#pears will invade your photos

[pear-aib]

how could people hate this face 

i was literally just existing

[bethestaryouareradio]

Water Matters

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin

We turned on the spigot. A trickle. Seconds later, nothing. 

For over a hundred years the deep well had served three houses, several barns, and all the gardens on our Napa County ranch without a problem. This summer, the well is empty. The bucolic lake built by my Dad and brothers in the former horse pasture served as a family playground, fishing area, and farm irrigation reservoir for decades. In 2021, it is a big basin of cracked clay. There is no water.

In the San Joaquin Valley, an area known to be the breadbasket of fruit and nuts for America, the aquifers and canals are depleted. It is projected that by 2040, 535,000 acres of agricultural production will be lost. If the drought persists and water is not available, double that amount of land will not be planted resulting in food shortages around the country.

Seventy-one percent of the earth is covered in water. Over 96 percent of that water is saline, represented by our oceans and seas. The human body consists of sixty percent water. H2O is a vital nutrient to the life of every cell. People can survive without food for several days, but without water, organ failure commences around the third day of dehydration.

Water matters and water is scarce. Climate change is resulting in rising temperatures and when the soil gets warmer, heat waves worsen. Fifty-five percent of the West is experiencing extreme drought conditions. Some scientists have declared the summer of 2021 the worst drought in over 1200 years. 

What is a gardener to do? 

 Because of the efforts to reduce water usage as well as the higher costs of water, many people have asked me if it would be best to “let their landscape go”.  My rapid reaction is a decisive “NO!” Besides the financial burden of relandscaping, maintaining a garden during a drought is essential not only for the aesthetics and beauty a garden provides but for keeping your home cooler and contributing to a fire safety zone. If you let your plants and trees die, your parched landscape could become a fire hazard. 

Here are ways to minimize watering while keeping your plants alive.

1. Weed your garden thoroughly as weeds are huge drinkers.

2. Mulch to conserve water. Add three inches of good quality mulch to your entire landscape to suffocate weed growth, conserve water, prevent evaporation, and reduce the heat to the soil.

3. Check for leaks in your sprinkler system. If you find a spike in your water bill, you probably have a broken pipe somewhere.

4. Water deeply and infrequently. Once or twice a week will suffice. Most plants need about one inch of water weekly. Check your soil to make sure that the water is penetrating the soil. Dry soil sheds water as run-off. If this happens, water twice, five minutes apart until the soil is saturated. Deep watering encourages a healthy root system while frequent short showers are wasteful and not beneficial to plant growth.

5. Water early in the morning or early evening when moisture will be retained.

6. Refrain from fertilizing in the summer months as feeding promotes thirsty hyper-growth.

7. Mow your lawns without using the bag. Grass clippings supply nutrients to the lawn with less water usage. 

8. Don’t worry about keeping your lawn super-green. Just keep it alive and it will re-green when the weather is wetter.

9. Use soaker hoses around plants to eliminate evaporation. Trees can be especially vulnerable during a drought.  Use a deep soaker wand to supply water to the roots.

10. Don’t put your irrigation on a schedule. Instead, check your soil moisture and monitor your plants. Turn your system on when it is necessary but do make sure to run it to keep the system free of invading insects, roots, and stagnant water.

For both firewise and waterwise gardening, permeable surfaces in your hardscape such as decomposed granite, gravel, stones, and mulch are advisable. They provide a fire-safe zone and allow rainwater to percolate into the soil without runoff. For a list of plants that are both fire and drought resistant, re-read my article located at https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1508/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Fire-retardant-and-fire-resistant-plantings.html.

11. Summer is not the time to plant but to plan. Any specimen planted in August will require regular and concentrated watering to establish strong roots. Late fall before frosts will be optimal for sowing.

12. Recycle your household water. Keep a bucket in your shower and bowls in your sinks to catch the water from your faucet. Use it on your houseplants or pour it into your garden. When you steam or boil vegetables, allow the water to cool, then use it on your plants. 

13. Minimize your personal water usage. Turn off the water when brushing teeth or when soaping up in the shower. For toilets, we may be approaching the former drought mantra “if it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”  This is obviously a personal choice.

14. Adjust your expectations for your garden. Accept the fact that your garden may not be as green, lush, and colorful as it would normally be if water scarcity was not an issue. Plants wilt to conserve energy. Many plants are resilient and can deal with hot weather. They will bounce back with winter rains.

During the past two months, I have been busy personally repairing broken PVC pipes, valves, sprinklers, and hoses as hiring anyone to assist has been impossible. Between the marauding deer, shifting soils, and invading roots, the work is endless, arduous, intensive, and necessary. I have also implemented the tips that I am suggesting. 

Taking a long, relaxing shower used to be my reward after a day of digging, weeding, pruning, repairing, building, and planting, but for the past few years I’ve resorted to three-minute scrubs to save water.

Living in Lamorinda, we are fortunate to be able to turn on our faucets and have water. Farmers throughout the state are not so lucky. Continue to grow edibles as growing your own groceries will become more critical as the drought continues. 

As for now, on our family ranch and vineyards we are buying water.  Last year’s grape harvest was 100% destroyed by smoke taint. Because of the three-digit temperatures experienced thus far, we have already lost 20% of our Cabernet. I pray for a winter of maximum snowfall.

Water is life. It’s precious. Don’t waste, conserve. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Saturday, September 25th, Be the Star You Are!® will participate in the first live event at the Pear and Wine Festival with a booth sponsored by the Lamorinda Weekly. Details at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. 

Photos and more: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1512/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Water-matters.html

Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, is available for hire to help you prepare for your spring garden. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Buy copies of her books, including, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, and Be the Star You Are! www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Receive a FREE inspirational music DVD and special savings.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.

Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com

www.GoddessGardener.com

[nativeplantenthusiast]

Replacing Invasives! Native Alternatives for Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Callery Pear goes by many names and comes in many varieties, but the most commonly known is the “Bradford” pear.  The reason for the varieties comes from the fact that this species has been widely planted as landscape trees and horticulturists have enjoyed crossbreeding new varieties.  The species was first introduced to the U.S. back in the early 1900s for landscaping purposes, it is native to areas in China and Vietnam.  This species is loved for its ability to maintain a relatively small size and keep its leaves green for a good part of the year. Additionally, it produces beautiful white flowers that can cover the entire tree when they bloom in the spring before the leaves emerge. Making the trees stand out as entirely white, as if covered in snow!  It truly is a manageable and beautiful tree that’s perfect for landscaping, and that is why it has become such a prolific invader in the U.S.  

Normally the species that is used is sterile and will not spread, however, it can breed with other similar species or be planted with fertile root stock that allows the tree to become fertile and then allows its offspring to spread as they please. (source 1) This species is still unfortunately being sold at a high rate for landscaping despite the fact that many people are reporting on the invasive nature and the destruction of local habitats that it causes.  The Callery pear is a classic situation of an invasive species that is able to grow, reproduce, and shade out all other native competition in an area.  I have encountered Callery pear at many of the sites I’ve worked at that are both small saplings and full-sized trees two stories tall.  Standard procedure is to cut down the trees with a chainsaw and spray the stump with a high percentage (about 10%) herbicide to ensure the tree doesn’t have stump sprouts or shoot back up.  I find the ability of invasive plants to survive despite everything we throw against them both remarkable and a cruel joke because of how much I must struggle to keep some of my plants alive.  

I talk about herbicide a lot in these posts and that is because it is honestly the most effective tool for removing invasive species from a site. People like to imagine that you can simply use mechanical methods in combination with native plantings to revitalize an area and move the invasives out.  While that can be possible at select sites, it is very much a pipe dream in my opinion.  A large amount of invasive species come to an area and are able to invade and take over while the ecosystem is functioning at its normal level.  This alone should make you see that native species cannot compete with invasive species most of the time.  Meanwhile you can have mechanical removal projects but there are several limitations and drawbacks to doing so; the main being the time needed, the amount of manpower, and the scale of the project.  I will add a photo below this of an area that I thankfully did not work in that had been 100% invaded by Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobate), a vine that will destroy an entire forest on its own if allowed to.

