#⋆ not gonna say it ain't fittin'...

[blu-screen]

⋆ mean

⋆ sometimes i just sorta am a dog

⋆ turns out 'm a mutt though. heh.

[mysteryshoptls]

2024-2025 Player Birthday Login Message Lines

These are all the messages that you get from the boys when you log in on the birthday that you set in-game from 18 Mar 2024 to 17 Mar 2025! For those that want to hear them, you can find them in the Archive, under the tab その他　→　監督生バースデー④. (This will not be in your game archives until the birthday you set passes.)

You can find the 2021-2022 Birthday Login Message Lines here! You can find the 2022-2023 Birthday Login Message Lines here! You can find the 2023-2024 Birthday Login Message Lines here!

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. Thanks for always looking out for those two dorm students of mine. Actually, we're planning on hosting a reception this weekend at our dorm. I would like to invite you, as part of your birthday celebration. Heh. My apologies. Looks like that has caused you a little anxiety. No worries, I'll be beside you teaching you the proper manners the whole time.

Ace

Yo, [Yuu]. Happy Birthday― Mmkay, so let's get started on the birthday party. I'm just gonna pop on over to this one restaurant in town and nab some tasty-lookin' stuff! Just chill and wait here at Ramshackle... Hey, c'mon, I ain't tryin' to pull anything over on ya. Sometimes I just want to have a normal celebration too, y'know!

Deuce

[Yuu], Happy Birthday! Let me take you to go buy a prese... Eh? You're saying that I've already given you a present because I fixed the broken lights in Ramshackle the other day...? No way, you don't gotta hold back like that! I want to go all out for my pal's special day. That's what makes me happy.

Cater

[Yuu]-chan, Happy Birthday―☆ Did ya post on Magicam that it's your birthday? Oh, not yet? Then, let Cay-kun here with all his power and wisdom write a post for you! We'll attach a cool photo and some slammin' hashtags... Whaddya think? A perfect gift from me, or what?

Trey

Happy Birthday. So, about your present... I do have one. It's just... I was asking around for what to gift you and in the end, I couldn't really figure out what I should get... So in the end, after being at a loss, I ended up getting you this shirt. I look at it now and wonder what possessed me to pick this pattern... Yeah, I know, it's just laughable.

SAVANACLAW

Leona

Yeah, yeah. Your birthday's come 'round again, hooray. ...What're you doing, setting up a chessboard on the floor like that? You practiced just to win a game against me? Oho, so you're challenging me, then. Look at the pluck on this herbivore. So, what're you willing to bet, then? No way you're gettin' away with just a simple game after throwin' down the gauntlet at me like this.

Jack

So, it's your birthday today. Have you set up any new goals yet? What, you're going to surpass me in our classes? Heh, that's a hilarious joke. You really think you can beat me? But I'll take you on. If you get a better score on our next test, I'll get you some kind of present.

Ruggie

Happy Birthday―! 'N that means, I got you somethin' that's fittin' comin' from an upperclassman like me. Ta-da! A homemade fishing rod～ ...Ah, you totally just thought it's a cheap gift, didn'tcha! But this totally works! I know what it's like to go hungry too, y'know～ You're probably always goin' through things, so if you're ever in a pinch, make sure you use this!

OCTAVINELLE

Azul

A very Happy Birthday to you. Have you thought of a gift you'd like to get for yourself? Please, allow me to procure it for you... ...Oho, you have a keen eye to request something of that caliber. It may be considerably difficult to just anyone to acquire. HOW-EV-ER! If I were to handle it, that is a different situation altogether. I shall definitely make sure to retrieve it for you. Please wait expectantly.

Jade

Happy tidings for your birthday. I do hope this year will be another fruitful year for you. By the way, [Yuu]-san. Have you eaten yet? Oh, not yet, how wonderful. As a matter of fact, I thought I would treat you to something in my own little way. I only offer this with the best of intentions, of course. Fufu.

Floyd

Oh hey, Shrimpy-chan. It's your birthday today, huh. Mmkay, then I'll give you some snacks. I got these strange tastin' gummies, these wicked hard cookies, and some squishy jerky. Awesome, right? I got a ton, but all of them expire today, so. These are my presents to you, so you better eat them all without wastin' any, 'kay?

SCARABIA

Kalim

[Yuu], Happy Birthday! Here's your present, from me to you. Ahaha, did that surprise you? I tried making a pop up birthday card just for you. I also tried making a ton of paper flowers that we use during celebrations back in the Scalding Sands. Don'tcha think they came out real pretty?

Jamil

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. It isn't much, but here's your present. Ramshackle is a fairly old building. I'm sure there are bugs that will find their way in and try to settle down here. However, if you use this, you can rid yourself of all of them in an instant. I can vouch for its effectiveness. Use it as soon as you can.

POMEFIORE

Vil

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. ...You wish for me to come to your party here, at Ramshackle? And to top it all off, you've prepared a healthy menu just for me... Heh, how considerate of you. Very well. I suppose I can make an appearance out of respect for your enthusiasm. I do hope you're honored that I'll be there to celebrate with you.

Epel

Happy Birthday! I put in a lot of thought picking out a present for you. Here ya go, fingerless gloves! Nice design, right? Makes using your phone a lot easier, too. It'll make you look super cool, and the more you use it, the more comfy it'll feel. I hope you use it tons!

Rook

I've been waiting, Trickster. Waiting, that is, to celebrate your birthday with you. A spectacular day requires a spectacular memory. That is why I've come up with a wonderful plan of my own. First, we watch two back-to-back theater performances, then attend a poetry reading, and finally, watch a movie in the evening. There will be no time to rest. Come, we must quickly fly towards the theater!

IGNIHYDE

Idia

Kk, time to pretend we all get along and celebrate a birthday again... Eep!? D-Did you hear that just now...? Uh, so... Happy B-day, I guess... Soz, I don't have a present for you. Didn't even know it was your birthday... What, you're seriously just happy hearing me wish you a happy b-day? [siiigh] Nah, I'll order something small online and have it shipped to Ramshackle sometime later.

Ortho

Happy Birthday! Here's your present. Go ahead and open it! Hehe, you see what I did? I used a laser to engrave a birthday message on a glass tumbler for you. It was a little difficult fine tuning the power adjustment for the more detailed parts, but it came out pretty good, don't you think? I really hope you like it!

DIASOMNIA

Malleus

Child of Man, I see today is your birthday. ...Hm? What's the matter? You look a tad glum. Ah, I see, you are struggling to carry all your presents. Well, allow me to deliver them to Ramshackle with magic in your stead. No need to protest, this is an effortless task for someone like me. You should enjoy your special day to the utmost.

Silver

Happy Birthday. You're curious about this braided cord? It is your present. Lilia-senpai explained it to me thusly... If a string wrapped around your wrist or ankle snaps off on its own, then your wish will be granted. I strung this cord together in hopes that you may have your wishes come true. It may be a tad ill-shaped, but if it pleases you, it is yours.

Sebek

As I recall, today is your birthday... Hm? You want me to come to your birthday party? What poor semblance of a joke. I don't have the spare time to waltz into some human gathering like... WHAT!? MY LIEGE HIMSELF WILL ALSO BE THERE!? THEN SAY THAT FIRST! For goodness' sake, humans like you are just... so thoroughly thoughtless. Hurry and provide me the location and commencement time!

Lilia

Ooh, nice. So today's your birthday. Just look at how big you're getting. ...Khee hee hee. Don't look so downtrodden. It's just me pretending to be a doting gramps. The other guys in my dorm don't ever let me joke with them like that. And so, I have a present for you. Here, a CD of my performances, specially made! Take this and enjoy my raging screamo music with your whole heart and body.

