream already caught on the side on his lip. “Try it.” he pushes excitedly. 

You do, digging out a fair amount and capturing the spoon in your mouth. Jonah watches every muscle you make. The ice cream hits your tongue your taste buds exploding. It tasted like the feeling of hugging a puppy, like pure happiness. His green eyes brighten and a genuine smile spreads onto his lips. 

“This is absolutely amazing.” You beam, 

“My thoughts exactly.” Jonah shoves another spoon of ice past his lips. 

Jonah Marais

The radio played a gorgeous melody of Good Nights by Whethan. Hand full of gleaming rings tapped against the smooth steering wheel. Jonah hummed the lyrics thinking about sampling this song one day. Right hand curling on the gear shift, levelling the the clutch and the acceleration. His foot slips and drops the clutch causing the vehicle to jerk. 

It was an instinct when his head whipped to you with concern glinting in his eyes. But Jonah sighed in relief at the sight of you. Head rested on the window, legs tucked into your body tightly. Your eyes closed and lips slightly parted, letting snores escape. Smile spread on to his lips. You were asleep in his passenger window. 

Fuck you were asleep. How the hell was he going to get you through the corridors of your dorm? He didn’t feel comfortable going through your purse. Because if he did that would give you another reason not to trust him. Jonah couldn't risk that right now. The only choice was to bring you to his place. Not the fraternity, but his own personal space.  

There was minimal traffic at four in the morning, Jonah weaved through it with ease and got to his apartment quick. He collected you in his arms with ease as if you were the missing piece to his complicated puzzle. You never squirmed at Cheryl’s loud honk when she locked. 

Walking into his generous apartment he immediately shushed Sawyer, his three year-old Labrador. Nonetheless the asshole still managed to muster a bark, “Shut up, it’s me dingus.” Jonah whisper hissed at him, shaking his head at his dog before carrying you to his bedroom. Sawyer trailed with the light jingle of his collar and tag clashing together. 

Laying you down Jonah turned for his closet, walking in as he strip out of his gross clothing. He found a pair of sweats and pulled them on, letting them rest on his hips. Coming back into the room he was startled to see you siting up. Coddling Sawyers head in your thighs, massive smile on his lips as his tail wagged. 

“Hey,” Jonah greets, 

Y/n turned to him a sleepy smile on her lips and a dazed look in her eyes. Half asleep, she was still cute as ever. Sawyer must of had the dumb courage to wake her up with a kiss like she was Snow White 

“Have you meet Sawyer?” She asks, not realising that was his dog. 

“Yeah, he’s a good dog.” He lied. 

“Yes he is. Yes he is.” y/n speaks to sawyer in a baby voice, her attention on the dog again. Jonah laughs before turning back into the closet. He yanks one of his old band tees of the hanger, he smiles and shrugs. y/n can rep it for the night even if it was just in his apartment. 

“Put this on, I don’t think you want to sleeping in that dress,” Jonah Throws the shirt at y/n and it hits her right in the face. “Shit!” he mumbles resisting the urge to laugh and escapes the room before she had the chance to curse him. 

He digs up a blanket and a pillow from the hallway closet. Coming into the den he makes a makeshift bed on the soft leather couch. This would be the first time sleeping on them since he didn’t being girls to this apartment. It was his personal home, he didn’t want them poking around when they woke. Seeing parts of him nobody got to see. Y/n was different. Jonah honest didn't care if she saw or even took a souvenir on her way out. 

walking back to check on her, Jonah tapped two knuckles on the door frame. There was no answer so he waited, still no response. Assuming she fell back asleep he entered his bedroom and smiled, y/n cuddled into Sawyer like she was meant to be there. As if Jonah saw her every night in his bed and still got those butterflies.  

Small snores came both of them, their chests expanding with every breath. Walking in he spotting her green dress and bag a few inches away from the bed. First he morphed the dress in a ball and shot it into his hamper like a basket ball. Secondly he set her purse on the nightstand for her to find in the morning. He started for the door, but halted at the sound of his name rolling off her tongue. 

“Jonah?” 

“Yes” His words were urgent as he whirled to face her. Face half tucking into sawyer’s back as sleep swam in her eyes like a pool. “Could you please stay with me till I fall asleep?” Her words held a form of desperation, he was utterly confused by it. Thee y/n was asking him, Jonah Marais who she wasn’t too fond of to sleep in bed with her? He had to be dreaming because she would never say that in the bright of day. Although she was half asleep in his bed and never questioned it. 

“I don’t know, you already have Sawyer.” He gives her time to reject him,

“Maybe it’s a little greedy, but I want both of you please? Just until I fall asleep and then you can leave.” She offers, but as soon as he’s beside her he knows he wont want to leave. 

“Y-yeah I guess I can do that.” he stammers on his words. 

“Thank you.” She mumbles with a small smile. 

Jonah nods not sure how to response to her, he circles the bed and climbs into the right side. Heart pounding against his rib cage. He glances over already seeing y/n on her side and one hand cradling her face. Jonah gets into the same position, close enough so that her breath hits his face.  

“What does it feel like to perform with the guys?” She asks a question Jonah never thought she cared about. 

“Ecstasy. Singing these lyrics and fingers dancing on the guitar. It just gives me adrenaline like nothing before. Like i’m on top of a mountain and there’s nothing I can’t do. Like searching for paradise and finally finding it. It feels like home, as if I meant to do this for the rest of my life.”  Y/n is quite watching the way Jonah beams talking about playing with his band. 

“That’s what painting feels like to me, or did.” She says into a yawn that made him chuckle. 

“You don’t paint anymore?” 

“Nah passions don’t pay the bills. It’s what my dad always said. So here I am trying my shot at the medical field, the family profession.” Y/n yawns again as he eyes begin to droop. 

“What’s the point if your hearts not in it?” He starts to pry, 

“Not all of use have trust founds, we have to work for it.” He voice sounding more tired by the second. 

“Your dad’s a plastic surgeon.” Jonah notes, blood boiling at this new information. 

“He worked for all of it and now so do I.” Her eyes fully closed, knowing she was about to pass out any minute now. 

“That’s...” He trailed off not knowing what to say to that, y/f/n was pushing her to become something she’s not. That sentence tasted metallic in his mouth, if y/n was his. He’d purchase an entire panting studio just for her and call it Jonah’s muse. because she indeed his muse, 

Light snores soon erupted in the air, looking over he couldn’t stop smiling at the sight. You looked younger when you slept, resembling an angel. No a goddess. You looked so fucking attractive with his band tee on. His face was technically on your body as well as the rest of his band mates. Jonah would still take that as a win. 

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

Y/n

The afternoon sun woke you up, warmth spreading along your body. Eyes still fluttered closed you roll over bumping into warm flesh. Your brain gives you a few seconds to bask in the warmth of Jonah. Then it clicks. There’s a body in your bed, recoiling at lighten speed you hit the floor. Pain sparks through your tail bone and a delicate headache pounds into your skull. 

Sitting on the floor of a foreign room you begin to remember last night.  The party. Ivette handing you off to Jonah at said party, well Daniel did. Jonah driving you home, scratch that to an ice cream parlour. His gentle hands tending to high heel wounds. Devouring the most amazing ice cream. Jonah driving you home. That’s it that’s all you remember, it doesn't explain how you got here. 

Looking around frantically you caught sight of a dog you’ve never seen before. Watching you at the foot of the massive bed covered in black silk sheets. Two doors, one and exit to the hallway. The other was most likely a closet with piles of clothes spilling out. Large windows lined the room and a glass desk resting at the best view.  

Heart missing a beat as you helped yourself off the floor.Taking cautious steps to the bed, spotting Jonah sleeping peaceful. On his back with sprawled out arms. Beautiful ink scattered along his right arm and the left side of his chest. Soft features as the sun engulfed him in the glorious light. It’d take no effort to crawl back into his bed. Rest your head onto his chest and listen to his heart beat. 

You couldn’t. 

You flee taking your purse with you on the way out. Unlocking the door and taking the elevator down. Struggling you fetch your phone out, praying that it still had life left to live and call Ivette. Wasn’t till this moment you realise you only had on a t-shirt. It was most definitely Jonah’s, massive fit reaching the mid of your thighs. Oh and let’s not forget the fact that it had his entire band on it. 

The phone barely rang twice when Ivette picks up. “I need you to pick me up, like five minutes ago. Jonah took me to this ice cream parlour last night and next think I know I’m waking up in his bed. I don’t know where my dress is.” You rush your words out in a panic. 

The elevator dings, you dash out getting a weird look from the door man. Stopping in your tracks with a modified expression on your face. you just walked out into the busiest street downtown. Not only were you wearing an oversized band t-shirt, no it wouldn’t stop there. You were also Bare. Foot. 

“That doesn’t make sense Jonah never came home last night,” She says tiredly on the other line. Still waking up in Daniel’s bed, not a surprise there. 

“His apartment! I’m pretty sure I know what Jonah looks like. He had a golden Labrador ring a bell?You got me into this mess, now get me out.” You looked like a whining toddler, mind splattering as you complained to her. 

“A Labrador? Did you take something? Send me your fucking location.” That was Ivette’s mom voice, which totally meant she was going to curse your ass as soon as you got in the car.

“Sawyer.” a hushed male voice said in the background. there was a rustle on the other line. Ivette covered the mic, but you could still here them. 

“What?” 

“Jonah’s dog. He probably took her to his personal apartment.” 

“I thought he lives here with you guys.” 

“He does sometimes, but he mostly lives there. That’s beside the point, I know where it is.” A few more words are shared before the ruffle is back. She uncovered the mic. 

“Daniel knows where you are, we’ll be  there in thirsty. Stay put and don’t take anything else.” Ivette explains as if you didn’t here every word they spoke.

“I didn’t take anything.” Before the words are heard Ivette hangs up and cuts the line without saying goodbye.

Roughly forty minutes later Ivette’s range rover pulls to the crib so fast the rims almost kissed it.“Finally.” you mumbled to yourself, it’d probably would’ve been faster if you hailed a cab. But the bill would’ve been brutal. 

The passenger window rolls down uncovering Ivette giving you a knowing smirk. Daniel gives a small wave from the driver’ seat, you flash him an irritated smile. His blue eyes almost pop out of their sockets before he’s attention is on the road. 

“I really love the dress, every iconic. Don’t you think Daniel?” Ivette’s voice is teasing and sickly sweet. 

“ Yeah. Those shirts were a demo, test run for real merch. It never got launched so only we have those shirts.” Daniel Pipes in looking at the fabric that clothed your body. 

“Not only did Jonah take you to his apartment but he gave you his prised possession,” Ivette continues the teasing know that it got under you skin.

“Shut up.” You say sharply, annoyed on how long they took to pick you up. Should ran upstairs and woke Jonah up. 

“What can’t take the teasing?” Ivette asks as you climb into the back seat. The scent of sweet cherry enters your nose as the leather circles around your body. 

“Not when I woke to Jonah and Daniel taking forty minutes to get here!” You spit, the anger eating you alive. You stare at the back of his head and shoot daggers at him. Brunette roots starting to grown under his bleached blonde hair.

“They also have our last name and birth year on the back.” His words sound forced as he tried to fill the tense air. You shake your head and scoff. “Of course they fucking do. It’s almost like having a hickey on my neck shouting to the world I belong to someone. This is worse because everybody on campus knows who Jonah Marais is!” They go quiet and you begin stare out the window done with your little rant.

Daniel presses on the gas abruptly causing the vehicle to speed forward. Your back hits the seat with the impact. He goes through traffic like this is some NASCAR championship. You begin to wonder how the shirt got on your body. You were going kill him you just didn’t know how yet. 

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

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed the second part of That One. 

Which was your favourite part?

Don’t be afraid to message me if anything offended you with my POC characters. This is a safe space for everyone and I want to make it right!

Taglist: @jonahlovescoffee @randomlimelightxxx

[theblackbirdsgemimagines]

Ramble away, cause I feel the twisted head rot, I kinda wanna see what you think about our bois. ~ a pocket sized dragon hops in excitement.

A POCKET SIZED DWAGOOOOOONNNN 😭💞💞💞 That’s so BLESSED, and tysm omg, I’m very glad to just spill out my barking on every boy, bc yEAH THE BRAIN ROT SKDHAKDB

THE BRAIN ROT IS SO REAL LOL

Everything I breathe ends up relating to TWST in some way, like at this point just let me take my friends, cousins, and pets, and of course Lulu and Seb, and I will have 1. A Gottdamned Harem, 2. So Many Children, and 3. NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. Kwfhskdhjwek

Ok this is gonna be long bc I gotta cover all my boys, so rip lol.

Dorm Leads:

Riddle

GOD, my Fucking Baby, my CHILD, my SWEET BABY BOY, I’M 👁💧👄💧👁

I would die for him, beetch, he is PRECIOUS ♥️

He reminds me of how I feel Ciel would behave if S/O took the place as Sebastian’s contracee, too, so like 🥺 Lots of feels 😭

Is Son, I have adopted him now. If you mistreat him, don’t ever speak to me or my son ever again. I’ll FIGHT his MOM, don’t TEST me. I’m his new mom now. His BIRD mom. So proud of him, he’s like...one of the few that’s actually shown growth in canon after his overblot kshdkadjs

Leona

👁💧👄💧👁

.....I am a Mere Simp....

Ya’ll.... I swearh to ghOD I simped hard for Scar back when I was a wee thing, I did NOT expect to simp for him AGAIN LATER IN LIFE, what the FUCK aidhskdhskdj

Like shit bitch, damn, you may not be king of Afterglow honey, but you can be king of my heart if you wAnt to bb....

Leona: *smiles once, even if it’s smugly*

Me: *WEEPING* Look at hiiiiiiim!! My sunshine booooooy! 😭

Does this make me a furry

Probably

I am too Simp to Care Anymore

I HESITATED TO GET ATTACHED BC THIS BOY LOOKS LIKE A FUCKIN WOMANIZER IF I EVER SAW ONE, BUT HE DRINKS HIS RESPECT WOMEN JUICE EVERY SINGLE MORNING AND I WAS A GONNER SNDJAJDHSJ

FUCK

Call me a Herbivore again, bully me //SLAPPED

Azul

He secretly a lil shit sometimes, but tha’s ok, it’s mostly in a silly way, especially post overblot~ UvU

The sweetest bby everytime I read fanposts on him, like god, ah 💜💜💜 WHOMST COULD BULLY SUCH A CUTE CHUBBY OCTOBABY I’LL FIGHT ALL OF EM!! A sweetheart 10/10 would be his friend 💗 Not making contracts with him tho, lol

...ok maybe SOME after his overblot, but they’re able to be easily reversed now, so it’s way more chill andhsjdj

Kalim

FUCK!!!! F U C K!!!! BABYYYYYYY!!!! BABY!!!! I HAVE ADOPTED HIM IF YOU TOUCH HIM YOU D I E

He is literally so sweet, anytime anyone was like “you’re so nice it’s annoying” I WAS READY TO COME FLYING IN TO BITCH SLAP THEM LIKE AJDHSKDHSJ (even if I also loved them lol)

Like NO you are WRONG whfksjd

He has also grown so much, and I am proud ♥️🧡

Vil

Jesus Christ, canon Vil is Hurting Meeeeee ajdhskdhsj

My fave fanon Vil is the one that recognizes all different types of beauty, though~ uvu and is v encouraging to anyone that may be struggling with self hatred 💜

Canon: Vil is pretty~.

