sonnetnumber23

[sonnetnumber23]

My Stolas before he got the sweater. Look at him, all shy, as if he’s not walking around with no pants on in Sinsmas!

It feels nice, btw, to hold the bird-like dollies - just like holding little birds.

(I’ve got Blitz’s “nude” pics too, so feel free to unsubscribe me before I post them, lol)

[sonnetnumber23]

Blitzø showing his love VS Blitzø receiving love

We all know at this point that Blitzø loves his found family. He encourages them, he protects them, and is even outright physically affectionate at times. Blitzø acts the unlovable asshole, and even outright self-sabotages his relationships in certain cases, but he can’t hide the fact that he cares. And he cares more than anyone is willing to give him credit for. Himself especially.

Which makes his reactions to his found family returning his love in their own ways all the more heartbreaking. He questions it, he’s shocked by it, and doesn’t really now how to react to it. And that says more about his true character than any facade he hides behind.

[sonnetnumber23]

New first season Stede. One day I’ll get my shit together and try to make another Ed. It’s just his face is so hard, and then you have to hide it with the beard? Anyway, Stede can’t wait to get to the sea, just like me.

[sonnetnumber23]

Okay. But did he just heat up hot coals to eat them and then lizard crawl up next to him to warm him up...? Because if so.

Howfuckingcute.

[sonnetnumber23]

Hey, guys, Helluva Boss/Brandon Rogers gang, have you seen this thing? (you probably have - I'm soooo late for the ball). It's just if I hadn't loved him already that would have done the trick. And if I were at least 5 years younger (and the social media in my country weren't so shitty), I'd probably go and establish a fan community here, because he deserves all the love we can give. Also, if you feel the same, please, come and talk to me, because I really need a friend to scream about it. :'D *sending this to the void* Also a huge thank you to X for recording and posting it! It means the world to us, the slow ones.

[sonnetnumber23]

[sonnetnumber23]

The Long Nap

Julia Bory had the best kept secret in town sleeping in her house. She’d moved into the Dittman family’s house shortly after Darla and Malcolm had both disappeared, her home next door sold without a second thought. Few people in town knew what was hidden inside one of the rooms upstairs, and no one that knew spoke of it.

It was better that way, Julia reasoned. Arlo had after all, been sleeping for over twenty years now. If Darla hadn’t been gone for five years, she might have finally lost hope and pulled the plug. But Julia wasn’t one to give up on something, especially not her godson. She heard talk of people with far worse fates who still made it out alive, like the whispered about soldier from the old days who’d survived a bullet to the head and woken from his own coma and decade ago. If he could do it, Julia knew Arlo deserved a fighting chance.

She went up to his room at noon, to swap out his IV bag for a full drip, and to start Arlo’s feeding tube. And found Arlo with his eyes open.

“Arlo? Arlo?!” Julia rushed the the bed and grabbed Arlo’s hands. He didn’t respond, eyes staring unblinkingly up at the ceiling. She turned and yelled down to her wife. “Judith! Call Dr. Hain! Arlo’s awake!” She didn’t leave his side until the doctor assigned to Arlo’s occasional checkups came to see him. He had visited less and less as the years went on, Arlo had all his vaccinations given when necessary, but there wasn’t really much else the doctor could do besides writing more prescriptions for medicines to put in the boy’s IV.

“Arlo.” Dr. Hain said loudly as he walked into the room, shutting the door behind him. He took out a penlight and shined it in Arlo’s eyes. Julia and Judith watched with silent excitement as Arlo’s pupils dilated. “Arlo if you can hear me, follow the light with your eyes.” The light moved, but Arlo’s eyes didn’t track it. Dr. Hain put on his stethoscope and listened to Arlo’s heart, then grabbed his hand. “Arlo, can you try to move one of your fingers?” There was not a single twitch as Arlo’s hand laid in his palm. He blinked, taking an entire five seconds for his eyes to close, and another five for them to open. He hadn’t blinked much since Judith had called the hospital.

“Isn’t he awake?” Judith asked as Dr. Hain reached into his medical bag, and pulled out a sterilized needle packet, tearing it open.

“What are you doing?” Julia demanded quickly as Dr. Hain grabbed Arlo’s hand again. “Hey, he’s afraid of needles, what are you doing?”

“It takes a patient days to the more likely weeks to wake up from a coma. The first indication is the eyes opening, and the next is the reaction to pain stimuli. His muscles are so weak it’s possible he can’t even move a finger.” Dr. Hain looked back at Arlo’s face for a moment. “It’s incredible that his eyes are open. This may finally be his transition out of the coma. Or…”

“Or?” Judith pressed.

