#[unlike samantha's this ones just for fun]

[infernothechaosgod]

I cast redesign once again!

this time it's o'hara :D

now his oryginal design is really nice I think, I love how the early dog characters looked like but I do have to say that at some point in history they tripped and fell and uhhh..you know how I said some characters are just humans with altered face structure and noses?

I would like to say that while samantha redesign was something I wanted to do for a long time o'hara more slipped under my hand in a way, I wanted to slightly redesign him and make him a bit more dog like but I just kept on trying new things and ended up redesigning him way more harshly than samantha, I wanted him to be a boxer and gave him a little friend I call "mimo"

I swear it wasnt meant to go this far TOT I kinda like it, but also i redesigned him so much he kinda seems like an oc I fear

[little rewrite?] v

while making the redesign a little idea came to mind with o'hara being older/acting older and being slightly tired of his job after all the years he wants to retire but he is so respected by the staff/other police officers their respect insistance of "no one will do it like him😔✊" kinda traps him in his job explaining why in some stories he's a bit out of the loop...cuz he just wants to nap at his house instead of office lol, his friend mimo is taking care of their shared house and visits him at his job sometimes while this o'hara is quite tired all the time and thefore calm mimo is a little dinamite ready to explode on anyone almost anywhere, I thought o'hara always scared people since you know "big boxer dog" while mimo attracted alot of trouble and bullies when he was younger, they became good friends when o'hara scared off some of them when they were teens

[fr3sh-tragedies]

Apologize

[Until Dawn] Samantha Giddings x Female Reader

Word Count: 2.04k

Proofread: Yes

Content Warnings: An argument, but nothing really specific

[A/N]: This one's really short compared to the others, but it's because that's what my intention was. I didn't want to stress out over this one, so I gave myself a really low goal of 2k words. It was fun to write this. Hope you'll enjoy. Not sure who I'll write for next. At the moment, I only have six more characters I want to write for.

Enjoy!

 It was extremely hard for Sam to get angry at someone, let alone get into an actual argument. She tended to be the level-headed one in her friend group, never one to willingly indulge in drama. Very rarely did she raise her voice in a non-joking manner, so when she did, the people around her she was close to got very uncomfortable. Not necessarily because she was threatening, but because it was so unlike her. Fortunately, her girlfriend was the same way. The two of them hardly ever got into an argument that wasn’t playful.

So when one broke out one night, both of them grew uncomfortable. They got defensive, with Sam trying to steer the conversation in another direction, and [Y/N] trying to just agree to disagree. Neither one of them really remembered how the argument started, but they both knew it wasn’t going anywhere.

Another thing that was uncommon for the two women was for them to say something hateful toward anyone, even if they felt threatened. During the entirety of their relationship, which was running strong for over three years, no one in their shared friend group had ever witnessed them fight with each other. Out of all of them, she and [Y/N] were usually the ones who stayed calm and tried to compromise and keep the peace. And when anyone needed to talk something through with a trusted friend, she and [Y/N] were the go-tos.

Somewhere in the middle of the argument, one of them had slightly raised their voice, which in turn prompted the other to do the same. This continued until they were almost yelling at each other, something they had never done to one another. It was causing a great deal of stress on them both. They couldn’t seem to find a way to fix whatever had begun the whole ordeal.

As they grew louder, Sam shouted something of ill-intent toward [Y/N] in the heat of the moment, wanting to just be done with the argument. In response, [Y/N] threw back a similarly hateful retort, claiming she wished they had never started dating. She didn’t mean to say it–neither of them meant to say any of it–it all just spilled out before they could stop it.

Sam froze at her words, grimacing as she fought back the tears pricking her eyes. She sniffled and took a breath to prevent her voice from breaking.

“If that’s how you feel, then…”

She paused, trying to calm herself down and think things through. After a moment, she pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

“I’ll give you some space. We both need to calm down before we even try to talk this through.”

[Y/N] huffed. Usually, she’d agree without hesitation. Because of her hurt feelings, however, she was hesitant to do so. Instead, she turned on her heel and stormed into the kitchen, then the pantry. There, she grabbed her car keys and left through the front door, passing Sam on her way out. She slammed the door behind her, and she instantly regretted doing so, but she couldn’t take it back. Not once in her relationship with Sam had an argument gotten this bad. The two of them had never said dating was a mistake, nor had they thrown nasty comments at each other out of frustration.

Sam didn’t know how to deal with the situation quite yet, and neither did [Y/N]. Silently, [Y/N] agreed with Sam about giving each other space before working things out.

She hopped into her car and switched the engine on, pulling out of the driveway and speeding down the road. Once she came to a red light, she popped a CD in and cranked the music up, wanting to drown out her hateful thoughts.

As she drove off to who knows where, Sam remained in the living room of their shared home. She plopped herself back down onto the sofa cushions and sighed, burying her face in her hands as she replayed the entire conversation over and over again in her mind. Each time she recalled the words she spoke, or rather hollered, she flinched, wanting nothing more than to take them back.

There was no excuse for what she said. She didn’t even really remember why things had gotten so aggressive.

As she sat there, counting the hours while she waited for [Y/N] to come home, her guilt began to grow even further. She promised herself she’d sit down and talk things out once they were together again.

Whenever that may be.

She should’ve stopped [Y/N] from leaving.

She should’ve asked her to sit down with her, or at least stay home.

She should’ve kept her cool and ended the argument before it began.

And all the while, as her guilt ate away at her conscience, [Y/N] was battling with her own mind nearly halfway across town.

How could she have said something so cruel? Sam didn’t deserve that at all. She had no right to be that crude towards her. She had been trying to change the subject, but [Y/N], for some reason she couldn’t figure out, refused to give in. Instead, she wanted to just “agree to disagree,” even though she knew that wouldn’t have ended very well. She and Sam were both very stubborn about their personal beliefs, meaning they’d struggle with that concept.

She knew that, and yet she continued to press on the matter.

She knew that, and yet she still blurted out that the relationship was a mistake.

She knew that, and yet she still stormed out of the house like a child.

With a heavy sigh of defeat, [Y/N] turned the car around and started her journey back to the house. One way or another, she’d find a way to work things out with Sam, even if it took all night.

By the time she made it back, it was well past midnight. Had she not known Sam well enough, she’d assume the blonde would be tucked away under the covers in their shared bed, sound asleep. However, she had known her all her life. She knew her thoughts, tendencies, insecurities, everything. And Sam was the same–they knew each other inside and out, which is what usually prevented these things from happening.

It was no surprise to [Y/N] when she unlocked the door and pushed it open to reveal Sam still sitting there on the couch. She glanced up from her spot on the cushions, a look of pure relief washing over her features. The blonde stood, stepping over to stand in front of [Y/N] once the door was shut and locked behind her. “Thank god you’re okay,” Sam whispered, lifting her hands to cup the smaller girl’s face and press their foreheads together. [Y/N] made no move to lean away from her touch, but rather leaned into her hands.

Her eyes shut softly when her head made contact with Sam’s, a small sigh of solace slipping past her lips. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m sorry I worried you.” The blonde smiled and hummed, letting her hands slide down [Y/N]’s arms to gently take hold of her hands. “You don’t have to apologize. You’re okay, and that’s all that matters.”

They stayed there for a moment, standing together under the dim light above the entryway to the den. Finally, Sam led her over to the couch and sat her down, joining her immediately after.

“I’m just gonna get right to the point. I’m really sorry I said what I did. I had no right to talk about you like that. I’m sorry, I really am,” Sam started, squeezing her hands in her own.

“I forgive you. And I’m sorry too,” [Y/N] replied just as quietly. “The fact I said our relationship was a mistake was disgusting. I didn’t mean a word of what I said, I swear. I just…I was hurt, and panicking, and I just wanted to say something to defend myself in the moment. I shouldn’t have said that though.”

Sam grinned, her thumb caressing the back of [Y/N]’s hand soothingly before bringing it up to press a kiss to her knuckles. “I forgive you,” she mumbled against her skin. “Could we both promise not to do that again though? I think that’s the most stress I’ve ever felt in our entire relationship.” [Y/N] chuckled at her words, bringing another genuine smile to her lips. “Yeah, I’d love to make that promise. Nearly cried my whole way home because I felt so bad about what happened.”

With a featherlike touch, Sam pulled [Y/N] into a hug, tucking her face against the crook of her neck and relaxing at the familiar scent of the girl’s shampoo and perfume. Her eyes fluttered shut, a silent sigh slipping through her lips, still perked up in a smile.

“I love you so much,” she whispered.

“I love you too,” came [Y/N]’s reply.

A moment passed, one far more comfortable than the situation from a few hours prior, and the two held onto each other as they swayed side to side. Finally, much to her embarrassment, a low rumble sounded from [Y/N]’s stomach, drawing both of their attention away. Sam leaned back and laughed gently. “Should we order something?” She questioned, already reaching for her phone laying face down on the coffee table.

