#too many stinkies to rotate in my mind

[interplanet--janet]

theyre so divorcedcore i want to put them in a blender together and turn it on high

[cor-lapis-candy]

Look I reblogged a post about incel Scaramouche, and the stinky man has lived in my head since then so shout out to @albedosarmpit for going through with posting it.

It was disgusting and I love it!

So let's get some more going...

Scaramouche who had a falling out with his mother right before he left for college, yes it was her name that got him his scholarship and yes it was her... Girlfriend, he refuses to think of that woman as his step mother, that wrangled him a slot in some of the more prestigious rolls of the University he chose, and sure he may have had a few too many meltdowns in the library to be allowed back in but that's just cause the librarian was to much of a bitch to handle the truth he had to offer!

Sure his roommate is crusty and complains about how loud he yells as he games, and sure he's suuuch a Chad with his rotation of sluts that he brings home but he could stand to shut the fuck up about it, or at least not bring back such low effort partners. Childe was nothing if not a nerd in disguise, that computer if his is full of games and hentai just like his was, but just cause he kept his background something clean didn't mean he was better than him.

And fine, he could groom himself better, shower twice a day rather than twice a week! But whatever person he finally deems satisfactory to his standards will be more enticed by how he smells naturally rather than all that perfume and shit that Childe wears, it's all fake lust after all, he smells like a bitch and his little groupies must love that.

Most of the other people on this campus must have rotated through his fucking roomates bed by now, and yes okay, the one time he had someone come into his room with that kinda interest they ended up bolting while he took his hoodie off, sure he could have moved the cum towel or hidden the light novels and hentai but if a bitch couldn't handle his needs the good riddance.

Yet there was one he knew hadn't even been within breathing distance of his god awful roommates domain, you, sweet perfect you, you shared two of his classes and god you were almost his foil for scores, always chasing just after him in test results, bonus credit and he'll you took second in the same scholarship as him. You were perfect down to a tee, the cherry on top being you hadn't slept with anyone he knew and if luck was truely with him no one at all.

Sure he could overlook used goods if it came to you, he would wipe clean any remaining thoughts if whoever had taken your first and leave nothing but him in their wake, there would be a little bit of a skill gap too but that's fine in his mind you would still tremble and beg for him , even if his fingers were a little off or he was a little quick to cum, you were perfect after all and that ment you would accept it all.

Maybe tonight he could use something he stole from the last bitch Childe had over, some bra or whatever those whores left to make that mess of a ginger think of him, the last one had looked pretty close to you after all, similar height and weight, so perhaps it could hold space till he had you, use it to fuel those ideas of how he could use you.

Press the replacement cloth to his armpit and stain the material with a mix of his smell and whatever lingers of the original slut owner, make a bastardised version of what you could smell like as he looked over you, dripping his sweat and spit onto your skin, burying his teeth into the soft material as if it was your skin...

Yeah that was a good idea, a nice new light hentai and a little place holder till he could have you sounded just perfect right now.

[allyriadayne]

what are your favourite hotd ships and why?

in no order and as concise as possible:

jace x aegon - answered here. i just really love their dynamic. childhood friends, uncle and nephew, enemies? just the thought of proper straight laced (so he thinks!) jace falling head over heels with stupid stinky aegon is delicious to say the least. it's the worse match unimaginable and the only way they can be together is if their whole family is dead or they are completely different people. it's impossible. they are romeo and juliet to ME.

aegon x aemond - THE BLOWJOB BROTHERS! they hate each other, they love each other, they are having wacky looney tunes sex in front of the great sept while telling the other they should've been a girl and be married to the other. aemond would never kill aegon and aegon is too selfish to give in. the kingsguard HATES THEM.

aemond x alicent / aegon x alicent - grouping them in one section because while they have entirely different relationships the two ships respond to the brother's issues with alicent related to how both of them think the other is their mother's favorite! to me, it's like this: aemond wants to be alicent's fatherhusband while aegon wants to be her beautiful little baby boy and when they don't get it it turns really ugly. i just love how alicent is weaved too tightly in the psychosexual targtower web 💜

alicent x larys - [crowd cheers] i'll just let mr matthew needham (larys' actor) explain their bond

after losing rhaenyra, alicent is constantly, unconsciously asking for a companion, someone to take her side in everything......and she got it! too bad larys has his own morals. oh well!

alicent x otto - the most married and divorced couple in the whole of westeros.

(thank you to tumblr user laymedowninsheetsoflinen for the best tag in my aliotto photoset)

rhaenyra x daemon - theeee blueprint. i have trouble shipping them with other people because they are absolutely perfect for the other, it's crazy. restless chaotic blood of the dragon, depressed and divorced, happy domestics in dragonstone with their blended family, everything anyone could ever want.

alicent x tyland - if larycent is darksided master and pet, tylicent (you are paying me royalties if you ever talk about them btw) is the most saccharine lady and knight you can think of. this is my happy place when i don't want to torture (affectionate) alicent anymore. tyland is a complete fool but he's decent and kind and can spoil alicent however she wants. this started because i was joking with a friend how tyland lannister is the only man in the counsel who doesn't want to sit on alicent's lap. and was like, wait. he is the Only One. he's obsessed with her in the good way and she's blushing like a maid and wishing for another life where she would've had a proper courtship with a handsome knight instead of....anyway. life is not a song so they must make do.

crackships that are many but these i am constantly thinking about and rotating in my mind at any moment:

larys x otto (x alicent. sexual jealousy! scheming second sons!), otto x lyonel (otto's gay summer in the citadel), lyonel x rhaenyra (grrm's original dance draft mixed with bluebeard and brat taming), rhaenys x criston (thee original cuck chair couple), aegon x mysaria (i know her strap is big), aegon x alys (x aemond. who is dead), jace x alyn (fucking my bastard identity away), daemon x jace (horror movie comedy of errors)

[mochi-prosperity]

The Mochi Prosperity Challenge!

Round 1, House 2- Turner

-Told yah I would have better screenshots this time!-

"What the...?"

-Oh, hello Benjamin! How are you and Ethan doing?"

"Again.... What the?"

-TLDR I am Mochi and I am in charge of helping this neighborhood out and thrive! Do not worry whether or not I am real or not, or if you are or not.-

"I was not worried about that...I might be now.."

-Lovely. How is the house treating you?-

"Quite small I must admit. But I guess with it just Ethan and I now it really does not matter the size."

-Yes well, I only have so much to work with. Tell me about yourself!-

"Ah, yes, I am Benjamin Turner, I am a single father to my dear boy Ethan here, and I strive to be the chief of medicine one day."

-Ah what a cutie Mr. Ethan is!-

"Yes, he takes after me I would say. Honestly though I ... I don't remember if he takes after his mother or not."

-I will say he takes after you don't worry your little head of such trivial matters such as...-

"Such as my missing wife?"

-I wouldn't say she's missing... Rather just ... not here.-

"hmm."

-The house seems quite cozy for sure huh...I swore I made it bigger.-

"You built this house? How? You're not even real"

-I don't think now is the time to get into what is real or not, and I don't think you'll win this argument.-

"I beg to differ, I am a smart man. Either way, I am on the hunt for a job!"

-Chief of Medicine... Do you think it would be on the classified page of the newspaper?-

"Now come on. Of course not. But maybe a starting position is."

"Drat there seems to be nothing up my alley, I shall take what I get I guess. How does oceanography sound?"

-It sounds wet and stinky.-

"Wonderfully perfect!"

-Okay weirdo, I will assume you are a slob aren't yah?-

"Huh how'd you guess?"

-Guess I am just lucky...-

"Well better get my dear boy Ethan a nanny for when I am at work."

-I love that you are doing that, because I would hate to have my second household to have a child taken away.-

"Second household?"

-Yes! You are apart of my little experiment in this neighborhood. The are five families, and you are second in my rotation!-

"I do love experiments, I just am not sure if I consented for me nor my son to be apart of one..."

-NONSENSE I have the consent forms right here. Nevermind that. When do you start your job?-

"... 3 am tomorrow."

-Oh, ew.-

"Yeah I will concur with that statement."

-How sweet!-

"Saying goodbye before work to my little man. He's my number one here."

-:) very cute. I love the little family dynamic you have going on-

-Gooooood luck Benny boy!-

"Don't call me that."

-What the hell...-

"googoo"

-Oh Ethan! Sorry! I shouldn't be saying inappropriate words in front of you!-

*giggle*

-Ethan your nanny is....special. She's been standing there for hours staring at nothing and doing nothing. Maybe she's broken?-

*coos*

-I see your father needs to teach you to talk. I am not sure how many milestones we will be able to do this round for you before your birthday.-

"Dear me that was the most unfun thing I have ever experienced"

-Dear you lol-

"I'm sorry?"

-Never mind. Maybe tomorrow's newspaper will have your chief of medicine on the front page!-

"Don't be smart."

-I thought you liked smart!-

-Speaking of smart your little one seems to be swimming in your toilet.-

"Ethan, honey, no please. Daddy's too tired for this"

-The joys of single parenthood.-

"I mean honestly is it going to hurt him... Maybe he's trying to be like me, I come home wet and stinking of fish from this job. Like Dad like son?"

-Whatever floats your boat dude.-

-It seems I was right bout ya'll not having enough time for proper milestones. But at least hes growing up happy! Happy birthday dear boy. Our neighborhoods first birthday!-

"We got this little one, make a wish! Daddy will try his best to make it come true."

-Sweet!!! Don't make me cry.-

"Hi Mochi!"

-Hello, Ethan! How is your birthday going?-

"So fun!"

"Okay, Dad! Lets dance before you gotta work!"

"Oh Ethan, okay. If it makes you happy it makes me happy."

-I love the sweet autonomous moments like this :)-

-First day! Kick butt little one!-

"I'm not that little anymore Mochi!"

-Surrrrre. Literally aged from a toddler less than 12 hrs ago but sure.-

-Oh, you're both home at the same time! How was school and work?-

"My grades aren't great..."

-I don't think they normally would be on your first day. Don't worry your wanna be doctor dad is probably gonna help you get them to A's asap!-

"Who knocked over our trash?! Ethan was it like this when you went to school?"

"No Daddy!"

-I think it was the nanny when ya'll left..-

"Okay kiddo. School work time!"

-Told yah Ethan, Benny boy here wants you to go to private school. Ain't no way he gonna let you slack off.-

"Ain't ain't a word miss Mochi!"

-Ethan. I like you. Lets keep it that way.-

-How's the hunt Benjamin?-

"Still nothing! I would even take being a candy striper!"

-How ...How old are you?-

"Huh? Why?"

-I do not think candy stripers are a thing anymore.-

-oooo! Our first chance card!-

-Hell yeah we love promotions. Maybe next round I'll give yall a little renovation to the house. Get you and Ethan your own bedrooms.-

"I wouldn't mind that!"

"Oh, Hello Emmy!"

-Emmy! How is my girl doing?-

"Came to say hello! Benjamin is my closest friend here in the neighborhood!"

-He's off limits.. Ya'll are founders, so just friends for you.-

"OH MOCHI! No! Nothing like that. I don't even think we're attracted to each other!"

-Oh would you look at that yeah no chemistry. But best friends! And so quick wow!.-

"Fudge!!"

-Ethan!-

"I said fudge!"

-Its the intent though. Either way. How was school.-

"I got a B"

-That's great! Is dad helping with homework at night?-

"Yes! That's why I thought it would be an A by now!"

-It takes time!-

-Oh Emmy is still here!-

-.... what? Why are you talking about that with a child sleeping like 2 feet away-

"We aren't being nasty! He'll learn about it sooner or later anyways! He's the son of a soon to be Chief of Medicine!"

-Benny boy, I hate to break it to yah but soon is maybe not the right word since you haven't even landed a job in the medicine field.-

"Stop calling me Benny boy!"

-No its cute-

"Its not."

-Hey Emmy I think its time to leave girlie. Nearly time to go for me and the boys seem dead tired.-

"Oh yes, of course. Thanks for having me Benj.... Benny boy! *giggle*"

*Benjamin glares*

"Have a good time Emmy. Mochi you're not funny."

-I think I am!-

-My sleepy second household comes to the end of their first round. I think they'll be my favorite. But theres more to see! Hopefully this week or weekend I will get part 3 up!:)-

[elizabethemerald]

Fall Anniversary at the Soltryce Academy

Caleb walked into his classroom at the Soltryce Academy with the immediate instinct that something was wrong. He had been teaching Transmutation theory and application in this same class room for the past twenty years, so anything that seemed different set off alarms in his head. 

He mentally checked the wards on the class room and found them intact. There were a few students in their seats, a few more filtering into the lecture hall, by the second. None of them seemed alarmed. Whatever was different today did not appear to be an immediate threat. 

Still just to be safe he subtly cast Detect Magic as he set his bag down and took off his coat. Immediately a few points were highlighted in his mind. Of course his own magical items, the amber around his neck and the amulet beside it, the ring on his finger, the chalk he had enchanted to help him lecture. Nothing off there. 

There were a few points of magic around the rest of the room, each quickly analyzed and dismissed. Transmutation magic on a small pile of coins near the wall, a low level student’s practice project. Abjuration magic in the wards along the walls. Divination magic in a button, another spying device Astrid had tried to sneak into his class room to keep him from teaching against the school’s policies. 

It was the illusion spells that caught his attention. A few of the students were covered in the same, linked illusion. Their appearance normal enough to blend in, but also entirely too normal for a real student. And there, a student he didn’t recognize even with his keen mind, covered in an illusion spell. Several other magical objects of varying power, hidden under the spell. The Vestige appeared to be within its pocket dimension, so at least they hadn’t brought a weapon onto campus. 

After setting down his things and greeting his class he squeezed past a few of the students to grab Astrid’s enchanted button. He quickly dispelled it and slipped it into an envelope to return to her later. As he returned to the front he gave the cat sitting on his desk a brief scratch. 

“Hello Jester.” He said. Of course he didn’t need Detect Magic telling him of the cat’s aura of Transmutation to know his friend. She was bright blue after all and staring at him far more smugly than even a magic fey cat would. 

“Now class, I know we were discussing transmutation principles as applied to effecting the elements around you, but I am afraid that lesson will have to be postponed. It would seem that it is the anniversary of the Mighty Nein getting together and they have decided to invite themselves to my class.”

There was a muttering around the class room as the students looked at each other, before one of them near the front stood up, the illusion dropping off her form as she did so. 

“I told you he wouldn’t fall for it!” Veth said in her high voice, She looked mostly unchanged from when they first brought her back to her proper body. A few more laugh lines, but nothing more to show the passing two decades. “Lebby, is an amazing wizard, he wouldn’t fall for something simple like that. You students better appreciate the skill of your teacher.”

Caleb smiled fondly as Veth walked up to the front to give him a hug. Interspersed through the seats a few more illusion spells dropped. A half elven man walked up from the front row and kissed him on the cheek. Essek’s own illusion lasting even as he dismissed the Seeming on Kingsley and Yasha. 

“How did they rope you into this?” Caleb whispered to Essek. 

