#q I’m so glad I got a job in a new city

[taggedmemes]

SENTENCE MEME ⟶ Q-FORCE / 1.3  always feel free to tweak the sentence to fit your muse.

'i was so excited last night i only got nine hours of sleep.’

‘these two trunks are just shoes.’

‘do you think we’ll be tap dancing and line dancing.’

‘can we drive past area 51? there’s an alien there i really owe an apology to.’

‘ah, shut up. it’s so early.’

‘the fuck is that?’

‘okay, so it’s not pretty, but it’s a jet and it’s ours.’

‘former home of the world’s biggest ball of yarn, current home to crime.’

‘call me miss congeniality, honey, ‘cause i’m a femme top with a gun.’

‘i could top a mission like this in my sleep.’

‘you’ll handle what i tell you to handle.’

‘he’s only been in our squad for three days and already his pubic hairs are all over the microwave.’

‘i’m the man for this job and everyone knows it.’

‘i never cry. i just have a heart attack every two years.’

‘creamers don’t expire, right?’

‘that’s tree cum. it’s tree cum you’re smelling.’

‘you’re kidding, right? that’s the stupidest plan i’ve ever heard.’

‘let’s go undercover as a news team.’

‘it’s in my top five favourite movies about hexavalent chromium.’

‘have you ever tried putting on a play? the little ones are the hardest.’

‘maybe if you stop kicking the horse in its kidneys, it’ll be able to concentrate on walking.’

‘what is this, horse class?’

‘i got an A+ in horse class, seem to recall you rupturing your taint at the dressage final.’

‘i’m doing an investigation as is typical for reporters like me.’

‘the street signs keep getting blurrier.’

‘the pharmacy changed my medicine. it’s salty now.’

‘in-n-out’s a fucking joke.’

‘that’s also probably obama’s fault. yeah.’

‘i have france’s nuclear codes tattooed on my neck.’

‘okay, now i know you’re crazy. ___ ain’t right about shit.’

‘hard to be in a city with this much green chilli without you, but it’s going okay.’

‘he doesn’t have faith in my or my team at all. i’m all in my head.’

‘this motherfucker’s a real doubtin’ dorothy.’

‘i said to myself, “that’s the most competent woman you’ll ever meet”.’

‘keep working hard. he’ll see your value just like i did.’

‘two men’s names, and we’re both big-time straight.’

‘whole town lost their jobs. damn shame.’

‘well, that’s clearly the bad guy.’

‘just because he’s the only person here doesn’t mean he’s the bad guy.’

‘i wouldn’t shoot him. i would pump him for info.’

‘well, sorry, honey. murder’s on the menu and daddy’s hungry.’

‘i call in to radio giveaways full time and collect piles of newspaper.’

‘my guy says if i was a laid-off miner living in a town like this with nothing else to do, i’d be at the bowling alley 24-motherfucking-7.’

‘thank you, lesbian spidey-sense.’

‘keep quiet. i don’t want him to hear the musical theater in your voice.’

‘i don’t need much, just a hole to mine, a brew to drink, and a game to watch.’

‘okay, here’s the new plan. i’ll have to seduce him.’

‘no, moron. i should seduce him. i have gay sex with gay men often.’

‘been  in the field for ten years and i’ve never made the smart move.’

‘that is verbatim what i was thinking.’

‘you sure ask one long question.’

‘jeez. i feel so hot in all these clothes. i just want to cool off.’

‘hey! come on in! the water’s... thick?’

‘step one, burn the body. i’ll activate vengeance protocol.’

‘he was trying to make a gay man horny and dove into a radioactive reservoir.’

‘you can’t pander to the gays. they can smell it.’

‘well, the world finally makes sense. i’m in charge and you’re in a cage.’

‘the fate of the world is in strong and supple hands.’

‘let me offer you some sex advice. what you’re gonna wanna do is...’

‘i don’t want advice from you. your methods almost got you killed.’

‘good luck not dying. i got it from here!’

‘sorry about your friend. but i’m also glad. he talks too much.’

‘you ever wonder how deep the shaft goes?’

‘sex and work don’t mix.’

‘ain’t you a lawyer? i hate lawyers?’

‘we heard about your, uh... bowling army.’

‘we’re looking for a little something we call revenge.’

‘she showed us everything except for the yurt.’

‘small town, small gene pool. it’s bound to happen.’

‘we have him in our sights. are we authorised to take the shot?’

‘oops. hold on, death squad nine.’

‘i have to seduce an enemy agent, but my signature blend of affected confidence and body of a god isn’t sealing the deal.’

‘he’s a great spy and even better at spy sex. i should know.’

‘wait, spy sex was a class? why did i take, like, french?’

‘absolutely hate her. her whole vibe makes me sick.’

‘well, look who came crawling back.’

‘jesus, can you cover your penis, please?’

‘i’ve never seen anyone half-circumcised before.’

‘i can’t fail again. give me your dumbass advice now.’

‘you can’t plan these things. you need to be in the moment, finding your sex opportunity, and then fuck it til dunzo.’

‘wait, why would i need spaghetti?’

‘oh. so earlier when you said you wanted to blow it all up and start over, you weren’t being metaphorical.’

‘you were first in your class, now be first in his ass.’

‘this homo’s a romantic.’

‘there might be one head of livestock that needs to get let out of its pen.’

‘which... oh, the livestock in your pants. you mean your dick. copy that.’

‘i’m super good at sex even when it’s for work.’

‘it’s not like he’d save us.’

‘okay, let’s show everyone the other thing my big, strong ass is for.’

‘i’m sorry i lied to you. but the time we shared was beautiful.’

‘this near-death experience put some things into focus for me.’

‘it wasn’t clean, but you got the job done.’

‘oh my god, i’d love to, but wouldn’t i get in trouble?’

‘i haven’t been away from ____ for more than nine hours since we met.’

[mnxxlove]

Hey! I was hoping for 3, 9, & 12 with obi-wan please? 💕

SECRET AFFAIR

Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Prompts:

3; secret dating.

9; smut or fluff.

12; age gap.

Word Count: 2717

Summary: Y/n and General Kenobi, have been having a secret affair ever since the war began. But they haven’t gotten time or privacy to be all by themselves. They barely had news about each other, which made their relationship to be dangerously needy and not as conservative as they wanted it to be. Suddenly, one day, she gets the news that she’s going to be accompanying him and General Skywalker to protect their old common friend, the senator Amidala.

Their relationship has always been strictly professional, but once they get alone, it's just Y/n and him. Meanwhile, Anakin has a private talk with Padmé and the chancellor, Obi-wan and Y/n sloped off for a few minutes.

warnings: unprotected sex (do not do that. you ought to always use protection!), super light smut, old language(?(, age gap(-4), fluff, and I added a bit of angst, bc I’m build like that.

Thanks for your request love 🌹

gif not mine;

It was too early in the morning, not even the clouds were letting the rays of sunshine to brighten the city of Coruscant, and she was already upset with the whole Council. They've decided to make a decision that involved her, without her being present. And she later on, got warmed about it as always.... As much as she wanted to make decisions for herself, she was still not having enough privilege to do so. She could not stand it. But still, to this day, she needed to bite her bottom lip, nod and do as it was said.

"Did I hear you clearly? Am I going on my first ever solo mission?" Her voice sounded in a mix of excitement and exasperation. Such as if she could not believe what she did hear coming from her master's mouth.

"I have never said you were going all by yourself." Mace spoke seriously, his eyes staying wide opened while he stared at her in expectation. Y/n raised her chin, to look at him directly in the eyes, to then keep her breath right deep inside her lungs.

"Look, it's not that we don't trust you –." Her master continued, his voice soothing this time. But she did not care at all, so she talked back without thinking, then interrupting him abruptly.

"Well, it looks like it." Her voice did not sound with anger but with disappointment, instead.

There was a big pause between them. Mace sighed,  raising one of his arms while making her a signal for her to take a seat just right in front of him. Pressing her lips in a thin line, she sat, legs crossed, just as he was sitting. He was having his mouth opened, but any kind of words weren't escaping from his mouth. She did not have any idea about how long they decided to stay quiet. Seconds felt like minutes, and it did haunt her, making her feel pressured and quite too anxious. Y/n tried to keep her gaze steady on her brown robes, but his sudden voice got her by surprise, making her raise her face immediately.

"I gave my word, not them. They just agreed. I see potential in you, but I do not want you to go on a suicidal mission all by yourself, indeed." He continued, making her let out a deep breath of exhaustion. "General Kenobi and General Skywalker will accompany you in this mission, as long as the events do not change, of course..." He added, his voice calmed. Mace continued talking after that, but she did not hear anything clearly, it was too late. Her mind and thoughts were clouded by him again. Obi-wan's voice could easily trumble inside her head, making her feel completely lost. His subtle scent of vanilla and smoke was completely unforgettable, and easy to remember. Sometimes, it was that easy to imagine him with her, that she would not help but to sob. Imagining his presence was not the same as feeling the cozyness she would feel around him. The touch of his fingertips or the caress of his lips... It was too much to handle, and her heartbeat by consequence, began to pound rapidly. Making her master, to easily notice that her composure changed from then of sudden.. Mace did not say anything else, he just stared in confusion.

"I- I need to go. Excuse me, master." Her voice now way more softened, stuttered, while getting up from her seat. Her master did not say a word back, he just gave her a light nod while closing his eyes.

Y/n's heartbeat pounded hard and fast in her chest, it almost hurt. Feeling herself choking, she walked rapidly by the long corridors way to her quarters. Her right hand placed just where her heart should be. But it wasn't, because her heart left the same day he did. Her chest would raise and lower rapidly, while she could not help but to feel the adrenaline running through her veins once again. She was not used knowing anything about him, and when she did get any type of information, it would feel bitter but still pleasant to know and be aware that he was still alive, far away from her and achieving what he always desired.

Swallowing hard, she opened the door from her quarters and once she was already inside, she closed the door behind her, to then, resting her back on it. The room had a blueish subtone, making her understand that the clouds were still hiding the sun. She took a deep breath, her eyes kept closed, trying to find any kind of relaxation. Suddenly, she let herself fall to the ground, sliding her back down slowly. Her forearms then, resting on her knees, while she hid her face in desperation. Y/n's feelings have never been mixed up, as talking about Obi-wan, she loved him, truly. And he did as well.

It was madness! They were too reckless back then, to know certainly what they were truly feeling for each other, nevertheless, they were mature enough to take that one step, they needed to take and so they did, formally dating and having a serious and mature relationship. They knew that whatever they were feeling was true and honest.

And so, none of them wanted to leave the council, so, they decided to keep it as a secret, although they knew it was practically impossible at a certain time to know anything about each other, meanwhile he was up, fighting in galaxies far away from Coruscant.

The rest of the morning, she spent it inside the four walls of her cozy quarters. Wishing the hours and minutes to run as fast as possible for her to finally meet with him, after being apart from each other, for months. It was going to happen, and she was not ready. She didn't need time, y/n knew right deep inside her heart, that she was never going to be able to be ready to meet with him again... Impatiently, she let her hand travel up, to her collar, grabbing the necklace he gave her. It was the only thing she owned from him, and she did not want to lose it. She could not be able to apologise herself, if she ever loses it... Mace told her that they would be in Coruscant in a few hours, and it has already passed a few hours, making her feel completely irritated. A normal person would wait someone such as taking a seat or distracting itself, making some time for it's own, making useful things and to not waste minutes or mostly, hours not doing anything. However, on the other hand, she preferred to walk all over her quarters, stepping her feet rapidly on the floor.

Y/n was all nerves and insecurity at the moment, but she did stop feeling like that just for a matter of second. When the communicator from her bedroom did warn her that they already arrived. Before getting out of her place, having her eyes closed, she decided to calm herself down or anyone at this point, would notice that something was wrong with her. Having her mind clear, and a neutral face on, now, she left and walked until arriving to the furthest living, in which were always used for making private reunions. Approaching, she noticed that there were a few bodyguards protecting the entrance, but they noticed her clothes and the body of her lightsaber placed on her belt, and so, they let her in.

“It has been far too long.” Padmé admitted, a bright smile curving on her lips, while she looked at both not only Jedi, but her old friends.

The whole place was in complete silence, or at least it was until Y/n decided to step a foot inside the living. She seemed relaxed, or at least she was, until she noticed that not only the senator was there. Suddenly, all eyes were marked on her, and she tripped on both her feet accidentally, almost falling but still managed to get on her way to the senator, obviously, trying not to keep as much eye contact as she could with Obi-wan.

“Glad to see that you’re alright..” She gasped out of sudden once passing her shaky, sweaty hands by her tight shirt. She did grab Amidala’s hand to then take Anakin’s and Obi-wan’s too. Her words were fast and almost improvised, and Obi-wan knew it. He knew her more than she knew her own self. But he did not remember her as exactly as she looked at that precise moment, still, she was the same clumsy girl whom he decided to fall head over heels for, when he was just a young boy.

She was not going to ignore it. She could not be able to. It was impossible to ignore the fact that she has been craving for him to be with her, to stay just where she was at the moment, and not being able to gaze at his piercing blue eyes, at least once. Although she would’ve loved to have the guts to, she knew that if she did so, she would be lost. Whereas, on the other hand, he could not be able to stop staring at her. Her hair was now longer, falling down her back. And she was still keeping two braids placed as a crown, such as how she used to hairstyle her hair when she had no time for. Her face seemed way more brighter than he was able to remember, but she still owned that heavenly smile, which he adored and missed so much.

The chat did not last for so long. It was clear that their job was going to be about protecting the senator, or at least that was their mission for now on. Once everything was said, Y/n excused herself not after giving to her lover a grin. Once she was already out, Obi-wan did excused himself as well, and he did walk towards the exit. Finding her, waiting for him.

“Long time no see...” He admitted, smiling ear to ear. His eyes brightened as cristal. Obi’s voice sounded amusing, and it was understandable. She felt the same way too. Having him with her was good, but at the same time, too risky..

“Likewise.” She breathed out, to then smile back at him. The energy between them was speechless, their words always soft and careful, most knowing that they were still on the catch of the eye of anyone.

Although none of them would still admit it, their eyes were full with emotion, and words weren’t needed at that moment. It was left clear between each other, that they did miss each other like madly. Although, the verbal language was not used at any given moment between them, they were sure about it.

“So, how are things going?” She cleared her throat.

“Anakin has gotten his first ever padawan... She's strong but reckless.” Obi-wan admitted in a sigh and it immediately made her chuckle.

“So, were we.” She affirmed, having a playful smile marked on her lips. Obi just smiled back at her, his chin lowered and his eyes closed.He was happy, and so was she. They’ve been together, at the same place for less than an hour, but he was sure that he needed to ‘have a talk with her’. Without saying anything else, they just had a little walk, enjoying each other’s company. For once in a lifetime, the air did not feel suffocating. But still it felt quite too difficult to breathe. "I've been wanting to talk with you, actually." He admitted, now making her turn her head. Her face changed and her eyes were not longer shining but clouded with lust, and so were his own. She perfectly knew what those words meant and she was not going to hesitate.

“...Is it possible if we can have some privacy, now?” Obi-wan continued, but his voice sounded more of a whisper now. Blinking rapidly, she scanned both sideways, to see if anyone was nearby. When she made sure there were no people around, she grabbed his hand, and they ran straight to her chambers, which was not too far away from where they were at. Once they were already inside, she expected him to be soft and delicately as always, but instead, once the door was closed behind her, he pushed her against it, placing both his hands on her face, and pressing his lips with her own. At first she got surprised, but she still kept kissing him back. Her hands now trailing up to the back of his nape, twirling her fingers with his now shorter hair. Within seconds, he did take off his cloak, and hers as well. They were still standing at the same place, so, instantly, he did place both his hands, down on both her thighs, making her jump and twirl her legs just between his waist. Her hands now being placed on both his shoulders, while he carried her and laid her down not too delicately on her bed. She swallowed hard, while she watched him rapidly bend over, to kiss her once more, but now, with way more passion.

“Stars! I missed every piece of you, my love…” He admitted, his voice hoarse and low, while leaving wet kisses all over her neck. Y/n did not say a word back in response. She was just letting out low but soft moans, letting him just be the only one who could be able to hear them. His arms were trailing all over her body, while he slowly took off her pants to then throw them far away from them.

“We can only be absent for ten minutes, you know it.” She was exasperated, while trying to unbutton his pants. Her hands were fast but clumsy, then, him taking off his trousers and his underwear quickly by himself.

“I know. I know. And I need you.” He whined, while placing himself on top of her, both hands placed comfortably pressed on the mattress.

Without saying anything else, lust in both their glances, she placed her left hand on his right cheek, to then making him bend his head over to press his lips with her own once more. Still having their mouths pressed together, he did push his hip afterwards, getting her by surprise and then, moaning of pleasure in his mouth. It was slow but constant, but within seconds, their breathing started to get exasperated, and the only thing that was able to be heard in that room was the bed slightly creaking. It was slow but hard at the same time, and it did hurt the very few pushes but it then became satisfactory. Once they were getting close, his communicator started to vibrate, they did ignore it but then it turned constant, making him groan annoyedly.

“Shhh,..” She hushed him. “Ignore it. Just concentrate on me, love.” That was the least she needed to tell him, for him to do so. Once she felt that she was getting closer, she started to moan even way more pleasantly.

Her chin was placed on his left shoulder, while both her hands were placed on his back, her nails pressed hard. He was getting upset, and she knew it just by the way he was acting at the moment. He was always careful and she knew it, but for the first time, it just didn’t feel like just having normal sex. It was needy and wanted. It always has been like that, but the fact that they’ve spent months apart, without having any type of information of their good given status, they both craved that moment even more. Suddenly, his movements became faster, making both their breaths to mix up. He wanted her to scream his name out loud but it was not going to happen as long they were in Coruscant... Right before cumming, and him hearing her letting out a loud moan, he did kiss her one last time, to then, her placing both her hands on his face.

[nooneelsecomesclose17]

You are the absolute best idea I ever had - part 1

Ok so I’m still not sure about doing the chapter thing because it’s been so long since I wrote anything I have no idea how long my inspiration will last (or my fingers for that matter) but let’s go for it. *bites nails nervously*

Thanks as always to @amandaj718 for listening to me ramble about this and convincing me it was a good idea. It’s based on Red, White and Royal Blue, probably fairly loosely in some bits and more in others. We’ll see.

(They’re a similar age here and about Aaron’s age on the show when they met, maybe a bit younger, but it’s not vitally important)

AO3 Link

*******

Robert looked round the room as he dumped his bag on the bed. It did look comfortable he supposed, but that didn’t mask the fact that he didn’t want to be here. The room itself was nothing special, nothing like most people would expect in the home of the British Prime Minister he had no doubt. It was bigger than he expected, no doubt thanks to the Blairs and their renovations back in the day. It wasn’t his home though. He had a flat, a perfectly nice flat in the middle of the city that suited him and yet here he was.

“You’re here then.” He turns to see his Dad standing in the doorway, suit as immaculate as always. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen him look casual, even when his Mum used to force him into a sweater or polo shirt during the summer.

“You didn’t give me much choice.” He’d expected the call, as soon as he’d woken up to a phone full of news notifications. He supposes it’s not every day the son of one of the most popular Prime Ministers in recent history is caught red handed with the sister of his beloved wife. It didn’t matter that in private their marriage had been over for months, that Chrissie was already with someone else. No, he was the one at fault, all manner of rumours doing the rounds, because they’d kept their separation private so as not to harm his father’s reputation.

What rankled most, as it had most of his life, was that his Dad hadn’t even called himself, not even his closest assistant had been the one to make the call, a lowly staffer was all he got, telling him that ‘the PM thinks it best you move into 10 Downing Street for the foreseeable’.

It wasn’t that he wanted to be front page news, he didn’t go looking for it like some, but ever since his father had swept to power on a promise of reuniting the country, the press had been on him like bees round a honeypot, half the time making up their own gossip without him even leaving his living room. He wasn’t like his brother, the fine upstanding Andy, who still ran the farm that their Dad had grown up on, Andy with the sick daughter who everyone doted on, including Robert, he’s not that terrible a human being. Then there was Vic, the darling of the press, who smiled and waved every time she left the building, who would often take some of her newest creations out to the waiting press gaggle for them to try. Robert was just trying to live his life, but that wasn’t good enough, never had been.

“I need you to come with me tonight. I think it would be a good idea for people to see you doing some good for a change. Diane is already attending a charity event.”

“Where is it?”

“The palace. Be ready for 7.” He turned to leave. “And Robert, I don’t want any silliness, not like last time.”

Honestly, you get slightly merry one time at a Downing Street party and you never hear the end of it. It’s not like he declared war on anyone, he just, well he might’ve broken a vase. It was hideous anyway and deserved to be broken, but apparently it’d been a gift from some country or other that the country needed to trade with. Robert really didn’t think that trade deals depended on a frankly ugly piece of china but as had been pointed out to him many many times he knew nothing about politics and should keep his nose out.

It wasn’t that he was politically ignorant, he voted, he read the news, he researched anything that might be relevant to him or his job, but after years of hearing his parents fighting because his Dad was forever away from home or spending more time sorting out his constituents problems than those in his own family, as far as he was concerned the whole thing was a pantomime. The happy family that had stood on the steps outside, smiling and waving, was nothing but a charade. He and Andy barely spoke, which was fine by him, his Dad could barely stand the sight of him and Diane and Victoria just wanted them all to get along and that meant Robert should shut up and get on with it.