[Y/N] nodded, laughing along with her. “Yeah. I was too worried during the entire drive to worry about eating, so…I guess it’s better late than never, right?” Sam smirked and nodded. “Yeah, that’s true. I’m in the same boat anyway. What sounds good? Not sure what’s open, but I’m sure we can find something good.”

[Y/N] beamed up at her, already feeling the previously thick tension dissolving at a rapid pace.

Sam picked up her phone after [Y/N] mentioned a few possible choices, clicking onto Google and scrolling through the open restaurants to find something that would satisfy both of their appetites. Eventually, they settled on something fairly cheap nearby, ordering said meal and setting everything up while they waited.

While [Y/N] stayed downstairs to pick something to watch on the TV, as well as gathering nearby blankets, Sam headed upstairs to their spare closet and picked out a few of the fluffiest pillows and blankets she could find. She trailed back downstairs, and the two of them bundled up together underneath their small fort of comfort. They were able to watch a decent amount of what [Y/N] had chosen to play on the screen before their order arrived.

Reluctantly, Sam left the comfort of all of the plush covers and pillows, already missing the warmth of [Y/N] by the time she made it to the door to pay the driver and take the order. Once everything was settled with the deliverer, Sam sauntered back over to the couch. She handed [Y/N] her order, including her drink, then managed to wriggle her way back into her previous spot before diving into her own dish.

As the two downed their food and rinsed it down with their drinks, they leaned further and further against each other. By the time they finished their meal and put the plastic containers and cutlery aside, [Y/N] was resting on top of Sam, both of them still buried underneath layers of their collection of blankets. Her head ended up planting itself atop the blonde’s chest, allowing her to listen to her heartbeat with ease.

Soft, delicate fingers raked their way through [Y/N]’s locks before a small kiss was pressed to her head. She glanced up curiously, only to find Sam beaming back down at her with a look of pure admiration. Her smile was returned just as warmly.

A moment or so passed before [Y/N] turned her head back to face the screen again. Her eyes began to flutter shut as Sam continued to stroke her hair. She fought to keep herself awake, but finally gave in when Sam mumbled a soft, “I love you,” and pressed another kiss to her head, lulling her deeper into slumber with ease.

[shieldofiron]

Date With Destiny

For @strangerthngs4life Happy Birthday!

Tina's Halloween Party, 1986

Tina’s living room was stuffed, again. She was dancing on the dining room table with Chrissy Cunningham of all people, dressed like 2/3 of Charlie’s angels, while Carol smirked up at them, her own angel’s wings rakishly askew.

Billy did his best not to roll his eyes at the girl looking up at him with stars in her eyes, “So, what’s college like?”

“It’s just a community college. But it’s cheaper than state,” Billy shrugged.

“Okay, but is it true that you’re roommates with King Steve?” She was a little wasted looking, just on the edge. He tried to look around for her friend, but they were nowhere to be found.

He wanted to scoff. No one actually calls him King Steve anymore. That can’t be real.

"He’s roommates with me,” Billy shot her a grin.

She ran a hand along Billy’s abs, “Wanna get away somewhere.”

Billy caught a glimpse of a certain brunette coiff bobbing over the dance floor, “I gotta go, but do you know anyone who could take you home?”

She looks around like she’s waking up from a dream, “Uhm… you?”

“Sorry, sweetheart. I got some plans later,” Billy chuckled, licking along his lower lip like he was really regretting it, “You want me to drop you with your friend?”

She glanced around and then leaned up, whispering in his ear.

“I wanna go home with Chance Rojas,” She ended on a little giggle.

He just smiled. He always liked a crafty girl.

“Who doesn’t?”

She blinked up at him, but her confusion disappeared when he gestured over to Chance.

“What’s up, Hargrove. Surprised to see you here,” He was almost as good looking as Harrington. But there was no fire though, he was mild all the way through. Just another reason he was fine dropping off Jenny with Chance. Not a rotten bone in his body.

“Jen had too much to drink, and I got a date with destiny,” Billy carefully handed Jenny over, getting a mouthful of cat ear headband when she suddenly started acting a lot sillier than he had a second ago.

“Destiny?” Chance’s brow furrowed, but he handled Jenny really carefully, “Someone from college?”

Billy shrugged, “Yeah, sure. See that she gets home safe, k?”

“Yeah, ‘course,” Chance nodded.

Once he was pretty sure Jenny wasn’t about to do a comedy prat fall, he headed off towards the dance floor.

Harrington was leaned up against a wall, bobbing his head to fucking Belinda Carlisle. He was trying his hair a little longer for 1986, bangs curling over his forehead.

Billy walked right up to him and pulled out a cigarette, ignoring the Samantha Foxx wannabe who was trying to pull Harrington further onto the dance floor.

“No sailor’s hat?” Billy asked with a smirk, puffing out a plume of smoke.

Steve smirked right back, fake blood cracking on his upper lip, “I don’t recycle costumes, unlike a certain someone I know.”

Billy ran a hand over his bare abs, fingering the edges of his mottled Starcourt scar, “I don’t know what you mean. Not a Conan fan, Harrington?”

Harrington ran a hand through his hair, with his only free hand.

"Your little babysitters club help you with that?” Billy tipped his chin towards the fake chainsaw covering Harrington’s right hand. What a dork. Looked hot though, shirt all ripped up. But he wasn't showing enough skin for Billy.

Harrington shrugged, “Maybe.”

“Looks good.”

Harrington huffed, “What do you want, Hargrove?”

“Nothin’. Can’t a guy say hello to his roommate without getting the third degree?”

Harrington pouted, his pretty pink lips pulling down, “Hello. Goodbye.”

Billy leaned in close to the girl, “You sure you wanna stay with Mr. Personality over here?”

She glanced between them, “Uhm…”

“You know what they say. Blondes have more fun,” Billy gave her a slow once over, barely registering her costume.

“I’m good, thanks,” She tossed her pretty permed head.

Billy shrugged, “See ya at school. Harrington.”

“Yeah,” Steve shook his head, “Whatever, man.”

Billy made his rounds, pretending he didn’t see the unmistakable silhouette of Jason Carver climbing into the back of Eddie Munson’s weed van as he sped off into the night.

He was supposed to pick up Max from some party at Harrington’s little nerd shadow’s house in about two hours. Master of Puppets was turned as high as he could go as he burned rubber through this tiny shithole of a town. He still hated it. Well, maybe not as much now as when he had to live there full time. He shook his head, yanking off his stupid headband and flinging it into the back.

Harrington didn’t appreciate how much work it was to look this good. He should have dressed like George Michael, then maybe he’d have gotten Harrington’s attention.

He sped off to the quarry, cranking up the heat so that he didn’t freeze his nipples off, and parked.

It was only a few minute’s wait before a deep burgundy car pulled in next to him. Harrington waited at the passenger’s door, finally pounding on the window.

“Let me in, asshole, I’m freezing my dick off out here.”

Billy leaned over and grinned at him, finally opening the door.

“Jesus,” Harrington sniffled, curling into the passengers sear and running a hand through his hair, “Heard you had a date with some chick called Destiny?”

Billy stuck his tongue out, “You like your new nickname?”

“I hate sneaking around, I thought we were fucking done with this,” Harrington huffed.

“We are. It’s just one weekend, babe,” Billy shrugged, “If my dad thinks I’m being a dirty queer, I won’t be able to see Max again.”

“I know, I just…” Harrington huffed.

“I know it sucks, but tomorrow we’ll be back home. Thank you for pretending for just a little bit. I love you,” Billy reached over and took Steve���s hand, “You’re my destiny.”

He meant to toss it off like a joke but it came out embarrassingly sincere.

Lucky for him he’s dating a total sap.

“You’re my destiny too, Bils,” Harrington’s pretty, pink lips are slightly parted, perfect for kissing.

Somewhere, blocks away, the teens were still dancing. Max was rolling dice or playing Sorry or whatever passed for a party with her nerds.

Billy tugged Harrington closer, chuckling as he tugged on the leather belts that had been rigged across his chest.

“Next year, you gotta be shirtless too,” Billy grinned, “Give this one pony town a show.”

Harrington groaned, “No, I think I’ll leave that to you.”

Billy ghosted his lips over Steve’s, still thanking God. Harrington wasn’t his roommate, or his rival. He really did feel like his destiny, like every sorry, broken lego of his life slotting into the right place when he was around Steve.

Harrington kissed every time like it was his first and his last, clingy and desperate, hands cupping Billy’s jaw. He kissed like nothing could tear them apart. And Billy would make damn sure nothing ever would.

Also on AO3:

[canonmisogynyvictimstournament]

PROPAGANDA

MARY WINCHESTER (SUPERNATURAL)

1.) in a series famous for fridging women she is THEEE og. fridged in the first five minutes of episode she might as well be in the freezer.