Well regardless of how you feel about how the invasive species are removed, the most important part is making sure we have the right native species growing back in their place and maintaining a healthy ecosystem!  Since the species of discussion here is supposed to be a fruiting tree, or at least a flowering one, you can really look into what species or fruit you would want to have planted around.  I always recommend checking for what is native around you, and my first suggestion is to grow a crabapple because they are the only species of apple native to North America!  Despite our country being know for apple pie we originally only had crabapples like the Native Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria), but I mean tomatoes aren’t native to Italy so who cares.  There are many uses for crabapples if you want them for cooking, but if you are more interested in a flowering tree only than the Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is what you want.  Some people don’t want to deal with trees that produce large fruit and that’s fine, the crabapple does produce beautiful flowers, but you do need to deal with the apples.  The Hawthorn has a very large range so most people will find this species native in your area, and it produces beautiful showy white flowers and has persistent small red fruits!  Whatever kind of role you want to have filled with your plants just be sure to keep them native to your area, both for the benefit of your local ecosystem and the species that live in it.  

If you want to know more or want to share pictures from your gardens feel free to message me and we can talk about plants!

(Source 1) https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=10957

[allysartstuff]

Note: This has been drawn as a reference guide which is free to use if you wish to draw this character. However, please do not repost or claim as your own, thank you.

So, here's the thirteenth born of my Next Gen, the youngest of The Young Five.

Forelle

Personality: Sarcastic, jokey, deadpan, dependant, sometimes bitter.

Likes: History, hanging out with Grand Pear, radio dramas, Pears.

Dislikes: Patronising ponies, cats, showing too much emotion, Apples.

Story;

Forelle is the only child and daughter of Applebloom. Having not found a special somepony at the time, Applebloom decided she wanted to be a mother and sought out a random sperm donor. After Forelle was born in the Apple family barn, she appeared to be a perfectly healthy bouncing baby girl. Except Applebloom knew straight away that something wasn’t right. A trip to the hospital confirmed that Forelle had been born completely blind. Although slightly upset, Applebloom was determined she wouldn’t let this deter her and proceeded to raise Forelle as independently as possible. Thus, Forelle grew up to be a very confident and self-reliant pony.

As a filly, Forelle was treated no differently from the rest of her cousins, though she needed plenty of assistance. She learned how to feel the earth and trees around her and telling the difference between them by textures, developing a way for her to navigate around Ponyville without too much assistance.

However, that didn't stop others from treating her like a charity cause. She has dealt with (and still does) ponies who underestimate, belittle, pity and downright invade her personal space because of her disability. Even the ones who mean well, like ‘I don't see you as a disability’ types, really get on her nerves. Unlike her cousin, Orin (who is often underestimated for different reasons) she doesn't find joy in proving them wrong. She just wants to get on with life and not have to prove anything to anyone.

When she was seven, Grand Pear decided to show little Forelle the intertwined Apple and Pear tree where her grandparents were married. As Forelle touched and explored the trees, Grand Pear told her about Pear Butter and Bright Mac and how since the Apple and Pears reunited, it became family tradition to be wed underneath those trees (Big Mac and AppleJack previously married Sugar Belle and Rockhoof respectively there).

Feeling a strong sense of pride and connection to her family roots (pun not intended), Forelle knew she wanted to learn more about her family’s history. She spent many weekends scoring through photo albums, journals and stories with her family and, with help from her mother, made a more up to date volume on the Apple and Pear family history all in Braille (or whatever the Equestria equivalent is). This is when she received her Cutie Mark of a tree with Apples and Pears.

In the current timeline, Forelle is sixteen and still resides in Sweet Apple Acres with her aunts, uncles, cousins, Grand Pear, her mother and her new stepmother, Mayor Diamond Tiara. Currently has no specific ambitions but has expressed interest in studying history and perhaps do something in family history after high school.

Bits and Pieces

While Forelle doesn't like to show off how she can do anything a seeing pony can, she sometimes takes immense joy in making jokes about her blindness to other ponies expense. For example, she said her mother’s repainting of the barn looked great. She was grounded for that but it was worth it.

She is the only Apple not to speak with the typical country Apple accent.

Forelle’s best friend is Berry Bubblegum, who is one of the few ponies who doesn’t make her blindness a big deal. Forelle was also there for Berry a lot in high school when Berry’s confidence was at an all time low.

Forelle can make her way around Ponyville by herself without a guide due to years of familiarisation. But she can only do this in Sweet Apple Acres and Ponyville. She still needs a guide for everywhere else.

Forelle has a guide dog, a quiet but highly trained golden retriever called Callery. Before, Forelle usually had to hold onto somepony.

Speaking of dogs, Forelle is very much one of those types who loves all kinds of dogs but hates cats. While Golden Delicious was still alive, she didn't see one of her cats and stepped on its tail, resulting in a vicious scratching. To this day, she will deny crying her eyes out.

She gets constantly told that she looks like either her grandma Pear Butter or Pumpkin Cake. With the latter case, Forelle just says dryly, “Really. Hadn’t noticed.”

Like many who are blind, Forelle’s other senses are heightened. As well as good hearing and touch, she has excellent taste buds. Her cousin Bramble has she taste test his jams made from the berries he foraged.

Forelle actually doesn't like Apples but loves Pears, much to (most of) her family’s shock.

Forelle enjoys listening to the radio or audiobooks a lot. She usually listens to historical audiobooks and dramas. She shares this interest with Opal, who generally likes boring things.

She was named by Grand Pear, who suggested a pear related name to tie with her grandma’s family.

She is very close with Grand Pear, who had taken up to living in Sweet Apple Aches. Despite his advanced age, decreasing eyesight and fragility, he is very healthy.

Forelle loves all of her older cousin, though she perhaps gets along with Orin the most, due to their love of heritage. They also like to talk bull about ponies to patronise them and Orin has made artwork specifically for Forelle to touch.

It's likely Forelle got her blindness and speckled coat for her biological father.

She and Lickety-Split have a thing for each other but both are too stubborn to admit it.

Forelle was totally fine when Applebloom began dating Diamond Tiara. She liked that Diamond didn't treat her any less because of her blindness and they bonded over their love of Ponyville. In fact, they grew so close that Diamond asked for Forelle’s blessing before proposing to Applebloom, which Forelle gave.

Forelle © Me My Little Pony © Hasbro

[ovaettrgrimoire]

Correspondence Activity: Research and list your local flora.

Flora of North Texas, Part 3

----Flowers---- Balloon Vine / Flower

Balloon vine are commonly seen in North Texas but they are actually an invasive species from the Asian continent. They commonly grow and cover over top of native species. I have seen many of them in the Dallas area on plants outside my old apartment complex, no photos of those in particular, and I am not sure if they are purposefully planted there or not but they tend to appreciate the bushes of Texas. They’re beautiful, though, and make great offerings if anything because it aids the native plant they are invading upon. You can also forage this plant. The seed pods are NOT edible however. They get their name from the pods that they produce that are primarily filled with air and carry a fruit in the very center of it. The edible portions are the young leaves and vine tips. They are cooked before eating. The puffy seed pods are not eaten, nor are the seeds contained within the little “balloons.” They have been used medically with their roots though. Leaf poulticds were used on skin wounds and infections as well as minor muscle and joint problems like strains, sprains or arthritis. Tea made from the leaves was used against stress and bronchitis.  Tea from the root was applied topically to treat hemorrhoids. Seeds are crushed for a tea given to relieve fevers and joint pain. ---

Red Trumpet Vine Flowers

Commonly I have seen these in Dallas along the walkway I take from the Pride festival down Cedar Springs road. There is a vine that grows all the way up a light pole of these and their flowers droop down beautifully so, around a little creek area on a bridge there. This is actually my own photo of the species.  They are a rigorous and fast growing vine that sometimes have yellow flowers too. They climb quickly over structures and nearby trees and attach with aerial rootlets. They’re native to North Texas and other areas of Texas too. They are also drought tolerent and bloom the most in Summer. Summers in Texas last longer than other states so we see them all the way into September when this photo was taken. They are deciduous and are adaptable and have no soil requirements. They are not invasive and do not harm plants like the Balloon Vine does.  My correspondences for them are obviously going to be Mars, red and orange, and Fire element due to their high heat tolerence. I associate them with beauty and Freyja in particular. If I find them, i make offerings of them to Freyja.  Other folk names for them include the “Devil’s Shoestring,” “Foxglove Fine” and “Cow-Itch”  or the “Trumpet Creeper.” ---