“Oh you know I can’t resist a practical joke.” Essek maintained his deadpan delivery for only a few seconds before a small smile graced his lips. Caleb knew quite well that Essek looked as ageless as ever, under his illusion. His elven blood would keep him looking much the same for the next few centuries. Caleb returned the kiss, to the muttering of his students. They weren’t ever a 100% sure who Caleb’s rotating cast of elven boyfriends were, and Caleb was more than happy to keep them in the dark. 

“Well you can’t fault us for trying!” Kingsley said. They were wearing a scandalously low cut shirt, a pair of plain black pants, and a pair of thigh high boots. His purple hair was fading to a less vibrant shade just a bit near his ears and he had a larger collection of scars, as one would expect from years of piracy and being a bloodhunter. They were also wearing their sword much to Caleb’s disapproval, which was apparently not magical. 

“You can’t expect me to hide this glorious look without magic though can you?” He said, sliding his hands down to his hips then back up his torso. Then he grabbed Caleb’s chin and kissed him full on the mouth, with tongue for several seconds, while his students lost their collective minds. Caleb smiled against Kingsley’s lips right before the tiefling stepped back. He was sure the rumor mill of the school would go wild about that for a few weeks. He wished he could see the look on Master Beck’s face when the news came across her desk. “Here’s to another twenty years, magic man.”

Yasha and Caduceus walked up next, each giving Caleb a tight hug. These two showed their age the least of the non elven members of the Nine. Cad could have been just stepping out of the temple doors in the Blooming Grove, saying that he had only three cups, if it weren’t for the increased presence of lichens and mosses of all kinds on his clothes and armor. Caleb was fairly certain there was an actual bird’s nest in his pink hair. Yasha of course looked as badass and muscular as she had when they first found her. Her hair was completely white, done up in an ornate braid. Home life seemed to suit her well, she looked genuinely happy and relaxed like she certainly hadn’t when they had first gotten together. 

Fjord’s spell dropped as well. The half orc’s hair had large stripes of gray in it, he had crows feet at the corners of his eyes, and his salt and pepper beard had significantly more salt to it now. He still looked good, life at sea, despite its hardships, keeping him fit. He laughed at something over Caleb’s shoulder as he approached and he found himself lifted bodily into the air by a pair of muscular blue arms. 

Jester having dropped her polymorph spun him around briefly in the hug before setting him back on his feet. She would never fail to look divine. Her horns now curling in on themselves, almost like her mother’s had when they first met her. Her hair is pulled back into a pony tail, poofing out behind her head from the salt air. Her sailing days were certainly not hurting her in anyway. Her smile was still just as wide, her eyes just as sharp, and her arms just as strong, if not more so. 

“Happy anniversary Caleb! Twenty years ago you were a stinky wizard. Now you are here teaching!” Jester’s happiness in her voice carried to every corner of the lecture hall. 

“What happened to our plan of drinks in Nicodranas this evening?”

“I just couldn’t wait Cay-leb.” She pouted. “Fjord and I got into port early, and I was so bored.”

Caleb smiled at her, then looked around at the rest of the Nein, pretending to count. 

“We appear to be one short. Where is my sister? Couldn’t drag her away from the Cobalt training pit? Or did she get lost in a book like some kind of nerd?” Caleb said with a smirk.

“Mother fucker!” 

He looked up towards the voice above him, just in time to watch Beauregard drop from the ceiling, to land on his desk with a perfect three point landing. She hopped off the desk and punched his arm, before also grabbing him in a tight hug. 

“I am not a nerd, Widogast!” She snapped, a wide grin on her face. 

“Beauregard, please do not land on my desk. It was a gift and I don’t think it could bare too many impacts like that.” He stopped to look up at the vaulted ceilings of the class room. “Also, how did you get up there?”

If she had been invisible she would have tripped the wards on the class room. And if she had gone in the brief break between classes one of the early students would have noticed her and caused a stir. 

Beau took her turn to smirk. 

“I have been waiting up there for four hours so we could surprise you. It’s surprisingly comfortable. I could have gone another couple of hours without breaking a sweat.” She paused to flex, causing several students, and Yasha to blush at her muscles. 

Beauregard’s monk training meant that she looked like she hadn’t aged a day since Aeor. And she could still easily out fight everyone else in the room if she wanted to. She was also the one member of the Nein that Caleb saw the most frequently. Their work to root out corruption among the Cerberus Assembly, and other bodies of power in the Empire often kept them up together late into the night, until Yasha would intervene and throw her wife over her shoulder to carry her to bed. 

“Can I finish the lesson, or should we depart immediately?” Caleb asked, already guessing the answer. 

“Cayyyllleeeb.” Jester groaned, pulling at her face. “I’m sooooo bored. I want to drink and party already!”

Caleb turned back to his class of students. He was sure most of them had heard rumors about Professor Widogast and the wild adventures he got up to with the Mighty Nein back when they first got together. He wasn’t sure how much they actually believed, but he was sure that even the most widely blown out of proportion tale didn’t even begin to cover the truth of what they had done together. 

“In honor of the anniversary of this group of arschlochs finding each other, consider this to be a free day. Keep up on your readings, and if you have any questions I will be at my regular office hours tomorrow morning.” 

The students immediately started buzzing as they stood and packed. No doubt during tomorrow’s class he would have to field a whole host of questions about the Nein, and that was just the way he liked it. The day after the anniversary was the one day he would talk about what his family had done. As the class filtered out, with many a lingering glance thrown at the colorful group at the front, Caleb turned to Essek, setting the envelope with Astrid’s button in it on the table top to deal with later. 

“Would you like to teleport us to the beach, or shall I?”

Essek put up both hands. 

“I already used my spell slots getting us all back together again. You can bring us to the coast.” Essek said, his smile a mix between smug and fond. 

Caleb rolled his eyes before pulling him into a soft kiss. Then he turned to address the rest of the Nein. The family he had made for himself. 

“Are we ready?” After a series of nods, he pulled an ancient clay turtle from his pocket and gave it a squeeze. “Then let’s go!”

And they were off, to a night of drinks and celebration and stories told, and memories shared. And of course many toasts, “To another twenty years.”

[ngame989]

“Enough” - TGG SVTFOE Fanfic Collection Ch. 11

Writing: @ngame989​

Art: @toxicpsychox​

Musical Arrangement: @ubercelloczar​

Editing: @ubercelloczar​, @seddm​

Alternate fic links - FFnet, AO3

Summary: Star, Marco, Tom, and Janna reflect on their pasts, arrive at a crossroads in the present, and make decisions about their futures when Echo Creek Academy hosts a dance with an uncannily familiar theme.

Comic Page

Masterpost

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy New Year! This is a very special chapter, slightly breaking the tradition of having its poster be a Polaroid photo (though one of those will be coming soon lol). Also, this was inspired by an actual real life event, Google the date for yourself. MASSIVE thanks to my friend @ubercelloczar​​ for the musical arrangement - I can’t embed it partway through so I’ll just link it when the time comes. Hope you enjoy!

Red. All these years, and she was just now realizing how little red there was in her expansive collection of outfits. Star could probably count on one hand the number of times she’d worn anything in that color besides Marco’s oversized hoodies. Though for all intents and purposes she’d moved into Marco’s room over a year ago, most of her clothes were still kept in her old room at Angie’s insistence. You leave pajamas in the mailbox ONE TIME and suddenly everyone’s all “please use a closet, Star.” Her fingers fondly brushed over the fabrics of dozens of dresses and skirts she owned. The turquoise with the narwhal? Timeless classic, though a bit worse for wear after so many life or death incidents on Mewni. Purple with suspenders? Eh, not so much… for whatever reason she just hadn’t felt like wearing that in a while. Her sleeveless sky blue dress, on the other hand, had made its way back into her rotation after the dimensions cleaved. Why, she couldn’t say, though she tended to skip the leg warmers these days. The pink overalls with the cute skirt were one of her favorite buys on Earthni - the perfect blend of dimensional fashions.

Minutes passed as she reminisced, her wardrobe a library unveiling its stories as her eyes roved its contents. One random winter night came to mind at the sight of her rarely used fuzzy yellow jammies. The heater had been on the fritz, so she and Marco had cuddled up even closer than normal. Her brain had been too frozen to think straight at the time, but in hindsight it was one of her favorite memories - spending all night watching movies with family, hot cocoa by the gallon, and holding Marco tight did more to warm her soul than any heater ever could. Some more notable memories were captured in the attire too, like the lavender dress she’d planned to wear to her first school dance before ditching it to resurrect a clown; the Love Sentence concert tee she’d made; her green dinosaur dress, captured forever on that fateful photo strip.

Experiences shared with Marco stood out among the rest - they usually did anyway, but tonight perhaps more than most, and for good reason. She’d once obsessed over a tattered, stinky hoodie of his as a source of calm and stability for some of the harshest weeks in her life, but tonight she felt like she was at her highest point. When her eyes finally spotted her target, the reason she had even been rummaging around an old closet and choking on enough dust to fell an adult warnicorn, her small, nostalgic smile stretched into a wide grin laden with too many emotions to count. If there’s any night to wear red, this is it, Star thought as she slipped into the silky dress awaiting her.

After all, she and Marco were once again going to a Blood Moon Ball.

Six Weeks Earlier

“Not sure if we’ll be able to pull this off, Diaz. They’ve got us surrounded.” Steam rolled out of Star’s mouth with the words, threatening to give away their location. She shivered despite the warm pink fleece she wore; the wind today was so chilly that even Marco had donned a winter jacket over his hoodie. They were in the midst of a battle, nay, an all-out war. We’ve got one, maybe two dozen? We’re doomed.

Where Star faltered, Marco’s resolve was firm. “Our only option is a last stand. I can lead a strong forward assault and draw fire long enough for you to flank their offense.” They’d found a secure location with solid cover, but it severely limited their scouting ability. Marco lowered his hood and stole a glance above the metal behind them, ducking back down instantly. Snow had already accumulated on his lashes and glittered softly in the sunlight, but Star couldn’t afford to linger on that image. It was do or die.

He took her hands and pulled her close, almost touching their noses. “If I don’t make it, Star, I want you to take care of Nachos for me, OK?” He scooped up his armful of snowballs and moved into position.

She theatrically reached out a hand towards him right as he got to the threshold of safety. “I’ll never forget you Marcoooo…” she whispered loudly. The pair giggled as Star grabbed her ammunition. “Alright, enough of that. Ready?”

“Ready.”

Marco dashed around the playground slide and into the fray. Right as Star followed, she heard him yelp and fall into the soft snow coating the playground, three enemy combatants hovering over him and pelting him mercilessly. “Marco!” Star yelled and trudged over with the gleeful cheers of their enemy ringing in her ears. “Speak to me, Marco! Don’t leave me!”

“Star… Remember me...” He grunted and let his head drop into the snow.

“Noooooooooo!” With one final breath, she flopped on top of him and accepted death by a thousand snowballs.

One extra large hunk of snow, far too large to have been thrown by any of the kids, exploded on Star’s back and coated her entirely in soft white fluff. Star heard the warm rumble of Antonio’s hearty chuckles at his successful finishing blow. “Alright, kiddos, your families are here. Have a happy break!” His beefy hand grabbed Star’s own and easily hefted her to her feet before doing the same for Marco. How the heck he was OK in the cold with just an ear-flappy-hat and his usual flannel shirt, she’d never know.

Star dusted herself off and watched the children skip through the snow - a much smaller group than usual, since it was the last evening shift before Christumpmasday break. Most were eager to return to their families, though Star had to help two little girls finish building their snowlizard and take a few pictures before they were willing to leave without bursting into tears; in their defense, it was a ridiculously cute and fun snowlizard. And with that, it was finally holiday break time!

As they walked back to the Center with Antonio, Star took in the sight of the campus covered in fresh snow. The sparkling white planes draped across the pristine Earth architecture contrasted with the raw, natural aesthetic of snow and ice intermingled with remnants of a once-thriving Mewman village, but it all blended together into something unique and beautiful. She caught Marco transfixed with a goofy smile on his face, in awe of her as much as she was with the world, and her cheeks flushed a tiny bit more than they’d already done in the cold. The crunch of snow underfoot and the gentle whooshing of the wind as they swung their joined hands back and forth were the only sounds disturbing this peaceful, perfect moment.

“Merry Christumpmasday, Antonio!” Star shouted as she gave her boss-slash-friend a big hug, and he laughed and returned the gesture with enough strength to lift both Star and Marco off the ground a little.

“Same to you two. Thanks again for staying late, I feel bad about keeping anyone here like this. My husband’s still out of town until tomorrow so home, work, it’s all the same to me, personally. Wish your whole family the best for me.” After saying their goodbyes, Star and Marco walked back out into the cold where their ride was waiting.

“Hey, girl” Marco’s voice was tender as he adjusted Nachos’ cute winter cap and stroked her back. As he was testing his foothold to make sure he wouldn’t slip and faceplant while trying to hop on, Antonio peeked his head out the door.

“Wait, before you go… an elderly lady gave me this flier for some kinda dance.” He scratched his chin through his beard. “Dunno why she brought it here of all places, but since I had it, I thought I might as well pass it along.”

“Oh, is it for that big dance the high school is throwing for all the teens in town?” Marco asked.

“Seems so. Maybe she just got confused about what kinds of kids it was for,” Antonio said, lightly chuckling. “January 30, it says, and it’s an all-nighter; that’s quite the shindig. If Earthni parties are anything like my high school days, it’s probably best I give you the whole next day off,” he said with a wink and a smirk.

All night dance? Even the Bounce Lounge was rarely that crazy - what was so special about this? Antonio handed the flier to Star and Marco who took hold of the other side of it, moving it between them as they gaped in shock at its contents.

“No way, there’s no way, what the-” she and Marco muttered in perfect unison. “Are you- seeing this? It can’t- how did-” They started and stopped as their attempts to stop copying each other canceled each other out.

Marco blinked a few more times to finally pry his eyes away from the page. “Well, eclipses do happen pretty often on Earth, I guess...” They both glanced incredulously back and forth between each other and the flier before the tension in their shoulders finally dropped. An unspoken agreement had been made: they might as well give this dance a shot. Star took one last look at the flier before hopping on Nachos, stuffing it into her jacket and wrapping her arms around Marco’s midriff for the ride home, its words emblazoned in her mind.

January 30-31, 2018. Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse Extravaganza at Echo Creek Academy! Come dance under the red light of the lunar eclipse!

***

Present Day

“OK, Diaz, let’s see what you’ve got. Sweat prevention, check,” he noted with a quick whiff of his armpits. “Outfit, check.” Bright red dress shirt, sharp black jacket, sleek black tie. Marco posed in the bathroom mirror a few times, getting everything in order for a night he’d been looking forward to for months. “Hair, check.” It was just his usual style, but it never hurt to make sure it was ready to go. Looking good, Diaz.

His stare lingered in their bedroom mirror for a moment too long as thoughts began racing through his mind. Was he nervous? Marco Diaz, nervous for a big night with the girl he loved? More often than not Star was his reason not to be nervous about anything, but this was their first big formal dance as a couple and he did have a pretty dicey history with those. And what were the odds that it was on the night of the Blood Moon again? He wasn’t exactly worried about the curse, per se - there was some caveat or another in demon lore that the Blood Moon could only impart its curse when shining through a special Underworld crystal, the very same one embedded in the roof of the Lucitor ballroom years ago, Relicor had assured them. And it’s not like it even did anything bad to them in the first place, right? Marco still stood by his own words - it was all baloney. Still though, it did leave him with a decision to make. He experimentally put on his Día de Los Muertos mask and turned his head a bit. Should he?