AND THEN. this sounds like some real stupid spn bullshit but. season 12. she gets defrosted. and its the smartest thing the writers ever did. does some rly fun things with the dissonance between s&d (mostly d)’s image of her and the actual real human person she was and is!!

ONE SEASON LATER: they stop trying to bother giving her a tangible personality or any interesting conflict (imo this was probably motivated by poor fan response to her; a big chunk of the fanbase were just as upset as dean was that she wasn’t the perfect mother they’d pictured. HOWEVER it is still canon. a canon that is easily swayed by fandom misogyny is also misogynistic ofc). they strip away complexity they’d set up in season 4/5 by saying umm actually things would be worse if she didnt make that morally complicated demon deal in her youth <3

TWO SEASONS LATER: still not giving her any personality. worse than just not doing anything else with her complicated relationship with motherhood at this point, it feels like theyve stripped her down to nothing BUT that. they shove her into a relationship with s&d’s other parental figure with literal sub-zero chemistry for no reason. and ummm guess what :) they kill her again!! back in the fridge for you, bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE SEASONS LATER: s&d find a spell that was explicitly invented with the intention of bringing her back and they just say like welllllll she seems like shes having a good time in heaven. i HAAAAAAAAATE THIS FUCKING SHOWWWWWWWWWWWW

ALSO: even if she doesnt get in i recommend checking out the photo. its rly good. samantha smith milf of all time forreal.

(my last supernatural submission. sorry for putting you through this bestie. i could go on but i dont think i should.)

2.) The first scene in the show is her getting brutally killed by a demon. It is what starts the events of the entire show, since she gets fridged for manpain. And then she gets resurrected in season 12 and is a really interesting character and then she gets fridged for manpain AGAIN

3.) Going for the Guinness world record in “number of times one show fridged the same mom,” SPN?

KONAN (NARUTO)

1.)

• She is taken in as a *child* by jiraiya and trained as a ninja. When jiraiya leaves his parting comment is that she'll be beautiful when she grows up & to come visit him when she's 18 (she's still a child at this point) 🤢

• Konan isn't given the chance to express her own opinions - she's shown to simply follow nagato's lead. 

• Unlike nagato, she isn't acknowledged as being naruto's ""sibling student"" for having the same teacher. Naruto isn't shown to care about this bond and is entirely unaffected by her death.

• Wrote out of the story & killed off immediately after Nagato's death for no reason. Doesn't get a chance to exist as an independent character even after she becomes the leader of her village.

• Naruto vows to bring peace to the rain village but never does or is even shown to think about it or her. (& in boruto the rain village is even shown to be in ruins)

• Konan puts her faith in naruto and vows that she and the village will support him in his quest for peace. Despite this she doesn't ever get to fight at his side during the war because she is immediately killed off.

• She also doesn't get to show up in the war as an opponent to naruto. Despite being a founding member of the akatsuki she isn't reanimated along with the others in the war.

• While her fight against tobi showcases her skill and preparedness it only exists as a reason to kill her off. Tobi only wins due to his plot armour.

[isfjmel-phleg]

December 2023 Books

AG Christmas stories: Addy's Surprise by Connie Porter; Samantha's Surprise by Maxine Rose Schur; Kirsten's Surprise by Janet Beeler Shaw; and Felicity's Surprise, Josefina's Surprise, Kit's Surprise, and Molly's Surprise by Valerie Tripp (reread)

Discussed elsewhere!

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 7 by Beth Brower

I found this one more difficult to get through the most of the previous installments, mostly because it introduced a romance that does absolutely nothing for me.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (reread)

Annual reread.

Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards

I got this book mostly because it contains the Christmas mystery short stories that should be annual rereading and it's more convenient to bring along while traveling than separate anthologies. The Doyle, Chesterton, and Sayers stories are all old favorites, but the rest of the stories in the collection were less interesting--or it could have just been that I wasn't reading them at the right time.

Switching Well by Peni R. Griffin

A girl from the present day (...in the 1990s) is switched in time with a girl from 1890s San Antonio. I have a passing acquaintance with some of the places described, so that was fun.

The Eleventh Trade by Alyssa Hollingsworth

I was not expecting this story to rip my heart out the way it did.

Tenthragon by Constance Savery (reread)

I get a hankering for this one around Christmas for no particular reason, and it was so worth the reread.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (reread)

I read this for the first time on a plane and it was magical and I was traveling last month and felt like this was exactly what I needed to read on the plane again.

Adam's Common by David Wiseman

A timeslip story of sorts? It was good. I have nothing intelligent to say about it.

Comics

Stephen McCranie's Space Boy Omnibus 1-3

I love this series. A lot more than I was expecting to, and I can't wait to get the next volume (yes, I know it's all online, but there's something about encountering it in physical book form). I love the complexity of the characters, and the plot twists are captivating.

Everything pertaining to Damage and the Ray (reread/skimmed)

You all know how I feel about my boys. There's a lot of analysis yet to come.

Everything pertaining to Triumph

Apparently this character was ridiculously unpopular, with everyone from the readership to DC staff, mainly because he threw off the Sacred Origins of the JLA and because he's an unlikeable jerk. Even his writer has described him as "the hero you love to hate." But I'm approaching this from a literary standpoint, and it's very clear that he's a superhero version of The Tragic Hero, and it works. I'm fascinated by the complexity that Priest gives him.

Really, guys, 1990s DC writers did not have to go that hard with their characterization but they did and I have so much respect for it.

[spankingwishes2]

Her Working Day

(photo is Lady Samantha Kenworthy, probably by @mr-asa-jones)

As Dean of Students at our nearby women's college, it seems like not a day goes by without Sam having to physically discipline at least one of their many students (above).

It's not as taxing on her as it is on them - I'm sure she sees to that - but each and every one involves an extended, contentious discussion full of excuses to wade through and another load of paperwork - apart from the disruption to her schedule!

When she gets home, she can be pretty stressed - and I've invited her to exorcise that stress by 'showing me' what today's duties entailed. No arguments, no waiting appointments - just a nice, simple, 'I want you like this' and we're off.

Last night I got a thorough spanking delivered by hand and afterward her stress was gone. Actually, the beginning of a hand spanking (the way she does it with me, not her students) can be quite nice. But she has other options available, and is required to employ them from time to time.

A slipper can be surprisingly effective - and saves her hand. Its use is usually due to an unusually recalcitrant student - or a repeat offender. Personally, I prefer receiving it over her knee (but it's not my choice). In her office I imagine it's a bit like this:

One evening she asked if I could stop by 'somewhere around lunchtime'. I asked what I should bring and she just said 'your cute little bottom' so I had a good idea what was up. Apparently she expected a particularly taxing day!

For fun, I wore my own blue knickers and white socks and collected some carry-out lunches for us, showing up just before the agreed time. She asked if I 'would mind' if she used the hairbrush (well, actually, she said, 'You don't mind if I use the hairbrush, do you?') and how could I say no?

From the start I knew this would be challenging...

...and got worse from there. After, I was not up to the challenge of sitting for lunch. She, however, was quite relaxed (unlike when I arrived) and promised a 'merry' evening free of complaints (or additional spanking!), which it was.

Unfortunately, there are times when a student has to be punished sufficiently to avoid suspension. Sam tells me the arguing is considerably less (because of the alternative) though the paperwork is monumental. In these cases she has to use a cane and refers to it as 'this enormous production, as always!'.

She delivers the strokes methodically. Very hard. (Our 'reconstructions' attest to that!). Sam feels that it will seem fairer if she gets done in fewer strokes of greater force, rather than 'running up some ridiculous count'. 'Few' or not, she's quite convincing that the student leaves afterward full of regret.

"How about you?" she asked me once after striping my butt most thoroughly (and forcefully). "Do you ever regret offering your sweet cheeks to provide my stress relief?"

"Sometimes," I admitted, "but it's always worth it. And you're always appreciative," I added.

"Sometimes! You brat! I'm always extremely appreciative!" she complained. "I should spank you right now!"

"Over your knee, please, if you don't mind," I requested.

***

As I said, check out @mr-asa-jones and his newish blog for a lot more on Samantha's adventures!

[heavencasteel420]

Okay, ranking randomized ships from most to least favorite (note: for reasons of good taste and effective gameplay, any male character randomly paired with Robin is a girl now):

Patrick/Jonathan: I’ve been into Patrick lately and you know I’m about Jonathan always. I think this could be really sweet (if initially prickly).

Barb/Nicole: in a scenario where Barb either doesn’t get taken to the UD or survives, this could be a really interesting, uncomfortable enemies-to-lovers story.

Carol/Kali: the story of one ordinary, unpleasant teen girl getting caught up in a world of psychic powers and conspiracies and lesbian sex. I’m here for it.

Samantha/Chrissy: I think Chrissy could use a sardonic goth gf.

Nancy/Heather: honestly there’s probably an alternate version of Drive All Night where they fall in love. Also it could be an interesting S3 AU.

Argyle/Steve: I’ve seen this. It’s pleasant.