Dr. Hain sighed. “He’s been asleep for twenty-two years, ladies. It’s highly likely this is all you’ll get out of him. He could be a vegetable for the rest of his life. His pupils dilated, but he didn’t react to the command to follow the light. One of two reasons. He’s still in the process of waking up the part of his brain that controls functions like the eyes…or he is simply no longer capable. It’s just a quick poke, to see if he reacts to pain.” He promised, pricking Arlo’s finger. Arlo didn’t flinch, not even when a small bead of blood formed on his fingertip.

“He can do it.” Julia said firmly. “He’s waking up. This is only the first day. He’ll wake up. You said it could take weeks.”

“We’ll see.” Dr. Hain said with little emotion in his voice. “Call me during his “waking” periods. I’ll come to check up on him and do more tests.” He collected his bag and waved goodbye to the wives. “I wish you all the best. And you too, Arlo.” He directed towards the bed. “Maybe he can finally hear you. Talk to him.”

He left and Judith went downstairs to watch her television program. Julia smiled at Arlo, squeezing his hand. “I told your mother you’d wake up.” She said proudly. “You take your time now. I’ll be waiting for you Arlie.” Arlo took in a deep breath and sighed. Julia sat with him, telling bedtime stories and corny jokes until Arlo blinked and didn’t open his eyes again. It took four more visits before Arlo’s eyes followed the penlight. Another seven before he winced as he was given the needle prick.

“He’s waking up.” Dr. Hain finally decided, a wide smile growing on his face. “Such a rare medical event, it’s hardly been documented. Now remember he may still have setbacks, like the week he had where he had no waking period. And we have no clue what will happen as he continues to wake. His cognitive functions may have decreased, and it will be incredibly unlikely for him to relearn all the skills he used to know. Even talking after a coma this long is incredibly rare. But, others have done it. We’ll do everything in our power to help Arlo get to wherever he can.”

“Oh he’ll talk.” Julia nodded confidently. “He has everything to say.”

“See you soon.” Dr. Hain promised. “Remember what I said about the next phase of waking up, when and if he gets there. He will be confused, likely agitated, and his memory will suffer. Play him music, bring in some incense or candles, put on the TV. His brain needs stimulation now more than ever. But try not to push him. If he becomes agitated and is able to start using his arms to try pulling out his tube or his IV, call me immediately, there are soft restraints that can prevent him from hurting himself. Goodbye Arlo. I look forward to seeing you when you’re awake.”

A week and a half passed, and when Julia found Arlo staring up at the ceiling, panic stricken and shakily breathing, she knew he was finally, truly awake.

“Arlo, Arlo it’s me.” She said gently, shutting the door and locking it. She didn’t need Judith’s coddling suffocating Arlo and making him more worked up. “It’s Ms. Bory, Arlo. Do you remember me?” Arlo let out a noise, a low nervous “Ah sound that dragged through him. “It’s so good to see you awake, Arlie. Try to relax. Everything is going to be alright. You were just asleep for a little bit. You’re safe.” Arlo was still struggling to breathe. Julia pulled out her phone and sent a text to Dr. Hain.

He’s awake. Awake awake. You need to come help him. He’s scared.

Thinking for a moment, Julia opened youtube on her phone and switched to a playlist of old kid songs released before Arlo had gone to sleep. She turned the volume up-Not too loud, she didn’t want to hurt his newly hearing ears-and reached to grab his hands.

“Arlo-Arlo my boy. I know you’re scared.” She said over the music, Arlo’s lip quivering as she reached to brush her hand against his head. He took in a shaky breath, tears starting to form and fall down his eyes. “And that’s okay Arlie. I’m here for you. But you’re safe, and nothing is going to happen to you. Can you hear me? Blink if you can hear me, Arlo.” Arlo’s eyelashes fluttered as he blinked, still quietly crying. Not a sound escaped him. “Are you thirsty Arlie? I’ll get you some water.” 

She stood and went downstairs to the kitchen. Dr. Hain had warned her coma patients always felt incredibly dehydrated waking up, from the dryness in the throat. And she also knew the best way to calm down a crying child was to give them a drink.

She had to hold the cup up and put the straw in his mouth her self, but after a moments pause she saw some of the water travelling up the straw and into Arlo's mouth. It all spilled out onto his blanket unswallowed, Julia patting Arlo’s knee to calm him down while she wiped the water off his face.

“It's okay Arlo, you aren't in any trouble.” Julia promised. “Try again, you can do it. That was very good for a first try.”

It took two more tries before he swallowed most of the water, only a few water droplets dribbling down his chin. He finished the entire cup by the time Dr. Hain got there and knocked on the locked door.

