#Also mayor green bean

[lemonberry-soda]

stuck this on a comment of a random Nerdy Prudes edit but I figured I'd throw it here lol

some things I've noticed by becoming so mentally unwell about this show!

Richie's hair probably isn't supposed to just be greasy/messy, but more that he tried to fashion his hair to look like an anime character! One side stuck up and weird bangs are very harem high school anime self-insert MC-core

in "High school is killing me", Peter says, "Grace, just be cool," and she replies, "never!" And yet she's the first one to ask everyone to keep the beans cool, and the first one to break. Very telling

this might be a stretch, but the 5 nerds are color-coded with the 5 Lords! Just dulled somewhat, and if you count Ruth as red/pink (for her headgear) and Peter as green (for his bowtie and suspenders). This makes sense to me, as the rulers definitely feed off of want, and of course the nerdy prudes will be wanting the most! (Also this makes Pete changing to brown mean a lot, since it shows how he feels fulfilled by slowly becoming Steph's friend/partner)

the mayor calling Steph his "October surprise" probably means that she was an unplanned baby. That makes her being forced to go to abstinence camp kinda hypocritical lol

Ruth keeps on desperately trying to fuck people and Richie keeps trying to be a wingman for her, but they aren't trying to fuck each other at all and are very much just super besties.

at multiple points, it implied that the characters slightly know they're in a musical. From Richie saying "oh no, she's snapping again," to the Hatchettown "singing gives him a greater window to kill, but we're singing still," and, as it was pointed out to me, "suddenly the show is real upsetting." Think of the implications!!!

Max's ghost costume is especially good, but I just love how there are veins on his jacket sleeves! It shows that his outfit isn't separate from himself anymore, his entire form is one single ghostly thing.

I will list more as time goes on. I'm very normal.

[watcheraurora]

Even Ice Walls Fall Down Superpowered Characters Rundown

As promised to @marabelle5, now that Strong Walls and Healing Light are fully posted, I can add a little bit to the characters that I redacted for spoiler reasons. Most of this is the same as the original ask, but take a look at the Soup Group entries

Fic Universe this is for

Tango Tek

Alias: Deepfrost

Powers: cryokinesis (control of ice/cold), umbrakinesis (control of darkness/shadows, which he generates and can see through) "fueled" by his heartbeat, Sonic Shriek (actually a twist on the umbrakinesis, as it's the heartbeat's volume multiplied exponentially)

Side effects: blue-grey eyes + ice-blue hair while using powers (frost in hair maintains the blue longer) that fades after a minute or two. Sclera of eyes turn black when he's using his darkness, eyes glow slightly to allow him to see through his darkness. Prominent cold aura when powers are in use, barely-noticeable cold aura normally. Skin always cold. Struggles to maintain control over powers when emotions run high. Immune to frostbite.

Bonus information: has ADHD, played hockey in school, has a 160 IQ (above genius-level), is considered one of the most powerful superpowered people in the city, is very creative at using his powers, could be considered paranoid but he prefers the term "cautious", manifested his powers at 17

Jimmy Solidarity

Alias: Sheriff

Powers: Super strength, increased speed, enhanced endurance, fast healing

Side effects: Increased metabolism to fuel powers, increased muscle density (no appearance changes to speak of, apart from noticeable musculature)

Bonus information: has a cat named Norman, needs glasses but wears contacts with his superhero mask, manifested his powers at 22, the latest anyone on record has ever manifested powers (usual range is 16-20)

Scar Goode

Alias: HoTGuY

Powers: Acute senses (sight, smell, hearing, etc.), enhanced strength (nowhere near Sheriff's maximum), tactile telekinesis (can control the things he touches with his mind. Mainly used to improve his aim). Is best known as an archer

Side effects: Power manifestation overcame a neuromuscular disease that left him unable to walk, but not permanently. He still occasionally has fits where his legs won't work. Powers slightly saturated the shade of green of his eyes.

Bonus information: uses a mechanical glider to fly, can adjust the draw weight on his bow to 600 pounds, manifested his powers when he was 18

Joel Beans

Alias: Lore

Powers: Electrokinesis (lightning control, lightning is green), flight (Superman-style), invulnerability

Side effects: lightning flickers in the sclera of his eyes when he uses lightning. Permanent green streak in his hair that cannot take dye. Power manifestation and invulnerability removed his allergies. Giving him more endurance, speed, and strength because he can't injure himself by overdoing things. Immune to electrocution.

Bonus information: is married to the mayor of the city, Lizzie. Manifested his powers when he was 19. Is retired from field work and instead runs the superhero division and acts as the heroes' handler

Stephen Violett

Alias: Impulse

Powers: pyrokinesis (control of fire), and photokinesis (control of light), but he is a brilliant inventor of technology and experimenting with biology. Allegedly created creatures called Phantoms. Presumably created GeminiSlay and Blood Moon's weapons

Side effects: Active use of powers make eyes turn yellow and glow. Also has a warm aura when powers are not in use, and an extremely hot aura when powers are in use, immune to burning

Bonus information: is the biological father of the Soup Group's other two members (which is known to the other two main villains in the city, but not spoken about), manifested his powers when he was 20, built and rides the Pulse Bike: a highly advanced motorcycle, is almost a genius

Gem Violett

Alias: GeminiSlay (most often referred to as just Slay)

Powers: Unknown by most people. Primarily a melee fighter with an energy sword not unlike a lightsaber

Side effects: when powers are in use, one eye turns red, the other gold

Bonus information: her powers manifested when she was 18, uses a motorcycle

Pearl Violett

Alias: Blood Moon (often referred to as just Moon)

Powers: Unknown to most people. Known for being extremely acrobatic and mobile. Primarily a ranged fighter with a bow that shoots arrows of light/energy

Side effects: Eyes tend to turn red when using powers

Bonus Information: her powers manifested when she was 17

Etho [Last Name Unknown]

Alias: Arctic Fox

Powers: Unknown. (Information that I've revealed to the audience but the characters don't know is that he's Immortal as a main power) Incredibly skilled at hand-to-hand combat and stealth.

Side effects: Left eye turns and glows red when his powers are in use

Bonus information: is one of the longest-serving field heroes in the city, maintains friendly respect with Deepfrost after the latter was kicked out of the division, never removes the mask that covers the lower half of his face at the division, is an extremely private person, is almost a genius

Grian [Last Name Unknown]

Aliases: CuTeGuY, Poultry Man

Powers: clairvoyance (CG), enhanced dexterity (CG), flight with wings (CG&PM. CG's wings are parrot-like, PM's are chicken-like), telepathy (unknown to people), teleportation (unknown to people), memory manipulation (unknown to all but Deepfrost, who is vaguely aware). Primarily fights with a bow and arrow (CG). Can use illusions and/or change appearances between CuTeGuY and Poultry Man on the fly, as necessary (unknown to people). Immortal (unknown)

Side effects: Eyes glow violet when using clairvoyance

Bonus information: Is an actual god. Like, a minor deity, but still a deity. Has been around for thousands of years and pretends to be mortal because he finds it fun and it staves off the boredom of living forever. He uses whichever alias and costume will suit his needs for what he wants at any given moment. Thrives off chaos. Martyn is the only mortal who knows he's a god.

Doc [Civilian Name Unknown]

Alias: Doc

Powers: can create things out of raw materials using just his hands, can spawn minions (zombies and skeletons), has a cybernetic eye and arm with extra features including but not limited to thermal/night vision and extra strength

Side effects: Unknown

Bonus information: First known person to manifest powers over 30 years ago, created such dangerous weapons trying to overcome Joel's invulnerability that Joel chose to retire to protect the city, manifested powers when he was 19, considers Deepfrost something of a surrogate son and the best protégé he ever took under his wing

Rapid-Fire Round! XD

Cub [Last Name Unknown]

Alias: None

Powers: Technopathic (can control technology with his mind)

Side effects: Permanent eye-color change from blue to vibrant teal

Bonus information: is an intelligent inventor, creates the suits for the field heroes, doesn't want to be known for the powers he had no choice in: rather his creations, doesn't do field work and never wants to, manifested his powers at 16, is good friends with Scar

Cleo [Last Name Unknown]

Alias: formerly Zombie Queen

Powers: extremely fast healing factor/regeneration (like Wolverine or Deadpool)

Side effects: permanent vibrant lime green eyes and a somewhat palid skin tone

Bonus information: was the third person in the city to manifest powers (not including the immortals) around 25 years ago, has never done field work, assists Cub in creating the heroes' armor/suits, also is the primary medic in the superhero division's infirmary, manifested powers at 20

Bdubs [Last Name Unknown]

Alias: formerly Sleep King

Powers: Dream and sleep manipulation and creation

Side effects: Sleeps a lot

Bonus information: also has never done field work, is good friends with Etho, manifested powers at 18

False Symmetry [Civilian Name Unknown]

Aliases: False Symmetry, Queen of Hearts(, Heads, and Body Parts)

Powers: Unknown. (Combat prowess nearly unmatched. Has been witnessed making her sword appear in her hand)

Side effects: Unknown

Bonus information: an information broker, has her fingers in every pie in the city and always tries to know everything important going on, manifested her powers when she was 16

TFC [Civilian Name Unknown]

Alias: TFC

Powers: Geokinetic (control of Earth)

Side effects: Unknown

Bonus information: manifested powers not long after Cleo, was kind of tied with Etho for longest-serving field hero. Founded the division with Etho and Joel. Lost his life in the line of duty, saving civilians (accident not killed). Powers manifested when he was 17

Ren Dogg

Alias: none

Powers: Shapeshifter

Side effects: unknown

Bonus information: Is one of the only superpowered people in the city who actively hides his powers from both the superhero division and the villains. Manifested at 19. Martyn is the only person who knows he has powers

Mumbo Jumbo [Civilian Name Unknown]

Alias: Mumbo Jumbo

Powers: Unknown

Side effects: Unknown

Bonus information: Unknown

[emmebearpaw]

anyways as we get closer to 4.8 and thus 5.0 leaks that are actually reliable I am going to post my compilation of Natlan predictions so that way in 6 months time I can come back to it and be like “see I told you”

The knights of favonius are there. I doubt they will be in Snezhnaya and we have no other place for them to be. So we are just going to find them in Natlan. Bonus points if it’s not even in the main plot it’s just a world quest where you run into a fucking army in the middle of nowhere

as an extension to the first one, we finally see a horse. There are no horses in genshin right now as far as I remember. We have a Calvary captain. We will not get to ride the horses in gameplay but I think we will see them. Some NPCs will be riding them and maybe even some enemies.

I want Natlan to have a city that’s like Montezuma’s castle. Town in the cliff, surrounded by fields growing corn and beans and squash. Please please Grand Canyon beautiful rock layers? Please please coastal sage and chaparral. Please please beautiful rivers with towering cliffs and green. Yes I want Natlan to be dry (at least in some regions). Natlan is a different desert than Sumeru. Natlan should not have dunes. Natlan also shouldn’t just be a desert because the region it’s depicting ranges from jungle to desert but. Please please please do a desert that feels as alive as a real desert.

Columbina will be there along with Capitano. I don’t have a ton of evidence for this one besides some recent sus leaks but uhhhh we aren’t counting leaks as evidence and I’ve had this theory since we heard Capitano will be in Natlan. My reasons for why this should be the case: 1) gap moe cute girl in nation of war and doing war things 2) I think Capitano and Columbina would be an insane Harbinger team up 3) I want to see Columbine 4) out of the harbingers we have left to see, I don’t think we are seeing any of the rest of them until Snezhnaya but also it would be smart if they didn’t drop 5 harbingers on us in the last region. Columbina doesn’t feel like someone who wouldn’t leave Snezhnaya (Sandrone is a shut in, Pulcinella is the Mayor, Pantalone is the head of the banks (could be seen in Liyue but we aren’t going back to Liyue for the plot so moving on), and Pierro is too important to use until the final arc). Like you could see her around, thus she makes the most sense for them to move her introduction to Natlan to make Snezhnaya a little less busy

My most Cope theory is that Murata the person is already dead and Murata is a title in the government that can be won through tournament and does come with a gnosis. This is what Capitano is in Natlan for, because the easiest way to secure their final gnosis (and thus the one they can be the riskiest about) is to just. Completely legally take it. Like yeah everyone will now know you are collecting gnoses but also you have them all now and can move on to part two of the plan. Columbina is actually also participating but she seems more like the kind of person who is murdering contestants in between rounds and not in the ring, could see her also like, in disguise.

[gacmediadaily]

PRESS RELEASE via Great American Media:

Actress/Producer Lori Loughlin Continues to Spread Love and Compassion Volunteering with Project Angel Food; Movie's Storyline Inspired by Opportunity to Serve

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Actress and producer Lori Loughlin was recently captured in a heartwarming moment, dedicating her time to volunteer in the bustling kitchen of Project Angel Food, a renowned Los Angeles-based charity committed to delivering medically tailored meals to critically ill individuals of all ages.

Loughlin, who has been an unwavering presence within the organization since January 2021, took on the delightful role of "pie duty," joining hands with Project Angel Food's skilled chefs to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

Motivated by the warmth of her experiences with Project Angel Food, Loughlin incorporated the concept of serving others into her latest made-for-television movie project, A Christmas Blessing, which has its World Premiere, November 12 at 8 p.m. exclusively on Great American Family.