“Robert?” He stops unpacking and turns to see his little sister leaning on the doorframe, hair done up in her usual braid, already coming loose at the front. She’s holding a plate in her hand, his favourite flavour of doughnut sitting proudly on top. He’s missed her. The downside to avoiding his Dad is that he doesn’t see her as much as he likes.

“Hiya trouble.” He pulls her into a hug. “That for me?”

“Thought you might need it. Dad said you were going with him tonight?” She hands him the plate before bouncing on the bed. Sometimes it’s hard to believe she’s a fully fledged adult.

“Not willingly.” He mumbles around his food. “This ’s good.”

“It’s boring is what it is. Why won’t you try some of my other flavours?”

“Because you do not mess with jam doughnuts Vic. Some things have to remain sacred in this world.” He smiles a little at her huff and licks the sugar from his fingers before joining her on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go tonight?”

“I went last time. Besides, it’ll give you the chance to stare at you know who all night.” He groans, regretting once more the late night conversation a few years ago when he was still living at home.

“I hate you.”

“You love me.”

“Debatable. Anyway I don’t want to stare at anyone, least of all him.”

“So the words His Royal Hotness didn’t pass your lips?”

“Vodka had passed my lips.”

“So you don’t fancy the second in line to the throne then?” He shakes his head at her, irritated but loving her all the same. She was the only one of them who knew he was bi, well no, he supposed his Dad did even if they’d never actually managed a conversation. He idly wonders what it’d be like to tell everyone what had happened, the see the scales fall from the eyes of the nation about their perfect leader. He’d never do it, would never hurt Vic like that, but sometimes the look on his Dad’s face if he did would comfort him somehow.

“No!” He could admit, if pushed that Aaron was good looking, he wasn’t blind, but so were lots of people.

“Hm.”

“The man never smiles Vic. Last year, at his cousin’s wedding, did you even see him without a scowl?”

“You took notice of him then?” He half heartedly smacks her arm, making her laugh. “I’m glad you’re here, Rob, I missed you.”

“I’ve been here.” It’s lame, because he hasn’t, not really.

“I mean more than a couple of texts and a phone call once a month. How long are you going to be here?”

“Until I’m not grounded anymore.”

“Idiot. I’m going, Adam’s picking me up at 4.” She’s gone before he can even ask who Adam is. It just proves how distant he’s been from her and he feels guilty all over again.

*******

“I meant what I said Robert, best behaviour tonight. I think you’ve made enough headlines with your dalliances for a while, don’t you?” It’s on the tip of his tongue to drag up Rachel, something else that no one knows but family, but he stops himself. It’s not worth the hassle. Hopefully if he gets through tonight he won’t be asked again for a long while.

“Just once it’d be nice if you pretended to have even an ounce of faith in me. You do know Chrissie is right now shacked up with someone else, don’t you? And was before I went anywhere near Rebecca.”

“No one cares about that. Just behave yourself. Is that too much to ask? This isn’t just some party, it’s the Queen and her family. Show some respect.”

Privately he thought that Queen Faith looked rather fun and would be quite at home gossiping over a few glasses of red rather than endlessly shaking hands but he keeps it to himself as they pull up the gates of the palace. He can’t help looking up at the building a little in awe. He’s wouldn’t really class himself as a monarchist, but he doesn’t wish any of them any ill, and he watches all the pomp and ceremony on TV like everyone else. He just doesn’t particularly want to spend the night minding his P’s and Q’s because he’s really not all that good at it.

He takes a deep breath as the car stops and the door is opened. As he watches his Dad step out he can’t help but think his world has really taken a turn in the last 24 hours.

[purplesurveys]

1252

A - Appearance.

What are you wearing? I have a gray turtleneck and brown shorts at the moment.

What are on your feet right now? I never wear anything for my feet when I’m at home.

What color are your fingernails? I say this a lot on surveys but mine are never painted. Nothing against them, I’ve just never felt the need to spend on something like my nails.

What does your hair look like right now? I have apple hair at the moment to temporarily get rid of my bangs, which I am more than sick of at this point.

B - Best Friend

Who is your best friend? Angela and Andi.

What was the last thing you two did together? The last time I saw Angela we went to the BTS pop-up store. I haven’t seen Andi since January, but when we hung out that evening we just had Korean barbecue and we also parked somewhere in UP to just talk about life in my car. My breakup had been fresh at the time and back then I just needed someone to whom I could vent.

What is (s)he doing right now? I’m sure Andi’s doing something with Leigh, maybe having a video call or something since I think they tend to have one every evening. I’m not sure what Angela’s up to but considering her replies have been a bit slow tonight, I guess she’s somewhat busy at home.

Are you talking to her/him online right now? Angela just replied to something I sent her around 15 minutes ago but the exchange wasn’t meant to be a full-blown conversation, if that’s what you mean.

C - Crush.

Who is (s)he? Eh, I don’t have a crush these days; too obsessed with work to figure out what I find attractive lmaooooo. I do have a main celebrity crush and I might just cite them instead so that I can at least fill this section out. 

What does (s)he look like? Curly hair; mismatched eyes; moles underneath his right eye, on his nose, and on his lower lip, and the widest smile I’ve seen on any person.

What was the last thing you two talked about? He’s a celebrity crush...

Does (s)he make you smile? Yes.

D - Dad

What’s your dad’s name? Edgardo.

What does he do for a living? He’s an executive chef for a luxury liner company. He hasn’t worked in a year and a half due to the pandemic and has stayed in the country this whole time, but we’ve *very* recently been informed that he can go back abroad in around two weeks! Of course it will suck letting go of him again after having him back for such a long time, but I’m just glad the family can finally be on track again, financially speaking. It had been something I’ve been worrying silently about.

What was the last thing you two did together? Had dinner last night, but we did that with the whole family too. We don’t really do things that’s just the two of us.

Do you get along better with him than your mother? Yes.

E - Ebay.

Have you ever bought anything from ebay? No. I’m not sure we have eBay here anyway.

Do you just shop around when you’re online? I don’t really shop ‘around.’ I usually have an idea of what I want to get myself, and it’s just a matter of finding the right shop from which to buy.

Do you know anybody who is addicted to it? I know a couple of co-workers who love shopping, like Gabi.

Have you ever sold anything on it? I’ve never tried selling, but I’m actually in the middle of doing something for the very first time – I’ve decided to get into trading! I got my BTS Butter album yesterday but didn’t get to pull the photocard I was vying for – the pull I got, though, was of the most popular member, which means it would be a very easy trade. I put the trade offer up the other day and I finally got a match yesterday.

F - Facebook.

When was the last time you logged on? Like five minutes ago. I constantly check it.

How many friends do you have? Just checked and it says I have 686. I wanna get rid like half of them though.

Do you hate when your facebook chat messes up? Hmm, that doesn’t really happen.

Who was the last person to leave you a wall post? Angela.

G - Google.

Do you Google everything? Yeah, I think I look up a random item or phrase at least once a day. Doesn’t hurt to learn a new thing each day. :)

What was the last thing you Googled? The K-Pop group g.o.d., since my teacher mentioned them in our Korean lessons earlier.

Would you ever trade Google in for Bing? No, I haven’t used Bing in like 12 years.

What do you Google the most? Synonyms, I think, since I’m constantly writing for work.

H - Hair.

Do you like your hair? It’s a love-hate relationship most days because I hate how thick and frizzy it can be...but I recently had mine trimmed all the way up to my neck and for some reason it’s taken on a wavy form, which I didn’t expect to come out at all. And I’ve found that it actually suits me quite a bit, so I’m enjoying my hair for now.

What color is your hair? Black.

What does it look like right now? Slightly damp since I took a shower not too long ago.

What kind of shampoo for you use? Just a normal Dove one.

I - Ibuprofen 

When was the last time you took ibuprofen? I don’t think I’ve ever taken it? I usually take paracetamol...idrk the difference either. Do you rely on it for everything (cramps, headache)? I only ever take medicine for headaches/migraines.

Are you so thankful people made it? I mean sure, I’m glad there are those who have been able to create products that can instantly relieve pain or discomfort, but I’m not obsessively grateful.

Do you have any right now? I don’t think we have any.

J - Jobs.

Do you need a job? Nah, I already have one.

Where do you work? Media/PR industry.

Where would you work? I wouldn’t change jobs/industries. This is where I wanted to end up in, and I’m really really glad and fortunate to have landed here on my first shot, right out of college, and during a pendemic.

How much money would you like to get paid? An additional P5k (~$100) would probably be more satisfying, but considering my parents aren’t the traditional Filipino parents who suck 100% of my earnings right out of me the second payday comes, I’m able to enjoy a substantial chunk of money to myself, give them a portion of my earnings, and still be able to save.

K - Kissing.

Who was the last person you kissed? That would be my ex.

Will you next kiss be a mistake? I have no idea when that would be and with whom it will be shared, so I won’t be able to give you a definite answer.

Do you kiss someone everyday? Other than my dogs, nah.

Who was your first kiss? The aforementioned ex.

L - Love.

Who do you love the most in your life? My best friends. I’m also doing a whole lot better in the self-love department these days, so that too :)

Have you ever been in love before? Yeah.

Does it make you so happy when you feel the feeling of love? Sure. It feels light and comfortable, especially when it’s shared.

Why is this word so hard to describe? Because everyone feels love differently. < There we go.

M - Mom.

What is your mom’s name? Abigail.

What is she doing right now? She was watching The Good Doctor the last time I checked on her like five minutes ago. It’s her latest obsession.

Where does she work? She works in the food and beverage department of a 5-star hotel in the city.

Do you two shop together a lot? I rarely do my shopping with either of my parents.

N - Netflix.

Do you have Netflix? Technically, I guess. My dad pays for it and we have a family account.

If not, what movies would you order? I don’t think I’ve ever ordered a movie before. Before streaming on Netflix, I just used to get illegal torrents lol.

Do you rent a lot of movies? I’ve never rented a movie. Was too young for it, I think.

Do you have the tool where it just downloads to your tv? No.

O - Ohio.

Is this the state in which you live in? I don’t even live in the US. Never been there either. < Same.

Is Ohio State your favorite football team? I don’t like football.

Did you know Ohio Is For Lovers? I’m not familiar.

Have you ever been to Ohio? See first answer in this section.

Q - Quitting.

What was the last thing you quit doing? Practicing on Duolingo. I had an extremely short period of using the app again a couple of months ago, but I lasted all of two days hahaha I had been trying to get back on learning Korean, but I enrolled in official lessons not long after that anyway so it didn’t make sense to continue the stages in the app.

Do you need to quit talking to someone right now? Nope. The people I’m talking to right now in between this survey are all welcome conversations.

Would you ever quit school? That wasn’t an option for me and I never would’ve done it anyway. 

Don’t you think quitting is stupid? No. Sometimes it can be the strongest thing you can do for yourself.

R - Reading.

What was the last book you read? Does my Korean lesson textbook count hahaha...if not, I haven’t really read anything in years.

Do you own a lot of books? I do, but they are all books from my childhood and teenage years. It’s been a while since I last updated my bookshelf.

Do you have a library card? No, haven’t had one since Grade 1.

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Without Seeing the Dawn was pretty influential to me, but I dunno about ‘life-changing.’ I need to read more to find the book that would have that effect on me.

S - Safety.

Do you always wear your seat belt? I do these days. I didn’t really practice it when I used to drive to school, whoops. Always forgot to do it.

When riding a four-wheeler do you wear a helmet? I rarely get to do that.

Did you ever wear knee pads and a helmet when riding your bike? Nah. I can’t ride a bike either. Do you always think safety first? In COVID terms, yeah. I have a face mask and shield on as soon as I find myself outdoors.

T - Talk

Who was the last person you talked to? Reena. Who are you talking to right now? Nobody. It’s just me, this survey, and some music in the background.

Who did you last talk to before you went to bed last night? Angela and Reena, if I’m not mistaken.

Do you need to talk to anybody right now? No, I’m good.

U - US ARMY

Do you support it? I don’t know enough about it to have a bold opinion, considering I’m not even from the US and it’s been a while since their army has had any strong contact with my country.

Do you know anybody who is in the army right now? I think one of Angela’s uncles has a high position in our national army.

Don’t you ever wonder why their camo doesn’t match anything? Not really.

Would you ever go to the army? No.

V - Virgin.

Are you a virgin? Nope.

When did you lose your virginity? I was 18.

Do you wish you would’ve waited? Nah, it felt right when I did it the first time; and I maintain that stance now even though I’m no longer with that person.

Do you think you could have stayed a virgin until marriage? I could. Sex isn’t a big deal to me.

W - What.

What are you doing right now besides this survey? I’m also listening to mono. and taking bites from my doughnut every now and then.

What are you craving? Spicy tuna salad, but it can wait. Andi got me my favorite truffle baked macaroni because it’s CM Punk day today :D :D and that’s able to satisfy my savory cravings for now.

What do you need to buy? Shelves.

Why are you taking my survey? I’ve mentioned this before but I like categorized/themed surveys, so alphabetical ones are always fun for me.

X -Xanax 

Do you know anybody who is addicted to Xanax? I don’t think so.

Have you ever taken it before? No.

Do you even know what it is? No, actually.

Have you ever suffered from anxiety or depression? I’m sure I have.

Y - Yourself.

Name. Robyn.

Age. 23.

Do you smile a lot? Sure, I’d say that’s common these days.

Z - Zebra.

Are you addicted to zebra striped? Not really.

Do you own anything zebra striped? Nah. I have some stuff that come in black and white stripes, but not zebra print. Is anything on any of your websites zebra striped? No.

[talesofstyles]

Mess Is Mine

Hi again babes. I’ve got something for you; it’s a single dad!harry (and single mum!yn). This is something I never thought I would even consider writing (because the thought of the MC having kids not with Harry kills me... I know 😂) but the idea has grown on me and I’ve finally got my shit together and put it down in writing. I think this is one of my favourite things that I’ve ever written so far so maybe you won’t like it but eh I’ll just post it anyway. Right I’m gonna stop rambling. Tell me what you think!

YN had it all; a cosy three bedroom house in the heart of Notting Hill (and by cosy it actually is cosy as in warm, comfy and inviting and not just some word a landlord would say to cover the fact that the place is either cramped, falling apart or has never been updated), a fulfilling job, a drop-dead gorgeous, loving husband with really nice icy blue eyes (and arms and broad shoulders and thighs and… she could go on forever but let’s not dwell on that right now) and the sweetest gurgling little baby boy. People say he’s YN’s twin only with his daddy’s eyes and hair colour.

Two years later, with a baby girl in tow, the cosy little family of three grows into a lively family of four. It all seems perfect, doesn’t it? Their marriage was perfect. They were what people would call the typical Hallmark family.

But nothing truly is perfect, isn’t it? Happily ever after only does exist in children’s tales. With two children, they were no longer “that cute couple plus baby”, they turned into a proper family overnight. James and YN were less of a couple and more of a mum and dad 24/7, which took a strain on their relationship. And as if that wasn’t enough, James was also in the run for a partnership in his firm, which would make him the youngest senior partner in Addleshaw Goddard, one of the most prestigious law firms in the City. Being one of the top lawyers in the City and working with high-profile clients such as large commercial companies or financial institutions, James had already been working long, unsocial hours. But that was nothing compared to the hours after he knew he was in the running for partnership. He basically lived in his office. He took more big cases to put his name on the map so weekends off were merely a myth. He got what he wanted in the end, full equity partnership in Addleshaw Goddard, six figure salary, £500 an hour, but little did he know that in order to get what he had always wanted, he had to lose what was matter the most.

***

“What? Now?” James lets out a heavy sigh. “I can’t now, YN. Av’ got to see a client at lunch. But I’ve already cleared my schedule from 3:30 to 4:30 so I’m still picking up Finn.”

This time, YN lets out a heavy sigh. She knows that she can’t get pissed at her ex-husband for not being able to pick up their three year old daughter at her nursery. It’s her fault after all; she’s the one who forgot that the nursery only opens for half-day on that particular Thursday. Pippa’s teacher had to call her to remind her to pick up the little girl. “Alright, thanks anyway.”

“Anytime. Give her a kiss f’me,” James asks her.

“Will do. Bye,” YN pinches the bridge between her nose as she hangs up the call. Glancing at the clock on the wall for a second, she tidies up some scattered papers and puts it aside as she stands up and walks towards the lift.

“YN!” One of her colleagues catches her as she waits for the lift. “The guests just got here and they’re all in their dressing rooms. Lisa already looked over the script a few times and she said everything’s good. Oh no, wait, I think they’re gonna need to look over the red chair again but other than that it’s fine. And- wait, are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah. Pippa’s nursery is closed at half twelve today so I need to go and pick her up now,” she answers as she takes another glance at the Kate Spade on her wrist. She knows she needs to go really soon. “I won’t be long but just in case anything happens before I get back, find Mike or Tom. Thanks!”

“Ah, alright then,” the crew nods at her. “See ya!”

How could she go from Wood Lane to Portobello Road then back to Wood Lane in less than half an hour, she’d never know. It’s in the middle of the day, mind you. But anyway, YN is back at the studio with her very excited three year old who gets to go with her mummy to work. No doubt, her older brother would be very jealous when he finds out later.

It’s not the first time YN brings her child to work, she had brought even both of them a few times before but she never brought them on Thursday. Thursday is always her busiest day at work because they’re filming the show every Thursday and not Friday when it airs even though the show is filmed as live. As a production coordinator, YN needs to be on her feet most of the time, making sure that everything is smooth sailing.

“Hey! Who have we got ‘ere, eh?” Elliot, one of the camera operators, greets them with a smile as they walk into the set. He looks down at the little girl with a teasing smirk. “D’you work ‘ere, miss?”

The little girl shakes her head and giggles. “No.”

“Pippa!” One of the crews, Chloe, calls her name as she walks towards them and the little girl smiles, turning around to see who has just called her. “Golly! Look at how big you’re getting, sweetheart! That’s a very pretty dress you’re wearing, can I borrow it sometime?”

The little girl let out another fit of giggles. “It won’t fit!”

“Ah! Too bad, s’pretty.”

“YN,” another crew walks towards them, but calling her name this time instead of her little girl. “We’re going in five and Mike asked for you.”

“Ah shoot,” she mutters under her breath, realising that there were things that still need to be done and she’s only got five minutes left. Even less because she needs to find her boss first because apparently he’s been looking for her. “C’mere darlin,”

“I’ve got spare time if you want me to watch her?” Chloe offers. “Props all done for now until red chair and it won’t be for a while.”

“You won’t mind?” YN looks up at Chloe as if she were Mrs Claus and Chloe shakes her head, smiling as she takes the little girl’s hand. “Oh Chloe, you’re an angel! Thanks! Pippa darlin’, mummy needs to work so you’ll stay with Chloe for a bit, alright? Be a good girl and listen to Chloe.”

Knowing her daughter is in good hands, she crosses the list of things that she needs to do before they start filming without worry. Fortunately for them the guests are wonderful this week—yes, some guests could be a pain in the arse. One time some Hollywood A-List (YN truly believes that the A stands for arsehole) demanded not one, not two but TEN dressing room. That’s right, TEN.

YN is still supervising the set as they film when she sees Chloe walks in without her daughter. She knows that someone probably calls her to prep the set for the red chair segment but she thought Chloe was just going to drop Pippa with her before she started working. “YN!” Chloe calls her as she walks towards her. “We bumped into Harry Styles’s daughter in the hallway earlier with her nan. Pippa and her have been playing together since then. I asked Pippa to come with me but she refused and Harry’s mum offered to watch her, so I left her in his dressing room.”

“What?” Her eyes widen in surprise. Her daughter? Playing in the dressing room?

“I’m so sorry. I could go back and-“

“No, no, it’s fine,” YN cuts her short, smiling so Chloe won’t feel like she’s upset, trying to mask the fact that she’s not actually happy about the situation. It may or may not get her in trouble after all. “Thanks for watching her earlier. I’ll just go and get her now, I don’t want her to bother them.”

“They’re having fun, YN, really. ‘Sides Harry’s mum is so nice,” Chloe reassures her.

“I know she must be, but I’ll just go and check on them regardless,” she insists. “We’re gonna have a break in three anyway.”

Standing in front of Harry’s dressing room, YN takes a deep breath before she knocks on the door. She hears a soft woman’s voice, no doubt Harry’s mum, saying “come in!”, before she opens the door.

“Mummy!” Pippa giggles and runs towards the door with her arms wide open and ready to wrap her mum’s legs.

“Hi darlin’,” she looks down at her daughter before turning her head to smile at Harry’s mum and daughter. “Are you being nice to your new friend?”

“She’s wonderful. They’ve been playing nicely for a while,” Harry’s mum chimes in.

YN apologises. “I’m sorry if she’s disturbed you.”

“Oh, not at all!” She smiles at YN. Her smile is so warm and it reminds her of her own mother. “Pippa is so sweet and they’re having fun. Nothing to apologise, love. In fact I have to thank you for bringing her because otherwise Anya would get bored.”