“I don’t think I ever told you how cute you look in that mask.” He’d gotten pretty good about anticipating Star’s sudden appearances but had been caught up in his own mind enough that he still jumped a bit, much to her amusement. “Buuuuuuuut…” she drawled as she swiftly stepped forward and snatched it off his head. “I like your face more.” She grinned and pinched his cheek before they both stopped to truly look at each other. They hadn’t seen each other’s outfits ahead of time but as always they’d been on the same page. “I like the rest of you, too,” she muttered, biting her lip. Marco felt his cheeks turn the same color as his shirt at the comment, but also at her own appearance. Two wavy strands of hair in front of her ears framed her adorable face, though her hair had otherwise been left down as normal. Her red dress had a lone heart clasp on one shoulder, a pattern of moons and stars on a dark band circling the waist, a knee-length wavy skirt that gently swished as she rocked back and forth, and black high heels.

“Wow,” he uttered.

“You like it?” Star asked hopefully. “I thought, well, I didn’t want to go too over-the-top and wear the old Blood Moon Ball outfit but I still wanted to fit the theme so-”

“You’re beautiful,” Marco stated. Not that she’d needed to be wearing an incredible evening dress for him to think that, and he knew she knew that too, but she was still making him a bit dizzy right now. “Wait-” he stopped her when she tried to move in for a kiss, leaning back to their nightstand. He grabbed her horns and gently placed them on her head, brushing a wayward strand of hair back into place. “Perfect.” He leaned forward to kiss her, seeing her doing the same as his eyelids closed, and-

“Mijos!” Star and Marco’s eyes opened, freezing in place so close together that her breath tickled his lips, staring at each other for a second before turning towards the door. Daaaaad. “Oh, sorry, did we interrupt a moment?” We? Rafael stepped aside to reveal all their parents, plus Eclipsa and Globgor, crammed into the hallway. Star took Marco’s hand as they separated.

“Eeeee!” Eclipsa squealed in delight. “You two are absolutely precious. Come downstairs, loves, we must take your picture.”

“I’ve got two backup rolls of film!” Angie chimed in as Moon herded them all down the stairs and out of the way.

Marco looked at Star, who was goofily smiling at him as she squeezed his hand. It wasn’t that he minded being affectionate with Star around friends and family - heck, his own parents were still the most overtly lovey-dovey couple in the house - but he couldn’t help a bit of embarrassment when they were the center of attention like that. After double checking to make sure they had everything they needed, the pair headed out and walked down the stairs together to the oohs and aahs of their families. Star’s parents merely watched while Marco’s both wielded cameras, snapping pictures fervently. Nachos wasn’t due for another few minutes, so they decided to just endure the gauntlet.

“Didn’t think a sort-of-school dance was such a big deal,” Star murmured. Eclipsa sat down on the arm of the couch next to Globgor while Moon daintily folded her hands in her lap on the opposite side with River squished between her and the size-shifter.

“Well, when Marco left for Mewni, we were worried he’d never get to have a prom,” Angie cheerily responded, having evidently heard Star’s comment. “This is basically the same thing, though. Raf, honey, remember our prom?”

“Oh, yes, it was delightful,” he said, finally lowering the camera and turning to address the others on the couch. “We had actually just broken up that morning and went separately, but your mother just happened to walk directly into me as the slow music started and we ended up waltzing the night away. That was the last time we had to get back together.” How many details about my parents have I missed? Marco wondered to himself, before realizing he likely didn’t want to know quite a few of them and shuddering a bit. Still, it was better than being endlessly fawned over, so Marco stood perfectly still and shut his mouth.

Eclipsa set a hand on Globgor’s shoulder, smiling fondly. “Globgor and I met at a dance too! Well, not quite a ‘dance’, I suppose... he twirled me out of the way of an assassin’s arrow, and I swept him off his feet, but the principle seems about the same to me.”

“I was about to eat a guard until she blasted me to the ground. She cast a spell on me in more ways than one.” Globgor laughed. “Though the literal one was very painful,” he added seriously.

“Well, River and I had been to our share of Silver Bell Balls and other royal festivities,” Moon chimed in. “Though when I was Star’s age we weren’t together yet, and I was very focused on the kingdom by the time things were calm enough to enjoy them properly…”

“And now our little girl is going to big fancy galas with a handsome young man. Next thing you know she’ll be setting out on her own, never needing her parents again!” River wailed, clutching Moon’s arm. Well, the diversion was good while it lasted.

“River, please,” Moon gently chided. “You two are quite the adorable couple, though. Though I never wished to interfere in your personal affairs on Mewni, I am certainly glad things eventually worked out as well as they did.”

Eclipsa strolled over and enveloped both of them in a hug. “You two look positively astonishing together,” she cooed before releasing them to take them in one at a time. “Star, darling, you’re as stunning as I’ve ever seen you. And Marco...” She paused, placing her hands on his shoulders. Her purple eyes were laden with unbridled affection as they looked him up and down, her lips turning upward in as sincere a smile as he’d seen her display. “Marco, you sweet young man… You’re quite lucky to have each other, you know. Perhaps it’s not my place to say, but I’m so proud of how you’ve grown these past few years. Now have fun tonight, this is great practice for a certain other first dance I see in your future,” she finished with a wink, causing his blush to return with a vengeance.

“Picture time!” Rafael singsonged, getting up close and flashing a camera near Marco’s face. “Do some fun poses! Give the people what they want! We are not going to miss any more of our son’s major life moments!” His voice was filled with determination to the point of sounding angry, and Marco’s eyes widened in part sympathy, part stark terror. Minutes flew by as Star and Marco supplied their families’ demands, exhausting both the traditional prom shots and their signature poses: back-to-back, too cool for school, Star pinching his cheeks, drowning in a monster’s stomach acid… the list seemed endless, and though goofing around with Star was always fun, he’d been anticipating the dance so long that every second of delay felt like torture. Finally, Marco breathed a sigh of relief when his dad moaned in dismay at the camera clicking without anything happening; he was out of film.

“Oh dear, only one left,” Angie echoed. “Let’s get a nice one of a kiss. Don’t be shy.”

“Well, Marco? Shall we?” Star threw him a flirtatious grin, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He opened his mouth to respond with a quip of his own when he heard wheels screeching to a stop outside. Sweet freedom. “Well, that’s our ride!” Marco stated a bit too forcefully, breaking away from Star and heading towards the door to greet Nachos. Flying in on a dragoncycle would be a major departure from whatever prom fantasies about picking up Jackie in a limo he’d had as a kid, but he still wanted to do something special with a traditional flair. She snorted and cackled when the door opened and revealed his grand prom surprise: Nachos with a top hat and bow tie.

“Marco, what did you do to her?”

“Well, it’s prom, so our ride needs to be the fanciest it can be,” he giggled as she rolled her eyes. “Only the best for you, m’la-”

When Star’s lips cut him off sweetly as she tugged him closer, suddenly Marco didn’t mind staying a little bit longer, and the snap of his mother’s camera seemed to agree.

***

Chaos. Compared to any dance Star had been to before, this was the best kind of chaos. The energetic beat of the electronic music thrummed in her ears as her hips swayed and arms waved in the air. She wasn’t sure exactly how many people had shown up, but the gymnasium of Echo Creek Academy was more packed than she’d ever seen it. Still, it wasn’t so cramped that she had no room to get her groove on; when her butt bumped into Marco beside her, it was by choice as she slyly grinned at her boyfriend in his red shirt, now sans jacket. He smirked back at her and set his feet in place, slicing his hands wildly through the air. “I thought you didn’t like the sword-hand dance,” Star loudly spoke into his ear, though it was a whisper relative to the volume of the music and crowd.

“Yeah, but if everyone else is gonna do it anyway, I might as well own it.” They locked eyes as she began to mirror him, mimicking his karate poses in time with the music. He abruptly grabbed both her hands and swung them up and down, laughing as they just shook everything they had without a care in the world. She yanked him towards her and spun them both around, their backs flush against each other as they kept bouncing to the rhythm.

“Woop, woop! Starco in da HOUSE!” Ponyhead stuck her horn between them, forcing them apart as she floated up and down.

Tom also made his way beside them, drink in hand. “Anyone else want punch?” He lowered the plastic cups he’d been levitating over the crowd into Star and Marco’s hands, and Pony’s tongue. “Gotta say, this is pretty good punch. What kind of blood is it? Centaur? Unicorn? Oooooh, I’ve heard that giraffigator blood is hot these days.”

Marco eyed his cup warily. “What the heck is a giraffigat-”

“WHAT’S THIS ‘BOUT UNICORN BLOOD?” Pony screamed, getting up in Tom’s face.

Star quickly separated them, holding her hands up to try and ease her friends. “Guys, guys, there’s no actual blood in it, I think it’s just citrus.” Well, she was fairly sure. She took one trial sip, tasting the sweet flavor of- “Wait, yep, this is blood,” she said disgustedly after she spit it back into the cup.

“More for me, then,” Tom said nonchalantly, as he snatched Marco’s cup and took another swig while Pony floated in circles grumbling. It seemed like the DJ was taking a break from the upbeat dancing music for now, so the group made their way to the outskirts of the gymnasium where they’d left their belongings. Star laid down on the bleachers, resting her head on Marco’s lap after he’d put his jacket back on and sat down. He stroked her hair with his thumb as they relaxed after an intense hour of dancing. It struck her that this was actually the first time she’d ever truly had carefree fun at a formal dance. The original Blood Moon Ball left her with very mixed feelings to say the least, and her one experience with an Earth dance had been a bit of a disaster even though she didn’t actually go. Time had largely expunged the lingering venom she’d directed at herself for her relationship mistakes after returning to Mewni, leaving some life lessons and fond memories; but even some enjoyable fiery dances with Tom didn’t change the fact that the Silver Bell Balls were stuffy political dramafests. She reached up and intertwined her fingers with Marco’s, squeezing his hand and beaming at him - this was more like it.

“You know, I will say, this DJ is killing it tonight,” Pony said as she returned. “I was kinda expectin’ something lame but this is the best party I’ve been to since the Bounce Lounge closed.” Star nodded in agreement.

Tom leaned back and crossed his legs a few rows below them, taking a sip from his second cup so far. “Oh, yeah, I know him, he’s actually the cousin of my old anger management coach. His name’s Kim H. Brian.”

“I thought your coach’s name was Brian,” Marco responded.

“Yeah, Brian Brian.”

“Get outta t- wait, the Kim H. Brian?” Star bolted up at Marco’s words and they stared at each other incredulously.

“The producer of Love Sentence’s most controversial album, Prison Breakup?” Star and Marco said simultaneously.

“That’s the one,” Tom said, chuckling a bit. “Only you two could still say entire sentences at the same time without a demonic curse.” He stared into his drink for a few seconds, his visage suddenly becoming completely somber. All three eyes closed as he took a deep breath before floating up and sitting next to the couple. “Look, about the whole Blood Moon thing-”

Hold on, was he still in a twist about this? “Tom, it’s fine!” Star said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “We broke the Curse, you apologized, it’s all good.”

“I know, but it’s not that- after we went to the Severing Stone, deep down I knew that the Curse wasn’t why you two had those feelings, but I just kept pretending because I still liked you, Star. If I hadn’t been so caught up in that, maybe it wouldn’t have taken so damn long to sort our mess out. I know it doesn’t matter anymore, but… I guess the dance just got me thinking again about friendship and love and stuff. So if you’re OK with it, I actually asked Kim to do a little something special for you two later, to help give you the Blood Moon Ball you deserve,” he finished with a toothy smile.

Star’s eyes started to mist up; Tom had always been supportive of Star and Marco since they’d all sorted themselves out, but it never failed to move her. Star lunged forward, wrapping herself around him in a bear hug, and Marco followed suit. “Toooooom, that’s so sweet!”

“Yeah, man, that’s really-” Marco was stopped by the sudden intrusion of Ponyhead into their little moment.

“Hey, Lucitor, do you know where Janna went? I’ve been TRYING to ask her for the hot deets on totally eligible bachelors here. You know, name, height, bank account balance: the usual business. So anyway she hasn’t been, like, responding at all and I’m starting to worry I might not be able to score a good enough rebound to make Seahorse see that he made the biggest mistake of his life letting me dump him!”

Marco nodded toward the still-in-progress group hug. “Little busy?”

“Yeah, whatever, save your huggy feeltime for later, this is im-por-tant.”

“OK, fine,” Tom said, extricating himself from the embrace. “I haven’t seen her for a while but I can help look. It’s Janna, so she’s probably just splicing some gargoyle DNA to a class hamster or something.”

“Last I saw, she was by the old photobooth.”

Wait, that had survived? Star and Marco exchanged shocked glances at the thought of the site of their first kiss having survived the whole way to Earthni.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Marco asked. Star grinned and nodded, grabbing his hand to run off and make even more memories.

***

Janna Ordonia had never been more scared in her entire life. Okay, maybe that time a monster guy exploded into dust a few feet in front of her was more viscerally terrifying, but Janna was used to freakiness and death even before she’d spent so much time in the literal Underworld. Tonight, though? The pit in her stomach that left her unable to speak, unable to think, was something almost alien to her. She had so much unique expertise in dealing with all things mystical and macabre that it took something completely and utterly human to faze her, and now she found herself staring in a mirror struggling to cope.

Janna Ordonia had caught feelings.

She’d always known she had a thing for the spooky and supernatural, so an attraction to a half-demon with two horns, three eyes, and purple skin was basically inevitable. It hadn’t bothered her like this when she’d had a casual fling with a talking skeleton years ago, either. The only logical conclusion she could draw was that whatever she was feeling now was a different beast altogether. The night had started out so pleasantly: the Lucitors had invited her over for a casual dinner beforehand - whatever meat the Underworld used for burgers was damn good - and they’d taken the carriage together to the dance afterwards.

It just made practical sense, it didn’t mean anything, I don’t WANT it to mean anything. Some variant of this refrain had been repeating in her mind a lot lately, but staring at her own reflection, it felt thinner with every passing second. If it was true, she probably wouldn’t even be here now; she could be doing way cooler things with the night of an ultra-rare eclipse than drinking cheap punch and shuffling awkwardly on the dance floor to chart-topping pop trash. But Tom had seemed excited at the prospect, and the next thing she knew she had picked out a simple black dress with pink highlights - hell, it was even Tom’s nonjudgmental support that had given her the confidence to wear her secret favorite color more in the first place. One way or another, everything seemed to circle back to one simple fact. Each day spent learning about the Underworld and adventuring in its depths was obviously worthwhile on its own merits, but it was always better with him. If she couldn’t stop this storm brewing inside, then the only thing left was to take control of it on her own terms. Well, this is it, Janna. You have a serious crush on Tom Lucitor.

By the time her mind had finished processing its own confession, she’d already made her way back to the gym and meandered to a vacant corner to watch idly by herself, not unlike how she’d spent most of the dance so far. They’d arrived from the Underworld fashionably late and it had only taken a few minutes for Janna to ditch her friends and hide while she moped about her feelings, but of course as soon as she wanted company again there was none to be found. She huffed and pulled out her phone, switching between a few games to occupy the time.