Me: Wow, wtf???? He IS so pretty... How rude I didn’t think you were serious! Wow him??? Pretty??? Wow??? Wow...

Idia

I’m not sure yet, as I haven’t seen him very often, but of the few times that I have: BIG same, huge mood, and Me FUCKING Too, goddamn akdhakdj

Idia is my Anxiety and Anime Nerd personified tbh lol

What Ortho is to him are what all my comfort characters are to me, honestly.

Like what would you like bby, you want that singing voice?? Ok here comes a synthesizer just special for you~. Ily, mwah~ u3u 💕

Malleus

HEAVY BREATHING

Ok maybe it’s just the lack of story/info out on him yet, but I don’t currently simp as hard for him compared to Leona, I’ll admit jajdkajd

BUT BOY HOWDEY DO I EVER STILL S I M P...

He Is Baby... And I Lob Him....

I am going to smooch those horns and forehead crown of beautiful scales 🖤🖤🖤 I am going to do it!!!! Here I go!!!

HE CAN HAVE ALL THE ICE CREAM AND TAMAGATCHI DATES HE WANTS I’M- 😭

This man is too precious for words, and I have so much childhood nostelgia to ‘enchanted’ woods, and being in the mountains, so he has Old Fae Friend vibes to me~🖤

DRAGON FORM DRAGON FORM DRAGON FORM DRAGON FORM DRAGON F-

Ngl I ship him and Leona a lil bit lol

No, not just bc that makes a poly with my two faves easier, but that is a bonus factor jadhajdj

Vice Dorm Heads:

Trey

Oh my god, the Daddy to my Mommy with all these newly adopted lil kids of ours, ya know??? What a wholesome sweetie and funny lil shit jahdksdh~

I love him, I would gladly make tarts with, AND for him 💚💚💚

The kind of boi who I’d ship HARD with anyone he started dating bc My God it would warm my heart So Much 💞💞

Ruggie (unofficial but may as well be at this point lol)

He took a while to grow on me kadhskdhsj

But I think he’d be a sweet, if a trouble-maker of a friend to have~.

Dank you for taking care of my sweet lion bby, honey, I’m sure Farrena is a sweetheart, but boi I hope he gets his shit together to fix up where Ruggie lives 😭

I think if I met his granny, I’d CRY jadhajsh 💗💗

Leech Twins (?)

Idk if they’re vice leaders, but who cares lol

THESE are the older Big Brothers in every sense of the word. (My canon ages most everyone up just a bit, save for Riddle, Ace, Deuce, Kalim, Jamil, Cheka, and anyone already 20+)

The ANNOYING older big brothers, lol.

The ones that hug you to death (Floyd), or use you for an arm rest (Jade), and specifically Do the thing you asked/told them NOT to Do.

This is fine with me tho, I’m an only child, please give me the experience of annoying older brothers lol 💙💚

Jamil

I used to hate you bby, I’m so sorry akdhskdhs

I’ve adopted him now, and I’m v proud he’s trying, but making clear what his boundaries are, and trying to come out of a shell he was made to be in for so long 😭

AND HIS DANCING IS SICK LIKE HONESTLY I’M SUCH A PROUD MOM 💗💗💗

Rook

God. FUCKING Rook, lol.

IDK IF I SHOULD TRUST YOU, but I also kinda wanna be your friend akdhakdjs

HE CONCERNS ME but he also seems nice and v sweet sometimes, lmao

Blz don’t stalk me tho 😬

STOP SHOOTING YOUR ARROWS AROUND SCHOOL YOU BLOODY HEATHEN FRENCH PRISS, YOU ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEONE

Also, if he DARES hunt cute animals around me, especially BIRDS, I am going to GRIP him jahdkahdsk

He’s like if Lord Druitt was a Little More Nice and a Little Bit Less Creepy ajdhak

Lilia:

GOD.

I LOVE THIS FUCKING GRANDPA.

I. FUCKING. LOVE. THIS FUCKING. GRANDPA.

I absolutely hc him as nonbinary w/masc pronouns, I absoLUTELY do.

I adore him, I love him, I haven’t gotten a squish (hardcore desire to be someone’s friend, lol) this hard for a character since AngelDust, I-

Pwease be nonbinary friends with me, Lilia 🥺

THE ONLY PERSON HERE SHORTER THAN ME, BUT I’LL TAKE IT AJDHAKDHJS

Anyone know Corpse and how he plays Among Us? That’s how I see Lilia playing his video games with friends and I JUST I JUST I J U S T

The Spencer to your Carly.

He and Crowley are free to compete as Dad with me too like honestly kshdkadjjs

He’ll always be granpa tho uvu 💚💖🖤

Extras:

Ace

God, the Fucking Annoying Middle Brother that pranks you ALL THE DAMN TIME, but I love him andhakdhsk

Deuce

THE BROTHER THAT WILL BEAT UP YOUR BULLIES 💙💙💙 SWEET BABY BOY

The Josh to Ace’s Drake. The Cody to Ace’s Zack. The Freddie to your Carly and Ace’s Sam.

If he and Ace started dating, tho, I would CRY.

But regardless who they end up dating, it’ll be slow burn friends to lovers, and literally the most adorable shit to watch EVER 💞💞💞😭

Cater

Seems Like A Womanizer But Actually Drinks His Reapect Women Juice And We Stan That 🧡

Can always count on him to help tou get the best Magicram shots, bless you Cater 🧡🧡

Also rly wanna be his friend, ngl 😭 Even IF he pranks me a lot kadhakdhsj

Jack:

H E AV Y BR EA T H IN G

Ngl my feelings for him are in the air IDK IF I WANNA SMOOCH OR NOT YET I JUST KNOW I LOB HIM HE GOODEST BESTEST BOY 💛💛💛😭

If all three Savannaclaw bois got in a cuddle pile with me, I would Not Be Mad

How can I give this boy love, tell me and I will Do It

Gift him all the cacti’s he WANTS💛

God he drinks that respecc women juice bright and early on his run every morning, you KNOW he does 💛💛💛

I wawnt to pet his ears an tail an fwuffy wolf form 😭

I WAWNT TO SEE THE BOY SMILE AND BE HAPPY 💞💞💞

Sebek

CHILL CHILL CHILL CHILL CH-

He is a v devoted guard tho, we love to see it UvU

I don’t have more info on him hekdhskdj but his fanmade content seems v v sweet~ 💚

Silver

HE ATTRACTS BIRDS AND I CRY ABOUT IT PLEASE BE MY FRIEND AND TEACH ME HOW 🥺🥺🥺

Him being raised by Lilia and Malleus literally gives me so much Fucking Seratonin....... God 💞💕💗💗💞💞💗💗💕💞

Ortho

IS BABY????? IS BABY!!!!!! I’M LOVE HIM I’M ADOPTING HIM IS BABYYYYYYY 💙💙💙💙💙

Cheka:

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

He is so FUCKING CUTE what the FUCK!

Leonaaaaaaa... 🥺 Your NEPHEWWWWW 😭

I might steal him from Farrena tbh, lIKE MY CHILD NOW~ 🧡🧡

I just sob and hug him every time I see him honestly 😭

Teachers:

Dire Crowley

Ohhhhhh god oh god oh god

Be my dad. Please. Be my dad. PLEASE be my dad. Ya’ll think I’m joking, I’m not. Please adopt me. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK.

This man as a father gives me so much dopamine and oxytocin and seratonin??? I have been weeping for WEEKS, please adopt me, Sir

Fathers with zero braincells being wrapped around a daughter’s little finger makes me so weak, and I am just here with Daddy Issues like ajdhakdhsj BLEASE ADOPT ME MISTER BIRD MAN

Crewel

Ew.

Forgive me, I haven’t seen much content with him in it/that could be considered wholesome, bUT JADHWKDJSJ

UncoMFORTABLE

Please keep the kink talk out of the classroom, S I R

Call me puppy one more time, see what happens, I’m not scared to fight a teacher akdhakdhsj

Trein

The Dad Figure that tries to be the stern part to Crowley’s blumbering kahdkqrhsjdj

Don’t feel as much attachment to him emotionally, but I like him~

Just let me pet your cat sometimes and give you holiday presents, and we’re cool~ ♥️

Vargas

Found the womanizer //SMACKED

And of course, I can’t forget Grim~!

He’s grown on me, and if anything happens to him I will kill everyone in the room, and then myself 😭

I will pet and snuggle and hold him all he wants and feed him all the tuna his heart desires uvu 💙

[polyamorousmisanthrope]

The  Great Peanut Butter Controversy of the Second Grade Summer

Virginia rolled over in her bed, poised to jump out when she saw Anjali sleeping on a mat by the bookshelf.

Dr. Rao must have been paged to come in again, she thought and started moving as quietly as possible.  The last time she woke Anjali too early, her best friend was grumpy all day and even refused to play in Beediebump.

Because she wanted to be quiet, she pulled out a blue sundress and slipped it on quickly.  She decided that it would be okay to skip brushing her hair, too, and just clipped it in a barrette.

She moved slowly through the silent house.  She peeked into her parents’ room.  Her dad’s side of the bed was empty, and her mother’s head made a dark contrast to the white sheet.  Stepping even more carefully, she passed her noisy brother’s silent room.  He almost looked cute, clutching the Winnie the Pooh.

Happily, she lifted a kitchen chair carefully and moved it to the counter where Mom stored the bread. She felt like she was already grown up – getting the last of the bread to make her own breakfast of cheese melted on toast with a tart green apple. With even more care, as the stairs could be noisy, she went to the basement where they kept the good TV and called up a science program about rats and how people think.  The rats had electrodes in their brains and the thought gave her a delightfully icky shiver.

The announcer had just started talking about different things that happened when the electrodes were placed in different parts of the rats’ brains when she heard noisy little feet overhead followed by the heavier sound of an adult running.

“Trey, don’t you dare climb up on the counter!” Virginia’s mother shouted.  The sound of a chair falling in the kitchen without the large thump of a person falling told Virginia that her mother had caught her little brother before he’d gotten up to the cupboard where there was a package of Oreos.

Virginia winced.  She knew she should have replaced the chair. She also wished her brother were stealthier.  If he were, she could help herself to cookies and blame it on him.  But if she snuck any, Mom would notice the cookie count had gone down and no-one would believe it was Trey.

She turned off the TV, came upstairs where her mother poured cereal for her little brother and Anjali. “Did you want some breakfast, Punkin’?”

“I already ate,” Virginia said.

“Did you leave your plate downstairs?” her mother asked.

Virginia made a face and went back to the family room to retrieve the plate.  “Can we watch-“

“Nope,” Mom interrupted. “Outside.  Behave yourselves and I’ll have a surprise at lunch.”

Virginia and Anjali caught each other’s eyes and then they both glared at Trey.  Virginia said, “That means you can’t throw my Frisbee on the roof.”

“You can’t keep me out of Beediebump, either,” Trey said.

Virginia took a breath to reply, when Mom sighed.  “Squabbling counts as not behaving.  Trey, don’t lose your sister’s stuff.  Virginia, he’s allowed in Beediebump, same as you.  And Virginia, you and Anjali are not to get your brother spun up.  Clear?”

“But what if he’s-“

“No instigating!” Mom said.

“What does instigate mean?” Anjali asked.  Mom liked using big words.  The kids were always free to ask for a definition.

“Being mean in sneaky ways so that someone loses their temper and retaliates.  Don’t look at me like that.  I’ve seen you both doing it.  Now, outside, all three of you, before I sell you to a Renfaire.”

Virginia considered that she’d actually like to spend all of her time dressing up, but said nothing and led the way out into the back yard to Beediebump.

Beediebump was a small copse of trees at the back of their property, bordered by other people’s well-kept yards.  The trees and undergrowth made natural little private spaces where Virginia could play as if she were in her own world.  The name of the land derived from the sound of her sandal on the root as she swung in her swingset, making a beedie-bump! twanging noise.

“I have an idea,” Anjali said quietly as they went out to the swing set.

“Yeah?”

“Let’s run races with Trey around the house.”

Virginia made a face. She hated running.  “Why?”

“No, listen.  You run a race with him, but let him win by a little bit. Then I’ll run and beat him.  Then you beat him.  Then we both let him win.  We keep doing that till he’s sick of it.”

“Why?”  Virginia asked.  “I wanted to finish putting stones around the town square in Beedie Bump.”

Anjali rolled her eyes, “Because he’ll get tired and won’t bug us.”

“Okay,” Virginia agreed.

It worked, but Virginia wasn’t so sure it was worth the price.  By lunchtime she was yawning and her stomach growled. But Mom was happy with all of them.

“I loved the way you were playing so nicely with Trey today,” she said, running her hand over Virginia’s head.  “Want lunch on the patio or inside?”

“Inside.  It’s hot.”

Mom gestured the children inside and handed plates around the kitchen table, looking pleased.

Virginia made a face. “What’s this?”

“I learned how to make bread!” Mom said cheerfully.  “It’s just a peanut butter sandwich.  Taste it!”

Virginia took a bite. The bread felt all wrong on her teeth and tongue and tasted strange to her.  What was worse, the peanut butter had a grainy texture and wasn’t sweet enough. She put the sandwich down and made a face.  Looking to her brother, she noticed the same dubious expression.  

Emboldened by her hope of solidarity, Virginia burst out, “I don’t like it.”

“Virginia, that’s good homemade bread!” Mom protested.

“I like store bread better. And what’s wrong with the peanut butter?”

“Well, I made that, too,” Mom answered with a note of disappointment in her voice.  “The store-bought kind has too much sugar.”

That would explain why this awful stuff isn’t sweet enough.

Mom sighed, “I thought it would be a nice surprise, but-“

“I like it,” Trey said and took a big bite.

Virginia, indignant at her brother’s betrayal, burst out.  “Well, this is awful and I want the store bought kind!”

Mom got That Look and said nothing for a minute.  Virginia gulped but scowled directly at her.  “I won’t eat it.”

“Well, I guess you’re going to have to buy your own bread and peanut butter then,” Mom said quietly.

The three children winced. When Mom got all firm and quiet, the house could be grim for the rest of the day.  Virginia, feeling like there was nothing left to lose, burst out, “Mom, that’s silly!  I don’t have any money.”

“You can earn it,” Mom said with a grin both tight and harsh.  “I’ll even pay you for chores. But you’re going to have to eat that sandwich if you want a deal.”

“Okay,” Virginia said with defiant bravado.

Mom smiled, rooted in a drawer and pulled out a grocery bag.  “I’ll pay you a dollar every time you fill one of these bags with sweet gum balls.”

Sweet gum balls were the bane of the household.  Dropped from the various sweet gum trees around the yard, the lawn mower chewed them up and scattered them across the yard so it was ugly (which bothered Mom) and you couldn’t go barefoot because it would hurt your foot (which bothered everybody).