Robin/Girl Eddie: I see this as more of an FwB situation but I think they’d have fun.

Tommy/Keith: I’m pretty sure they’re doing something real fucked-up. I just don’t know if one’s doing it to the other or if they’re an unlikely team.

Eden/Tina: Tina is a normie who throws a really big party, but Eden is a weird girl who just wants some space from her huge family. That could be something.

Jason/Billy: I’m not into jock4jock ships, but I am curious how they interacted as two very different types of BMOC.

Fred/Tammy: is this the only m/f ship? Lol. Maybe he flips because of the Vecna stuff and persuades her to give him a ride to Nashville, where she’s actually in a “False Eyelashes” by Dolly Parton scenario. This gets him out of being Vecna’d but now he has a whole different genre of problems.

[jeongyunhoed]

As seen on my FF.net Also seen on my Ao3

Following the events of fifth year, a new adventure awaits for Norah Lee. Boys, exams, school events, common room parties, and old foes outside of Hogwarts. Even battling pensieve guardians was easier than this.

Main Pair: OC/? Genre: Adventure/Angst/Fluff (it's a little of everything, tbh)

KEEP IN MIND: Characters are aged up (even if the story's got them in sixth year) to make it more appropriate. Time period is leaning towards the modern day so in case you might find anachronisms in the dialogue or references, this is why. This may also be quite a lengthy fic too.

BE WARNED: Social anxiety, mentions of blood and injury, grief, drinking, kissing but nothing more than that, death (this is Hogwarts Legacy, after all)

P.P.S: I forgot Norah and Ominis kind of matched outfits. That will be something to talk about over time, hehe. But partying ahead! There are several Gryffindor party audios on Youtube that you can listen to (Youtube user Christine has the most immersive ones, with actual speaking audio).

The song by the way is Hard to Beat by Hard-Fi. I know, very 2000s. haha.

Masterlist

Chapter 11

Their linked arms didn't stay linked for long as they made their way to Gryffindor tower, just past the faculty tower. It seemed like most of the sixth years had partnered up for the party following Professor Ronen's assignment. Making new friends, possibly a date to the Yule Ball that was still a few months away. Norah and Ominis looked around for a sign of Sebastian, who was already waiting for them near the Fat Lady portrait.

Clad in jeans and a black tee under a green bomber jacket, Sebastian also fixed his hair similar to Ominis, with one lock falling just a little over his forehead. The three of them seemed to have coordinating outfits. Then again, it seemed like many students dressed in shades of their house colors. Unlike Ominis, Sebastian seemed to be aware that he was seen as one of, if not the most handsome Slytherins in the school.

"Looking good, looking good," Sebastian gave them a thumbs up as they approached him. "Natty told me the password in advance. I saw Amit and Samantha already enter with them."

"You look handsome yourself," Norah smiled. "I would've thought Cressida was going to meet you here."

The freckled brunette rolled his eyes at her teasing, while Ominis chuckled. "Very funny, you-" He stopped himself. You beautiful creature, you amazing human, maybe love of my life, he thought. Sebastian cleared his throat. "Well then, shall we revel in the festivities?" He grinned.

The trio approached the painting, with Sebastian already saying the password. Loud music greeted them as they crawled inside the portrait hole. Everyone around them was already enjoying themselves, as if a live band was performing all throughout the common room. There were barrels of butterbeer flowing in cups being passed around to everyone while sweets and pastries from Honeydukes were on the table, along with other savory fare taken from the kitchens.

Norah looked around, spotting Nellie crawling on top of the fireplace mantel, much to the cheers of some of the partygoers. To her surprise, several other Gryffindors were holding drinking games in one corner, as someone smuggled in some firewhisky. "It sounds like everyone's having so much fun!" Ominis tried to tell her.

"Yeah! We should have fun too!" She looked at her two friends, who were beginning to nod along to the music that was playing.

I've seen you darling, seen you hanging round town You in a short skirt, shining eyes of deep brown You had a dirty look, you caught me on your hook Turn up the thermostat, I want to see you sweat Oh yeah, girl you got, somethin' I like

Norah spotted Garreth, who was already introducing his new brew, fizzing whizz-beers, which seemed to be a success. At least it seemed like a success from seeing how many people have been drinking it. "Let's go get some of Garreth's new brew!" She told them.

"Is that even safe?" Sebastian grinned, waving at Garreth, who was also waving them to come over. "He hasn't created a mess yet, hasn't he?"

"Are we drinking?" Ominis suddenly asked.

"Yeah, come on, Ominis, it's only for tonight," Norah tried to convince him. "Everyone seems to like it"

With some reluctance, Ominis let himself be led by Norah and Sebastian over to Garreth, who immediately conjured some cups to fill with his new drink. "Just got here?" He asked.

"Yeah, a few minutes ago, actually!" Norah said near his ear, while he passed the drinks to them. "You seem to have succeeded in your new brew, huh?"

Garreth looked proud. "Yeah! Drink as much as you like, there's going to be plenty more in the months to come~" He declared.

The three of them took sips of the drink, with Norah raising a brow at the taste. She turned to Garreth. "This just tastes like butterbeer mixed with firewhisky and some really strong ale," She said.

The freckly redhead laughed. "Because it is!"

Norah, Sebastian, and Ominis gaped, looking around at how tipsy some had already gotten, perhaps after downing several already since the party started. Realizing how good the drink tasted, they took another long drink. Garreth was more than happy to refill their cups, cheering in between, when a Gryffindor seventh year stood up on one of the tables and loudly sang the song.

I walked right over, said, 'Hi how ya doin?' You smiled at me and girl, you tore right through me I said, come on let's dnce, we've got to take our chance You whispered in my ear, you wanna get out of here

The crowds of students were singing along to the song, which Norah enjoyed watching as the party went on. "We should find Natty, Poppy, and Amit, shouldn't we?" She turned to them again, after another drink.

Can you feel it? Rockin' the city Ah yeah, straight out of nowhere-ness Like a fist, can't resist you, oh no, I tell you somethin'

"This drink isn't so bad after all, I have to give you credit, Weasley," Ominis took another drink before Garreth refilled his cup. "All the explosions and messes in Sharp's class ended up for something good."

Garreth looked proud, but there was a glint in his eye that made Norah think he was being mischievous. After all, they were still inside Hogwarts. "I hope you've got some pepper-up potion on hand, Garreth, some of these people might wake up with a hangover tomorrow"

"I've got that sorted out, it's brewing upstairs. Just have fun, you three, enjoy the first of four house parties this year, Merlin knows we need it," Garreth assured her, seeing Ominis ask for yet another refill, claiming that despite what it was made of, he didn't feel a thing. Sebastian was also leaning toward the same way.

You know I love ya, just wanna touch ya Stand up, knock me right off my feet Hard to beat, hard to beat, hard to beat

The music seemed to hit a crescendo, making everyone cheer and sing along, dancing in their spots. Soon enough, the resident Gryffindor prefects along with some seventh years, moved the chairs and couches to the side. They were clearing the way for people to dance in the middle. Norah downed her drink before asking Garreth for another.

While she was in a good mood earlier, it had only occurred to Norah that maybe she needed a bit of a break. Everyone else was certainly letting off some steam by drinking, eating, and dancing tonight. Even Grace Pinch Smedley, who seemed to be the most composed among their fellow Slytherins, was already dancing with some Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. Looking almost unrecognizable with the way she styled her hair and her party outfit, Grace was definitely letting go of her inhibitions to have fun.

Nellie, who was earlier drinking while standing on the mantel, had begun dancing on top, to louder cheers from the crowd gathered around her. Among those was Leander, whose cheeks were already red because of Garreth's drink. Feeling like it was safe, Norah got another refill.

Let's spend the night, spend the night together Heart beating so fast, as you take my shirt off This girl I saw round town, well now she's going down Stuck on a losing streak, I think you've turned it round Oh yeah, girl you've got, something I like

"Care to dance, anyone?" Norah asked, even glancing at Garreth. "I love this song"

Ominis hesitated, willing himself to slow down on the drinks. "Not really sure dancing is my style," Sebastian replied with some reluctance.

"Dance? I think I've got two left feet," Ominis replied.

Read all about it, have you heard the latest? Boy in a band dates a Hollywood actress But baby you and me, we came up from the street No time to hesitate, we've got to push our weight

"Suit yourselves, I will," Norah grinned, gesturing Garreth to come with her. The redhead almost immediately left his spot by the barrel to join her. Even if Garreth's dancing could be described as similar to that of an old person, he was fun, even mouthing the words along with Norah, the two of them laughing at how silly they're being.

Can you feel it? Rocking the city Ah yeah, straight out of nowhere-ness Like a fist, can't resist you, oh no, I tell you somethin'

The music, the drinks, the atmosphere, Norah felt like she could get lost in all of it. It was so supremely happy and energetic. Or it might have been the drinks that was making her feel and think that way. She was having so much fun dancing with Garreth, the two of them singing along as if to each other.