OTHERS

Crowley and Rollo do not have new lines. Theirs are repeated from last year's.

Grim

Today's your birthday, huh. Happy Birthday to you! ...Huh? Do I got a gift for ya? What're ya even saying? Shouldn't ya be happy enough that you're my number one favorite henchie? Fiiine. Guess I can use my paws to pad you a massage sometime. Wouldn't want to hafta sit in a hard and uncomfy lap, after all!

Crowley

Ta-daaa! What do you suppose this could be? That’s correct, it’s an exchange coupon for use at the Mystery Shop! You have been a consistent helping hand, so… This is a special gift for you. Happy Birthday. Incidentally, that is only worth 500 madol (5 Thaumarks). It cannot be exchanged for something pricier than that. Please don’t hold it against me.

Crewel

It seemed rather rowdy in here, but now I see it was just you, pup. Are you excited simply because its your birthday? I see, well, in that case, I have a special present just for you. As for what it is... It is a special alchemy homework assignment. You should be happy; you'll be able to improve your skills even further with this, don't you think? Haha, Happy Birthday.

Rollo

Whatever is the matter, [Yuu]-kun? There is a strange glimmer in your eyes… ...Ah, I see. Today is your birthday. A present? Hmph. I hardly think that it should be something you request of others… But no matter. Indeed, birthdays should be treasured. However, what would be an acceptable gift…? I am afraid I’m rather unaccustomed to this. I would hope I do not disappoint you with a poor gift choice.

Fellow

Oh, my, hello there, my learned scholar! I've been searching, and finally, I've found you! I was fervently hoping to wish you well for your birthday. Here, your present. ...As fellows lacking in magical abilities, we should get along together, don'tcha think? Happy Birthday! Fwahaha!

Requested by Anonymous.

[sharonisthebettercarter]

I need the Gen-v kids and writers to fold Billy's ass because they're not like Maeve, Kimiko, Ryan, nor Starlight to take the disrespect from Billy. I need the to go off on his monkey ass because he not finna disrespect them, like he disrespects the former. Fuck around and find out.

oooohhhh i wish. but i can't picture it honestly, i get the feeling he will absolutely trick and hurt them as per that usual game of his

billy's been fucking awful from the get go and very good at it, it's only now that his team is getting fed up with his bullshit but that was a long time coming. i love this motherfucker to death in all the wrong ways but i ain't fittin' to turn a blind eye to all the shit he pulls and how grossly manipulative he is, even with hughie

ESPECIALLY with hughie. AND STARLIGHT.

like it's very concrete clear *what* he is from the start, something a certain darling mentioned to me was that billy technically never actually lies about who he is to the reader/viewer (don't get me wrong, there is a bit of deception and the build up and showcase is also def there, rather i should say, he lies to those around him and this is made clear to the reader/viewer)

he is awful, makes it clear he's going to be awful, and then does awful things that line up perfectly with the total piece of shit he is

but it is SUPER consistently clear.

*it's the characters around him that don't see the truth in what he is, give him the benefit of the doubt, or at the time being, don't see through the lies he gives them*

astonishingly enough, even when he's *actually* honest with them.

mallory said it perfectly

"you're only here because you're desperate and fucked and you want something!"

mmmmmmmmmmhmmmmmm~<3 mah FAVORITE kinda billy bean<3<3<3

and mallory in both settings is one of the few people able to see through butcher's lies but i have big doubts those poor kids are gonna be on mallory or starlight's level, or even kimiko, because they just don't have that experience with him or what he brings to the table, especially if he starts promising 'jUsTiCe' for them. (it's not, it's never about justice, it's just straight up revenge porn. billy bean is a revenge porn addict--)

but hell, he drags mm back into that whole mess and mm won't blame him, but i sure as hell will because *mm has ocd* and butcher fucking *took advantage of that fact*, AND THEN--even mm says it

"always about becca with you." and "you are so hot for homelander right now"

LEIK--... i'm not gonna go into mah regular trash butchlander rhetoric (hey~<3) but leik, homelander literally does not give a damn about this man, there is always a legit *reason* or bargain that is *the* reason he *lets* the mofo live.

first time was becca cutting a deal with him, next time was blackmail, but like this mofo DID NOT hesitate to try to kill butcher when they met at herogasm which just shows how thin that ice is or how flimsy the 'scorched urf' deal was and how he's itching to be done with butcher, third time was RYAN. who got his attention and pulled him away before he could kill butcher when he very clearly wanted to, and now we're gonna get the euthanasia offering??? OOH--

yeah, homelander gives no shits about butcher beyond him being an inconvenience and it's pretty clear the main reason he hasn't bothered killing him is because he still doesn't perceive billy as any sort of threat to him... but butcher?

butcher is OBSESSED and yeah leik i know i say it every goddamn time but like he's really REALLY obsessed to the point where his brain rot for homie is 1000x WORSE than anything ANY of the girlies in fandom *COULD* have for homie--

oops look at that accidentally threw in a little more butchlander garbage lmao

there's def always a part of me that blames fandom misogyny for giving this boi a free pass half the time (motherfucker spends all his time shitting on becca's memory for his revenge porn fantasy+the way he treats all our lovely lady supes--)

amazingly, the framing is actually really well done because even though we know billy is fuckin' awful beyond any reasonable doubt or redeemability, it's still enough in what the characters around him believe to lead people astray and have them wishing for him to do the right thing even when we know he won't (with the rare few exceptions it's something that benefits him...)

altho deep down i think they know billy will just disappoint them because his whole ass job in the story is to make things HURT lmao.

the boi does know better... he just *chooses* to do *worse*...

i do think that because these kids have less experience with billy and aren't completely alone for him to be a vulture about, it also means they might be quicker to learn especially if they get help from starlight or the others. but unfortunately, i don't picture these kids being able to handle this crafty slimeball. maybe make the attempt but...

gawd, i do not have high hopes for these poor youngins...

[an-ecu-harrypotter-au]

TCS Part 3: Welcome Home Kwimpers

Ah'm woken up one day ta Pop gently shakin me.

"Toby. Time ta wake up."

Ah move round in bed an open mah eyes.

"Wha's happenin Pop?"

"Gotta go ta the courthouse today. Judge's gonna decide if Ah can adopt Holly."

"Oh. Can we get breakfast first Pop?"

Pop starts headin ta the door.

"Yeah it's why Ah woke ya up. Wanna make sure ya have enough time ta eat. Dunno how long it's gonna take at the courthouse so Ah don't want ya feelin hungry."

Ah sit up in bed yawnin.

"Ok Pop."

Pop leaves the room an Ah turn ta see that Holly's awready up.

"She's probly one a them early birds."

Ah get outta bed an get dressed. Ah think Ah smell bacon an pancakes. That's always a good sign cause it's bacon an pancakes.

"Good mornin Toby."

Ah stop an see Holly cookin at the stove. Ah sure wasn't expectin that. Pop comes outta the bathroom an sees it too.

"Aw now ain't that nice. Ya didn't have ta make us breakfast Holly."

"But Ah wanted ta do it. Ya've been so nice ta me that Ah wanted ta return the favor."

Pop chuckles an we both sit down. Ah dunno if this'll mean he's gonna like Holly more than me now.

"Ah hope y'all like it. Ah've been workin on mah cookin badge the past couple weeks."

"Well the kitchen ain't on fire an nobody got hurt so Ah'd say ya done a good job so far Holly."

Ah look at mah pancakes an bacon longer than most people do. Ah know Ah don't do this wit food but Ah feel like everythang's jus not fittin right.

"Is there somethin wrong wit yer pancakes, Toby?"

Ah look up at Holly an she looks real concerned. Ah know it ain't her fault, but Ah ain't feelin right bout this at all.