Virginia hated picking up the prickly things.  You spent forever bent over staring at the dry grass of summer trying to find the things. Sometimes you had to kind of dig them out of the dirt because someone had stepped on them.  

The only good thing about them was that if you got enough bags together, Dad would use them in the barbecue pit to make hamburgers, which made everyone happy, as Mom and Dad refused to buy charcoal.  

The work was boring, and she couldn’t figure out a way to make it go in any sort of logical system. She tried to get Anjali and Trey to help, but they both refused unless paid, so Virginia saw little point in that. There was no-one to talk to, nothing to read and nothing to think about but how much her back ached from leaning over and how much she hated that weird bread and peanut butter her mother made.

But she picked up three paper grocery bags full that day.

After dinner that night Dad commented with a sigh, “I guess I better go pick up sweet gum balls before I mow the lawn.”

“Virginia did that this afternoon,” Mom commented, watching Dad put his dinner plate in the dishwasher.

“What in the world did she do that you made her do that?” Dad asked.

“I didn’t make her. It was a business transaction,” Mom said.  “She didn’t want to eat homemade bread and peanut butter.  I told her if she didn’t want to eat what I made, she could buy her own.”

“Good move, Boo,” Dad said quietly and got that kissy look on his face.  Virginia left the kitchen.

After her bath that night, Virginia went into the living room where mom sat with her laptop frowning at the screen.  “What’s wrong?”

“I’m kinda stumped on what I’m going to write for my blog,” Mom said.  “Can I talk about what happened today and about our agreement?”

Mom always asked if she could put personal stuff on her blog.

“I don’t want you to,” Virginia said.  “Why do you have to write that, anyway?”

“It’s my job, kiddo. You don’t really want to go to daycare or something, do you?”

“I thought keeping Anjali was your job,” Virginia said.

Mom rubbed her eyes and sighed, “I have a lot of jobs, Punkin’.  Where’s Daddy?”

“Getting Trey into his pajamas,” Virginia said.  “Can I have a flashlight tonight?”

“If you want to, but I don’t advise reading more than a chapter if you’re going to be working tomorrow,” Mom commented.  “Are you?”

“I don’t have enough for a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter yet, do I?”

“Nope, not yet.”

“Then yes.  What can I do?”

“Lemme think about it, honey,” Mom said and kissed her.

Virginia got the flashlight out of the drawer in the sideboard, and went to her room.  Dad was just kissing all of Trey’s stuffed animals good night and pulling up the blanket.  “I’ll be in to kiss you goodnight in a sec, doll baby.”

With a satisfyingly big chapter book in her hand, Virginia climbed into bed.  Daddy came in and pulled a chair to the bedside, spinning it around and sitting on it backwards, arms folded across the chair back.  “You need to be nicer to your mother, Miss Virginia.”

“I thought you said I’m not supposed to lie,” Virginia said.  “That weird bread and homemade peanut butter was gross.”

“You need to learn to be truthful and kind at the same time.  It’s what grown-ups do.  Don’t take advantage of Mom’s good nature, understand?  If that had been my Mom…”  Dad trailed off and Virginia winced.  Grandma was awfully strict and had a temper.

Virginia nodded silently. Her father kissed her goodnight, and Virginia dove under the covers, happily reading an old story about a girl and her spy route, but deciding she had pushed it far enough for one day and closed the book after the first chapter.  

 It stopped feeling like summer to Virginia and started to feel like an endless Saturday of garden chores. Anjali didn’t come over because none of her mom’s patients had babies due, so Dr. Rao had been free to take Anjali on a quick trip to the beach.

Virginia cleared clutter away from spots on the dining room table so her mother could take pictures of summer flower arrangements for her blog.  She learned to clean a bathroom, and got sent back to finish because she’d left hairs all over the counter.  She deadheaded all the withered blooms from the petunias, got sticky all over her hands, and had to wash her hands at the hose outside before her mother would let her come in to lunch.  She watered all the flowers in pots on the patio, hefting the heavy watering can because her mother wouldn’t let her use the hose.   So she’d dragged it across a plot of Hosta and uprooted half the plants. They were just big leaves, anyway. It’s not like they were pretty flowers or anything!

At the end of the week, Virginia came to her mother and asked her if there were any more chores to do.

“You can if you want, honey, but you’ve earned plenty for what you want,” Mom said, handing her a wrinkled bill.  

Virginia had never owned so much money at one time.  The paper felt somehow like more than paper – heavy and slick.  But it felt like more than that.  It felt like possibilities and at the same time felt pitifully small in the face of all the work she had done.

“Can I think about it?” Virginia asked.

“You can always think,” Mom said.  “Thinking’s good.  But it’s time for us to go to the grocery store.  Put that in your pocket.  You’re going to need it, right?”

At the store, Trey didn’t want to sit in the shopping cart as he usually did, but insisted on going with Virginia to the bread aisle.  

“I’m not buying this for you,” Virginia said.  “You wouldn’t even help me pick up sweet gum balls.”

Trey took in a deep breath as if to shout about the unfairness of it, when Mom sighed, “Trey, she can do that if she wants to.  Come on and get in the cart.  You, Little Red Hen, can go buy your stuff.”

In the bread aisle, Virginia looked at the prices.  She wasn’t good at adding up big numbers, but finally figured out that her mother was right. She had a few cents more than a loaf of bread and a jar of their usual peanut butter would cost.

She felt the bill in her pocket and frowned, thinking about the sweet gum balls, her sticky hands and the heavy watering can.  The homemade bread?  It wasn’t that bad.  Certainly not no-play-no-fun-work-all-day bad.

She left the bread aisle and went to find her mother.  On the way to the produce section, she passed an aisle with play makeup for little girls. Her mother had always been cool to the idea of her getting any – not quite saying no, but always putting her off. Firmly, Virginia took the kit in hand and went to find her mother and brother.

“I changed my mind,” Virginia said.  “I’m getting this.”

“And what are you going to have for lunches?” Mom asked.

“I’ll eat the weird bread,” Virginia said.  “I’d rather have this.”

Mom looked more carefully at the makeup kit and winced, muttering, “You would.  Well, it’s your money, kiddo.  But that’s for dress-up.  Understand?”

Virginia agreed, full of satisfaction as she paid for the makeup kit with her own money.  At home, she carefully put the change in her ballerina jewelry box, and arranged the make-up on her dresser, feeling more grown-up than ever to have earned the money for it herself.

[averymessyxmas]

Chapter 7

adding songs to each character based on the plot or present song) (I have not proof read SORRY FOR TYPOS)

MJ: “Last Time” -Trey Songz:

After 5 cups of Exclusive Liquor Gia and I was making out on the couch, I was trying to get her bra off, while she was trying to get my belt off. I wasn’t thinking about Danielle, my kids nothing, the liquor and emotions was taking over. My iPhone kept going off. Gia got up and sighed, she passed me my phone. “You still married” She said with an attitude. I palmed my face sitting up on the couch. She passed me my keys. “I’m not doing this with you Malcom, I told you I’m not your #2, stop hitting me up and seeing me when I’m second on your mind or your wife and you have issues” Gia said. I shook my head. “It ain’t like that G” I said. She laughed. “Then what is it then, you always do this, and I fall for that stupid shit, I been with you since I was 16, I had your back when you was selling that shit, I bet your perfect wife knows nothing about your past, I was there, I helped your grandma bail you out and you sidelined me fuck you!” She yelled at me. I shook my head and picked up a picture frame she had of us together. “Why you still waiting for then G?” I asked her. She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not anymore, I got somebody that I been putting to side because I’m scared another Nigga will come up in my life in make me a side chick when I was the main bitch, I deserved the ring, but all I got was Dick and trust issues”. She walked over to the linen closet. She threw a blanket at me. “You can crash on my couch tonight, but you got to be gone by morning” She simply said to me. “Gia, you act like you wasn’t out here having me look over my shoulders, you fucked my homeboy, you also had a whole nigga while I was jail, man fuck out here with that “Wifey” Shit, that’s why you just get the dick and she got my kids, and my ring”. I told her turning around. She started hitting my on my back. “Fuck you! I never fucked anybody you believed all the lies Mack told you about me, that’s on you stupid ass, be honest with yourself you just never loved me” She said. I shrugged my shoulders. “You held me down yeah, you helped me get out of jail, you helped me sell, you helped me but you didn’t better me G, you loved that hood life, I wanted out man, you kept wanting me to be down, I had to go to college and get my education, what are you doing with your life? Still waiting on a Nigga that’s married, you used to have dreams of doing hair and makeup, how’s that going?” I asked. She looked at me with her eyes watering. “I work at Mac now, I been doing what the fuck I got to do, but your right yeah I loved that life but I was young just like you, you still left me hanging, you just wanted somebody who didn’t remind you of who you used to be, now look at you, she’s out of your league and your crashing on my couch”. She walked away snatching the picture of Us off the table near the couch and tossed it in the trash before turning off the light and leaving me in the dark. “Man, what the fuck” I stressed.

Narkim:  (ASAP- T.I.) :

I was racing through 285 to get back to the West Side to give Mack this $50,000 for this drop I just had to do. “A nigga try to play me Ima blow him off the map ASAP” I sang zipping through cars in my range. When I pulled up at Macks spot. “Listen Nigga, I don’t know what you do for your respect, but Ima die for mine”. I milly rocked a little before getting out the car. “Finally, my best man done came through for me, how much they give you College Boy?” He asked. I dropped the bag infront of him. “50 thou” I told him. He smiled and opened the bag, “Take your cut nigga” he gave me 10 bands. I nodded. He motioned me to meet him in the back room. “Sit down youngin” He said. He sat on the desk while I sat in the chair. I was nervous around him ever since he pulled that glock on me. “Be easy man, chill, relax motherfucker” He said laughing. I tried my best. “Now, I noticed that, that little bitch Nisha has been having your head all fucking twisted kind of remind me of how MJ, had this little broad named Gia, fucking with his head and shit back when we was both big balling for King Ace, now MJ left the game got that white picked fence life, but I can tell you really made for this shit, you could one day take over my west side wing for me young blood, I mean you book smart, fye with the shit” He told me. I didn’t know If I wanted this as a career, can’t be a dope boy all your life, I could save maybe then get out the game but right now this shit excited me. He went in his drawer and passed me a strap. “Yoo Mack, I don’t know” I said to him. I put it back on the table. “Nigga, motherfuckers what to take yo spot, you riding round with my money, and your money it’s either kill or be killed” He told me. I nodded. He patted my back before leaving me to stare at the gun. I thought about what he said and grabbed the gun, my cut and bounced to my girl crib. “You off today?”  I asked her. She nodded. “I needed a break” She said. She climbed on me and kissed on me. “What’s up with you, where your head at baby?” She asked. I sighed and laid my head on her chest. “Nori, Mack, my family” I said to her. “What’s up with Nor Nor?” She asked. I sighed and looked at her, she lightly got up and sat near me. “Man, Andre’ in prison cause of me, I put the brick in his car, that shit been laying heavy on me ever since I found out my sister carrying his baby man, shit stressful, she could do this by herself cause of me, then Mack want me to take over the West Side turf, he gave me a strap, my parents divorcing, my brother fucking his teacher, MJ found out I’m selling he going to kill me before the streets do man”. I confessed to her. She just stared into space. “You got to tell Nori, you got to do something better with your life then just be a “West Side Turf” nigga”. She said. I shook my head. “Nah, if I tell my twin what I did she going be hurt forreal Nish, I can’t” I said to her. She palmed my face. “It will hurt you more to see her struggle with that baby more than it will to just tell her the truth, at least try to come up with the money to get Dre out, ASAP and maybe she will forgive you”. She told me. I kissed her. “Man, when I take over baby you wont have to strip no more, shit you don’t have to strip now I pay your rent, I bought you that Lexus you pushing we all good, you can be my Queen” I told her. She smiled. “Aww your trap queen? Worrying about both of our lives, our future kids lives, Prison, Nah nigga I’m cool” She said. I tickled her and kissed on her. She giggled. “Stop nigga, you going to keep playing or come to the room”. She said looking at me seductively. I smirked at her and undid my pants. “We can do it anywhere” I sang.

Nori: (Next morning) (9 days till Christmas) (“To Zion”- Lauryn Hill)

I woke up to a text from Narkim. “At Nish, I’m good, how’s nephew?” He asked. I texted back. “He’s fine, moving around”. I replied. I got up and took a shower and got ready to meet the fam downstairs for breakfast. I went into Narkims room and grabbed his Adidas track suit. I wanted to be cute through my pregnancy but for now I’m just hide it. I did my make up a little and straightened my hair. I felt pretty for once. I walked into the dining room where D, Vi, and Michael, Nylah and Nessa were. Mommy came down in her robe with her scarf still on. “No breakfast?” She asked. “Vi made Cinnamon rolls that’s it” D said. Nylah was going in on them rolls. “Dang La, can mama and I eat?” I said laughing. I poured some cereal and fixed 3 cinnamon rolls and dipped them in the cereal as I ate. I looked up to D and Mama looking at me. The others were having a debate on if Cinnamon rolls were better then French toast sticks. “You hungry?” My mama asked. I slowly nodded. “I didn’t eat much last night” I lied to her. She nodded. “Well guys, I had a dream about a fish again last night” She said. Everybody looked at me but D and La. I’m assuming Vi told Mike. “Mama you know that fish aint accurate, last time you assumed it was Nori, and she was still a virgin, who you think it is now me? I have been feeling crazy” D joked. She waved him off. “I was right about Dani both times, that last time, I assumed it was Vada”. She said looking at Vada. “Nah mama we good over here” She said. My mom nodded. “I see that” She laughed. “I assumed it was Nessa last time, but she was just about to graduate so I knew it wasn’t her, it wasn’t Dani, it wasn’t Nori, I even asked the boys if they got somebody pregnant” She giggled. “Now I could be wrong this time too, she looked at all of us suspiciously. “Mama I wrap it up, aint no babies this way” D said. She cut her eyes at him. “Better not be no hoes coming up in here claiming you got them pregnant, I will whoop yo ass “She said. He smirked at her, while Nylah was laughing but looking down. “Nori?” She asked. “You been weird lately, I know you better not be knocked up coming up in here after me and your daddy worked hard to get our baby girl in the best HBCU” She said. I tried my best to not make eye contact with her cause she could tell when I was lying. “Mama, I been busy with Majorette classes that’s the last thing on my mind” I lied. “Could be me!” Nessa blurted out. She looked at me then back at mom. She shook her head. “No man, no ring, you better not be before me and your father have met them” She said. Nessa laughed out a fake laugh. “Gotcha!” She said. My mom rolled her eyes laughing. “Yall are some funny kids, I could be wrong again, maybe Dani is pregnant again” She said. We all nodded. “Seems accurate or it could be Grandma Rudy” Vada said smirking. My mom threw a dry piece of cereal at her. “Shut up!” She laughed. “Where is that mother of mine anyways?” She asked. “Charles, I think” D said. My mama rolled her eyes. “Damn Charles”. La and I cleaned the kitchen while everyone chilled out for a little while, we were going to have Italian night with the family, catered from Olive Garden, it was going to be the 2nd family dinner since the last blow up we had. We wanted to be drama free for a moment. I went upstairs to take a nap. While I was dozing off, my mom walked in. Damn no privacy I thought. “Norielle, I know I’m hard on you and Narkim, but I want the best for all my kids, but you guys were my miracle babies, I expect nothing but greatness from yall” She said to me. I nodded. My baby had kicked me hard as shit. “Shhhhh” I said out loud. My mom looked at me crazy. “Cramps” I told her. She nodded. “I have pills if you need some, I’m sorry for excusing you, I know you not stupid” She said smiling before closing the door. I rolled my eyes. Shit happens, I’m not stupid. I pressed play on my phone for my music to play. I put the phone on my tummy, so the baby could hear music, so it could calm him down. “You trying to get me caught Baby” I said.