YN chuckles. “Glad you think so. But I can just take her with me-“

“No, no, no, you can absolutely leave her here. I can watch her. They’re having fun and I don’t want to separate them if you don’t mind,” Anne reassures her, looking at the silly little girls who were giggling at each other as they poke each other’s nose.

“Oh that’s really sweet of you, but are you sure?” She hesitates. “My daughter can be a handful.”

Anne laughs. “She’s been wonderful with me, darlin’. Really, it’s great for my granddaughter to have someone around her age to play with.”

Everyone’s head turns towards the door when they hear someone twisting the handle. The fact that they don’t even bother to knock makes YN realise who’s behind it even before the person enters the room.

“Hello!” Harry smiles as he closes the door behind him. “Got a new friend, huh?”

“Daddy!” Anya beams. “S’my friend, Pippa!”

“Hi Pippa!” Harry sweetly crouches down to be at their level, before reaching out his hand to shake Pippa’s. “I’m Harry, nice to meet you.”

“Hi!” Pippa grins and shakes his hand.

“And you must be Pippa’s mum,” Harry smiles as he stands up and walks towards YN. “Sorry, I’m really terrible with names but you do look familiar. Think I saw you last time I was here as well.”

“I was,” she nods, the corners of her mouth quirk up. She chooses to apologise instead of acknowledging his comment. “I’m sorry my daughter has disturbed yours, she’s not supposed to be here. One of the crews tried to get her to leave but she wouldn’t budge.”

“Oh nonsense!” Harry counters. “I’m sure she’s not, they look like they’re having fun. Just let them play, s’nice for them to have someone around their age. If Pippa weren’t here, my daughter would ask for that, and I’m trying to cut down screen time,” Harry says, tilting his head to where the iPad is sat on the table.

YN chuckles. “Alright then if you’re fine with it too. Mrs-“

“Just call me Anne, dear,”

YN smiles at her. “Anne, would you like to save my number so you can just call me the second Pippa starts being a little terror?”

Anne and Harry laugh. YN thinks that even if you don’t know them, you probably could have guessed that they’re related somehow, seeing how similar their facial features are especially when they’re laughing. “I’m sure she won’t, but I’ll save your number just in case she asks for you.”

***

YN’s phone is buzzing for the second time in the span of five minutes, and the same unknown number appears on the screen. She continues to ignore it; first, because she simply hates answering calls. Second, because it’s bloody Saturday so if it’s turn out to be work related, she’s got an excuse not to pick up. Third, she just really really—and she couldn’t stress this enough—hates answering calls.

James picks the kids up every Saturday morning to spend the whole day with him and brings them back every Sunday morning. It wasn’t easy at first for YN; she ended up on his bed with the kids and him on his own couch more times than she would like but she has grown to be alright having the whole day for herself. In fact, now she likes it. And she won’t say this out loud of course but she secretly looks forward to it.

After the third call ten minutes later goes unanswered, she blindly searches for his phone on the end table next to the couch without tearing her gaze from the magazine that she’s reading. Looking at the screen for a second, she sees a notification for a new voicemail and she plays it.

“Hi YN, it’s Harry. We met the other day at the studio. I’ve got your number from my mum. Anyway, Anya has been asking for Pippa nonstop so I was just wondering if you guys are up for a playdate sometime soon? Please call me back if you’ve got time. Thanks! Have a good weekend!”

She’s just realised that she has been ignoring calls from Harry sodding Styles.

YN sits up straight immediately before she dials his number and he picks it up after only the second ring. “Hi YN! Y’alright?”

“Hello, sorry I didn’t hear when you called earlier. I’m good thanks. You?” YN tries her best to sound nonchalant and it’s going well so far.

“Good, thank you. Nothing to complain really,” he chuckles. “Anyway, I was just wondering if you’re up for a playdate sometime soon?”

“Of course! Pippa would love it. They really did get along the other day,” she agrees and she tries to stifle her giggle. If someone told her last week that Harry Styles would call her and ask for a playdate she would definitely laugh at that person’s face and say, ‘you joking?’.

“Great! When’s best for you?”

“Probably on the weekends. Is that alright for you?” She asks.

“Yeah! How about today? Are you busy? Have you got any plans? Anya and I are just chilling around the house and I could tell that she’s bored. She thinks I’m less fun now that she’s made a friend,” Harry jokes.

YN laughs politely. “I’m sure she thinks you’re just as fun. And I’m not busy right now but my kids are with their dad every Saturday. How about tomorrow? Or if you’re busy maybe next weekend?”

“Oh,” Harry pauses before he continues. “Tomorrow’s perfect! What time is best for you? We haven’t got any plans so we can go anytime.”

“Say 3pm-ish?” She suggests.

“That’s perfect for us!” Harry answers excitedly. “Have you got any idea where we should go? Pippa is basically Anya’s first friend so we’ve never done any playdates before.”

“How about the Heath? Is it too far for you guys?”

“Not at all! We live in Hampstead,” Harry informs her.

“Oh, that’s brilliant! We can meet on the east side of the Heath. See you tomorrow, Harry,”

“See you tomorrow! Bye, have a lovely day YN,” says Harry.

“You too!” YN says before she hangs up.

***

“Anyaaa!” Pippa wiggles her hand out of her mummy’s so she can run towards Anya who’s holding her daddy’s hand. Anya grins at her new friend and the two of them share the sweetest hug like two old mates who haven’t seen each other for years instead of two strangers who have just met three days prior. It really is precious to see their friendship blooms in such a short period of time.

“Hello!” Harry smiles as he walks towards YN and the kids. “Y’alright?”

YN nods and smiles back at him. “Yeah, thanks. How are you?”

“Good! Who’s this little man?” He says as he reaches out his hand towards the little boy. “Hi, I’m Harry. What’s your name?”

The little boy, much shyer than his little sister hesitates to shake Harry’s hand. He looks up at his mum and YN has to nudge his shoulder to make him reaches out his hand and shake Harry’s. “I’m Finn,” he says at last.

“Nice to meet you Finn!” Harry says before he turns his head towards his daughter. “Anya, come and say hi to Pippa’s brother.”

The weather is quite nice for early October. Shorts season is definitely gone but the autumn breeze isn’t quite bone-numbing just yet. The colour of the autumn leaves make the scenery as if it comes out of a painting, it’s simply beautiful wherever they look. They ask if the kids want to go for a walk, but they spot the playground and can’t help but run towards it before Harry and YN have the chance to convince them to go for a walk instead. All three of them.

Trying to be discreet, Harry takes a quick glance at YN’s hand as they walk into the gated area of the playground to see whether or not she has a wedding band on, but he’s not quick enough to fight back the smile that’s creeping onto his face when he realises she hasn’t got one. He recalls back to Thursday when they met at the studio as they filmed The Graham Norton Show and he realised that she didn’t have a ring on that day either. Harry knows that once, maybe she forgot. But twice? She’s not putting that on.

They play with the kids on the playground. Harry patiently helps them to climb onto the slide one by one and YN waits patiently for them at the end of the slide. Then they put them on one of those large net swings where they can put all three of them on one swing and Harry pushes them higher every time, earning a shriek of giggles.

When the kids finally had enough of the playground, Harry and YN take them for a walk towards Parliament Hill. Luckily, Anya warms up rather quickly with Finn as well as Pippa so the three of them have been playing together nicely. Finn walks in front of Harry and YN, holding Pippa’s hand on one of his hands and Anya’s on the other.

“Pippa is so sweet,” Harry begins when he realises that it’s the perfect time to start a proper conversation. It was just not possible when they were looking after the kids on the playground. He looks over to YN and smiles at her.

YN lets out a chuckle. “You’re just being nice, she’s a handful.”

“I’m not!” Harry shakes his head. “She’s really sweet. Finn, too. He’s a great big brother.”

“Well, they have their moments,” YN tells him. “But I’m lucky, I guess. They rarely fight. Pippa can be quite bossy sometimes though, so when they fight it’s usually just because Finn has had enough.”

Harry laughs. “Do you know where she gets that from?”

“Definitely her nan,” YN chuckles.

“Is she close with her nans? Both sides?” Harry asks as he waves at his daughter when she looks over her shoulder to see him. “Do you see them often?”

“Quite close, yeah, and with both sides. Both of our parents live in Surrey, mine in Farnham and James’s in Virginia Water so we see them at least once a month,” YN answers. “How about Anya?”

“Well, she’s named after me mum so she’s definitely her favourite grandchild so far,” Harry grins. “She’s basically Anya’s second parent, my mum.”

“Oh, I thought her mother is Russian!” YN exclaims. “I love her name.”

Harry’s grin widens as he shakes his head. “Thank you. No, my mum’s name is Anne and I want to name my daughter after her, but having two Anne(s) would be confusing. So I opted for another version of Anne.”

“That’s a really gorgeous name. Your mum must be very happy,” YN says as she tucks her hands inside her pockets because it’s getting a bit chilly.

“Definitely made her my mum’s favourite grandchild for sure. Well, she’s currently her only grandchild so that may change sometime soon,” Harry says proudly, grinning even wider. “I’m gonna be an uncle in a few weeks.”

“Oh, congratulations!” YN gasps. “That’s so exciting!”

“It is! We all can’t wait to meet the baby,” Harry adds. “But we don’t know how Anya is gonna take this though. She has been the baby in the family her whole life.”

“I’m sure she’ll be just fine,” YN smiles at Harry reassuringly. “Anya is a sweet girl. Bet she’ll love having a little mate to play with. ‘Sides cousins are the best!”

“You’re right, cousins are the best,” Harry nods, chuckling a little. “Finn and Pippa are lucky. They’ve got built in best friend forever.”

“Both me and their father grew up as an only child so even before we got married we knew we wanted to have at least two. We both hated the fact that we haven’t got any siblings,” YN explains.

“Do you plan to have more?” Harry asks, testing the water as nonchalant as possible. He has an assumption but before he can be sure of himself, he needs to hear it from her.

“Uh,” YN clears her throat, pausing before she continues. “We’re separated.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” Harry mumbles, looking down so YN won’t see the smile that’s creeping onto his face. He doesn’t even know why he’s smiling but he does. And he’s clearly having a hard time trying to hide it. “How different it is with divorce if I may ask?”

“Well, we’re just waiting really. Because one of the grounds for divorce is that we have to live apart for at least two years, and during that time we can get a legal separation. We haven’t reached that mark yet so we still have to wait, soon though. After that we can get decree nisi.” YN doesn’t let Harry respond before she continues. “How about you? I’ve never heard you talk about Anya’s mother but I don’t really follow celebrity gossips,” she chuckles. That’s a lie by the way, she reads glossy magazines like OK! and Hello! quite religiously every week.

“That’s because she’s not in the picture,” Harry smiles, pausing to clear his throat before he continues. “We weren’t together or anything, didn’t even know her to be honest. All I knew was that she got pregnant and that she was planning to give the baby up, so I stepped in and took her. Got sole custody. Nobody really knows about this so I’d appreciate it if you’d just-“

“Don’t worry, not my story to tell,” YN smiles at him reassuringly as she cuts him short. “So you took her on your own since she was born?”

Harry nods proudly. “Right from day one. Her mother didn’t even want to see her after she was born so after I got green light from the peds I took her home straight away. She was only five hours old, looking like a little pink sausage in a blanket,” Harry smiles, clearly reminiscing the day he got to bring his daughter home for the first time.

YN chuckles. “You’re bloody amazing. Just want to say this in case nobody has told you. But I’m sure they do.”

“Thank you,” Harry grins wider. “So are you. We haven’t got the easiest job, us,”

“I mean it Harry,” YN says, stopping abruptly from walking to look at Harry properly in the eyes. “Those early days are rough, I really can’t imagine doing it alone.”

“It was a blur,” he stops walking and lets out a giggle as he looks at YN. “T’was rough. But the good thing about being a single parent right from the start is that you’re used to being alone. I’ve never known what it is like to have a second set of hands. Well I’ve got my mum but it’s still different, I guess. And it must not be the case with you, so you’re the real MVP here,” he ends tamely.

YN lets out a chuckle and they lapse into silence. It’s definitely not an uncomfortable silence. They just look around at the magnificent view before them as they walk around, letting the kids take the lead. It has been a while since both YN and Harry feel at peace. They don’t know it yet, but happiness will be back within their arm's reach very very soon.

Part II

[space-------kid]

can’t keep my hands (off you).

Anime/Manga: One Punch Man Pairing: Garou/fem!Reader Additional pairing/characters: platonic Metal Bat/fem!Reader, Zenko, mentions of other heroes such as Saitama, Watchdog Man, etc. Genre: Romance, comedy Warning: Absolute silliness. Language – Garou and reader both ate rainbows for breakfast. Dumbassery. Teeth-rotting fluff, maybe? Reader is hella strong like Saitama. Half-assed spice because you’re good at cockblocking Garou despite being low-key thirsty for him. And LOTS of dumbassery from the reader, most probably. Additional tag: Dream-based fic, canon-divergent, Garou is horny af A/N: This is supposed to be a lengthy one-shot, but I’m a dumbass who can’t keep my word so the supposedly one-shot isn’t a one shot anymore.  Now I have to worry how I should properly divide all those parts (I mean, they’re already divided, but–) 😅 Happy New Year! *snicker*

You and Badd go out. No, it’s not a date.

Summary:

Your life had its general ups and downs, pros and cons, the good and the bad.

You were admittedly a coward and afraid of being targeted by people for it. Following the advice of your (best) friend you trained hard, like, FUCKING hard, and now you’re blessedly, utterly strong you can take down enemies with just one hit. A good thing, really. Can’t let any bad guy harass you or something.

But-

You were probably cursed with the biggest, baddest of luck. Not only were monsters chasing you, suddenly there was this fucking hot bastard weirdo who kept on calling himself the Hero Hunter. “I’m not a hero, goddamn it!”

i. and ii. | iii. and iv. | v. |[more to be added]

“i can’t keep my

hands

off…!”

- can’t keep my hands off you/simple plan

vi.

You quit the fast-food industry when the place you were working at was demolished by a monster.

You wondered why those blasted creeps kept coming out one after the other, and the rate of their appearances increased after that near-alien invasion a few weeks ago.

Badd sat beside you on the wooden bench at a park, metal bat resting on his shoulder. He was quietly sipping on the bubble tea you bought for him, chewing on the straw sometimes while he listened to you talk about your week.

“So you beat it after trashing your workplace, huh,” Badd casually commented while munching on the chewy pearls on his drink. “Did the branch manager give you an incentive or something?”

“Yeah,” you replied glumly. “But I feel kinda guilty since I think I was the reason why our place got destroyed, though. Maybe that monster was chasing me, and…” you ended your story with a feeble shrug.

Slight pain bloomed on your left cheek when Badd poked you a little hard with a finger.

“Or maybe it’s not,” he told you sternly, but the effect was dampened by the straw sticking out of his mouth. “C’mon, [Name]. Just because you’re scared of monsters doesn’t mean that all of them are out for yer blood. Sometimes, you just may be at the wrong place at the wrong time. But that’s why you trained to get strong, right? And look at you now, beating up the monsters you’re so scared of.”

Emboldened by his comment, you nodded in response and laid your head on his unoccupied shoulder. He placed his head on top of yours in response as he stifled a bored yawn.

“’M still glad that you’re safe, yanno. Zenko would’ve killed me for not being the hero to arrive on scene,” Badd remarked, sounding a little peeved at the thought of the pro-hero that disposed the monster’s lackeys surrounding the restaurant you previously worked at.

You frowned, already catching on and agreeing with his thoughts. You could still feel irritation rising in your gut at the memory of Amai Mask flashing you that sickly sweet smile of his while he rescued you and your workmates from the rest of the Mysterious Beings that attacked. Idol or not your dislike for the guy was clear as day, something you and Badd shared but would never tell Zenko. She was a huge fan of Amai Mask, and you and your best friend wouldn’t dare make an enemy out of her by telling her of your shared hostility towards the man.

“It would’ve been nice if it was my favourite hero who came to save the day,” you mumbled.

Badd let out a proud huff at your comment. “Don’t worry, [Name]. I’ll back you up next time so I can finally see how you-“

“Too bad Watchdog Man only looks after Q City,” you interjected, smirking.

Badd slung an arm around your shoulders and pulled on your hair in retaliation.

“Ow!"

“Tell me I’m not your favourite anymore and I will toss you in the river, dumbass!” he told you indignantly, spurring you to laugh at him.

“I’m kidding, sheesh! No need to get your bontan in a twist. Silly Metal Bat.”

Your discussion soon crossed his job as a hero. You already knew from the beginning that your best friend was a trouble kid at school even though you went at different ones, but knowing him as the best older brother to Zenko and a supportive friend to you, you couldn’t be any prouder at the dedication he showed in doing his hero work. Badd may act like a total delinquent, but you knew that he was a kind softie through and through.

Your best friend relayed to you the basics: From killing monsters the lower-ranking heroes couldn’t defeat and doing the assignments he was given to complaining about how the H. A. began handling things after A-City got wiped out because of that near-alien invasion thing. You tried your best not to laugh at the predicament Badd might soon find himself in when he grumbled about the possibility of being assigned as an executive’s bodyguard one of these days.

Man, you sure were glad that you kept on telling him no despite his best efforts on roping you into becoming a hero.

However, you still couldn’t help but feel worried for Badd. You knew he was terribly strong and that he could look after himself more than you’d expect, but even you would be a hypocrite to think that none was stronger than him sans his fellow S-Class.

Badd told you once that he could take care of a Dragon-level monster. You knew he could, you believed in him with all your heart.

But what if he would come face to face with a threat that might possibly be the worst match for him?

That was exactly what you told him, anxiety furrowing your brows.

The S-Class hero gazed at you with a reassuring smile, his usual confidence replaced by gratitude for being worried and looking out for him.

“I’d still beat their asses, [Name]!” Badd declared while ruffling your already messy [length] hair.

You returned his smile.

“I know you’re already strong, [Name], but I just gotta tell ya,” he said, turning serious. “Be careful, alright? More so now that you live alone and away from us. Also, there’s this arrogant bastard who roams around and beats up heroes. Calls himself the ‘Hero Hunter’.”

You straightened in your seat at the mention of the title and shot Badd a wide-eyed look. “Hero Hunter?”

He nodded. “The guys at the Association told me about it after Tank Top Master and his flunkies as well as that C-Class rank 1 got pummelled by that freak.”

Perhaps he was so used to seeing you look so frightened, but Badd didn’t notice the way you shuffled awkwardly beside him.

“D-Did… Did they t-tell you what he looks like?”

“Well, I didn’t wanna look at the picture they offered me, but when I was told that he was Silverfang’s former student it got me curious, you know?”

As Badd described what the so-called Hero Hunter looked like, you felt faint. What the hell were you doing, avoiding watching the news for weeks because all you ever see on the news were monster attacks and discussions about the aliens who obliterated A-City? Avoiding the media altogether? Oh, god, have you really been living under a rock since you moved out of your childhood home to miss something like this?

Badd’s description of the Hero Hunter fit a certain someone to a T.

Your recent unwanted visitor was-?

Not only were you an utter idiot, you seemed to also becoming rather forgetful. Hadn’t Garou called himself the Hero Hunter the very first time you met?

Holy shit.

Holy fucking shit.

Your new friend – because with all that messing around you two were sure past being acquaintances now – was the fucking Hero Hunter. A wanted criminal.

Badd was oblivious with your internal struggles and excused himself when his phone rang.

God. What were you going to do? Tell Badd?

Oh, god.

You never dreamed of going to jail.

---

to be continued

[alethiometers]

2019 in review

2019 was shit and I stopped writing this multiple times, but for posterity. Previous year here. Tagging @jaggedwolf @regressat @reyssamidalass @kerumie and whoever else is still here.

Top 5 Films of 2019

Parasite! There is nothing new I can say about Parasite. Watch Parasite.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire, allieverwaaanted.mp3

J’ai perdu mon corps, best animated feature accept no substitutes

The Farewell

Booksmart, I guess? This was not a great year for film.

Top 5 TV Shows in 2019

Mr. Robot ♥ I wish I’d gotten into it sooner, but I don’t think I could’ve gotten into it at any other point and had it mean as much as it did.

Unbelievable. Comes with a major trigger warning, but I’d honestly never seen a crime show this disinterested in the criminal and his psyche or w/e, it was gr8.

B99 feels like a copout answer, but B99.

One Day at a Time, ty Pop 4 my life

I’m running out of current shows that I feel enthusiastic about, so: free space for my Black Sails rewatch.

Top 5 songs of 2019

(hey look I actually used listened to music this year... I make no promises abt quality)

Slip Away by Perfume Genius

Brooklyn in the Summer by Aloe Blacc

The Moth & The Flame by Les Deux Love Orchestra (yeah this one’s Mr. Robot’s fault)

I Should Live in Salt by The National

Sylvia by The Antlers

Top 5 books of 2019

I feel good abt the fact that I read enough frontlist last year to fill this w/ 2019 releases.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf, high fantasy that actually feels fresh and has a very unreliable and very not straight or white narrator.

The Nickel Boys was so good and I’m glad it exists.

In the Dream House, light of my life. I’m very grateful that I got to attend a Q&A between the author and Desiree Akhavan.

Nothing to See Here was delightful!