"Doncha worry bout Toby now. He's been so used ta not havin a momma that seein a girl actin so motherly's gonna be a lot ta get used to."

Ah realize that's it. Even though Jacklin'd care bout me Ah never really saw 'er as a mom. She's always been mah friend an nothin more. Ah don't really remember much bout mah momma so havin someone actin like one's a lot ta handle.

"Can ya handle eatin breakfast Toby?"

Ah look at Pop which Ah think's a win cause Ah know Ah was gettin upset an used ta jus completely melt.

"Ah'll try Pop."

Ah pick up mah fork an try ta eat mah pancakes.

"There ya go son. Jus take one bite at a time."

Ah take a bite an realize nothin's wrong.

"Well?"

"Pancakes're pancakes Pop."

"Attaboy Toby."

Ah look over at Holly an she seems ta feel better too. Ah'm startin ta realize that she really is doin this so me an Pop'd like her. Ah don't think she wanted ta do it so Pop'd like her more than me.

"Thanks for the pancakes, Holly."

She just smiles like she won somethin real important. Ah just go back ta eatin mah pancakes an bacon.

"Man that was real good. Thank ya Holly. What'd you say that badge was that ya was workin on gettin?"

Holly takes our plates an starts washin 'em.

"Mah cookin badge. Ah have ta prove Ah can make simple meals an practice basic kitchen safety."

"Well now ya did a good job a makin a simple breakfast Holly. Ah'd say next time ya have a meetin you'll get that badge."

Pop gets up from the table an gets his stuff tagether for the judge.

"Now ya kids better go on an brush yer teeth."

"Ok Pop."

Ah go ta the bathroom an gotta share a sink wit Holly.

"Are you feelin better, Toby?"

Ah spit out the toothpaste in mah mouth.

"Ah finished all the food ya made if that's what ya mean. Ah got scared Pop was gonna like ya more than me cause you were doin a lotta nice thangs."

Before she can say somethin Ah wipe mah mouth an finish what Ah'm thinkin.

"But then Ah realized yer only doin this cause ya just want Pop ta like ya enough so it ain't a big deal ta have him adopt ya. It ain't like yer gonna be doin all this forever ta make Pop think yer his favorite."

Holly shakes her head like Ah completely messed up on what Ah said.

"C'mon kids. Time ta get down ta the courthouse."

Ah look at Holly an she looks real nervous as we go by the door. Ah dunno why cause Pop said none of us're in trouble.

"Pop? Are ya sure the judge's gonna let ya adopt me?"

Pop sits down so he can look at 'er better.

"Don't worry bout a thang Holly. Ah've been workin hard wit yer grandmomma's lawyer. Ah got all mah papers in order. Yer grandmomma signed all her papers so all tha's left ta do's ta take it all ta the judge. Judge's gonna look at it an ask a couple questions."

"They're not gonna be hard are they?"

"No. Only question the judge'd might ask ya's if ya think Ah'm a good person ta take care a ya. Tha's somethin only you can answer."

Ah just stare at Pop cause Ah really ain't understandin anythang he's sayin. Ah guess Holly's different than me cause she's noddin like she understands Pop.

"Now ya better jus take deep breaths an start headin out ta the car Holly. We gotta get ta the courthouse on time an get this taken care of."

Pop stands up an we follow 'em out ta the car.

"How long ya think we're gonna be at the courthouse Pop?"

"Oh Ah don't rightly know son. Mah papers for a judge's real easy ta understand. It ain't like we're in trouble for anythin. This' jus a hearin ta make sure Ah adopt Holly the right way since we ain't her kin."

Ah nod cause Ah at least know it ain't gonna be like those court cases ya hear on tv that take days ta go through. Ah remember Pop watchin one a couple years back but Ah dunno what it was about. All Ah remember was that it was bout a girl with the same name as Jacklin an Pop sent me ta bed cause he didn't want me hearin it.

Time Skip

"It is the opinion of the court that Samson Kwimper is fit to complete the adoption process of Holly Jones. With her next of kin having signed the forms surrendering her custody of Holly, I am hereby granting the custodial request."

The judge bangs his hammer.

"Good luck, Mr. Kwimper and family."

The judge leaves the room an everybody looks real happy.

"Pop wha happened?"

"The judge says it's ok fer me ta adopt Holly an raise 'er like she's mah own daughter."

Ah oughta know what this all means but so many thangs was said Ah'm feelin slow.

"So that'd mean when ya adopt 'er she's gonna be mah sister?"

"Exactly son. Ain't that nice ta have a siblin now?"

Ah gotta really think bout that. Ah ain't used ta sharin an Ah'm still tryna get used ta girls even wantin ta talk ta me. Ah don't even know if Holly's the type a girl that'd even like frogs. She didn't even meet Trevor yet.

"Do ya think Holly's gonna like Trevor? Cause Ah dunno if we'd get along if it turns out she don't like frogs."

Pop pats mah back as she pulls Holly in for a hug.

"Aw don't worry bout it Toby."

"Yeah, Toby. Ah'm a Girl Scout Junior. Ah'll be a Cadette real soon. Ah have all mah badges for workin outdoors, wit animals an even first aid."

Pop chuckles like he got everythang she jus said.

"See Toby, she's used ta the outdoors. Frogs ain't gonna bother 'er a bit."

"Good cause Ah ain't gonna be gettin rid a Trevor. Never."

Pop pats mah shoulder agin as we walk outta the courtin house.

"Now all we gotta do's meet the nice lawyer an sign some papers. Then we's gonna celebrate real good."

"Ya mean wit milkshakes Pop?"

"Yeah son. We's gonna be gettin milkshakes."

Ah smile an realize somethin good's comin outta this adoptin business. Ah mean sure it's nice that Holly's gonna be mah sister, but gettin milkshakes? Thangs just get even better.

Time Skip

We're back at the hotel after takin care a everythin.

"Can Ah change outta mah good clothes Pop? Ah'm gettin hot."

"Course ya can son. We're all done for today."

Ah go ta the bathroom an change outta mah good clothes. Ah feel a lot better now an put mah clothes away. Then Ah start ta think bout grandmomma an granddaddy movin outta the nursin home.

"Pop? How's we gonna get all a grandmomma an granddaddy's stuff ta Ireland?"

"Me an Cousin Wilma's been slowly sendin their stuff all the way ta Uncle Travis' house. Gonna have a lot more people ta keep 'em compny there. We's gonna be too busy movin out ta our new house."

"How've ya been able ta afford all this?"

Pop chuckles.

"Fishin business' been better than ever. It's how Ah've been able ta buy the house ta begin wit. Burton family gave me an advance in money ta cover all the movin expenses."

"Oh yeah that's right."

Holly sits down on the couch after changin her clothes.

"How far's this house Pop?"

"Oh it's a bit aways but it's gonna be by the water. Called Jacob's Island."

Mah eyes light up.

"Ah bet it'll look like one a them paintins where it's got a house by the beach."

"Then yer gonna really like it son. You an Holly both."

"Wow! Ah've never had a house by the beach before. Ooh that reminds me a somethin."

Holly runs outta the room then comes up ta Pop wit a piece a paper.

"Pop Ah finished mah list."

"List a what?"

Pop takes the paper an looks at me.

"Holly's gonna be havin 'er birthday next week."

"Pop said Ah can write a list a things Ah want."

"Ok. Ah gotta finish readin mah letter from Pacer."

"Awright then Toby."

Ah go through mah suitcase ta find it.

"There it is."

Ah open the envelope since Ah didn't have a chance ta read it before. Ah don't even remember what Ah asked him.

"Dear Toby, Tank you for telling me that we need to vait for you to come back from Florida. I vould like to know vhat your new house is like. Maybe ve can come visit you before we leave go back to school."