Vada: (“Sorry Not Sorry” -Demi Lovato)

It was 3pm and Omari had decided to meet me at this Milo mar a fancy lunch spot before Dinner. “Baby you like nice” Michael said kissing me. “Yeah meeting my old friends” I lied. He left to go in the living room of the guest house. “Hey Mike” I heard. I walked in the living room to see Nori. “Hey Nor, Nor, what’s up baby mama?” I said to her smiling rubbing on her tummy. “Nothing bored” She said. She laid on my bed while I closed the room door to finish getting ready. “Going out with Omari?” She asked. I shushed her. She shrugged. “Why open up a door you already closed for what?” She asked. I rolled my eyes.  “Nori it’s not like that”. I said. I looked at myself one more time before I grabbed my keys. I kissed Michael and walked out with Nori. “Don’t tell Nessa shit!” I told her. She nodded. I got in my car and drove to see Omari. I pulled up 15minutes later, I got out and gave my key to Valet. I walked in and he was sitting at the table smiling. “Hey Beautiful” He said to me. I felt like I was back in high school. I smiled. “Hey” He got up to hug me and pulled out the chair for me. “Thanks” I said nervously. “You have blossomed into a beautiful young woman” He told me. I blushed looking down. We talked for a little bit. He let me know he was a HR director for Home Depot. He was married once but got a divorce a year ago. He has a daughter who is 4 named Violet. He showed me a picture. “Wow, she is beautiful” I said to him. He nodded and smiled. “All my relationships failed because I missed you, you were like my best friend and my homie, man we were dope together, you were going to be my trophy wife and I was going to be a football star” He said. I nodded slowly. “Yeah, young and dumb, I am now a top stylist for Essence Magazine, I live in New York and I have a bomb ass Mercedes Benz, my life is amazing” I gloated smiling. He looked down and nodded. “I know, I fucked up” He said. “I’m sure it’s behind you but I really need you to know man, I was fucked up man, we both were, that night fucked up our lives more than you know, I mean I’m sure you do. When you left Ness found out she was pregnant, I wanted her to keep it because I felt I made my bed, so I should lay in it. She ended up getting an abortion, she felt bad she said She didn’t want a constant reminder that we fucked you know. She went into depression that so she got hooked on pain killers, I went to Georgia State playing for the bulldogs, but my grades fell behind and I got kicked off the team, We was there for each other at the time, but we ended up ending the relationship cause I loved her yeah, but I felt like we should have been together and I didn’t know what to say if you had seen us together, so we just cut all ties with each other, her senior year” He confessed to me. My blood was fucking boiling. “You fucked my sister more than once? You formed a relationship with her? You got my sister pregnant?” I said to him. He looked at me concerned. “Ness aint tell you?” He asked. I shook my head and grabbed my purse as I got up. “Stop calling her Ness, It’s Janessa to you, I thought I was over this bullshit, but this shit fucking hurt more than it did before, I wish you the best Omari, but I’m engaged to a doctor, were on two different levels honey” I told him. I was almost out the door when he chased me down. He turned me around and kissed me. I thought about him chasing me down and telling me he’s sorry many nights when I was young, and this kiss felt nice, but it felt wrong. I pushed him back. “Omari please let this go, let us go I would never be with you even if I was single you betrayed me” I told him before leaving. I couldn’t wait to get home and let that fucking lying bitch Janessa have it.

Janessa: (Bag Lady- Erykah Badu)

It was almost time for Dinner, we were all getting ready. Moms new man was coming over and so was Dads girlfriend Kristen. I was nervous because Dylan and Chase were finally going to meet my family. I went down stairs to help the caterers bring the food to the table. “There’s my lovely daughters” I heard my mother say. Nori had just come down stairs to help me. We both looked at her, she was arm in arm with a Handsome Older Man. He smiled at us and kissed our hands. “Lovely to meet Rice’s beautiful daughters I’m Stephan Morris, I thought you had 3 girls?” He asked. He looked at her. “Oh, um Vada is out with friends she will be here soon”. Nori said. They sat down at the table and was giggling at each other all night. “This is weird” Nori said. I nodded. Narkim came in a minutes later. “Whats up fambam!” He yelled. Damien dapped him up. “Yo where’s MJ?” I asked. MJ came downstairs. “Yo you snuck in?” Damien asked. He shrugged “yall was napping and shit”. He went to sit down. Narkim and Nori of course sat down next to each other. MJ was mugging Mom’s new man Stephan. “Hello Family” My father said. Behind him trolling in awkwardly was Kristen. “Hi” She said. Damien and Nylah were chatting with each other sitting down. Dad and Kristen sat at the opposite end of the table. “Vi!” Damien yelled. Michael and Vada walked in. I smiled at them. “Hey yall” Vada ignored me, Michael hugged me before sitting down. Everyone was at the table. I was nervous as I sat down at the table. “Hey babies” Grandma Rudy said walking high as hell.  She sat down near me. “We all here?” My dad asked. The doorbell rang and Narkim who was already up went to get it. In walked my husband looking sexy in his Denim Coat with the fur collar, with Chase matching coat. “Umm I remember you…Um Dylan” Damien said. He then looked at me. “Ohhhhh shit Dylan from past thanksgiving” He said. My father looked over at me. “Janessa what is this?” He asked. I grabbed Chase from Dylan and brought them over to sit down near me. “You got his portable highchair?” I asked him. “Nah, I left it at my mom’s crib” He said to me. “Janessa your father is talking to you?” My mother said. “Mom, Dad this is my family. My son Chase Matthew Scott, and my husband you remember Dylan?” I said. “Hoooeee my goodness” Nylah said. “Yooooooooo .“Damien replied. Nori smiled at me. Narkim was looking between us. “You knew damn Nor, could’ve told me” He said. She shrugged. “Janessa, I told you, I didn’t want you to bring another white man in this house”. My dad said sternly. “Well Dad, he is my husband now, you want him to go then we will go, but this is your grandson’s father” I told him. Vada started laughing. “You are the queen of secrets” She said. My mom palmed her face, Stephan was rubbing her back. She stood up and walked over to me. She held out her arms for Chase. I put him in her arms. “Hey little man, I’m your grandma” She said smiling at him through tears kissing his cheeks. “Come here Dylan, it’s rude not to hug the lady of the house your mother in law” She told him. He smiled and hugged her. I felt a knot in my throat I was so overwhelmed. “Sharice” My dad stressed. “Malcom it’s not that deep, it already kept your daughter away, plus this ain’t your house no more” My mom said rolling her eyes. “But he helped pay for it” Kristen said. “Man shut yo…but up” Damien said. My father looked at Damien. “Boy you better watch it” He said. Damien sucked his teeth in. “Control your hoes Malcom” My Grandma said. My dad grabbed Kristen and got up. “I will see yall Christmas” He said mugging me. My father walked out with Kristen. “Anyways” Damien said. We passed around the food joking, everyone was playing with Chase except Vada. It was bothering the shit out of me. “Vi what’s up?” I asked her. She shrugged her shoulders. “Im happy you have your own little family, I wonder does your husband know you fucked my boyfriend and got pregnant and had an abortion? Or you got hooked on pain pills and dated him for 2 years”. She blurted out. I glared at her. My grandma motioned for Nylah and Damien to take Chase. “Man, this is getting good” Damien said. “D get your ass up!” Grandma Rudy said. He got up fast and took my son with him. “You had no right Vada!” I yelled. She glared at me back. My mom chugged her wine glass. “Janessa, you know what yall are grown, I’m tired of this bickering between yall it’s old and tired” My mother said before leaving from the table with Stephan. “Vi not cool man let that shit go” MJ said. Vada groaned. “I’m tired of yall being on her side, she betrayed me” She said. “Abortion pills you never told me this” Dylan said looking at me. I shook my head. “That girl been through some shit we all have but it ain’t the right to be throwing shit out in public Vada you wrong” Grandma Rudy said. “Omari told you this?” I said pissed. She nodded. “Yes, today at lunch, and I forgave you but you still lying and keeping secrets Janessa, were done were not sisters” She said. Michael punched the table. “I’m tired of this shit with you Sky!, I’m done man fuck that nigga! We didn’t come here for this, you are lying and seeing him now man fuck this” He said before he got up and walked out. “Michael!” She cried out. She looked at me. I got and nodded. “Yeah we are done” I said to her.

Character Alert: 

Gianina “Gia” Angel Monetz 33: Francia Raisa 

Gia is MJ’s ex girlfriend. They were together 10 years before he left her. and moved to D.C.

[offworldcolony]

Zack Snyder's Justice League, 2021 - ★★★

Daddy Issues: The Movie.

I'm conflicted about the existence of this film; as an exercise in studio interference it's fascinating, as a parable of what can happen when fans rise up, it's a cautionary tale, and as the shape of things to come, it's questionable. I don't think fans should get to decide anything; hiring the correct filmmakers and giving them creative freedom would be the ideal option because you give the people what they need and never what they want. What they want, as evidenced by everything, almost always sucks and they're left unhappy anyway. And this film might be the exception that proves the rule.

And although Zack Snyder's Justice League was a film worth creating from the butchered remains of the original incarnation, it shouldn't have come at the behest of how much vitriol was cast out there in the process, and it shouldn't be a signal that a rabid and butthurt community of internet trolls that believe they deserve whatever they want, exactly as they want it, should ever influence the film industry ever again.

This should instead be a reminder to Studios that they know about as much as Marketing departments or gamblers or stock market traders: they're just pissing in the wind and when it lands in the toilet they claim it's by some kind of design of their own making and brilliance. Hire somebody good and get the fuck out of their way. At least if it's shit (like this film basically is) it is the fault of one person's vision and I'd rather have a noble and coherent failure than a luke-warm, mediocre carcass of a Frankenstein's monster made up of opinionated Suits, en-vogue and focus group-driven decisions acting only as a commercial for toys like 2017's Justice League was.

So the film itself? It's incredibly enjoyable, I had an absolute blast with my family round watching it like an old-school movie night. Is it a better movie? Yes, 100% in practically every way. Is it a good movie? Nope! But it's one person's coherent vision, I just hate that vision and I don't think he pulls it off.

Snyder constantly undercuts his own good ideas by his own execution, stumbling into his own sandcastles; some sequences have some really fantastic starts and then they're shot and edited in a way that makes me crawl inside out with cringe; singing a Nordic-style Aquaman song: great, having someone really close up sniff his jumper and sing right at us: horrific. And there's legion of these terrible choices by Snyder, usually things that don't make logical sense but mean he can do something because it's simply cool. (Martha Manhunter anyone?) But we already know by now that cool on its own isn't enough. Snyder doesn't. Having Batman say "fuck" isn't cool, it's dumb. Having Superman say a cocky (rubbish) one-liner when he saves someone from Steppenwolf is out of character, it's dumb. More than once I was able to predict what a character was going to say before they even said it. Come on, this isn't Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Team Justice League.

On the undeniable positives are the colour grading, score, the reels of added and altered material and more. Most of the added scenes are way, way better, more coherent and the film looks great actually. It does look Olympian and classic as I imagine he wanted it to, like the cave murals Diana sees. The extra character and coherence allow the jokes and interactions to breathe; Wayne is a little funnier, Diana, sadder, Cyborg, actually here for a change with something to do, and seemingly powerful, and Flash (thank god) not annoying. Even Irons' Alfred gets basically the best material and comes out of it my favourite character. Truly the Alfred of the group.

What doesn't work with this is that there's so much slow-mo that it becomes laugh-out-loud funny and goofy rather than impressive and dynamic, and in a 4-hour long film, you'd better be damn sure that amount of slow-mo is necessary, even in the slow-mo shots you can palpably feel they drag on for a few seconds too long each time.

And my god let's talk about the soundtrack. So Snyder has now consistently proven himself to be awkwardly tone-deaf to good music in all of his films. He can't pick an appropriate track, he can't pick an ironic track. Every time he does one of his patented slow-mo, nothing sequences over a full track of music (it feels like) it's so awkward I almost got up and left my own fucking house. There's like five of these.

But the action here (apart from being blasted in the eyeballs by insane amounts of bright lights) was all really genuinely good here, he's got it down, the dynamism didn't feel stodgy and CGI-ified, wasn't just a big invulnerable guy bashing someone aside for ten minutes, they fought as a team, it looked and felt fun, and at times, really tense and involving. It's a huge step up from whatever they did for the theatrical. The Amazonian stuff was motivated, gripping and grand. Anything with Steppenwolf felt imposing and had heft and tactics to it. Bravo.

Speaking of Steppenwolf, his Middle Managers and Head Office in the form of marble liquid Henchman, Darkseid and CGI Anette Benning(??!!) felt like strange meaningless additions, as did the anti-life equation shit (this is what Marvel doesn't do, they're expert-level at exposition for newcomers and easter eggs for fans combined). Darkseid looked like a troll, neither imposing nor unique or cool, and I'm not talking an ordinary troll, I mean one of those shit ones that gets turned to stone in the sun, not even a proper fighting troll. He looked like the first mini-boss encounter in a Lord of the Rings videogame. But...

But Steppenwolf looked awesome and I actually liked him here and his Simp for Daddy schtick. I laughed at him a lot, but like Synder I had a lot of endearment for him and his cute, sad, hopeful eyes. Daddy please love me! I promise I'll do better! I can't explain why he worked this time but he did. Maybe it's because the story felt interesting (dumb but at least it all made sense internally) and it felt grand in scale and scope and had stakes and whole added motivations for everybody.

Speaking of what else worked, yes I enjoyed the 4:3 aspect ratio, I thought it would just be Zack Snyder wanking himself off again (see: Justice League: Dark or whatever they'll call his upcoming Black and White version) but I kind of loved it, it was almost euphoric and actually did replicate some of what going to the IMAX felt like. I liked feeling like these colossi of comic books were towering above like statues.

What didn't work was that the chapter headings had nothing to do with the chapters at all or anything that happened in them which felt strange. Also, characters over-egg their lines as if we're dumb and keep stating the obvious in such a first draft way that I felt myself getting stupider.