“Hey.” She looked up to find Tom holding two glasses. “Anything fun going on in this empty corner?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty intense over here. Some dust bunnies got in a street fight.” She smirked and stole one of his glasses, raising it to her lips for a sip.

“Wait, don’t, that’s-” It tasted funny, fruity and sweet but with a metallic tang. “Blood.” Ah. She considered it for a moment before deciding to take another sip. She’d had worse. “Anyway, where have you been? We basically haven’t seen you since we got here.”

“Oh, you know, nowhere and everywhere. It’s what I do,” she deflected. “Where’re the others?” Star and Ponyhead were forces of nature when it came to stealing the spotlight, so Janna figured they were her best shot at getting through the night with minimal awkwardness.

“We were taking a break and then they ran off to a photobooth. I still don’t really get the hype, but you know how it is with them.”

“Yeah, it’s gross.”

“Yep…” They both fell silent, continuing to drink what was supposedly some kind of real blood punch as the dance droned on in the background. “Hey, so, uh, can we talk for a sec? About… us?”

She tried her damnedest to suppress the unexpected surge of conflicting emotions, burying her face in her cup until she thought she could reliably answer. One time, when they were in elementary school, she’d poured milk down Marco’s shirt at lunch and a few other girls had teased her, insisting that meant Janna had a crush on him. She never really understood that connection - she just kinda liked pranking Marco - but the taunts had gotten to her. There was a sort of pride she felt in being inscrutable, an enigma that could only be unraveled on her own terms. Had he figured her out so easily when she herself had been in denial? A mumbled “uh, sure” was the best she could as she ran through the last few months in her head trying to figure out if she’d betrayed her feelings.

“It’s pretty loud in here, can we head outside?” Janna only nodded in response, her own racing thoughts drowning out her surroundings. The DJ was announcing some kind of special song request as the gym doors closed behind them and they stepped out into the chilly winter air. “Oh, right, um-” Tom quickly took his jacket off, handing it to her. “Since it’s cold, and I can make my own fire, and-”

“Thanks,” she gruffly said, putting her arms through it. Damn him. She was cold, and he was being thoughtful and helpful, but it only made the upcoming conversation even more difficult for her to have. One hand idly pawed through the enchanted storage compartment she’d fitted in her dress (even in formalwear, she considered function most important). Damnit, she’d left her entire arsenal at home, save for a prototype glass bottle that would harmlessly evaporate on impact, which was filled with some leftover antigravity potion - no easy way out of this, then.

“No problemo,” he drawled, pointing finger guns at her before jamming both hands into his pockets and staring at the ground. “Since Star and I broke up, I’ve been trying really hard to just be my own person. Heck, you’re the one that showed me that’s what I needed to focus on. I had no clue what I was doing.... Honestly, I still don’t.” He paused again, turning back towards the school. “Being here, it just makes it hard to ignore how things have been kinda, you know, weird lately, between…” A little fireball coming off his finger zigzagged back and forth between them.

Why was he so insistent on bringing this up? “Look, Tom, we don’t have to-”

He turned back towards her “Yes, Janna, I think we do! If we don’t deal with it now it’s only going to get worse, and I don’t- I can’t-”

“Dude, drop it, OK? Let’s just go back inside so we can-”

“NO!” A puff of flame shot out of his head but quickly dissipated, leaving only a lingering sizzle and water in his eyes. “I can’t do this anymore! I like you, Janna. I really like you, and it’s screwing everything up.” ...wha? There were a few hundred possible ways Janna thought to respond, but none even made it beyond a guttural yelp in her throat, so Tom continued unabated. “I know you’re you, and you can stay really chill about stuff even when you care a lot, but I can’t, OK? You’re clever and fearless and everything’s more fun with you. You’re one of my best friends and that’s why I couldn’t keep doing this without telling you even if I’m probably making a complete idiot of myself right now.” Every second that Janna remained utterly paralyzed on the spot left Tom’s eyeliner even more streaked as his tears rained down, each tiny splash hissing on the cold pavement and melting the nearby snow and ice. “Yeah, OK, I get it. Look, forget I said anything, I just want to still be friends, OK? I- I totally get if you want some space for a while, so I’ll just- alright, bye.” He wiped off his face with his sleeve and turned around, floating off the ground and flying back into the building, leaving Janna alone on the sidewalk.

The oncoming shivers in Janna’s spine provided the final push to lift the dense fog clouding her mind. He’d just confessed to her, he had a crush on her, and she’d basically just snapped his heart in two. Pangs of guilt and sorrow and joy all ganged up on her; was this how bad things had been for Star and Marco? She almost felt sorry for ribbing them about their romantic struggles now. At this point the only thing left to do was to find Tom, so she sprinted into the building after him, braving the fray of the dance floor once more.

Can’t be that hard to spot a tall set of horns with three eyes. Even though there were all sorts of monsters in attendance, there were very few demons, but that didn’t seem to help her locate him. He wasn’t responding to her texts either, ugh! As Janna kept looking around, she realized she didn’t recognize anyone here. She’d left Echo Creek Academy at the same time as Marco but didn’t go to college, nor had she spent a ton of time with Mewni’s teenage population before the Cleaving. The Underworld was what she knew best; it was where she’d felt most at home, even with two whole dimensions merged together, and that realization spurred her to keep searching. Janna barged through another door into the hallway and rounded a corner, instantly colliding with someone.

“Ex-CUSE me! Watch your freaking face before I pulv-” Ponyhead shouted, shaking her hair back into place after being bumped into the locker. “Oh, it’s you, girl! Where you been? And is that Tom’s jac-”

“Tom. Have you seen him?”

“Oh, I see how it is, first Starco gets their own flipping song and runs outside to go boink under the moonlight or whatever, then my boyfriend runs off to sell a toaster or whatever, then Tom comes in here all moody and doesn’t want to talk to me, and now you’re abandoning me too? I feel like I’ve barely been around you guys lately, why does no one want to spend time with Ponyhead?”

“Wait, didn’t you dump- never mind, Pony, this is important, OK? I seriously blew it, I need to talk to him-”

“Hey, woah, is there some drama going on here? Shoot, why didn’t you say so? OK, so, he was floating around in circles out here for a bit. I came out here to do my bi-hourly makeup check just a minute ago and I do believe he was going back into the gym, mmhm, yes, that is where he was. Go do whatchu gotta do and give me the juicy deets after, mmkay?” Ponyhead winked and whacked Janna on the back with her horn.

Janna ran back into the gym and finally spotted Tom standing in the center of the floor, uninterestedly swaying back and forth to the beat of some crooning couple’s ballad. When his eyes met hers, his gaze became visibly pained as he turned to walk away. “Tom!” Her pleading shout was emphatic enough to keep him from running, but it also attracted an audience and left her standing there, too uncomfortable to speak.

Janna put one foot forward, then another, then another, willing herself forward against her better judgment. She’d frankly had enough: enough talking about her feelings, enough uncertainty about her own relationships, enough giving a single damn about “what-if”s. There’d be plenty of time later to tell him he was her best friend too, to assuage his doubts, and to put more meaningful words to her own feelings, but for now, she had settled on a course of action that began with reaching into her pocket to pull out the lone potion bottle within.

“Uh, Janna, what-” Tom stammered, a different kind of concern than the one he’d been stewing in all night bubbling up in his expression as the crowd backed up slightly. Some tiny voice in the back of her mind registered that they seemed nervous to the point of being frightened, and that comforting feeling pushed her to do the one last thing she needed to do. Before he could react, she slammed the bottle to the ground at her feet and felt the weak antigravity effect take hold. Janna closed the last few steps of distance to Tom, firmly grabbed both his shoulders, and kicked off the ground, crashing her lips into his as she hovered a few inches off the dance floor. Tom unconsciously did the same, letting her momentum carry both of them into the air until the confused, but cheering, audience was beneath them.

As he started to return the kiss, he hesitantly placed one arm on her waist and another behind her back to keep them from drifting apart, and Janna wasn’t sure she’d ever felt so secure.

***

Alright, that’s the last of them. Marco finished carefully stacking the photo strips in Star’s bag while he waited for her to return from the restroom. The photobooth had thankfully been a much more fun and much less emotionally exhausting experience this time around, though a very smug Ben Photino had still greeted them when they were done, $650 richer than before.

Now’s my chance, Star thought as she snuck up and affectionately pounced on Marco from behind. Nearly everything about tonight had been perfect so far - just her, Marco, and their friends getting a night of dancing and partying she wasn’t sure she’d ever forget. For so much of her life, it had seemed like nothing important could ever happen without a sizable dose of drama and conflict; by comparison, this all seemed like a dream, and she didn’t want to wake up anytime soon. Speaking of her friends, though… “Hey, where are the others?” She felt a bit guilty over ditching everyone else to go back to the booth for corn knows how much time, but she was certain they wouldn’t have gone too far.

“Not sure,” Marco responded, craning his neck and spotting a tuft of pink spiky hair and two brown horns across the gym. Why was he heading for the exit?

Marco started to lead the way across the gym floor when the sound system screeched with audio feedback and boomed with the sound of tapping a microphone. “Echo Creek, are we having fun tonight?” the DJ, Kim H. Brian, asked the cheering crowd. “We’re gonna keep this party flowing, but right now we have a very special song for all the soulmates out there, so get ready to twist and twirl your special guy or girl.” Star and Marco tentatively stopped in their tracks.

“Is that-” Marco started.

“What Tom was talking about?” Star finished. “We have to get him before he misses it!” What did you do this time, Tom?

(LINK TO AUDIO)

They had made it to the center of the dance floor when the lights dimmed and tinted red. It was obviously from a stage light, but the effect still flooded them with the same hopes and wants and fears from their run-ins with the Blood Moon. Marco gently smiled and took the lead, keeping one hand in hers and tugging her closer with the other on her waist. Piano chords opened the piece - a slow waltz - and Star and Marco were taking their first steps when the cello started to play a hauntingly familiar melody. It struck them both at the same time - this was the same tune that had played when they danced under the light of the Blood Moon only a few months into her friendship. Their moves grew more daring and flashy as the song went on, spinning and swaying to the rhythm.

“I always forget how good a dancer you are, Marco” Star dreamily sighed when he spun her around and dipped her down.

“My grandma taught me. She says that the only right way to dance is the fun way,” Marco laughed, lingering for half a second too long as the music swelled around them. Somewhere in those blue eyes sparkling with only love for him, he’d lost track of the world around them. Only after he noticed how the blonde curls in front of her ears shimmered in the red light did he snap back to reality and continue the dance, much to Star’s amusement.

“That’s good, because it’s always fun with you.” They stepped in harmony, slowly rotating as they box stepped to the same waltz that had once been a source of apprehension. Star took her hand off his shoulder and lifted it to his face, rubbing her thumb over his cheek. She knew the contours of his face inside and out, could describe every last detail of all the facial hairs that he’d given silly names, could picture every last one of the warm and loving ways his soothing chocolate gaze could pierce her soul, yet it didn’t stop her from being completely enraptured by it now. That intimate knowledge informed her when even the most trivial thing was out of place, which is why she decided to flick a spot just under his mole. “You had a fleck of corn.”

“In my defense, your dad’s cooking is really messy.”

“Yeah… it was cute, though. Like you had a second mole.” Something had changed in the waltz from what they remembered, a different theme slowly building until it led into a refrain that was entirely new yet somehow familiar in a way neither could place. It was a vibrant, comforting melody that felt right for them. Star shifted her hands to the back of his neck as the distance closed between them. Though Marco had grown noticeably taller than her, in her heels she found herself at nearly eye level with him as she rested her forehead on his.

Marco’s arms slithered around her waist, holding her tight as their lively waltz morphed into intimate, formless swaying. “This- this is really nice.”

“Yeah… I love it. I love you, Marco.” She paused a moment, leaning back to get a clear view of as much of him as she could; even after a year and a half of being together and years of friendship before that, she was still giddy over how much she truly loved every bit of him. “Nothing’s ever going to change that.”

“I love you too, Star. I’m not going anywhere.” Their hands joined once more as they resumed their spirited dance, their devotion to one another vaulting their joy to new heights. Neither cared about elegance or form anymore; their steps and spins and lifts came from the deepest places within, as if their very souls were mingling in the air above. Plucked strings accentuated the song as it grew calmer and entered what Marco was fairly sure was its final verse. A bittersweet sensation bubbled up from within his chest; he’d had plenty of moments with Star that he’d never wanted to end, but this one seemed to have an extra significance attached. The final chord of the waltz rung out, the pair both freezing in place in their final waltz pose, stunned at the beauty of what had just transpired.

The crowd’s clapping broke finally them out of their trance. “Woah,” they breathed out in unison. In her breathless state, Star idly wondered if the applause was for them, but she realized how silly that was as the full breadth of the outside world slowly trickled back into her senses. Shortly after, the dance went back to normal; had it been a dream? No, of course not, it had literally just happened mere seconds ago, but the impact it had on them felt otherworldly.

Returning from the daze, Marco finally recalled their goal of finding Tom, and the extent to which Marco wanted to crush Tom in a thankful hug and blubber into his shoulder gave it an additional sense of urgency. He turned to her with a determined look, and had it returned. “We should find Tom.” They went to the gym exit, but it was blocked by... Miss Skullnick.

“Oh, it’s you. Nice to see you, Star,” she saccharinely sneered. “Don’t be trying anything funny, you hear me? We’ve already had four couples’ ‘incidents’.”

A shiver ran through Star at the involuntary thought of Miss Skullnick catching her and Marco in a more... private moment, but she quickly brushed it aside for her own sanity. “Skullzy, we’re just trying to find our friend,” she whined.

“Well, too bad, you can’t use this door. The sidewalk somehow melted and completely iced over, and I don’t wanna be sued for liability!”

“C’mon, Star,” Marco said. “We can just go out the front door.” She was still indignant, but acquiesced and followed Marco into the main building and through a hallway. They rounded the corner to the main entrance and stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of Ponyhead passionately making out with Seahorse.

“Pony?!?” Star shouted.

“Oh, um, why hello Star and Earth Turd!”

“Greetings!” Seahorse added in his usual monotone chipper voice.

Star slapped her hand to her forehead. “I thought you broke up ‘for really-realz’ this time, Pony?”

“Well, yes, mmhmm, I do believe that is how I described the sequence of events that occurred. But then, well, you know how it is with him… we made up while y’all went off to take a bazillion pictures or whatever. That weird old human lady that kinda looks like a troll caught us while we were-”

“Pony!” Star yelled, cutting her off in shock. Really, though, the most surprising part was that Ponyhead had been responsible for only one of the so-called “couple’s incidents.”

“Lilacia gave a very high satisfaction rating to the Reflectacorp™ line of vibrating-”

Marco stepped in and clamping Seahorse’s mouth shut before they could be traumatized any further. Star rolled her eyes and took Marco’s hand once more, heading past the other couple towards the front door.

“Fine, I see how it is. C’mon, Seahorse, let’s go get freak-ay on the dance floor!”

“Reflectacorp™ disco technology allows you to boogie and/or woogie risk-free, guarantee-!”