Ah smile at that. Pacer wants ta hang out at mah house. Never had that happen before. Ah wonder what ya gotta do so it turns out fun. Anyway Ah gotta focus on finishin the letter.

"As to your question of course I'll answer it. My wand is hazel. Very fitting because ve believe in Chakras. If your mind is not vell, if your body is not vell and if your soul is not vell, then this wand vill know. Hazel wands do not vork vell if you are upset so it's important to keep your Chakras balanced."

Ah think Pacer's writin bout an Indian thang cause Ah never heard a that before.

"If you vant to get me someting for my birtday I vould like a book about a phoenix. Dey are very powerful creatures in our culture and I vant to learn more."

Ah heard a phoenixes before but Ah never really read bout 'em. Maybe Pop'd let me buy it wit mah allowance money when we get books fer the year.

Time Skip

"Pop? Is this the house ya was tellin Toby about?"

"Tha's right Holly."

Ah start wakin up from mah nap an look outside Pop's Montego. Ah was right bout the house bein like somethin outta some paintin. Small lil cottage goin right ta the water wit a tall cliffside.

"Whoa. Ah love this house!"

"Ah knew you kids'd love it."

We all get out the car an start gettin our stuff inside.

"Ah need ta send owls ta Jacklin an Pacer when we're doin unpackin, Pop."

"Awright son. Make sure ya figure out where ya want yer room ta be."

Ah walk round the house ta see how the rooms look. Holly's followin behind me.

"The sun rises in the east an right now it's behind us. That makes this part a the house east."

"And?"

"Do ya like wakin up wit the sun peakin through yer window, Toby?"

Ah shake mah head.

"You take this room. Ah wanna have somethin quiet so Ah'm takin the one upstairs."

"Ok."

Ah start walkin upstairs an Ah knew Ah made the right choice. Ah get a good view a the water an mah bed's gonna be away from the light when Ah wake up. Ah start ta find a place fer Trevor's tank.

"Welcome home Trevor."

He jus croaks but Ah know he's happy ta be in one spot agin.

"Toby didja sent yer letter ta Jacklin yet?"

"No Pop. Why, was Ah spose ta?"

"Nah. Ah wanna add somethin ta it. Ya gotta tell Jacklin ta ask 'er daddy bout how adopted kids get their Hogwarts letter. Cause the British govment ain't gonna know that we got Holly an Ah don't want 'er ta miss gettin a letter."

It takes me a minute ta figure out wha Pop wants.

"Ok Pop. Ah'll write it in mah letter."

So Ah write it in mah letter best Ah can an send it ta Jacklin. Ah hope it gets ta her soon.

"Wait a minute. How'm Ah gonna send mah letters? We don't have an owl."

"Hmm. Tha's a good question. Ah gotta really think bout that one son. Jus hold onta yer letters till Ah come up wit somethin."

"Ok Pop."

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @nemos-rapture, @xanatenshi, @briefpandatimemachine, @hooked-on-elvis,

@vintagepresley, @aliengoth3, @smokeymountainboy, @bigdaddyelvislover, @mercsandmonsters,

@pledgingmylovee, @presleysgirl6, @thetaoofzoe, and @elvispresley4life.

[deke-rivers-1957]

A Ray Of Hope

After spendin a long time travelin to Indian territory, Ah stop off at an inn and book a room.

“Passin through?”

“Nah. Ah got business here for a few days.”

“Well here’s your key.”

"Thanks.

Ah take it and drop mah suitcase off. Ah go back to the desk.

“Ya’ll got whiskey round here?”

“Just up the road.”

“Thanks.”

Ah leave mah horse at the stables and walk to the tavern. A man’s already sittin at the counter.

“Howdy.”

He flinches and turns to me. He’s all tan like an Indian.

“Howdy.”

“Sorry for spookin ya. Name’s Jodie.”

“Pacer.”

Ah sit down next to him.

“That whiskey?”

“Yeah.”

“Great. Barkeep how’s bout Ah get a couple shots?”

He nods and pours me some.

“So Pacer ya lived here long?”

“My whole life. Where are you from?”

“Ah’m the champion wrassler a the Smokey Mountains.”

Pacer sips his drink.

"That still doesn’t explain why you’re here in Indian territory."

"Ah'm here 'cause there's more money ta be made here. And Ah heard there's a pretty fair wrasslin audience around these parts."

"Hmm."

Ah take in Pacer's face.

"Wh-Why are you givin me that look for?"

"Nothing. Why? Do you feel nervous being around a half Kiowa man?"

"No. Not one bit. Whaddya think Ah am, sum kinda racist jackass?"

"It wouldn’t be surprising. I’m used to stuff like that."

Ah sigh.

"Well not everybody is like that, ya know. Ah ain't gonna treat ya like trash jus cause ya have Indian blood in ya veins."

"Shows how you’re not from here."

"And Ah'm assumin people around here got some beef with y'all Indians, do they?"

"There’s been Kiowa attacks and some of the men want to drive them all out. My brother’s all white like our Pa so they asked him to join them."

"And what did he say?"

Pacer rubs his face.

"He wanted to keep out of it since their way would be too far. He won’t ever get being me though. Only my mother could know even half of what it’s like being me."

"It must really suck havin a foot in both worlds with neither foot fittin in completely, huh?"

He starts drinking a second glass.

"You're drinkin like you want yer liver ta shrivel up. Ah can understand why you're down. But ain't nobody worth dyin over. You got anyone you care about?"

Pacer side eyes me as he drinks.

"What?"

"Don’t make me more depressed than I already am."

"Ah ain't tryin ta depress ya, Ah'm tryna cheer ya up! You're a nice fella, just lookin for love. If'n ya look hard enough, Ah'm sure you can find it somewhere."

He finishes his drink and sets down his coins to leave.

"Hey Ah ain’t done yet."

Pacer makes it outside.

"Well I am."

"Damnit, wait up!"

Ah hurry after Pacer.

"Leave me alone!"

Pacer having a low alcohol tolerance snaps and turns to punch me.

"Ouch!"

Ah get a nice shiner from his hit but Ah step back enough to not get the full force of it.

"Damn boy, ya got one nasty right hook."

"Do something about it then."

"Alright. You’re on."

We start fighting until Pacer passes out from the alcohol.

"Jesus, that boy's a light weight."

Ah pick up Pacer and carry him off somewhere he can rest.

"Good thing nobody saw this."

Ah toss him on the bed and grab some water and a cloth to clean him up with.

"Damn. Now Ah gotta sleep in the same bed."

Ah heave a sigh and crawl into bed, keeping as much space as possible between me and Pacer's unconscious body.

Time Skip

When Ah wake up, Ah look down to see mahself holdin Pacer.

"Damn."

Pacer opens his eyes then looks away.

"Sorry."

"Aw don't worry bout it. The gettin drunk and passin out ain't a huge deal, but this-"

Ah emphasize the situation for a second time.

"-is a pretty damn odd sight ain't it?"

"Yeah.

"Ah can't help but wonder one thing though…"

"How you can get the stench of Kiowa out of your bed?"

"That's not what Ah was goin to ask."

Ah reach out to turn Pacer's head so he's lookin at me.

"Ya alright?"

"I don’t want my mother getting anymore trouble than she already gets."

Ah’m a little taken back by the change in topic but keep my voice calm and steady.

"What’re you worried about with your mama?"

"My Pa and Clint left to check our ranch. I’m supposed to watch the house with her."

Ah realize what Pacer’s getting at.

"So you’re worried some rustlers or outlaws might decide to raid yer property and mess with y’all."

"That’s why I need to ride back home."

Ah give a small laugh at his quick response.

"Alright then, up ya go. We got a bit of a journey ahead of us so we should get goin."

“We?”