Abelia “Edward Goucher” 

These actually grow upon their own bushes and I have seen them in landscaping around the Dallas, Texas area. They’re beautiful, delicate pink flowers that are all over the bush in great vast quantities. They’re beautiful, but there is no way to ingest any part of the plant in foraging nor is there any known correspondences. I would personally correspond this plant with Venus as a planetary correspondence, Air, and love. They would make a wonderful offering to Freyja. ---

Prickly Pear Cactus (+ their flowers)

A vastly seen native cactus to Texas. You see them almost everywhere in landscaping but also you can run into them in farmers’ fields like the one I walk around in (uhh, i trespass but land is land and can be explored if you’re sneaky enough lol). The fruit on the Prickly Pear is indeed edible. You can also peel the pads of the cactus and fry them or make them into jerky. Fruit can be eaten raw or blended into a smoothie. Juice can be strained from the fruit of this plant as well or made into an ice cream or into preserves. They love sunshiney fields and bear their fruit in late summer, the pads are all year long of course. However, its noted on foraging sites that the young pads taste better and are rich with vitamin C. Of course, this plant is a hardy one and loves high heat.  Personally I correspond most cacti to Mars as it is an aggressive planet, and cacti with their protective needles are indeed very Mars oriented - the symbol of Mars reminds me of a cactus to begin with, poking out their spines in an outward manner to defend themselves. The flowers themselves are typically yellow or pink and are beautiful, and could make wonderful offerings.

[ezilyamuzed]

There’s no place like home -part 7

Summary: The reader has had a unique gift all her life. While considering it a curse, she discovers the identity of her real father after her mothers passing. Journeying towards her new life, she finds herself thrown within the Winchester’s world. Is it her destiny?

Setting: End of season 13. This takes place after episode 13.18

Warnings: Language. Angst. Flashback are italicized. POV may switch after certain sections. 

A/N: Revelations are about to happen for more than one person... 

Any grammatical mistakes are all my own, because I am human. Remember all comments and feedback are welcomed! If you want a tag in future posts regarding this series or other writings please send an ask! As always thank you for reading! Enjoy!

Series Masterlist 

It was nearing late afternoon when Dean found himself at your door, holding a large pizza, anxious about what he was going to say when he saw your face again. When he had told Sam that he was going to check in on you, Sam was about to protest the idea but backed down quietly as Cas gave him an approving nod. It was what Dean needed. Still, at this moment on your front porch, he felt all of his courage slowly disappearing again and his nerves pulsating through him.

“Dude, are you going to knock or what?” Sam asked while balancing the case of beer they had grabbed from the liquor store on the way. An icebreaker. A home welcoming gift Dean referred to as a necessity. He was going to need a few to get through this. 

Sam grunted and sat the beer down in front of him. “Jesus I’ll do it,” he growled while pushing the buzzer next to the door twice, noting that there was music blaring on the other side. It took a minute after the music stopped for the door to open, revealing Y/N with her face beet red with little beads of sweat pouring around the outline of her face.

She didn’t see Dean at first when she questioned him in bafflement. “Sam. What are you doing here?” Dean moved more towards the doorway for her gaze to meet his. “Dean…”

“Hiya Doc,” he smiled. 

“What the hell are you two doing here?” she demanded while rubbing away her perspiration from her face. She was a mess, but a beautiful mess. Her hair was tossed up in an unkempt bun on the top of her head, wearing a little color faded tank top and tiny cotton shorts. 

“We thought we would just check up in on you, see how you were doing with the big move,” Sam replied with a smile, obviously lying to cover for Dean’s true motives. 

“How the heck did you even find me?”

“We have our ways sweetheart. We are hunters,” Dean grinned.

 She huffed quietly while rolling her eyes. “So are you going to let us in? We brought peace offerings.” Dean held up the pizza in his hands while Sam picked up the case of beer again.

“You guys aren’t really housebroken,” she said while crossing her arms with a sassy glare in her eyes. 

“Don’t worry about me sweetheart,” Dean said while pushing forward to her slowly until her face was inches from his. “He’s the one who is the moose.”

Sam grumbled at his brother’s comment and followed his lead inside while Y/N stepped back shaking her head with a small smirk on her lips.

“So you are busy unpacking huh?” Sam asked while looking around at the boxes overtaking the house. 

“Yeah, Sam, the glorious part about moving anywhere, figuring out you have a hoarding problem,” she replied while grabbing the pizza from Dean’s hands and walking forward to a kitchen island. 

“Do you want some help?” Sam inquired while she was busy opening the box and shoving a slice in her mouth. Dean and Y/N both looked at him like he had just asked an insane question. “I mean, we are here…nothing better to do, right Dean?”

“Right Sammy,” he said while reaching into the box for a slice. Y/N scarfed down her slice quickly and quietly in his peripheral vision. He smiled at her appreciation of his gift, even if she didn’t say it. She would never have to.

 “You’re not in the middle of another apocalypse?” she said while looking around at the unopened boxes invading the house.

Dean almost choked on the bite of pizza he had just taken. He looked at Sam sheepishly while muttering. “No…not at all.”

“I’m fine, really,” she replied quickly. “I can do it myself.”

“Well, you’re not going to,” Dean stated assertively. “Sam and I are yours for the day.”

The three of them dug into the pizza, Y/N and Dean dominating at least ¾ of it. Y/N had noticed that Sam wasn’t eating very much when she asked if he needed anything or would like something else. She opened up the fridge to reveal freshly bought vegetables and sliced fruit. Sam kindly accepted grabbing a ripe pear.

“You eat that rabbit food?” Dean asked while popping off the top of his beer.

She rolled her eyes while grabbing a beer of her own, “Well you can’t live off of grease forever.”

“I do just fine,” he said with a shrug.

“Uh huh,” she said while taking a gulp of her beer. 

“So where exactly do you want us to start,” Sam chimed in while throwing away his core. 

“You see those boxes over there in the corner,” she said motioning to a stack that contained at least 20 boxes, from what Dean could tell. “They are books that I need set up on the built-in shelves in the living room. The shelves are a little too tall, and I am getting tired of going up and down a step ladder.”

Sam smiled, moving to see the 8-foot high shelving in the other room, saying “no problem,” while happily walking over to them. Dean moaned a little that he was once again going to be surrounded by books, at least this time he wasn’t going to have to spend hours reading over the pages. Y/N caught on to his disappointment with the task. 

“Not your style there Winchester?” she asked while tilting her head and raising an eyebrow. Her full lips pursing together. 

He laughed at the first thought that had come into his mind. “No darlin’, I’d rather help you put away the lingerie,” he said with a devilish smirk. 

“That is someplace you will never see Winchester,” she growled.

“Funny,” he whispered into her ear. “I’ve heard that one before…”

He flashed her a quick smile and wink before joining his brother. He rubbed his face quickly to settle himself down again so Sam didn’t suspect anything between the two of you. This was going to be an interesting night.

______________________________________________________

When you had woken up you laid in bed for an hour just thinking of everything that had led you here. Your mom passing, the search for your real father, and the meeting of the two men whom you swore you would hate if you had ever met them. Instead, you were finding yourself wanting to know them. To know more, and allowing Dean to know you in the most intimate way possible. As you stretched along the length of your bed you winced again at the still throbbing pain in your backside that Dean left you with two nights ago. 

“Jesus, he really is a pain in my ass,” you said as you rubbed the area gently and got yourself up for the day. 

Going into town you were able to find a simple farmers market that reminded you of home. Your mom would be growing herbs and vegetables in her garden, giving them to the neighborhood. You bought at least one of everything because you just couldn’t decide what looked more appetizing. When you arrived back at your home, the sight of the all the unpacked boxes made you sigh aloud. This was one of the rare times that you wished you had someone else around, someone to help you go through all the memories that were bound to hit you as you placed them all away. 

While eating some of the sweet melon you had just purchased, you decided to pull out your laptop and read a little bit more of Chuck’s stories of Sam and Dean. Randomly picking one from the list, you sat going through the pages. Revelations coming to you as you scrolled through. The Roadhouse. Ellen, Jo, and Ash. You shook your head as it dawned on you that the Winchester’s were the ones they had told you about, feeling the tears forming in your eyes at their fates that you had already known. 