One of my main gripes is if you keep trying to one-up yourself, these character do not feel understandably epic and powerful. They're all kind of idiotic and silly and po-faced and posture so much and say snappy one-liners and prance around like Chads. Snyder thinking he’s some kind of subversive genius and all that is sweet, but most of time I'm laughing at his cloying fan-service. He's the kid that keeps telling you how great he is and you don't mind because you can see he's got no friends and he's been bullied. Snyder isn't as aggressively dumb and bullish like Michael Bay is, for example, and Snyder's movies are largely coherent. But he's trying too hard and I just don't like his vision. As little elseworld graphic novels this kind of shit between Batman and Joker works, or in films like Joker you can do some out-there things, rather than in this, a mainline, flagship series.

Zack Synder is a little like a first-time Dungeons and Dragons DM trying to impress his table with all his edgelord grittiness and "vision"; He is a child that has two figurines and is smashing them together and yelling "Look! Look what I'm doing! Superman is beating everyone up! LOOK!" Zack Snyder's Justice League is simply, more than anything, endearing. That's the best way I can describe it.

Endearing.

And this film being endearing means I can't hate it, even though I think it's rubbish; because if a child builds a fortress of Lego, it's not exactly the Taj Mahal, but it is impressive. But when he knocks it all down I'm right there yelling for him to pick up all the destroyed pieces now because it can't always be playtime. A film can't just be spectacle and chaos and whatever-the-fuck-you-want. It has to be about something.

Justice League is about nothing. The Dark Knight was about Chaos in a system used to Order even if there was chaos inherent in the order. And it asked you to look at that chaos vs unbridled chaos. With both Dent and Joker as two sides of the same coin; chaos and order, and it put that paradox or that choice to the people of Gotham. It was about surveillance states, money, and sacrifice. And so much more. The Dark Knight subsequently became timely and timeless.

Justice League is about nothing and it will fade into nothing because of it. The euphoria will pass. It's OK it exists. It OK that we move past it now.

source https://letterboxd.com/offworldcolony/film/zack-snyders-justice-league/

[discreteluxuryff]

TWENTY-EIGHT

Vanessa

2 weeks later…..

Weeks went by and not once did I think about Trey. His antics on Thanksgiving really threw me off, but I didn’t care. He was upset because I wasn’t upset about his daughter’s mother. I don’t know if Trey liked drama or not, but from the looks of everything he loved it. He wanted me to be upset and start an argument all for what? I wasn’t about to feed into his bullshit and I think that’s why he’s really mad. He know’s I’m over him and he can’t stand it.

I was finally feeling good about myself. I let all my dead weight go and now I was happy. I finally found the right place I could call home and everything was really falling into place. I was almost seven months pregnant and I couldn’t wait for my baby girl to get here. I didn’t need to be with Trey just to feel secure. I didn’t need him for anything and I was okay with that. That’s not saying I don’t want him in Marley’s life, but if he doesn’t want to be around then that’s fine. I gave him enough time to see how our baby was doing, and he didn’t even bother seeing if she was okay. Once again, Trey is only thinking about himself.

Making my way into Nordstrom, I decided to shop for more baby clothes. Between me, Jalissa, Vashtie and my mother, Marley was being spoiled like crazy. She didn’t need anything else, but I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t wait for my baby girl to get here.

“ Oh god.” I sighed as I dropped my phone. I was already struggling to reach down and get it.

“I’ll get it for you.” His deep raspy voice caught my attention, but his face is what kept my attention. This man was fine, but he looked so familiar.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“You good. Vanessa?”

“Yeah…how do you-, never mind I’m sure you know me as Tremaine Neverson’s ex.” I said chuckling.

“Yeah, but I know you from the block. You don’t remember me?” He smiled and I got a good look at his face. That’s when it dawned on me, it was Samir.

I met Samir back in the sixth grade and he was in the eighth grade. He was like a big brother growing up and after I moved from the neighborhood when I was a freshman in high school, we tried our best to keep in touch. Then after a while, I didn’t hear from him. I heard he was in a gang and he was doing a lot and I just assumed he forgot about me. I never thought we would cross paths again, but here we are.

“Oh my god, Samir?! I haven’t seen you in like twelve years. How are you?”

“Shit I’ve been good. I own a little restaurant back on the block and I got a daughter now. I’ve been trying to stay out the streets and shit.”

“That’s good, Samir. How old is your daughter? I bet she looks just like you.”

“ Nine months and you know she does.” he said chuckling.  “What you having?” He asked pointing at my stomach.

“A girl. She’ll be here in March, I’m just ready for all this to be over. Plus I’m ready to go back to work.“

"You’re a radio personality, right? At least that was I seen all over social media.”

“Yeah, I’ve been in radio for four years now. I ended up moving to LA and then I finally finished up school out there. I only moved out there because of Tremaine, but that’s a long story.”

“Still with him?”

“No.” I said shaking my head. “ We’re done and I’m just trying to focus on myself and my daughter. Are you still with your daughter’s mother?”

“Nah, it just didn’t work out. It’s all good though. I just want to be a good example for her.” It was so weird hearing Samir talk about having a daughter and just having this new life. I was proud of him.

For another twenty minutes,  Samir and I kept talking. It felt good talking to an old friend and it’s not like Samir was just some guy from my past. This was my friend and I’m so happy we ran into each other. Besides Vashtie, Samir knew everything that happened in my life. It was times where I would go to him after my dad would pull his acts and he would be my protector. He was really the only male that cared about me and I still appreciate the things he’s done for me.

“Damn, I can’t believe I ran into you. I thought you forgot about me and just said fuck that nigga.”

“Hell, I thought you forgot about me. After I left the neighborhood we talked less and everything. I really needed you throughout the years. I’ve been through a lot, Samir. I won’t bore you with all the things I’ve been through, though. I’m sure you have to get going anyway.”

“It’s cool. I do, but after today I don’t ever want to stop hearing from you.  Here.” He handed me his phone and I put my number in it.

“Here you go. Now don’t forget about me, Samir.”

“I can never forget about you.” He pulled me in for a hug.

“

** The next day…

“Guess who I ran into yesterday?”

“Who?” Vashtie asked raising her eyebrow.

“Samir.”

“Stop it. Are you serious right now?”

“Yes. I ran into him at Nordstrom, and honestly, he looks good. He owns a restaurant and he even has a daughter.”

“Wow, another thing the both of you have in common; a daughter.” I sighed and continued to finish hanging my clothes up in my closet.

It’s no secret that Vashtie hates Trey, she only liked Samir. She thought that would be my boyfriend because of the way he protected me when my father abused me. Honestly, we were only friends and nothing more. Even after we lost touch, Vashtie constantly talked about how that should’ve been my boyfriend, but I already had one and she didn’t like him either.

“Vashtie, why are you like this?”

“Like what? I’m just saying, I always thought you two would’ve been like high school sweethearts and what not. You two deserved each other and now that you two reunited, something could blossom. After your pregnancy, though, of course. Can’t be thotting with a baby in your belly.”

"Vashtie, again, why are you like this? I may never see him again.”

“Let me see. She snatched my phone and God know’s what she was doing.”

“What are you doing?!”

“Wait, you’re letting him come over today?! Ahhhhhh! I might as well stay.”

“That was the plan. If you actually read the whole conversation, you would know he wants to see you.”

Yes I know I haven’t seen Samir in years and inviting him over seems like a lot. I just feel like I can still trust him enough to be in my space. This is my house and I can do what I want. It’s really just old friends catching up with one another. Plus, I’m pregnant and I’m not looking for anything with anybody.

“Hmm, we’ll see. Baby daddy just texted you, though.” I rolled my eyes and grabbed my phone. What did Trey want?

Trey: I’m back in town. I’m coming to see u in 15.

me: what?????????? Bye. You don’t pop up when you feel like it. I only texted you my new address in case of an emergency.

Trey: it’s an emergency.

I rolled my eyes so hard. I’m so tired of Trey thinking he can just show up when he wants. He went two weeks without checking on me or the baby. I did tell him my address only because anything can happen, but of all days he wants to show up and I have Samir stopping by. I already know if they’re here at the same time it can cause an issue on Trey’s end, but honestly, I could care less about his feelings.

“What did he say?”

“He said he’ll be here in fifteen minutes and meanwhile Samir will be over around that same time.”

“Good. Trey will be upset and I will enjoy every minute of it.”

“Vashtie.”

“Vanessa.” I sighed and shook my head. This was something I was not looking forward to.

Looking at my phone I got texts from both Trey and Samir. Samir was outside and Trey was less than five minutes away. I wasn’t going to let Trey ruin my day and I already knew what to do with him. I would see what he wanted and then I would have to make him leave. He was not about to make me and my company feel awkward. Honestly, maybe Trey seeing Samir here will make him leave me alone and only contact me about Marley.

“Coming!” I heard my doorbell ring and I automatically knew it was Samir.

Opening the door I seen his smile. That smile could light up a whole damn room and it was “contagious” too. Samir had a smile to where you would want to smile for no reason. You could be in the worst mood and his smile just had that effect on people. That’s what I need, though. I already know when Trey gets here a smile will be off of my face.

“Hey, Samir!” I said giving him a hug.

“What up?”

“Is that Samir?!” Vashtie ran to the door the both of embraced one another. This was really feeling like old times.

Getting ready to close the door, I felt something stopping it. At first, I thought it was something wrong, but then I realized it was Trey. I really wanted to know why he had to come here, lord just why?

“I can’t come in now?” Trey asked trying his best to come in.

“Now really isn’t a good time, Trey.”

“Why?” He walked in and made eye contact with both Vashtie and Samir.

“Hey, Samir…let me talk to you in the kitchen.” I heard Vashtie say. She knew the moment would be awkward. By the look of Samir’s face, I could tell it was. I’m glad they walked out just in time.

“Who is that?”

“A friend, Trey. What do you want, I’m kind of busy.”

“What friend? I don’t know him.”

“But I do. I’ve been knowing him longer than you, anymore questions?”

“So you’re bein’ a hoe while pregnant?” What the fuck was he talking about.

Trey has been disrespectful, but this was a new low for him. Calling me out of my name was new and I didn’t like it. How dare he even say that to me? I’m not even dating Samir let alone anyone. I’m pregnant and that’s not even on my damn mind. I don’t know what’s gotten into him but he needs to get it together. I’m tired of his ass and his crazy ass split personality. One minute he’s showing he cares and now this.

“Excuse me? I’m not dealing with anyone. You have some nerve popping up over here and the try to call me a hoe. Are you serious? Matter of fact you can go.”

“Feeling guilty, huh? I just asked a question. You got a new man around you all the time now. Something isn’t right.”

“Trey, do you hear how dumb you sound? New man? The only new man I ever had around me was Richard! Samir, yeah he’s actually an old friend. He’s the only man that ever gave a fuck about me because clearly, you didn’t, my father didn’t or Richard. Are you intimidated by every man that comes around me? What is the truth?”

“Sure. Now he’s the only man that ever cared about you? Just forget the five years I spent tryin’ to please your stubborn ass. I apologized countless times and still gave you what you wanted.”

“Gave me what I wanted?! Material shit didn’t mean a thing to me. Between that and the lies, what did you really give me? You gave me a broken heart and fucking baby. Which this baby is the only good thing coming out of this situation. You didn’t care about me, you only cared about yourself.”

“Please. You stayed with me and allowed me to do all that shit to you. Don’t act brand new now.” I was so flabbergasted. This man was either crazy or really showing me who he really was. “Anyways, I came over to reconcile, but you’re on bullshit again. I was considerin’ on forgivin’ you for the way you’ve been actin’ and possibly gettin’ back together.”

“You have literally lost what little mind you have if you ever think I’m getting back with you. Just leave me the fuck alone, Trey!”

“Yo, Vanessa, you good?” I turned around and seen Samir and Vashtie standing in the hall. This was so embarrassing.

“I’m good, Samir. He was just leaving.” Without hesitation, Trey shook his head and left. I was done completely. There was no reason for me to ever be around this man.

[blackrosesfanfic]

Chapter 203

Sevyn

I call Cammie. “Hey, Bae.”

“Bae! Where are you?”

“About to get on this plane to Baltimore. What’s going on with your man? He really trying to fuck up my hard work. Chris has really been working on himself.”

She sucks her teeth. “Hold on, Sweet cheeks.”

I roll my eyes. I jus told her that I was about to get on this plane. I don’t have time to hold on for simple shit. That’s the thing with other people with busy lives. They don’t try to solve a problem before it gets out of hand. Chris needs Trey to be stable and vice versa. There is no way around it. They are just too close and they depend on one another too much. Weeks don’t go by without them talking. Maybe a month or two without them being face to face but they talk all the time.

“Bae, I’m just not seeing a problem.”

“What do you mean you don’t see it? I’m telling you it is there.”

She sighs. “Calm down. I’m sayin that I don’t see what is causing the problem. Trey is fine right now. He isn’t mad or anything. I don’t know what was said earlier.”

I roll my eyes. “That doesn’t help and it is frustrating as shit.”

“Well if our fucking men ain’t cool then we not.” She says with a sudden attitude.

“Say what?”

She giggles. “Amber just let them have their fight. I can’t stop it okay. Don’t jump to conclusions. I didn’t say I wouldn’t try. Just don’t let it affect us or your relationship. K, bitch?”

I sigh. “Okay.”

“I have been waiting on my boys all day!”

“Chill.”

She starts whispering. “He back in here. K. Oh girl! My mama call me with all kinds of whining and bitching about how she doesn’t feel like she is the grandma and how she has to contact April to speak with her grandkids. Oh bitch. I was like no. Not today. You not about to act like you been talking to me about getting them or making an effort to see them. Oh no. All of a sudden you want to be involved because you jealous of their relationship with their other grandma. Bitch you better get your ass out of those church events and make some damn moves. Same shit me and her fall out about before.”

“Oh no. So you said all of that to her?”

“No. Trey talked to her. Asked her what did she want to do because the boys are on the way here. She changed April’s plans but I guess April is cool with it because she is staying in LA for a few days anyway.”

“That’s your family.” I chuckle.

She sucks her teeth. “Anyway, how was your doctor’s appointment?”

I shrug. “The same as always. Eat right, less stress, stay active, and things will happen.”

“Okay.” She giggles. “And I know you rocked the studio.”

“Yassss… Bae, I got a song I wrote for Royalty that you need to hear.”

She laughs. “I’m loving how fucking happy you are about a fucking mystery baby that he now has. Bitch know those doctor appointments really mean nothing cause you can put that baby on hold.”

“Shut up, Camille. You don’t know my life.”

“He still talking about another baby?”

I cut my eyes at him. “Not as much but you know.”

She so fucking stupid. “Oh bitch then bye if you don’t have time to talk to me.”

“Bye.” I laugh.

“Call me when you land or something. Whatever you do.”

“I might.”

Chris frowns up his whole face. “Why did you get off of the phone when I came over here?”

I kiss him. “Just Cammie’s dumbass. Coincidently you walked up when she hung up. You got some issues? You want to check my phone?”

“I don’t feel like it.”

“Don’t be getting sick on me. What do you mean you don’t feel like it?”

He shrugs. “Don’t want to fight or be disappointed about shit else in my life.”

I rub his side. “Awh, well I’m not here for that. Ready to get on this plane?”

“When are we getting married?”