“Yeah. You don’t need all this trouble. Ah don’t have anythin else to do today.”

"Thanks."

Pacer gets dressed and grabs his horse.

"How'd you get here?"

"Dunno. Barkeep must've brought 'em."

Pacer mounts.

"I’ll lead the way."

Ah give a quick nod and walk over to my horse, givin her a small pat on the head before getting into the saddle.

"Sounds good. Let’s get movin."

Time Skip

"This is it."

Ah take in the area, gettin a clear view of how rural the property is. If there were any outlaws or criminals, them and their horses would be able to approach without anyone in town noticin them at all.

"Yeah, Ah see why you’d worry a bit about your mama."

Ah get off my horse and follow Pacer to the front door, looking around to see if there’s anything about the house that looks wrong.

"Is your mama in there alone?"

"I’ll check."

Ah hear a woman's voice.

“Who is there?”

Ah let Pacer approach first, lettin him assure his mother since she ain't gonna know me.

"It’s me, Ma. I’m sorry for being gone so long. I have a guest with me."

The door opens.

“You are new?”

Ah dip my hat and give the woman a polite smile.

"Yes ma’am. The name’s Jodie Tatum."

“Come in.”

"Thank you."

Ah find a comfortable seat in one of the chairs and sit down, takin off my hat and holdin it in my lap.

"I’ll go and wash up for breakfast, Ma."

Pacer leaves the room. Ah sit quietly for a few moments, takin a moment to look around the room. From what Ah can tell everythin looks normal, it seems like Pacer’s mama has been doin fine so far with nothin bad happenin.

"This is the first time he brought anyone home, friend or otherwise."

Ah can’t help but feel oddly honored by the fact. The idea that Pacer would trust me enough to let me meet his mother and visit his home… it means a lot.

"Is that right?"

"This town has not been too kind to him now that he is grown. You do not fear him."

Ah tilt my head to the side slightly, a small smile gracin my face from where Ah’m sittin.

"Seems to me they just can’t stand that he’s so civilized. He’s more polite than Ah'd ever be."

"You should go when your business is done here then."

Ah’m puzzled by this comment and look at her.

"Why do you say somethin like that?"

"This is not your war. You mean well for my son. So you must keep yourself safe."

Ah give a small nod, givin her a smile even with my clenched jaw.

"You’re a good woman and Ah appreciate ya lookin out for Pacer, he deserves that. So Ah can’t just leave him like this."

"He will be heartbroken if you die from this. His only friend."

The lady’s calmness only irritates me more, but Ah keep my voice from soundin too angry.

"Why aren’t you more afraid? You sound pretty calm when the whole's gonna be fightin."

"I have done nothing for them to be angry. They would have come to attack myself and Pacer knowing we watch the house if I am their enemy."

Ah can only clench my fists. Ah pause for a second, contemplating the woman’s words.

"What if… y’all just leave?"

"My husband has a ranch and this house. We have nowhere else to go. If you have a plan to help us then share it with my husband. He will return with his son Clint, tomorrow."

Ah give a strong nod, determined to try to come up with an idea to protect this family that’s done nothin’ to deserve any of this

"Alright, Ah’ll talk with ‘em both when they get here."

Before she can reply Pacer comes back in. We sit down for breakfast while Ah keep quiet so Ah can think of a plan. Ah just can't let Pacer's family get caught up in this. Not if Ah can help it.

Tagging: @hooked-on-elvis, @ladelinee, @lucy114505, @mercsandmonsters, @peaceloveelvis,

@iloveelvisss, @tacozebra051, @wildhorseinkansas, @notelvisbutitry, @cryptoriawebb,

@nicferg068, @tupelomiss, @fish-stick-blues, @atleastpleasetelephone, @without-him,

@dreamingofep, @xanatenshi, @vintagepresley, and @smokeymountainboy.

[talesofourworlds]

"Good ta hear, Karol..." Honestly, he really was glad to hear that Karol would work on being honest with them. And he was right when he said all of them were friends. Maybe more than that? That much was a little harder to say, but... it would be nice if they counted each other as family. Especially Karol and Rita. The two kids probably needed a family unit more than anyone. ...Maybe Raven did, too.

He probably looked just as much of a mess as Karol did right then, right down to the tear stained cheeks and puffy red eyes. Maybe it was a good thing it was just the two of them. There would be questions from Yuri and the others if they had played witness to any of this. The thought was pushed to the back burner, though, as Karol reaffirmed that Raven wasn't a bother. Part of him still wasn't sure he believed that, but he was happy to hear it nonetheless.

"Honestly? I'm kinda glad he did, too, lookin' back on it. Guess even back then I was just an idiot, sayin' stuff like that. But hey... it was before I met y'all. If even he could see what a mess I was on the inside, it's no wonder it took a while ta start fittin' in." Not too long before he'd met Yuri, now that he really thought about it. Back then, he'd fully taken on the mask he'd chosen to wear while in Dahngrest. Just the same as he'd taken on his role of Schwann. Then he'd ended up neck deep in everything. Hard to say that he thought everything had happened for a reason, but honestly it was seeming like it. Not that he wished everything had happened. Some people who had died did still deserve more than they'd gotten.

The question Karol posed was a good one. What would The Don have thought? He thought a bit.

"Hmm... I think he'd prob'ly be happy we were makin' our own decisions, if nothin' else. Since he told us we all had ta stand on our own feet now. And at the end of the day, ain't we all just tryin' ta support each other? Guild folk or Empire folk, the Adephagos is everyone's problem. So I think if he was still around, he'd be workin' just as hard as all of us, with everyone," he said. At the end of the day, Don Whitehorse was still something of an enigma to him. Why had he put so much trust in a man like Raven? Why had he allowed someone who'd tried to kill him so close to his inner circle? Questions with no answers.

He sniffed a bit as he thought, raising his hand to finally brush some of the tears away from his cheeks. Raven felt pretty sure his sinuses were going to hate him after all of this. Oh well, he thought. That was tomorrow Raven's problem. Or later Raven's. Whichever.

"I think he'd be proud ta see how far you've come, Karol. Especially if he knew how brave ya were back at the Blade Drifts," he said. Reckless, sure, but for a good reason. "As fer me? Pretty sure he'd still say I'm an idiot. But maybe he'd finally say I'm reflectin' the me on the inside? ...Ah. Maybe not. Still gotta work on that, don't I?" He gave a vague gesture to himself.

"If today's been any indication... I really gotta work on stuff. But... least I ain't alone while I'm gonna be doin' it."

Karol listened and nodded quietly, almost as if he had come to terms with this himself. It was difficult, though, that much was for sure. So difficult that he couldn’t really blame Yuri and Raven for holding their feelings in as long as they did. He couldn’t blame Rita for not being truly honest with her feelings and couldn’t blame Judith for hiding it all behind a smile. Everyone held back their true feelings in some way. It was easier to do so than leave yourself feeling vulnerable for all to see.

There were still some things that Karol didn’t feel comfortable admitting, whether it be to others or to himself, but he wanted to at least talk about the important things and to set an example for the other members to follow. If he expected everyone to be honest, then he simply had to do the same.

“I’m gonna… do better about being honest. I know you guys aren’t gonna get mad at me for it like the other guilds did. Because… we’re a guild but we’re also friends.” Maybe even.. A family? Karol paused as the thought occurred to him. They… were like a family, right? He had never really had one, having grown up in an orphanage with no clue who his actual parents were. Was it selfish to consider the guild his family? Was that inappropriate?

He decided that this was going to be one of those things that he would just keep to himself for now. The idea of asking Raven that type of question was way too embarrassing. No thanks. He was already embarrassed enough that they were having this conversation at all.

“You’re not a bother either, Raven.” Karol nodded, wiping at his eyes again. They were red and puffy and his nose was runny but he was finally getting his own breathing under control at least.