"I knew that would put a smile on your face," Garreth whispered near her ear, the two of them went back into dancing as silly as they could get. "Take it easy on the drinks, wouldn't want the Hogwarts heroine to get piss drunk, after all"

Norah laughed. "Don't worry, Garreth, enjoying myself tonight is all I'm thinking about."

"Good, you've earned it" Garreth assured her. "I'm glad you're having fun so far. It's your first Hogwarts house party."

"Yeah, it's so much fun! I mean, I expected this from Gryffindors," Norah teased. "I told Leander the same thing the other day."

Garreth looked proud. "It'll only be even more fun from now on. Hufflepuff's hosting the next one. Here's a tip, make sure to come in hungry. They've got the best food."

"I figured," Norah nodded.

You know I love ya, I just wanna touch ya Stand up, knock me right off my feet Hard to beat, hard to beat, hard to beat

"Hey!" Natty and Henry soon appeared to Sebastian and Ominis. Both of them were also holding their drinks. "It's so much fun, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Sebastian nodded. "You can't tell but I'm absolutely enjoying myself. After those NEWT lessons and homework, I think we deserve this."

"Hear hear," Henry raised his cup, making Sebastian clink with his in a toast. "I heard about the bet as to who Norah's summoner is, by the way. Did she say anything?"

That seemed to make Ominis stand up straight, letting out a hiccup. "Did you join in the bet?" He asked.

Henry chuckled. "No, not really. But some of my friends certainly did. Their cornish pasties are on you, Gaunt," He glanced at the blonde, who looked surprised. Sebastian seemed to be just as surprised at the mention of the bet. "Those who bet on Sebastian over here have had to fetch some from Hogsmeade now that they know they've lost."

"Norah hasn't said anything about who summoned her name yet, but I think she already knows who it is," Natty said, clinking her cup with Henry's as they took a drink. "Based on the letters she got from him, the one who summoned her must be absolutely mad for her."

"Got it down bad, has he?" Sebastian muttered, looking down at his drink, trying his hardest not to feel or look annoyed by what Natty and Henry were saying. "Well, maybe Garreth's the one who summoned her, since she's dancing with him right now."

"Weasley, eh?" Ominis muttered, following another hiccup.

Goodness No, I've never known a night like this, can't believe it You're so hard to beat, hard to beat

The song that was playing slowed down for a moment, and Norah and Garreth stopped. "So Garreth, who summoned you? Or...who did you summon?" She asked curiously. Even if she knew Ominis was the one who summoned her name, she wondered about the redhead standing in front of her.

"Well-" Garreth sputtered, a little flustered at the question. "If it's alright, I'd rather not say."

"Alright, I won't press for more details, but it does seem like you planned to summon someone but couldn't, hmm?" Norah raised a brow. Before Garreth had the chance to speak, the music went up again, the dancing even more upbeat. "Then don't think about that for now, let's just dance!"

"I couldn't agree more!"

Drive me crazy, my beautiful baby Let's spend the whole day right here together

He wasn't sure if it was the drink he made everyone, including himself, take as they enjoyed the festivities, but Garreth was feeling bold. His mother would always call alcoholic drinks like that liquid courage, a legal version of Felix Felicis. Garreth took another step closer, the two of them dancing in sync while mouthing the words to the song.

"Norah," He said near her ear. "How'd you like to come to Hogsmeade with me sometime? We can go to Madam Puddikin's if you want."

She leaned back a little. "Are you asking me out, Weasley?" She teased.

"Maybe, I just want to make sure," He replied, a small smirk forming on his lips. "But we can also go as friends, though. Maybe check out the brew I've been making in Honeydukes."

"Oh?...You like me, Garreth?" Norah stared at him. "Why?"

"Because you're cool, and I don't mean this because you're the Hogwarts heroine and all," Garreth quickly explained, his cheeks hot. "I mean-I-I just, I just think you're great."

Norah glanced at her friends, who were standing at the side, watching them with pleased expressions, including Ominis. Henry also looked at the two of them with an approving look. "You think I'm great?"

"Yeah, who wouldn't be?" Garreth said, the confidence in his voice getting replaced with a slight nervousness. "So, Hogsmeade sometime?"

She chuckled, finding the sudden shyness endearing. Her heart was suddenly pounding, not expecting that Garreth would think of asking her out. She suddenly wasn't sure how she felt about Garreth. He had a talent for inadvertently getting into trouble, but always had good intentions. There were times in Potions that she wondered how his mind worked, with all his ideas for concoctions that for half the time, ended up making a mess.

Still, Garreth was one of the most-liked students in their year, perhaps the one that balanced out Leander's uptight nature and Nellie's rather thrill-seeking personality. Their dynamic just reminded Norah of hers with Sebastian and Ominis, and she found it amusing.

"Not sure you can handle me, though," Norah teased. "Perhaps we can hang out at Hogsmeade. Butterbeers at Three Broomsticks, maybe a visit to Zonko's?"

There was something in what Norah said that made the redhead curious. "I know about those rumors of what you've done in fifth-year. Honestly, I regret not asking to tag along if it was that eventful."

She laughed. "Spiders, acromantulas, poachers, loyalists, trolls, dugbogs, and everything that's out to kill people in between. You've got to channel Gryffindor's courage in all of those."

"I would've if you brought me along," Garreth pointed out with a grin. "That would've provided the perfect opportunity for me to test out my brews."

You know I love ya, I just wanna touch ya Stand up, knock me right off my feet Hard to beat, hard to beat, hard to beat Oh yeah, girl you've got, something I like Oh yeah, girl you've got, something I like

"Is Norah still dancing with Garreth?" Ominis suddenly asked.

"Yeah, she seems to be having a good time," Sebastian replied, helping himself to another refill. He was starting to feel the drink's effects, but if he wanted to let loose for a little bit, another round wouldn't hurt, right? At least that's what he thought, while partly drying to drown out the growing feeling of jealousy from seeing Norah continue to enjoy Garreth's company.

Looking around, it seemed like Andrew and Poppy were still deep in conversation, their faces getting closer the more they talked. Sebastian immediately averted his gaze, knowing that Andrew and Poppy were bound to be an item soon.

"Did you summon anyone?" Ominis nudged him, transfiguring the drink into water for him to drink. "Or did your name get summoned?"

The question made Sebastian frown. "Yeah, Cressida Blume summoned my name, and she said it was accidental."

"You're lucky then. I heard Blume is good with non-verbal spells."

"Yeah, we nearly got caught up in Horklump Hollow earlier," Sebastian muttered, making the blonde whip his head toward his friend. "Norah was following a lead on Harlow in Upper Hogsfield."

"You were in Upper Hogsfield too?" Ominis sounded annoyed.

Sebastian hummed. "Yeah, I was to meet Cressida there since there was a shop she was going to. Poppy was there too, and we caught Norah trying to approach the poacher-filled cave. We followed her and went inside to spy on them."

"Oh," Ominis muttered.

Given his friend's tipsy state, Sebastian had an idea. "You wouldn't tell them who you summoned, or who summoned you. Who is it?"

Ominis slowly tilted his head toward the two people dancing nearby. "I can't tell you just yet, but I will say it was quite difficult to write a good poem, or think of a good riddle-" He stopped, realizing what he said.

But Sebastian immediately figured it out. "You're the one who summoned Norah? But when could you have done that?"

"When you were still asleep, or still in the Great Hall, I took the chance after hours," Ominis replied. "When no one was around in the grounds."

Sebastian glanced at her, laughing as she kept dancing with Garreth. "Accidentally too?"

Ominis shook his head. "No, I summoned her name, even before Prewett or Weasley could."

He wanted to laugh but somehow he couldn't. If Sebastian wasn't already jealous of Garreth for dancing so easily with Norah, he couldn't help but also feel jealous of Ominis for doing what he did. It seemed silly to even be jealous of Ominis. He was his most trusted friend. Yet, he wondered: Did Ominis like Norah too?

[dallasurr]

Hi sorry i accidently sended you a anon without finishing it my hand slipped i am sorry

What i tried to mean was the butterfly landed on simon's face can be readen as his upcoming healing too because when i researched about butterflies most of the time they mean change,hope and growth..

i know i am problaly looking into too much but still good to think about l

Anyway again i'm sorry for sending half finished writing i hope didn't confuse you that much

(First part of the Question for context)

No bother at all, I've been there myself xD

I don't see a future version of Infinity Train where Simon comes back alive, and there's a couple of scenarios where I imagine he could come up organically like when we hear more of Samantha's backstory or if we were to get a Grace episode or Apex Kid focused episode/season. I find it highly unlikely that Amelia's season doesn't have Hazel in at least some of it, so maybe he and Grace would be mentioned there.

But I also wouldn't put it past the writers to have parts that focus on Grace or an Apex kid or Hazel bring up the Apex in general and not mention Simon. I know sometimes it's just them picking fun at him, maybe i'm too sensitive, but it's pretty clear that some of the writers and storyboard artists didn't care for him by the way they talk about him on twitter.