You pushed the laptop away from you and quickly went through some of the boxes like a crazy person. Where was it? You needed to find it. Pulling out an old photo album of Polaroid’s, there it was. A letter from Ash that had remained sealed for over a decade. You quickly tore it open to read it, the tears now flowing. 

Doc,    Something big is happening. I don’t know if this will get to you before it’s too late. If you run into trouble find Sam and Dean Winchester. They can help. Take care of yourself, I know you will.            -Ash- 

“Goddammit Ash,” you whispered. The letter came too late. Ellen had already called you the day before it arrived. When you saw it in your mailbox, you couldn’t bring yourself to open it. One of the only people that you had ever considered a friend was gone and there was nothing you could do to bring him back. Sam and Dean were the reason he was gone.

Anger at yourself and the whole damn situation consumed you as you turned on the radio and blasted the music until you could no longer hear your thoughts. You went to work on what you had to do, putting the past behind you by setting up your future in front of you. Trying to put all the Winchesters behind you once and for all, but they still lingered in your mind. 

“God damn Winchesters,” you gritted. They were still under your skin. The years of hatred towards their names mixed with the guilt of harshly judging their actions that you would have probably done too if you were in their situations. They had your friend killed. No, it was demons who did it. The demons came because of them, though. 

The internal battle of thoughts filled you with adrenaline, as you tore through the boxes in front of you, almost throwing them around in rage when you heard the doorbell ring twice knocking you out of your battle within yourself. When you saw it was Sam standing there you were ready to shut the door, but when Dean appeared your body wouldn’t let you especially when you saw they came bearing gifts. God damn Winchesters.

Minimal conversation while you got to stuff your face with grease helped you to calm down the anger fueling you since the morning. The beer was an added helper. Dammit if Sam wasn’t trying to be a freakin sweetheart to you, making you feel even guiltier about everything that had filled your thoughts. Dean, however, you were keeping your guard up around. That damn smile. Those damn lips. If you weren’t careful you were going to find yourself tangled in the sheets again, even furthering the complexity of this fucked up situation. The boys went to work on stacking the books on the shelf, Dean grabbing a bunch and shoving them in quickly, while Sam meticulously organized them by subject. You were busy unpacking the various pictures frames, hanging a few in their perfect spots. 

“How many damn books do you have woman?” Dean exclaimed while opening yet another box full.

You let a little giggle out in response to his frustration. “Oh, there’s more.”

“Where did you get all of these,” Sam asked while looking at two worn down leather books in his hands. 

“Some I acquired through my travels,” you said with a shrug. “Some were my mom’s.”

“History professor right?” he asked while reading a cover in his hand.

“She had some other interests too,” you said while noting he was holding a book on Greek mythological creatures.

“Did she hunt?”

You gave a little chuckle. “Oh God, no. She hated it. We would fight about it all the time.”

“How did she handle your whole seeing things,” Dean chimed in. “The lights or whatever they are.”

“She didn’t really deny them,” you said while looking down at a framed picture from your childhood laying in the box, your mother pushing you on a swing. “She just…we never talked about them.”

Sam walked over towards you as you stared off at the picture, the memories flooding of you asking questions and her changing subjects so frequently that you just stopped trying to find a reason anymore. 

“Is that her?” he asked while picking up the frame.

“Yeah,” you softly said while your eyes began to welt up. You let out a puff of air and walked away to the kitchen to grab another beer while yelling at your emotions. 

Sam watched you sympathetically before putting the frame back down in the box. The picture that was tucked underneath it, stopped him in his tracks while his eyes focused in on it. He slowly picked it up, while placing the other one down. His eyebrows scrunching together as he examined it carefully until he whistled over to Dean to catch his attention. Dean came over and looked down at what laid in his brother’s hands until his eyes widened at the sight.

_________________________________________________________

Sam could tell that something was off with Y/N, she was more guarded today like she was when they had first met. He couldn’t help but to wonder what exactly happened between her and Dean to change everything again. Dean was a nervous wreck, which was so uncharacteristic of him. Sam knew that this trip had meant something to him, so he tried his best to make it as normal and casual as possible to ease the tension. 

Y/N really was an interesting person. He couldn’t help but to smile at her noting that greasy pizza wasn’t really his thing. She sweetly offered something more nutritious, which he greatly appreciated. His brother of course hiding behind offhanded comments and sarcasm, which made Sam interject quickly so she didn’t want to kick them out. Although his brother would surely make fun of him for it, he actually enjoyed putting away the books. The smell of the worn pages and the soft worn leather covers made him appreciate that there was someone else who cherished the knowledge written amongst the pages. 

He was only trying to share that he cared and was generally interested in getting to know Y/N, while Dean stayed silently working when her mood shifted towards the box she had opened. He had hit a nerve. His gut instinct told him to console her, but she walked away before he had the chance to say another word. In his hands was a smiling girl, not any older than probably 6 on a swing with the wind blowing in her y/h/c hair, a woman probably in her late 20’s happily watching her from behind. A typical normal family photo that Sam had seen on others walls that would never be on his own. He tried to shake the feeling of sadness that was bubbling inside when he had seen it. A mahogany frame that had held a simple landscaped photo with scribbling on it seemed oddly familiar. After getting Dean’s attention to it the familiarity dawned on them. It was the bunker. In his hands was a scene that he had experienced every day that he walked outside it’s doors.

“There’s no place like home,” he breathed.

“What was that,” Y/N asked while walking back to them.

“The picture here,” he said holding it up for her to see. “Where did you get this?”

“It was my mom’s,” she said while grabbing it from his hands. “Well, I guess actually my grandfathers. He had given it to her when she was little.”

Sam looked over at his brother as he took a deep breath, making his chest raise while trying to figure out what to say next. Dean had taken the hint as he nodded and looked over to Y/N with concern in his eyes. 

“Y/N, what do you know about the men of letters?”

You gave him a look of confusion while quietly saying “what?”

“The men of letters, ever heard of them?” Dean asked again.

“Once, a few years ago some people came by and had mentioned the name,” she said while placing the frame on a small end table. “Why?”

_____________________________________________________

Midterm time and you desperately wanted a drink as you worked through grading the nonsense that laid in front of you. Most of the essays obviously based off of Wikipedia or even worse, old Ghostfacer blogs. A knock on your door was a heavenly relief to push them to the side before you wanted to set them on fire, rather than finishing grading them.

“Can I help you?” you asked to the older gentleman in a suit and a blonde woman in casual clothing that hovered in the doorway of your office. Her light was a little dimmer than most people, which was an oddity to you. 

“Ah yes, Dr. Y/L/N. I am was looking for you mother, Professor Y/L/N,” the man spoke with a British accent.

“I’m sorry, she has retired,” you told them while sitting back into your seat. “What can I help you with?”

“Well my name is Arthur Ketch,” he said while seating himself. “This is my associate Mary…”

“Campbell,” she stated while interrupting him and seating herself in the open chair across from you.

“Nice to meet you both,” you said with a polite tightlipped smile. “Now what was it again you were looking for?”

You watched as they glanced at each other. Mary looked like she was a bit nervous at the situation as you watched her swallow hard. Arthur just cleared his throat loudly before he shifted in his seat and began talking.

“We were looking for information on former members of a private organization,” he replied casually. 

“Well she is a member of the local country club,” you chuckled.

“No, I suppose the information we were looking for relates to your grandfather and his possible involvement,” he quipped with seriousness in his eyes.

“I don’t think my mother would know too much about anything like that,” you said while furrowing your eyebrows. “He died when she was 3”

Mary spoke up while looking at a picture behind you. “In 1958?”

You looked to what she was staring at behind you, only to turn back to her in confusion to how she could possibly know. 

“Yes,” you stammered.

“She never said anything about the men of letters?” she asked with intensity.

“No, I…who are they?”

“Mary,” Arthur interjected, “I do believe we have wasted the doctor’s time long enough.” He reached for her arm pulling her up with him. “It was lovely meeting you doctor,” he smiled while heading at the door. 

Mary started to the door behind him, and looked solemnly back to you before walking out.

“Take care Y/N.”