In addition to her starring role, Loughlin serves as one of the executive producers of the film, which revolves around a successful TV chef's journey to rediscover the true meaning of her aunt's legacy. The heartwarming storyline unfolds as she inherits her deceased aunt's food pantry, Angel's Fare, leading her to host an unforgettable holiday feast for those in need. It's a poignant case of art imitating life.

Most weeks, Loughlin dedicates her volunteer days to delivering meals directly to clients who face life-threatening conditions, rendering them unable to leave their homes. She has also actively participated in packaging meals, assembling nutritious breakfast bags filled with yogurt, fruit, and granola, and has generously lent her support in meal preparation, fruit sorting, and expressing gratitude to the generous donors who support over 2,500 seriously ill Angelenos relying on Project Angel Food for medically tailored meals designed to meet their specific medical requirements.

Reflecting on her involvement, Loughlin shared her sentiments during the organization's annual Lead with Love television special in 2022: "It's really a community. It's more than just feeding people; it's about loving people and helping people. I think that is so important, and I'm so proud to be a part of Project Angel Food."

She says now, "It's been a profound experience. As volunteers, you think you are giving to those in need, but we are the ones who are given a gift. It is a profound experience. When you give love, you get love, and it is so rewarding to know that you've brought a little happiness to someone's day and that you've delivered meals that are thoughtfully prepared with not only nutritious ingredients but also kindness and compassion."

In addition to Project Angel Food preparing and delivering 125,000 meals in the month of November, on Thanksgiving Day, the organization will provide thousands of traditional turkey dinners, complete with savory gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, yams, and delectable homemade desserts, to their clients, many of whom find themselves isolated and alone during the holidays.

In 2023, a total of 3,446 volunteers have wholeheartedly invested 40,811.66 hours into supporting Project Angel Food, an effort equivalent to the dedication of 22 full-time employees. Notable volunteers, alongside Loughlin, have included Harry and Meghan (The Duke and Duchess of Sussex), Sheryl Lee Ralph, Sharon Stone, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita, Eric McCormack, Adam Lambert, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the late George Michael, among others.

A Christmas Blessing premieres Sunday, November 12 at 8 p.m. ET only on Great American Family. Text Christmas to 877-999-1225 to find Great American Family.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Slay 818.415.3784 pamslay@gacmedia.com

About Project Angel Food: Project Angel Food, originally founded by Marianne Williamson in 1989 during the AIDS crisis, is dedicated to delivering 1.5 million medically tailored meals annually to 4,000 individuals facing food, financial, and health insecurities in LA County. The organization's commitment to their mission is underscored by their current expansion efforts, with the construction of the 30,000-square-foot Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus, scheduled to open in 2027 in response to the growing need. To date, they've provided over 17 million meals.

Photo Credit: Noe Garcia/Project Angel Food

SOURCE Great American Family

My Take:

I am delighted that Lori Loughlin will be starring in her FIRST Christmas movie for Great American Family THIS Christmas season! She and her co-star, James Tupper, starred together earlier this year in the Great American Winter film for Great American Family titled Fall Into Winter. That was such a wonderful story and Lori and James had a fantastic connection on screen; therefore, I'm glad Great American Family decided to pair the two together again!

It's especially nice to see that Lori's Christmas movie isn't just about Santa, mistletoe kisses, and sleigh rides, but instead, it will highlight an important charity that is near and dear to her heart, Project Angel Food, whose mission is serving others and giving of one's time for those in need. That is truly the best Christmas gift we can give others.

Having Lori Loughlin back on our TV's this Christmas season is such a wonderful treat! You may have also noticed that Lori's past Hallmark movies are playing once again on the Hallmark Channel. In fact, you can see Northpole: Open for Christmas next week, Friday, November 17th at 2pm/1c.

And don't miss Lori Loughlin's new heartwarming Great American Family movie, A Christmas Blessing, with co-stars James Tupper and Jesse Hutch, this Sunday night, November 12, 2023, at 8pm/7c.!

[ausetkmt]

The 212

The grande dame of New York soul food, now run by a new generation of the Woods dynasty, has been feeding the city, and its most distinguished visitors, for six decades.

The family tradition continues at Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem. From left: the founder Sylvia Woods’s grandson chef Marcus Woods; her grandson, and the company’s C.E.O., K. De’Sean Woods; and her son, and the business’s former C.E.O. and owner, Kenneth Woods.Credit...Chase Middleton

A look at Sylvia's Restaurant of Harlem and the legacy that a grandmother left for her prosperity. To say that Sylvia’s in Harlem is a landmark would be an understatement. When the late Sylvia Woods opened her namesake restaurant in 1962, she put in motion a legacy that continues today.

From the Civil Rights movement to 9/11, Sylvia’s has served its customers as a place of community, gathering, and hope when they didn’t know where else to turn. Sylvia herself believed — and her granddaughter still believes — that comfort and healing are cooked right into their fried chicken.

Nov. 16, 2022

It’s a chilly gray Monday in New York and rain is sluicing down the front windows of the building at 328 Malcolm X Boulevard but inside there is an air of communal contentment. I’m having lunch with a couple of friends (one old, one new) at Sylvia’s, the venerable restaurant that has been at this location since 1962, and the buzz of amiable conversation that fills the space dims only — into murmurs of anticipation — when orders arrive at tables: Fried chicken, the meat tender and juicy beneath a crackly golden coat with just a hint of spice; macaroni and cheese as rich and gooey as in a child’s dream; deep green collards; tiny pale lima beans; sticky orange-gold candied yams. Just as the restaurant’s founder, Sylvia Woods, intended when she opened the place, it serves food not only to satiate hunger and please the taste buds but also satisfy the soul.

On a black awning that runs across the facade a purple logo announces, “Sylvia’s Restaurant, Queen of Soul Food.” Once just a tiny luncheonette, it now has multiple areas including three dining rooms and an enclosed terrace — enough space to seat about 400 people. The original counter — which will soon reopen as a full-service bar carrying locally produced wine and spirits — still stands, and arranged on a table nearby are copies of Woods’s two books: “Sylvia’s Soul Food,” published in 1992, and “Sylvia’s Family Soul Food Cookbook,” a 1999 collection of recipes that also serves as a culinary memoir of the South. “Hemingway, South Carolina, where my husband, Herbert, and I grew up and have our roots, probably has more great cooks per square inch than you would find in most cooking schools,” she writes in the introduction, referring to the small rural town where she spent her childhood. “We learned from our mothers and grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors.” Hanging on the walls throughout the restaurant are photographs of just some of the celebrities who have come to Sylvia’s over the past six decades because they understood that Woods, who died in 2012, was herself one of those great cooks: Muhammad Ali, Diana Ross, Bill Clinton and every New York mayor going back to John Lindsay.

“For candidates interested in the blessing of Harlem kingmakers, Sylvia’s provides a welcome environment and legitimacy,” says one of my lunchtime companions, Curtis Archer, the president of the Harlem Community Development Corporation, an organization that supports local businesses and residents. “Before his first presidential election I saw Barack Obama having lunch with the Rev. Al Sharpton here.”

When our own orders of fried chicken and waffles appear — and are duly bathed in glistening syrup — the conversation turns to the origins of the dish. Accounts vary, but most agree it was created in 1930s Harlem, possibly by Dickie Wells at his club on West 133rd Street, and was popularized at J.T. Wells’s nearby supper club in the latter part of the decade. The story goes that jazz musicians and their audiences would leave the nearby clubs  too late for dinner and too early for breakfast, and so the filling, savory-sweet combination was exactly what they wanted.

Like so many culinary institutions of 20th-century Harlem, both Wellses’ are long gone, but Sylvia’s remains. According to Tren’ness Woods, 50, one of Woods’s 18 grandchildren and the restaurant’s senior vice president for development, it has lasted, in part, because it was “the largest minority employer in Harlem for many years, and always a safe space for the community — for everyone, rich or poor, Black or white, famous or down on their luck.” 

Later, Kenneth Woods, 69, Tren’ness’s father and the third of Sylvia Woods’s four children, stops by our table. The restaurant has always been a family affair: Fourteen members of the dynasty currently work at the company. Kenneth became C.E.O. in 2003, and last year he turned over the business to his son, K. De’Sean Woods, 35. A compact man in a dark blue quilted vest and blue-and-white checked shirt, Kenneth looks every bit the dedicated fisherman he’s been for decades, since learning to catch catfish, trout and tilefish in Hemingway, where he spent time with his grandparents as a child.

Sylvia Woods was born in Hemingway in 1926, and her father died a few days later. In 1929, her mother, Julia Pressley, left Woods, her only child, with her grandmother and other relatives, joining the Great Migration, the exodus of roughly six million Black Americans from the South to the North, West and Midwest between 1910 and 1970. Like so many people who arrived in New York, Pressley was looking for a better life for herself and her children — but she kept a plot of land in Hemingway and returned often, later building her own farm there.

At 18, Woods married Herbert Woods, whom she had known since childhood, and in the 1940s they settled in Harlem. She worked in a hat factory in Queens and as a waitress and manager at various places in Harlem — including Johnson’s Luncheonette, the tiny lunch counter that she bought, in 1962, with all her savings as well as a loan from her mother, who took out a second mortgage on her farm to help. (Woods was able to repay her mother just a year after opening.) During the restaurant’s early years, Herbert did the food shopping and the couple’s older children pitched in. Woods, who worked all hours, would put her younger children, when they were babies, in the bread warming drawers to nap.

It is sometimes said, though others disagree, that the writer Amiri Baraka (then LeRoi Jones) coined the term “soul food” in a 1962 essay of the same name. During the 1920s, because of the Great Migration — and because developers and landlords had pushed Black New Yorkers out of other neighborhoods — Harlem became the Black capital of the country, and newly arrived Southerners brought with them their recipes, and the skills required to make them. In the rural South, families like Woods’s cooked what they raised or fished or hunted or grew or picked: chicken, shrimp, venison, okra, lima beans, black-eyed peas, peaches, pecans, pears. And in Harlem — at home, and in the many cafes, restaurants and stands that sprang up in the neighborhood in the 20th century — Southerners kept their culinary traditions alive.

Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem, NYC, has been an iconic soul food restaurant and cultural institution for 57 years. We learned to cook up their famous ribs and fried chicken and waffles from the grandson of the founder herself, Sylvia Woods

“Can you imagine what it was like to be a Black woman of that era?” says my other tablemate, Musa Jackson, the editor in chief of Ambassador Digital Magazine and a co-founder of the Harlem Festival of Culture. “How hard it was to run a business?” Jackson was born in Harlem and when he was a child, a trip to Sylvia’s was a great treat. “This restaurant was always in my consciousness, even as a little boy,” he says. Jackson was also, in his words, “the first successful Black male model from Harlem.” He was discovered at Area, the 1980s-era New York nightclub, and soon found himself walking the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier and other designers in Paris. Over the years, he brought his European and downtown friends to eat at Sylvia’s.

As dessert arrives — creamy banana pudding, sweet potato pie and peach cobbler, all to share for the table and each topped with a wobbly pile of whipped cream — I think about my own attachment to the place. I love Sylvia’s because I’ve been going here most of my life. It has a profound sense of an inimitable history and I’m afraid of forgetting it. I love it, too, of course, because the chicken and cornbread are very nearly celestial. But perhaps most of all, I feel good here because of the unforced welcome. As Jackson says of his earlier pilgrimages to Sylvia’s, “I remember not just the food but Woods herself. She put her arms around you and what you felt was love and joy.”

[mr-imagin8ion]

Mixed Breeds comics 2020

Time for the kind of "Mixed Breeds" that's based on the kind of "Mutts" that are kind of the exact reason there is a "Mixed Breeds".

In the story "Six Muffins to Midnight", Bearl and Muffin look for answers by going to a parallel universe.

In "Poetic Justice", Columbia becomes a poet and the duet are his agents. In "The Post Down Under", Postnie goes to save Australia.

Trivia: This is never brought up in the comic itself, but what Elizabeth hates most of all is being called by any diminutive of her name.

In "Narnia Business", Dixie stars in an inaccurate parody of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". In "Demeaning of Life", Bearl and Brunswick quest to get revenge against a phony guru.

Trivia: A significant detail in "Mixed Breeds" is the contrast between the pets and the owners: Bearl and Muffin match better with Minnie and Fitz than vice versa, hippy Postnie has tycoon Mr. Julius, gloomy Columbia has perky Columbia's Owner, and of course, Brunswick and Dixie.

In the special story "Single Green Malebot", the duet is desperate to rectify things after Mr. Feynmanbot goes vegan.

In "The Tale of Cane Corso", Bearl attends a big event hosted by a renowned cynologist.

In the special story "Another Baugo Story", Mayor Baugo tells the tale of the time he recovered the Pearl of Wisdom. (It's also the story that confirms that Baugo's an alien.)

In "Jellyfish Jammed", the duet harvests jelly from fish. In "Talk to the Hand", Muffin breaks up with Bearl, but he finds a new friend in her hand.

In "Johnny Bean Goode", Bean turns to the good side.

In "Cabin Fever", Nancy and Mr. Feynmanbot collaborate on a recipe that causes an agoraphobia pandemic. In "Spelling Bees", Muffin causes the town to be swarmed by bees that spell. In "Bean-witched", Bean and Elizabeth become haunted.

In "10 Things I'm Not So Sure Of About You", Bearl and Muffin help a friend raise her self-esteem. In "Remixed Breeds", the duet unwittingly helps a new duet who are out to rip off them.

In "Shadow of a Dog", Bearl loses his shadow and tracks him down.