Hearing Raven’s tales about the Don though… he couldn’t help but smile at the image of the Don getting angry at Raven for saying something as stupid as that. It was almost light heartening for Karol. To know that the man he looked up to for so long was as good of a man as everyone claimed he was. It was good to hear that even the Don didn’t give up on Raven.

“I’m glad that the Don said that to you… It seemed like you really needed to hear it. The Don is… was good at saying exactly what you needed to hear at the moment.” Karol quietly let go of Raven with another sniffle as he pulled his knees to his chest.

The Don was… quite a big figure in both of their lives and Karol knew for a fact that he would never forget the image of sword hitting flesh and the sound of his body hitting the stone pavement after Karol had closed his eyes, unable to watch the death of his role model. It haunted him and plagued him with nightmares and many would say that a child his age should have never been there to watch his “execution”.

Despite how scarring the event was, Karol quietly used it as his motivation to keep pushing forward. To keep making a guild that would make the Don proud. He couldn’t help but wonder what the Don would say to him now, if he were to ask about his guild.

“...What do you think the Don would say about everything going on now…? About teaming up with the Empire, the Adephagos– all of that? Do you… think he’d say that we’re doing the right thing?”

[onlydevilsleft]

“My best chance out of here is helicopter. You don’t have one of those, do you?“ ( birdie / anyone! )

              @rubiesintherough

He looked at the younger girl as if she could be his sister. He saw a lot of Cara in her from when they'd been growing up - even though Cara never really was his sister; nothing could ever make her that - and even still, to this day. Wild. Untamed. Unwilling to be. If a little soft on the inside where it counted... "Hey... Hey, calm down, alrigh'?" His brows furrowed as he held out a hand to placate her. "Nobody's gonna hurt you here. I promise. An' while we do..." He says, thinking about their helicopter. "Ya ain't fittin' t'need it. Yer safe."

[deke-rivers-1957]

Toby Goes to Hogwarts

"Now son how's ya robes fittin ya? Ain't gonna be meltin down cause of em?"

Ah look in the mirror an see mahself in a set of school robes. Ah kinda bounce a bit.

"Ah look sharp! Ah'm ready fer Hogwarts!"

He pats mah shoulder smilin.

"That's mah boy! 11 years old an yer gonna be goin out on yer own havin adventures."

Ah go down ta the kitchen ta put the finishin touches on the tank fer Trevor. Pop an Ah get the last thangs together. Ah pick up mah trunk an' backpack an' Trevor's tank an we head out ta the car.

"Do ya got mah ticket, Pop?"

He smiles an nods.

"Got it right in mah pocket. Ah'mma give ya the ticket once we get ta the station."

"Ok."

Ah start fidgetin an look out the window.

Time Skip

Ah'm startin ta get a lil scared once we get ta the station. Pop parks the car an helps get mah stuff out. Ah see 'em lookin at me like he think somethin's wrong.

"Wha's wrong Pop?"

"You's best be fixin ta get ya cryin out the way Toby. Ah know this' gonna be yer first time away from me so jus let out yer cryin now."

Ah try not ta cry... but Ah can't help it. Ah hug Pop an cry a little bit. He hugs me back.

"Ah'm givin ya money fer lil snacks an yer ticket. Ya can send me letters anytime ya want. It'll take awhile but Ah promise ta send ya one back."

Ah'm still cryin an in a way Ah'm glad it's rainin. Ah like this type a rain cause it's all nice an cold.

"We's best be gettin on the platform before we get wet."

Ah follow Pop as we run inta the wall ta get on the platform. Ah'm a lil upset Ah started cryin in front a people but Ah keep on goin', hopin' Pop'll think Ah'm brave.

"Jus be brave, Toby. Ah know this'll be hard at first but it'll be ok."

Ah see the train an hear a sound tha's like a mix a whistles an train wheel squeak. Pop looks over at mah face an notices mah lil' waterin' eyes.

"Doncha worry bout the train son. It'll sound loud at first but once ya give it a couple mins, yer gonna feel better."

Ah wipe mah eyes knowin Pop's makin sense. Ah can't really say anythang cause Ah'm tryna catch mah breath. Pop pats mah head an Ah start ta feel better.

"You's gonna be makin new friends Toby. Got yer frog, Trevor goin wit ya. Just gotta let out yer feelins an get on the train."

"Oh-Ok, Pop."

Ah wanna make sure Ah'm gonna find mah way on that train, seein' as how Ah'm not so good wit trains normally. Mah mind goes blank an mah stomach feels tied up wit knots. But this time instead of bein' a scared kid it feels different. Ah think this' the first time Ah've ever felt real special. Maybe this' what Hogwarts' supposed ta be like.

"Watch yer step son. Jus gotta get on the train an you'll be fine."

"Thanks, Pop."

Ah make it ta the top an stand by the train window. Ah look back at Pop standin on the platform. Mah face is full a excitement an a flood of feelins. Mah stomach starts ta hurt real bad.

"Bye Pop! Ah love ya!"

"Bye son. Love ya too."

Ah try ta keep a straight face an keep watchin' mah Pop as the train pulls outta the station while gainin' speed.

"Trevor. Are we gonna be ok?"

He looks at me with his froggie eyes and ribbits. Ah try not ta cry agin.

"Thanks Trevor. We's gonna be great then."

Ah hear somebody clear their throat. Ah turn round.

"Need help? I'll show ya how to find a seat."

"Well. Ok."

Ah follow the man through the train till Ah find a special train room.

"Thank ya sir."

Ah sit down knowin it's time ta close mah eyes an take a deep breath. Mah head leans against the train window as the train rattles down the tracks. Mah stomach starts to hurt real bad, like real bad... But Ah'm on the way to Hogwarts.

Time Skip

"Hello. My name is Jacklin. Jacklin Gryffindor. May I sit here with you?"

Ah peek out one eye an see a girl bout mah age lookin at mah face. She's got very pale skin an almost white hair. She's looks magical like the LOTR girl from mah daydreams. Mah stomach is still turnin' somersaults in mah gut.

"Oh, Ah guess so... Mah name's Toby Kwimper."

Ah notice that her eyes are still on mah face. She opens her mouth to say something, then stops and just stares at mah face.

"Is this your first time on the Hogwarts Express? You look like you have motion sickness."

"Uh yeah...how'd ya know?"

Ah'm surprised she could even notice all that. Mah stomach's still turnin' over in all kinds a directions.

"When I got on the train I saw a few other first year students get sick."

"Oh. Well Ah'm not just gettin' sick, Ah'm gettin' real sick. Would ya maybe have somethin' ta settle mah stomach? Do ya know any spells?"

Ah feel sick enough to puke.

"Well I do know something. Try to focus on me, Toby."

"But mah stomach's turnin' and hurtin' real bad. Ah'm gonna puke."

Ah clutch mah stomach an look at Jacklin. Her eyes seem ta be drawin' me in.

"Just take deep breaths."

Ah'm scared ta hold her hands. But Ah'm scared to puke in front a her even worse. Ah slowly put mah hands out an we grab each other's hands. We jus look at each other's faces an try to think about somethin' else.

"Are you feeling better, Toby?"

The pain's gone. Ah can still feel mah stomach movin, but it's stopped hurtin'.

"Thanks."

Ah look at her an give her a little smile.

"That's lovely to hear, Toby. If you don't mind I think we try to distract ourselves. Let's talk about our wands."

Ah sit back in mah seat an' look at her. It's been awhile since Ah've seen mah wand. Ah dig it outta mah pocket an take a good look at it.

"Awright. What d'ya wanna know?"

Ah see 'er lookin at it.

"Is that an english oak wand? What's the core?"