However I love where you're going with this, I've had story ideas where he gets reincarnated as a denizen, i wrote a one shot kind of teasing his train journey as a groundhog day from samantha's perspective, my friend wrote an awesome little one shot where he comes back as a ghost, another friend and i kick around the idea of him being reincarnated/resurrected as a ghom, and i love the idea of Grace finding her way to samantha, amelia or one one and them working together to resurrect him.

Google has a lot of different descriptions of this concept and it really made my mind run wild with ideas, like the second one above makes me think about Ghost simon trying to warn him about what's to come. I also kind of feel like if a groundhog day-esque sequence were to happen to him, it probably would have been in the mall car shortly before they first see signs of tuba in the jungle car (I didn't realize until I was typing that out how much I need self-aware groundhog day simon trying to keep it cool even tho he keeps getting reset to day one, dude would be so stressed and mad about it /affectionate)

[halestrom]

Stargate Spy AU

The SGC (Stargate Galaxy Command) was formed in 1945 upon the successful return of Ernest Littlefield from P3X-972 in 1945. Their mission was to gather intelligence from the galaxy, as well as any help they could get with technology. They succeeded and by 1970, Earth was at the same technology level as it is today in 2023. By 2023 it is advanced beyond that, but most of the world still doesn't know aliens exist, even though a fair number of human-aliens live among them happily. (Teal'c is making a killing as a audiobook reader)

The current head of the SGC is Dr. Samantha Carter who has a dual PhD in Astrophysics and engineering. Her second in command is Dr. Rodney McKay who has the same degrees. They met in college and sparks flew. Of all sorts as they decided to build a plane for fun one day and made friends with the local machinist. (there was one night okay? they don't like to talk about it). Daniel Jackson, Littlefield and Catherine's protege) would be in command but they keep losing him to different planets for a few months so it never worked out. (Cam and Vala make sure he's safe.)

They have a close working partnership with many different nations at this point and so have international staffing. Ostensibly this is known as Cross Border Training or CBT and has ended up helping with the lessening of tensions around the world. (the politicians took credit but everyone knows the marriage of Evan Lorne to Radek Zelenka started this road).

The current President for the US, Jack O'Neill, along with his running mate Elizabeth Weir, are both big fans of the SGC, as well as the CBT and so they're working on drawing up plans to try and make sure there is no funding issues going forward. Declaration of Independence for the Command Kids as Jack calls it. Or DICK. (Yes, Elizabeth is aware of this, but the name will change like most of their other names have. The worlds a better place but she can get a lot more done behind the scenes and Jack has no issue being a figure head. He knows he's pretty. And it means he can flirt with Dr. Carter a lot more.)

John fell into it by accident. Literally. There had been an issue with the air vents and so someone (not naming names but it rhymes with Davanaugh) decided to open one of the emergency exits which opens onto a running trail and he fell into the hole because it wasn't there. He somehow wasn't injured, but unfortunately, this isn't the movies and unlike Men In Black they don't have the neuralyzer and so there's no way to erase John's memory of seeing a six foot scaled man with a pair of wings and a third eye. It's just easier to pull him into it. (rodney's working on the neuralyzer, but he's glad John didn't get memory wiped because he's got a good brain...and a good lot of things)

[buysomecheese]

https://at.tumblr.com/buysomecheese/soldier-poet-king-quiz-but-dndads-kiddads-lark/pkaw84zyfm1u

More!! But this time it’s ~thought out~ and in three parts so it’s not too long of a read lol

Part 1 here!!

Pt. 2 https://at.tumblr.com/buysomecheese/httpsattumblrcombuysomecheesesoldier-poet-ki/31hsxzm6f3n9

Pt. 3 https://at.tumblr.com/buysomecheese/httpsattumblrcombuysomecheesesoldier-poet-ki/wuh9mktbo9f5

Dads:

Ron- poet. Terry had to explain how to do this quiz a few more times than he’d like to admit; he had to stop and remember what his Samantha tells him even more. He doesn’t want to think about how he’ll die, doesn’t want to think about these fears or the person who hurt him most. He knows what Hell is, his friends Jodie and Glenn live there. These questions, this result, is flowery. It’s dramatic and sad and mean. He could go to his wife and be told the same things, with a lot less hurt. He now knows he’s enough just as he is. He wants to feel that. He wants to find that peace and love within himself. He doesn’t feel like this sort of quiz, with all that it says, is beneficial. He wants to rest and to forget.

Glenn-for a second there, he expected his answer to be soldier. He knows how to fight, he’s had to fight, and he’s good at it. But of course, it all leads back to his roots. He is a poet, a creator, an artist at heart. He has been touched by loss again and again and again, each time knowing less and less of what to do with it. All he knows is that he’s tired. He’s tired of loosing, but it seems that’s all he’s built up to do. At least he knows how to weave pretty tales, how to lie about what he feels and wants and needs, as to minimize the worry that comes from inside the house. He *will* always have something to create. He *is* tired of stumbling through life; unfortunately, he knows nothing else. Trying something else leaves things worse off than before for everyone, especially him. He will keep appealing to the masses because of the way he disgusts himself.

Jodie-  surprisingly, not the king. His duty to his realm is duly followed, and well, but at heart he will miss the memories and years his mother took from him. Oh, he’s glad he was forced to learn his lesson. He’s gained so much, everything he wouldn’t trade for any sort of world. But he’s allowed to miss his chaos he used to create. Comfort is fun, stability is good. “Throw a wish to the world”; he is the king of hell. All he can wish for now is for his sons to feel and be okay; that’s what he was able to gain from his forced calm. But such passion runs through him; such that is able to be expressed in more intimate moments with his lovers, microdosing on the violence his demonic nature craves. He knows more, much more, than anger now. He will always, however, find comfort in the knowledge that only one could really prevent him from regressing back, and she would not dare try that again.

Henry- not expecting the king, he finds the crown fits nice and snugly on his head. He can find comfort in this responsibility; maybe being able to make decisions without having to fight for the respect that should come along would be nice. But then he remembers, how his father got the respect without questioning. How he was so feared intrinsically, how the anger boiled and threatened just under the surface. He so wants to leave that behind, but there is always a part of nature and nurture that cannot be unlearned, no matter how hard one may try. He will always push down his anger and forgive first, leaving himself to blow up on the least deserving person, leaving himself to scream in the forest behind his love-filled home. His beautiful twins should never feel the same fear of self-expression that he felt; unfortunately, he is naive to the cycles that continue behind closed doors, despite how unlikely they may seem. Despite his twins not knowing his father, they have his blood running through their veins. Without the ability to confront that, Henry finds himself living again with his father in a way he could never even begin to expect.

Darryl- he doesn’t understand these sorts of quizzes; much like Ron, this concept was explained to him enough that he remembered his grades in English classes from years past. The king though, that’s a fun answer! He knows he’s good at taking charge in situations requiring that. But this result- it brings up feelings, resentment, regrets he had completely forgotten he had harbored. He learns how his son got the same answer. Now worried, what can he do? He’ll keep trying to provide his Grant with rest, since that’s the ideal of the result. Since that’s what he himself would want. But of course, he misses the mark and his way of dealing with the world he was dealt is once again proven to be ‘wrong’. He once again mishandles and ruins what little he had built up, and he will never admit this, and he will never stop, but he is tired of trying. He is tired of one step forward and two steps back, tired of ruining the thing he loves most in ways he will never be able to understand. Like the quiz revealed to him, he wants so badly to feel alive, but will never know where to start. As much as he grows to fit he family, he himself stays stagnant in his body, never leaving the safe portion of his life where everything made sense. When was that part of his life, again?

[targentis]

my good friend tief what authors do you recommend :3c

OHOOOO OHOHOHO I AM GLAD YOU ASKED!!

here are some of my absolute all time favorite authors for your reading pleasure:

V.E. Schwab - absolutely adore her unique and lyrical prose and richly developed characters. i also love that she writes a Lot of different types of stories and never really sticks to just one expectation of her “brand”. for you i recommend Vicious and its sequel, Vengeful (superhero duology from the perspective of the “villain”; protag is canonically aspec with the most wonderful found family of misfits)

Caitlin Starling - she writes mostly historical fantasy/horror and she Also creates some of the most captivating characters and plots i’ve ever read. of course i recommend The Death of Jane Lawrence (autistic protag marries a surgeon for Practical Reasons and finds out his spooky mansion outside of town may be haunted. it’s one of my favorite books Ever. but it is in fact pretty heavy on the horror elements esp wrt body horror if im remembering right so Beware)

Gillian McAllister - to me, she is the master of pacing. she writes books that are the epitome of “unputdownable” because every sentence—especially the final sentence of each chapter—is another hook. it’s awe-inspiring to witness. she mostly writes pretty standard thrillers but i recommend Wrong Place Wrong Time (high concept thriller where a woman witnesses her son commit a murder and the next day she starts waking up in the past)

Samantha Downing - oh boy! she is the queen of “unlikable” protagonists. i absolutely ADORE her, because she writes these bad people doing bad things for fun and revenge with such depth and delight and i wish more authors would do this. also, her plots are twisty and fun. i recommend For Your Own Good (grumpy teacher at a snooty private school poisons people and it all gets So out of hand. i read this in one sitting. it was that good.)

some honorable mentions are Chuck Wendig (horror writer and author of Damn Fine Story; if you want to read a book on writing craft that is both full of incredible advice and is really fun to read, read that book first. then read his other work to see him put it into practice. it’s awesome), Lisa Jewell (prolific thriller writer; her work isn’t really anything special, but she’s reliable in that every single book she makes is about the same quality so i use her as palate cleansers in between books sometimes AHFJSJ), and Kristen Lepionka (she made the private investigator genre fun again)

[thehappybaker]

@monthly-challenge 2024 | Acts of devotion

This story features my original characters Dawn and Mikayla!