In "Brunswishing You Well", Brunswick becomes connected to a wishing star. And in "Resolution: Bearl", Muffin writes New Year's resolutions for Bearl.

Original strips: January 2020, February 2020, March 2020, April 2020, May 2020, June 2020, July 2020, August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, November 2020, December 2020

[waltzofthewifi]

Finally got around to updating TLH so here's another side by side comparison.

Chapter 3, first WIP

"District 1 has won the games for two years in a row, now," Eric stated. "It's up to you to make that three." "District 2 is no doubt determined to keep us from breaking their record of four straight wins," Ten noted. "Which would be why the mayor's son is in the games this year." "It also means they'll be playing harder," Eric added. "So should we not make our usual alliance with two?" Peter asked. "That's up for you to decide," Ten answered. "But if you do, watch your backs." “All I know is that I’m not going to be in any alliance with Peter,” Tris said.  “Not that I’d want to be in an alliance with you,” Peter shot back.  Ten said and rubbed his nose. “District 1 tributes win more when they work together.” “Not with him.” Tris glared at Peter. “Not with him.” 

Versus Chapter 3, TLH

Tris looked over her stylist. She had seen Tori on screen many times, but she seemed much more real in person. With dark hair with a streak of bright gold dye, gold tattoos covering her body, black eyeshadow and lipstick, Tori somehow both looked Capitol and like her own brand of person. Today she was dressed more simply than she did whenever she appeared on television - just a black long sleeve shirt that stopped before it covered her stomach, and thick black leather pants with gold streaks, her hair falling loose around her shoulders.  As Tori looked over Tris’s makeup, a tattoo of a bird peaked out from under her shirt. “Looks good,” Tori said. “Let’s eat.”  Tris nodded, letting Tori lead her to the table. With a button, Tori summoned two plates for them, and started digging into her own. Tris picked up her spoon, spinning it over to get a reflection. She hadn’t seen her face since this morning, and she was curious as to how the makeup looked.  “We have actual mirrors here,” Tori said. “But you’ll want to wait until you’re in your dress.” “So it’s a dress this year?” Tris asked.  Tori had been the stylist for District 1 for four years previously. The first year had been roses - grown in District 1 for their fragrance. The second had been based on those little umbrellas no one in the district understood. Eric had been a peacock, and last year Tori had put the emphasis on makeup and dyes. Tobias and his district partner had been in shorts and tank tops, each limb decorated with a different pattern. Flames up one, tree and vines up another, broken glass on the third, and then a black and white pattern on the fourth.  Tori smirked. “You’ll see. Eat up.”  Tris’s stomach rolled, so she obeyed and turned her attention to her food. Her very weird food.  The meat was pink, soaked in some kind of sauce. It wasn’t anything she had seen in District 1 before - but she did recognize the salad, green beans, and bread. And the dressing, of course, which was made in one of the factories in District 1. “What is this?” Tris asked, taking a bite of the meat. It was light, seemingly dissolving in her mouth. “Salmon,” Tori said. “It’s a fish, from four.”  District 4. Her allies.  “It’s good,” Tris decided. “What do you know about four?” “You’re very curious,” Tori commented.  “They’re my allies,” Tris replied.  Tori nodded. “They make good allies - stronger than they look, and they know their stuff. They’re always good with weather, anticipating storms and such, and good with climbing, ropes, nets-” “With nets?” Tris asked. “I’m sure that’ll come in handy in the arena.”  “You never know,” Tori said. “If a major source of food happens to be fish, you’ll want them on your side.” Tris nodded. “And fish makes good food, apparently.” Tori chuckled. “It does.”  As did the rest of the lunch. When she was finished, Tris flipped the plate over to see which factory it was made in, out of curiosity. “Are you ready to see your dress?” Tori asked. Tris nodded.

And a little later in the chapter

Peter locked his arm with Tris. “Remember, we’re allies,” he growled.  Max had made that clear, after the reaping. Tris didn’t like it, and she was tempted to knock Peter off the chariot once they got moving, but she knew she was stuck with it.  There was a specific way tributes from one were supposed to act. Tris had volunteered, so she better act that way. Peter dropped her arm, and they followed Tori and the other stylist, Bud, to the chariots.  Tris kept her eyes straight forward, chin high, as they passed the other chariots. She could feel eyes on her as she walked, and she wanted to know what the other tributes looked like, but she had an image to project. Even here. The tributes from District 2 were already by their chariot, chatting with their mentors - and Tobias had joined them, as had Hylla, the victor from District 4. Eric and Max were talking with the District 2 escort a little ways away. Max nodded when he noticed their arrival before going back to the conversation. “Presenting the District 1 tributes,” Tori said, waving her arm at them. 

[makedamnsvre]

thinking about what not-cats look like . very interesting

You may have spotted a not-cat in the city once. While they may have looked like cats at first glance, the differences set them apart if you really got a good look at them carefully. They were shorter, stockier, with slightly larger heads and rounder eyes. And rather than greens and yellows, their eyes were all a dark, deep brown.

They are about the same size as a normal house cat, but they are much stockier and more compact, with wider legs, a shorter torso, and a larger head. Their paws bear an extra opposable thumb, perfect for writing, crafts (or crimes), and they are more easily able to stand up on two legs when they need to.

i need to draw my not-cats i like them so much. recently i let the not-cats run their own election for mayor and almost all of them voted for Undertaker, he got like about ~70 votes out of the 80 not-cats i have. he was also the first bean given to me from Nestor (and he came with that name !) so he is particularly special to me and him running and then winning by such an extreme landslide was sooo. im so proud of my pixel son

[kaunis-sielu]

Fire Dogs

The fires had been blazing for weeks now, inching closer and closer to your home and firefighters were pouring in. You’d decided to stay, the fire was mostly moving away from town, thank god. The mayor had said that people who were willing to stay and help care for the hordes of firefighters pouring into town were appreciated. So even though you were a single Omega, you’d signed up. You could take in 2-6 firefighters depending on if they were willing to share a bed with one another and if you needed to sleep on the couch. You’d been assigned 3 men, all from New York City, one a Captain and all of them Alphas.

When you open the door as they walk up your sidewalk the first, a man with light hair and blue eyes, gives you a tight smile.

“Hi, welcome. I have a dog, is that okay?” The three men don’t even have to look at one another before all nodding yes. “Great, come on in.” You move out of the doorway and the three men come into the house.

“Thank you so much for opening your home to us.” The first man says, god he smells good, like sandalwood and lavender.

“It’s the least I could do.” You introduce yourself as your dog comes trotting into the room, Cooper’s tail wagging wildly. “But you can call me Fawn, and this is Cooper.”

“Sorry, I’m Steve Rogers, this is Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson.” The first man says introducing himself and the two men with him.

“It’s a pleasure. I’ll show you guys to your rooms.” You lead them upstairs and show them each to a room. Bucky takes your first spare room, Sam the second and Steve is in the master.

“Buck, you’ve got third shift, Sam you’re on first and I’m on second.”

“Do we start today?” Bucky asks as you make your way downstairs, you were given a small packet for the guys, things you would need to know like allergies, presentation, emergency contacts and dietary restrictions. All three are simple, no dietary issues, no allergies, Alphas, Sam has his wife Carol as his emergency contact but Steve and Bucky, or James as he’s listed, both have Rebecca Barnes, Bucky’s sister.

You get started on dinner and Sam wanders down into the kitchen bringing his

“So, why didn’t you leave town?”

“Nowhere to go. And the fire is heading away from here so hopefully everything will stay away from town.”

“The smoke doesn’t bother you?”

“I mean it’s not great but as long as Coop and I are okay I plan on staying. I’ve got some stuff packed up in my car and ready to go but I just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.”

“That’s fair. We do really appreciate you doing this. Letting us stay here.” He’s got such a soothing presence about him that you forget he’s an Alpha until his scent washes over you.

“It’s the least I can do,” you tell him with a smile, “so what does first shift mean?”

“Oh, it’s the really early shift, like 4am. Steve will be out running a crew since he’s a Captain back home and he’s around 10am then Bucky is 4pm.”

“What will I need for you in the morning? Breakfast? Coffee? Energy bars?”

“Coffee would be great. I usually take it with milk.” You jot down coffee and milk on a sheet of paper.

“How do the other two take their coffee?”

“Barnes likes it black, like a psychopath and Steve likes it with cream and sugar so he can’t taste the coffee.” You laugh and jot down creamer.

“Any chance you know what kind of creamer he likes?”

“Caramel I think.”

“I can always ask him too. I’ll set the coffee to go off at 3:15 for you.”

“Thank you.” Sam says as he sits down at the island. “What are you making for dinner?”

“Spaghetti. I make the sauce from scratch, from the garden.”

“It smells great.”

“Thanks, should be about a half hour. I’ve got meatballs in the oven and will have some garlic bread and green beans from my garden too.”

“You’re going to spoil us huh?” He says with a grin and you laugh, hoping that your suppressants work like they’re supposed to and keep you presenting as a Beta.

“I don’t get to cook for others often so I’m being a little selfish. Let me know if you need anything from town or want me to get anything. I’ll go shopping for the week tomorrow.”

“Are they paying you to host us?”

“No, but I don’t mind getting you guys stuff.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely, I wouldn’t offer if it was a problem.” You assure him and after studying you he nods.

“I’ll be sure to let the guys know.” You chat with Sam while you cook. You learn that his wife Carol is an Alpha and a doctor. The Alpha/Alpha pair is uncommon but if it works for them that’s wonderful. You also learn that he, Bucky and Steve served together and that Carol had outranked all three.

It seems that Steve has always been the one to lead their little trio, and when the smell of dinner lures him and Bucky down you include them in the conversation. Bucky, whose scent is oranges and cedar wood, is more chatty and flirty than Steve is but there’s this quiet strength about Steve that’s impossible not to notice.

Sam goes to bed immediately after dinner but Steve and Bucky stay up and watch the news with you. You set the coffee machine for Sam and leave him a note to help himself to anything he wants to eat. Then you bring Cooper outside, he wanders your wildfire lit backyard, the orange glow is spooky and the smell of smoke is thick in the air.

“Come on Coop, it’s bedtime.” You tell him leading him to the living room. Both Steve and Bucky are gone so you change into your pajamas and get ready for bed in the bathroom then head back to the couch where Cooper is laying dead center. “Move it Coop.” He grumbles but gets down, once you’re settled you let him back up on the couch between your feet.

You wake up as Sam closes the fridge.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” He says softly. When he turns and sees you sitting up on the couch.

“No it’s okay.” You tell him as Cooper hops off of the couch. You follow him to the back door and let him out.

“Why are you sleeping on the couch?”

“They needed three more beds so I gave them three more beds.”

“We put you out of your room?” He asks with a small frown.

“I sleep more on the couch anyway, I usually fall asleep to one baking show or another.” You tell him with a sleepy smile, you hadn’t meant to tell them they’d taken all your beds but it was too late now.

“This is your home.”

“Seriously Sam don’t worry about it.” You say letting Cooper back into the house. “Be safe.”

“Thanks.” He says and you go back to bed on the couch.

The next time you wake it’s 9:00 and you want to make sure that you’ve got something ready for Bucky and Steve for breakfast so you get up. You feed Cooper then let him out again, if there wasn’t the fire you’d let him stay outside as long as he wanted. You sit down on the couch and pull your tablet into your lap. Cooper joins you on the couch as you start to draw your characters.

“Morning.” Steve’s voice is low and soft when he greets you.

“Good morning. There are pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon in the oven. The pans will be warm.”

“Thanks,” you hear him help himself to food and coffee then he comes out into the living room. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all. Don’t let Coop fool you into any food though.”

“No people food for him?”

“Just some fruit and veggies.” You tell him glancing up at the fire captain. “So Sam said you guys were on a 4-10-4 start time but what time are you all home?”

“We’re doing 12 hour shifts, so Sam and Buck don’t overlap but I will with both.”

“Okay, I’ll have dinner ready when you get back. Is there anything that I don’t have that you need? Sam said you liked a certain flavor of creamer.”

“The French vanilla is fine.”

“He said caramel?” You glance over at him again and he has this little shy smile on his face. “I don’t mind, I need to go get groceries anyway.”

“Caramel is my favorite.” He admits and you nod then get back to your drawing. He finishes his breakfast in silence then puts his dishes into the dishwasher, Steve heads back upstairs and you hear him finish getting ready before he comes back down.

“Be safe.”

“Thanks.” He says before closing the door softly behind him.

Bucky sleeps until almost noon, you’ve taken breakfast out of the oven and put it in the fridge. He somehow looks groggy still and you’re worried he didn’t sleep well.

“Good morning.”

“Morning. How are you?” His voice is low and husky.

“Good. Did you sleep okay?”

“Yea I slept great. I could still be asleep to be honest but I might get called in early.”

“Why?”

“There are less guys at base camp right now. Apparently a group of them had some trouble on the way? I don’t know but Steve called.”

“Breakfast is in the fridge if you wanna heat it otherwise I have lunch meat and stuff for sandwiches.”

“I love breakfast food.” He says making his way to the fridge. He starts a cup of coffee then opens the fridge.

You find out that Bucky is a chatter. Which is fine but you’re glad that you’re illustrating today rather than writing because there’s no way you’d be able to focus on writing. He asks you about living in the small town, how you ended up here, about your job, when he finds out you’re an author and illustrator of children’s books he promises to buy his niece a couple books. You tell him to leave his address and you’ll send him a signed copy of the one you’re working on, he excitedly does.