"Yeap, English oak wit'a unicorn hair core."

Ah give her another little smile.

"And tha's good?"

"English oak wood supposedly was used to make Merlin's wand. Wizards who use this wand have to have strong intuition, and tend to like nature. You might end up becoming really good with our classes that focus on plants and magical creatures."

Ah feel mahself noddin but Ah don't really get everythang she's sayin.

"Yeap. Ah think Mr. Ollivander done tol me bout all that. Ah like it."

Ah smile an seem ta be a little cloud a light an have warm, fuzzy feelings in mah brain that's makin' me feel good fer a change. Jacklin takes out her wand.

"This is a cherry wood wand with a Veela hair core."

"Cherry wood wand with a Veela hair core? What's a Veela?"

She looks up at me.

"Veela are semi-human magical beings; beautiful women with white-gold hair and skin that appears to shine like the moon. When angry, Veela take on a less pleasant appearance; their faces elongate into sharp, cruel-beaked bird heads, and long scaly wings burst from their shoulders. My mother can do that but since I'm only half-Veela I can't."

Ah blink at her cause she said a lotta words.

"But what does that mean about the core of the wand?"

"Veela hair helps tame temperamental wands. Cherry wood is very rare in the UK and can be very dangerous. Only wizards with a lot of self control should get wands like this."

Ah look at her with big surprised eyes.

"Why d'ya gotta say that?"

Ah can feel mah stomach startin' ta rumble again. Mah face heats up an Ah start ta look at mah wand again ta try an' distract myself.

"Since I'm part Veela, I'm always trying to keep my powers under control. Veela have the ability to hypnotize most people attracted to girls when we dance. I try not to dance though because I know it makes them do dangerous things."

Ah look up at you. Mah stomach is rumblin' still, but Ah'm more scared of lookin' at her eyes now that Ah know what they can do. Ah hear her sigh.

"Veela magic is a curse when you think about it. You never know who your real friends are. My family supports half blooded and human born wizards but it's too dangerous for me to be around pure humans."

Mah stomach's turned back into just a big knot. Ah can feel mah face tryin' ta change into a soft, sad little face. Ah got no choice bout this one.

"Tha's a shame. Ah'm sorry ya have ta live wit that. Ya seem so nice."

"We're always, no matter what, physically perfect; graceful; and flawless. Nothing can make us look bad. Even when I start to get acne it doesn't seem to matter. That's why I wish I can have someone tell me I look snotty. At least that would be a sign I'm like any other 11 year old girl."

Ah notice her skin seems ta look perfect. She ain't got bruises or paper cuts on her hands like Ah do. Ah wish Ah could comfort her an Ah don't want her to feel so bad. After a bit, Ah start ta think about somethin'.

"Hey! Yer lips don't look perfect. There's a crack right in the middle of one of 'em!"

Ah hope Ah weren't soundin too mean. Girls in the past usually jus laugh at me or think Ah'm gross.

"Where?"

Ah point ta her lip an the little crack in the middle.

"Right there. See it?"

She looks at her reflection in the window.

"They do look a bit chapped. So does that mean that you don't feel affected by my magic?"

"Nah. Least Ah don't think Ah do cause now that Ah'm seein yer dry lips tha's all Ah can focus on."

She looks away from the window.

"I see. I didn't realize they were that dry."

Ah'm glad Ah was able to find somethin' that ain't perfect bout her. The knot in mah stomach slowly starts ta go away.

"See ya ain't so perfect. Perfect girls ain't got cracked lips."

She touches them ta feel how they're so dry.

"I should probably buy a bottle of pumpkin juice when the Honeydukes trolley passes by."

Ah look at her, an Ah wanna laugh. Ah dunno why since Ah know it probly ain't that funny.

"Wha's pumpkin juice good fer?"

"Anything to drink should help add moisture to my lips. The trolley on this train has only pumpkin juice since we're going to have a feast when we get to Hogwarts."

Mah eyes look real big cause Ah sure Ah ain't knowed we's gonna eat a lotta food.

"Feast?"

"Oh. Don't you have start of term feasts where you're from, Toby?"

Ah jus look at her knowin Ah ain't understood a word she said.

"Oh, not at mah school. Sometimes we got pizza days but then on the last day a school we get this hotdog day. Sure ain't a feast cause we'd only get one hotdog an a bag a Fritos or Pringles. Ya know those small little bags they give ya cause the school jus ain't got a lotta money..."

Ah jus start ramblin bout mah old school. Ah guess tha's a good thang cause she ain't tol' me ta shut up yet.

"Are you autistic Toby?"

Ah stop talkin. Ah need a sec ta figure out wha she said but Ah nod cause Ah'm scared ta say yes out loud.

"Uh huh."

"I think that might explain why you're not affected by my Veela magic."

Ah turn mah head a bit cause that don't make sense.

"How come?"

"I'm not sure since not everyone with autism seems to be affected the same way. It’s very rare to even have any immunity as it is."

"An yer sayin' Ah'm the only person that ain't affected by yer magic?"

"Outside of my family, yes. I’m not sure if there’s anyone else who wouldn’t be affected by it."

Ah look at her with wide eyes. Mah mind's racein' with ideas and excitement.

"If it ain't too personal, what does yer family worry about?"

"That my Veela magic causes the boys to do dangerous things to try to impress me. That’s why I said my magic is similar to a siren. Even when I don’t willingly use it, it’s still there. I can’t turn it off."

"Sounds like a pain."

Ah look out da window while smackin mah hands gainst mah seat.

"We nearly at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft an Wizardry yet?"

Ah look back at her an give her another half-smilin' look.

"I think we have another hour before we get there. Do you want anything from the trolley?"

Ah remember mah stomach's rumblin a bit.

"Yes. Ah think Ah could go fer one of 'em pumpkin juices. Ah ain't gonna be gettin cracked lips too."

The trolley lady appears an Ah try ta get mah wizardin money.

"Anythin off the trolley dears?"

"Yes, ma'am. One of dem pumpkin juices if ya got it."

She turns ta Jacklin an she wants ta get everythang. She's gotta be rich if she can get all 'em snacks an pumpkin juice too. Ah dunno if Ah'd be able ta eat anythang at the feast. Ah can't help but smile like a baby, an mah stomach seems ta go from a knot ta a floppin' flounders tail.

"Tha'll be 12 sickles loves."

Ah try ta count out tha money an hand it ta her.

"Thank ya ma'am."

Mah mouth is almost drooling. Mah eyes're all wide open. Mah stomach's a-rumblin' an' a-growlin'. Mah hands're all fidgety on tha pumpkin juice.

"Have you ever had anything from Honeydukes before, Toby?"

Ah shake my head, still lookin' at her snack an droolin' an starvin' an waitin' impatiently, like a baby might act.

"Oh that's right, you're American. You probably don't have Honeydukes there."

"Oh no. We ain't even got a trolley fer snacks. Is tha pumpkin juice good? It smells real good."

"I think it makes for a nice summer's drink. It seems to be popular because it's sweet."

Ah nod an mah stomach growls again.

"So it means Ah can have a sip right now?"

"Oh yes. Sorry about that, Toby."

Ah smile at her then immediately take a big drink out of tha bottle. The drink seems ta instantly help mah hunger pangs. Ah feel mah stomach settlin.

"Thanks fer buyin all these snacks, Jacklin."

"I figure it’s time that you learn what all these snacks are. Have you ever tried a chocolate frog before?"

"Nah. No one eats frogs back home. Ah mean some do but they don't cover 'em in chocolate. They fry their legs. Ah don't eat 'em though cause... Ah got mah frog Trevor."

Ah look at a package an then back ta her. Mah stomach growls an then Ah turn ta look at tha frog package. Ah'm tryin' real hard ta be polite an well behaved.