Keep reading- Part 8 Here

Tags:

@jaylarkson @waywardbaby @snffbeebee @iamabeautifulperson18 @19agbrown

[kilnkin]

@pear-otter proposing an Experiment

pear-otter Hello Aud. I know we aren’t on the best of terms, but I want to propose an experiment. I don’t remember if I told you this when you were in my body, but I can possess people. I want to see if I can do it with more ease now that I’ve actually already been you. Obviously it would be a quick in and out, no tomfoolery whatsoever. We can even ask someone to oversee, like Damian. Anyway, let me know. I’m just curious so feel free to say no, haha

kilnkin you didnt tell me but ive heard it around aka that time you told everyone lol why exactly should i agree to this

pear-otter Scientific curiosity?

kilnkin weak have you pulled it off before or is it all theoretical

pear-otter I’ve possessed a bunch of humans before, but trying it on other non-humans is kind of risky. I feel like it should be easy because I’ve been in your body before and I want to confirm my theory.

pear-otter Plus you could see what it’s like to be possessed without anything bad happening or having to do stuff you don’t want to.

pear-otter I might not even be able to do it.

kilnkin you probably will

pear-otter Probably.

kilnkin idk why do you even wanna know if you can if its just in and out that doesnt sound fun

pear-otter I don’t want to make you uncomfortable Aud. I’m just curious if the body swap had that effect. Since now I can pull off a pretty convincing Aud, I was wondering if there were other ways the body swap affected things.

kilnkin lmao it did plenty. im like scarred for life over here youve earned a recurring role in my nightmares im not uncomfortable though >:(

pear-otter Oh, same.

kilnkin same what. i didnt think you were uncomfortable

pear-otter No, the dreams

kilnkin LOL thats so sweet that youre thinking of me (:

pear-otter You literally just admitted the same thing.

kilnkin no i said nightmares and maybe i was joking

pear-otter Maybe I was joking too Stop changing the subject.

kilnkin were you joking?

pear-otter No. You’re always...there, in the background. My dreams are never about You, but you’re always sort of a background character.

pear-otter It’s weird because I always remember that you were there, even though I don’t remember my dreams very well usually. And it certainly wasn’t happening before!!

kilnkin ooh maybe a little part of me got stuck in your psyche after grand theft audo wont blame you! im very easy to get attached to (:

pear-otter Oh that doesn’t sound good Sometimes I don’t understand the dreams I’m in either, they’re not things I’m familiar with. Anyway. About my proposal.

kilnkin well thats just a dream thing. the nothuman mind is a kooky place you know oh! do you want to get in my head as like a revenge thing for me getting in yours? :p

pear-otter My dreams were fairly straightforward before.

kilnkin eye for an eye blah blah. how archaic

pear-otter No! I won’t be able to see your thoughts or anything Aud. Is that what you’re worried about?

kilnkin no maybe are you sure

pear-otter Yes. Trust me, I don’t want to see your thoughts. Nothing personal, that goes for pretty much everyone. Invading someone’s privacy to that degree is something you can’t take back.

kilnkin yeah so. just in and out right

pear-otter Yes. If you like, we can have a third party there to witness.

pear-otter I suggested Damian because I feel like most people would be weirded out. But as long as you’re okay with it.

kilnkin no reason i shouldnt be right

pear-otter Aud, you can say no. I don’t want to do this if you’re just trying to prove a point and are actually not okay with this.

kilnkin should i say no? is it a big deal or not make up your mind lol

pear-otter Look. I’m just curious. There should be no down side for you, but people here seem to think possession is a Big Deal. I can understand if you don’t trust me enough to give up bodily autonomy, even for a half minute. I promise nothing bad will happen to you. But it’s a big enough thing that I don’t want to force this one you.

kilnkin ugh

kilnkin yeah ok

pear-otter I won’t think you’re scared if you say no, just that you don’t trust me, which is reasonable given our past.

kilnkin i wanna know if it works

pear-otter Okay.

kilnkin i wouldnt be scared. and i dont especially trust you. but i also doubt your ability to actually pull off anything nasty havent proven yourself that creative lol when do you wanna go

pear-otter I also won’t take this permission as permission to ever do it again, just so you know. The thing is, possessing you isn’t super exciting for me because I can already become you now, through shifting. Whenever.

kilnkin have you? been me again much?

kilnkin you seemed pretty happy to not lol have you asked damian or should i

pear-otter No I haven’t asked Damian. He’ll probably want to check if you’re okay with it anyway, so you should message him.

pear-otter I was stuck in the library, so I haven’t had many Aud Opportunities. It is cool to have a form so perfected. I could probably fool anyone you know.

kilnkin unlikely again. you lack the creativity

pear-otter I mean acting wise, probably not. But just standing there? Absolutely.

kilnkin no way i have a very specific way of just standing there

kilnkin not just anyone can pull it off

pear-otter Fine then, a photograph.

kilnkin bzz

pear-otter I’ll just have to pay more attention to the way you convey yourself, since I haven’t had reason to look before.

kilnkin dont let anyone get a photo

pear-otter I could totally pull off a picture Aud

kilnkin consumed with thoughts of me in your waking hours too! m flattered nuh uh

pear-otter Your reading comprehension skills are terrible.

kilnkin soon to be, then

pear-otter Aud if you’re trying to goad me into taking pictures of myself as you, you’ll just have to wait, I’m in bed

kilnkin not really but yeah thanks for the info we done?

pear-otter Let me know what Damian says.

kilnkin sure anything at all for scientific curiosity!

pear-otter Okay! If you still want to back out, you can always blame Damian. Anyway, good night.

kilnkin good tip. night.

[lifelearningapps]