When he leaves at 3:30, not being called in early, you take a break and start on dinner. You want to make sure you’ve got food ready for Sam when he gets back.

Sam comes in at 4:45, Cooper barks excitedly and Sam sinks to the ground and Cooper immediately calms allowing Sam to wrap his arms around him. You don’t say anything, just continue to cook while Sam hugs Cooper to him. You hear him talking softly but you ignore him, whatever he’s saying to Coop is none of your business.

“I’m gonna go take a shower before I eat.” Sam says at full volume, the side of his face still pressed to Cooper’s side.

“That’s fine,” you assure him, “I’ve got about twenty minutes before the rice is done.”

“Okay.” He disappears then Cooper comes wandering into the kitchen. You give him a couple of treats and tell him what a good boy he is.

Sam eats in silence then goes up to his room, you’re pretty sure he goes to bed by 7 but after the day he’s had you can’t blame him.

At 10 you start reheating food for when Steve comes in. Sure enough, 10:30 rolls in and so does Steve. Cooper greets Steve with a wagging tail, Steve gives him a little pat and heads upstairs. You hear the shower turn on and after around 10 minutes Steve is back dropping down on the couch as Cooper puts a head in his lap. Steve absently pets Cooper and you place a plate of food in front of him.

“Thank you.” His tired eyes meet yours and he gives you a little half smile.

“It’s the least I can do.” You tell him sincerely. Cooper stays with his head in Steve’s lap until Steve goes upstairs to bed. You set up your bed on the couch and set your alarm for 3:30 in the morning so you can get food heated for Bucky and coffee and food started for Sam.

You fall asleep still smelling Steve on your couch.

Tag list:

@memyselfandmaddox @thefanficfaerie @patzammit @dsakita @dramadreamer14 @killcomet @thesassmisstress @andahugaroundtheneck @loving-life-my-way @thefridgeismybestie @dumblani @im-just-another-monster @mywinterwolf @giggleberts @biskwitmamaw @geeksareunique @paintballkid711 @lumar014 @also-fangirlinsweden @connie326 @inkedaztec @eralen @valsworldofcreativity @strangersstranger

[bbrandy2002]

Happy Birthday Burnsy!

The Country AU -- I'm Gonna Live Where The Green Grass Grows

Pairing: Drake x Alyssa, Liam x Riley, and a whole host of other TRR characters.

A/N: This was a silly little idea I had months ago for an AU built around the places and people where I grew up. I never had plans to actually write it, but I mentioned it to Burns, and well ... she wanted it lol so here we are. And she’s already read half of this and is the one who made the mood board for it and the song inspo hahaha. Thank you to @mskaneko for the edits of our OTP’s, and @charlotteg234 for pre-reading the first half of this.

Trigger warning: Gun usage, hunting, mild language ... I think that’s it

@burnsoslow

My dearest friend, when I think back at where we were one year ago, I can’t help but be reminded of the vastly different world we live in now. On February 5, 2020, there was no covid keeping us sheltered and fearful, families were complete, jobs were stable, and so many of the things we worried about then simply pale in comparison to now, Life wasn’t so bad. But here we are with all these new changes and mindsets. Through it all, one thing remained consistent: YOU. You have been my strength, my rock, the anchor that grounded me. We have cried together, laughed a lot together, worried for each other, and celebrated those small victories that were important to each other. And I get so happy when someone comments about how much they love the friendship between Riley and Alyssa because it's the most real part of Fearless. If anyone ever wanted to know what we’re like, it's all written out in that story. I’ve got your back, and you have mine. You’re my best friend and I just love the hell out of ya! I hope your birthday is amazing and that this fic is everything you wanted for this AU.

------------------------------------

On Sunday mornings in southern Georgia, you did one of two things: You woke up early for church services or woke up late to watch NFL football.

Some people figured out a long time ago how to do both.

Sitting in the back pew of the First Cordonian Church of Everlasting Peace, Alyssa Walker sat quietly with the sweetest southern belle smile, nodding her head along to the beautiful words spoken during Pastor Hakim’s sermon and hiding a pair of earbuds lodged in each ear. 

She and her husband, Drake, had laid claim to the pew when they were teens trying to sneak a kiss or two during prayers. After ten years of marriage, they no longer needed to sneak kisses but stayed in that same seat, believing the biggest sinners should stay as far away from the minister as possible. Why be the barrier that may prevent the spirit from reaching the rest of the congregation? The couple felt it was the least they could do.

They were actually pretty good folks and well respected in their community. Alyssa had taught first grade for eight years at the local elementary school, where her two children, nine-year-old Audrey and six-year-old Patrick, also attended. Her best friend since third grade, Riley, was the art teacher there. 

Drake worked nearby as the lead mechanic at Rys and Sons Chevrolet out on North Ramsford Avenue. Constantine had owned the auto dealership for 35 years before passing it down to his sons, Leo and Liam, when he ran for and became the town's mayor. Leo peaced out, heading to South Florida, while Liam took on the sole responsibility of ownership himself. 

And while most people in this sleepy little town of Cordonia were Falcons fanatics, Alyssa grew up rooting for the team where her parents were born and raised before settling in Georgia as newlywed lawyers: The Chicago Bears.

With the game against the Packers blaring into her ear, she kept a keen eye on the rest of her fellow parishioners. When they clapped, she clapped. When they sang, she sang. She raised her hands in hallelujahs when they did. She had learned to read lips and could “Amen” and “Praise God” right on cue with the rest of them. All the while, she sat in contentment, listening to her weekly football games. 

“The score with 14 seconds left in the second quarter is Chicago -- 14, Green Bay -- 17. The Bears have the ball on the 5-yard line. It’s third and goal. If Trubisky can score here, they’ll go into the locker room at halftime with a lead for the first time in this game, or possibly tie it all up with a field goal after this down. This is a huge, HUGE play, Jim ...” 

Alyssa twined her fingers together and lowered her forehead onto them as she waited with bated breath for the announcer to call the play-by-play. As far as anyone else knew, she was praying fervently for the Hebrews crossing the parted Red Sea away from Pharoah's army that the pastor was chronicling.

“And here comes the snap. Trubisky backs up. He tosses to Robinson in the end zone. OHHH! So close… batted away by Alexender …”

“JESUS!” Alyssa yelled out in anger. With earbuds in, she didn’t realize how loudly that just came out of her mouth. Drake nudged her in the thigh. She glanced over at him for a second before he nodded to the 123 pairs of eyes that had all turned at once in her direction. It instantly dawned on her that everyone in the congregation heard the outburst.

Feeling the color drain from her face, Alyssa placed a hand over her chest and addressed, “I am soooo into this sermon, Hakim. Woohoo! Go, Jesus, go!” She pumped her fist in the air like she was rooting him on.

Drake dropped his face onto Patrick’s shoulder, who was sitting on his lap, to cover the incessant laughter that threatened to spill out of him. He was doing a terrible job of it, as a momentary burst of muffled snickers could be heard through the sound of the game playing in Alyssa’s ear. Her husband was nothing but a big kid himself -- she wouldn’t change that for anything.

“Mommy,” Audrey whispered next to her. “It’s about Moses. Not Jesus.”

Alyssa smiled, patting her daughter’s knee. “Same thing, baby. They both performed miracles.” She cut her eyes to the phone hidden under the cardigan draped across her thighs. “And the Bears need a miracle right now, guys,” she muttered, “Part those shithead Packer’s defensive line, Lord. It’s time to help my Bears get to the promised land.”

“Going for it on fourth down, Trubisky drops back. The Packer defense is putting a lot of pressure on the Bear’s offensive line. Every man is covered in the end zone. He has no one to throw to, Jim. They’re running out of time. Four seconds left. And, NOOO, they sack Trubisky on the 10-yard line … WAIT THE BALL IS LOOSE … THE BALL IS LOOSE ... he fumbled the ball. The Packers are scrambling to get it. There are green and white jerseys all over that ball. BUT LOOK … Green Bay’s Klark picks it up. He’s running the other way … and he just slipped … he just slipped, and the football fell right into the hands of Chicago’s Robinson --”  

Alyssa grabbed Drake’s thigh, her fingers digging deeply with hope and panic. “Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck,” her stressed words weren’t audible to the crowd, but they were speaking volumes in her heart.

“--Robinson’s on the 20, now 15, he’s sweeping past the defense to the 10 -- 5 -- TOUCHDOWN, CHICAGO!!!”

"FUCK YES!" Alyssa jumped up, her arms outstretched in a V shape. “Hallelujah. Holy shit. Thank ya, Jesus.” She let out a huge sigh of relief, feeling nothing short of elated, not concerned in the slightest by the heads that twisted around again.

Hakim stood slack-jawed from the raised platform for a moment, his tallish physique slouching on the pulpit, before adjusting the microphone and clearing his throat deeply. "I'm certainly glad, Sister Alyssa is ... feeling the spirit this morning."

"I am feeling it, Brother Hakim," She shook her head profusely. "I. Am. Feeling it." She shot him a dimpled grin.

Drake snorted loudly, covering his face with one hand and grabbing the side of her dress to pull her back down with the other.

They turned to each other, neither one able to control the snickering and shaking of their bodies. Drake lifted a sleeping Patrick over his shoulder while Alyssa grabbed Audrey's hand; the Walker couple decided they were too immature for church this morning.

They laughed all the way to the parking lot.

"It's never a dull moment with you, baby girl," Drake chuckled, turning over the ignition.

"You know me …” She blew on her nails before rubbing them against her chest. “... just doing the Lord's work." 

--------------

It was customary in Cordonia for families to gather together each week for a big supper after church. 

The Walkers traditionally took turns hosting with Liam and Riley, and Constantine and Regina. This week's meal was at the elder Ryses.

Sitting down at the dining room table, everyone licked their chops, hungry and ready to dig into all the made-from-scratch southern goodness Mrs. Regina had prepared: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, green beans with hamhock, corn-on-the-cob, deviled eggs, biscuits, sweet tea, and coffee. It was all accompanied by two containers of broccoli salad, Alyssa picked up from the Piggly Wiggly deli after church, and Riley's lopsided carrot cake.

There was always a lot of food, a lot of love, and what would it be in a small town without a little gossip here and there.

"Regina, you've outdone yourself on this meal," Liam raved while placing his five-month-old son in a high chair and fastening the clasps. "If it tastes as good as it smells, we're all in for a big treat."

Everyone agreed as she sat down, Constantine pushing her chair in with a peck to the top of her head. "Thank you, Liam." She looked up at her husband with a sincere smile, rubbing his arm. "Only the best for our family."

She meant every word of that as she and Constantine glanced around the table at all the cheerful faces of the people they loved most — that included Drake and his family. 

Drake's father had been the sheriff for many years before his untimely death, while the younger Walker was a teen. Connie had never met a braver, more hard-working man than Jackson; the now mayor stepped in after that death to be the father figure in Drake's life. Drake was already best friends with Liam, and over time, the family just considered him one of their own. Drake and Alyssa's children referred to them as Mamaw and Papaw Rys.

As everyone settled in and passed the food around the table, the doorbell rang; 7-year-old Ellie -- Liam and Riley's oldest -- jumped up to answer it. With everyone focused on getting their helpings, Riley leaned over and whispered to Alyssa, "Any more scoop on Savannah?"

Alyssa passed the potatoes to her and answered in a hushed tone, "I drove past her house yesterday ... Chuck was there. His big rig was backed right up into the driveway. They're not even trying to hide it anymore."

"I knew it." Riley slapped a scoop of potatoes onto her plate, passing them across to Liam. "When does Bertrand get back from that Bankers Convention in Atlanta?"

"I think Max said on Tuesday. And I guarn-damn-tee, Chuck will be there until then."

"Of course he will. Have you told Drake yet?"

Alyssa shook her head, peeking over at her husband, who was in hog heaven, dousing everything on his plate with white gravy, blissfully unaware of their idle chitchat. She turned back to Riley. "Not yet. You know how protective he is. I'll need to hide the gun cabinet keys when he finds out ... if he finds out. You remember how upset he got when Bianca got caught at the Love's Truck Stop with Landon Ebrim over the summer. His mama can do what she wants, but not with a married man."

Riley agreed with a nod before taking a sip and swallowing her sweet tea. "Ya know, I've never seen sweet Emmaline that angry."

"Yeah, me neither. She sure whopped ass that day." They both giggled lightly. "Landon's dentures flew clean across that truck lot."

"I saw her the other day at the Food Lion, grinnin' like a baked possum. Got that ol' dog for everything he had."

Alyssa huffed, "Cept' his nuts."

Ellie ran back in and hopped in her chair. "Miss Olivia is here!"

Alyssa stiffened, clutching her fork a little tighter before letting out a faint groan. Not that she didn't like the Assistant Principal of Cordonia Elementary -- she was her boss, after all, and they grew up together -- she could just be a little off-putting, sometimes with her treatment of Drake. In light of Olivia's recent divorce, she had, however, started directing most of her scorn on her ex-husband, Anton.

Everyone greeted Olivia as she strolled in behind the youngster, shrugging her jacket off and tossing it on a counter with her purse. "I smelled your chicken and taters all the way from Lythikos Drive, Regina. You know how I love a good rib stickin' meal."

"Is Travis and Waylon here?" Patrick piped up eagerly from the children's table, hoping to have some boys to play with rather than the three little girls who kept ganging up on him.

Olivia pulled out a chair and started loading her plate down. "They're with their daddy this weekend, sugar. I'll tell them you asked about them."