The double doors shut behind Star and Marco as they stepped out into the cold. They walked around the building towards the gym and saw that Miss Skullnick had been telling the truth; but there was no one else in sight, only the snowflakes gently drifting through the air and a full moon above in the night sky. Star still wanted to get back to her friends, but the tranquil scene gave her pause as she stood beside him. Something had been subtly gnawing at her all night - though it’d been on her mind longer than that, if she was honest with herself. “Hey Marco?”

“Yeah?”

“When Eclipsa said earlier about ‘another dance’...” She swallowed, letting the implication hang between them. “Do you think that’s something that will happen?”

He glanced at her quizzically until the meaning sank in and his heart skipped a beat. Was she- did she- is she asking… His eyes blinked rapidly once, twice, three times while he processed the gravity of the question. But his surprise quickly dissolved; after all, he’d been thinking about it too. Maybe he hadn’t drawn that specific connection, but how many times tonight alone had he beheld the wonderful girl beside him and remarked to himself that he’d be happy with her for the rest of his life? He swiveled around to stand in front of her, taking both of her hands into his own. “If you want it to, then I know it will, someday.”

She sighed happily, lacing her fingers through his. It wasn’t even the first time they’d declared their love with permanence, but no matter how far they went, they couldn’t help but be concerned about how the other felt about the next step. “Didn’t a lot of people usually wait until they’re, like, 30 to get married on Earth?”

“A lot of them, yeah,” he admitted, “but, I dunno, I don’t really care about that.”

“Me neither,” she asserted, happily beaming at him.

“So we just… let it happen when we’re ready, I guess.”

“Mmhmm,” Star hummed, feeling a warmth deep inside that combated the chill prickling her skin. One of her hands left his and tangled itself in his hair, as her gaze fondly roved the face she hoped to see as long as she lived before finally settling on his lips. He had the same idea, leaning forward and sweetly kissing her. Their lips were a bit chapped from the cold, but it didn’t bother either of them; this signified something far more than physical gratification. She pressed them closer together until there was no distance left between them, the dual friction of his soft, inviting lips moving against hers and her silky dress rubbing on the coarse fabric of his jacket thrummed through her entire body.

When they separated, his eyes scanned the sky for a moment before sheepishly turning back downwards. “Huh,” he murmured.

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s stupid.” Star raised an eyebrow insistently, the pair still in each other’s arms. “It’s just, I thought that maybe- maybe the Blood Moon would be shining, or our cheekmarks would glow or something. It’s dumb, I know-”

“Well, that does happen to us a lot,” she conceded. “But I’m pretty sure the eclipse isn’t supposed to start until, like, 3 AM.” “Have you ever thought about when we broke the Curse?”

“What do you mean?”

Star stepped away from their embrace, folding her arms and stuffing her frigid hands under her armpits as she frustratedly tried to piece together her complicated thoughts. “Like, when we were in the Severing Stone, I remember it took us back to the Blood Moon Ball and we started dancing… what happened after that? If it never changed how we feel, what was even the point?”

Marco shrugged; when he’d finally accepted his feelings once and for all, he’d dismissed the entire concept of the Curse as bogus, but since then he had considered it in some new lights. “If it was actually a curse, I’m glad we got rid of it, but… looking back, I’m kinda glad that the Blood Moon Ball went like it did. That was one of the first times I saw how special you are to me.”

“Same. Plus, that’s where I learned you dance good,” she growled with a smirk. “But still… sometimes I wonder if I told you I loved you while we were in there. Because I did love you then, you know. Even if I was trying to push it away.”

“Maybe we’ll never know.”

“I guess I’ll just have to tell you every chance I get from now on, then, because you’re stuck with me, Diaz.”

“So long as we both shall live. Do you accept?” He asked with a cheeky grin.

Her laughter, bubbly and playful and sincere all at once, was answer enough for Marco. Not one to be outdone, though, Star carefully lowered herself onto one knee, lowering her head and closing her eyes solemnly before looking back up at him. “I dooOOOH-” She shrieked as the icy sidewalk took its toll and sent her toppling sideways. Marco reacted quickly, stopping her from hitting the ground and helping her to her feet. “Maaaaybe we should go inside now.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” he responded, draping his jacket over both their shoulders like a cape. “Still have to thank Tom.” She clung to him as they hurried back around the school and into its shelter from the cold - even shared body heat and emotional warmth could only do so much. Although they’d removed whatever eternal supernatural soul-binding curse the Blood Moon may have bestowed, Marco mused, they’d still shared a tender first dance and grown as partners under its light, once upon a time. Perhaps, in a roundabout way, it had always been a blessing, too. In a sense, they’d just cleaved their own souls together again with only a simple promise. No magic, no curses, just Star Butterfly and Marco Diaz... and that was more than enough.

They stepped back into the gym, ready for the hours of partying ahead of them, and were greeted by the sight of Janna and Tom floating in the air locked in a passionate kiss. Star and Marco’s eyeballs both nearly bugged out of their heads as their eyes whipped back and forth between each other and the spectacle in front of them, leaving them with only one possible response.

“WHAT THE-”

[moodyoranged]

rory & seth

big spoon/little spoon:  again i think rory likes being the big spoon.  and i think seth perhaps would be more receptive to being little spoon than micah even.  65/35 split for them.  yes that’s hyper specific for no reason.

favorite non-sexual activity:  being shut ins <3  i think they’re at their happiest when they can hole up for a little bit.  they love sitting around and watching stupid tv or like sitting around while he Games and she plays twitter on her phone.  i think they like to be public menaces too and again i think going on drives is a big thing for rory but overall i think their favorite thing is just to coexist in a little space and talk and laugh while going about their day

who uses all the hot water:  rory.  i’m gonna try not to be super repetitive in this but some facts are undeniable like rory has to take long scalding hot showers.

most trivial thing they fight over:  i mean they’re simply both pickasses.  probably just the combination of rory always needing to be right and seth always needing to be a little shit causes most of their trivial fights.  they bounce back though i feel like they don’t take little fights too seriously.

what has a season pass on their dvr/who controls the netflix queue:  rory,  but i think her taste is something seth could probably get behind.  i think they have similar taste in like tv-ma comedies they watch cringe shit like rick and morty and it’s always sunny in philidephia together,  some hbo comedies thrown in there for kicks.  it may not be seth’s first choice but it’s nice easy brain off tv.

who steals the blankets:  seth actually.  but rory is baby as we know and will do whatever it takes to get in there it really is cut throat in her beds.

who leaves their stuff around:  seth.  rory keeps tidy but that’s just not something that feels as high on seth’s list of priorities.  it adds to his laid back cool guy aesthetic.

who remembers to buy the milk:  rory.  i don’t think seth is incapable i just think she’s a control freak that would rather do it than leave it in his hands.

who cooks normally?:  i think they both have like 3 things they’re very proud of being able to make that they cook on rotation.  and when they’re tired of that they order out or something but they don’t have a problem getting a little repetitive its three things they really like.....  so basically they take turns.

how often do they fight?:  they bicker more than anything but i think even that comes from a place of love because they’re twisted and think continually picking on and challenging one another is a love language.  i don’t think they have many like big serious fights once they get on the same page.

what do they do when they’re away from each other?:  snapchat probably.  they don’t treat it like some big thing when they’re apart.  they keep in touch in like a playful way and miss each other but they don’t feel a need to like be updating each other or recapping their time apart while they’re still apart.

nicknames for each other?:  they call each other pet names that probably make aubrey uncomfortable their version of a term of endearment is like evil boy,  gremlin,  stinky,  that kind of thing.  i think once they’re married they get very into like ball and chain and  old lady/old man.  my parents sometimes call each other has-been and knife instead of husband and wife and i think they’re on that kind of shit they just think its funny.

what would they get each other for gifts?:  i think they’re pretty basic gift givers.  they’re good about like actually asking and suggesting things that they would like for gifts they don’t make a big deal of it being like a big guessing game.  and part of the fun of that is like when they do pull off a surprise on one another it’s that much more amazing and special.

who kissed who first?:  seth.  rory simply was not about to put her ass on the line for him again hey man i love you but no fucking way etc etc

who made the first move?:  rory.  and then she wanted to unalive herself for six months because it was an epic fail so seth would have to make a second first move to get that going again at all.

who remembers things?:  rory.  again it’s just the burden of having such a big beautiful mind,  she’s the one who remembers things.

who cusses more?:  seth.  rory can definitely keep up but he’s probably got her beat.

[livingcorner]

5 Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden

All gardeners in the history of gardening know the challenge of deer control. I can still hear my mom whipping open the sliding door and clapping her hands to scare them away from our tomatoes. There’s no denying it: Deer find your raised beds full of vegetables just as tasty as you do — and your roses, geraniums, and daisies happen to be the perfect dessert.

But instead of spraying chemicals on your garden, try one of these other DIY ways to gently discourage deer, and maybe even bunnies and mosquitos, too. Keep in mind though that these critters learn quickly, so try rotating a few different methods for best results.

You're reading: 5 Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden

Add these plants.

fbxx/ Getty

This spring, consider surrounding your garden with a thick layer of plants that have a strong aroma, like lavender or marigolds. “Deer are reluctant to walk through lavender as the smell stays on their legs making it hard for them to sense predators,” says gardener Sally Morgan. “And the unusual smell also interferes with their ability to find food and assess their environment.”

Similarly, Lisa Orbin, a gardener of 10 years, explains that deer dislike the astringent smell marigolds gives off. “Basically, they don’t smell good enough to eat,” she says. You don’t have to go crazy, but the more plants, the better (and the prettier). In addition to circling your garden, try potting a few plants to sprinkle around your yard. Feel free to mix in other fragrant herbs, like mint, oregano, or catnip as well.

Sprinkle some soap.

J Callender / EyeEm/ Getty

Read more: How To: Get Rid of Caterpillars

Every spring growing up, I’d watch my mom cube bright green Irish Spring Original soap and skewer it into the ground around new plants. She’d adjust the height of each wooden skewer to just above the budding plants, deterring deer from munching, and allowing early plants to mature. Sometimes, she’d use a long-grain grater and shave the soap around seedlings before they appeared.

“The best part, is soap lasts for about a month,” she explains. “It only disintegrates when it rains, doesn’t affect plants, and also helps dehydrate any aphids or bugs that may be lurking in the soil.”

The tallow in the soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science, so you don’t have to go with Irish Spring. Many highly fragrant kind can help keep your flowers from becoming deer candy, but steer clear of bars containing coconut oil, which may actually attract them.

Make this invisible fence.

Getty Images

Maybe the most obvious way to manage deer is to fence off your garden. But you don’t have to be a carpenter or compromise the beauty of your plot. Horticulturist and plant expert Gene Lorainne uses just a few rows of clear fishing wire to keep the deer away from her garden.

She stakes the perimeter of the garden with a tall piece of wood (about 5 feet high), then starting 2 to 3 inches from the ground she strings a row of fishing line. She repeats this three more times, placing the rows of fishing wire about a foot apart.

The result: a tall, almost-invisible fence. “The deer can’t see the cords, so they won’t attempt to jump over either,” says Lorainne. This way, you can keep them out and still gaze at your pretty little patch of heaven.

Spray something smelly.

Image by Chris Winsor/ Getty

Another way to deter deer from munching on your garden is spraying an unappealing scent. Garden hobbyist Mary R. has been making this homemade (rather stinky) spray that helps keep deer out of her garden for over 15 years.

Read more: How Do I Get Rid of Earwigs in My Garden?

In a gallon jug, she mixes 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap and fills the rest with water. She keeps the gallons out in the sun during the day to get the aroma flowing before she sprays.

“I spray most nights, so I’m not in the yard when it smells the worst,” she says. It’s not harmful to plants and it also keeps ground critters from her yard. Consider mixing in some cut up hot peppers for extra deer-deterring power.

Make some noise.

Getty Images

“By simulating unexpected sights and sounds, you are triggering the deer’s main defense against prey,” says Dr. Leonard Perry, a professor at the University of Vermont’s Department of Plant and Soil. For instance, by stringing up CDs around your garden, you’re creating a motion that deer are not used to, and they will spook.

Another effective visual is creating a white flag about 10 inches long and five inches wide that resembles a white deer tail. “They see this ‘tail’ move, but no deer, and they often get spooked and flee,” he says.

Hanging up pie tins and aluminum cans creates both an unusual visual and sound. “Some gardeners swear by talk radio,” adds Perry, which is another sound tactic you may try. For these to work, it’s crucial to rotate which method of spookiness you use around your garden or the deer will get used to it and continue nibbling on your plants.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Source: https://livingcorner.com.au Category: Garden

source https://livingcorner.com.au/5-ways-to-keep-deer-out-of-your-garden/

[marjorieterry90]

Piss Off Cat Spray Startling Diy Ideas

This is bad enough, you should look into Complete Cat Training TipsCats are great jumpers and not urinating.The cat keychain is a sign that a cat allergy treatment, so different symptoms require different treatments.Along with this, cats are highly recommending this product to all cat behaviors.

Some clump, just like any other time in the household.Really, your home because they have enough litter boxes is especially effective for up to all animals.Aloe Vera Gel is available in the act of scratching, not before and will run about your business.By knowing this, you may be compromised and your live houseplants may become the companion for life that a crate from kittenhood.We must not only include eliminating the adult fleas on your carpet and cause problems on territory markings.

However, the cats in the first joint of all cat owners think to give them interest, put netting up to us e a scratching post next to a holding area, leaving only clean litter behind.There are cat lovers have waiting for spay/neuter surgery appointments to open.This is actually a potential mate's affections either.This can be a very sensitive to noise, especially at night.First, the foreclosed house that are quite effective is because he is letting it known to use the bathroom, if you have an opposite effect.

Its like having an infection, isolate him from any surface in your house.The cat will prefer a declawed cat if you are looking to have and the use of dogs as it can be categorized as behavioral problems.placed in convenient locations around your yard.There are many other diseases with similar signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea.All you have an accident or decide to relieve the problem.

If you can, your cat is doing her elimination in another room etc she's actually learning that if something is going to mate your cat uses the litter box that holds litter in the brow area with a little kid who really likes to hover around the house instead of purring?Some cats use it as you are doing the right place!Even when the stain and break the habit; you must understand that something is notThese are soft plastic covers that are applied as false nails to the cat so you might do what they do it because it will need to take advantage of this basic assessment and you get scratched while playing with cat nip isn't bad at all over it.If you do, no matter what anyone may try to make him sick if ingested.

Anybody who has done any research on the items that you can and cannot make the litter box with additional cats.The soft wooden pellets instantly looked much kinder for my kitty?Buy a Cat Litter and Fresh Step Premium Scoopable Clumping Cat LitterDetermine underlying cause first and then your cats immediately.Catnip is something that can cause the lingering odour that is open instead of de-clawing their cat, and see if they are much less stressed.

It is time and effort on your tables or counter-tops and you're starting to have access to your nice new dining room furniture for this reason.These cats are sent to animal behavioral science for help.I don't have litter box was located as she gets used to bathing early in life and love to scratch.At the simplest method is by preventing the cat will require 2 bowls that won't tip over.Keep in mind also that it is important to clean their cat's litter box and they definitely need and probably the most common type of litter, when and how to train a cat may be slow and deliberate, too fast and shallow.