Free space for The Goldfinch, which I haven’t stopped thinking about and could not have read at a more perfect time.

Five Good/Positive things that happened to you in 2019

I (eventually, eventually, eventually) got a job.

I got to stay in my dream city.

I posted two whole fics, which is more than I had in years.

I got the opportunity to see multiple Broadway shows for cheap + Shakespeare in the Park!

I got into nonfiction podcasts, which has been an excellent addition to my work life. (If anyone has recs, hmu.)

[dead-inside-mcgee]

Controlling a marionette Epilogue

Wahoo, I know this fic has kind of been a bit of a mess, that got a bit meta towards the end, but man I’m I glad to have this story finished. Special thanks to @blog-griffin-me just for existing and being there

Summary:   A few hours passed, Chase explained what happened, while leaving out a few details here and there. Eventually the little Q and A turned into the others explaining what happened while Chase was gone. Word count:  1525

There’s an old saying. “You never truly love something, until it’s gone.” Henrik can tell you first hand that it is one hundred percent true. 

 Nine months ago, Chase pulled another one of his stupid pranks by locking him in a closet. By the time he’d found a way out, Chase was gone. 

    At the moment, Henrik was stapling missing posters to every phone pole, tree, wall, bench, and anything else he could. Three months ago the police told him it was a loss cause. Two months ago Marvin took the sign off of Chase’s door marking it was his. Even after that Henrik refused to let him move anything inside the room.

  It seems silly to have gone to the police. Everyone knew who took Chase and the police would be no help getting him back. It was most likely a spur of the moment thing, maybe to give everyone a slight bit of hope before it came crashing down.

  Looking down at the smiling picture of his best friend, Henrik couldn’t help but feel a sting of guilt. It was almost like Chase had known what would happen, like Henrik was supposed to be the one taken, but he took his place. 

  He wouldn’t say it out loud, but even he has started to lose hope on ever finding him. And he was sure all the others had given up too. 

  The only person who hasn’t truly given up was Jackie, or Greyson as his real name, though no one besides Chase ever really called him that. Jackie would go out every day to swoop around the city in search of any sign of him. 

  Eventually Henrik had to head home. It was getting late and he was out of posters anyway. 

  He found Marvin standing around in the front room, looking tired and missing his mask. 

  “Something wrong? You look almost like you’re lost.”

  “Oh, no. I just felt like we might get another ego today. Seems my suspicions were wrong.” The magician shifted back and forth on his feet. “By the way, Ja- Greyson is waiting for you on the roof.”

  Henrik nodded, heading up the stairwell to find the superhero on the roof. 

  “Any news?”

  Greyson shrugged, staring blankly over the edge of the building. 

  “I guess not.” Henrik stood beside him. Even though the building was only three stories high, you could get a pretty good view of the city. 

  “Are you doing alright?”

  “Yeah… It just miss him. It’s not fair! And I’ve been thinking. It’s been almost ten months and still not even a ransom note or something!” He draws in a long, shaky sigh. “What if An- you-know-who didn’t take him and he just left.” 

  Henrik shook his head. “That’s not Chase. He would’ve spoken to someone or left a note.”

  “Right. I know. I would know being his best friend and all. It’s just, it’s been so long, and my thoughts have started to get to me ya know.”

  “I know.” He pats his shoulder gently.

  Greyson grins softly. “I’m just saying, if you-know-who did take him, he’d probably be d-” he cuts off. 

  “I know he could be dead, but we can’t gi-” Greyson slapped him, frantically pointing down at the sidewalk below. 

  There, prancing forward like he usually would, was Chase, holding the hand of what looked to be a child. 

  Henrik had to stop himself from jumping off the building to see if it was really him. Both of them scrambled for the elevator, before deciding to bolt down the stairs. 

  Henrik met Chase, while he was still out on the sidewalk.

  “Chase!” He was about to hug him but the vlogger held out a hand to stop him.

  “You have no idea how much I’d love to hug you right now, but if you did I’d probably straight up, pass out. But I brought you a souvenir.” Chase passed him the hand of the child he had with him, was Henrik now noticed had greyish purple skin and smelled of death, as the father walked past him to head inside.

  Marvin stood frozen in the front room along with Jackie, neither fully processing that Chase was here in front of him with seemingly no harm done to him. 

  “Ay, Marvin. Do you still have that sewing kit?”

  Marvin swallowed and nodded. “You’re alive?”

  “Not on the inside but yeah, I’m alive.”

  Before anyone can say anything, Jackie runs up and squeezes Chase in a big hug, tearing up. 

  “Jackie. Jackie, you’re hurting me.” Chase squeaked, tearing up as well. 

  He loosened his grip, still holding him like he’d disappear the second he let go. “I know, I know. I just missed you so so much.” 

  “Hey, I missed you too, Grey.” He hugged back. “But if you keep hugging me I will actually pass out, so if you don’t mind-” 

  “Right, okay.” Greyson set him down. “I just missed you so much.”

  “I know. I missed you too, all of you.” He smiled at Marvin, who’d just been awkwardly standing to the side. 

  “I’ll try to explain where I’ve been later. After I take a twelve hour nap. Tell Dr. Septiceye I said hi. Also when or if I get up, I’ll need that sewing kit.” Chase yawns and walked past them to pass out in his room, leaving both of them dumbfounded on how he even knew how Dr. Septiceye was. 

***

Henrik had been passing around the ER for the past hour, trying to figure out what the hell Robbie was, who he existed, and where Chase got him, while Dr. Septiceye watched wearily. 

  “Why don’t you ask Chase when he wakes up?”

  “No! I am a man of science! I must figure this out myself.” The good doctor shouted, staring at the young zombie who was passed out on the old pullout couch.

  “You’re a doctor. You should be focusing on work, not the kid. Maybe let some mysteries bubble.”

  “No! You’re the doctor! I am a scientist, now dedicated to figuring out the science of zombification.”

  “About that.” Dr. Jack stood up and removed his coat. “I’m hardly qualified to be a doctor. I only came about because you were busy trying to find Chase, to do your job. Now that Chase is back, you can return to work and there’s no need for me to take your place.” He held the coat out to him, a peace offering. 

  Henrik took it, suddenly forgetting about what he was just saying. “You’re… resigning?” 

  “Yeah, pretty much. I never really cared for the idea of being a doctor, and I know the fandom misses you a whole hell of a lot. So yeah. I’m resigning and letting the real, cereal box licence, doctor return to his throne.” He gestures to the desk.

   Henrik stepped forward and placed his hand on the desk. “This- this is my desk.”

  “I’m surprised you hadn’t noticed. I got rid of the old metal desk almost two weeks ago.”

  Henrik chuckled, sitting down in his chair. “I swear, if this is just some while big setup to make me do your paperwork, I’ll kill you.”

  “No strings attached. I promise.”

  “So if you’re no longer a doctor, are you just going to be Jacksepticeye?”

  “No, no. That’d get confusing quick. I’m think I’ll go for something simpler. Jace.”

  “Jace. I like it. Now get out of my office!” He stands up and points to the door, smiling widely. “I’m still going to dedicate my time to trying to figure out zombification.”

  “Okay, okay. No need to tell me twice. Good luck on your research.” 

***

The next thing anyone knew, they were all gathered around the couch, watching Chase work on what appeared to be a doll. 

  “Oo! I should put a little sweater vest on this guy. That’d be so cute! Marvin, can you should me how to make a tiny sweater vest while we’re talking?”

  “Sure, do you also want me to teach you spanish and latin while we’re talking?” Marvin said, smiling a bit.

  “I’d like to learn spanish!”

  They all laughed, happy to have good old Chase back. 

  Marvin magicked a ball of yarn and hopped onto the couch beside him. 

  “So you’re telling us while in the void, you killed Anti?” Jackie asked, a little dumbfounded.

  “Well not killed, but hurt. And not without Robbie’s help. I know for a fact anti won’t hurt us again.

  A few hours passed, Chase explained what happened, while leaving out a few details here and there. Eventually the little Q and A turned into the others explaining what happened while Chase was gone. 

  “What’s up with the doll anyway?” Someone asked.

  “I’m glad you asked. Let me show you.” He finished up one final stitch and set the doll on the coffee table.

  The doll glowed and seemed to unravel as it grew, until it was the size of a person. Then there was a man sitting there on the table, a splitting image of the doll. He looked nervous. 

  Chase stood up. “Everyone! I’d like you to met Antonio Septiceye, our newest ego.”

[unproduciblesmackdown]

let's see those Prime Numbers for the ask meme

2) favorite albums?

well i was Ready for kesha’s album Warrior to come out in iiii think it was the end of 2012 or early 2013?? i snuck out to that tour in dc that summer also. totally solid album and it was fun to have something so fun during a totally Not Fun period lol. i was also pretty into owl city at the exact same time lmao, that’s Blatantly for when you’re depressed lol...and i also eventually saw that guy on tour when a new album came out in 2015, and that was fun too, and was Enjoying Myself a factor in the tipping point of “ah jeez i gots 2 get outta here” that i had in the next month? maybe! and uhhh i listened a lot to the phoenix te amo album. that one wasnt tied to anything at all but i have heard it So much. super short and also rock solid and relistenable. and then here we are and the bmc obcr is a gift to the world b/c a) it exists and b) Cuz It All Slaps and c) it’s so fun to either sing or dance along, or cry along if it’s the agtikbi reprise and d) lgw... and e) all the eternal, well-mixed wroland vocals

3) favorite memes?

oh god lmao idk......real earlier 10s stuff was the I Say Hey he-man meme, and the “that really rustles my jimmies” meme which was real underrated......there’s been plenty of Memes where i’ve been like “this one is funny to me Every Time” but of course now looking back on it it’s like. what’s a meme??? Vine

(skipping 5 & 11 cuz that’s the Entirety of someone else’s ask and i don’t wanna just have to scrap theirs completely and i’ll get to it next!!)

11) favorite fanarts?

you know what, there’s continuously been a ton of amazing fanart where i’m like, i’m so glad i’m seeing this, & this is Artistic Fuel, and marge simpson anime has really been just this Standout Experience lmao like......idk for as Inspiring as it is, there’s only a couple things i’ve drawn that are Directly inspired, but i just flip for it all the time and like, it’s supremely expressive and like, comics that aren’t chronological but more like a Collage Of a Moment / Concept which i think is super cool and also i love when stuff reminds me that it doesn’t have to look ~super cleaned up~ to look great.

13) favorite people you know?

oh god this one really got out of control lol i started like, talking about everyone ever from this past decade. so for Convenience i’m interpreting this as “people *i* know, but they don’t know me” so that i can cheat and say will roland, voted person of the year 2019. by extension, essential supporting crew who helped us reach this point, like john simpkins or joe iconis. leave it at that!! it’s 5am and you know i’m not lying. who knew where going “wow, This guy” in late 2018 would have so much Value.

17) a fandom you wish more people were in/you had more people to talk to about?

oof hmm.......amnesia tdd didn’t really have a “fandom” even though it obviously got a lot of attention, it’dve been fun if it had though lol. it’s tricky to answer this one cuz i always prefer like, smaller fandoms and/or finding the Niche or some other way of just like, interacting with a small corner of things, so i’m never like wow god damn wish i’d been absolutely in the thick of it with this thing. i’ve been in Corners n Niches and it’s been fine by me, really

19) a fandom that you had the best time in?

HMM lol.........marble hornets sure was fun but like, a lot of that was just the content itself and not necessarily The Fan Experience, tho i sure got a lot out of it in a ton of ways. i mean tbh that’s true of each thing i’ve really Gotten Into majorly, i go hard af and then walk out the other side with these #connections or #experiences like whoa where’d these come from lol!! but really like, overall, i’m probably having the best time right now. the “fandom” is basically just our agenda lmao but like i said i’m always having the best time when it’s a pretty niche deal, And the sheer variety of Contents n Characters to draw from here is super nice, and the fact that it’s like, oh yeah and i’m finally recognizing this should’ve-been-obvious entire Passionne i’ve had since always, and that’s great too, and like, also just having the Variety Of Live / Current Unfoldings that go down.....like, everyone havin fun with the Joe Iconis Xmas Xtrav was entirely great. and just the Engagement level is basically the best, cuz like there’s the times where maybe i’ll get a zillion notes and that’s definitely fun in its own way but i always enjoy just the way smaller amount of ppl who are Particularly Enthusiastic, and like, there’s times where like, maybe i’m *technically* in this larger circle of ppl but like, totally more of like a Tangent or peripheral to that circle or whatever lol........this feels like a really solid balance of like, being sorta in this orbit of people in a chill way, but also definitely the direct interactions Existing, which is always important lol but hasn’t always been a constant throughout my Fandom Experiences at all

23) who were you at the beginning of this decade?

2009-2010 was a real distinct year lol i was in my second year of college in the middle of my teens, when i’d hardly really been getting to Explore My Interests Freely up to that point and still wasn’t, but all of a sudden it’s like goddamn i have to figure out my major???? and i’m like, obviously in the middle of only just now Really getting to figure out my identity in this deeper and more genuine way, thanks to being lucky enough to Live On Campus and be away from home like, 2/3 of the year, but i was just like, oh god i’m in Stress Hell now all the time cuz like. i’m trying to figure out my whole thing and what my ~Career~ should be and i just have no idea but am like, trying super hard all the time lol it was not successful and i was just really stressed about it all the time. i was def quieter back then.....pretty lonely at the time, i did not get into mh and gain the presence of any Online Friends until late 2010, and i hadn’t yet been sort of accepted by a small faction of theatre people via my roommate’s connections.....i wasn’t at all Out yet, and was def In Progress of figuring it all out.....i didn’t have nearly the Self-Esteem i have now lmao, it was Not a great time and in a lot of ways ‘09-’10 was the start of a downturn into Worse Than Usual Times, though in Other ways it was definitely an upturn lol like. the latter related to stuff that was important to me / who i am, the former tied to the situations i was in and the godawful morale that resulted

29) a time when the worst case scenario happened but you pulled through?

well by the end of 2012 i had my Wrath Parent deluxe mad at me big time, AND i was stuck at home all of thee time with that (not at all hours but. every day.) it was terrible!!! tf was going on in 2013, cuz that shit was definitely like, a gross blur of a lot of indistinct misery. and then, relatedly, when it was so shitty in 2015 that i was like fantastic, i am so officially sick of this i’m outta here. i revisited some Misery Posts from that period lately for someone stranger on twitter’s project or something, and boy i was having a bad time Summer Of ‘15 lol, things not getting better at home And a job that was so shitty that it was like..................bye. lol. and then i spent a year living out of a minivan. which was real lucky in ways b/c like. infinitely better than if i had not had that minivan. and when that broke down i was also then lucky enough to have this friend who was relatively nearby who’d also been willing to just like, set me up to Not have to ask the lgbt center where that trans-friendly forest zone a couple cities over was. nothing as dramatic as it could’ve been, fortunately

31) a time you were scared?

hmmm when leaving The Parents Home overnight, that was intimidating. bit of completely jumping into the unknown there, and also like, when you spend your lifetime assuming that Someone’s Arbitrary Wrath will be uponst you always, it’s hard to shake that sense of dread and doom, like ah jeez i am really potentially bringing hell on myself here........and like i mentioned with Start Of The Decade, there was just a ton of fear there all the time lol, trying to figure out virtually overnight The Whole Of Who I Am And What I Want when i’d only just even gotten to start......also i wanna say i maybe came out in 2011?? and i sort of also felt obligated to come out to my parents also (plus i think i was giving them like, one last chance to surprise me and be decent and kind of Grow Up themselves even tho i was the like, 16 y.o.) which yknow, kids you do not have to come out to anyone at all. someone was talking the other day abt how they didn’t think lgbtq “discourse” had evolved as much as you’d hope over the past decade, but idk about that, it's only a little bit of a wildly complex topic, and for starters Online Trans “Discourse” of a decade back was wayyyyyy in a vastly different place than it is now, leaps and strides really. so the way to ~really~ do it was presented kind of more rigidly i think. anyways i did it via email and was incredibly stressed to even open the reply a couple days later lol......which ended up being really weird and vague, and then there was a phone call where no one brought it up, and the only result was increased ire and resentment :( ........and then there was still like, cops encounters! near or not-as-bad-as-they-could’ve-been vehicular collisions! but tbh generally my reaction to the latter was underwhelming, except for one particular time when i was a passenger and also tense af for the rest of the ride. that’s it for Immediate fear really lol......oh wait one time i was at this decent sized Convention Panel Event and when i’m nervous i can Only talk more (it’s possible!!) and i snuck into line for the q&a and Right when i got to the mic (intimidating) they were like oop we’re low on time, lightning round!! :’] that was obviously more just a crapton of l’anxiete

37) a fashion that fell out of style that you wish would make a resurgence?

were Gladiator sandals this decade? the strappy deals that like, went up the ankles / calves? that was in fashion for a year or two and i’m into it. i like sandals and that kind of drama

41) something you learned a lot that not a lot of other people might know about?

i don’t know that i learned way a lot of anything that’s real in-depth knowledge and niche lore.........i have learned Nothing

43) an important relationship (of any kind) you had?

i had???? lmao well either way let’s say current relationships count and like, pretty much everyone in my Sphere i value a lot! i never like, have or have had a ~close~ ring of ppl around me lol like i thought it was lucky if i talked to someone Every Day (and not at all the Usual thing) and now it’s more likely that i talk to two people every day and maybe that sounds sarcastic but it’s not at all lol. i know my social stats aren’t impressive but i so appreciate what i get to enjoy and have. and other Connections might be way more like, we are friendly acquaintances, we talk on rare occasions, we haven’t talked at all in ages, we talk but only to trade cute pics of cats, Etc etc, but i seriously do appreciate all of everyone who’s cool who i get to interact with in any way and like, be in each other’s spheres and Not just like, absolutely on nobody’s radar. also obviously soph you are here in that list in case i wasn’t implying it good enough lol it is 5am and god knows deciphering what i say at any time can be its own challenge.....ur Epic Highs and Lows of bmc 3.0 is so good lmao

[saccred]

↳ messeret eze :: task 001.

Hello, Mrs. MESSERET EZE. My name is Detective Booth and I’m handling this case. I don’t need to go into details; you know why you’re here, and we already have you down as a suspect in her death. We’ve got witnesses to corroborate and a budding timeline, but we need more information from you directly. Make my day easier and cooperate with me on this, will ya’? I just need you to answer these questions for me. Do me a favor and don’t lie – you’re talking to a trained professional right now, I’ll be able to pick up on certain things whether you realize it or not. Lying will only come back to bite your ass later on. Just some food for thought. Let’s begin.

Q: I’m gonna’ start light. I hate interrogators who go straight into the hard stuff, ya’ know? I find it impolite. So, tell me a little about yourself. Give me your full name.

“Um, well, my name is Messeret Eze. I don’t have a middle name. I was born in Africa but grew up in Iran -- my parents said there were better educational opportunities there. I was adopted when I was four for promotional purposes; it’s how I ended up here, in Chicago.”

Q: Alright. Tell me your date of birth and age.

“I was born on August 15th. I’m nineteen years old.”

Q: Where did you grow up? What was your home life like? Tell me about your family and your upbringing. Give me your story.

“Right, so, like I said, I grew up in Iran. There wasn’t that stereotypical struggle people like to think exists outside of America. I could get a good job when I got older. A governmental one, if I wanted. I’m an only child to my birth parents. I was adopted at age four, organized by a missionary magazine company. My adoptive parents are nice, and they have three sons, all older than me. They helped me learn English.”

Q: Tell me about the most impactful people in your life. I’m not picky – they can be good or bad impacts.

“I think anyone who’s nice to me has made a good impact. Maybe not lasting, of course, but I always appreciate them. I haven’t had any damagingly bad impacts, but there are people I wish I hadn’t met.”

Q: What are your goals in life? What would be your ideal final ending? What would help you reach these goals?

“I want to be a billionaire. The richest woman on the planet. No, don’t smile -- I’m being serious. I want to be unbelievably successful. I want to be a trivia answer one day -- young woman who grabbed America by it’s balls and milked it of it’s money. --Alex, who is Messeret Eze.” What would help me get there? Connections. Networking. Hard work really is only half of it.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

“...Charming.”

Q: What do you do in your free time? What’s your idea of fun? What sports or extracurriculars are you in at Hyland University?

“In my free time I like to go to a lot of events around the city. You know, promotional things for products and movie premiers and restaurant openings. It’s easy to get in if you know the right people, and you know even more of the right people once you get in. I like going to the mall, too. I’m a cheerleader and a volleyball player. I’m also a tour guide for campus, and a member of BSU.”

Q: Do you drink? Smoke? Take drugs of any kind? Answer carefully on this one, kid.

“I try not to drink. The last thing I want is to end up on Barstool Sports because I was embarrassingly trashed.” 

Q: Tell me about the relationships in your life. Friendships, romantic, everything in between. 

“I’m friends with Caroline Kinsey because we cheer together, and I’m friends with Eden Rose because she’s on the team with me. Dominique Childs and I are -- sort of friends. I could list fifty more but those are the first three that pop in my mind. Romantic? I have two ex-boyfriends who also go here.”

Q: What’s the best thing that has ever happened to you? What’s the worst?