"So, what have you been up to quiet mouse?"

The girl with the black hair continued to sneer and insult Mikayla as she sat at the table of the milkshake place she and Dawn had decided to go to for a fun dessert snack.

Dawn had said she had been here before with her grandparents when she was younger when he would pick her up from school. She said they had great milkshakes, and they sat outside since it the weather was nice.

Dawn had went inside to get the milkshakes, while Mikayla waited in the nice sunny weather.

It was peaceful, until a group of bullies decided they wanted to have some fun with her.

They were a group of 3, the leader Samantha had long black hair which went to her shoulders, and green eyes which glared at her with bad intentions.

The other two girls beside her both had blonde hair, the one the right in a ponytail, the other in two side braids. They both had blue eyes so they were probably twins. They both snickered at Samantha's jokers.

Mikayla rolled her eyes and tried to ignore them. The comments hurt, she had comments like that directed at her when she was in elementary school whenever she was quiet and kept to herself.

They didn't hurt quite as much as the stares or comments whenever they didn't think she was listening, or the fake kindness or smiles at her.

"Awww what's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Come on mouse say something! I thought you would be louder not silent!" Samantha sneered, her voice venomous.

Mikayla gripped her hands into her arm, just ignore them, just ignore them.

"You would think she would have more friends by now, but I guess she just couldn't speak for herself for that!" The blonde girl with the braids declared.

"Guess loners will always be loners." The blonde girl with the ponytail stated.

"Well that's how she's always been, right Mikayla?" Samantha sneered, smirking.

Mikayla then shot her head up to get a good look at the three. Now that she was really looking at them, they looked familiar.

Suddenly she remembered, they were in her a few of her elementary school classes and were one of the few vocal bullies!

"Now you remember us. It's been a while." Samantha stated.

Samantha was always the one who would just come up to her or whenever Mikayla walked by, say comments to rattle and hurt her.

She and the blonde hair twins always hid their behavior from the various teachers whenever they decide to direct their harsh comments at Mikayla.

It was a hard time being around them, they would always find ways to be near her. She could never get away from them.

Now she and the twins were back. Mikayla glared back at the three of them, determined not to let their comments hurt her.

"I see nothings changed with you, Samantha. Still think comments like that will help you?"

Samantha gave a small shock at that, but remained composed.

"Your still a loner as usual, so unlike you, I have friends that will flock to my side no problem."

Mikayla fought back the urge to roll her eyes at that. People were only friends with her because of her attitude and the fact her family was richer than most of the families here in the state, which she constantly flocked about.

She didn't say that out loud though, Samantha was known for her temper when you pissed her off.

"I happen to be hanging out with a friend right now in fact!"

Samantha gave out a haughty laugh." Who would want to be friends with you? Your the weird person and the loner!" She sneered.

Mikayla felt her anger grow. How dare she insult Dawn like that.

"Whoever this person is, they must really be pathetic to hang out with you!"

Mikayla was about to defend Dawn, when she heard Dawn's voice.

"Okay got the milkshakes..." Dawn stated but trailed off. Out of the corner of her eye, Mikayla could see Dawn stopping before opening the door, realizing what was going on from the expression on everyone's faces.

Dawn then breathed in, then opened the door.

"Mikayla I got the milkshakes... oops!" Dawn stated before fake tripping, causing her to lose her hold on the milkshakes.

They went flying.... and spilled all over Samantha and the blonde hair twins.

Everyone was silent, then Samantha gave out a loud scream.

"My outfit! It's ruined!" She continued to scream. Then her green eyes turned dark and she turned her glare and anger at Dawn.

She stomped over to her and grabbed the front of her shirt. "Your going to pay for that, you little brat! When I'm done with you, you'll wish you never done that!" Samantha growled, her face close to Dawn's.

Dawn's expression didn't change however, it was one of a smile, confidence written all over it. Though Mikayla could tell she was shaking.

"Go ahead, just know that their are people around and I don't think any explanation will help your case here." Dawn stated simply, gesturing her head back to the milkshake place and the parking lot.

She was right, more people were starting to come into the parking lot, since it was a nice afternoon for a milkshake and school was letting out for more kids.

Samantha must have noticed too, cause she soon let her grip on Dawn's shirt go.

"You might have won this time. But I'll get you next time, you can be sure of that!" Samantha declared, walking off with the twins in tow.

Dawn gave out a big sigh of relief. Mikayla walked up to her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. A little shaken. I'm glad that worked though. I saw what was going on as I was coming out. Didn't want you going against her along, so that's when I made that plan" Dawn stated, agusting her shirt.

"That was a dangerous plan. Samantha is known for her temper when you upset her like you did. I'm glad it worked out but still..." Mikayla stated, feeling scared for Dawn's safety.

Dawn smiled, "Yeah, it was the first thing I thought of. Not one of my brightest plans. It worked but yeah it was a gamble."

"Though.. they were insulting you, so I would probably would have thought up something similar in the moment too." Mikayla stated.

They both started to laugh. It worked out at least even with the danger. For that they were both happy.

"Who was that though? It seemed like you both knew each other."

Mikayla sighed. "That was one of my old bullies from elementary school. Guess they didn't change much since then."

Dawn put her hand on Mikayla's shoulder, Mikayla put her hand where Dawn's was.

"Like I said before, she was insulting you just from the thought you were my friend, I was about to defend you when you arrived and proved to her you were my friend. Thank you for that" Mikayla stated smiling.

"People like that don't understand what love is. Your a example of love. I'll always be there for you. I won't let anyone hurt you."

"Same here."

They then laughed some more, before Dawn said they should get new milkshakes and informe someone about the mess. Mikayla agreed.

So they headed into the store, hand in hand. Mikayla felt happy to have a friend like Dawn who would help her out, and vice versa.

Two friends together. That was happiness to her.

[returntosaturn271995]

December 20th-25th: Holiday Roundup

This year is a definite improvement over last year. For one thing I'm not crying over a break-up and a lost job. Lately, things have just had a lot of potential, and thanks to a well-placed Botox needle and my commitment to sunscreen and hydration: I have aged backward (I'm sure).

Reading: Finally finished "Shrines of Gaiety" - very Peaky Blinders with a dash of Agatha Christie and at 450 pages, not a small feat. I love ambiguous endings, happy or unhappy. I will definitely read more Kate Atkinson. I'm in the middle of "You Are More than You Think You Are" (daily meditations, meant to be consumed slowly), "Sapiens" (600 pages on all of human history, casual), and was gifted two more Samantha Irby essay collections from Zach and Natalie for Christmas. In order to hit my 50 book goal next year, I've got to get 5 down in January.

Writing: Before I'm out of this year, I am transferring all the written quotes from my well-worn journal into three places. The jokes are going into my tight ten, the stories are all getting dumped into a narrative doc, maybe even a Google Drive for organization, and my daily inspirational quotes I'll crib for the next notebook. Maybe I'll even write some of them hear and rank how great of advice I think it is in hindsight/how I can improve upon it. Also I have very much enjoyed how good I've been about Journaling this year, starting in March it got really consistent and that's where the progress got better too. That's the thing about journals: they have the side effect of turning your life into a narrative (even if it's a boring one) and then you can start to find a way to root for the main character. God forbid, you could even learn to improve her behavior (except for all the dirty stuff because let's face it, that's fun).

Cooking: Ugh. This one is brutal. I'm trying to order less takeout and it's like taking a banana away from a gorilla. Except I'm the gorilla and the banana taker. My likely insane goal is to not order takeout for the rest of the year, but how about we (me and the voices in my head) allow me to order it on the 27th? One more time for the day I'm least likely to have groceries/the will to grocery shop.

But also really Erin? You can't make it 9 days without ordering food.

...

I don't know. We'll have to see.