“Arlie, a doctor is here to look at you.” Julia explained patiently. “He isn't going to give you any shots or needles, okay? I promise he's just going to do a basic examination. There's nothing to worry about. You trust me, don't you Arlo?” She patted his shoulder before moving to unlock the door.

“Hello Arlo!” Dr. Hain said happily as he stepped in, Judith behind him. Julia ushered her back out to the hall before she could question why she hadn't been told about Arlo.

“Listen Judith, this is really important for Arlo, he won't like you fussing all over him just yet.” Julia reasoned. “I'm sorry I hadn't told you before the doctor got here, but Arlo needs time. I have to put him first, you understand? Which is why I need you to stay out here for now, and I need to go back in. Arlo needs someone to hold his hand, and I'll have to do.”

“I understand.” Judith said softly. “He knows you better.”

Julia kissed Judith quickly then went back into the room. Dr. Hain was on Julia's normal side of the room, because she always sat on the side Arlo's face tilted towards. He'd turned the music off. She took a seat just behind him so Arlo could see her. Dr. Hain was having Arlo follow the penlight again, Arlo’s eyes slowly tracking it back and forth, still a little delayed like the first time he'd done it. Hain put the penlight down and grabbed Arlo’s hand, laying it palm up in his hands.

“Arlo, blinking if you can feel my hands.” Dr. Hain requested. Arlo blinked. “Alright Arlo, I want you to try moving your fingers or hand, anything you can move.” Dr. Hain waited patiently for a long, long time, and finally the tip of Arlo’s index finger just barely curled in before straightening back out. He let out a soft, pained whine. “I know Arlo, I'm sorry if it hurt.” Dr. Hain apologized. He turned to Julia and said low under his breath, “Arlo will have a lot of muscle pain for at least a couple weeks. Try to massage his hands and arms a good amount, and we'll get a physical therapist to help with the stiffness in his back, neck, and legs. He won't like it, but it'll help the pain go away as his hands start to relax. His muscles are very tense right now, he isn't using any strength when you or I hold him.”

“I know.” Julia nodded. Arlo’s hands felt like deadweight when she lifted them up to pat them or give a reassuring squeeze. “When do we work on his speech?”

“After he's a little more settled. This is only the first day.” Dr. Hain reminded. “Keep giving him the water but no foods, not even anything soft. And try to keep watch on if he's tensing his jaw. But now that he is waking up fully, have you made any progress-”

Julia shushed him. “Outside the room.” She said firmly, turning to Arlo. “Arlo my boy, I'll be right back, okay?” She stood and walked into the hall, Dr. Hain following her. “No, Dr. Hain, I haven't heard a single word from Darla, haven't heard anything in the news about Malcolm, none of Arlo’s extended family-if he even has any-have reached out to me.” She admitted.

“You do understand that his medical bills will become more expensive?” Dr. Hain asked. “The psychical therapy, mental screenings, regular therapy? Are you confident you can pay without the assistance of the Dittmans?”

“They left Arlo in my care.” Julia said, voice steady. “I'm not going to abandon him to lousy state care to save a few nickels and dimes. And even if I never find Darla, she entrusted Arlo to me. He's my boy just as much as hers now. I've taken care of him for five years now on my own. I can continue to do so.”

“Very well. Have a nice day, ladies.” Dr. Hain nodded. “Keep him away from mirrors for now, remember what I said about the confusion and regulation problems. He's very fragile.”

“He’s not fragile.” Julia corrected after Hain had already gone, Judith the only one there to hear her. “He's recovering.”

Previous Chapter:

The Long Nap (1)

@sonnetnumber23 Happy Birthday!

[sonnetnumber23]

The Long Nap (Temporary Title)

Arlo’s hand was so tiny in hers. He'd lost weight, not too much yet, but he'd always been on the smaller side, and now Sacha bet she could wrap her hand around his wrist and touch her thumb to her middle finger. Her mother was just outside the door talking with Arlo's mom. Darla was a mess everytime Sacha had come over to see Arlo, not that she'd come much. She'd seen him six times in the two months since he'd fallen asleep, but that was more than any of his other classmates had visited. Only two or three others had seen him a few times, but that stopped after the second month.

Now, Arlo's coma was simply classroom gossip. If he was going to wake up (Most had immediately given up on that idea), if he was going to be asleep until he died, if his parents would pull the plug, if the school would throw a memorial for him. That idea, was also squashed relatively fast. Darla was appalled when Sacha had accidentally mentioned it during another visit.