“The best was being valedictorian of my class. The worst was relaxing my hair in sixth grade to try and fit in -- but my curls are back now, so we’re good.”

Q: Let me throw in a fun one, lighten up the mood. Would you rather only be able to tell the truth or only be able to lie?

“Truth.”

Q: Did you kill Morgan Parrish? 

“No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t.”

Q: Let’s get some background information on this. How do you know Morgan Parrish?

“We went to high school together. That’s how I know her.”

Q: Explain the extent of your relationship with her. Was it platonic? Civil? Rocky? Romantic?

“It was civil. We were friends and on the cheer team together.”

Q: In your own words, describe Morgan Parrish to me.

“Um. I really don’t like cursing.”

Q: Would you say your life got better or worse upon meeting Morgan Parrish?

“Better, honestly. She hooked me up with really exclusive and prestigious internships at some firms she knew.”

Q: What was your favorite thing about her?

“She was always willing to help me.”

Q: What was your least favorite thing about her?

“She couldn’t name five countries in Africa.”

Q: Where were you the night of her murder?

“Um. I think I was at a BSU meeting?”

Q: Where were you the day before?

”What day did she die on? Friday, right? I was probably in class most of the day.”

Q: Where were you after?

“Everyone kinda’ just stayed in their dorms and kept to theirselves the day after we found out she died.”

Q: How did you feel about her passing?

“I was shocked, for sure. No one close to me has ever died.”

Q: What do you think about the way she died? Just as a refresher, Morgan Parrish was drugged, strangled, beaten, and then shot.

“I think it’s awful. I get people didn’t like her but that was an extreme way to hurt someone.”

Q: Did you make any sort of tribute to her death and put it on social m-

Another interrogator walks into the room. She’s holding a folder with your picture clipped to the front. She opens it in front of Detective Booth and whispers something into his ear. He shoots you a look and then excuses himself from the room. He returns twenty minutes later, features stony. He quickly writes something down on his notepad and then caps the pen.

Q: Change of plans. I’m going to scrap the questions I had prepared and ask you what I see fit. Where were you exactly the night Morgan Parrish died?

“I -- I can’t say where I was exactly, I’m not sure. W-wait, no -- the BSU meeting. I was there.”

Q: Tell me all the details you can remember from that night.

“I remember getting back to my room and going to bed like normal, and when I woke up the news had broke. My day had been standard.”

Q: Were you intoxicated at any point?

“No. Like I said, I try not to drink, and I don’t smoke, either.”

Q: Are there any witnesses able to corroborate your story?

“Maybe? Probably.”

Q: I feel like you’re leaving things out. Tell me all the details you can remember from that night.

“I swear that’s all I know. I don’t remember much, I’m sorry.”

Q: … are you telling me the truth, kid? We got six other students we’re talking to today – sure would suck for you if one of ‘em was able to prove that something you’re saying is false. 

“I’m telling the truth, honestly. Why would I kill Morgan? What would I gain from that? If anything, I lose.”

Q: What was the last thing you said to Morgan?

“She sent me a link to her uncle’s business and I said I’d check it out.”

Q: Have you ever gotten into a physical altercation with Morgan before?

“Never. I don’t fight and she never gave me a reason to want to fight her.”

Q: Have you ever fought verbally with Morgan?

“Never. Honestly. We got along really well.”

Q: Would you say you felt safe around Morgan?

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’d say I felt safe. She was a little intimidating but I was never scared of her.”

Q: Do you wish you had never met Morgan?

“I’m glad I met Morgan. I know I’m, like, the only person here who’s going to say that, but it’s true. My work experience list on my resume has seven bullet points because of her.”

Q: Do you own a gun?

“Absolutely not.”

Q: Have you handled a gun before?

“I’ve handled a glue gun before. --Sorry, let me not joke, this isn’t the right time.”

Q: Do you know someone who owns a gun?

“A lot of guys in my high school owned guns. Y’know, the ones with mullets and pickup trucks and cowboy boots even though our school was in the city?”

Q: Have you gotten into physical fights before?

“No. I wear acrylic nails, I can’t fight with these.”

Q: Is there anyone who can prove where you say you were on the night of her death?

“I think so.”

Q: Do you think Morgan deserved to die?

“No. I’m just a human, death isn’t my call to make.”

Q: Do you wish she was still alive?

“Yes, honestly. I do.”

Q: Do you miss her?

“Yes.”

Q: Has your life gotten better or worse since her death?

“It’s been about the same, really. Thankfully.”

Q: If you could bring her back to life, would you?

“Again, not my call, but if I could? Yes.”

Q: Are you hiding something from the people of Hyland? From your family? From me?

“I like to think that I’m the most realest person you’ll ever meet.”

Q: Have you been telling the truth this entire time?

“Nothing but the truth. Sorry again about the glue gun joke.”

Q: Did you kill Morgan Parrish?

“No, I didn’t.”

[gorogues]

Johns and Kolins interviews, part 3

Cut for length.

Part One and Part Two are available at the links.  This was supposed to be posted more three years ago, and it’s been sitting in my Drafts folder all this time.  Oops.

I occasionally clarify things or add my comments in [ ] brackets and italics.

Geoff Johns

CBG: Here's a fanboy question: One of the familiar aspects of the Silver Age Flash was silly plots and transformations taken with utmost seriousness. Is this light-hearted element toast in today's grim-and-gritty environment? Or will you sometimes turn someone into a puppet just for fun?

Johns: You know, it all depends on the story. For Flash: Rebirth, there's going to be a lot of heart in that series, but we're not going to go back to 1960s-style stories where we have stand-alone stories where Barry Allen turns into a puppet. That stuff's fun and if you have Abra Kadabra, you can have a story incorporating those elements. But it's certainly not the main thrust of where I'm taking the book.

CBG: So you're saying there's no editorial edict, you're just following your story.

Johns: Yeah, there's no editorial edict saying “you have to do this or that.” I'm just kinda exploring what I want to explore with The Flash. For me [Flash] being turned into a puppet or being turned fat, those are `60s stories that are the same thing like with Superman, where they did a lot of great Superman stories back in the day involving red kryptonite, and since then they've done kinda modern-day versions of that.

<<snip>>

CBG: Another topic: I guess the Rogues are no longer guilty of murder with the return of Bart? Maybe just attempted murder?

Johns: They're all each guilty of murders multiple times over.

CBG: And they're still going to be a major element of the title?

Johns: Absolutely. For my money, I can't do a Flash book without the Rogues.

CBG: And Flash: Rebirth #1 brought back Mr. Element. Haven't seen him for a while.

Johns: I used him in my Flash run.

CBG: Which name was he using?

Johns: Dr. Alchemy. But I never really got into him and he's a character that might be coming soon.

CBG: Well, with the Philosopher's Stone, he's not exactly a lightweight.

Johns: No. To me, he's always the character that the Rogues were kinda like "We don't want to be anywhere near him".

CBG: Because he's crazy? Or dangerous?

Johns: Yeah, he's psychotic. The Rogues each have their issues, and they're all psychotic in their own way. But they're also sane enough, and lucid enough, to understand camaraderie and loyalty and stuff like that. They have their own code, and that's something Dr. Alchemy....he's just too far gone. The Rogues think they have honorable motivation at times, especially Captain Cold -- he knows he's a criminal, but he has standards. Alchemy doesn't have standards.  He's scary.

CBG: I guess they regard Professor Zoom the same way?

Johns: Professor Zoom -- when's this [interview] come out?

CBG: June.

Johns: I can't really talk about Professor Zoom yet.

CBG: OK. But just in regard to how the Rogues think of him, though, do the Rogues kinda exclude him from the ‘clubhouse’ because he's kinda wacky?

Johns: Absolutely. But he also doesn't want to have anything to do with the Rogues.

CBG: Because he considers himself a hero, he helps heroes grow-- 

Johns: He has his own motivations.

*****************

Geoff Johns

Geoff Johns: I got a Facebook message today from someone who had never read a Superman comic book, even though they work at a comic store, until Superman: Secret Origin #1. And now, for the first time, she is reading a Superman comic and enjoying it. There are so many discussions about accessibility to today's monthly comics and my purpose with both Green Lantern: Secret Origin and Superman: Secret Origin is to introduce them, and in the case of current readers re-introduce them, to these characters. My hope is to continue these, most likely with The Flash: Secret Origin, which would include the beginning of the Rogues as well.

[Something we've never gotten, at least yet.. --Lia]

******************

Scott Kolins

Q: You've done a bit of work with The Flash of late with "Rogues' Revenge" and the upcoming "Blackest Night: The Flash," but are you excited to be back with The Flash on an ongoing basis?

Scott Kolins: Yes, very much. Working with Geoff is always a dream job, but it feels really nice right now to be back in the Flash universe for a while. It's very exciting. I love drawing Flash and the supporting cast. And he's got some of the best villains.

Q: Of The Flash's rogues do you have any favorites to draw and will we be seeing him during your run on the book?

SK: Grodd's always been my favorite and Geoff has planned a special Grodd story for me somewhere along the line. But really, I like them all. I'd love to do another Weather Wizard story. And of course Cold and Zoom are incredible so anytime to draw them is special. Geoff even mentioned another Cicada story he'd like to get to sometime. And there are others I haven't really gotten to, like Computron, or even bring in other aliens, like the Dominators.

*****************

Geoff Johns

CBR: The other project you announced this weekend was "Blackest Night: Flash." When you were developing "Blackest Night" as a maxiseries, was a Flash tie-in series always in the plans?

Geoff Johns: Yes. It's always been part of the project. There's so much you can do with 'Blackest Night' and the Black Lanterns. If we were going to explore other characters, it was going to be Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, JSA and Titans. And so I always knew Flash was going to be a part of it. And I knew Scott was going to do it. We have a lot of dead Rogues and a lot of live Rogues, and Flash has to fight them, so it should be fun.

CBR: You and Scott obviously have a special bond. I mean, you always have a great relationship with the artists you work with, Ethan [Van Sciver] and Ivan [Reis] and Dale [Eaglesham] and Gary [Frank] and all the others, but you and Scott, appear to anyway, to feed off one another. Is it the character of Flash that you both love? Or just similar takes on storytelling? What is it that makes Scott such a perfect fit for you?

Geoff Johns: I think for me and Scott, it goes deeper than that. Scott and I started off together. We started off working on "Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E." So we did issues of "Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E " and then we did "Flash" when nobody else wanted to do it. They said, "You and Scott are following Mark Waid." And it was going to be a disaster. But we did our own take and our own spin and took Flash in a different direction, especially with the Rogues and Keystone and everything else.

With me and Scott, it's almost like a childhood friend. It's a different kind of bond, and I think with the Rogues, and Flash in particular, we're just extremely comfortable together in that universe. We're really happy to be working with those characters and we feel like we helped usher in those characters and again, especially with the Rogues.  We actually first worked together when I first got into comics. So there's just something special about working with Scott.

In "Blackest Night: Flash," it's the Rogues versus the Black Lantern Rogues and Flash is caught in the middle. And Captain Cold will be facing off against Black Lantern Golden Glider. And Scott can do that. Scott can excel at that. There's just something about working with Scott that's just really a lot of fun and kind of magical for me. I love working with Scott Kolins.

CBR: When you were plotting "Blackest Night," were the dead Rogues characters that immediately came top of mind as possible Black Lanterns?

Geoff Johns: Absolutely, because there are so many dead ones. You've got Mirror Master, you've got Trickster, you've got Captain Boomerang, you've got a lot of dead Rogues and a lot of speedsters too.

***************

Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver

Geoff Johns: For a lot of the work, both on the Flash and his villains and surroundings, what we're harkening back to and looking at are the original comics by Carmine Infantino.

Ethan Van Sciver: Oh, and he was a genius! Geoff, I wasn't a big fan of that stuff until you turned me on to it.

GJ: He's a genius.

EVS: Really, you go back and you read those first 25 issues of Barry Allen, and that guy created some of the most original, interesting, compelling-looking characters, and not just The Flash, but all those Rogues were so...

GJ: They're so varied. I love that you've got, like, Abra Kadabra from the 64th Century, you've got Gorilla Grodd and the Gorilla City.

EVS: As good as Spider-Man villains, at least.

Newsarama: Will the Flash Rogues be in The Flash: Rebirth?

EVS: A few of them.

GJ: It can't be a Flash book without his Rogues, in my opinion.

****************

Geoff Johns

Q: Mark Bailie is a long-time fan and was wondering about a plot thread from your previous run on "The Flash."   "At the end of your run on "The Flash" Vol. 2, we see Captain Boomerang dropped into the future during The Flash/Reverse Flash battle, and we also have the re-animated Captain Boomerang telling Ashley Zolomon that Owen's mother is Meloni Thawne; thus making Bart Allen the half-brother of Owen Mercer/Harkness. Has this been touched upon at all, and if not, will this be an eventual topic in your new run on "The Flash?"

GJ: It has not been touched on at all. But yes, that happened.  

Q: Frank W. wanted you to know that he recognized Paul Gambi from "The Flash" #239 on the last page of "The Flash: Rebirth" #5.

GJ: Thanks, I'm glad somebody recognized him. Gambi will be in "The Flash" in 2010. For those of you who don't know Gambi, he's a tailor in Central City. He was the guy who created the Rogues' uniforms, and one thing that I am really proud of that Scott Kolins and I did in "Rogues' Revenge" is the subplot where he gets the hell beat out of him by these fake Rogues and Heatwave confronts one of them and says, "Did Gambi make your uniform? Because he made mine and it can withstand insane temperatures."  

And he burns the other guy's costume right off because Gambi is the guy who makes their uniforms. And though his tastes are a little wacky, you can tell by their uniforms, he builds them to last and to take the kind of beating the Rogues usually take on a daily basis.  The Rogues will be a major force in the new "Flash" book.  

***************

Geoff Johns

Alex Segura: Geoff, first off -- thanks for doing this. The Flash is a special character and it's only fitting that we make his return to monthly comics special here on The Source. Now, being a huge fan of The Flash myself, and Barry Allen in particular, I have a very vivid memory of my first encounter with the character -- what about you? What's your earliest Barry/Flash memory? What made him a cool character for you even then?

Geoff Johns: My first encounter with Barry Allen, outside of comics, was in animation in the Challenge of the Super-Friends cartoon. I guess that's where I also met Captain Cold. Those two characters, the Flash and Captain Cold, became my favorites. (Oh, and does anyone remember how Hal Jordan had that weird tan? I guess because he was from California? :) ) Anyway, those are my very memories, along with the Flash Super Powers figure, but when I finally got into comic books one of my very first comics was CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #8, which featured the death of the Flash. I don't remember the details well, but I do remember I was blown away by the issue. From there, I started buying back issues of the Flash. It was before everything was collected, before eBay, so I really had to hunt those comics down to read the stories. The powers, the Rogues and the uniform were what always drew me in.  

AS: It's often said that you can judge a hero by his villains, and one of the things I remember most about your initial Flash run — and was very thankful for, being a fan of Barry -- was how you not only brought back and polished some of the classic Flash villains -- Captain Cold is a great example -- but also reinvigorated the Rogues with some great, creepy new additions like Murmur and most notably Hunter Zolomon/Zoom. What makes a great villain? What do you look for when you sit down and create one? And, in addition to reuniting Barry with some of his deadliest foes, are we going to see new ones appear in your first year?

GJ: The Flash has arguably the best villains in comics. Batman's are amazing and psychological, but the Flash's are from the far future and super scientific Gorilla Cities. Not to mention the core group of Flash's foes, the Rogues. They were always a massive part of what made the Flash cool to me. He fought all these guys, sometimes at once because he could. When I first worked on the Flash the Rogues hadn't been touched really more than an odd appearance here and there. I knew that they were going to be a huge focus for me and I continued using them in Rogues' Revenge and Blackest Night: The Flash, but now with the new monthly book they'll be playing a bigger and ongoing role in Barry's life. There are some pretty big changes for the Rogues coming up that tie in to the very center of the DC Universe. Barry will be meeting some new villains, one in particular that is going to be the strangest killer he's ever faced. And I think with 64th Century magicians and talking gorillas that's saying a lot.

*****************

Scott Kolins

Q: What can you tell us about the Blackest Night: Flash mini you’re working on with Geoff Johns?

Scott Kolins: That’s it’s gonna be great! Geoff has really moved into high gear with this Blackest Night stuff and he’s got some amazing stuff planned. Both and Wally and Barry will be in the story – and the Rogues! Dead or Alive! How awesome is that?! I’ve been waiting years to draw a book like this! This will be even better than Blitz or Rogue’s Revenge!

Q: Who are some of your favorite characters to draw?

Scott Kolins: I have very few I don’t like to draw. I love super-heroes and monsters and fun stuff and serious stuff. Monsters like Grundy, Bizarro and Grodd are pure delight. Villains Zoom and Cold are great too. I’d love to get to Sinestro or Brainiac. But I’m dying to do a big Wonder Woman story or Shazam! Hawkman or Aquaman! I LOVE Kirby stuff, so Omac, New Gods, or I’d love to do a Mister Miracle & Big Barda book! Or even the Legion of Super-heroes! I love it all. Plus I’d really love a chance to add to some of the mythologies. I wanna create incredible villains for Hawkman or Aquaman!

****************

Scott Kolins

GL SPOTLIGHT: Well first let’s dive into Blackest Night: Flash, the miniseries that reunites the highly praised Flash team of you and writer Geoff Johns. How different were these three issues than your time on Flash previously? Have Geoff's scripts become any more visually demanding than before?

SCOTT KOLINS: Rogues Revenge was only loosely connected to Final Crisis. The Blackest Night Flash series story is tied more to the central plot of Blackest Night. Barry is a pivotal figure on Blackest Night and he's 1/2 the story in Blackest Night Flash. The Rogues 1/2 of this story is a little looser but still connected as they fight some Black Lantern Rogues. Geoff's scripts are about the same - which means great and very much based on the core story being told. In Rogues Revenge was about revenge (Duh!), and here it was more about survival - against undead friends and villains! The only new thing - which is actually very old school is that Geoff was so busy working on all aspects of Blackest Night that he would sometimes call me on the phone and we'd discuss the next page or scene and break it down over the phone. Then I'd rough out the page or pages and email that back to him for his approval. It was actually kinda fun this way and we got the book done on time!

GL Spotlight: It was definitely a fun read. We know that Flash: Rebirth artist Ethan Van Sciver designed many of the Black Lanterns for this event. Were you able to design the Black Lantern outfits for the Rogues, Reverse-Flash, and even Solomon Grundy, yourself?

SCOTT: Yes I did. Design may be a bit too big a credit because they’re all working off the basic Black Lantern design already set up – but I did sketch out Solomon Grundy and Black Lantern Reverse Flash. Grundy’s was a natural as he is already a walking dead creation - just add the triangle and some pants stripes. I played more with Black Lantern Reverse Flash. The five “fingers” on top of the inverted triangle were squared off at first but I showed a pointy version to Geoff which he preferred. Then balance out how much lightning would work with the extra pant Black Lantern lines and he was done. The Black Lanterns are an awesome concept and were tons of fun to draw.

******************

Geoff Johns 

Q: Will Barry face any new villains in his series?

Geoff Johns: You will see new characters in "The Flash" #1.

Q: But he asked about new villains?

Geoff Johns: I will not say anything other than you will see new characters in "The Flash" #1. But they're kinda villains. Kinda.

[He's talking about the Renegades. --Lia]

********************

Geoff Johns

Q: Let’s start with “The Flash.” The first story arc is a lot of fun and Francis [Manapul] is really bringing his ‘A’ game.

Geoff Johns: Francis is a genius. And that’s the tone I wanted to do, very accessible and a lot of fun. That’s what The Flash is all about. I wanted the book to have a lot of heart, a bit like our run with Superboy in “Adventure Comics.” I love writing that book. Coming up, we’ll see a new supporting cast member, a new villain, the return of the Pied Piper, more on Captain Boomerang and, of course, the Flash Family as we race towards “Flashpoint.”

[I'm including this because we did not in fact see Piper in the book. --Lia]

Q: William Schwartz had a question about continuity. He asked that you explain the continuity of Professor Zoom, a.k.a. Reverse Flash, between “Blackest Night,” “Blackest Night: Flash,” “Flash: Rebirth” and “Brightest Day.” He's alive and then imprisoned in “Flash: Rebirth,” which also hints at his soon-to-come resurrection. He's a Black Lantern in “Blackest Night: Flash” but also alive and imprisoned before being frozen by Captain Cold. He's then resurrected at the end of “Blackest Night” and escapes, yet he is still in prison. Is that right?

GJ: You’ll see more with Reverse Flash in “Brightest Day” and then “The Flash.” But he definitely has the timeline right. I mean, if you look at it from our point of view, in a linear timeline, he was resurrected by the Black Ring, brought back to life by the White Lantern, he then time traveled, brings Barry Allen back, gets stopped by Barry Allen and he’s get imprisoned in Iron Heights. I know. [laughs] Does anyone have an aspirin?

********************

Geoff Johns

WILSON: Do you still draw and do you include thumbnails with your scripts for artists?

JOHNS: I do thumbnails when I write my scripts, but I never send them off. It’s just for me really to get a visual sense of how the pages are going to lay out. I make these grids that are divided into six sections that essentially represent six pages and I take a stack of them and staple them together, and it then represents one comic book. From there, I draw it out, very bare bones, just to see what it’ll look like visually flipping through it because you want it to vary anyway. You know, where is it going to open up because there’s a big moment? So I illustrate that way.