“Tomorrow.”

He chuckles. “Your father not killing me. ‘You take my baby off and treat her like a common girl. Only indecent girls run off and get hitched’.”

“Shut up, Chris. My father does not sound like that.”

“Your parents could be the witnesses. Let’s do it.”

I cover his face. “No. It was a joke. Wedding next January. I already have a place and date.”

He was satisfied. “Paris.”

“Cliché.”

“Florida is cliché. Mountains, Cammie did it. What then?”

I open my hands then grab his neck. I kiss him. “January. You tell me when you find out.”

He shrugs. “I’m a nigga with trust issues. You just telling me this because you lying and you really not thinking about getting married. What was I talking about before you said that? You little lying bitch. Conniving.”

“Christopher.”

“Fuck you.” He says walking away.

I laugh. “I love you though, Bae.”

He turns around coming back to me. He kisses me. “I fucking love you. Only because I will never leave you hanging.”

“Christopher.”

“Amber.” He says resting his hand on my hip. “Fuck!”

I step back from him. “What’s your problem? Yelling like that.”

“You are my problem. You keep making me forget what I was thinking.”

“Okay… and you yelling because of it? You are so fucking…”

“Crazy!” he says grabbing me.

I laugh. “I was going to say…”

“Chris!” someone yells. “Oh my God!!! Chris!”

“Oops.” I giggle.

He sucks his teeth then he walks away from me in a hurry. I try to stop laughing long enough to walk away. Sooner or later that person will realize that I am who I am and come over in my direction. Chris’ bodyguard touches my arm pulling me just enough to let me know that I need to get my ass moving. I hold my stomach and start walking. I still couldn’t stop laughing. Heaven help that child. He is too much.

  Trey

“Hey, Daddy!” Lane yells.

“Hey, Big guy. How are you doing?”

He smiles really hard. “I get on airplane!”

I nod. “You about to get on the airplane? How cool is that?”

“Yes, cool.” He says nodding. “Daddy, Caden get on airplane too. Nanma make Caden cry.”

“Your grandma always making Caden cry. What did she do to Caden?”

“Pop his buttbutt.”

I laugh. “What?”

Mama comes up. “Lane if you don’t stop telling people that. You know your brother is not crying.”

“Yes he did.”

“Tremaine. Your son is on the way. To stay.”

Lane moves the camera. “I talk to Daddy. Not you, Nanma.”

I drop my mouth. “Lane?”

“You will not be getting your cookies.” April badly attempts to discipline Lane.

“I ate it.” Lane says like she simple.

I laugh. “Oh shit.”

April’s face comes on the screen. “You see this thing that I have to deal with? It’s a little late to be dealing with trouble twos.”

“Did he eat the cookies already?”

“I thought he was telling me that he going to eat them anyway. That’s why his bad ass gave me this phone then ran to Buggiz. I’m going to have to start spanking his ass. There is no way I’m dealing with this crazy child. Lane?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

I laugh. “Oh he has manners now. You and him need to stop. He is being very well mannered right now. Don’t see a need to spank him.”

She rolls her eyes. “Tell your wife that we are getting on this plane. Why are you on her phone anyway?”

“She went to the front door to let King in.”

“King?” April snaps. “I’m dropping these babies off then I’m going to get me a drank and a hotel room. I had to deal with the little girl from hell and her twin cousin for 2 hours. There is no way I’m dealing with King and Lane. Fuck that.”

I laugh falling back on the bed. “Ma, stop. Cammie cooked this dinner for you.”

“I’m stopping by the damn liquor store. I need some hard liquor.”

“Ma?”

She sighs. “Lane baby why are you looking sad?”

She turns the camera to him. He wipes his dry eyes. “I being bad.”

“Awh, Ma, look what you did.”

“Honey, nobody said you were being bad. Come here.” She says grabbing his hand. “Bye, Trey.”

“You don’t want me to see you being a hypocrite two seconds after you said you were going to put your foot down?”

Lane’s face comes in the camera. “Say bye to Daddy.”

“Bye.”

“Say see you in 4 hours.”

He frowns. “See you.”

“Lane?” I smile at his sad face.

“I want go to daddy.” He says looking away from the phone.

“We are going on the plane to see mommy and daddy. I am taking you to daddy. Okay?”

Lane looks at the camera. “Temaine?”

“Daylan.”

“I get on airplane. Come on, now.”

“Lane, be nice to your grandma.”

“Please, Nanma. Come on.” He says.

She sighs. “Tremaine?”

“Bye, Ma.”

I know she rolling her eyes or something right now. Lane is a bad ass. He acts bad because he knows he can get away with it. Ma needs to grow a pair and stop letting him say what he wants to say. That shit is Cammie’s fault.

“King is sleep and Angela says Hi.” Cammie says walking into the room. “Why do you have my phone? Did April call?”

“I can’t have your phone for any other reason?”

She scrunches up her face. “Anyway… No Ma?”

I shrug. “Nope.”

“Okay.” She says lying down on the bed. “She has an hour to call me or I’m going to fly to Charleston and get my fucking kids. Then I’m not giving anyone permission to take them anywhere until Caden is 12.”

“Shit. Caden 12.”

She sits up laughing. “My stank butt turning 5 is a lifetime away but so close. Tremaine?”

I reach over and grab her calf. “Camille.”

“What is our future going to be? It scares the shit out of me to even try to think about it. I’m scared to plan stuff. I just don’t see how we will stay perfect forever.”

“We are too far away from perfect. Jayla, how are we perfect?”

She sighs. “It’s perfect enough. You don’t think so?”

“It is.”

“Right. There are people out there that cheat on each other every second that they get. I mean low down things like sleeping with best friends and cheating every night. There are people who can’t have kids. People who have had miscarriages. People who get divorced within two months. People who never get married.”

I take out my phone and snap a picture. Cammie hits me on the arm almost knocking my phone out of my hand. What is this lady’s problem? I look at her.

“You just going to take out your phone while we having a good moment?”

“Capturing the moment, Baby.” I say putting a caption under the Instagram picture. “Hash tag ‘Blessed’.”

She sighs. “Doesn’t matter what you were doing.”

I had took a picture of her calf near my head. It was a fucking nice ass picture if you ask me. But I guess she doesn’t fucking care. I reach above my head grabbing her leg. I pull her down towards me a bit. Sexy ass.

“Our future is going to be full of joyful moments and progress. I plan on having you in my life forever. No I plan on having you as my wife forever. No separation or fucking breaks. You and me forever.”

“Okay, Tremaine.”

I pull her leg more. “A future full of good sex.”

She moves her leg away from me. I move to grab it again but she was in my face. She kisses my forehead then gives me a Spiderman kiss. I reach up to grab her. She was moving once again. She moves around on the bed coming to face me.

She straddles me. “I supposed to call MiMi.”

“Fuck MiMi.”

She laughs. “Sorry, Mi.”

[lalka-laski]

Have you ever drank ale?: Red ale is my favorite type of beer. In fact, I have a delivery of 2 packs from a local bar arriving on Sunday! One unexpected benefit of this crisis is that I can get stuff like that delivered right to my home now! Do you know how to use Braille?: Nope. Do you know anyone named Dale?: Actually, yes. I jokingly call him my “sugar daddy,” though never to his face! He’s the blood samples courier who comes to my work every Thursday and he brings me candy/gum/baked goods in exchange for a coffee. I miss our weekly chats! Do you like the name Gale?: Nah, not really. Have you ever been to jail?: Absolutely not.

Have you ever eaten kale?: Yeah, I quite like it. But then again I love almost all green veggies! Are you female or male?: Female. Do you bite your nails?: I usually have acrylics on although they’re natural now (thanks, Covid!) Is your skin pale?: I’m the fairest of them all Have you ever seen a Quail (the bird)?: I JUST REALIZED THAT THE END OF ALL THESE QUESTIONS RHYME!!!!! When you use stairs, do you usually hold the rail?: Not unless I’m carrying something (specifically a baby).  Have you ever eaten a snail?: I’m a vegetarian so no ma’am.  Do you like walking on nature trails?: I wish I liked them more, I’m not super outdoors-y. Although taking a nice walk outside can be very refreshing and centering. So I should try that more.  Have you ever worn a veil?: Nope, unless you’d count a blanket or other makeshift veil when I’d play “wedding” as a kid.  Have you ever been stung by a bee?: Once I think. Do you know any Tai Chi?: No but it is actually something I wanna get into Do you know anyone with the name/nickname Dee?: Hmm...I don’t believe so. Are the best things in life really free?: Listen, we all know money can’t buy love or friendship or inner peace. I’m not denying that. But money can buy you a comfortable life. There are plenty of homeless or impoverished people out there whose lives would be ENTIRELY improved by money. So I don’t want to be that pseuo-philosopher who says the best things in life are free, In reality, you DO need money to access quite a lot of “good things” in society as it stands.  Do you like the show “Glee”?: I never cared for it. Found it annoying, actually.  Has anyone ever kicked you in the knee?: Uhh no.  Do you know anyone named Lee?: Yeah, the “drunk bus” driver at my college.  Have you taken any other surveys made by me?: I don’t know who you are but I’m sure I have, just considering the amount of surveys I’ve taken.  Right now, do you have to pee?: Nope, for once. Ha! What’s a movie you’d like to see?: I’m not into movies so nothing’s jumping out at me. Have you ever planted a tree?: Hmm nope. Have you ever made anything with clay?: In art class at school Has today been a good day?: It was actually one of my better days lately. Do you like the band The Fray?: Yes, actually! I saw them live once.  Are you wearing anything that’s gray?: Nope. I really do, I don’t care for it. Have you ever fed a horse hay?: Maybe as a kid? Though I honestly can’t remember.  Do you like the name Jay?: It’s not my favorite Are you more likely to text “Okay”, “OK” or just “K”?: Okay!  Is your birthday in May?: Nope, July.  Do you ever pray?: In my own way, yes.  Do you know anyone named Ray?: No, but it’s a running joke that my boyfriend’s name is Ray because his last name is Romano. When I first started dating him, my godmother asked “so how long have you know Ray?” and I was so confused because I’ve never met a person named Ray in my life!  Do you know anyone named Trey?: HI MY NAME’S TREY AND I HAVE A BASKETBALL GAME TOMORROW Do you often pass the blame?: I might have a bad habit of that. As much as I internalize shit, I do want to blame others for my problems. Have you ever called a woman a “dame”?: Weird... no. Would you rather have fortune or fame?: Fortune, no question.  What is your favorite video game?: I don’t play them Do you remember the actor Corey Haim?: Mhm! What is something you think is lame? (This survey, perhaps? haha): Ha, I actually really enjoy this survey and I appreciate the rhymes! But then again, you might consider me lame so.  What’s your name?: Elizabeth In your pocket, do you have a dime?: Funny you ask because I usually have a dime in most of my jacket pockets. Dimes are my “good luck” coin and I find them unexpectedly/at moments when I need them. I always believe they’re a little sign from my Grams that everything’s gonna be ok. Do you like the taste of lime?: The taste of actual limes are great, specifically in a margarita or other drink! I’m a bit weird about artificial lime but I like lime-flavored candies (gummies are the best!) Have you ever seen a mime (in real life)?: No! I’d probably shit myself, no lie. Do you think it’s stupid that I’m making my questions rhyme?: No, it’s cute and fun! And very creative I must say. When did you last check the time?: Just now and FUNNILY ENOUGH, it’s 7:13 which is my birthday! Have you ever gone to a bar?: Girl...... Do you have a car?: Nope. I don’t drive. Have you traveled very far?: Not very Do you keep spare change in a jar?: I keep quarters in a jar for laundry, but no other coins.  Would you like to go to Mars?: The idea TERRIFIES me Have you ever wished on a shooting star?: I have! Ok I admit that I still do whenever I’m lucky enough to catch one.  Have you ever drank beer?: Do you knew me? Like AT ALL...? What is your dream career?: Published author or magazine/blog contributor Have you ever seen a deer (in real life)?: They’re my favorite/spirit animal! I feel a such of calmness and magic whenever I see one. It always makes my day. What is your biggest fear?: Losing a loved one  Have you ever seen the show “Top Gear”?: Nope Right now, what can you hear?: We’re watching Love Island UK (complete trash, I love it) and Glenn is playing a video game at a very high volume What is your age?: 27 Have you ever kept a pet in a cage?: Nope. We had rabbits growing up and they had cages where their food, water and litter were kept but the cages were never closed and they were free to hop in and out of them as they pleased. Aww...I miss my bunnies! Have you ever used a tire gauge?: Never Have you ever performed on stage?: Not solo What’s your hourly wage? (If you have a job.): I don’t care to disclose that  Have you ever seen a bear (in real life)?: At a zoo. Trust that I’d lose my entire shit if I saw one in the wild! (Though I probably wouldn’t live to tell the tale anyways) Are you currently sitting in a chair?: A loveseat Have you ever played Truth or Dare?: Yep  Do you like to go to the fair?: I love festivals but not necessarily fairs What color is your hair?: Blondie  When did you last eat a pear?: I can’t even remember! I do love pears though. Do you like your steak cooked rare?: I’m a vegetarian  Do you often curse/swear?: I’ve noticed I have been a lot more lately What is your favorite kind of shoe to wear?: I prefer being barefoot whenever possible, but otherwise I like flip-flops. Basically anything that’s far from a shoe. Are you wearing anything that’s blue?: There’s a bit of blue on the shirt I’m wearing Have you ever played the game Clue?: Lots of times when I was little! I also think I had some kind of computer game/electronic version too. That’s vaguely familiar to me...  When did you last have the flu?: Never, KNOCK WOOD. Have you ever eaten glue?: OK WELL... I love chewing that gummy adhesive stuff on gift cards and magazine labels (you know what I’m talking about?) I guess that’s technically glue so...  Are you a Jew?: No, but my sister (technically my half-sister) has a Jewish bio dad.  Have you ever looked at a cow and said moo?: Hmm... Do you tend to buy clothes used or new?: Almost always new except I did start frequenting Plato’s Closet a bit before everything got shut down. Do you like Pepe Le Pew?: I mean... no preference? If you have Netflix, how many items are in your queue?: Nothing in my queue  Do you ever make your own stew?: No but maybe I should! Are all your answers to these questions true?: Always 100% Have you ever been to the zoo?: Yeah, I miss Zoo Brew!

[rahullikesthings]

I’ve done these year-end reflections for the last four years, and most of them have been how things went badly and how I hope they get better. I’m happy to say 2017 was a really solid year for me. There’s a whole list of accomplishments I’m proud of, some I had worked towards, some that happened by coincidence. I moved into my own apartment. I got a promotion and two different raises at work. I’ve been booked more than ever since I’ve been doing standup. I started my own show. I’ve made friends, at work and through comedy. And as someone that hasn’t had much of that in a few years, I think it’s helped me be less cynical and paranoid about new acquaintances and relationships whenever they do happen. I met Terrell Owens (kind of a weird dude) and Eric Dickerson (cool guy!) and got that close to Steve Kerr at the Warriors championship parade. 