Moodzie Loves Rabbits

Moodzie loves rabbits, as they are small furry mammals with nice long ears and little fluffy tails but also strong and very fast legs. Moodzie would like to share some interesting facts about rabbits that surely will influence anyone reading to also have some love for rabbits. Firstly, Rabbits can have multiple litters or babies each year, and they are able to give birth to up to a total of 9 litters at the same time, when babies are born within the wild they only spend a little bit of time with their mother, as mother rabbits avoid spending time with them as they do not wish to draw attention from other predators, however when the babies grow up they all do continue to live together as a family. An unfortunate fact about rabbits is that far too often they are killed, and killed so for their fur, as bunnies endure terrible abuse in certain parts of the world, such as Angola’s fur farms, where are kept in small cages and killed once their fur is required. Rabbits similarly to humans however also get very grumpy, especially once you invade their space, as rabbits like humans really like certain spaces where they wish to eat and sleep especially, and they prefer to have lots of the space, thus if one invades the space they will certainly get quite grumpy. Studies also show another fact about rabbits, that usually around the hours of sunset and sunrise, rabbits tend to be at their most active and functional. Rabbits and bunnies similarly to humans also happen to get bored quite easily, as if you trap them or put them within a cage, where they cannot do anything, if you are keeping your bunnies within a cage which Moodzie would advise against, certainly make sure that it is a sizeable cage where they can roll around and do other things, and also maybe give them some toys or hay or something to play with to help ease their boredom. A tip by Moodzie to those who have pet rabbits would be to never put them outdoors, as not is there a chance that other predatory animals like cats, dogs, or others can come and harm the rabbit, but also many times the lawn or grass has certain chemicals that do not suit the rabbit and it can kill them. Moodzie also believes it is very important to be together with the rabbit or bunny if you take them outside, as other animals can easily hurt them, as rabbits happen to be prey animals and not predatorial at all, thus those are some fun facts about rabbits and why Moodzie loves them. Moodzie loves these adorable creatures. Below are facts about rabbits and what impacts them: Characteristics: Rabbits are small, furry mammals with long ears, with strong, large, hind legs and short, fluffy tails. They have two pairs of sharp, incisor, front teeth, one pair on the top and one pair on the bottom. Using their powerful hind legs, rabbits move by hopping. They have four, long webbed toes on their hind feet to keep them from spreading apart as they jump. They also have five toes each on their front paws. Rabbits vary in size and color, ranging in weight from 2 to 16 pounds (1 to 7 kilograms), depending on their breed. Pet rabbits that have been well taken care of and spayed early in life, have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. Behavior: Rabbits are highly intelligent, potentially loving and loyal creatures, who can become a most delightful companion. They are shy, ground-loving creatures, who feel really insecure and frightened when cuddled, held, restrained and bathed. Although some rabbits tolerate handling quite well, many do not like to be picked up and carried. Like wild rabbits, if house rabbits are mishandled, they will nip, kick and scratch to protect themselves. Rabbits use their legs to thump and express how they are feeling. Legs are escape vehicles to flee from predators, weapons to defend their territory from other rabbits, or to protect their ears from fleas. Rabbits need daily monitoring. Problems that are relatively minor in some species, differ from other rabbits. (e.g. a day or two of not eating may be threatening to a rabbit) Diet: Rabbits are herbivores that feed by grazing on grass and leafy weeds in the wild. They re-ingest their own droppings to further digest their food and extract sufficient nutrients. A house rabbit’s diet should be made up of good quality pellets, fresh grass hay, oat hay, water and fresh, dark leafy or root vegetables. They can also be fed a variety of fruits in moderation, such as: apples, melons, berries, pears, oranges, plums, pineapple, papaya and peaches. Hay is essential to a rabbit’s excellent health, by providing roughage that reduces the danger of hairballs and other blockages. Apple tree twigs also provide good roughage. Absolutely NO pasta, breakfast cereals, chocolate (poisonous!), cookies, crackers, bread, yogurt drops or other ‘human treats” should be fed to rabbits. Special Features: Rabbits are fastidious groomers and shed their hair every three months. They will constantly lick themselves to stay clean, but are prone to hairballs. They are immaculately clean and once they have matured and are spayed/neutered, they go to great lengths not to soil their living quarters and will readily use a litterbox. Rabbits can breed from a young age. Some species can breed from 4 to 5 months old. Their teeth are specifically adapted for gnawing and grow continuously throughout their lives. Some species of rabbits can reach speeds of 35 to 45 miles (55 to 70 kilometers) per hour. Rabbits can become bored and depressed from isolation. Habitat: Wild rabbits are found in underground burrows in many habitats around the world, such as meadows, deserts, woods, forests, grasslands and wetlands. As a result of their appetite and the rate at which they breed, rabbits can be a risk to agriculture. In some countries or locations, measures are in place to manage wild populations. In some locations, having rabbits as pets is illegal. In locations that allow rabbits as pets, it is recommended that house rabbits live indoors, because rabbits kept in hutches outdoors have a lower lifespan. Make sure to supervise rabbits when they are outside, as there are many risks to their health. Rabbits must be trained and the house must be bunny-proofed or they will chew electrical cords, books, rugs and furniture. Impacts: (a) Breeding and abandonment In many countries, there is an overpopulation of domestic rabbits. Millions of adorable rabbits are killed in animal shelters every year. Unwanted rabbits are often abandoned in fields, parks or on city streets to fend for themselves, where they suffer from starvation, sickness and are easy prey to other animals or traffic accidents. Many of these rabbits will be sold as snake food, or as a pet for a small child who will soon “outgrow” the rabbit. (b) Breeding and abandonment Rabbits are bred world wide for the following purposes: Rabbit fur: The fur is used to make coats, collard, ear muffs and cat toys. Meat: Millions of rabbits are being raised and slaughtered in factory-like conditions, with very little government oversight, for human consumption every year. Product testing:  There is no need to test cosmetics, tooth paste and household products on live animals, yet a large number of rabbits give their lives to such testing. Please consider avoiding products that have been tested on animals.  (c) Easter Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts, only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter. Some photography studios and businesses around the world offer photo sessions using a rabbit as a prop. The little bunny ends up neglected, abandoned or as a prize for a raffle. Please join us this Easter in encouraging people to buy a “chocolate bunny” and “stuffed toy” rather than a “live” bunny. (d) Health Many factors can adversely affect the health and life-span of rabbits, such as extremes of weather, poisonous plants, bacteria, ingested hairballs and diseases spread by fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitos. Rabbits insist on being clean and tidy and will lick themselves like cats, and like cats, they can get hairballs, if they ingest too much hair. Unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit. If hairballs are allowed to form, they can become gigantic masses of tangled hair and food. This will block the stomach exit, causing the rabbit to starve to death while his stomach appears to be very fat. (e) Hunting Wild rabbits and hares (and sometimes domestic rabbits, who have gone feral) are subject to being killed for sport. (i.e. hunting, greyhound training and hair coursing) Government efforts to control wildlife occur in some locations, when rabbits or hares have found themselves living on land to be developed, farmed or when they have moved onto already developed properties, such as retirement homes or golf courses. (f) Predators If house rabbits are left outside in rural and urban areas, there is risk of predators. Rabbits can die of heart attacks from the very approach of a predator – even if the rabbit is not attacked or bitten. Predators include; dogs, feral cats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes; and more rarely, owls, hawks, opossums and weasels. 10 interesting facts about rabbits RSPCA, Victoria, Animal, Adoption, Donate, Ambassador, rabbit, bunny, feeding, vaccination, crepuscular, grooming, desexed, bun, hare, #bunnylove, thumper, bunnies, snuggle, pet, little, small, animal lover, fluffy, animals, adorable, cuteness, furry, pet, plush, toy, new pet, easter You'll Be Checking Sweater Tags Once You Find Out What Angora Is Rabbits can have multiple litters each year, giving birth to up to nine babies, known as "kittens," each time. In the wild, they're born helpless in a shallow hole lined with grass and their mamma's fur. Mother rabbits in the wild spend only a few moments each day with their babies in order to avoid drawing attention to them from predators. 20 Fascinating Facts about Rabbits | Care2 Causes Rabbits are intelligent, social, very clean - and definitely not starter pets, as some people believe them to be. Just in time for Easter, here are some interesting facts that you may not know about these "hoppy" little creatures. 1. Rabbits are not the same species as hares, which, among other characteristics, are larger and less social. Thanks to the House Rabbit Society for providing the factual information. House Rabbit Society Buy a Bunny a Little Time

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[intrepidolivia]

Alexandria Country Club pt 5

Pairing: NeganXOlivia (OC)

Warnings: cursing, discussion of death and tragedy, sensuality

Summary: AU! Negan and Olivia discuss a bit of their pasts. Adair and Negan discuss the threat. Negan makes a decision and a phone call.

A/N: Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you want me to tag you!

   Negan wasn’t one to invade privacy, so when Olivia went to her bedroom to pack, he stayed in the living room. The apartment was fairly neat, with a bit of clutter here and there. A coffee cup on the end table, a couple books on the couch next to a rumpled throw. The place had a gas fireplace, and she had pictures and nicknacks on the mantle. He smiled a bit at a grinning, cat-faced little gargoyle perched on the corner of the mantle. He wasn’t at all surprised at it; it was cute, and weird, and seemed quite in character for Olivia.

    What caught his eye though, were the pictures. And once he realized what he was looking at, he couldn’t help staring.

    She looked beautiful. In the strapless white dress, her red hair done up and woven with ribbon, a bouquet of  roses in one hand… She looked like a princess. More than that, she looked happy. She stood next to a man Negan would have assumed was not in her league. He was tall, on the thin side. His ears stuck out a bit, his grin was toothy in an almost comical manner. But the way she held onto him, the joy on their faces…

    The next picture was the wedding party surrounding the bride and groom. Adair in a gray suit and green tie had an arm wrapped around her waist companionably. Olivia clung to her groom, and he to her. They looked like they were laughing.

    His gut twisted. She kept the photos displayed. In a place she’d see them often. But she lived alone. He knew damn well she wasn’t divorced.

    He saw her stricken look when she returned to the living room. Her eyes flicked from the pictures to him, and she stiffened. He understood why.

He understood better than she could know.

“Got everything together, darlin’?” He tried to be casual. Even as he burned to know more. A loss like that ripped a hole in you. One that never went away, not really.

Olivia looked down and nodded. “I think so.”

The unasked question hung over them like a stormcloud. “Alright, make sure all the windows are locked up, and we’ll head out. You’ll want to call Adair so he knows we’re coming. I doubt he’d be happy if we just turned up banging on the door.”

She managed a little chuckle, and did as he told her. Once the lights were out and the doors were locked, she followed him out to the car.

He was quiet as she called her friend, reassuring him several times she was fine. He understood his concern; she sounded shaky at best. He wasn’t actually sure if it was from the threat, or from finding him looking at the pictures.