I do some design work. I designed Pied Piper’s current costume. I’ve done some other design work here and there. I leave the illustration to the professionals. I just like doing it for fun.

WILSON: With such an avid love of comics and putting so much of yourself and your time into producing them, what is the most important thing you would like readers to take away from your body of work?

JOHNS: Well, I hope a positive message. I think superheroes are positive and have positive messages. I’ve never thought about it in that way, but people are going to take what they’re going to take; I hope it’s something they can apply to their life. You meet a lot of people who are inspired by heroes to be better people or to live a certain way. I hope they love the heroes. I do it because I loved Captain Cold. Great character, but crazy, so why do I love him? He’s this blue-collar, down-and-out super-thug, but he has a weird moral code and he has a heart deep down in there despite the cold exterior. He has a heart that is beating and I explored that in an issue with Scott Kolins in The Flash #182, which is one of my favorite issues I’ve ever written. Scott did a great job on it and I got to explore Captain Cold.  People are always asking Scott at conventions for sketches of Captain Cold, and I still get to work with the character and I think he resonates for people. I hope they take away a growing love and appreciation for these characters and what they represent, but what they take away is going to be up to the audience.

******************

Scott Kolins

Q: Well the big thing to talk about is Citizen Cold. That’s a three issue mini-series?

Scott Kolins: Three issues that are self-contained but are part of the whole Flashpoint hoopla this summer.

Q: I know it has already been hinted in the books that are out that Cold may not be the hero that everyone thinks he is. Can you hint a little more about what to expect?

SK: You’ll find out in the first issue (out this week!!) that even Iron Heights that was the prison for the Flash villains before had an area called the Pipeline. It was a special place for all Flash’s super villains. Now it’s the special place for all of Citizen Cold’s villains and they call it the Freezer. And you’ll see a bunch of the Rogues are in there and you’ll see they’ve all suffered for the fact that Citizen Cold is now the hero.

He’s not a nice guy who puts them in prison. They’re all hurt pretty bad for tangling with him and being villains in his city. One of the fun bits is that you’ll actually see that the Rogues form because of Citizen Cold. That’s part of the plot of the story is that they really aren’t happy with him at all.

Q: Since this is an alternate reality story or a kind of reboot did you think about tweaking Captain Cold’s costume or did you know you wanted to keep it the same?

SK: No, that was definitely part of the process. Should I tweak stuff, how much should I tweak stuff? I did do some changes to Trickster; his pants and even his color scheme. I added some red to it, where before it was mostly yellow and blue. I got to do something that Geoff Johns laughed about; I gave Weather Wizard that goatee. It’s a reference to when we had originally changed his costume in the Flash books years ago and made his pattern green with yellow stripes on it. At that time when I did sketches for him to show DC what we wanted to do I had given him facial hair; at that point it was a handle bar mustache. Geoff was like, “This looks great...lose the handlebar mustache.” So this time when he saw the goatee he was like, “All right, fine. You finally get to put it on him.” I also think he looks more like a wizard this way. Stuff like this is mostly just fun for me, but they can either use it later if they think it’s cool or we can just use it for this one time thing.

Q: You mentioned the Trickster, is it going to be Jesse or Axel?

SK: No, it’s still Axel the kid. I know everyone likes James Jesse and I do too. That was one of the fun, personal things I got to add to the Flash universe. When we were working on the Rogues, James Jesse was already set up as an FBI agent. So he was definitely in the good guy camp, so we couldn’t use him as a Rogue. So I suggested what if we made Trickster like an evil Robin. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a kid with all those tricks, toys, and everything? Geoff thought it was an awesome idea, so we went with it from there. So when ever we can use him, I push him because he was my idea.

Q: The surprise to me when the new Trickster came out was you had a full grown Flash socking a teenager and no one objected, “Hey you’re hitting a kid!” Obviously he was a villain, but you never saw a reaction to that.

SK: That is an issue that we’ve kind of side-stepped. It is something I wanted to get into with Citizen Cold, but I don’t think I’m going to get into that one since I have so much going on with Cold himself. In my mind even though he looks young, but he might be on the cusp of 18. At least 16, so in some areas he’d be tried as an adult.

[More details on Axel’s age. --Lia]

Q: You probably can’t say what it is, but do you have your next book lined up?

SK: Yeah, I do have my next assignmnt lined up. It’s nothing I can talk about at this time. But I will be doing more writing and drawing. They’re very happy with that, Geoff was extremely happy with how Citizen Cold has come about and fit into the whole Flashpoint package. DC has been too. They’re like, you’ve really come a long with Grundy and everything else you’ve been doing and they are really cool with it.

Q: Any new Rogues popping up in Citizen Cold or just the established ones?

SK: Mostly just the established. There are some changes for them. Not even just Weather Wizard’s goatee. I don’t want to spoil the real cool one. But one of the favorites of the bunch that I changed, it’s just the context of the story they are stuck in. There are hints on the cover as to how it is different for one of the Rogues. It’s big time different, but no new Rogues.

*****************

From Geoff Johns’ AMA on Reddit

Q: Why do you love Captain Cold so much?

Geoff Johns: I love Captain Cold because he doesn't want to rule the world or kill people. He's just some dude who stole a cold-gun and is trying to get by in this crazy, insane super-powered world.

*******************

Geoff Johns introduces some of the Rogues for new readers

Leonard Snart was a career criminal who would pull heists and often work with a crew, until one day this blur, this speedster, shows up and suddenly he has to contend with this brand new thing called a super hero who’s stopping criminals like him from doing what they do. In order to continue, Snart has to up his game. He’s not a scientist. He’s not a doctor. He’s a career criminal. So he steals a cold gun that’s capable of slowing things down to absolute zero.

The thing that makes Snart so interesting to me is that cold is actually the opposite of speed. We talk about this a bit in the [Captain Cold] episode. Speed is defined by how fast things are moving. Temperature is also defined by the same thing—how fast things are moving at the atomic level. The faster they’re moving, the warmer something is. When things stop moving at the atomic level, the lower temperature it has. It’s called absolute zero when there’s absolutely no movement at all.

That I found very fascinating. Temperature and speed—it was all connected. Cold was essentially the opposite of Barry Allen in every way. He was a normal person who had to equip himself to become more than he was.

The character doesn’t want to rule the world. He doesn’t necessarily want to kill the Flash because, at the end of the day, the Flash is celebrated by everybody, and killing him would bring a lot of heat. Also, he’s not a killer. He just wants to pull his jobs and continue doing what he’s doing, and in order to work in a city that’s protected by a super hero, he has to become something more than he is. Until finally, working alone isn’t enough and he has to gather with others that are in the same situation. Like Heat Wave, a pyromaniac who Snart’s worked with before.

Everyone knows that Mick Rory, AKA Heat Wave, has a problem. His love for fire and the arsonist that he is will often divert him away from the mission at hand. But Cold is able to wrangle that pyromaniac. He gives him a heat gun and basically gives him a gimmick. He tells him that if he holds on to the gimmick, he’s not going to be sick anymore. He’ll fit in and belong.

He does that with each one of the Rogues. When he brings in Axel Walker, the Trickster, he’s a kid who’s out of control. He doesn’t have any focus, and Cold brings him focus. Same with someone like Mark Mardon, the Weather Wizard, who’s obsessed by guilt because of the way he got the weather wand. His brother’s death is really a big part of who he is.

It goes on and on with all the Rogues and we’ve talked about a lot of these characters and bringing them onto the show. They work for The Flash because only someone like the Flash could take on five guys at once.  What Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and I are trying to do is slowly bring in these wonderful villains, and really they become characters all their own. They have their own stories. They’re more than just villains-of-the-week characters. They’re a part of this world. They live in this world, and we’ll be seeing them again and again.

[the-astounding-aspie]

Q&A Post #1

As I mentioned in my last post, a post I made on the aspergirls subreddit recently has prompted some very interesting conversations, and I wanted to share some of the questions and answers that I found particularly interesting. 

Please note, I am in no way any kind of expert. I’m just an aspie who wants to add her voice to the other aspergirls out there trying to spread not just awareness but acceptance. Any advice I give anyone is purely based on my own experiences, but I am here to listen and try to help anyone who asks. 

Question: Why did it take me so long to finish college?

It took a while for a lot of reason. I would say the main reason is that I didn't know I was autistic and was not in any way prepared to go off and live in a dorm. I never went to class. In fact, I rarely left my room at all except to get food. Flunked my first semester (fall 2007), went back home and to community college.

Also, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Expecting an 18-year-old to decide what career they want is absurd. And I didn't realize that the time that my major and my degree didn't have to define the rest of my life. I didn't know how common it is for people to end up in a job that has little to no connection to what they studied in undergrad.

So I didn't have the social skills, I was not independent, and have NO mental health diagnosis AT ALL. It wasn't until the following fall (2008) when I returned to Radford and had what I now know to be a huge meltdown/breakdown that mental health became something I was aware of. I was stressed out and angry all the time and I realized I was being really mean, which is very out of character for me. I went to the student counseling center and was diagnosed with ADD and depression. The counselor point blank told me that I could go home or be hospitalized but that I should not continue with the semester. Went home, saw psychiatrist, and went through the long process of figuring out which cocktail of medication helped me to feel well.

Spring semester back at community college. Fall (2009) semester back at Radford. Grandfather died, then aunt died a month and a day later, then my mom's best friend died two months after that. Teachers wouldn't believe me. I missed too much class and too many assignments and was given failing grades so low that there was literally no way I would be able to bring my GPA up high enough to get me off of academic probation in the time I would be required to do so. Radford now off the table for good.

I think at this point I was living off campus is various unhealthy relationships and roommate situations (none of which ended well. Tried living alone and ended up in the hospital after ODing in spring 2010) Found some tolerable roommate situations to get me through at the new river community college and finish up a general studies associate degree (summer 2010, age 21). I kept on taking classes at the community college though, focusing on early childhood education as I worked as a nanny. Lived with my (now ex-)best friend and had a pretty good couple of years.

January 2012 I met my husband through a dating app. He encouraged me to try again to get a BS, I wanted to study elementary education (which is what I entered Radford to study in 2007 but got freaked out when I realized I didn't want to be a teacher and had not done the research to realize what other jobs that degree is relevant to). I enrolled at the local community college (after I had moved to another city when moving in with my husband) and was started taking classes there right after we got married in August 2013. October 2013 my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She died 3 weeks to the day later. I finished out the semester and ceased functioning altogether for about a year. It was through grief counseling, maybe 6 months to a year after she died (? Sometime in 2014) that I finally found out that I have Aspergers.

Knowing I'm autistic changed a lot of things for me. It gave me the confidence to try again because it made me feel like my past 'failures' weren't all my fault. (All my life I had been told that I was smart but lazy. Depression was met with questions like what happened? anxiety with what's wrong?) I choose liberty online because it's more affordable than JMU, and because their religious expectations make it easy for me to understand exactly what they want from me.

I wrote that reply 6 days ago, and I’m not going to let myself analyze it and change it up, but I am glad that I took the time to write it out. I’ve never done that before, and it has lead to a lot of self-reflection. 

[bedlamgames]

Q&A #96

Today among others we have a conflicted master-of-coin, biomancy, and the build up towards the arrival of the incubi. 

Anonymous said: It's me from the clothing bug report. I redownloaded the game client for a fresh install, opened a new game and generated a new character. On the first one in a scenario I did the cutprice Rose mission with my leader and got the same error as previously on returning. On a second I generated a standard random leader and got the following error instead (which I have seen previously) "(snip description - Epic quality) : You believe this item to be worth 0 gold pieces / You are now ."

You’re a star. That helped me work out what was wrong and it should be fixed as of the current update. 

Anonymous said: In No Haven version 0.843 I got an Ogre slave generated through "Lead Astray" on a critical success with the traits Weak and Mighty Strength. Don't know how this happened but I'm guessing because Mighty Strength is an advanced trait and Weak is a common one they are both able to be generated at once. Regardless don't know where to place a bug report so this is the best place to go I think. I enjoy both No Haven and Whorelock's Revenge keep up the good work.

Cheers for the spot and thank you. That should be fixed as of this update. 

nh-maikochan said: An interesting happening: "Your master-of-coin Ralmal Drakebreeze, was annoyed at only being able to gamble for coppers what with Ralmal keeping a watchful eye over the stash" Not sure if that would be considered a bug or a feature.

...I can’t tell either. Deeply amusing though, but I probably should change the wording on that sometime. I do mean to come back to some of the more basic roles like master-of-coin so something to tackle then. 

Anonymous said: I have a few questions here, I will be glad if you answer them: 1) Is self biomancy possible? 2) Is it possible to make a slave slaver? 3) Is it possible to get rid off some negative traits like depraved, malevolence, unscrupulous, spiteful, fel tainted or greedy? 4) Is it possible to meet "Heralds of Paradise" variant of harpies? 

1) Not now. It will be part of the reward for completing the biomancy assignment chain when that’s done. For now you will need to rely on your slavers and the chance they might have better ideas of what they want to do to you if you can’t win their respect. 

2) It is yes. Train them with the dominance training options and the chance will be come available. 

3) It’s possible for some currently through certain assignment outcomes or over doing the dominator respect checking option though the slaver won’t be in much of a state afterwards. Certain negative traits I’m looking to have the option to remove via hypnosis. 

4) Not yet. Got a big very long assignment planned for them. Before that though I do have an assignment in mind to work as a preview for upcoming content. Similar to what I did with the recent witch assignment. 

rafaelivri said: I think I finally figured out why "Raid the Goblin Village" sometimes makes party to be stuck in this mission. May have something to do with order "Do not recruit anyone" and getting critical success on it. It is a guess, but as good as any at this point.

That was deeply helpful, thanks! That should at last be sorted in the current update. 

Anonymous said: Where does the Biomancy quest show up?

It’s a rare assignment in the City of Aversol. You need to have a certain amount of gold in the stash for it to become available like Bred to be Broken on the Great Plains. 

Anonymous said: How do you become a slave to one of your Slavers but still play as said character?

For now you don’t outside of the Elf Noble standard start (also possible by two of the two strong right arm super negatives in TF edition). Though even with those you think you’re in charge though the reality is a lot different.

I would like to have an involved option for that over the current option where your point of view changes, but I admit as it would be so different from the main setup it might take awhile. 

Anonymous said: Any chance we could get some kind of checklist for why turning a slave into a golem isn't available, it's really unclear what the problem is sometimes.

Answered that recently on TFGames which has a hint, and then the full list under the spoiler: You can find the post here: https://tfgames.site/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6505&start=1520#p528267

Anonymous said: What's the chances of a playable Incubus anytime soon?

Honestly It’s going to be awhile. 

They’re going to be one of the advanced races which is the kind of content I shouldn’t start looking until I’ve got more of the basics done like finishing off the rest of the groundwork. It will also absolutely need an appropriate commission which will need to be on the larger side. 

Saying that I have started laying the groundwork for their arrival already by laying down some hints of their coming, so be sure while it maybe a slow burn, they are coming :D

Anonymous said: My game glitched and locked up saying my character was in a assignment and wouldn't let me play...

Outside of the usual advice of not using a save from a previous version if possible, and not saving/loading where the game says not to to avoid such common causes of RAGS issues, if that doesn’t apply please can you let me know which assignment and what else was going on. 

And now some more from outside of the tumblr: 

From the Patreon: Curiosity: Quartermaster: Preferable traits - Perceptive (Pcp), Terrifying (Ter), Cunning (Cun), Greedy (Gre) Undesirable traits - Greedy (Gre), Thug (Thu), Bimbo (Bim) (Maximum: 1) (Slaver only) Master-of-Coin: Preferable traits - Cunning (Cun), Logical (Lgl), Educated (Edu), Greedy (Gre) Undesirable traits - Greedy (Gre), Thug (Thu), Bimbo (Bim) (Maximum: 1) (Slaver only) Greedy counts both ways for each of those jobs.

That's right that it counts both ways. Basically they're more likely than other slavers to take the role on, but also more likely to to do a bad job so both a positive and negative. 

From TFGames:  I've been wondering, are the camp upgrades strictly better than having an equivalent craftsman? I have a metal craftsman and the city fashionista upgrade with the upgrade giving me consistent high quality clothes, while the craftsman usually only gives me poor quality armour, with a very rare masterwork every so often anyway, I also wanted to say that I've been really enjoying the game, and I'm looking forward to trying out a couple different play styles.

It depends on who you have doing the job. The city fashionista will do a much better job than a slave or basic slaver, but slavers with a decent level of experience, and the relevent traits and aspects will be better. Also cheers! 

[darlingnisi]

Celebration Day 3 : VIP Edition

Part 2 Here!

Funk Soldiers Panel

Shelby J

Kat Dyson

Xavier Taplin

Joey Rayfield

Kip Blackshire

About Last Night... (The Prince on the Big Screen event)

A lot of reherasal

Kirk organized everyone, got the materials out

Biggest challenge was that there were a lot of performers who worked with P at different times so the arrangements of the songs were often different. Hard to sync up with the show or pick the right one to use at first

Shelby said it was hard not to turn and look at him on the screen

The fludidity of the performance came with experience because they knew what P expected of them musically

Kat said “having him in my ear floated me back to my time with him” The instructions he gave inside of the performance still applied

Joey noted that he better understood the difference between just playing and performance from his time with Prince

“I almost forgot he wasn’t there”

Kat Dyson Origin Story (Guitar)

Recommended by Sheila E. Kat and Rhonda Smith met Sheila while demoing gear at an industry show. Sheila asked for their music as she had an idea to do an all girl band at the time. She got sick and gave their info to P. P took them both on.

Their audition was a four hour jam session in 96. P asked Kat “How much of my material do you know...and how much did you buy?”

Her favorite P music are the soundtracks, especially Batman and her favorite songs are Joy of Repetition and Question of You.

She and Rhonda did an arrangement for Question of You for him.

Xavier Taplin Origin Story (Organ)

Played with and was reccomend by Gouche, another NPG member

Audition was P on Bass and Job Blackwell on Drums. They played 777-9311 and P had him solo for 60 bars. He fell back into the groove and P told him to keep going...fell back into the groove again...and P told him to keep going. P put his bass down, walks over to  Xavier, and stands “uncomfortably close for 15 seconds just looking at me” he then says “We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Joey Rayfield (Trombone)

Gets a call from Adrian Crutcfield about an audition in Charolette North Carolina. Gets PDF of a chart for Xtraloveable and realizes it’s for Prince

They have a Skype audition.

Time passes and he randomly got an email with a Delta ticket to Minneapolis. He quit his job and left for Paisley.

At first played on Andy Allo’s Supeconductor sessions.

Story : during a rehearsal P slowly walks up to the stage and says “You and Ida go play ping pong and if you win, I’ll play you. Joey wins and plays Prince. Joey’s in his dress shoes though and is slipping and sliding everywhere. P stops the game, moves a rug to be under Joey and says “I ain’t got no insurance.”

Story from Kat : I played basketball with him. Nobody told me not to block his shot. The game was over after that.

Kip : I was playing with him in the Daisy Chain video.

Kip Blackshire Origin Story (Vocals)

Morris Hayes invited him to a Carlos Sananta show and Jam session at Paisley. Kip absently playing basketball. Hears a “clang” (P dropping his guitar). P comes over and squares up with Kip. Kip passes P the ball, and P checks him hard in the stomach with it. Kip says he isn’t dressed to play and P tells him to come back the next day to play for real. The next day they play a 2 on 2 game. Kirk/Prince vs. Morris/Kip.

Was cleaning up in the bathroom and absently singing. P overhears and invites him to sing with them in the studio. P asks him if he knows Little Red Corvette and Kip says “I wasn’t allowed to listen to you growing up.” Instead P played guitar and Kip answered his licks with his voice. He was invited to join the band and the first song he sang on was Undisputed from Rave.

Shelby J Origin Story (Vocals)

Audition for Larry G’s band. Got in and was at 3121 doing a rehearsal. Kept being told to re-sing Higher Ground. It was P asking.

Was singing I Can’t Stand the Rain during a show. Crowd goes wild and she thought she was “DOING IT!” turns out P had come on stage behind her and was plugging up his guitar to join them. He came up to her mic and sang cheek to cheek with her for that song.

Was in Walmart getting supplies at home when she got invited to sing at one of his shows NYE. From there she was asked to join the band and their next gig was the Superbowl.

Arrangement Panel with Michael B Nelson

Had done work with Micheal Bland. There was an idea for a warm up group early 90′s. Dave and Kathy Jenson with Michael B Nelson, Sonny, and Tommy B made up a 5 piece band. They recorded some tracks and sent it to P. P told them to go to a Carmen Electra rehearsal to be filmed. Time passes asked to come to the soundstage at Paisley...saw pedal boards set up P was there! NPG was very tight at this time so P just held up a signal and they started into Madhouse 4. The horns were shocked for a moment then fell in (this was their audition). They jammed for 6 hours then recorded for the first time that same day....Sexy MF? (This may be wrong...he mentioned that they recorded for the first time that day, then a moment later said the first thing they recorded was Sexy MF as part of a different story so...take that how you will)

Told to get their passports together. They joined him on the Diamonds and Pearls tour

There were 11 semi trucks and 110 people in the entourage for the D&P tour. Their first stop with him was Tokyo

Hornheads was formulated as a horns only group since they were on with P and couldn’t play with anyone else, they just made a mini group to keep their chops up during down time. Mike Nelson wrote the tunes and they have 3 albums.