Drake lifted his coffee mug, not making eye contact with anyone. "Speaking of ... I saw Anton yesterday at the Dollar Tree ... with someone." He smirked into his drink. While everyone else knew who and was trying to avoid the elephant in the room, he owed her for years of squabble.

"Who? Madeleine?" Olivia spat, adding heaping spoonfuls of sugar to her already overly sweetened tea. "Bless her rotten heart, he was seeing her before our break up. Moved in with her right after the divorce was final, so I hope she's enjoyed cookin' and cleanin' after my youngins' all weekend, cause she's gonna be doin it a hell of a lot more now that she got herself fired."

Madeleine was a bank teller in the drive-thru at First Cordonia and also Leo's ex-fiancee. 

"Madeleine got fired?" Alyssa asked in surprise. "She's been there for years."

The redhead swirled the sugar around in her tea with a spoon before licking it off and continuing, "Mmm-hmm. Bertrand caught her on video, stuffing her gaudy drawers into the vacuum tubes at the bank and sending them to that bastard when he drove through to make a deposit. He was making deposits alright. Right between her scrawny, cankled ass --"

"Olivia!" Liam quickly interjected, knowing once she got going, it would likely turn R-rated with several little ears listening. "I'm dying to hear how the Christmas Festival for next Saturday is coming along." He shot a look across the table at Drake for getting her worked up. Drake simply grinned.

By late afternoon, supper had been eaten, dishes cleaned, and pants unbuttoned. After a couple of hours of chatting on the back porch and watching the kids play, the two younger couples packed up leftovers Regina insisted they take home and were ready to hit the road. 

Liam and Riley lived next door and walked out with the Walkers who were making their way to the Tahoe parked on the street.

Alyssa bounced and cooed over baby Jacob before handing him back to Riley and getting into the vehicle's passenger seat. 

Liam was leaning into the driver's side window, having a casual discussion with Drake about the opening day of deer season next Saturday and asking what time he wanted to head out.

Alyssa was half-listening and half-working the stereo when an idea popped into her head. "You know what would be fun?” Both men stopped talking and glanced over at her. “We should all go?”

Drake knit his brows. “Go where?

“Hunting. We can make it a double date. You and me, Riley and Liam. The great outdoors. Some quality time together. I’ll even make snacks for everyone. It’ll be fun,” her voice was chipper. She was excited about it. 

She was also deadly serious. 

So were the dubious looks Drake and Liam gave each other over the thought of taking their wives on the most important hunting event of their year. Not that either didn't enjoy spending time with their significant others, but hunting was a whole different world. It was a one-person sport where you spent the day away from reality and responsibilities and just enjoying the great outdoors —a place to be alone and experience the thrill of a good hunt.

“Guys, I’m serious. We go fishing together, and I’ve shot targets plenty of times. I really wanna go hunting with you. Riley wants to go too, don't you?” She cast an inquisitive glance out her window at Riley, who glared back with the biggest what-the-fuck look she'd ever made. “See, she wants to go too.”

“Baby,” Drake began softly, giving her knee light squeezes. “I don’t mind taking you, but this is opening day. We’ll be in the woods for hours, in the cold. It’s not really what someone would consider a ‘date.’ And we’re going to the Festival that night … we’ll get a chance to spend time together there.”

She held his gaze as her lips began to quiver. “I understand. You .. you need time to be away from me, and it was a dumb idea anyway --”

“No,” Drake cut in. His heart plummeted from the sadness in her voice and eyes. “That’s not it at all. I love spending time with you. And if you really want to do this, then … let’s do this.”

“Really? We can go together?” Drake nodded with a smile before she squealed in his ear and pulled him into a tight hug. “I can’t wait! Thank you!”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Liam let out a heavy breath as he looked over at Riley -- The woman he knew would not be a fun hunting partner next week -- still standing on the sidewalk, appearing like she might faint. “Yeah ... I can’t wait either.”

---------------------

Saturday. 5:15 a.m. The cellphone alarm on Drake’s bedside table let off a series of rhythmic beeping sounds and vibrations. 

The alarm wasn’t needed. The man had been awake for hours, listening to his wife's gentle snores; the anticipation of bringing home at least a 12-pointer keeping him from falling back asleep. 

Letting out a ferocious yawn and a hearty stretch, he picked up his phone to dismiss the alarm and rolled over to wake Alyssa.

With her ass perfectly curled into the space between his stomach and thighs, his hands settled on her curvy hip, jostling her slightly. “Time to get up, my little peach. We gotta get crackin’ before all the good deer are gone.”

“I just need one more hour, okay? Thanks,” she protested with a drowsy murmur, pulling the pillow over her head.

Drake chuckled, rubbing soothing circles over her back. “No. We have to get up now. We’re wasting time, sleepyhead. Unless … you don’t want to go.”

Alyssa’s heavy eyes stung as she tried to peel them open one at a time. “No, I wanna … go ...” she trailed. Her eyes slowly shut again, and she was out.

On a day like today, Drake was usually up and ready in ten minutes. Once he could finally get his wife out of bed, dressed, and back awake again from where she fell asleep on the toilet, it was close to 45 minutes. 

Maxwell, who was also a childhood friend and the music teacher where Alyssa taught, rented the room over their garage. He agreed to come down that morning and watch the kids while the pair spent their morning in the woods. Bianca used to help out in that regard, but the kids complained she slept the whole time, and Alyssa was pretty sure her mother-in-law smoked pot around them.

Drake loaded up the truck, placing his rifle and a smaller .22 caliber for Alyssa behind the seat. Dragging herself slowly to the vehicle, the night sky still pitch black and her breath turning to thick vapors in the frigid air, she listlessly tossed a Taylor Swift tote bag on the floorboard and climbed in.

Drake looked at his phone after everything was packed up to see if Liam had sent a message about being late. It was unusual for him not to be there already. Typically, his best friend was up and at his house before Drake was even ready. He sent off a quick text to check.

Drake: Where you at, man?

Liam: Running late. Riley had to put makeup on and do her hair. 

Liam: I’m having so much fun already 😑

Liam: snark

Drake: Lyss couldn’t decide which gloves looked the best with her orange vest. I guess she wants to impress the deer before she kills them.

Liam: We’re not catching deer today. We’ll be lucky if we catch a cold. Be there in 10.

Twenty minutes later, Liam’s gray Silverado pulled onto the Walker’s gravel drive. Riley had wanted biscuits and gravy from McDonald's, and she had to run back inside to pee, so that set them back. But, with everyone now there, they were finally ready to head out.

Just down the rural road from where Drake and Alyssa lived, the current sheriff of Cordonia, Bastien, owned several acres of unoccupied land that he used for recreation. He had been a close friend of Drake’s dad and agreed to let Drake and Liam hunt and fish on his property whenever they wanted.

Turning onto the dirt road and opening the gate, the four friends arrived at their spot just as dawn was breaking. 

No one spoke much as they trekked through the mud, sticks, and brittle fall leaves that littered the path to the deer stands. Riley and Alyssa were too exhausted to say anything. Drake and Liam just weren’t used to talking at all.

"Riley, love,” Liam whispered softly. “Can you watch how you’re walking? The noise is going to scare the deer away.”

“I can’t help it if … " She reacted loudly in frustration before Liam placed a finger over his lips, and she resumed speaking more quietly. “I can’t help it if there're leaves everywhere. I’m walking on them as delicately as possible.”

“How much further? I think my toes are frozen and I need coffee.” Alyssa bemoaned while walking on the balls of her heels. Drake was basically dragging her sluggish body by the hand. Her eyes were still drooping from exhaustion with every careful step.

“Just over yonder of that fence row is our stand.” He pointed out.

Alyssa aimed her flashlight around the woods in several spots. "And where do we pee at?"

Liam lightly snorted as Drake answered matter-of-factly. "Just over yonder of that fence row below our stand."

"Oh ... " her tone was small and apprehensive, "... I guess that's ... okay." She glanced back timidly at Liam, who was following close behind.

He shielded his eyes from the beam of her flashlight in his face and frowned. "I'm not going to watch you pee, Alyssa."

Riley gasped, "Eww! I don't want Drake watching me pee either." 

"Shhhhh." Liam was quick to remind her again of the volume of her voice.

"Stop, shushing me, Liam! Those deer don't know I'm out here."

Drake grunted, then whipped around to face the three of them. "Would you keep your voices down? No one's watching anybody take a piss," he whisper-yelled. "Lyssa and I will be at least a hundred yards away from ya'll. Riley, I promise you can piss your little heart out, and I won't see it."

"We're separating?" Alyssa asked wistfully. "What if I need to ask Riley something, and she can't hear me yelling across to her?"

"You'll just have to ask her when we're done, baby girl. And ... please don't yell questions to her while we're out here. Low voices."

They continued on with their noisy hike.

"Having so much fun," Liam grumbled to himself.

-------------------

Liam and Riley headed to their tree stand as Drake helped Alyssa climb up the ladder to theirs. 

The stand and ladder were made of plywood -- chipped and faded from years of exposure to the elements -- and were attached at the apex to an oak tree about twenty feet off the ground. At the top it had enough room to take a step onto, with a wooden seat just wide enough to accommodate them. One plank rail came out on both sides. 

Alyssa plopped down onto the seat, clutching her tote bag of goodies on her lap. She lifted the brim of the orange beanie she borrowed from Drake -- that smelled of animal carcass and gun powder -- above her eyes and peered out to the wilderness spread monumentally below. She closed her eyes and slowly inhaled the fresh, dewy air, taking in the sounds of twittering birds, branches clashing from the nearby squirrel frolicking on them, and the rippling of a bubbling brook streaming down the hill. 

A pleasant warmth overcame her as Drake's much larger body sat down next to her and protected her from the frosty wind blowing in from his side.

Alyssa wrapped her arms around his waist, snuggling into him. "I can see why you like this so much. It's so quiet and peaceful ... look how purty it is out here, Drake. It's just real purty, isn't it?"

Working diligently on getting their gear together, he stopped briefly to look out; affection glowed in his eyes. “It sure is, darlin’. Almost as purty as you ... and notice I said 'almost.'” He winked, and Alyssa blushed, feeling that same love trickling up inside her she'd had since they were teenagers. Drake could charm the pants off a chipmunk, but she was thankful he only used that gift on her.

"Sooo ... " She drawled in her thick Southern accent. "How long will it be before the deer start coming out?" 

Drake drew the barrel of her gun back after loading it with shells and explained, "Don't know. It could be minutes. It could be a few hours. Just whenever they head this way, I reckon."

Perplexed, Alyssa nodded slowly. "A few hours? I s'pose that's okay. What do you do while you're waiting?"

He shrugged, passing a gun to her. "You just ... sit here."

"You just sit here and do what?"

Drake leaned over to kiss into her orange cap and replied, "Wait."

"Wait." She acknowledged. "I can do that. I'll just sit here ... and wait."

Several minutes had passed, and Alyssa was already bored with listening to nature, Drake's gurgling stomach, and sitting quietly with nothing to do. Every so often, a shotgun blast was heard in the distance, signifying either someone out there had gotten their prize or Riley had driven Liam insane. It was the only break from the monotony that came with the boredom of sitting in a tree for who knew how many hours.

Letting out a giant exhale that caught Drake's attention, she propped her rifle against the railing and pulled the cloth tote that was sitting between her boots into her lap. Rummaging through the bag, she pulled out her phone and began thumbing out a message.

Drake furrowed his brows and asked, "What're you doin'?" 

"Just texting Riley,' she answered dismissively. He shook his head and leaned it back against the tree while she formulated her message.

Alyssa: You still alive over there? How's it going?

Riley: This is boring as shit.

Riley: And now my texting is apparently scaring away the deer. F the deer Liam. F all the damn deer!!!! What were you thinking, Lyss?

Alyssa: I was thinking we could spend quality time with our husbands. The men we love and cherish with all of our hearts. I’m having a great time with Drake so far 😍😘

Alyssa: And no one twisted your arm to come bitch.

Riley: Liam's just staring through binoculars. He hasn’t spoken in 20 minutes except to tell me to point the gun away from him or to quit moving. Let’s go get our hair did at Adelaide's.”

Alyssa: OHHH Yes! And get Chinese food ... CRAB RANGOONS!! I'll have Drake drive us back. Girls Day Out. Love you!

Drake let out a belch and blew it away when Alyssa turned to him with a dazzling smile and a sparkle in her blues. "Can you drive Riley and me back to the house?"

"What? Right now?" he shrieked. She answered him with a cheerful nod. "What happened to all that talk about wanting to spend quality time with me?"

"I still do. But ... we're just sitting here, not really doing anything. I could be getting my hair done for tonight's festival. I also have a ton of laundry to do, some papers to grade, and I’m supposed to be making the Devereaux’s famous peach cobbler for the raffle. If I leave now, I’ll have time to do all of it.” Alyssa knew she probably wouldn’t do half of that, and Audrey would likely make the cobbler, but it made the situation sound more urgent.

"It's opening day, baby. I'm not leaving this spot." He reached into the pocket of his overalls and pulled out his keys. "If you and Riley wanna take my truck, I'll ride back with Liam."

She gave him an exasperated look. "I don't know my way back to the truck. And I sure as hell know Riley doesn't."

He smirked, stuffing his keys back. "Then you're stuck."

The next hour was brutal. Alyssa texted Riley to alleviate the boredom for several minutes, but there had been no responses in a long while. She wasn't aware that Liam tossed her friend's phone over the hill when she started making TikTok videos of her plight -- Liam took his deer hunting seriously: No noise meant no noise.