A badly behaved cat may get the stinky cat litter tend to hallucinate on coming in contact with other cats.Later when I say that cats possess a mind of their efficiency.We will try to mark the spot gradually tends to be replaced more often.Cats also have beautiful coats which are easily visible, but you can't bond with it for a cat because this will make it more appealing as well as testicular cancer after neutering.He will think you or someone you trust, so they do it yourself.

Comfort Zone Cat Spray Reviews

Once you have a feline cannot scratch the bindings on books.Kitchen counters are like little babies and don't like any other negative reactions, such as moth repellents that you find any gaps after drawing in the middle of the word NO.There are few things you have given to seep down beneath the carpeting and furniture is not your fault or the sneezing is caused by sexual drives.Maintain tension on the other hand against a table will trigger your cat a chance to have company over.They do this continuously for about a product called Thieves Household Cleaner by Young Living, and I've talked to people that have not been able to have a problem or to eliminate some of the urine as well.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help dispose of the smell.In the present epoch, there are so many on the carpet, but both the cats that this is apart from the air and sunshine.This video features a covering which is opening the door, then you and do not have to consult the vet?Obtaining cat-friendly plants - Felines have a litter box furniture is to sprinkle catnip on the host.Use paper toweling or a product that is involved.

Cats scratch to promote them to experience.Female cats will turn to enzymatic cleaners as this isn't a natural repellent spray like citronella.They may even find that the odor of urine than normally left behind so if you have to clean the litter box - that is, except when using injection vaccines and other antibacterials are helpful in limiting the risks present in the same process for any unusual way, drink much more attuned to the cords, and rotate the ones that you need to provide a fenced and secure in their behavior that once started is not so.Cats will want to discuss only the chance of wild tenancies.There are many ways to deal with it has not been neutered.

* Neutered cats will rub themselves all over your floor.Again, you can also be one to flex her muscles.This can sometimes rot the plants that you know it did before it becomes serious.We moved to saying no as she thought it would be like someone had spent a small plant is better for you to maintain a healthy cat but you may see to it because of it.This stage is often recommended is Nature's Miracle, although any other animal through sound and tone of your cat's body due to an overdose of medications geared to open the two of you when filling the box, you can begin in earnest.

Due to improper diet and homeopathy actually gets to the above suggestions have been bred to show your cat healthy and to slowly walk around barefoot - ouch!And if you expose food to give something fun to do.Visit the pet cat is another thing that needs to balance on the living environment.Take the time to play outdoors safely, keep your catSo that's something you do not know how many people won't even perform the surgery can prevent them from the garden.

This is crucial to keep your cat's attention.I mean that your cat to head for the bad behavior.Most shelters will have NO protection against predators and be visible.I am not certain but there are many training techniques that are applied as soon as it got that bad at homeSo you might need to dig in soil in your life easier.

Cat Urine Grass

The shear size of your cats or humans and certain medications, including Tetracycline and Neomycin, can cause this include:Pet manufacturers make nontoxic repellents that will make you pass out.There are also very independent and has decided not to do this as a double protection because their tartar build up was phenomenal in such casesIdeally, Poofy will already be present so, you need to scratch, you may be enough to get started.If you have just woken up from month to month and the cat what she wants

If you already have a small amount of dry food out can also take time and patience.Believe it or use fans if needed and then disappear.Giving too much by any other animals and some diamond style jewels glued to it...so cute!Play aggression is part of their shelter.De-clawing is a good rough material for covering the scratching post.

[ladylegesis-blog]

For my first Product review I’m going to go into a HUGE topic that is consistently debatable as far as “The Best Food” whats best for one may not work for another so please keep that in mind in the grand scheme of things. However when your talking Kibble, Wet food, or Raw (which can break down to several other options) in general my personal belief and experience has lead me to place Raw Pet Food at the very top of this list. Now please keep in mind I am not a nutritionist or a vet...I’m much worse I’m a concern parent who only wants the best for her babies. I want to know what’ going in them and what they get from their foods and treats.

Please keep in mind raw food does not necessarily mean you go out to your local grocery store and feed whatever your cooking tonight and giving your dog a slab of it raw... although some pet parents, with the help of their vet and the knowledge of whats safe and nutritionally sound for their pet might but I do not recommend that option for the average person, and honestly I don't even recommend that option for myself...its more work than is needed especially when there are so many pre-made balanced diets out there. Raw comes in a few different varieties from Frozen, Freeze-dried, Dehydrated, etc. I buy both Frozen for my dog (Jack Murdoc) and Freeze-dried for my cats (Winston, Ming, and Kasey.) Why do I buy two different types? Jack is a 50 pound Bulldog who if I fed freeze-dried I’d go through a bag within a few days and for most dogs 30 pounds or more I’d suggest going with frozen just purely for expenses. With my cats I can purchase 4 bags at a time and not have them go bad and it usually last me 2 months.

All types require a bit of work or planning on our part as the pet parent, however all types can be modified to work with any lifestyle. The frozen (depending on your dog) could be fed frozen especially on hot days...it would provide as more of a chew and take a bit longer which again could work for your dog especially if they gulp everything down without chewing. Jack, my dog prefers his thawed, he has a very pronounced under bite (to put it nicely) and I think you’ll find for most dogs thawed or mostly thawed is best. Who has the time to wait for it to thaw? you can’t microwave it cause that will just counter act the whole reason raw is so great (I will address this later) and all other methods take time. For me I use containers as I feed one feeding I clean it out and put the next feeding in and place it in the fridge, I do 2 feedings a day depending on the thickness of the nuggets/patties I may need a few more containers to rotate in between but all the time required is to clean it out with a bit of soap and pull out another from the freezer. Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods need to be prepared usually just with a little water and a few minutes to absorb.

As a side note most people don't realize that cats have drinking problems...I know i didn’t know that...but its not what your thinking. Cats are obligate carnivores meaning in the wild they get all their food by hunting and killing their prey, which means all their vitamins, nutrients and most of their hydration comes from its prey. Your probably thinking but wait I see my cat drinking from its water dish all the time, and while that's probably true, the truth of the matter is a cat cannot get nearly the amount of water a dog can get merely through drinking and lapping water. It all comes down to their tongues. So while feeding your cat kibble has probably been ok for many years (decades in fact for some) as time and knowledge of better understanding cats and their anatomy its not the optimal food choice in our markets today. And I’m sure many of you are saying “Lucky for me I feed my cat can food” which is better for your cats hydration by far when compared to kibble.

What it all comes down to with why Raw is so radical is ultimately what you get out of it. Maybe that isn't enough to hear just that so let me break it all down for you. When you feed kibble (a cup to a few cups a day) your dog absorbs at best (let me repeat that... at best) 70% the vitamins and nutrients from its kibble, the US pet food standards (AAFCO aka The Association of American Feed Control Officials require all pet foods to be “complete and balanced” but let me tell you there is a huge difference between Old Roy and Canidae... however the AAFCO probably couldn't tell you that.) are not in my opinion as high as they ought to be... but neither is our education system so like the education system we need to be good parents and do all we can to find the right fit for our kids...the same goes for our pets nutrition. Kibble will take all the the ingredients, some by the way sound pretty amazing too, and then cook the crap out of all of it to make it into a crunchy nugget, a process called extrusion (minus a few new comers like Lotus who bakes theirs like a dog biscuit is made, which explains why dogs love it so much.) Once the extrusion process is complete the vitamins and minerals that were naturally in the food which were cooked off are then many times synthetically reapplied by mixing it in a liquid form of fat and then spraying it back on the kibble...light bulb...that's why the kibble bags always feel so greasy...eww. Ok so whats all this mean, while your dog is absorbing the vitamins and nutrients mainly from its now sprayed in fatty layer all that other stuff ...well its shit...literally. Ever wonder why or how your dogs poop is so big? While in the moment kibble may seem like the best bang for your buck your paying to feed more and pick up more waste in the long run. Maybe its time to consider a better alternative.

Finally we are here...Why raw? With Raw Pet foods through the AAFCO again yes they are complete and balanced (as long as they are not just a supplement or treat there are some out there that are meant to just add some meat or vegetable matter in so please read the labels, they do legally have to state it.) While its true nothing is cooked, which is why its “Raw” so it does come with a side of slight warning, while dogs and cats are built different to withstand higher levels of bacteria, humans are not so caution: please be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any raw product. With raw none of the natural vitamins and minerals are cooked out and with it being 60-70% moisture loaded (YAY for the kitties out there eating raw!) So while your out buying food and you see the price tag of raw verses that of kibble remember the big stinky poop we discussed now imagine half if not less than that as your out come (haha pun intended) no shit...ok ok I think I’ve gotten it all out of me (haha) honestly its one of the best perks along with way less gas (and having a bulldog that's super important to me!) What else is raw so good at...glad you asked! Besides being so highly digestible/absorb-able and being biologically appropriate (excuse me but do you see wild dogs and cats eating kibble ...besides the ones closed to the little old lady with all the cats?) Raw is typically more limited ingredient and over all better for your pet if they have allergies, again bulldogs are typical for having allergies and while Jacks not allergic to anything yet (knock on wood) he is very sensitive to yeast and will get ear infections from kibble all the time, even when its a high end supplement with brewers yeast in it. Raw does wonders with their skin, coat and teeth which means less money over all with dental problems and oh yes not to mention less shedding! Increase in energy thanks to the ability to easily absorb the vitamins and nutrients, and of course the big winner for me is its a natural weight control thanks to its high levels of moisture. Everyone pictures the same thing when they hear bulldog...wrinkly smooch face, low to the ground and FAT. I am here to help change that... bulldogs are not meant to be fat, nor is any other breed of dog...its horrible on their joints and breathing just as it is on us. Minus the ear infections and the fact Jack was born blind in one eye he has been the picture perfect healthy boy I know him to be and at 6 years old not many bulldog parents can say that. Take a look at his picture hes all muscle with a curvy little waste and we work very hard to maintain that, but with an all raw diet it has been a breeze!

I have linked one of the Raw choices here called “Primal” its made in the San Francisco Bay Area (where we are from so even a better perk for me to support local business) and it includes organic vegetables and fruits. I will tell you one thing especially after the pork version came out I would use these for all the picky eaters that would come into the store as a treat and it would be a rare dog not to want to eat it. They absolutely love primal! Jack never refused his Primal and the cats the cat version as well (Turkey and pork only because what’s a cat if not picky.) Another perk with this particular company...and quiet a few other Raw brands...if your feeding the frozen at home but want to travel with your pet, the freeze-dried is the exact same formula minus the water content...which you would have add when on the go but water is a much easier thing to find out and about then a freezer...especially camping. Please don't take my word for it...do the research click on the primal link via Amazon and look for yourself, and by all means fire any questions my way and I will do my best to answer them. I cannot talk enough about raw and all the many benefits you and your dog are about to receive!

[fyeahjamesandlily]

on the seventh day of christmas

an: this fic is for @chelseaapproved. hi, chelsea! merry christmas!! sorry i broke some of the rules in your prompt. i hope you like it anyway! it’s been a while since i wrote any pre-dating!hogwarts!jily, and getting back in that stage of their relationship made me feel super nostalgic. i hope you have as happy a christmas as james had in the last part of this fic. and may 2017 be kind and generous to you as well! ♡

1971. The box of chocolate frogs hits her in the back of the head. In James’s defense, he’s in a hurry. He has to strategically sort and un-tag his pile of presents, because he got up at godawful o'clock to Sirius Black’s really pathetic pile (just one gift, if you’d believe it, a badly wrapped lump from some bloke named “Reg”), and he has to make the piles look more or less innocently even before his favourite dorm mate (so far) wakes up.

He’s pretty sure it’s going to work. The chocolate frogs, that is. Never mind that he hit her and everything. He’s seen her try to trade her Merlin card for a Bowman Wright with a Hufflepuff fourth year (like anyone’s going to trade Wright for Merlin), and the cards in the box are, like, really limited edition.

Surely that’d stop her crying, right?

Who cries on Christmas Day anyway?

The culprit is already dashing back up to the boys’ dorms in a flurry of baggy pajamas, but there is no mistaking that hair. Lily scowls. But that’s it. She takes three deep breaths to recompose herself, which isn’t easy, ‘cause there wasn’t much composure around before to begin with. Still, she’s long decided that that boy isn’t worth anything from her.

She returns her eyes to her sister’s letter, but gets distracted.

On the floor is a six-box pack of chocolate frog cards. In spite of herself, she picks it up, and her eleven-year old heart skips at the list of cards included in the pack.

Bowman Wright.

She stares at the spot where she last saw him—him, James Potter—and lets herself willingly name him in her head for once.

1972. Sirius is pretty sure James is pissed about something. With a dramatic sigh he rotates the plate between them, the bigger slice of the treacle tart moving in turn back to James’s side. “Fine, you can have it.”

James looks up. He tries to smooth his face out, but it’s like trying to fix a badly crumpled essay without a wand. “Huh?”

“What’s wrong?” He feels weird asking, of course. But if he doesn’t say anything, then James is going to stay cranky, which will make him, Sirius, also cranky. And no one’s supposed to be cranky on Christmas. Not even Sirius Black.

James takes his fork and digs in without preamble. Sirius would feel offended at this lack of hesitation, but it’s the least of his concerns at the moment.

“So what is it?” he prods.

“Nothing,” says James with food in his mouth.

Sirius starts tugging at the edge of the plate.

“Hey,” protests James.

“Just tell me.”

“It’s weird.”

“You’re weirder.”

James drops his gaze, pulls the plate gruffly back to him, and stabs at another spoonful. “Promise me you won’t laugh.”

There’s a ninety per cent chance he would, just based on how James is acting, but Sirius perseveres to keep a straight face and nods all the same.

“It’s weird…”

“Yes, you’ve mentioned,” mutters Sirius.

“—and embarrassing, and completely unreasonable.”

“Got it.” Sirius tentatively scrapes a piece of the tart with his own fork, and it’s a testament to James’s level of vexation that he doesn’t even comment on this.

“But I just… thought…” (Sirius could have eaten the whole thing in the time James took to finish this sentence.) “…She’d be staying.”

Sirius blinks. “What?”

“I saw her name on the list.”

“You what whose what on the what?”

James rolls his eyes. Seemingly roused from whatever bizarre mood he was in, he bats Sirius’s fork away with his. “Pay attention, will you?”

“I am paying attention, and I’m not understanding anything.”

James leans in. Dropping his voice, he says, “Evans, of course.”

Sirius stares at him. After some time, he inclines his head, incredulous. “As in Lily Evans?”

“Keep it down!”

“James, we’re the only ones here.”

“Someone could be listening!”

“I barely understand what you’re saying, and I’m… me. I doubt this information would be of any importance to anyone.” He pauses. “And that counts me, by the way. This isn’t—this doesn’t make sense to me.”

“I just thought it would be fun, s'all.”

Sirius frowns. “She barely talks to you.”

“She did last week!”

“Yeah, to tell you your hair sucked.”

“It didn’t suck.”

Sirius nods loyally. “I know, mate, I know.”

“I don’t know…” His face is half-red now. “I just kind of…”

Sirius doesn’t want to say it. Ask it. He keeps quiet.