“Even when he was giving you a hard time, he’s just pushing you”

Q: What was it like during the 90′s? Every office was filled. He gave you exactly what you needed to fufill a task. You didn’t ask for additional questions...you had to trust yourself and know that he trusted you to use your creativity wisely.

Prince preferred Duke Ellington’s style of horns

P would send Mike tapes of a lead line and melody and Mike would add horn parts.

Mike did Black Muse, new Xtraloveable, When She Comes, Groovy Potential, Morning Papers and more (He’s been around for about 25 years)

Percentage of things recorded to released of the work Mike did. 50%

He co-wrote Billy Jack Bitch. While they were working on something, Mike played P a song during tape change. P said “Who do I have to pay to use that” The instrumental part of Billy Jack Bitch was written by Mike.

Story : Working on something and Mike B was impressed with how it sounded. Forgot everything he said could be heard in the control room by P. Commented “man that is funky” P responds “yes it is.”

Story : Tenor sax was playing a solo while working on something and it didn’t go well. When it was done, from the control room P says “You guys see Waterworld?” Tenor sax guy “No who’s in it” Prince, “Your mama” Tenor sax guy, “Oh it’s good to know she’s getting work!” “Prince falls off his chair from laughing” (Waterworld has a reputation for being a very bad movie.)

Q: Why did you last? P told him “You and Clare Fischer really understand my music.” Was asked to be full time in 2012. He never had a falling out or harsh words with P and P never rejected any of his additions to his songs.

Got our pictures from our tour back. Framing mine for sure! It’s like my 5th picture in here and the only good one, lol...

Funk Soldiers Concert

Honesty we were all kind of weary about this as this seemed to be a remix of the NewPower Soul group to some degree...or at least that concept, but once again VERY happy to be completely checked about the assumption because they were PHENOMENAL and not just because of something that happened...! Set list : 

I’m Yours

I Feel For You

Party Man

Girls and Boys

Lady Cab Driver/Irresistible Bitch mashup (!)

1+1+1 is 3 (I LOST. MY. MIND. YA’LL KNOW THAT ONE NIGHT ALONE TIME PERIOD IS MY COMPLETE FAVORITE AND NOBODY DOES COVERS OF THOSE SONGS AND IT WAS SO GOOD!)

The Work Part 1 (I WAS ABSOLUTELY DELIRIOUS! AGAIN BECAUSE THIS IS MY ERA AND NOBODY DOES THIS! I was so into it singing, foot stomping and dancing, I got tapped by security and they asked if I want to go on stage! I 100% always say I’d never do it, but I thought I’d get to jam out to The Work since that goes on for a bit. I got back stage and they said I was to be part of a dance battle (WHAT?! I LEGIT AM THE MOST RESERVED PERSON USUALLY ABSOLUTELY NOT! (And also I guess for The Professor, lol) So me and Lenny Beason (from Purple Underground who thankfully I mostly know in real life so I was comfortable) were to battle to...

Black Sweat (Kip told me to go first so I tried to do every dance I could think of...The Housequake, The Get Off dance, Tried to remember the Purple Funk SF Funknroll dance but my mind blanked so I did some booty pops and stopped on the accents with a pose. Lenny went during the next chorus...then I had to go again. Shelby said I’m her funk sister now and we got T-shirts! My heart was beating so fast ya’ll! It pays to love The Rainbow Children! LOL!

Chelsea Rodgers

Xtraloveable (AGAIN A DREAM COME TRUE I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO HEAR THIS LIVE WITH THESE GUYS DOING THE HORNS!)

Big City

Welcome 2 the Dawn (SO glad they did this instead of Purple Rain! Amazing choice! A Great song!)

Paisley Park

All the Critics Love You in New York/Housequake Jumps

Alphabet Street (Sheila E came out and crowd surfed for a bit)

Very good job! They were very tight, funky, and kept everyone’s spirits WAY up, especially with the EXCELLENT choice of Welcome 2 the Dawn being the only slow song.

This day was the 21st and honestly it was a BLUR. Even if I hadn’t gotten chosen by Ghost Prince to go up, the experience the band gave us with their energy and love made it hard to be sad this day. For me, interestingly I had a harder time on the 20th seeing him up there at the Big Screen event and with all the news that came out on the previous Thursday...did stay in bed for a bit that day to be honest...but “the day” was so full of just AMAZING like he legit came down like “ya’ll don’t cry for me...look at all this that I left behind for you to enjoy!” This day was was distracting with so much information followed by such an explosive show! Everyone was on their feet dancing, singing, hands in the air, just the whole time!

I’m very glad the days for the arena event got switched because it honestly would have been too much for me if it fell on this day...

Last part here!

[someguyscaliforniavoterguide]

My Guide to Select East Valley/California/National Races on November 3, 2020

It’s me again!

I admit that much of my work is cribbed from/aligns with other progressive voter guides out there, but we don’t all agree so here’s my voice for good luck. This time I’ve listed other guides at the bottom of this monster of a page. Check them out if you think my answer is wrong or wishy washy!

Remember you can vote by mail, drop off your ballot at a drop box, or vote in person if you want this year. More info on the literal mechanics of voting can be found at this excellent guide from Knock-L.A.

As always, I don’t expect or want anybody to send me a thank you gift, but if this guide is helpful and you want to say thanks, just throw a few bucks to the September 21st fundraiser - www.sept21st.com - where internet notable Demi Adejuyigbe is raising money for five grassroots progressive groups.

And without ado, let’s get to my East Valley voter guide!

EAST VALLEY CITY RACES

L.A. City Council District 4: Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman was the executive director for Time’s Up and is the founder of the indispensable SELAH homeless advocacy organization. She’s been endorsed by DSA-LA, League of Conservation Voters, Bike The Vote L.A., and Sunrise Movement, and is an inspiring candidate with an exceptional policy platform. I donated money to her campaign and I wish I lived a few blocks over so I could vote for her as well.

L.A. City Council District 10: Mark Ridley Thomas

Neither option is great, but Mark Ridley-Thomas is the best of two bad choices here, since Grace Yoo’s approach to homelessness lacks empathy and she is dismissive of the reality of racial profiling.

Burbank City Council (2 seats available): Konstantine Anthony, Tamala Takahashi

Burbank City Council has two seats on the ballot. 1) Konstantine Anthony is endorsed by just about every local progressive organization, including Ground Game LA, DSA-LA, and Sunrise Movement LA. 2) Tamala Takahashi has fewer institutional endorsements but the transportation platform alone that she outlined to MyBurbank.com is enough to show that she would make an outstanding councilmember.

Burbank City Treasurer: Lindsey Francois

LACCD RACES

L.A. Community College District Board of Trustees Seat 1: Charné Tunson

Charné Tunson is running as a challenger to incumbent Community College Board President, Dr. Andra Hoffman. Tunson is a former high school assistant principal at Crenshaw High School and, more recently, a former principal at a charter high school in Watts. Tunson has pledged to remove LASD from the LACCD, has educational experience and is a black woman: she will bring perspectives that are lacking to the LACCD Board.

L.A. Community College District Board of Trustees Seat 3: David Vela*

Vela is well connected within the LA Democratic Party. Endorsed by UTLA but nobody else.

L.A. Community College District Board of Trustees Seat 5: Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez

Dr. Gonzalez has an impressive and thorough policy platform for improving student experience at LACCD and a plan to reorient education to meet the workforce needs of a region in which we reimagine public safety and reorient services towards non-violent responders. Dr. Gonzalez is endorsed by Jackie Goldberg, one of the best educational advocates in the County.

L.A. Community College District Board of Trustees Seat 7: Mike Fong*

Fong is widely supported for re-election including UTLA.

LAUSD RACES

LAUSD Board Member District 3: Scott Schmerelson*

LAUSD Board Member District 7: Patricia Castellanos

Both candidates enjoy the endorsement of UTLA and Jackie Goldberg against charter advocates, and they have my support.

STATE SENATE

CA Senate District 21: Kipp Mueller

Mueller is a progressive attorney who has fought ICE pro bono, and is endorsed by DSA-LA and CalBike.

CA Senate District 23: Abigail Medina

Abigail Medina has support from progressive organizations, environmental groups, and more of the unions.

CA Senate District 25: Nobody

Incumbent Anthony Portantino is running unopposed. He’s a terrible person who singlehandedly set back housing reform in the state by years. Write in Mickey Mouse.

CA Senate District 27: Henry Stern*

Stern has been a disappointment; but his opponent is a Republican who says his priority is to address the “vagrent (sic) crisis.”

CA Senate District 29: Josh Newman

Newman won this seat 4 years ago, only to be recalled by a Republican campaign after his vote in favor of SB1, which helps fund transit and transportation projects across the state. He deserves to be back in Sacramento.

CA Senate District 33: Elizabeth Castillo

Castillo's campaign is a long-shot but progressive challenge focused on equity, social justice, rent control, and single-payer healthcare.

CA Senate District 35: Steven Bradford*

STATE ASSEMBLY

CA Assembly District 38: Nobody

This is the seat that Christy Smith is giving up to run for Congress. Democrats split their votes in the Primary and both candidates in the runoff are conservatives. Whoever wins, we lose.

CA Assembly District 39: Luz Rivas*

CA Assembly District 41: Chris Holden*

CA Assembly District 43: Laura Friedman*

CA Assembly District 45: Jess Gabriel*

CA Assembly District 46: Adrin Nazarian*

Nazarian has kowtowed to NIMBYs and was a loud voice opposing SB1120, and has ties to LAPPL . His opponent is worse. I’m glad I don’t have to hold my nose to vote for Nazarian, but I probably would.

CA Assembly District 49: Edwin Chau*

CA Assembly District 50: Richard Bloom*

CA Assembly District 51: Wendy Carrillo*

CA Assembly District 53: Godfrey Santos Plata

CA Assembly District 54: Tracy Bernard Jones

CA Assembly District 58: Margaret Villa

Villa is challenging a NIMBY legislator as a progressive who supports rent control, Medicare for All, and a Green New Deal.

CA Assembly District 59: Reggie Jones-Sawyer*

CA Assembly District 62: Autumn Burke*

CA Assembly District 63: No Recommendation

Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon is the assemblymember responsible for shelving California’s attempt at single-payer healthcare in 2018. This year, Rendon killed multiple important bills through delay, including SB731, which would have decertified police who kill, and SB1120, which would have allowed duplex housing in single family zones. He made headlines by doing so while forcing Assembly Member Buffy Wicks to show up in person with her 36 day old baby in order to vote. UNFORTUNATELY, his challenger has a history of making anti-Semitic statements that are too much for me to endorse. We deserved two better candidates in this race.

CA Assembly District 64: Fatima Iqbal-Zubair

Incumbent Mike Gipson has accepted money from oil and police interests. He’s a former police officer who was appointed to chair an Assembly Committee on Police Reform, which seems like a bad idea. Iqbal-Zubair is a better choice.

CA Assembly District 66: Al Muratsuchi*

CA Assembly District 70: Patrick O’Donnell*

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

U.S. House District 23: Kim Mangone

Long-shot Democratic challenger to the awful Republican leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy.

U.S. House District 25: Christy Smith

Assemblywoman Christy Smith is on the ballot to retake this seat that was held by Democrat Katie Hill until she resigned and a Republican, Mike Garcia, won a special election in March. I expect that a November General Election will give Democrats the edge they need to win back this seat.

U.S. House District 27: Judy Chu*

U.S. House District 28: Adam Schiff*

U.S. House District 29: Angelica Maria Dueñas

This is my district and I have gone back and forth, but I think this year I will vote for Dueñas. The incumbent, Tony Cārdenas, is a solid backbench Democrat who has been good enough on the issues, but maintains membership in the centrist New Democrat Coalition. I don’t like that Dueñas most recently ran as a Green Party candidate before coming to the Democrats, but I am willing to overlook that to get a progressive voice in Congress from my side of town. I think Cārdenas will win though, he has solid name recognition and good constituent services.

U.S. House District 30: Brad Sherman*

U.S. House District 32: Grace Napolitano*

U.S. House District 33: Ted Lieu*

U.S. House District 34: Jimmy Gomez*

A lot of other progressives are supporting David Kim. He’s great. So is Gomez. Either vote is good.

U.S. House District 37: Karen Bass*

U.S. House District 38: Michael Tolar

U.S. House District 39: Gil Cisneros*

U.S. House District 40: Lucille Roybal-Allard*

U.S. House District 43: Maxine Waters*

U.S. House District 44: Nanette Barragan*

U.S. House District 45: Katie Porter*

U.S. House District 47: Alan Lowenthal*

LAUSD MEASURE

LAUSD Measure RR - $7B Bond for School Upgrades: Yes

Measure RR would extend a current property tax assessment to fund school capital projects that was initiated through 2008’s Measure Q up to 2055.

COUNTY STUFF

L.A. County District Attorney: George Gascón

TLDR: Jackie Lacey has got to go. She has failed to prosecute killer cops, she has overaggressively prosecuted defendants, she refused to proactively dismiss marijuana sentences until it was an election year. Her husband pulled a gun on BLM protestors in March! George Gascon has a track record as a progressive prosecutor (once an oxymoron, now a chic branding statement) in San Francisco - he was the only DA to support Prop 47, he has promised to prosecute bad cops, he supports AB 392 (The Use of Force bill), and he has pledged to end the use of the Death Penalty in L.A. County. He’s endorsed by the L.A. Democratic Party and basically everybody in town now because the writing is on the wall: he’s gonna win.  

L.A. County Supervisor 2: Holly Mitchell

I have some beefs with Holly Mitchell’s voting in the Senate on housing issues, but she’s a better choice than Herb Wesson, who is currently the Chair of the L.A. City Council. Look at L.A. in the past 8 or so years and ask: has Herb Wesson done a good job? Do you want him as one of the FIVE County Supervisors? Vote accordingly.

L.A. Judge Seat 72: Myanna Dellinger

L.A. Judge Seat 80: Klint James McKay

L.A. Judge Seat 162: David Diamond

L.A. County Measure J - "Re-Imagine L.A.": Big Yes

County Measure J will divert a minimum of 10% of the County budget (about $400M annually from the Sheriff's Department) to housing, employment, and rehabilitation programs. Thanks to Black Lives Matter-LA and their allies for this golden opportunity. Vote yes, then tell your friends to vote yes.

BURBANK INITATIVE

Burbank Measure RC - Rent Control: Yes

Measure RC would create rent control for Burbank multi-family housing built prior to 1995. Affected housing would see annual rent increases limited to 7%, require just cause for evictions, revert rents to 2019 levels, and create a rent control board to administrate.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS

CA Prop 14 - Funds for Stem Cell Research: No

In 2004 California created a bond issue to fund stem cell research at the height of the Bush Administration’s attack on scientific research. Today stem cell use is far less controversial. I believe in funding this research, but I don’t think we should be giving $7.8B in funding for research without checks in place to make sure that a California investment results in treatments that are accessible and affordable. If there were more here to guarantee affordability for research funded by our taxes, I’d vote yes. Otherwise I’m saying make it a no.

CA Prop 15 - Commercial Property Tax Split Roll/Schools & Communities First: Emphatically Yes!

In 1978, a much different California passed Prop 13, giving property owners enormous tax breaks and massively underfunding education and local services as a result. This year’s Prop 15 would end the tax break for commercial property owners, raising as much as $12.5 billion to help fund schools and local services. Vote yes, then tell your friends to vote yes.

CA Prop 16 - Restore Affirmative Action: Yes

In 1996, a much different California passed Proposition 209 to end affirmative action in higher education through an amendment to the California Constitution. Prop 16 would undo this by repealing Prop 209. Affirmative action’s absence has hurt people of color’s chances of getting better education and higher paying contracts. The existing law prevents government institutions from doing what is needed to ensure hiring takes history into account. Recent protests demanding racial equity make it clear that reinstating affirmative action is the right way to go.

CA Prop 17 - Allow Parolees To Vote: Yes

Prop 17 would let residents who have already served their time and are on parole the ability to participate in the democratic process that shapes their lives, and is absolutely necessary considering the racist nature of the criminal justice system. To be clear, NOBODY SHOULD EVER LOSE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE. But that’s not on the ballot this year. Vote yes.

CA Prop 18 - Allow Some 17 Year Olds To Vote In Primaries: Yes

Prop 18 would allow residents who will turn 18 before a general election to participate in the primary election in order to help determine the options they will be voting on. This is an easy yes.

CA Prop 19 - Let Retirees Transfer Their Low Property Taxes: No

Prop 19 closes one Prop 13 tax loophole while opening another - in this case allowing homeowners to take their artificially low tax rates to move to new homes while closing a loophole that allows heirs to keep a low tax rate on properties that are not used as a primary residence (google “Big Lebowski Tax” for more on this). Some people think this is a bargain worth striking: the idea that homeowners would free up existing housing in cities to retire to cheaper parts of the state while sticking it to people who pay insanely low taxes on what are rental properties. I don’t begrudge that analysis, but I think in the end the bargain isn’t one worth striking and I am encouraging a no vote.

CA Prop 20 - Repeal Criminal Justice Reforms: No

A proposition being pushed by LA police unions that needs to be handily rejected by the voters as we talk about the carceral state and racial equity. Prop 20 seeks to undo 2014’s decriminalization effort (Prop 47) and 2016’s expansion of parole opportunities for non-violent crimes (Prop 57). If nothing else, the implementation of this would cost us millions of dollars a year to throw more people in prison. Just a hard no.

CA Prop 21 - Allow Limited Rent Control: Yes

Why is rent control on the ballot again? 1) because the state legislature keeps fucking up on housing and 2) because one very wealthy man wants the law to change. Prop 21 would allow cities to enact rent control on properties that are over 15 years old if they chose to modify their existing rent control laws. An easy yes if you’re concerned about renters in one of the worst housing markets in the nation.

CA Prop 22 - Modify AB5 to Remove Protections for Gig Workers: No

$181M is being spent on this by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other “sharing economy” companies to carve out an exception to AB5 through this proposition. You’ve probably gotten texts, mailers, etc from drivers who support the amendment. Don’t buy it: this is about preserving their employers’ (I USE THAT WORD DELIBERATELY) shady abuse of the independent contractor status to keep their bottom lines artificially low. On top of all that, the law adds a 7/8 supermajority requirement to modify in the legislature. Look, even if you think AB5 is flawed, this isn’t the answer. Vote no.

CA Prop 23 - Regulate Dialysis Centers As Medical Facilities: Yes

Kidney Dialysis Centers have long operated in a grey area outside of the kind of regulations that medical facilities do. Getting medical professionals who are bound by the Hippocratic Oath on hand and requiring reporting is necessary and overdue.

CA Prop 24 - Consumer Privacy Rules: No

California already has strict existing privacy rules for Internet companies; this proposition would expand them because one wealthy person decided they don’t go far enough. The ACLU has raised concerns about some of the loopholes in the bill (notably allowing companies to use loyalty programs to get tracking permissions). This isn’t a bad one, and I have a lot of friend and allies encouraging a yes vote on it; for me the fact that it could be addressed in the legislature means we should look to that avenue before taking it to the initiative process.

CA Prop 25 - Approve Reform of Bail Industry: No

This pains me. I want to end cash bail, and I fear that defeating this proposition will strangle any hope of doing so in the legislature. That said, the reform that this would enshrine is problematic and is opposed by too many groups (ACLU, Knock L.A.) that I trust on the issue to make me comfortable voting yes. Vote no, then organize for real bail reform.  

THE BIG CHEESE

President & Vice President: Joe Biden & Kamala Harris

If you don’t want to vote for Joe Biden you’re reading the wrong guide. Trump is a monster, the third party candidates aren’t worth your time. This is the second most consequential presidential election of our lives (the most consequential election was 2016 and WE FUCKED THAT ONE UP BOY HOWDY). Don’t be an ass. Vote for Biden, then keep writing letters and making calls to hold him to his promises.  

* = Denotes incumbent

Thanks for reading! Here’s a list of voter info, other voter guides, and comments on ballot initiatives I recommend you check out. I am indebted to many of these guides for shaping my own thinking, and feel that my guide is kind of redundant these days - but I’ve been asked about it a few times so I will keep on doing it.