Drake wasn't much better; he was quieter than his usual self. It wouldn't have been so bad if she could at least talk. An occasional whispered word was not going to cut it.

Alyssa sighed heavily. She wiggled around for comfort. She unwrapped a Nutty Bar. She crunched. She opened a can of pop. She tapped her fingers. She flipped the pages of a magazine. Each one got that look from Drake that let her know it was too loud. If she ever made it out of there, she planned to jabber and stir until she couldn't do it anymore.

After another half-hour of stewing quietly in her thoughts without a sign of a deer anywhere, Alyssa decided now was the time to finally just talk. 

"Do you ever think about having another baby?" It was a topic that had been on her mind for a while. To her surprise, Drake didn't give her a look or even freak out the way she anticipated. Despite his own rule of silence, he even responded in kind.

"Yeah. Kind of a lot."

Her right brow darted up. "Really?" 

Drake took a breath and shifted the gun across his lap. "I mean, of course. It's always been my dream to settle down and have a bunch of youngin's with the woman I love." He studied her lit-up face; he'd swore she'd gotten more beautiful with age. That's why he hesitated when he added, "But ... "

Her shoulders slumped at his words, and a deflated look impressed upon her face. "But ... " The word barely made it past her lips.

Drake reached for her hand and gripped it tightly. "Lyssa, we have so much going on right now. You're working on National Boards, Audrey has piano recitals and basketball, Patrick has peewee football and Boy Scouts. We barely have time -- except for right now -- for just ... us. I'm not saying,"never"... just that right now ... isn't a good time."

"I understand that, but ... we've always made it work. And don't you miss those tiny little fingers wrapped around yours? And the way they smell fresh out of the bath? And those chubby little cheeks pressed up against yours?" she goaded.

“Of course I do. I remember the first time I held Audrey and PJ in my arms -- there’s just no better feeling in the world than ...to look down ... " Drake paused as his voice cracked, and his brown eyes glistened like glass. " ... and to see someone so small ..." When she sniffled, it made it that much harder for him to speak. "... that you created with the woman you've loved since you were 16 years old. But I like who they are now, and watching them grow, and doing things with them ... And, well ... there’s no shit clean up.”

“You obviously haven’t washed Patrick's clothes in a while,” Alyssa retorted with a chuckle that brought out one in her husband.

"I’ll have to talk to him about that." He gazed deeper into her eyes. "But I do love you ... more than all the peaches in Georgia, Lyssa Claire.”

Alyssa smiled.“That’s what you said to me when you promised to marry me when we were teens.”

Drake returned his own smile. “I did. I remember like it was yesterday too. Sitting in your parent’s basement, watching Friends reruns, eating pizza, making out. And hell, it’s still as true today as it was then. Somehow, even more."

Their cold lips parted and joined halfway for a fervent kiss, with Drake's hand meandering around the subtle groove at the junction of her waist. Just as it became more intense and desirous, a rustling of twigs off in a nearby thicket caught Drake's ear, and he broke away, his eyes scoping the perimeter. Alyssa wasn't offended, she heard it too, and her heart raced with excitement.

Lifting the binoculars hanging from his neck, he spotted two deer eating from a blackberry patch some thirty yards away. He pointed in their direction; Alyssa gave a quick thumbs up, letting him know she saw them too.

Drake carefully lifted the rifle resting in his lap as Alyssa leaned forward and squinted to get a better visual. "Is that a buck and a doe?" she whispered, not moving an inch.

"Sure as fuck is." He mounted the stock of his .30 caliber, Winchester, just beneath his collarbone;  the rush of this moment coursed ravenously through his body. He lined up the scope and placed a steady finger on the trigger -- his thumb pulling the hammer back.

“Wait.” Alyssa loudly whispered. “You can’t shoot him.”

"I'm gonna. Better cover your ears."

"No, Drake. There's a doe with him. What if that's his wife? You can't just leave her all alone without him."

"Lyss, this is the whole reason we're out here."

"So you can make a widow out of her?"

"No ... so I can make deer chili out of him."

Alyssa's mouth flew open. "No. No. RUUUUUUUUN! RUUUUUUN!"

Drake pulled his face away from the scope and fired her a look. "What the hell are you doing? They're getting away!"

She tilted her chin boldly. "I don't care. That was her husband, and they're in love, and you can't take that away from them. I would be so sad if we were just out eating berries and someone came up and shot you, ALL SO THEY COULD EAT DRAKE CHILI!". 

Drake dropped his head. He knew there was no point in arguing with her. As long as he’d known her, she was stubborn, and at that moment, she was dead set in believing those two deer were living out the greatest romance of all time. Nothing he said or did would change her mind on that. 

A thought emerged while he attempted to comprehend the logic of the situation. Those deer ran off in the direction where Liam was set up. Maybe if he could give his friend a heads up, it was still possible at least someone would leave those woods with the prized buck.

Turning his back from Alyssa so that she couldn't stop him, he pulled a small walkie-talkie from his pocket and radioed Liam. Alyssa knew what was up and jumped to her feet, thrusting her arms around him in an attempt to stop the travesty.

"You can't do this, Drake," she hollered, "That’s her soulmate. And why don't I have a walkie-talkie? I want a walkie-talkie!"

While seated next to Liam, Riley was swinging her legs, purposefully making the soles of her boots scrape against the platform. Liam tried to ignore her; maybe he had been a little too uptight about every little noise and utterance she made. But this was playing a whole different ballgame now: she was now making it her mission to piss him off.

Prepared to pound his head against the tree, Liam gritted his teeth, skimming his eyes in her direction. "Love, do you have to do that?"

"Did you have to throw my phone in the woods?" She spat back.

Liam rubbed his hand over his face. "No, and I am sorry that. I apologize for all of eternity. I promise I will get you another one as soon as we get back, okay?”

Riley huffed. "Fine, but that phone had all of my contacts on it. It had our babies' pictures and videos on it ... our vacation photos. I can't get those memories back ever, and I have to find it, and God only knows where it landed. It could be ..." She stopped rattling on when she caught sight of the distressed look Liam was giving her. Knitting her brows, Riley asked, "What?"

"Nothing ... just ... can you lower your voice a little? You're gonna scare the deer away," 

He regretted it as soon as it came out. 

“LIAAAAM!”

He saw the steam gushing out of her ears. There was no time to answer the incoming call on his walkie-talkie from Drake.

Belting out a furious screech, Riley jumped up and tried to jerk the gun from his hands. There was no question she wouldn't shoot him, but she'd sure as hell shred his favorite gun apart piece-by-piece and toss them all the way to Portavira Lake on the other side of town.

Riley tugged with all of her might. "I have HAD IT with being quiet for those damn deer, Liam. HAD IT!"

"Sweetheart, you need to calm down ..." He stood up in front of her, pulling back on the rifle even harder, surprised -- and not pleasantly so -- his considerably smaller wife had this much struggle in her.

"Don't you sweetheart me. You have shushed me for the last time, Liam Preston Rys!"

“Okay, I’m sorry! But can you at least admit us fighting over a gun is dangerous? Somebody is going to get seriously hurt, and I don’t want it to be you, Riley. Please. I won’t shush you anymore, I promise.” His face softened, eventually adorning a loving smile at his wife, who, with a sigh, was unable to resist that handsome face and relaxed her grip. 

Riley gave him a half-smile in return. “I’m sorry, too. I’ve ruined your hunting trip.”

“Yes ... you did.” Liam agreed, dodging the playful slap she nearly made to his upper arm. “But I don’t want to fight anymore.”

With the War of the Ryses finally over, they went in for a makeup kiss until Drake’s voice called out to Liam again through his walkie talkie. Liam set the gun down on the bench and leaned it against the tree before he started digging into his pocket to answer the device. Riley dropped down onto the seat, her elbow brushed against the rifle and caused it to slide away until the barrel end hit the railing and set off a powerful blast.

When the ringing in both of their ears subsided, and the smoke had cleared, Liam and Riley collected themselves from the sudden spine-gripping explosion that shook them both. While Riley explained to Liam what happened, a hysterical sounding Drake came back over the walkie-talkie, wailing, “Alyssa’s been shot! Alyssa’s been shot! Help me!”

__________________

Later that evening, in the courthouse square, the street was lit up with zig-zagged rows of red, green, and white lights. Strands of garland were wound around every lamppost in perfect spiraled loops, and red bows hung and waved with the wintry breeze.

With traffic rerouted away from the area, vendors lined sidewalks selling local goods to put the town's citizens in the festive spirit. What would this small town in Georgia have been without boiled peanuts, low country boil, fried green tomatoes, barbecue, and peach everything? 

Once Constantine had lit the 30-foot spruce, surrounded by hundreds of merry people from all walks of life that made up this small community, the festival was officially kicked-off.

In a large tent set up on the square, Liam and Riley laid out styrofoam containers and drinks they’d purchased from a barbeque vendor on one of several picnic tables inside. With their two young daughters munching away on their meal, and the stroller with their sleeping son beside them, they both sat down with heavy hearts and restless minds.

Liam bit into his barbecue sandwich, noticing Riley only prodding at her mac-and-cheese while staring off into the distance. He didn’t have to ask what was wrong; he knew what happened that morning was bothering her with guilt and worry. It wasn’t every day she accidentally shot someone.

“Are you going to be okay?”

Riley shook her head slightly with a sad look. “No. It’s just not the same without Alyssa here. You know how much she loves Christmas and the festival. She was so looking forward to it too, until --”

“You shot her.”

“Yeeeeeesssss,” she cried out. Liam reached across the table and gave her hand a comforting squeeze, his thumb caressing her smooth skin. Riley continued to sniffle as she grabbed a handful of napkins and wiped the barbecue sauce off Liam’s sticky fingers that were now smeared all over hers. “I didn’t mean to, I swear it. And the way … and the way Drake cried. It broke my heart. Now he has her on bed rest AND house arrest. He won’t let her take calls. I’ll never see or hear from my bestie agaaaain.” The tears continued to flow in steady streams.

Liam stiffened, feeling the eyes of everyone in that tent, gawking at his overly-dramatic wife breaking down. He started to tell her to lower her voice, but after the gun battle in the woods, he thought better of it. “Riley, darlin’, you know Drake is really overprotective of Alyssa. And as scary as what happened was, she only needed the one stitch and band-aid for her graze wound. Something tells me Drake won’t be able to keep her down long.”

---------------------------

Liam was right. As much as Drake tried to keep her in bed so he could wait on her hand and foot, protect her from the careless friends of the world who could inadvertently do his baby girl harm, and check to see if she needed a new band-aid every few minutes, he could not keep her down. She had been far too excited to hang out with the people she loved so much and celebrate at one of her favorite festivals.

Maxwell had left for the events with Audrey and Patrick an hour ago; they were part of the children’s caroling group and needed to be there early. Against Drake’s wishes, Alyssa showered, got dressed, and made sure he knew in no uncertain terms would he be able to prevent her from going. The only thing he knew to do was to go, follow her around the entire night, and make sure she wouldn’t get shot again.

They circled the block where everything was held several times, but spaces to park were impossible to find. Three blocks away was the church where they attended, and the parking lot was completely empty. Drake didn’t like the fact that Alyssa would have to walk so far in her debilitated condition and was prepared to haul her piggyback style if he had to, but this was the best spot he could find.

Drake moved the gearshift into park and reached over to grab Alyssa’s arm, who was already bounding out the door. He pulled Alyssa back inside, the chilly air blowing through her open door swept her straighten hair this way and that way. 

She cocked her head to the side and exhaled, “Drake, I can open my own door. I’m not broken. It’s just a scratch. I’m fine.”

“I know.” He smiled that tenderhearted smile only Alyssa had ever seen. The same one sending a shudder through her already chilled body. “I changed my mind,” he replied simply

Alyssa slammed her eyes shut and groaned. “I just told you I was fine --”

“No, no,” He shook his head. “About having another baby. I want to start trying.”

Saddled with curiosity, she slid back into the truck and shut the door. “But, I thought you said we didn’t have time for that --”

“Yeah, I did say that. I still believe it. But … today made me realize that yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today …”

Alyssa’s hand flew to her mouth as she laughed out loud. Drake gave her a confused look before chuckling awkwardly to himself, “What’s so funny?”

She lowered her hand, still laughing. “You got that saying from a quote on a poster in my classroom. You’re the one who hung it up for me.”

The memory dawned on him, and he lowered his head, attempting to cover the guilty grin that spread over it. “Well, hell. Here I was trying to make you think I was all insightful and smart and stuff.”

Alyssa’s hand splayed across his rugged chest as she leaned over to kiss him.“You are very insightful and smart. You know I never settle for anything less than the best.”

“I s’pose.” he said, forking his fingers through his hair. “But … I guess what I wanted to say was … I know that bullet missed you, barely … but what if it hadn’t? What if I’d left those woods without you today? Just like you were afraid that doe might. Time wouldn’t matter anymore. There will NEVER be enough time with you. You’re my life, Alyssa Claire. You’re my lover, my friend, my heart, my confidante, my soul, my everything … my little peach. I want to experience all that life has given me with you as my wife … and forever make time with you.”

“DRAAAKEY!” she bawled, spreading her tiny arms wide around his bulky body. Alyssa drew him into her so hard it nearly crushed the wind right out of his lungs. “I -- love -- you -- so muuuch!” Drake patted her back and kissed into her hair as she sniveled into his shirt. He hated when she cried, but damn if this didn’t feel good to him. Anytime she was happy made him that way too. 