“I'm divorcing him.” Sacha heard Darla's voice from outside the door. “I-” She sniffled. “He's so good now that Arlo's-now that Arlo's asleep. He keeps writing letters, as soon as he gets out he wants to come back here and see him. I went to visit him, just once, to talk about the trial and give him a few of his things, and he was acting like the perfect husband again. Never once yelled at me, even when I yelled at him. He hasn't acted that way since before Arlie was born.”

Out, was jail. Malcom was lucky to walk off with a lesser sentence, after all, you don't just knock your son into a two month coma and walk away scot-free.

“It just hurts, that he's so…nice now.” Darla continued. “Why couldn't he have been like this six years ago? He feels all this guilt now because of what he's done, but that's not the first time he's hit Arlo, you know. Never-Never that bad, I would have called the police if he ever hurt Arlo like that before. But he just always had this temper, it was like walking on eggshells all the time. Never knew what would set him off until he was screaming at me. No, I'm done with him. This Never would have ha-happen-” Darla started crying, and Sacha heard her mother moving her further away from Arlo's bedroom.

Sacha was somewhat relieved. It had been sounding like her mother was gearing up to announce they had to leave. Now they had to wait until she could calm Darla down again. She turned back to Arlo, placing another card on his bedside table. Unlike all the others people had brought, it wasn't a get well card. It was a party invitation. It was starting to get overcrowded, Darla had been putting the older cards in Arlo's dresser drawers.

“Arlo you listen to me.” Sacha said sternly. “You need to wake up right now, or at least in the next two weeks. It's almost my birthday, and I took forever making mom switch my party theme. It's not ice skating anymore, okay? It's a magic show, with a magician and everything. If you wake up right now, it can be your party instead of mine. I'll give you all my presents, okay? You have to come. You…It…” Sacha looked down at his space themed bedspread. “It wouldn't be my birthday without you, okay? And you always come to my parties, so you have to come to this one.”

The door opened, Sacha’s mom poking her head inside. “Sas, time to go. Get your coat.”

“Okay.” Sacha nodded as her mom turned and walked away. She looked back at Arlo one last time and squeezed his hand.

The car ride home was mostly quiet, snow falling in a fast flurry. Any other day, Arlo would have been outside with Sacha, sledding down hills and throwing snowballs at each other.

“When's he going to wake up?”

Sacha’s mom looks back at her in the rear view mirror. “He's not, Sas. Just…next time we visit, say goodbye, okay? We aren't going to visit again, after that. His doctor has been talking with Darla about it, and if we're constantly showing up it will make things hard for her.”

“They're gonna-” Sacha jolted forwards. “Why would they do that?! They can't! He's gonna wake up!”

“He's not, Sas.” Her mom repeated. “Most comas only last a few weeks, if the person is going to wake up. Even if he could, he wouldn't be the same. When people are asleep this long, they lose all their muscle functions, even the ones that let them talk. And their brain function depletes the longer they're asleep. He'd be-He wouldn't be the same, okay? That isn't fair to him, is it?”

Sacha leaned back and crossed her arms, ignoring her mother the rest of the way home. She didn't eat dinner, didn't talk to her parents for the entire rest of the night. Alone in her room, she laid in bed staring at the ceiling for hours before falling asleep.

School was miserable without Arlo. Music, Sacha’s favourite class, was ruined. What was the point of singing if none of the people here appreciated her talent? Arlo had always understood how important it was to her, even though he never actually sang much in music, and just mouthed the words.

On the day of Sacha’s birthday, every kid in her class showed up, whether they really wanted to or not. A lot of the parents drug in their less than enthusiastic kids and gave Sacha long apologies about Arlo that bored her to no end. The only kid she really wanted to see, the one she constantly turned to look for, hadn't shown. Arlo was still asleep.

The magic show was horrendous. The white rabbit escaped midway through the act, the magician fumbled and dropped all his cards twice, and he got at least two of his tricks wrong. But Arlo would have loved it. So Sacha couldn't help but love it too, ice skating be damned.

After the party, her parents packed up all the presents she had gotten, and looked nervously at their daughter as they got in the car.

“Promise you won't say anything to Darla.” Her dad said firmly. “We want you to be able to say goodbye, but if you start acting out and make her upset, we'll have to leave. I know you're young, and this is a really grown up thing, but you have to try and be a little grown up today.”

“Can we stop at the store?” Sacha requested. thinking of all the birthday money she'd gotten. “I want to get Arlo a present.”

They looked at each other for a long time before reluctantly nodding.

“Just…don't say anything to Darla except hello and goodbye, and that you're thinking of her always.” Her mom requested as she started to drive. “You'll understand better when you're older, this really is the best thing for Arlo, even though it doesn't seem like it now.”