Voting Info:

LA County Registrar/Recorder Voting Info: https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections

Voter’s Edge ballot info: https://votersedge.org/ca/

Non-mail ballot drop-off options: https://www.democracydocket.com/2020/08/usps-delays/

Voter Guides:

Michael MacDonald’s Voter Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DP1rWZNR5ymOOxArGJm-abs7CGIN9-HluH_TduMAn0Y

KNOCK.LA: https://knock-la.com/los-angeles-progressive-voter-guide-november-general-election-2020-fe6e286b3feb

LA Podcast: https://thelapod.com/posts/la-podcast-voter-guide-2020-general-election/

TheLAnd Magazine: https://thelandmag.com/voter-guide/voter-guide-2020-california-los-angeles/

Amélie Cherlin’s guide: http://yeskelsey.com/lavoterguide/

Bike The Vote L.A: https://www.bikethevote.com/voter-guide/

Sunrise Movement endorsements: https://twitter.com/RamblingCameron/status/1313012830992441344/

LA League of Conservation Voters: http://lalcv.org/current-endorsements/

California League of Conservation Voters: https://www.ecovote.org/elections/current-endorsements/

Calbike: https://www.calbike.org/take_action/bike-the-vote/

DSA-LA: https://dsa-la.org/2020voterguide

Niall Huffman’s guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M6IJyLpoS9P6rMIiZtcd8dHHPR4MdbSB68Bdc-frjsk/

Two Evils (Tracy Jeanne Rosenthal): https://voterguide.la

Hector Huezo’s guide (propositions only): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUMLL50Ic-2pFEruYKR4vd_ExoJlRvZ5V9PJiD7V9a0/

Guides to Propositions:

LA Voice proposition endorsements (bilingual): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQBoKJL3RKmJ-Rjex77s1UOc481P9n5la_-Y9Zvdqd8/

Courage Campaign guide to propositions: https://progressivevotersguide.com/california

Streetsblog proposition endorsements: https://cal.streetsblog.org/2020/09/30/streetsblog-endorsements-for-the-november-2020-election-statewide-propositions-and-local-measures/

Better Institutions (Shane Phillips) breaks down Prop 15: http://www.betterinstitutions.com/blog/2020/9/20/yes-on-proposition-15-common-concerns-and-responses

Alfred Twu shows who is paying for propositions: https://twitter.com/alfred_twu/status/1312298651390103552

Black Women for Wellness guide to propositions (pdf):  https://bwwactionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Propositions-2020-BWWAP-small-file-size.pdf

JusticeLA Coalition guide to propositions (pdf): https://justicelanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Coalition-Voting-Guide-2020-9-21.pdf

CalMatters guide to propositions: https://calmatters.org/election-2020-guide/

[artdjgblog]

​Innerview: Carmen (Editor) / HOW Magazine​

April 2008

Image: Gummi Bears (Disney, 1985-1991)

Note: Email Q&A​

Question:

​My interest is piqued a bit about the year you took off–why you did that, how you spent it, how it affected you, what you learned, etc.

Answer:​

At the end of the past several years, I’ve been starting each new twelve month set with a list of what ​I​ learned in the previous. Items from this past year (2006) include: Things DJG Realized in 2007 -I found out that LOL in an email does not mean “Lots Of Love”. -I still get weird when I see LOL in an email even though I know what it means. -I realized I officially dislike the use of emoticons in emails sent to me. -I learned that internet “Phishing” does not involve jam bands and hippies. -I found out how to copy and paste pictures into myspace blogs. -I like to read about stuff on www.wikipedia.org. -I think that body spray is kinda cool. -I don’t think it’s cool to keep my mouth open when spraying Old Spice. -I am thankful for blow dryers with longer locks in winter. -I still love “Gummi Bears”, but it’s still not as cool as when i was eleven. -I love Chick Peas. -I don’t love Chick Pee. -I found out how I like my steak. -I don’t like pants pleats. -I can go on a diet and lose weight. -I like the way Chinese food smells in colder weather. -I feel that New York City is a very comfortable place because nobody stares. -I don’t like New Jersey (or turnpikes). -I can swim in the ocean and it is fantastic fun. -I found out the hard way that salt water really is salty. -I can wear flip-flops. -I don’t like the sound of flip-flops. -I like Branson. -I still don’t like to do laundry. -I learned what the clothing pattern “Hounds Tooth” looks like. -I can’t help but think of the ’84 Olympics logo when I see the pattern. -I don’t have to say “Yes” to everything. -I lose faith in my fellow man three days out of seven. -I am not a perfect person though either. -I get more and more irritated and more easily the older I get. -I have stopped sympathizing for those who know how to make terrible decisions. -I am trying to enjoy the little things in life…even if it’s a bad meal. -I have the same brain functions I had when I was five, just more polluted now. -I can’t stay up late like I used to and function properly. -I realized that sleep is an important ingredient to a healthy life. -I can get up at 5:00 am every day and enjoy it greatly. -I am a morning person when it comes to ME, alone and with a handful of hours. -I love to watch old movies in the early morning with a blanket and a kitty or two. -I am a “Glass Half-Empty” kind of guy. -I can never do, make or learn enough. -I study better and actually enjoy it now that my college loan is almost paid for. -I am starting to dress like my Dad and I like that. -I learned that Shadow meows quite frantically when ready to leave the basement. -I really warmed up to Alfred Hitchcok, Werner Herzog and David Lynch movies. -I can really relate to the movie “Punch-Drunk Love” and it is my favorite movie. -I love cashews. -I even like pecans. -I love squash. -I really like to hunt deer. -I enjoy writing. -I am no lecturer. -I get worn out easier now and realize when I need a break. -I feel more comfortable when I get to church late and leave early. -I can relate to the hit TV show “Friends” now (that I’m older) and actually enjoy it. -I like the original “Star Trek” series. -I like the television show “Angel”. -I love to start my Sundays with “CBS Sunday Morning”. -I am glad I no longer buy comic books regularly because I would be broke. -I still can’t get enough books, movies and music…so it all evens out the wallet. -I have stopped apologizing for my personal preferences in pop-culture. -I am getting more used to the idea of the MP3 and the digital music world. -I don’t really enjoy a live concert setting anymore in the majority of circumstances. -I learned to read and match the (+) and (-) signs on battery operated gadgets. -I love the feeling of coming home to my house, wife and kitties. -I still don’t know how to say properly for example, “Two pair, or two pairs of socks”. -I still have bad English and grammar…regardless of age, location and knowledge. -I have learned if it works, change it (especially in concern of my own work). -I learned that I am not a real graphic designer in standard weights and measures. Several important items stand out on this list that pertains to my year of slowing down the design machines and refueling… -I get worn out easier now and realize when I need a break-I can get up at 5:00 am every day and enjoy it greatly. -I have learned if it works, change it (especially in concern of my own work) -I don’t have to say “Yes” to everything -I learned that I am not a real graphic designer in standard weights and measures -I can never do, make or learn enough I ended 2006, my most fruitful in productivity and success, with extreme exhaustion and a head polluted with design takeover. And the near-death of my Grandfather frazzled me as well. Some would find a “head polluted with design takeover” as a good thing, and maybe when you’re naive to it…maybe? A realization of this can out-weigh on the full scale of the daily spectrum though. Also, a string of a few strung-out disappointing projects and disappointed clients pointed all arrows at the fact that DJG was starting to show some burnout and bitter. This scared me. Though, it was even scarier to just up and stop what I’ve started and worked so hard to build. Ultimately, my goal has always been to do the things that I’m doing full-time, and stopping all of a sudden would turn back the clock a bit on that. I just had to realize that what I had built was there all along and will always be, and only on the right kinds of full tanks of fuel. True, I’m a relatively young man, but in my early-early days of mining this strange, loopy-lop design odyssey, I never thought of burnout ever being an option on the design iron man meter. When you start to tackle anything, you’ll do most anything to make it happen. I had fire (and have had it for many years), even if it was threatened to be snuffed out by a couple of day jobs on top of it…i had a torch. I once swore that I wouldn’t stop until my skull was spilled (and I still believe this in some light). But, now it’s getting a little bit harder to perform with age settling in and being married…and trying to be more responsible. You know, life stuff? A major factor on most anybody’s tool belt is TIME. I just didn’t have a way to manage it properly anymore, even though I felt I had more than I used to. Add this to being a little annoyed and frustrated with the shaping of the design world and I didn’t feel too well about myself and what I was doing anymore. Back to my string of disappointing projects and clients…I know I can’t please everybody, but I do my best and give my all. Even though I make maybe twenty or thirty or forty bucks on average pop, I give everything I’ve got for something even so throw-away as a concert poster. I’ve somehow landed a comfortable position within the realms of the things I make, that I somehow have gotten a nice little pile of press, and I haven’t had much bad press at all (at least from all that gets passed down to me). And it’s not that I need press, but, it’s nice to share this stuff when I can, and again, ultimately I want to do this full-time and it’s hard to get there without press! Bad press and critiques are appreciated and needed for the most part, but there is a level of maturity and knowledge that must come with that from both parts. And I was on the receiving end of a couple that were pretty brutal and uncalled for, considering that I was getting paid twenty bucks or less. And being that I am extremely critical on myself, and at the same time really enjoy my little works, it can be hard to heal some sliced fingertips. People are taking themselves way to seriously too (though, haven’t they always?). It’s like they threw all their toys away right when the clock marked thirteen, along with any pinch of heart they once had…discarding and disguising all that miracle grow that helped them grow. The stress of cramming the work in-between the day job and life stuff and having to deal with people on top of that was beginning to roll me over. Situations like this should tell a person rather quickly which guns they need to stick with. Mine have always been constant cannons, so it was almost too late before it registered completely with me. And I must say this now, I’ve had some incredible clients and a few bad apples are just part of the crippled ladders in the design orchard. But, still they just hit at the right-wrong time for me. I pretty much can make whatever the heck I want and when I want and I pretty much have complete parental rights to my work. Though, that is getting increasingly harder with the land of computers and everybody thinking they are a graphic designer because they can change the decorations on their blog and have the ability to pass a digital file labeled “NOT FOR PRINTER” to the printer anyway without my consent (this is rare anyway as I don’t do a lot of professional print projects). That’s all fine and dandy and just the shape of things in a whole different story of communication all together. But, the idea of the graphic designer just doesn’t get much respect these days. Maybe it’s always been like this? I don’t know. I could just tell that in my little area this was true OR, I was just getting old and bitter. Also, with this web 2.0 world, or whatever the heck version it’s on now, my main work, the ageless poster piece, is starting to show it’s age as everybody gets their information from myspace and other blogs. I’m guilty just the same as I’m more of a comfortably spoiled house cat than anyone. So, really, I feel that most design work I see around has become more for decoration or afterthought (similar to the bulk of moviemaking). Though, isn’t all design decoration in some way? My primary area of work has been in the independent music industry. It’s a path that I happened to fall into and found a connection with. And after many lack-of-heart feelings coming home from well-oiled design studio meat market visits in design school, I wanted my own thing or a quick exit. I wanted what was coming out of my system, to be of my own system, as I’m very protective of my work like a mother bird. I wanted something that gave somebody a “something” and in-turn something that gave me back something inside…and all of that gushy stuff. The music scene in general hasn’t been in my heart like it once had when I started this. Maybe because I barely have enough time to slide down for design that it’s easy for me to neglect the music side? I still love music and devour it daily. Though, my first involvement was more one-on-one with bands and I was always going and going, which gets harder as I grow older. I really enjoy being at home now and ever since early childhood, I’ve enjoyed locking myself up or out, and making things. I don’t go to many concerts anymore because I tire easily, most live music settings push my buttons rather quickly, and I am not in a position to network like I once was. And thank the good lord of Full House that I don’t live in poverty anymore with about ten musician roommates. It was fun for the first few months and I consider those days very crucial and special to my development, in a strange way. Though, I consider all days very crucial to my development…in a strange way. It can be mighty discouraging when some musicians I work for tell me that they don’t see the point in trying to achieve an artistic endeavor on the side of a full-time day job. This is the biggest kick to the pants. The same person who shucked the day job responsibility and overall, ability to pay the rent and his graphic designer has told me this. It made me feel like a fool and worthless. Due to my situations and relationships (it’s certainly not my charisma or good-bad looks) I’ve never had to promote my design work at all (well, except for competitions and magazines which cost more money than what I make in a year). Getting the work has never been an issue for me. I’ve never had to promote myself or throw myself on inbox door stoops before now. People, projects and inquiries have somehow come to me. Though, an obvious global positioning has thrown a wrench in this and I don’t get out much. However, even when I used to get out, I didn’t work myself around by any means. I’ve always believed in the work speaking for itself and I’ve always believed that early success can lead to early exits. I’ve felt that I’ve needed to earn my design stripes on my painting shirt, like a Dalmation dog earns its spots. I’m now finally at the still sheepish point where I’m learning the values of shameless self-promotion and taking all that I’ve built and have been sitting on to work smarter, not harder. Though, I still plan to work my hardest. It’s hard though because whatever small amount of time I have, I try to make something new with that, as opposed to rubbing knee-caps. And I really don’t care to go to my own art openings or other shows because I’d rather be home creating or studying instead of looking at old news. I get a little strange at art shows. Sometimes I end up being disappointed all together. A like-minded friend, Chad T. Johnston (a writer) and I, have been working non-stop of late because approaching 3.0, we both feel that we have a lot more to say in this short life and we hope to whip our day job blues in order to work smarter, not harder and fill up the spit cans with what we’ve got to say. Through our conversations I’ve realized that I have said a lot in this small amount of time with design so far. And my lot is not full yet by any means. I’m still young. I took a good look at the past 6 years and realized that I’ve fulfilled most every goal that I had marked in my opening day cement. Though, I think that if I were to die today that I would day satisfied in certain lights, but not within my own personal paper trail I hope to leave imprinted on the Earth. I have much more work to do here. I suppose though I haven’t done too bad compared to other brackets. And some days it’s all just out of my hands. But, I don’t believe in sitting on them. Before 2006 hit, I used to think I could spin these design wheels fast and forever. I was wrong. Early last year I just didn’t care anymore for popping the bubbles on the asphalt. I’ve always been very much in tune with what I put to paper, but I also felt like the work was definitely headed in the direction of, more for me instead of for my clients. I enjoy making things for people greatly and the great relationships I’m able to share with my clients, beyond a poster, logo or CD design (heck, I get invited to birthday parties and everything). But, it can become dangerous for a designer when the work starts to take over and becomes more important than the cause…when the designer becomes the cause. Of course, why do the work at all if you don’t like it? I love what I do and it’s medicine for me in strange ways. And it means a lot to me when people stop to take a thought or a giggle home with them because of something I’ve bent my back over in the basement. It still baffles me that I have a small following of eyes attracted to my silly things and that people say there is “something” to the something I’m saying. Though, this can become dangerous when crossing personal paths upstairs. And I don’t know of anybody in this life who doesn’t have tugs of war of whatever sort they might be kicking out their insides. It’s a hard wrestle when you know you have the potential to be sitting on a bit more golden colored eggs than the average man-child in his basement, but not know how to get them to hatch and/or how not to suffocate them. And sometimes you want to settle for bronze because then so many people won’t see you standing there. Every semester for the past five years the handfuls of professionals and mostly students, randomly contacting me has swelled. This means so much to me that these little things that are trickling out are flying about and popping bubbles with their beaks to make new bubbles for thought and inspiration. At the same instance it gets me crazed because I have to keep this up, even when I don’t feel like it on some days. So, my portfolio has gained a lot of weight, but do I make any money? That answer is NO…and I knew that one coming in, so no surprises there. I’m in my seventh year of this game (in a professional manner) working full-time day jobs on top of my passions. Some past pavements even found me with a part-time job on top of the day-time job and then saving the nights and weekends for design (and a girlfriend too). So, the issue is not about a lack of work ethic, passion or drive, nor is it a lack of ideas or imagination. I’ve don’t believe in having a lack for any of that. And designers that do have an issue in those areas need to possibly reconsider what they’re doing. But, with me it’s been more the issue of a fire being lit. Interesting enough, it takes fire to keep it lit and to burnout with. It’s just a healthy balance that you’ve got to keep tending to. So, I realized that whether I made things for myself or for others, I would pretty much even it out as I don’t make any money and I’m still making and doing the things that I love and enjoy and need to be doing. So, there is nothing to lose there in some fashion. This is something I have learned…balance. Last year I still had a few loose ends and commitments to fulfill. But, after learning to finally say “NO” to a few new projects coming in (which is very hard for me), I started to just do things completely for myself, for me and the basement and my wife and the kitties to only see. I didn’t stop producing, I just took it a different direction. I’m also in the process of spitting out some writings and special little projects with a few others that will be trickling around one of these days. I suppose I’ve always felt more in kin with old folk artists or the older generation(s) of designers/illustrators than younger graphic designers in my approach and ethic. I’m not really sure, and I’m not a fan of labels other than a “maker of things”. I just wish to make the things that need to come out of me and share them with others if need be. Back to TIME…without having time to fully spend with the development for some of my more important design children, and with the lacking ability to muster through multiple all-nighters like I once did, I needed to find a healthier balance. I’ve learned that a lack of sleep will catch up with you eventually. So, I switched roles and started getting to bed early and up early. My day job doesn’t need me until 9:00am, so that gave me a solid four hours (I walk four blocks to work, so no travel time), minus thirty or forty minutes of dish washing, eating breakfast and getting ready. For the first four or five months I did nothing but read books for the first hour in the morning and the rest of the time I tinkered with little things here and there or filled up on movies. I also took back my time at the day job by not eating lunch with the rest of the office. Instead, I changed up my lunch time all together and started eating at 3:00 or 3:30 in the afternoon. Even this little shift in scheduling helps build self-control and strength. AND, i was tackling a diet and being that I like to be alone, it helped me to find some peace in the work place and to keep filling up the uncovered wagon w/sideboards at the all I can eat pop-culture buffet by way of books. It’s always been filling up. If I’m not doing anything, I have to be doing something. There is just not enough time in the day for everything I wish to devour. But, I try my best. It’s hard at first, but, after a week or so I looked forward to waking up at 5:00am. As I would hit the pillow, I couldn’t wait to get up for myself. In the past I had always hated going to sleep because it meant that I had to get right up and get to work for somebody else. I would roll off the couch in my janitorial outfit on a few hours of sleep and immediately walk out the door. Getting up for myself was like a new life for me, up with my own crickets. There is something almost dream-like about being awake in the early morning hours before most everybody else is crawling out of the sheets. It’s that time of day when the possibility of the prayers getting to the last of the line first, is a greater than. I’ve always thought that even though I can be too entertained when I’m alone and with my work, I’m still not completely alone in my scribbles in the big picture. I guess it’s my way of worship to a much bigger palette? There is almost a “last man standing” position of feeling, in a sense(s) to getting up in the early a.m. for me as well. It’s not too unlike an old “Twilight Zone” episode. It’s easy for me to day dream of being the only person left, just sitting in my basement making things because it’s so easy for me to spend a lot of time alone and I enjoy it. Though, then I get to the food issue. I don’t want to eat my cats or wonderful Millie. So, I would need a vast supply of well-kept hot dogs or something? Perhaps my farm boy roots are digging into me of late as well with getting up and into my fields early. I guess I’m a young whipper-snapper. I think that if I ever manned a fully-staffed studio, I would have it start really early and we’d crank out stuff like mad. My dirt feels fresher in the mornings without the junk clouds of the day following me. When I’m at my day job all I want to do is go home and make stuff. And I’ve been blessed with the jobs that I have had, as some have found me sweeping parking lots and literally digging thru junk clouds and bringing stuff home to create with. And…they’ve been pretty good jobs! Heck, at one of my janitorial positions, I had some free time on a few occasions to make posters. I’ve worked in data entry work the past two years and of late have been playing the spoiled meat in a cubicle sandwich. It’s a great job, but many days I can’t focus because I feel stuck and the fact that I’m too self-involved and can’t sit too still in my own mind or concentrate can boil quick. It can be triumphant, yet very troubling to carry this. My after school special isn’t reserved for a certain slot of time. I’m always on the inside jungle gym. Though, after an eight hour day of chasing another man’s dream, it can be hard to have the muster sometimes to come home and want to do much for me…especially the older I get. This happened just the other day as I couldn’t sit still at work for the pile I could be creating at home. I finally got home and I was so dog gone tired and defeated. Many days of this can ruin a man, but it’s got to be worth fighting for and in some odd cases can be fuel. And it’s alarming to see the time stack up and be filed away when you’re working for somebody else. It’s easy to put the personal goals and cares on another branch and just wish the weeks away fast. So, getting up early and wittling out a chunk of time on my tree, was a very crucial foundation to a much healthier life and helped dust the frame(s) for me. Another thing that I wanted to do was make overall life changes and diet. Working non-stop, not sleeping and not eating well starts to speak pretty quick and I wanted to whip this before it got serious later in life. Now, I’m not guaranteed the next paragraph, but I want to make this one I’m in right now lead up to it in whatever formal best manner that I know best. Though, shortly after taking grooming classes at age eleven in 4-H, I stopped tucking in my shirt and combing my hair. So, here I am. It’s taken me many months (heck, 29 years) of wrestling and hair tugging of who am I and what the heck am I doing. And I think that I don’t think I can turn it off. What is the conclusion? Well, I am not finished by any means. I always plan to be making my best work as I see myself a work in progress, though I see myself as my only competition too. I’m always cracking my whips. I am at my best when I am alone and making things and it can turn to bad as well. It’s just a matter of a healthier balance of everything else to where I don’t dive too far into DJG. Though, maybe if I just work hard enough I can get a special spot out by the back dumpster up there next to the much-bigger, name-tagged cubicles in design heaven? Who knows? I do know that I am just a man first thing. Second, I am a man who happens to make things. I believe I borrowed that from another man who made things once, but I can’t find whose fingernails it belongs to. Or, perhaps I need to stop thinking and just get to making? -djg