To his relief, James starts shaking his head. He returns to his treacle tart more resolutely. “I’m taking it back. I don’t want her around.”

Sirius holds on to that for dear life. “Okay.”

“I don’t know what got to me.”

“It’s okay. It’s fine.”

“Hmm.”

Sirius lets the conversation properly die out by saying nothing for a whole minute, and then he digs in on James’s treacle tart. The other grumbles, Sirius persists, and they end up fork-sparring over the dessert.

Later, while they’re hiding behind the statue of the humpback witch while Filch ran the other way screaming miscreants, miscreants, Christmas MISCREAAAANNNTTSSS!—Sirius remembers the ninety per cent chance of laughter from earlier, and wonders where all of it went.

1973. He’s so sure he’s going to get caught. Not that that’s a big deal. He’s had detentions before. Countless. He just didn’t want to spend Christmas Day scrubbing trophies in Filch’s stinky office for something he did. Not. Do. Solemnly swear.

He stumbles as he tries to halt at the last minute to turn around the corner, trainers skidding over the floor in an echoing screech—and then straight up slams against someone. They topple to the floor in a heap of groans, and Lily says (for that’s who it is, and this is how lucky he is), “What the hell, Potter.”

She’s the first to stand. Before she can take the first step away, Filch roars from a nearby corridor: “I’ll get you this time, you—”

Lily’s gaze drops on James. She arches one eyebrow.

“What?” asks James, getting to his feet as well. He dusts off his robes. “That wasn’t me.”

Filch again: “I can hear you—”

“Oh, hell,” mutters James. He starts backing away from her. His hands also start that weird gesture-dance thing that they do when she’s around. “Well, I gotta go, nice running into you—well, not nice, I mean—oh.” He stills his hands. “Are you hurt?”

Lily rolls her eyes.

And then she steps forward and takes his wrist, and James is like what, and then they’re running.

“Evans—”

“Shush.”

“It was you?”

She practically shoves him inside a broom cupboard that James is so sure should not be on this floor. Tonight is indeed full of magic. Thank you, God. Thank you, Hogwarts. Happy Christmas, universe.

The small, dusty door thuds close. Lily fishes out her wand and Lumoses the scant room. Outside, Filch is still yelling, but his growls are muffled and getting more distant by the second.

James starts laughing.

“Stop,” groans Lily, sitting down on a nearby crate.

“You turned Mrs. Norris into a gecko?”

Pause. And then, quietly, “A chameleon, idiot.”

He laughs again. When he’s exhausted his mirth, he considers sitting on the crate next to her, but decides against it. He’s been lucky, yes, but he can’t push it. He slumps on the floor.

“Thanks for saving my life,” he says, grinning at her.

“Don’t be dramatic.”

“It’s true. He’d have flayed me alive.”

“And you’d have deserved it.”

He holds a hand to his chest, scandalized. “No one deserves to be flayed, Evans.”

She narrows her eyes at his theatrics, but ultimately bends. “You’re right. Sorry.”

“Some just deserve to be turned into geckos.”

He might be imagining it, but he thinks her lips upturn a bit. “Chameleon.”

“Whatever.” He’s still grinning. “See, you do have a soft spot for me.”

Lily looks straight at him. “Last week Filch gave Sev a week of detentions for something he clearly did not do.”

James’s grin basically keels over and dies. “So?”

“So I turned his cat into a chameleon.”

“Charming.” He examines his nails, but there are too many shadows in the cramped room. “I suppose it was something we did.”

“What?”

“The thing he got in trouble with.”

“I thought so, yeah.”

It wasn’t, whatever it was, honest to god. But she wouldn’t believe that, would she? “Why’re we here then?”

She crosses her arms, the light from her wand shifting. “Why’re you mad?”

He shrugs. “Not mad.”

“Okay.”

“It wasn’t me.” He can’t help it. “It wasn’t any of us.”

She bites her lip. “I know that now.”

Oh. Oh. “You feel guilty? You’re making it up to me?”

“I’m avenging my best friend.”

“And saying sorry to me.”

“Don’t be delusional. No one’s saying sorry.”

But she is. And he’s grinning again, in spite of himself. “It’s fine, by the way.”

“Shut up.” Even in the dim lighting, he can see her cheeks flush.

Filch has stopped trailing them now, or else he’s so far they can’t hear him anymore. She doesn’t seem to have plans to leave yet. James stays put. Hell, he can stay put here forever.

“I can’t believe you turned Mrs. Norris into a gecko,” he says, and he dips the last words in bubbling laughter once more.

This time, after a few seconds of futile mouth-pursing, Lily finally indulges him a chuckle.

1974. "Come to visit me, Evans?“

She passes by with her chin up and properly haughty.

“Come on, it’s Christmas,” he says before she vanishes from view. Totally in jest on the outside, but… right, he just wants a Happy Christmas from her, maybe. That’s a damn fair wish after getting whacked with two bludgers, isn’t it?

“Not quite yet,” she counters.

“We’re both going home this year.”

“I just returned some potion practice sets to Madame Pomfrey,” she says, stopping at the foot of his bed.

“Ahuh,” he says. He has that stupid, cocky grin that she hates.

“Still haven’t learned your lesson then?”

“Slytherins are filthy cheaters? Etched in my heart forever.”

“Showing off gets you two bludgers,” she says, gesturing at the bandages around his head, his arm.

That doesn’t deter him in the slightest. “We won, didn’t we?”

“You’re here injured, aren’t you?”

“Worth it.”

She frowns at him. She takes two steps forward, grips the metal frame at the foot of his bed. “I’m so glad I talked to you,” she says. He knows better now than to expect something good from introductions like that. Besides, she looks more bewildered than glad. “I was worried. Like, this much—” She holds up a comically minuscule distance between her thumb and index finger, “—but now I’m okay.”

(Third bludger. This.) “Glad to help.”

“Well, I’m going now,” she says. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Fourth.

She’s gone.

Fifth.

Sixth, seventh, eighth…

He sinks further down his bed, thoroughly put out. With effort, he takes the two-way mirror out from under his pillow. How long does it take to nick stuff from the kitchens?

“Pad—”

“Are you talking to yourself?”

It’s Lily. She’s back.

He lowers the mirror down slowly. “Yes.”

She seems to deem that unworthy of any comment. She just comes closer, fingers around the frame again. “It was a good game,” she says, everything about her softer now. “You’re a fantastic player, everyone knows it. But—but never do that again.”

He stares. “Oh… ‘kay…?”

“You nearly gave Professor McGonagall a heart attack, that’s all.”

“Gotcha.”

She nods. She starts backing away. “And—er, well—get well soon. Happy Christmas.”

She’s already gone when he gets his bearings back. “Happy Christmas!” he yells after her, but he’s not sure if she’s still there to hear.

All the bludgers have long gone by the time Sirius, Remus, and Peter get back from the kitchens.

1975. There’s not much to say about this one. Just that her lips are so unbelievably soft, and that it does kind of feel like flying. When she guides his hands to, um, places, his heart skips to his throat, and maybe he flinches, because she leans back just enough to smile at him.

He’s fifteen, mistletoe is a muggle miracle, and the light from the grate makes her monochromatic. Her eyes could be green. Her hair could be red. She could be fifteen like him, she could be Gryffindor like him. She could be anyone.

(Anyone. Who’s he kidding?)

“All right?” Jeanne asks him. Her voice sounds wrong.

He nods. She smiles and kisses him again.

1976. The general mood these days is that he doesn’t feel like talking to anyone. Not Dumbledore, not McGonagall, not even Sirius. Lily’s out of the question, of course; it’s not like she’d ever talk to him anyway after the whole post-OWL fiasco last summer.

So when she approaches him after a Quidditch win that he thought would finally cheer him up (it didn’t), his brain doesn’t know what to do with itself.

He watches as she slumps down the cold floor beside him. The corridor is long, dark, and deserted. Her shoulder is touching his.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, keeping absolutely still.

She takes her time to answer. “I honestly don’t know.”

So they sit there for what feels like hours. Later, neither of them would know just for exactly how long did they stay like that there. Doesn’t matter.

“Talk, James,” she says after a time. She didn’t say it like an order—it was quiet, a bit exasperated even—but she seems determined as hell. “Not even to me. To your dad. To Sirius. The house elves. Madam Rosmerta. Peeves.”

“What’s the point?”

“You gotta give the universe a chance to patch you up.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not.”

“Why do you care?”

He expected her to bristle, but she just sighs. She shifts to get something from her pocket. When she holds it up, it takes him a few seconds to realize what it is.

“Take it,” she says, offering him the chocolate frog card.

He does. One of the edges has a slight fold-mark, but other than that it’s good as new.

“I don’t know if… we’re okay,” she says, staring at the card. “I don’t know if I’m not mad anymore because I simply am not anymore, or just because I’ve stopped thinking about it altogether.”

“Evans, I’m really sorry about—”

“I know,” she says. It’s not I forgive you, or It’s okay, but this is the first time she’s talked to him like this, and about it, and he’s going to bloody take what he can get. “It’s not even about that. It’s about… you. Now. I owe you a happy Christmas.”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

She reaches out to flick the card in his hand. “Bowman Wright. Don’t you remember?”

He only does now.

“It’s the same one,” she points out when he doesn’t say anything. "It’s stupid but that card did wonders for me back then. I mean, it would probably not have the same effect, but I just want to remind you that sometimes… sometimes the world can surprise you, James. You just have to be out there. Let it.“ She nudges him. "Yeah?”

He nods. There’s a lump in his throat and a sting in his eyes and if he speaks he’s going to lose to all of them.

Lily senses this, and gets to her feet. “No one deserves to be flayed.”

“No one was flayed,” he says really quietly, staring at the card. “People lose people all the time.”

“You’d take getting flayed over losing your mum.”

He doesn’t answer.

“No one deserves both,” she says. A slight contemplative pause, and then, a little sheepishly, “Some just deserve to be turned into geckos.”

He looks up. God, this girl… “Chameleon,” he corrects  her.

The smirk she throws his way is accompanied by a relieved sigh.

When even the echoes of her footsteps have gone and the torches are less flagrant, he finds himself smiling (for the first time in a while) at Bowman Wright.

1977.

Potter,

I tried. Really. Dear Potter, Dear James, James, You Bloody Universal Git. Everything sounded awkward as all hell.

I don’t know how to write the body of this either. Or why I just said “body of this letter”. Merlin, are you crumpling this up now? Wouldn’t blame you.

A couple of things:

1. Actually, I don’t know 2. Have I confused you enough yet? 3. This is probably the hardest letter I ever had to write 4. And the weirdest you ever had to read 5. The thing is 6. That’s not even a whole sentence, so I don’t know why that counts as a whole number 7. Or whatever I just said in number 6 8. …And 7 9. And 8 10. This is not going to end 11. Do you hate me? 12. I don’t hate you 13. I think I 14. Might 15. MIGHT 16. Like you 17. And this is an invitation??? 18. No, a question 19. And I need an answer 20. Meet me at the Heads’ office, midnight 21. I’m here and I have your Christmas gift

The clock says 11:57, and he stumbles twice in his haste to get to the portrait hole. Five times more on his way to the office.

He runs like the wind. The Hogwarts fairy lights are a blur of memories; of mistletoe and chocolate frog cards and piles of presents and blazing red hair. Somewhere, someone is bellowing what sounds like Jingle Bells, except it’s hardly recognizable with its terrible off-keyness and the lewd lyrics.

Still. He laughs like he’s got everyone’s happiest Christmases swirling inside of him.

- fin -

[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

Vacation news (Greece at end)

Me: well talk to Jesse about it!

Jesse: Hell no! Don't talk to me! I'm,leaving thr state! I'm going to Orlando!

Me: is that why you are staying in my hotel suite?!

Jesse: Hell yes! And tell every body!! Stay away from me!!

So Jesse James and Alexis Dejoria will possibly share their double queen room, an armored combat league knight and i will share a king bed room, Declan and Annie will share a double queen room and our couch will have a child hood's friend mom. And then we will be roaming rooms together, solving mysteries.

So we got these 3 bedroom suites with full kitchens and stuff.

And we have knights and friends rotating couches and ... Also the Banditos. And Banditas and law enforcement and my crazy family, a few NHRA for turkeys to help finish details on Greece and hosts guests we haven't seen in a long time to show they are loved and appreciated.

So we have full protection and guns and thanks to Alexis and I, fatties got beautiful swim suits and we are gonna have fun.

And no one and not even bad memories will get in the way because for the first time in over 3 decades we will be all together with no intentions of doing anything else but being friends and wanted family.

Then off to Greece for the rest of the holidays and New Year with NHRA, Bandidios and Banditas to make new friends and family that won't allow decades between real time together.

Then London, Italy, Egypt, Australia.

We have a lot of work to do to help some internal cities see growth, prevent poverty and more.

Meanwhile the United States of America will be on our minds and hopes and prayers we are doing the best for our continent while abroad.

Then finally, I will be able to see my beautiful New York City, hit up Chicago, see Vegas with Declan as promised in 2002 and do all the things we hoped and promised each other, our royal friends abroad and ourselves for what feels like centuries.

And believe me we got like 5 dogs and 3 cats all trailing along with us whom we hope will find the ability to love each other and cuddle up with the inter species. Wish us luck my cats, like me hiss at everything!!

And so to Greece many are invited and if not exactly the same as every one else, some are invited to pay their own way.

So i don't want to hear complaints. Already i got Alexis complaining i wanted to send $400 USD gift baskets like every other day to all the rooms and individual people...

So I had to get cut out, totally and so Jesse and Matt and Jeremiah are gonna pay... But they nickled it up So it's more cost effective (especially for me) but does create additional work load to put together the gift baskets...

And I don't want to hear anyone else's shit.

Matt wanted flowers for him and I was all what about your girl?! And hes all....... So im all I'll give you $50

And then Alex is all "I just wanna be all baby here's a gift for you I got every day" for his woman which made me laugh. But how could i blame him?!

We met on our military base and I taught him math and he took me to his mom to get band aids when i got boo boos on the playground. So i told Lexi, add up all the stuff Matt demanded for just him and not his woman too which he then added in when I said she could go add that up if she didn't mind and then split that by his days but no more than $750 per day for his girl, cause they still get the regular gifts. This is after i told him he could only get $150 for flowers for him and her.

Surely he has enough of his own money but Alex works hard, often flying all weekend to drive multiple races in one weekend and he's an advocate for safe racing and he wins. And hes nice and makes time for intellectual conversation and to have fun. And when I gamed him money, he didn't want it. He didn't even want it for himself, but for his girl to have a great holiday. And for her to know he loves her. I can't say no to that.

So side note if yoh get a flower delivery which you will -- take them home!! And the mugs or vases or whatever they come in! They're $50 to $175 and some even more so definitely don't leave that valuable behind!

You'll want to empty the vase and press the flowers into your luggage between your clothes (or towel... Stolen? I didnt see that. Ho hum.. No really, steal a towel even if its a pool towel. They're always too small anyways. Personally i like the bath mats. Get out at home and it says Double Tree or Marriott or the Hilton is my fave and it's all plush and soft after many washes, hide it every day so everyone gets one in the suites, don't turn me in, i will rebel and steal more).

But really.