He understood that as well. Certainly he’d known from the start he wasn’t the first man in her life. Just like she wasn’t even close to the first woman in his. A previous marriage, though, particularly one that ended in tragedy, was a difficult subject to broach. He didn’t blame her for feeling unbalanced.

Negan didn’t say anything as she hung up with Adair. He watched the road, not pressing her. She was silent for a long moment, staring out the window into the darkness.

“It’s been two years and five months,” she said finally. Her voice was soft.

“Sweetheart, you don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready.”

“I’d have to say something eventually,” she replied. “His name was John. He… I had the flu. He decided to walk to the store because it was nice out. T-to get me soup and medicine. And someone hit him.” She took a slow, shaky breath. “And drove off and left him.”

“God damn,” he said softly. “I’m really sorry, baby. That is shitty as hell. Did they ever catch who did it?” He knew it wouldn’t make it better if they had. But it would be something at least.

She shook her head, staring down at her lap. “No. I guess at this point they won’t. I still call the lead detective for updates. Every two weeks. Just in case.”

    Negan couldn’t imagine how godawful that must feel. At least in his case he had something concrete to be pissed at, even if it was a disease. Olivia had to live with knowing whoever had killed her husband was out there somewhere. Living their life free and clear.

    If it were him, he would be so eaten up with rage he didn’t think he’d ever recover. But here she was, the sweet, playful, even happy woman he’d met at the wedding. She had more iron in her than he’d given her credit for.

    He reached over and took her hand in his, and she held it tightly.

    “I lost my wife.” He hadn’t meant to say that. He hadn’t meant to tell her yet, but the words spilled out anyway. It was almost a relief to say it out loud. Since he’d lost Lucille, he’d taken great pains to avoid the subject. He never spoke of her. He avoided things that reminded him of her.

Hell, he’d quit his old job because the familiar routines lulled him into forgetting. There had been days he found himself driving familiar roads, on autopilot, heading back to his old house, wondering what she’d be making for dinner. The pain of remembering in those moments was like losing her all over again.

Olivia looked up, her other hand wrapping around his. “I’m sorry.”

“Cancer. Almost four years ago now.” He let her hold his hand as he guided the car down dark streets. “I’m not going to tell you I know how you feel. I fucking hated it when people did that to me. Because we both know no one can know that shit. We all got different baggage.”

She nodded.

“But, I get it.” He glanced over, giving her a small smile. “It’s hard to know how to talk about that shit. Fuck, I just try not to think about it. So I’ll just say I’m sorry it happened, and I’m sorry it had to come out like this.”

“It… wasn’t how I would have prefered to broach the subject,” she said.

“It’s okay, darlin’. Like I told you, I got a longer past than you do. And right now I’m mostly concerned with making sure you’re safe. We can talk about the rest when you’re ready.”

She squeezed his hand. “We can talk about things when you’re ready, too.”

The front lights were on when they got to Adair’s, and before they’d made it to the porch the door was open.

Adair ushered them inside, a protective arm around Olivia.

“I have your usual room ready, and put out a bottle of water for you in case you get thirsty. If you need anything you know where it is,” he told her. He glanced at Negan. “I have another guest room made up.”

He thought about staying. A small, dark part of him whispered that after the scare, and after their conversation in the car, she might want comfort.

“I should get back home,” he replied. “Let’s get you settled first, though, sweetheart.”

Adair nodded. “Liv, go ahead and put your stuff upstairs. I’ll get you a glass of wine.”

Olivia nodded, looking up at Negan briefly before she headed to the staircase. Adair watched her go, then gave him a shrewd look. He followed the young man into the kitchen and waited as he opened a wine bottle.

“You think it was the asshole from the party?” he asked.

“That’s the working theory,” Negan nodded.

Adair retrieved a couple wine glasses. “Forgive me for not offering you some, but if you’re not staying I suppose you’ll be driving.” He poured a generous glass, setting it on the counter, and a smaller portion, leaning back and sipping it.

“Yeah, I think between that letter and our conversation in the car about the wedding pictures, it might be best if I gave her some time.”

The young man’s eyes widened a little, and he nodded. “Ah. Yes.” He swirled the wine, frowning. “Liv’s been through a lot in the past couple years. With what happened to John and all.”

“She told me a little. It’s a fucked up situation,” he admitted.

“You have no idea,” Adair replied darkly. He sighed, shoving a hand through his hair. “You’re the first person she’s tried dating in almost a year. The last one was a debacle. You at least seem to have some redeeming qualities.”

Negan raised an eyebrow. “Thanks?”

Adair smirked at him, sipping his wine. “Take it as a compliment. I don’t like many people.”

“Alright,” he replied amiably. The kid was full of sass, but he also had Olivia’s best interests at heart. Negan had to respect that.

“On that note, were someone to be inclined to paying a visit to said wedding asshole… say for the purposes of explaining how bad an idea it is to threaten my best friend… I would like to be involved.”

Negan crossed his arms, thoughtfully. “Such a visit might involve some quasi-legal shit. Not to mention the asshole in question is Chet Applegate of the fucking Applegate dynasty.”

Adair gave him a placid smile. “Do I look like I give even the smallest of fucks?”

He chuckled. “No. No you do not.”

“I’ll give you my number then, and I expect to be included.”

“Considering the police are fucking useless because of the little prick’s family, sure. There may be a visit in Chet’s future.” Hell, who was he to exclude the kid if he wanted in? Besides, it never hurt to have someone wealthy on your side. Particularly if things went pear shaped.

Adair scrawled his number on a scrap of paper and pushed it across the counter. Negan shoved it in his jacket pocket as footsteps sounded behind him.

Olivia picked up the wine glass and sipped appreciatively. Her eyes were a little red and puffy, but he wasn’t about to mention it. She’d been through a lot that night; he wouldn’t begrudge her a few tears.

“I’m sorry to make you be out so late,” she said to him.

“Nah. I’ll sleep in tomorrow. Rick won’t even notice I’m late. It’s not like I do much there.” He winked.

Adair’s blue eyes flicked between them. “Liv, let me know when you’ve locked up. I’ll set the alarm.” He inclined his head to Negan. “Goodnight. I’ll see you another time.” He picked up his wine and withdrew from the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Olivia looked up at him. “Thank you. For everything tonight. And I’m sorry the detective was such an asshole to you.”

He put his hands on her shoulders. “Darlin’ quit apologizing for shit that’s not your fault. You did everything right. You stay home tomorrow, get some rest, and we’ll come up with a game plan. Maybe this is a nasty prank, maybe it isn’t. But I’m sure as shit pissed about it and not about to let it go.”

She swallowed, laying her hands on his chest. “Thank you.”

He gave her a wide, toothy grin. “Nah. I’m just trying to make you like me. Is it working?”

She managed a laugh at that. “Yeah. It’s working.”

“Good. I’ll keep it up.” He caught her chin, tipping her face up, and kissed her deeply.

Olivia wound her arms around his neck, responding to his kiss eagerly. He could taste the wine on her lips and tongue, and her body pressed against his was warm and soft. He tangled a hand in her red hair, the other sliding around her back.

He hated to break the kiss, but it was late, and he had work to do before he could sleep. He pulled back a little, nipping at her lips. “Drink your wine and get some sleep, baby. I’ll call and check up on you tomorrow.”

She nodded, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. He could feel his body responding to her, and he wanted more. From the flush in her cheeks and the look in her eyes, she did too.

“God, you’re hot,” she breathed.

He growled softly, his hands moving to her hips and holding firmly. “That’s my line, babydoll.” Much more and he would want to stay. He already wanted to stay, if he were honest. But much more time pressed against her and he might not be able to leave. He bent, kissing her firmly one last time. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“You better.”

It took some adjustments to sit comfortably in his car once he made it out of Adair’s house, but soon enough he was on the way back to his apartment. A plan had already started forming on how to deal with Chet Applegate. He would need help, though. Adair wanted in, which was an asset. But one could never have too many of those.

Once he’d gotten home and locked his door, he scrolled through his contacts, selecting one and pressing send.

The phone buzzed until finally a sleepy-sounding voice answered. “Negan? It’s fucking one a.m.”

“Didn’t call for an update on the time, Simon,” he said. “I have a favor to ask.”