"Go on Toby, open it."

Ah open it up. A magical chocolate frog starts ta hop around.

"Don't worry, Toby. These frogs are just chocolate shaped like ones. They’re not alive."

Ah grab it an' start nommin' tha chocolate frog like it's some kinda animal. It's meltin' in mah mouth... A real frog'd take some time to eat or swallow.

"It's reeeeeal gooood."

Mah stomach's growlin slows down.

"Thank ya."

Ah smile like a baby at her.

"There’s the card that comes with it. The boys like to trade them when they collect these."

Ah look at the picture of tha frog and read tha card.

"Which one did you get, Toby?"

"Ah dunno who Ah got but it says Albus Dumbledore."

"Oh that's Headmaster Dumbledore. We'll be meeting him today once we get to Hogwarts."

Mah growlin' calms way down. Ah feel real full an relaxed and tired, but Ah feel good. Ah smile up at her like one o' those baby animals with tha big eyes.

"Ya know, Ah feel like Ah ate mah favorite dinner an' then Ah ate mah dessert an then some mo' favorite dinner an then some mo dessert. Ah feel kinda... kinda full... A little... sleepy...

Ah yawn a little, an' Ah lean against her until Trevor ribbits.

"What was that? Chocolate frogs never sound like real ones."

Ah snap awake after her voice startles mah half-asleep mind.

"Oh."

Ah look around to find tha sound. Ah see Trevor on tha floor an' Ah pick it up.

"Trevor started talkin' ta me."

"Is that your pet, Toby?"

"Uh huh. His name's Trevor."

Ah let Trevor sit on mah hand an' scratch tha back a his head. He likes tha way Ah'm scratchin' him. Ah wonder if he likes mah scratchin' better than tha others. He likes tha way Ah pet him.

"Wanna come an sit on mah lap Trevor?"

There's a big smile on mah face. Trevor climbs onto mah lap so Ah can get better access ta pet him. Ah notice Jacklin lookin at me.

"Wha's happened?"

"Oh nothing. Nothing happened, Toby. I was just thinking about you and your frog. I think the English oak was a good choice for your wand.

"Why's that?"

She smiles at me.

"Trevor seems to understand what you’re saying like he’s a person too."

"Well tha's cause Trevor's smart like Ah am. He's talkin' ta me like he knew me real well ever since Ah got 'em. We're basically friends."

Ah say all that wit a serious face. Cause Ah mean it. Jacklin don't seem ta think Ah'm weird that Ah talk ta frogs.

"Well that's nice Toby."

Ah give Trevor a long and tender scratch along tha back an' tha back a his neck, an he seems ta like it. Ah look at Jacklin an Ah see the same kinda look in her eyes now too. She seems ta understand me a little better all a sudden. Mah stomach doesn't growl no more. Ah feel really happy like Ah ain't ever felt before. Mah heart's flippin around. But Ah'm happy. Real happy...

Tag list: @arrolyn1114, @aliengoth3, @vintagepresley, @comebackep, @thetaoofzoe, and @presleysgirl6.

[alkasden]

Ignoring any consequences of her own now, Alkas only grew a thoughtful look at what kind of havoc they could cause now. A little snicker escaped her at thinking of the whole city being without power.

"Exactly! That panic woulds cause even more 'n snowballin' froms there!" Another excited flick of her tail comes, grinning at Prin now. But then she found herself giving pause to the softer words.

"Ya chose to be downs here?" She repeats back in question, curious and a little surprised by hearing that. "Y'know ya not the first... to says that-- or least imply I ain't fittin' for Hell," she admits with a forced smile, unable to shake the memory of someone a long while back giving her the notion.

"We alls just folk in this shit sandwich so ain't matter who deserves to go where. Me downs here or ya choosin' to comes down here," she hums in the thought, never seeing the differences between everyone.

"For any returns, just ya givin' me some fun times has been enough for me, ehehe." She finishes that off with a beaming smile, living for the thrill of the moment. "So we gonna blows somethin' up or what?"

Her hand gestures to her workshop space and a few of barrels full of gasoline and oils nestled in the corner.

Prin wasn’t too worried about getting into some trouble. At this point she welcomed it even. However, she saw the excitement in her friend and couldn’t bring herself to potentially put Alkas in harm’s way. She was going through enough as it is. Taking out the city’s power sounds glorious! I can already imagine the panic that will ensue.

She followed Alkas to the back of her den, curious to see a bit more of Alkas’ world. You know, she started, looking for the right words, I chose to be here and… over the years I’ve come to think that maybe not every soul who winds up here deserves to be here. I guess what I’m trying to say is… well, you’ll let me know if I can return your generosity?

[hail-to-the-quinn]

The 'J' was what hit first. She remembered that one. The sound of Joker's laugh and how that brand was fresh and new and red and smelled like burning skin.

But it was the crushed tone in his voice that really sunk in, probably more than she liked. Wait, B-Man? No way. Mister High-and-Mighty, Goodie-Two-Shoes Chronic Sidekick Collector actually... beat one up!?

Oh, that was a lot going on in her head all at once, it was a already a migraine and a half. Harley put her hands up to her head, trying to focus. But as she looked at him, all she could really think of was him, her, and Joker. And everything they did that didn't really matter in the end, huh? "... Ah, crap."

She sighed and flopped down next to him, looking over at all the bruises and bumps and blood and— oh that was a bad leg, holy crap— and winced. "Yeah. Me, too. 'Cept, y'know, the bird part ain't as fittin' on me, obviously." She looked down at the grease paint smeared on her knees and hands.

"... Man, he... he really did a number on ya, huh, kiddo...? Here I was thinkin' he'd take ya back, all dramatic and reverse Darth Vader-y, and get all mad at us and we'd all play bad-guy-good-guy tag. And it'd be great! Like the good ol' days! But now everything's... just gone." Her voice cracked.

She sighed. "Uh, no offense..." Sorry didn't really come to her head, yet. "No, he... he really messed you up and left ya...?" She winced. He really looked a lot more like a kid with that look on his face. A lot like back then. She'd done a lot worse since. "So... this alley really frickin' stinks. There's a bar with enough vodka to disinfect an elephant nearby, y'know. I... I ain't gonna wait if you say no..." She kicked her feet against the concrete. She was really that alone, huh? She didn't even know where... if Pammy was really...

jason slowly removed his helmet his hair matted.... he had bags under his eyes..... that awful brand on his cheek.... a j ...god knows how bad the damage harley and joker... had done to him...

the kiddo spoke croaky.... tired

"the old batstard beat the shit outta me broke my femur ...he really didn't want me back.... seige went tits up and crane wants me dead for backing away from the whole thing" jason let out a depressed snicker "i really am a pathetic broken bird "

@hail-to-the-quinn

[unsaintlike]

Pretty much, yeah. There are some preseason games that'll be aired, but for the most part it's all local or specialized channels. 'Least the Vikings are havin' a good start to the season. Gonna keep my fingers crossed the Bengals can pull outta win tonight, 'cause I need 'em to pick up the slack 'til the regular hockey season starts. As for the Knights and the Wild, uh, yeah, actually -- though, it won't be for a while since it ain't happenin' 'til December. Oh, shit, Friday the 13th in December, too? Thank goodness we've gotta break before anymore spooky happenings, in that case. Don't even gotta make any quips myself, since you went ahead and dropped the Nightmare Before Christmas line. Nice goin'. What? Just 'cause I'm impulsive, doesn't mean I can't enjoy makin' shit look nice, as well. Can't say I have looked at the flash shops, either. Aren't most of the those pre-designed? Suppose I could see how it'd be fittin', but it would depend on what they offered. Not gonna get something just to get it, but if they had one I liked, sure, I'd probably consider it.