There’s still plenty more I hope to accomplish, but it’s fair to say this year is the start of an upward trajectory. I’m in a good space mentally and physically. I see people around me progressing and moving forward and I’m super happy for them. I’m thinking of going vegan. There’s people I hope to meet, places I hope to travel to, more achievements to realize. 

As I started to put together these lists, I realized how strange my media intake felt this year. Stuff that happened earlier in the year feels like sooo long ago. There are songs I loved that I forgot were released this year at all. The albums list was tough because there was no clear number one for me but definitely a handful that I really liked. There were more beyond that I thoroughly enjoyed, put in a playlist, and then completely forgot about because I guess that’s what streaming is. “Crew” was easily my favorite song this year. I spend just enough time in car to actually listen to the radio and it was such a cool feeling to hear Shy Glizzy on there. I get psyched and sing along to his verse every. single time. 

I watched a ton of TV this year but, really, no show comes close to American Vandal. The humor, the characters, the depth of the parody, the bingeability. It’s maybe the best representation of high school I’ve ever seen on screen. Quality all around. I don’t know that would tell someone who has never seen Twin Peaks to watch it, but there were three of four moments in this season that were some of the most visceral experiences I’ve ever had watching any TV or movie. Godless was fire. Mindhunter was also great. I thought this final season of The Carmichael Show was nearly perfect. Curb might not have had its best season but I laughed uncontrollably at every scene between Larry and Richard Lewis. The Get Down deserved more. The Deuce was as good as people said, but I think I needed a little something more. Shout out to Shark Tank for always coming through. 

I may have watched more movies this year than in any other year in recent memory (shouts to my Movie Pass). I don’t know that I had an obvious number one, but Lady Bird, Florida Project and Get Out are in that discussion for me. But also Star Wars: The Last Jedi was maybe the greatest movie I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve spent so much of my life with this franchise, I didn’t think I could be surprised anymore. The throne room scene is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen, and the audience reaction to Laura Dern’s lightspeed was priceless (every single time). Highlight: Watching Get Out at the Jack London theater in Oakland on opening weekend / Lowlight: not being able to discuss it at work the next day because San Francisco is the whitest, most clueless, most tone-deaf city on Earth. American Made won’t get mentioned a lot but it was one of the more fun experiences I’ve had at the movies. Girls Trip was awesome and hilarious. The Game of Thrones prison scene in Logan Lucky and the Kumail/Ray Romano 9/11 joke in The Big Sick are literally two of the funniest moments in any movie ever. I thought I was over comic book movies, but three ended up on this list. I still can’t tell if I liked Dunkirk.

Here’s to 2018.

Best Songs:

Goldlink “Crew (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy)” SZA “Supermodel” Tove Love “Disco Tits” Migos “T-Shirt” Playboi Carti “Magnolia” Future “Solo” Sevyn Streeter “Before I Do” Kendrick “Fear” Kelela “LMK” Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like” Ty Dolla $ign “Famous” Adrian Marcel “UKNOWUDO” Miguel “Told You So” 2 Chainz “It’s A Vibe (feat. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhene Aiko)” A$AP Ferg “Plain Jane” Buddy “Type of Shit (feat. Wiz Khalifa)” Devin the Dude “Are You Goin' My Way?” Frank Ocean “Chanel” Che Ecru “2 Am” Majid Jordan “One I Want (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR)” Rick Ross “Trap, Trap, Trap (feat. Young Thug & Wale)” Young Thug “Daddy’s Birthday” Vince Stapes “Big Fish” PRETTYMUCH “Open Arms” Wizkid “Come Closer (feat. Drake)”

Best Albums: 

Future HNDRXX Future FUTURE Kelela Take Me Apart Kendrick Lamar DAMN. IDK Iwasverybad Miguel War & Leisure SZA Ctrl Ty Dolla $ign Beach House 3 Jonwayne Rap Album Two Aminé Good For You Mary J. Blige Strength Of A Woman Drake More Life Meek Mill Wins & Losses Jay-Z 4:44 Playboi Carti Playboi Carti Che Ecru buries SiR Her Too Goldlink At What Cost Lou The Human Humaniac Roc Marciano Rosebudd’s Revenge Mozzy & Gunplay Dreadlocks & Headshots Wiki No Mountains In Manhattan milo who told you to think??!!?!?!?! Migos Culture Anna Wise The Feminine: Act II

Best Beats:

Oh No x Tristate “Wind Chime Wizardry” (Oh No) Juelz Santana & Dave East “Time Ticking” (Jahlil Beats) Offset & Metro Boomin “Ric Flair Drip” (Bijan Amir, Metro Boomin)  Future “Solo” (Dre Moon) Iamsu “Shake” (Iamsu) Aminé “Slide” (Jahaan Sweet, Aminé) Kap G “Motivation” (???) Mila J “Fuckboy” (Immanuel Jordan Rich) Jonwayne “Afraid Of Us” (Jonwayne) SZA “Go Gina” (Scum, Lang, Frank Dukes) Milo “Sorcerer” (Kenny Segal) Action Bronson “Bonzai” (Harry Fraud) RJMrLA & DJ Mustard “Hard Way” (DJ Mustard)

Best TV Shows:

American Vandal Mindhunter Godless Twin Peaks: The Return Bojack Horseman The Carmichael Show The Deuce Rick and Morty The Leftovers Master of None Veep Halt and Catch Fire Mr. Robot The Good Place The Get Down Shark Tank Glow Insecure Marvel’s Runaways Lady Dynamite The Defiant Ones All or Nothing  Every scene in Curb Your Enthusiasm between Larry and Richard Lewis

Best Movies:

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Lady Bird The Florida Project Get Out Logan Lucky American Made Logan Girls Trip Hidden Figures The Meyerowitz Stories Molly’s Game The Big Sick Thor: Ragnarok Coco Wonder Woman It The Disaster Artist Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond Spider-Man: Homecoming  Dunkirk The Lost City of Z

Best Comedy Specials:

Louis C.K.: 2017 (I know, I know...) Roy Wood Jr: Father Figure Norm Macdonald: Hitler's Dog, Gossip & Trickery Chris Gethard: Career Suicide Al Madrigal: Shrimpin' Ain't Easy Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King Brent Weinbach: Appealing to the Mainstream  Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up For The First Time Maria Bamford: Old Baby Erik Griffin: The Ugly Truth Neal Brennan: Three Mics The Standups: Fortune Feimster The Standups: Beth Stelling Marc Maron: Too Real Comedy Central Stand Up Presents: Anthony Devito Comedy Central Stand Up Presents: Sam Jay Joe Mande's Award-Winning Comedy Special Todd Barry: Spicy Honey Ryan Hamilton: Happy Face The Standups: Nate Bargatze 

Previously: 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013

[antiquegeometry-blog]

SHELLY

 by

William Buck

  Shelly Megford pushed several items aside to keep from tripping: a mother of pearl comb, a rusted pump handle; a bronze spittoon. She glanced at the spittoon; it sat timidly in a corner, its gold and soiled tincture rusting peacefully. That’s the way it is around here, she thought – the gold and soiled nature of things. The place was nothing much to look at. A concrete floor, busted windows, and a cracked ceiling were all that sheltered a fantastic array of objects: old chandeliers, discarded computers, broken appliances, unobtrusive spittoons – and bath tubs. Especially bath tubs. A bathtub beneath every window, a bathtub beside every door. Bathtubs in the corners, bathtubs against the walls. For this was Shelly’s primary business, the restoration of antique bathtubs, the kind that sat on their own four feet and had a single drain at the bottom. And were even heavier than they looked. She had developed some muscle, Shelly had, by lugging those porcelain beasts around.

           She was a handsome, broad shouldered woman in her mid-twenties, with short cropped brown hair and hazel-green eyes. They were hunter’s eyes, clear and far seeing, always on the lookout for a restorable antique. Her employer Old Ed (as he was called by everyone) had started the antique store with his wife Brenda, who had died of cancer two years ago. Now it was just Old Ed, in the front helping customers, and Shelly in the back: sanding, painting, and hammering anything that fell in front of her. Now it was true that, if everything were added up and squared, Shelly’s income came to something like three dollars an hour. However, she did not feel poor. This was partly due to the fact that she had always been poor. Born in rural south Texas to a mentally disturbed mother and a father who made his money gambling and breeding game hens, Shelly’s childhood had been without frills, to say the least. Her mother had been institutionalized by her sixth birthday; her earliest years had been spent traveling with her father from one clandestine chicken fight to another. Her father had taught her the rudiments of math in his gambling forays, and she had, for the most part, taught herself to read by struggling over the contents of magazines with the titles “Feathered Warrior” and “Fighting Rooster”. So by necessity the unvarnished brutalities of life were things taken for granted, although not for that reason excused.

           Scant – that was the word for her childhood. There never seemed to be much of anything at hand. If she wanted something, she had to figure out a way to get it herself, or do without. She learned how to cook and how to prepare poultry while traveling with her father. From one secretive, vicious cockfight to the next they roamed: young Shelly, her eyes on the lookout, would scoop up the vanquished chicken, pluck it, and then cook the parts in a warm soup. She learned which vegetables were good and what their tops looked like; sneaking away during the thick of the gambling, Shelly would forage through the gardens of the farms where such events were often held, gathering sometimes almost a week’s worth of salad. The same with clothes. She had perfected the rag picker’s art of searching: under the metal bleachers, clinging to broken chicken wire, behind a makeshift

bar she would find them, useful pieces of clothing. But of course, the types of affairs where clothing was sometimes left – where her father was known as master of the ring – were always attended by men. Men who labored for a living, either on a farm or construction site. Shelly cut and stitched the clothes to fit her small frame, although it was soon obvious that she would have a robust build – making her even more likely to be mistaken for a boy.

           From her father she had learned the ability to extemporize, and to notice the small signs that betrayed the desperation of men. Important abilities, for no gambler had ever prospered without them. Her mother had been removed from her life when she was too young to remember much of anything. When memories occurred to her it was usually during sleep, as disturbing and vague dreams that passed like summer storms, leaving her tired and irritable. Gary Megford’s attitude toward his daughter was one of indifference, if not negligence. She was just a part of his game, a stray pet that no one bothered to run off. Even so, she tagged along, watching, scrounging, not really talking to anyone. Since most everyone thought she was a boy, and most everyone she encountered  was either a gambler or a fugitive, or a laborer starting over or one just beginning, no one payed her much attention.

           Things began to change, however. It had been the morning after a round robin  series of cockfights that had left six roosters dead and one of the local cowhands stabbed, though not fatally. Shelly had just turned twelve. She was bathing with her father in a local waterfall when the sunlight caught her at a special angle. Her father noticed that her breasts were becoming pear shaped, and she had pink, firm nipples. He rubbed his chin, a worried expression crossing his face. Later that night, during a break in a pit bull fight, her father called her over.

           “Hey there, Shelly. You know what?”

           “What daddy?”

           “You know we cotton to some pretty rough characters around here. There’s people here that don’t really care about things … It’s just as well that nobody knows you’re a girl. Some of these fellers could give us some real trouble. You understand what I’m tryin’ to tell ya?”

           “Yes, daddy.”

           Earlier that evening he had been gambling with two ex-felons, and had come out on top with three Jacks. A thought had occurred to him.

           “Your mama named you Shelly, and I loved her sure enough. But I’m gonna give you a nick name, it’s what I’ll be calling you from now on around people. Your name is Trey. Okay Trey? You hear me on this one?”

           “Okay.”

           This seemed to work out and her father ceased worrying about her. He would call out to her “Hey Trey, can you bring us some sodas over here?” and it seemed to her that it was a good enough name to be called. Shelly and her father could have possibly wandered on like this for a very long time, had Gary Megford not killed a police officer.

           It began during a dog fight on a ranch near El Paso, Texas. He had made arrangements with the land owner to run two fights: one between pit bulls at 10 p.m. and the other a cockfight at midnight. There had been heavy gambling, and drinking, from start to finish. Beside the makeshift bar, he was sitting with five other gamblers playing poker. Shelly had just turned thirteen; he had bought her a pair of teal maracas that she shook as she walked about. The men called out to her as she walked by.

           “Hey Trey, you worked today?” one of them said.

           “You fixing to start a mariachi band?” asked another.

           “Could you bring us another round of beer over here Trey?” her father asked.

           “Okay.”

           One of the men rubbed his nose. “That boy smells a little flowery,” he said.

           “Aw hell,” her father said. “I’d rather him smell like a flower than a puppy’s butt.”

           There were a group of cowhands that had come down from a private ranch near McConnaly, all of them either fifteen or sixteen. One of them kept looking at Shelly. As she walked to the back of the bar he followed her. There was no permanent latrine, only a square side of boarding that you walked behind. It was set on stakes and there was about a foot clearance from the ground. Shelly walked behind it and pulled her pants down and clear of one leg. As she squatted above the ground the boy fell to his side and looked under the boarding. A vigorous stream of clear urine shot from between her thighs and onto the soft dirt.

           “Yip!” he shouted and rolled away. He went to the other boys and told them. Shelly thought that she had heard something, maybe a opossum or some other rodent. She placed the beer bottles on a round serving tray and carried them to the gamblers. The boys were farther out, in the dark of the trees, discussing it. One of them had a rope in his truck.

           “I don’t know,” one of the boys was saying. “She looks really young.” He had just turned fifteen himself.

           “My daddy always said if it’s old enough to bleed, it’s old enough to breed. And I believe him”

           “But has she had one yet? And besides, your daddy is doing life up state.”

           “So’s yours! Hey, if you don’t want some of this, just get on now.”

           “No he aint’. Thirty years, and he’ll be out in fifteen if he don’t start fightin.”

           The other boy paused to consider this. Meanwhile Gary Megford had wandered away from the table during a break in the playing. He was rubbing his thumb on a pair of steel rooster spurs. The night in heavy heat; the air a canopy of haze. He stopped for a moment, listening. He could hear the voices of boys in the distance, and although he could not make out the individual words, he could tell by the rushed tone that they were working themselves up to do something bad. He walked slowly and quietly in their direction. What lighting there was came from an old outdoor generator, all he could see were dim shadows in the trees. He could now see their faces. Shelly was over by the bar, and he could see one of the boys pointing to her and talking to the others. He walked up from behind and tapped him on the shoulder.

           When the boy turned around Megford’s left arm shot upward under the boy’s right arm pit, lifting him up on one foot. His right hand held the spur and it was pushing up directly under the boy’s testicles. The boy could feel a trickle of blood coming from them. He realized that only the slightest bit more pressure would result in the spur impaling his scrotum.

           Shelly had noticed her father walking and turned in that direction to meet him. She walked up behind them and from that angle it appeared as if her father had the boy in a friendly although awkward embrace. She could hear him saying “and I’ll turn you into one of ‘em if I see you around here again.”

           He dropped the boy and she watched as he reached for the pistol he always carried in his belt loop. They all turned and ran however, not interested in anything further, jumping into their trucks and speeding away into the night.

           “Is everything alright daddy?”

           “Sure is Trey. Hey, how about you getting us some of that watermelon? I’ll be over in a bit.”

           “Okay.”