They took a moment to kiss and pet each other a little before Alyssa sat up and asked, “So … when do you want to start trying for a new baby Walker?”

He shrugged. “Whenever you want, baby.”

Alyssa looked through the back window of the truck and scanned the parking lot. She bit her lip and looked back at him impishly. “What about … now?”

Drake’s eyes flew open wide. “In the church parking lot?”

Pursing her lips, she affirmed, “Yes. We’ve done it behind the Piggly Wiggly plenty of times. And let's not forget the ‘Great Ass Blow-out of 2019’ in the Atlanta Convention Center parking garage.”

“I will never forget that.” Drake shook his head as that momentous sexual experience replayed in his mind. “Mmmm, you performed magic that day, woman.”

She raised a brow and coaxed him on, “So? What’dya say?”

Drake took a tentative look around at the dark, empty lot, then back at her. “We’re so going to hell, but I’m in.”

“Eeeeeee,” she squealed, jerking his arm around in excitement. “Try to keep your ass out of the window this time, okay?”

Thirty minutes later, Pastor Hakim pulled into the church parking lot with Mara, the game warden, following behind in her truck. There had been several reports from passerby’s of loud animals howling and screeching behind the church. The stray cat population was out of control in that area, and several cats had burrowed their way inside the church on occasion. 

Hakim parked his car, with Mara pulling in beside him. They both got out simultaneously and listened quietly to see if they could decipher where the commotion was coming from. 

Within seconds, a load moan roared out, followed by several consecutive whimpers that were hard to make out by the duo.

Mara listened intently, then gestured with her flashlight to an area near the back of the lot where clusters of shrubs and dry brush bordered. Hakim ambled behind her, the noise getting closer and closer until the pastor's brow furrowed at the shaking of a nearby truck.

“Damn, teenagers,” he grumbled as they tipped toed discreetly.

Mara crouched down by the truck's tailgate, Hakim bending over while she duck-walked toward the driver's side door.

The game warden turned to the pastor and instructed, “On my three. 1 -- 2 -- 3.” They both jumped up at the same time, flashing the light inside the cab. “HAHA Caught ya! OH MY GOD!”

Alyssa, who was on top of Drake, completely naked except for the band-aid on her left arm, looked up in utter humiliation and shock. She crossed her arms over her chest to cover her breast, feeling like she might faint. Not knowing what to say at that moment to rectify their actions or why those two were still staring inside the truck, Alyssa smiled sheepishly. “I’m still feeling the spirit, Hakim.”

---------------------------------

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[kleenexwoman]

Hilariously, Detroit actually has some of the most authentic Southern cooking you can get up North because of all the migrants from the South during WWII. Detroit, "the Arsenal of Democracy," had converted its automotive factories to make bombs, guns, planes, etc. for the war effort--something you can see the context of in the Diego Rivera mural at the Detroit Institute of Art. Needing employment, lots of folks from the South moved up North and brought their food with them. Detroit-spicy Southern cooking is all over Detroit, from tony brunch spots like Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles to the side-of-the-road barbecue grilles popular during the summer to places called stuff like "Brenda's Beans&Greens".

I wonder if @raine-the-ravioli went to Fuji Buffet, which is in the suburb of Madison Heights, and is one of the most authentic Asian buffets in the Midwest, and sometimes a little weird to people who are used to more Americanized fare. They have crab legs, hot pot, chicken feet and duck feet, and occasionally delicacies like snails or fried intestines, along with more standard dishes like Detroit favorite Almond Boneless Chicken and those little sticky honey spare ribs. They also have a huge sushi buffet. Their stuff is usually labeled, though, so maybe not. I used to know where there were more buffets in the Metro area because my grandpa really liked a good buffet -- we ran into Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick once at that place before he was, you know, jailed.

Actually, Madison Heights as well as Farmington Hills have amazing Asian food -- there are a lot of tech companies around there, which brings Asian immigrants these days, so there are places where you can't throw a rock without hitting a pho place, an import store that sells banh mis at the counter, a vegetarian Indian buffet that's so good you don't miss the meat, one with meat that's even better, a ramen place, a boba place, a satay hut... Also, the corned beef egg roll was invented here in 1973. It's possibly the most perfect drunk food in the world.

If you want African Diaspora food there's Ethiopian, Nigerian, Somalian, and Caribbean. But if you want Middle Eastern food it's mostly going to be Lebanese, which is actually fine because Lebanese food is amazing. And there's a ton of it. Any place with "Cedar" in the name is going to have garlic sauce (Toum) that can cure cancer.

Also, if you want Greek food there's Greektown. Yeah. We got a whole town for it.

There are more pride flags than you might think. Downtown, Metropolitan Community Church keeps a queer-friendly religious presence. Bars like Gigi's, Menjo's, and the Escape have been serving the local queer community for a long time. But for the true gayborhood you want Ferndale, home of Affirmations, the largest LGBTQAI+ community center in the Midwest, and nearby Royal Oak, which features kink store Noir Leather and queer coffeeshop 515.

The architecture in the city is old and a lot of it hasn't been updated or kept up well, unfortunately. But there are some Art Deco treasures like the Fisher Building and Penobscot Building, and of course the huge Renaissance Center that dominates the skyline from the Riverwalk.

There's more street art in Detroit for real beauty. The Heidelberg Project is pretty famous, but for my money the best exhibition is Dabl's African Bead Museum, which is not just a truly unique bead store but an outdoor art exhibition that includes a wall of African alphabets. And there are many murals along the Grand River Creative Corridor.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is definitely one of the best things Detroit has going for it, so I'm glad this homie got to see it.

I spent the day in America... @professional-termite @hyperfixated-maybe how do you guys live here?

My mom said we were gonna go to a buffet and I expected it to be like the nice local buffet run by an old Chinese lady that I usually go to but instead the food was so gross that I didn't eat anything and nothing was labeled

I also found Eddie Munson at the Detroit Institute of arts

All the street signs are different

I didn't see a single pride flag

The whole vibe was just... Gross?

A lot of homeless people

0/10 do not recommend

[esha-sims]

Finished the first rotation weeks ago already and finally got time to post and play the game again whooop! Next week I will start with ROS challenges. Fingers crossed they will be good.. Stats of round 1 will be under the cut..

the Maora family 

Moza didn’t have a really great first round. Failing her job as mayor, having a lot of failed dates and not really getting anything done didn’t put her in a great mood. Her plan is to only focus on her job next round. Well that is the plan, her next new distraction has presented itself as Xiao..

the Baker family

It was quite a busy round for this family. Lucas and Rosey immediately hit it off and soon got a baby girl named Marie. Balancing growing their garden, the new baby and their little grocery shop is tough but together they are a great team. At the end of the round they got engaged and there were some fireworks ;)

the Farmer family

Chelsy got a new haircut and some make-up because of Eden’s big transformation-plan. She had a few dates with townie Bronti but there wasn’t a really great connection. She can’t wait until the new born babies are grown up to children so she can be a teacher again. Until that time has come she is focusing on her little bookstore/library. The first book she wrote was a disaster, but she wasn’t going to give up quite that easily and directly started on her second one.

the Gold family

Eden threw a lot of parties and had some fun fiddling around with townie Gaspar. But what was supposed to be a one night stand got serious when she found out she was pregnant. They decided to move in together and raise Nora Gold together as friends. Gaspar also decided to take over upgrading the electricity network so Eden could focus on giving transformations. 

Stats.

(Playable) Sims: 8 x 2 (multiplier) = 16

Townies: 8/10

Families:

- Maora

- Baker

- Farmer

- Gold

Babies born:

- Nora Gold

- Marie Baker

Businesses: 

- the Green Bean - lvl 2

- Royal Books - lvl 1

Unlocked:

- Still only basic water & electricity

Taxes: 900

[undercaffinatednightmare]

"Henry!  Where have you been?  I was scared to death."  Myfanwy ran up and hugged the boy.  Her bright green hair blowing in front of her face.

"Who are you?"  The blonde woman in the red leather jacket asked.

Slightly alarmed, she looked up and saw... her.  Myfanwy heard all her life about a twin sister, but seeing the same face on a stranger was still a shock.  Emma looked just as taken aback. "Myfanwy Rogers.  Henry comes by the cafe for help with his homework everyday.  He didn't come two days in a row and I got scared."

“Right.” The hazel eyes narrowed.  "How did you say your name?"  She gave a belated apologetic smile.

She rolled her own eyes - one blue and one green with bits of gold around her pupil.  "Myfanwy. Mi-van-wee. Mivvy for short.  Not sure my parents liked me.  You are?"

"Emma Swan."  She looked confused.  "Sorry.  This town is weird."  Warily, she looked around before shaking her head.

"You just got here.  You haven't even scratched the surface.  Come by The Hideout sometime when you want the really weird stories."  She offered.  "Live in a place like Storybrooke, you can't exactly name it something normal."

"Alright.  Thanks."  Emma said and Myfanwy heard the hesitation in her answer.

The two started to walk away.  "I mean it, Emma.  Sometimes you need a good hideout."  More truth than you know, sister.  She thought and turned back to her car.

One of the great parts of being in a cursed town was no one did anything normal with their keys.  Mivvy was a ghost, a glitch in the matrix of the curse.  So she liked to randomly swap cars or take them for a ride to see how long it took the curse to adjust to the new information.  The clock tower chimed for the first time in years and she sighed.  She would be stuck with the black truck for awhile.  

Her house was a decommissioned lighthouse on an island that faced the harbor where she and Dennis built large hothouses in the back.  Larger than most people would need, but she had an orchard and plants to keep safe from the winter.  The other half of the property was where Dennis kept his beehives.

Blackberry bushes bordered her land and acted as a barrier, but her pride and joy were the new vanilla beans.  Her new apple trees were flourishing too.  She also had a variety of spice plants, but the delicate ones were the non-native trees - pears, peaches, and oranges.  Yeah okay, it was a weird hobby for Maine.  Dennis kept bees and she kept an assortment of plants that shouldn't thrive in northern Maine.

She also had flowers.  Mostly rare ones.  With several colors of anemones, purple, burgundy and white.  It made her happy in a town that was often difficult to navigate.  It was also an excuse.  She needed an outlet for her magic.  Growing plants no one else should have?  She had a hothouse.

Her oldest friend was the habor master and he ferried her to and from her home.  She could get to her cafe easily on the southeast side of town.  It was safer after she weakened the curse there.  Anywhere she had to cross the mayor or the pawnshop owner wasn't a place she needed to stay.  She also avoided the nuns at the convent.  Mother Superior was a bit too shady for her liking. 

Maybe her sister's arrival would herald a new era.  One not so damn boring.

[tumbleranch-dorm]

“You never heard of yodeling before? fufu I see.....no it’s nothing really Prefect”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Name: Ferdrick Y’Oddel

Japanese: フレデリック・ヨーデル

Romanji: Furederikku Yōderu

Other Name:

Ferd (himself)

Boss (Eb)

Sir (Clinton)

Roi de Yodel (Rook)

Rank 3 Narcissistic Player (Idia)

Squid (Floyd)

Yawneler (Leona)

Voiced by Akira Ishida

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Birthday: March 15

Starsign: Pisces

Height: 184 cm

Eye Color: Pesto Green

Hair Color: Tabasco Red

Homeland: Town of Iron Pistol

Family: Father, Mother, Cole (distant relative)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PROFESSIONAL STATUS

Dorm: Tumbleranch

School Year: Third

Class: 3-A Student no. 09

Occupation: Student and Dorm Leader

Club: Light Music Club

Best Subject: Music

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FUN FACTS

Dominant Hand: Left

Favorite Food: Scrambled Egg

Least Favorite Food: Canned Beans

Dislikes: Anyone dislike his talent

Hobby: Composing Lyrics, Guitar/Ukelele

Talents: Yodeling

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UNIQUE MAGIC “Yodeling is ART”

Controlling the minds of mages, even creatures with his hypnotic yodeling. This effect will temporary give a distorted colorful eyes once whom heard him yodel. Anyone couldn’t resist the power of his vibrant tune and obediently do what the user’s command and chances are might lose the memory during the hypnotic trance in the aftermath.....unless it was all just a dream.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Ferdrick is what the dorm needs for a leader to take over Tumbleranch. Truly industrious and sharp-witted yet confident and narcissistic with very much proud of himself possessing these kinds of traits. There are times he can be annoyingly too prideful having the tendency to flaunt others by his gentleman looks with his smooth talking especially likes to showing off he has the most beautiful yodeling voice than any yodeler’s out there. He does also sing but he prefers to yodel a lot. Very confident of his potential he wouldn't care less what others think about his talent, he's very self-assured of his potential and wouldn't mind demonstrating if they insistently asked also wouldn't mind to butt heads with anyone or dorm leaders if they asked for a challenge from him. He would immediately accept it to prove that he can do better than anyone else

Ferdrick is also a legend fanatic, deeply respected but more adored the dorm’s legend “Vainglorious and Notorious Outlaw” Ferdrick has a lot of knowledge about the legend’s stories thanks to research and ancient books pretty much loves to tell tales about it with anyone of those who haven’t heard of him especially to first years