Tags: @noodlecupcakes @adair-donovan @feistybaby @glittered-unicorn-lava @genevievedarcygranger (did you want tagged? I assumed so but let me know if not!)

[star-bage]

The squeakuel

FOR ADULTS ONLY!!!!!!!!!! SHOVE OFF U LITTLE KIDS Also i hate alvin and te chipmonks Aight lets get WROOOOIGGGGGGHT INTO THE NEWS ----- Marco hadn't had much time to process what was happening. He'd walked to school, just as he would any other normal day. Stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans in the hopes that he would warm them from the chills running up and down his skin. When he looked up, a pale gray sky foreshadowed heavy rain. He'd scolded himself for not thinking ahead and bringing an umbrella, but he'd have to make do with his hood. Who knew, maybe the weather would turn out alright. The California forecast was hardly of any use to them these days. When he entered the parking lot, it was barren. Empty. Not a car in sight to drop students off. As if something had swept the area conpletely clean. He checked the watch on his wrist, feeling nauseous as he read the time. 7:30, 10 minutes before the bell would ring. Anxiety climbed up and froze his shoulders as all possible explanations ran rampant in his mind. Maybe it was a holiday, maybe it was April Fool's Day, maybe everyone collectively decided that school didn't mean dogshit anymore. Maybe Marco was still asleep, maybe he was at the wrong school -- he paled when he saw huge, black letters on the sign spell out ECHO CREEK ACADEMY -- maybe, maybe-- Rave music blared, bursting his eardrums and making him scream. "MARCOOOOOOOOOOO" A familiar voice howled, and Marco turned to see the vortex of an interdimensional portal float before him. Star was peeking her head out and watching him with wide eyes. "star. Wtf u doing." Marco deadpanned as the ringing in his ears invaded his head. It wouldnt stop and tbh he was probly scrwed now welp "IM INVITINGU TO A RAVE PARTAY U SJHOULD BCOME WITH!!" She spun her head in an overexaggerated circle and marco wondered how it wasnt falling off when he shouted back, "ARENT U MISSING SCHOOL "PSH FUCK ACHOOL WTF EVEN IS THAT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ISFUKED MAN" "STAR THE REASON WHY U GET BAD GRADES IS B/C U DONT STUDY NOT BLC THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS SHIT" "STFU AND COME HERE" She latched onto marcos arms like a person latching onto the love of their life (sideglance at blood moon no offense but ur like a reallllly tacky plot device u know that ahem anyway) Marco was dragged into the portal against his well and he fell flat on his face on the dance floor. "Bitch," he spat "Ur such a baby wah wah" star said. Marco stood up to brush himself off. He wiped dust from his knees, his cuffs, his shoes, his hair, parted himself down until star punched his arm "OWW" "THE FLOOR ISNT THAT DIRTY U GERMOPHOBE OMFG CHILL OUT" Marco ignored her b/c who cares about a princess who blatantly doesnt care about your wellbeing by constantly dragging u everywhwre, putting u in embarrasing sitchuations, and making u worry about her RITE??! And he took a look around The bounce lounge was quite massive, perhaps twice the size it had been before. Nothing new about it necessarily, but it seemed as if the floor had expanded for the sake of fitting more dancers. Whitch wouldve been nice when marco almost fell to his depth in the spiky spikes!! He felt salty as he folded his arms and made grunting noises to show off his displeasure (this is me when im not at home sleeping in my bed) "Dude wyd" a grown ass man asked as he shashayed near marco "wYD???" Marco retaliated before inching away from the weird man "Im mistur candleman the candleman from mr candle carebears" he danced and did his weird shashay thigng (ok tbh i dont know what shashay means and im too lazyto look it up i just know those weird YA novels with those edgy characters and "ooh so speshul" friends shashay up to their best friends or some shit idfk i think its dumb u think im dumb we're on tbhe same page now) "Mr candleman??" Marco feigned shock, horror, what was this godawful counselordoing here oh the AudACITY FOR HIM TO SHOW HIS FACE AFTER TELLING HIM HE SHOULD WORK ON THAT DUMPSTER ISLAND ooHH MARCO JUST WANTED TO PUNCH HIS DI- "@ ease shoulder" (soldur? Soulja? Soldier? It remains a mystery and No imNot goNNA LOOK IT UP U PREPS) "and yeh in the flesh hmhm im on break now blc master tom stopped giving a shit about me" "Good for u" marco rolled his ryes Candleman started doing the doggie (is this how u spell it?? Yall i cant keep up with thhis shit smfh this is such a dumb name for a dance movie istfg!!!) "U gotta chillax marko diuz... Look... All ur friendz are here¡ u should say hi to them maybe u can boost ur cred since u have no social life..l "U SON OF A CANDLESTICK CAREBEAR MY LITTLE PONY BRONT IM GONNA--" Marco left but not before punching mr candleman in the weewoo "thas wut u get hoe" he clackled as mr kindleman crumpled to the ground in a dayze "420" candleman moana'd ( i put 420 because dayze reminded me of blaze yu know yuh feel) Where wus i goig with this hmm hwwll uhh ok im just gonna say rn that when i kept sayong candleman i just thought of that candle guy from booty and the beast was that just me Margo march'd right over to the photo booth wher star was snapping photos with poony head "Pose. Pose. Pose" star and ponyhead made duckfaces in every pic and marco wanted to scream "ive become so numb i cant feel my pear" Instead "Star butterfly u better to take me hone RIGHT THIS INSTANT!!" Marko yowled "Wtf is e doing here" ponyhead groaned before putting on lipstick... Come to think of it this gurl has no arms.. How would she put on lipstick.. "Marco d-azz do u ever chill put" star dedpanned (i feel deja vu feelin rn) "it doesnt matter how much u say no, no one will evah take u seriously!! Just dreal with it bro" Marco put his foot down to the grownd and clamped his jaw started to hurt "u know wut... U know wut bish wemre done. We break in up. We thru" "Oh no he dint," poony head whispered but like that loud whisper that actually is normal voice level so ppl within a 10 foot raidius could hear "Marco..." Star's lips parted on the name, this time ton e very serious and its a guilt truppy tome u know the one that makes u feel guilt and marco felt guilt but he didnt fukin care he was so thru with all her shit he didnt ask for this and he only dated her cuz that bloody ass moon wanted this Why couldnt HE choose who he wanted to spend his life with it just wasnt gooddamn fare "Goodbai star" he said halloweenly He walked away from them, to get off the danke flore but then remembered "zz SPIKES!!" STAR SCRERCHED "NOOOO" And he was falling, falling to his doom, this was it huh, this was how it was all going to end Marco wiped at his eyes as the air whistled around him, sobbing out that he would miss his frendz (ok one friend), his fam (who kinda embrassered him often), and tom who kinda embrassered him to but u know what... He wasnt that bad "And finally," he whispurred "Janna... Fuck u for taking my khakis" (car keys, u know, i mean the the accent because it sounds like khakis but its actuelle car keys mmk imgunna stfu noe this moment is srs SO SHUT UP SHH Marco closed his eyes shut and waited for his imminent ending to the final chapter kinda like shrek forever after the final chapter but theyre coming up with shrek 5 so yeah i want to die too marco i feel "Star reached outa hand stretching it out to her beeloved, scramming •"NOOOOO MARCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"• "Polo" matco laughed before flipping off star And darkness. Ebony darkness. -- Naw jk i was messin with u pf "MARCO NOO THE SPIKES" "STFU STAR WHAT DO U TAKE ME FOR" he snatched her um deemensuinal sceesars and sliced thru the air slice slice slice and dice oh my god i hate that video im not im not gonna reference that again and i hope none of u understand what i was referring to So yeah he bust a dimensionut portal open (shit i referenced it again goodbye world) "Ur portal is all week and wiggly" poony head pointed out with her horn cuz she still aint got dem hands "Fuck u. Polo." "What.." star asked as he disappeared -- So in the end, marco dextercided (ok idk why i wrote dexter but im not changing it cuz these typos hav worked in my gavor) to stay.... With tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomco for lyfe 20/20 69/69 420/420 So yeah he went to his underground onion layer and played pung pong with him until tom burst into flamez 2 be continooed?????? Exclamation powerpoint exclamation powerpoint??