           As the boys sped away from the encampment they passed a county police car that was parked along the side of the road. The sheriff’s department had been tipped off to the fights and had a unit on every road leading out. Soon their rear view mirrors were filled with rotating lights, the sound of sirens filling the air. Under police questioning the boys claimed that they had thought it was going to be a Holy Ghost revival. They had come to see a sermon and were greeted with the spectacle of animal fights. They had been given a strongly flavored punch, they said, that they were unaware contained alcohol. They would have left earlier but were afraid that they would be followed.

           The police were talking to each other on their radios. They didn’t have warrants, and were unsure what the best course of action would be. One of them had a suggestion.

           “Hey what about that new guy? You know the undercover. Is he still up?”

           The sheriff was now on the radio. “He’s on call. Yeah, that’s not a bad idea. We’ll send him in, maybe he’ll just happen onto something.”  

           He was at the station eating a bologna sandwich and watching a Netflix special on topless dancers when the call came. He didn’t really understand at first, except that he was going out somewhere to investigate. It was three in the morning. The area was just off a turn in the creek that he was familiar with. He was sweating as he walked toward the encampment, the night was humid. As he approached he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten his vest.

           He walked slowly forward, watching as cars and trucks were driving off. It was all shutting down. He began to feel the onset of panic. He couldn’t go back though, he had to prove his worth to the department. He walked by the table of gamblers, now half sleeping in a drunken stupor. One of them muttered in his sleep.

           “Take it out on the man, not his vehicle,” he was saying. “Bust those teeth out, gouge out that eye. But don’t scratch that fender.”

           Another one seemed to mutter in drunken reply “Fender bender.”

           He walked on, his sense of panic increasing. Yes, he had just started the new job, but was it worth his life? His legs felt weak, and his chest pulpy, as if it had gained in mass. There was only one light on as he approached the bar. He had pulled his handgun and was holding it out in front of him like a flashlight. In the money room behind the bar Megford had all of the evening’s take stacked in neat rows, almost ten thousand dollars. The door was open, faint lantern light leaking outward. The undercover rounded a corner and noticed it.

           He stepped to the entrance and looked in. What he saw were dozens of knives, gaffes, spurs, and other cutting objects. The studded collars of fighting dogs hung from the wall, and several piles of cash lay stacked on a wooden table. And right beside them lay a sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun. He took one look at Megford’s weathered and stark features and fired.

           In the top corners of the room small mirrors were mounted to reflect the doorway and the hallway outside. Megford had looked up and saw the undercover stepping to the doorway. He was already dipping low when the shot was fired. He grabbed the 12 gauge as he turned and squeezed the trigger - both hammers were cocked. The blast dislodged the undercover’s intestines and his appendix flew free and flopped upon the ground. It ruptured, spilling a river of poison.

           Megford kicked it across the room. “That’s my opinion on the matter,” he said.      He was wondering how he was going to present this to the police. He got down on one knee and began searching the man’s clothing, pressing against his shirt. Megford’s fingers closed upon the plastic identification card. He held the police officer’s law enforcement credentials up to the lantern.

           In the absence of light there are no distinctions. For there is no advent or hope for those whose souls are predestined to the hollow pit and darkness. Best to have never been born than to endure this thoughtless and merciless charade.

           It was the end of the trail, he knew. The police caught up with them less than a day later, at a diner north of Abilene. They were sitting in his truck, eating hamburgers and fries. The police ordered Megford to exit with his hands on his head. He was trying to say his goodbyes.

           “Look Shelly, I’m not going to be seeing you much anymore. I just want to say … there are some people who feel that it’s best to have never been born. I was one of them. But being able to be with you these last few years, just sort of walking around and seeing things through your eyes – it was worth it.”

           They enrolled her in the state school. The cafeteria guard in charge of orientation wore netting over the tight bun of her hair. She was scrolling down a computer screen of names.

           “Shelly Megford. Do you go by Shelly?”

           “No ma’am. I have a nickname. Trey.”

           The guard scratched at her hair. “Tray? Like a cafeteria tray?”

           “No ma’am, like in cards, a Trey of hearts.”

Available on Kindle/Amazon by William Buck:

Relic Of Peril: A Novel

The Mermaids & Other St

[blackrosesfanfic]

Chapter143

One Week Later

Trey

"I got it, Daddy." Lane says moving my hand.

"Be careful."

He takes the scapula scooping up the pancake. He lifts it out of the pan and flip it over into the plate like he was a pro. I cheer for him. He stays concentrated on the other pancakes in the pan ignoring my innocence. We have been cooking breakfast on Instagram Live all morning. There's a lot of people up at this time of morning watching us. It's even earlier in America. I know some of these followers are in American. He gets all 4 pancakes out of the pan then he smiles at me.

"Put some more daddy."

"We don't need that many pancakes. They are only for you, son. You not going to eat that many."

He ignores me. "They for Buggiz."

I help him grab the pancake batter dispenser. "Okay."

"1... 2... 3... 4." he says as he fills the pan.

"What you need me for?"

"Nothing." Lane says watching the pancakes. "You stand there, k?"

I laugh and turn the Instagram Live off. I was getting a call from the doctor. Never enjoy these kinds of calls.

"Hello."

"Trey, I decided to call you early. I figured you start your day before I do."

I check on Lane then I go over to Chris. "Can you go make sure Lane doesn't burn himself? He is making pancakes."

"Alone?" Chris says jumping out of bed.

"What's the problem, Doctor?"

"This is a call about Cammie. I'm concerned with her health."

I shut the bedroom door. "This is the first I'm hearing about Cammie having issues."

"Yes she is. Her doctor reported that she has lost too much weight. She isn't eating, leaving the hospital, or taking her vitamins. I wanted to know when you were getting into town?"

"Oo... It's looking like next Friday."

"Okay. I have encouraged her to pump extra milk. She has enough for four days if you can get her out of the hospital."

I blow. "Why does she need to leave? I could get her to eat."

He clears his thought. "She needs to leave this environment. I'm worried about her developing postpartum. She hasn't been diagnosed by her doctor but it's a concern of her doctor."

"I could... Uh." I sigh. "She has to be... What is today? I've been ignoring my calendar. One second."

I look at my phone schedule. I would be going home in 4 days. Damn, it seems like it went by fast. I'm excited about this now. I go back to the conversation.

"4 days."

"Okay, good. She was talking as if she didn't know. The baby is a few test away from going home. He has gained 5 pounds and is attempting to breathe on his own. He could be out of here in a few days."

"Really?" I say excited.

He says something in the background. "I don't want to give Cammie any false hope so I haven't been discussing my predictions of his departure. I want him to be at least 9 pounds before he leaves."

I sit down a little relieved. "Okay. I'm glad to hear that about Caden."

"Yes, he is woke most of the day. I want to schedule his circumcision but I need to first know when you will arrive and when you will return. The sooner the better. I'm expecting for him to gain another 5 pounds by next week so his weight will be stable."

"You want me to take her home or out of town?"

"A vacation would be best."

I inhale slowly. "You asking a lot."

"I know she is stubborn but your mother says that you are the only one to do it. I want her going home a healthy mother so she can nurture a healthy baby. When she takes the baby home with unresolved issues it will be bad. There's a chance of her coming back and the baby being home without her."

"I can't guarantee 4 days. It took her a while before she could be without our first born for a day."

"2 days will be better than none. It's not an requirement but if she doesn't start taking care of herself I will hold the baby here until I'm 100% sure he will have no complications. Caden is my priority."

Damn, it almost seem like this is his fucking baby. I hired the motherfucker. Lane peeks into the room. He has been unwilling to let me out of his sight in the last few days. He doesn't come all the way in the room.

"I will do what I can."

"Great. I'll see you in a few days."

I hang up the phone and fall back on the bed. It is some shit around every corner. My infant son is doing increasingly better but as a result my wife is going through hell. All of it is a direct link to my absence.

"Everything good?" Chris asks.

"Yeah." I say sitting up.

He holds up a laptop. "Naked booty hoes."

I chuckle. "Are those babies, Chris?"

"MiMi sent this to me." he says playing the video. "It's baby porn."

I laugh taking the laptop. "Stop playing."

He stands in front of me. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah, Caden's doctor is worried about Cammie. This is Lane and JJ?"

"It's King, Lane, and JJ. MiMi slow ass sent that to me."

I laugh at them. It was a short video of them in the tub. JJ was already standing up dancing naked then Lane and King turn their butts to the camera and start dancing. It is a hilarious 30 seconds. Good enough to get me into a better mood to call Cammie.

"Tremaine, how do you always know when to call me?"

"I just called cause I was thinking about you."

Chris takes the computer. "You mean because you knew she just talked to the doctor."

I shoo him away. "I don't think you love me."

"Why not, Tremaine?"

"I don't feel it."

She giggles. "The little guy has gained 5 pounds. I didn't think about it much until now... Maybe because it was scary to think about. But he was born 5 pounds and some ounces. That means he was literally 1 pound. Can you believe that? I would have broken down if I thought about that. He isn't his birth weight yet."

"Damn, I didn't think about that."

"He is still skinny with a big head."

"I can't wait to touch you."

She smiles. "You will be home in a few days. I've been counting down the days. My men need to come home."

"Mainly me."

"No, you both."

"Lane not around. You can say me."

She frowns. "Where is Lane?"

I wait until I walk into the kitchen to say anything. "Say hey Mommy."

"Mommy!" Lane says taking the phone.

"I love you, Jay." I say before he takes it away.

  Alex

It's 5 o'clock in the morning and I don't feel like doing shit. I throw my housecoat over me and go to the door. Some idiot is at my door thinking it's okay to be up this early. I swing the door open. Jamaal holds a cup in front of my face.

"Jamaal, what are you doing up?"

"I told Kim to remind you last night. I knew she would and I knew you would ignore her. I even came a few hours early so you had woman time to get ready."

I take the coffee. "Only because I can smell the caramel in here."

He steps into the house. "My mother won't stop talking about you. Did she call you?"

"Your mother calling me? Oh I wonder why?"

"What was the bullshit I had to say?" he says sitting down on the couch.

I take in the sweet aroma of coffee. "I said no such thing. You acknowledging how right I was means nothing."

"How about me acknowledging that you single handedly made my life easier."

"I like that. I'm listening."

"We both know that my mother works in a male dominated world so she was secretly impressed by you. Come to find out you worked with my father."

I sip on my coffee. "Why don't I know who Senator Andrews' husband is? Why is she still an Andrews?"

"Well..." he says nothing else.

"Well, Jamaal? I'm not feeling your secrets."

He exhales. "I never wanted her to be the reason I got anything. You know how backwards ass impressed she is that I am where I am? She knows who you are now. She knows I've done something without her."

"Oh, I think it sounds like you should be kissing my ass."

"I said I would." He replies.

I laugh. "Jamaal, I was... Nevermind. Anyway."

He sits up in his chair. "We really have to be punctual this morning."

"Beauty doesn't always take long."

"Why do you answer the door in seethrough shit all the time?"

I glance down. "Oh dang. Okay, let me get rid of my company from last night and get ready."

"Your company?" he says upset.

"One minute." I say walking into the back.

There wasn't anyone back here. I just wanted to fuck with him. I was really going to show him that it doesn't take me long to get dressed. I usually spend time before bed organizing and picking out clothes for the next day. It's how I wind down.

"Aye."

"Out of my bedroom, Jamaal."

He doesn't leave. "All week I have successfully ignored you. You are putting me in a difficult position."

"No submission shit this morning. I'll be glad to put it on your ass another day."

"You be having me about to agree to some sick shit. I'm not thinking you really talking about my ass. Be a lady."

"You can't tell me that after we have fucked."

He puts his arm behind his back. "Alex, listen, I like to fuck. You like to fuck can we get pass all of this?"

"Nope."

"Selfish as always."

I walk up to him and slap his cheek playfully. His eyes drop to my breast. There is nothing more for him to be looking at.

"I like to think that I'm pretty constant. I know this."

"You are supposed to say thank you. Do I have to teach you how?"

I laugh. "Fuck you."

"Now?"

"You think that because you buy me pearls you get to fuck whenever? No, pearls or no pearls."

His eyes once again scan my half naked body. "It's the house coat."

He had touched my gown. I smack his hand away. He had a look on his face that spelled out each of his thoughts loud and clear. I turn away from him. I decided that I wouldn't go there with him again. It might be trouble. We had a go thing for a few weeks but it wasn't nothing special. His dick is pretty good. I can't lie about that. I was just supposed to be an onetime thing.

"Alex." he says slightly above a whisper.

"Jamaal." I snap back.

He startles me a little by grabbing my waist. Okay, Jamaal, no. I keep walking toward the bathroom. I mean it may not turn to shit. Worst case is that we actually get somewhere outside of this hole he keeps digging. I stop at the bathroom door. It was only a few inches away from where Jamaal stood. He attempts to persuade me once again. I let it ride. We will see. His hands admire the glory of my body. I put a lot of time into this thing. There's a lot to admire. I know.

"Jamaal, don't go getting all addicted to this."

"When I nut, leave the money on the table. I know."

I back up from him but fall into a chair. I sit all the way down. "Bitch, don't play."

He leans down over me getting into my face. I move my face away from him. I didn't want to kiss him. I love kissing. Kissing could give me a powerful orgasm with the right kisser but I didn't want that right now. Jamaal gets the message completely. He goes from unfamiliar take it easy type of demeanor to heated TV sex. He takes his clothes off without any further delay. I'm waiting to forget that he is Jamaal. I stand up. I didn't want pussy juice on my $5,000 imported chair. He picks me up. Plus 1. I glance back as he lowers me to a surface. Damn, I need less expensive shit. Not the overpriced duvet.

"What?" he asks.

I am ecstatic that he picked up on it. I push him back and throw the duvet all the way off the bed. He stares at it on the floor.

"Why did I think you would be different?" he says chuckling. "Anything else not worth the damage?"

"Your feelings if this goes bad."

He ponders over it for a bit. "Turn it down."

I chuckle. "If you shut my mouth my tongue will relax."

"Or fill it..." he mumbles grabbing his dick.

I stay quiet out of respect of the dick. I was tired of hearing his mouth and I refuse to lose a battle because his dick silenced me in mid sentence. He seemed to be waiting for that moment to claim victory. But I'll let the victory be in satisfying me.

"Hmm." he says as he enters me slowly. He pulls out. "Condom?"

"Oh my fucking gosh!" I retort. "Does it look like I have a fucking dick? Is that my responsibility?"

He looks at my funny. "They teach you in school that you should."

"Will what about you, Jamaal?"

"Yeah, sure. I would love to have that conversation with a 5 year old. That's not candy it's a fucking condom. Make sure you stock your house up dick or not."

I laugh. "Nobody fucking comes to my house and if you haven't noticed I haven't had a 'relationship' for quite some time. You killed it."

He takes the split second of me laying here with my shit whole open to test the fucking waters again. He presses his dick into my pussy. I freeze as his dick glides perfectly across my spot. I moan unconsciously pleading for more. He pulls his dick out again with a rush of pleasure. I sit up a little and stare at him. He opens his mouth at the same time I start to say something. I stop to see what he says. He pauses as well.