“Mhm.” Sacha hummed, entirely unbelieving. They stopped at the store and she spent all forty of her birthday dollars on an amazing magic kit with instructions on how to pull off every act Sacha or even Arlo could dream off. She held it close to her the rest of the drive to Arlo's house.

Ms. Bory, Arlo's neighbour and babysitter, was outside picking flowers from the garden. She waved as the three walked up to her, Sacha shadowed by her parents as Ms. Bory stood back up.

“Hello Sacha!” Ms. Bory said as she adjusted the flowers she held. “Happy birthday. Seven is a big year!”

Arlo was supposed to turn seven in four months. Sacha clutched her bag a little closer to her chest. “Why-Are the flowers for him?”

Ms. Bory looked down at the bouquet again, like she'd forgotten she was holding it. “Something to brighten up his room a little.” She nodded as she opened the front door. Sacha stepped inside the house, and knew immediately it would be the last time she ever went in. A lump grew in her throat as her parents left to the kitchen where Darla was, Ms. Bory walking her to Arlo's bedroom. “I’ll give you some time on your own.” Ms. Bory promised as she set the flowers down in a vase. She left, shutting the door behind her.

Arlo was exactly how he was the last time she’d seen him. Sacha set her bag down, nervously fiddling with her fingers. “I’m not mad. That you didn’t come to my party. Just in case you were worried. I’m…I’m not mad, it’s okay. I got you a present.” She took the magic kit out of her bag and set it down on his dresser. “It’s like your early birthday present. Because I think…I think I’m not gonna see you for…” Ever. “...a long time. It cost me all of my birthday money, so you better love it. I saved one of the party hats for you too.” She grabbed the blue felt hat and set it next to the kit. “Some of the top bits got a little bent, but it still looks pretty good, right?”

Arlo winced a little, but Sorcha had learned months ago that was normal for coma patients. He could smile, cry, or wince, but he didn’t know he was doing it. Just leftover nerves. Sacha sat down and grabbed Arlo’s hand tightly.

“Arlo you have to do it, you have to wake up please.” She begged. “Just-Just do something, please. Open your eyes, or-or hum, or anything. I’ve waited two and a half whole months for you, Arlo Dittman. You’re running out of time.” Arlo didn’t react at all. Sacha squeezed his hand, then stood and rummaged around his room before pulling out a lime green alien flashlight. Pulling back Arlo’s covers, she slipped it into the pocket of his pajama pants. “Bye Arlie. I’m gonna miss you. Remember to use the flashlight when it’s dark so you don’t get scared, okay? You’ll be fine…I’ll miss you.” She repeated. She slowly stood, looking at the door. She imagined a thousand scenarios. Arlo never waking up, growing old and wrinkled in his sleep. Him waking up alone and scared in a coffin. Waking up unnoticed just as he was taken off life support, dying before anyone could realize he was coming back.

Waking up right now, taking Sacha’s hand, and running away to a far away place like France or Japan. Or New Jersey.

But Arlo didn’t wake up.

And Sacha left.

After winter break was over, Sacha’s teacher didn’t mention Arlo’s name when taking roll. Sacha stole a look at her clipboard as the class went out to recess, to confirm what she already knew. Arlo Dittman had been removed from the school.

He was officially dead.

[sonnetnumber23]

Bryce

I’m not entirely happy with the result, and I was going to try again. But it appears it’s her birthday today?? So I just had to leave it here. Happy birthday, bitch <3

[sonnetnumber23]

Safely stored in my pockets :) 🩷

[sonnetnumber23]

it runs in her blood

[sonnetnumber23]

They are so soft! My lovely boys. I’m gonna hold to them till season 3. I’m so obsessed, somebody please talk to me about them..

[sonnetnumber23]

Idk why but I found this photo of Bryce (Brandon) and thought "Damn that looks so drawable" lol... So I did.

Kinda hard to translate realistic facial details into cartoonish...

[sonnetnumber23]

It’s like every time he was passing by and wanted to hug him or something, he stopped himself and just added a horse or two… I can’t😭❣️

Love that Blitzø spent his morning just piling stuffed horses on top of Stolas while he was sleeping.

I'm sure it was a way to try and comfort him. His plushies make him happy, so maybe they'd help Stolas feel better too.

[sonnetnumber23]

While I’m at it. Here, have Alastor, the Radio Demon. Still can’t decide if he came out scary or cute. Definitely want to try again, maybe with teeth this time.😁

[sonnetnumber23]

Cosy Christ(Sins)mas Chaggie

[sonnetnumber23]

Redecorating the apartment! :)