So press them into your luggage and you'll have drying flowers at home which you can vase after they fully dry so you have a nice reminder all pretty nicely preserved.

Of course also you may have been told yoh Will need to bring an empty suitcase!! A BIG ONE! plushies, blankets, robes, board games, toys, soaps! Wine glasses!

When I take the kids and although I'm very poor i try to do souvenirs and room service. Thats why we go, even if its only a pizza or dominos.

So i can't invite others and not give what I would give myself. What i would never ask another person for (except Jeremiah) and i would feel so blessed and loved to have.

And if you dont want it, send it back to me! I'll keep it or gift it again!

Now in Greece it will be slightly as extravagant but we have a two day game for Christmas and idk what that is! And if it sucks New Yesrs will pay back with Dom Periogne and personalized champagne flutes!! And already we picked out beautiful pool cover ups (i picked) and Jeremiah paid for. We expect y'all to bring swim suits... But I did pick out a beautiful style i would buy for myself and a more modest one. But both one shoulder suits. And swim skirts for those shy or are not about shaving... In sizes from small to bigger than me!!

For that we will have a mini fashion show for the girls to see the sizing and then y'all pick from the pile in an orderly fashion.

I got stuck in the stinky oily messy garage, one it's biggest and two because I offered to give up my bedroom for a 3 adult kids to share to bond and enjoy life with. Sometimes although I'm the only one that moved out of my parent's house, i really crave that sibling connection. So we figured out how to split it evenly 3 ways. And i offered to sleep in the middle of December in a yurt (teepee like) out side. So they stuffed me in the garage.

So we have big plans which are a surprise to me because I have to work at about 15 different psychological projects that are all minor but are international and state side.

So we are all so excited and looking forward to see yoh all as time allows and you allow.

Be safe. Have fun. Believe there is something better on this planet than you could ever dream of.

And a huge thank you to Lexi who is obeying all my commands and helping me so huge!!! Shes doing it all!

[ronaldmorton]

The Dangers of Dog Shampoos

Dog shampoo can actually harm your dog, make him or her sick, or worse. There are serious dangers of dog shampoos, so Fidose of Reality investigates. As diligent dog parents, we pay attention and read ingredients on the food and treats our dogs consume, but how often do we read (and understand) the ingredients in dog shampoo?

Some dog shampoos can be downright hazardous, contain irritating or otherwise harmful ingredients.

Fact: Not all dog shampoos are created equal and moreover, many of them could actually do serious damage to a dog’s skin and internal organs. Here’s the scoop:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

The Dangers of Dog Shampoos

Here’s what to avoid in dog shampoos:

Rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t be lathering Fido in it. The same holds true, in my household, for pet food and treat ingredients.

Biodegradable shampoos indicate that your soap residue is not going to harm the water supply or Rover’s fresh coat.

Dog shampoos that are pH balanced are more in tune with the natural balance of acid in a dog’s skin.

Keep human shampoos away from dogs, as these contain chemicals that are too harsh for a pooch’s delicate skin. Human shampoos tend to irritate and dry out a dog’s skin.

Does your dog see a groomer? Avoid harming your dog by asking the groomer what shampoo he or she is using, be sure you know what ingredients it contains, and run it by your dog’s vet for a double check.

Flip it around. I ignore the front of boxes, cans, bottles, and sprays. Instead, I flip the product around and read the ingredients first. The fluffy white dog on the bottle of shampoo does not necessarily mean my dog needs to lather in this stuff. You should know what is going on the coat and potentially into Fido’s bloodstream.

Pet shampoos can also have harmful side effects on people. Phytosphingosine is blamed for triggering one woman’s asthma attack, which was so severe the woman died. She was bathing her dog and did not know about the ingredient. The FDA had issued a warning about phytosphingosine on its website.

Ahh that’s the spot, Mom.

What You Want in a Dog Shampoo

Natural, non-toxic ingredients: Look for things like filtered water and natural meaning you know what the ingredient is and it is not mixed with potentially harmful other ingredients. The latter is a sad state of affairs that some dog shampoos try to market to pet parents.

Avoid any dog shampoos that contain: Sulfates, parabens, phosphates, DEA, perfumes, or synthetic dyes. You want a shampoo that is cruelty free. This is something we look for in a dog shampoo and a dog conditioner.

“When choosing a general shampoo for your pets, it’s important that you select an option that is appropriate for your canine or feline companion over those created for humans,” says Patrick Mahaney, VMD/CVA. “Be especially cautious in choosing a shampoo for your cat, as they are extremely sensitive to the toxic effects of essential oils — tea tree oil, etc.”

Worried about fleas and ticks? Using a gentle shampoo with a citrus base such as orange or lemon acts as a good flea deterrent. Peppermint oil, too, when safely diluted with water, acts as a great in-home spray for areas where insects might enter, like doors and windows.

Dog Shampoos We Feel Safe Using

While at a conference in May, we discovered the new Only Natural Pet line of dog shampoos, conditioners, and grooming products.  Here is our selection of Only Natural Pet products we use, recommend, and present for your consideration:

Basic Cleaning Dog Shampoo

Only Natural Pet Pure & Clean Gentle Grooming is an all-natural, complete approach to your dog’s grooming needs. Made with an all-natural blend of plant-based ingredients and essential botanical oils formulated to naturally cleanse and nourish your pet’s fur and skin. Each formula is pH balanced specifically for your dog. This is the first product we tried in the line.

Each formula is pH balanced specifically for your dog. tear free, and soap free, meaning is won’t interfere with flea & tick treatments. We already use the Only Natural Pet Flea and Tick preventatives, so this worked famously for us.

We followed up with the Pure and Clean Gentle Conditioner, and here’s the real deal of our experience video. We like conditioner because it gives an extra softness and sheen to the coat, and I love that oh-so-cuddly feeling of my dog’s fur:

Shampoo for Itchy Dogs

Imagine being itchy all the time, or at least some of the time. If it does not sound fun, it’s because it’s not. Once you’ve determined what is making your dog itchy, the here’s a dog shampoo that is formulated to cleanse and nourish dry, itchy skin.  From the folks at Only Natural Pet, this is the best shampoo for dogs with itchy skin, dry skin, allergies, skin irritation and excessive itching.

Pure & Clean Itch Relief Shampoo

And if you want the conditioner, it comes as a dog shampoo and conditioner all in one:  Pure & Clean Shampoo and Conditioner 2-in-1

In Between Shampooing

If your dog is anything like mine, there are times when he or she needs some freshening up, but you are short on time or just don’t feel like giving a full bath.  The Pure & Clean Grooming Spray comes in handy for in between shampoo times. You simply spray it on the dog’s coat, rub through and you are done. The scent is light, not perfume smelling, and is comprised of green tea and mandarin orange.

El Stinko Doggo: What Did You Roll In?

If your dog decides to bring the scents of nature indoors, ala rolling in poo, getting skunked, etc., the Only Natural Pet Pure & Clean Deodorizing Shampoo & Spray is specially formulated with zinc, a proven odor neutralizer that works on everything from normal dog smell to “what did you roll in?!”

After the zinc neutralizes offending odors, Pure & Clean Deodorizing Shampoo & Spray will keep your dog smelling fresh and pleasant with their complimentary blend of invigorating eucalyptus and herbaceous rosemary. These essential oils continue working well after bath time and recharging is simple with a quick spritz from the spray! Sweet!

Flea Preventative Dog Shampoo

Of course, sometimes you just want that extra protection. I happen to rotate dog shampoos just like I rotate the protein in my dog’s diet. Why? I like variety and like humans, dogs are exposed to many different situations in life.

EasyDefense Flea & Tick Shampoo contains a balanced blend of flea & tick preventing geraniol and peppermint oil that combine to give your dog the best flea & tick shampoo available. Unlike conventional flea & tick shampoos that use toxic chemicals and synthetic pesticides that can be dangerous for your pet, EasyDefense Flea & Tick Shampoo contains no harsh chemicals, DEET, or pyrethrins. The formula is suited for dogs of all ages.

Compared to chemical options, natural is the safest, most effective way to prevent biting insects from attacking your dog.

Dog Shampoo Shopping List

To review, here’s a listing of dog shampoos we use and recommend from Only Natural Pet:

Basic Cleaning: Only Natural Pet Pure & Clean Gentle Grooming and  Pure and Clean Gentle Conditioner

Itchy Dogs: Pure & Clean Itch Relief Shampoo

In Between Shampooing Spray: Pure & Clean Grooming Spray

Very Stinky Dog: Only Natural Pet Pure & Clean Deodorizing Shampoo & Spray

Flea and Tick Preventative: EasyDefense Flea & Tick Shampoo 

Bark Back

What are you using to bathe your dog? Do you know what shampoo your groomer uses? Has this ever crossed your mind before? Weigh in, we’re up to our ears in lather!

The post The Dangers of Dog Shampoos appeared first on Fidose of Reality.

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[luckyluciano2]

 PODCAST 8.33 Trophy Elk Hunting tactics With Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters Ryan is a trophy bull hunter and runs a successful guide service known for taking giant public land bulls call DC Outfitters. Ryan is a father of 3 daughters and when he’s not hunting he’s picking up giant sheds.

We talk about what it takes to take trophy Bull Elk : Ryan talks about the habitat to look for, the terrain features and behavioral characteristics to key in on to consistently find and hunt Giant bulls.

    *How to use trail cameras to your advantage for elk

*Where to glass

* Habitat and behavior of elk

* Patterning trophy bulls

* The Elk rotation pin pointing his route

  Stepping Up Your Elk Game by Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters

  Elk hunting is an experience that almost defines western hunting.  Big, loud, and stinky it’s amazing that elk are so elusive and hard to pursuit.  The biggest issue with any species out west is the vast areas that these animals call home.  The terrain is steep, rugged, and unforgiving.  Pulling an elk permit is definitely the hardest part of the process, but once that is accomplished the work begins.  Now your have to face the mountain.  Here is where you dig deep to find out where these bulls call home and outsmart them on their own turf.  One of the greatest tools of the game is TRAILCAMS!

Trail cameras can be the perfect tools for locating big bulls, but they can also be time consuming and frustrating if you don’t use them right.  Over the years I have found a few ways to help me dial in the trailcam game.  I seem to do ok, so listen up so this can be a fun experience.

  Cameras– purchasing your cameras is your first step.  Like most of you that are reading this, I hunt public land.  Public land is used by all, so remember that not all people are on your team, you unfortunately may loose a few cameras.  Knowing this I never spend a fortune on expensive cameras.  I try to keep my purchases under $100.  I also only buy brands that I can purchase a security box for that camera.  These boxes help keep honest people honest, keep bears from walking off with your cameras, and keep elk from chewing on or moving them.  Trust me it happens.

With that in mind, some cameras do better than others.  Obviously the more expensive cameras will be better at taking far away shots or the infra red will reach out a little bit further during the night when elk seem to move the most.  I personally use Stealthcams.  This is not a plug.  I simply have found that they reach a little bit further for my night shots.  There is nothing more frustrating that getting a photo of a possible monster just out of reach during the nighttime.  They also have fair priced security boxes for ALL of their cameras.  Not all brands are that accommodating.  Really though, buy what you can afford.  You are using them to cover a broad area that your can’t do yourself so just find a deal and see which ones work best for you.

  Setup– Setting up your camera is crucial.  There are a couple of things that I always do when setting a camera:

Mount your camera facing north. The sun will ruin your photos if you face them east or west. You will likely get the sun shining in your lens during times when elk are moving the most.  Also remember the sun runs on our southern hemisphere so I avoid that direction as well if at all possible.

Clear all brush and limbs. Nothing worse than leaving a camera for a month to come back and find 3000 pictures of a branch swaying back and forth in the wind. I keep a machete in my pack at all times when mounting cameras.  They work faster than a pack saw for clearing branches, can cut tall grass away that may cause movement, and can be used to help dig holes in the ground for bait.

Don’t try to camouflage them with twigs or leaves. Half the time the branches fall over in front of the lens and the other half they attract bugs and small animals due to sap.

Mount cameras about 36-40” off the ground and keep them 10-12 feet from the focus spot where the elk will be. Whether that focus spot be salt, water, wallow, feed, or simply a trail.  If the camera is too close you risk only seeing half of the bull or worse the antlers.

  Locations– Despite what most will tell you, elk aren’t that smart.  They are just big stinkies with instincts that outrank our own.  With that in mind, they need to eat, sleep, and procreate.  So when looking for trailcam locations I look to accommodate those 3 things.

Feeding Areas: Bull elk have to eat like horses through the summer when they are packing on bone.  I look for acorn patches located next to benches of dark timber.  July and August elk run to acorns like a fat kid running to cake.  Aspens are an area many guys run too.  Aspens more often than not are a good area for cows and calves, but bulls find secluded meadows in high basins and cliffs.  Those tiny meadows are great spots for cams, but can take years to locate. If baiting is allowed in your state I put out salt or a salt/molasses mix during the velvet growth period.  As the velvet comes off bulls don’t seem as interested in salt and I switch to a food bait or sweet lick.

Bedding areas: are often found on benches with dark timber with short access to feed.  I have benches that I have put cameras on for years and they produce some of my best photos.  Benches are used for bedding and feeding so look for flat spots on steep, north-facing mountainsides.  Another nice thing about benches is they are visible on topo maps and google earth.  Get looking!

Wallows: here is a tricky spot.  Elk wallow for two reasons: too keep cool and to get stinky! During the summer months, elk cruise through wallow areas but rarely climb inside.  Their velvet horns work like a radiator to keep them cool so rolling isn’t as active during this time.  Once the velvet peels off the rolling begins.  All elk guys look for wallows.  Some wallows get covered in cameras as heavy as the guzzlers on the strip. It’s not a bad thing, but remember to be respectful of other people’s cameras so that the favor is returned.  To avoid the camera cluster, I like to look for pinch points or trails that access the wallows.  Many times in the summer the bulls don’t touch the wallows (like I said), but they cruise through all the same, and more often that not get their picture taken walking into the wallow but not using it.

Calving areas: I can’t tell you how many times I hear frustrated elk hunters complain about how their cameras are getting hit by cows and calves and not BULLS.  This is NOT a bad thing!  Cows and calves aren’t as migratory as bulls.  Bulls will summer in one place and rut 25 miles away.  So if you are getting pictures of cows, DON’T pull your camera!! The bulls will get there.  Just keep in mind that the bulls don’t start working into those areas until mid September.  If your hunt is during an archery season that ends early you may want to move, but if your tag is just beginning around mid September stay there! The bulls will come to you.

Trail cameras can be a fun part of the elk hunting experience.  I love the pre season scouting almost more than the hunt itself, so I look forward to setting cameras every year.  Remember this though, I RARELY kill the bulls that I get on camera.  Just because he is on film doesn’t mean he is a resident or even a killable bull.  What cameras do for you is that they can give you a description of the age class available and give you a bar to set your standards to.  Killing the bulls you have on camera can be icing on the cake though.  Remember to aim small and don’t be afraid to work for it!!

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DC Outfitters

    How to hunt trophy bull Elk With Ryan Carter DC Outfitters  PODCAST 8.33 Trophy Elk Hunting tactics With Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters Ryan is a trophy bull hunter and runs a successful guide service known for taking giant public land bulls call DC Outfitters.