For the family's '70s-themed Christmas party, I made Dad's green bean casserole with potato chips as breadcrumbs. This was actually an unnaturally impressive feat as our kitchen was filled with people, dishes, incorrect ingredients (used buckwheat flour in a pinch) and the burners and oven were temperamental at best.

Political Awareness: Donald Trump is just fully quoting Hitler now. Abortion rights and regulations are cruel (and bigger in texas).

Loving Relationships: Mom and I spent a day together shopping at Stanford for Dad's present (a space-themed lego set because he is a child at heart). Dad and I watched Love Actually with George (giant German shepherd, settled between us as a very unlikely lap dog). We spent Christmas Eve at Barb and Jack's who are basically the godparents I never had. Lauren and Eric came over with Rosie who is just now starting to walk and talk and IS in fact the love of my life. Ash and Zach braved a visit from their Dad and Zach, Natalie, and I shared a joint on the porch. Got a Schitt's Creek Monopoly game and Chanel Perfume from the White Elephant and Dad respectively. Lots of family love. Lots of Mess.

Saw Nathan (from the Southwest flight) in Palo Alto and we ended up driving back to SF together and making out all night. His new place is gorgeous and weird like most San Francisco apartments. There's even a little rabbit in a hutch outside.

Getting Outside: Stanford is beautiful, Half Moon Bay is gorgeous, and I love the look of the Redwood trees. My goal is to go on a hike before I leave...but I leave in 2 days so that goal may have to take a backseat to me sitting and watching old seasons of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Dressing with Style: I rocked the '70s theme with high tops, acid-wash jeans, and a loud Apres Ski-style sweatshirt. There was also a delightfully tacky tree headband that lit up. Lauren also gave me a ton of her old clothes because the woman has a shopping addiction. Not that I'm complaining- I'm currently organizing and tallying everything. I'm going to have to ship some of this stuff separately.

Cleaning/Organization: This place is a zoo, but I've managed to keep my private space as neat as possible. Even making my bed even though the bed keeps changing because it's chaotic here. I've also managed to get mass amounts of laundry done and a set of dishes in the kitchen. Also in January, I'm going to have cleaners come in for the kitchen and bathroom (and maybe my room while they're there.) Organized spaces = organized mental states.

Yoga: My yoga has been on and off, but stretching is key. Even if it's only 10-15 minutes at a time. Even if it's only 3 minutes. My mat isn't here with me but I can groan over my hamstrings on the carpet- I assume. Haven't actually done it since I got on the plane.

Cardio: I walked barefoot on the treadmill to Christmas music for a mile and it was weirdly life-affirming. Any walk is a walk. And I also downloaded an app called TreeCard that plants a tree for every 10,000 steps you take. I'm currently at two tress because mama loves a walk. Also got reunited with my running shoes I left here last month and plan to purchase another pair in the new year.

Meditation: Kept up with it 5/7 days this week which isn't as amazing as I have been doing, but it's always a great reminder to drop vertically in the moment instead of constantly reaching for a distraction as a form of release. Meditation is healing and important. It stretches time.

Comedy: While I haven't really written any new stuff, I've definitely enjoyed watching a ton of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and general funny shit. I need to find a different angle in to incorporating it in to my routine.

Sleep/Hydration: I'm actually so impressed with how my sleep sorted itself out naturally with the new job/and how much tea throughout the day helps me feel physically and emotionally lighter.

Job: Looks like I'm getting a raise mothahfuckahs!

Good shit is coming. I am so so so so lucky.

[rustycottoncandy]

I was cutting a paper (literally deviding a post-it into smaller bits), and suddenly thought to myself: “What if Henry's first suicide attempt had succeeded?”

The following [Rant? Reflection?] touches the subject of suicide, so here's a trigger warning.

What if Henry had died at the age of 13?

For a bit of context, Henry's parents, Elizabeth and Frank Davis, never really wanted to have a child. They weren't even looking for a serious relationship and just wanted to have fun, but one party night led to drinking and one thing led to another and our behated Henry was born.

Henry's parents never really loved him, and they barely even tried to be good parents, nor decent partners to each other.

Violence was often present in their house, so much so that you'd think of it as another member of the Davis family. The parents fought often, both against each other and their child, and often times against Samantha (Elizabeth's sister and Henry's aunt), who also resided in the house.

Now, Henry's never been the happiest person to put a foot on Earth, but there was a time where his mental state was even worse than it is nowadays (by 'nowadays', I mean 24-year-old Henry, the one I draw the most). A time during which even getting up from his bed would require too much energy and the kid's hygiene was barely even existent.

Circa 2010, when Henry was around 13 to 14 years old, he endured one of the toughest times of his life. Many events happened within a short span of time and, gathered together, they crushed the boy to his lowest point: Samantha had died scarce months ago (death that, by the way, he had full responsibility of), which had caused the family's situation to get even worse, since now the parents took out on Henry what they couldn't take on his aunt; The boy's group of friends had recently distanced from Henry since they did not consider him a good person at all and were tired of being lied to by him and being forced to do things they didn't want to; his situation at school was not the best and he'd been failing exams and missing school way often than he used to, and, for the cherry on top, he also had to deal with the recent loss of his cat.

Henry couldn't endure the weight of the event that had, and were taking place and he tried to take his own life.

Now, originally, Elizabeth finds him in time and is able to take the kid to the hospital and keep him alive, BUT WHAT IF NOT?

WHAT if she arrived too late? WHAT would be the parents reaction?

Canonically, Elizabeth keeps her child from ending his life, we know that because I just explained it. But why? If she doesn't love him, nor wants to have to take care of a child in the first place, then why did she decide to step in and keep him alive?

Henry's mother didn't save him because she LOVED him, but because deep down, she did CARE about him... To some level, that is. Sure, he was annoying and overly disgusting; a breathing reminder of how she had thrown her whole life away in just one night.

But he was still her child.

She would've killed to not have to endure him and live the life she deserved, but she didn't want him to die. Hating someone's guts doesn't have to mean that you want them dead.

If Henry had succeeded, then Elizabeth, although she wouldn't have been completely destroyed, she WOULD have been affected by the death of her son.

Though she wouldn't have wanted him to be HER son, she did want him to be alive, even if she said otherwise. Therefore, if he died, she wouldn't necessarily feel happy, but rather sad at the fact that she played a part on his decision to take his own life, which would lead her to blame herself too. I think she might even feel pity too, given the fact that he didn't even get to live half of as long as she did.

As for Frank? Unlike Elizabeth, I think he'd be rather indifferent. To him, Henry was both a waste of space and money, so he might even be glad that he's gone now.

HOWEVER, given the impact that his son's death would have on his wife, part of him would wish that he hadn't died, just so he wouldn't have to see Elizabeth in a bad mood. Frank never really cared if he saw her angry (and in fact would even anger her on purpose sometimes, finding it amusing), but seeing her sad's a whole different thing.

Welp I have to go to sleep so this ends here bye!

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (10/02/23)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

Islands of Legends by Lisa McMann (7/10)

I really enjoy this series; I think the magic is a lot of fun and I really like the characters and how complex their relationships are, especially for middle grade. However, I had two major issues while reading this book. First was that the plot points in these books are starting to push the believability when it comes to a bunch of fourteen year olds running two separate countries. Especially when it’s established that there are adults with significantly more experience than them just kind of…hanging around. Second, these books are starting to fall into a pattern of deal with issue from last book, discover new island, new island presents a new problem, repeat. The ending looks like it’s shaking things up, but this one wasn’t as good as the last one.

Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang (8/10)

My favorite thing about this book was Sciona. She is so horrendously unlikable, and it makes her character arc all the more satisfying. It’s rare to find main characters who are actually bad people, especially women, and Sciona is a bad person. She’s selfish, she’s bigoted, and she’s callous; I certainly don’t like her, but I love her writing. The plot is interesting but has definitely been done before, and the magic system is unique but sort of convoluted. The worldbuilding isn’t fleshed out enough for the kind of ending Wang tried to do, though I do like the ending especially in terms of Sciona’s ending situation. This was a good book, but Babel by R. F. Kuang does the same thing but much better.

Lilacs and Leather by Thora Woods (7/10)

This was recommended to me by a friend and it was just a fun read. It was a little boring since the actual romance had virtually no conflict, all that being provided by external forces. Still, this a wish-fulfillment book so I’m not that upset about it.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon (CR, 28%)

This book is turning out just as good as if not better than Priory! It’s taking me quite a while, but the characters are masterfully crafted, and there are all kinds of interesting plot points. I think my favorite major point of view is Dumai, partially because she provides a lot of insight to Seikii, which isn’t as present in Priory, and partially because her side is a very intense political fantasy, which is one of my favorite kinds of plots.

Lodestar by Shannon Messenger (CR, 10%)

Things are pretty standard for KotLC so far; the Neverseen are planning something, the Council is useless, and Sophie’s got lots of romantic interest floating around. It seems like we might be about to finally make some progress concerning Prentice, a loose thread since the beginning of the series.