Being as egoistic as he is but Ferdrick's words and actions are truly friendly & gentle at times. He wouldn’t mind to lend a helping hands of his peers, juniors, or friends when the situations are in a pinch but rather done it behind the scenes and little do they know he does care and worries of his dorm mates welfare and show a bit of softness even though when everyone is a bunch of rebelled children. Although for TR (tumbleranch) students, they seem to have mixed feelings towards their dorm head. They have respected him taking the huge responsibility of taking care in good hands while trying to discipline them before doing anything dangerous and do promise he’d make the dorm a better place for a new coming of students to feel at ease and enjoy the life here as shown how much work he’d put through for a leader

Well.....that wouldn’t be wicked for him to do. Don’t get him wrong, he’s not the type of person who’d want himself to be involved in danger like all of Tumbleranch would, and besides he’s honestly would never become one of them. Not entirely fond with rebels but he’s kind enough not to spoil everyone’s crazy fun time, permitting them to do unnecessary things just as much as they want but not too far (people stated him to be called “Boss” of the organization because Ferd does act like one) meanwhile students were frightened by him because of his fury & sadistic nature. His speeches will change to violent containing hurtful or insensitive remarks, subconsciously murmurs with a head full clouded of harsh punishments and using his favorite weapon to threaten others off with just a smile but usually, he’d chose to smack the heads of those who disobeyed, anger, or upset him, that’s all. Not to mention he’d be more infuriating if anyone say YODEL SUCKS in front of him. With hardheadedness around, he thought of being the leader would likely take over the herd but didn't expect this to turn out frustrating and troublesome to deal with than he ever imagine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BACKGROUND

Born in a political family. He’s the only child living with his parents growing up in high-class society. Being pampered and groomed by maids and butlers everyday and his personality were different from before mainly he used to be so obedient towards his parents. His father is the mayor from his hometown “Town of Iron Pistol” while his mother is a sophisticated noblewoman from a noble family. Most of Ferd’s relatives, his father side, were well known and respectable politicians working part as the supreme democratic parties. His father wanted his son’s future to follow his footsteps as taking the position of deputy mayor and soon after, being as mayor once he grown to be a fine adult, one day. So during his childhood, both his parents decided to take Ferd in homeschooling and hired finest tutors giving him much proper educations of along with magic training living up to his life with no distractions in playing outside, nor with children, and nor meaningless children activities but books and learning mannerism then soon to realize Ferd felt nothing but bored and dissatisfied what his parent’s contribute to him. Few months later, the family went traveling for business and that time, Ferd happened to listen to country music for the first time by visiting to a concert. Young Ferd was contented by the music dreaming himself to be the famous country celebrity someday. Playing music and yodeling his heart out which is his first time feeling the excitement more passionate about it however none of his were parents approved of it. They thought it’s just a children’s fantasy and doubt their son’s dream becoming a country singer will ever come true and besides, they did the trouble raising him to be a successful son and it was right of them for their son to be one of the public parties just like their family. His dad was upset about Ferd and wouldn’t support his son’s dream by using his force to take away his instruments also forbids him to yodel. Despite the cruel punishment, Ferd had already made up his mind of pursuing his passionate dream, proving he can and will become a country celebrity. Time goes by, his relationship with his family are a bit complicated and constantly argue each other. Starting his college year at NRC, he decided to fake his own background. Lying to everyone believing he was an ordinary orphan who happened to got adopted by a loving and supportive family raised up to be hardworking, intelligent, and passionate boy he was and used that to hide his spoiled rich life behind. None of people of NRC even his dorm members know he’s a noble

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER FACTS

He’s twisted version of Alameda Slim the Cattle Rustler

Ferdrick & Cole are actually distant relatives

Likes to listen country music related

His hobby is composing lyrics and plays guitar or Ukelele often during his kill time that’s why he nailed his yodeling performance so effortlessly and rather play solo

Ferd wasn’t fond or more like having hard time handling bovines/cows. It’s not just he’s scared of them but it’s because he learned from his legend was defeated by unusual cows so he doesn’t trust them at all

Floyd calls him Squid because he sees Ferdrick & Azul similar because their appearance are slightly alike (long-sided hair but Ferd’s longer, wearing glasses and hat, both have their canes, act like mafia bosses) Both of them hates to admit

He has a cane that can turned into a branding iron and usually fights with that

He’s good at gun firing and sword fighting

He’s slow at counting moneys

Made a promise to his favorite Idol that he’ll become a country star as them someday from ong time ago

Had a bad relationship with his parents and doesn’t want to talk about

Y’Odell wasn’t actually his surname. He never wants to reveal the real surname to anyone

[currentfandomkick]

Miraculous Team and the Batboys

Longer update, wrote the ao3 version first this time. if you want to find me there, crazyjc.

--

Thankfully there weren’t any akuma attacks that day or that night. Marinette was glad to get some sleep for once. Her body, confused and used to a few hours a night, got her up early.

Marinette decided to help with the morning rush—quick to handle the register and make adjustments to some people’s orders (no extra charge for the exhausted high school and college students) when she managed to find someone as dead as she was after an akuma messed up her commission schedule and sleep was skipped for a week.

“Wow, you’re getting the ‘Please Don’t Let Me Die Again Yet’ special.” Marinette turned before the zombie could speak. “Maman, watch the register, someone looks worse than midterms and commissions me.”

Once Maman took the register again, Marinette worked on her disaster drink that only a few particular customers knew of from her personal menu--mainly the dead college and high school students insane enough to pull a weeks worth of all nighters like her. And baby parents that liked her parents bakery.

Gurarana beans instead for the extra caffeine with her special blend of licorice root, peppermint and green tea poured in--double the caffeine with less effort, glucose for the brain fuel, sweet and mint for wakeup and focus, and green tea for lasting energy boost.

“Here, this should keep you up and a bit more functional than usual.”

The man raised an eyebrow.

“Oh my god, what got Finals Angel up this early?” One of the regulars almost yelled, staring at her with a look that screamed the universe was going to collapse in on itself, and they were now anticipating this outcome until they got their morning fix.

Marinette shrugged, moving to the next customer as the dead man took a seat and pulled out his laptop. She continued to help until it was getting close to class.

“Maman, the rest of that brew is under the cabinet for the laptop zombie, I’m taking my morning delivery now.”

Maman took over while Marinette made her way to school, passing out the usual deliveries as she moved about.

“Adrien, your insult to caffeinated monstrosities everywhere.”

“Thanks Marinette!” The blond held his (essentially) hot chocolate with one pump expresso, and five three shots of caramel on top of whip cream.

“Chloe, why you have me grab something this sweet this early is only further proof of your crimes against humanity.”

“You’re welcome Dupain-Cheng.” The girl nabbed her (in Marinette's opinion) low caffeine sugar water--licorice root with half a bottle of honey, and lots of ice with whip cream and honesy drizzled on top. She would never understand that order, but was too afraid to ask at this point. She might be taking the Bee thing too far.

“Alya, thank you for being a sane coffee person, Nino, we are having a talk about your scheduling.”

“Thanks gurl." Because close or not, Alya was an addict with a simple and reasonable coffee that restored Marinette's sanity while making it.

Nino groaned as he took his pastries and three cream, one expresso. “Not again, I still haven’t recovered from the last time.”

Marinette shrugged. “Your mistake, not mine.”

“Oh, did you get my cookies?” Sabrina asked.

Marinette rolled her eyes with a fond smile. She likes Sabrina when she isn't in full cling mode, and giving her boxes of pre-paid cookies put together on Marinette's whims? Very calming after dealing with Adrien and Chloe's offending orders. “Yes. You paid for a different set everyday.”

“Thanks!” Sabina examined her current mix, more obscure cookies since Marinette got them before the morning rush.

“Markov, please tell me Max got some sleep last night?” Marinette asked as she handed another of her special “Max needs a nap but is to stubborn to” order--which is essentially an energy drink blend with a few slow-release teas mixed in.

“Affirmative. He got the requested minimum of three hours. I will ensure he gets more once school is out.”

“I’ll take what I can get.” He was less prone to akumatazation with more sleep, and Hawkmoth does like using Max. Marinette likes knowing she can have her teammate in the field without wondering if he'll pass out.

Marinette took her seat by Alya. They weren’t as close anymore, but it did mean Lila was alone in the back and didn’t see the group document.

“Class, we have a new student today!”

Marinette frowned. She wasn’t informed of any newcomers. She looked over at Chloe who huffed. She didn’t know either then.

“Class, this is Damian Grayson from America. His father is here on business and will be joining us for the semester!”

Chloe and her shared a look. With Chloe as the current president and Marinette as the head of the welcome committee, this was very last minute for them not to be informed. Especially as Bustier had the time to since both were here early.

Alya shot her a look.

Marinette shook her head. She really didn’t know, and it bugged her.

Alya narrowed her eyes as the new boy came in. Black hair, stood too straight and Middle Eastern. She wondered what his first language was briefly--someone in school was bound to be fairly fluent. If it was related to Arabic, Rose would be a good translator. Her and Adrien both have Mandarin now, and her English was passable to Americans--not so much for the UK. Alya has Spanish while Nino has Portuguese covered. Chloe was good for UK English and so was Adrien, but those two weren't good for new kids... especially from the America. Mylene, Ivan, Nathaniel and Juleka were bad at talking most of the time, so they were no-gos...

And she still had to finish Ali's commission… This would be a headache if they were an old Chloe-type.

“Damian, why don’t you tell us about yourself.”

“No need to. I do not plan on making friends.”

And he was worse than an Old Chloe-type. There went her free period for commissions.

The entire class shared a look, and Marinette wanted to groan. This boy would be in for a rude awakening—there was no escaping friendship in Bustier’s class. And anyone difficult? They would sent Marinette as envoy--hopefully Alya didn't make easy.

“I presume my seat is in the back?”

“Actually,” Alya stood up with a grin, “I was going to sit back with Lila to help her catch up in our next class.”

Marinette froze as she realized what Alya was doing. Keeping the new kid from Lila was good, but she also needed to keep Alya from falling for Lila’s lies again. And she has no clue on his preferred languages and uh!

“Alya,” she hissed.

“Don’t worry, I got this.” Alya moved to the back with ease before the boy could say a word.

Marinette hit her head. Why was her friend like this?

“I guess that means you’ll sit next to Marinette. Marinette, can you show Damian around during your free period?”

Marinette knew that tone. There was no refusing without a lecture on being a good role model and another reprimand for stepping down from class representative and student government when she got more commissions and needed more time.

“Of course Miss Buster.”

Damian took his seat without saying a word.

Marinette decided it was better to stay silent with this one--he didn't want friends, and would only be here briefly. She could respect that, even if she could feel the others scheming otherwise.

“What do you mean you know—“

“Oops,” Lila grinned. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

And that was what Marinette was hoping to avoid.

Damian twitched next to her. Marinette sighed, “One sec, I need to remind someone to check her sources before getting ahead of themselves… again.”

Nino shot Marinette a sympathetic look while Marinette linked three redacted articles that starred Lila as her main source.

“And done.”

Damian raised an eye brow at her. “You aren’t going to pester me, correct?”

Marinette rolled her eyes. Honestly? “You made your stance clear. I’m here as the actual head of the welcoming committee, and during free period I’ll just need to know your interests so we can avoid the parts of the school that aren’t relevant for you, and to make sure you have an idea how to handle akuma attacks since I’m going to guess they didn’t tell you about that before you applied.”

“tt,” Damian leveled her with a scowl. “Of course I know about them.”

Marinette didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “So you know where to go for shelter, the drills, the apps and news sources that are good for tracking, which hospitals are contactable during attacks and which ones go into lock down, oh and what actions are allowable and not as civilian aides to the miraculous team?”

The boy froze before her. He didn't then.

Her face slid into a more neutral one--keeping her gloating to herself.“That’s what I thought. I have a few flow charts in the committee room to grab since its an info dump and no one processes those well, and your learning style may benefit from it for all I know.” Marinette made sure not add ‘since some people can’t be bothered to tell me.’ The new boy clearly wasn’t interested in friendship, and despite what the class thinks, she is not friendship-nip.

“I…”

“Class, turn to page 67 of your textbook. Marinette, make sure to share with Damian.”

“Yes Miss Bustier,” Marinette moved the book between the two of them, ignoring Damian besides checking where his eyes were on the page before turning as they followed along.

Once their free period began, Adrien had a Chloe guarding him against the Lila octopus, with Sabrina flanking his other arm as backup.

“I take it those three are together?” Damian asked once they left.

“No, Chloe doesn’t share her friends well,” Marinette explained as they moved through the halls. “And it keeps away his fans, so no one stops it anymore.” Not unless they wanted the Mayor’s ire at least. It was very effective against Lila.

“I see…” He was watching her. She wasn’t sure if it was an American thing or just a tic of his. Possibly both.

“That’s where the teacher’s offices are for before and after school,” Marinette gestured to one wing. “All the doors are labeled, so its easy enough to find who you’re looking for as long as you have a name. You’ll find most of the school services there as well, minus the nurse who’s room is closer to the quad.”

Marinette smiled when they got to welcoming committee room. None of the other members were there at the moment, but the file cabinet was. She grabbed one of the ready-made packets and grabbed a spare Bustier Class packet too.

“Here’s the information for being new in Paris, everything from common places to eat, the good hole-in-the-wall places itemized by what you’re looking for, everything relating to akumas is on the red papers, and the yellow is the school’s map and procedures.” Marinette handed him the blue folder, then the orange. “This one is the Bustier-class specific one approved by Miss Bustier. It lists everything from class rules, what caused various akumatazations with the victim’s consent to disclose it, so not all are listed, and it has your schedule and the class outing dates plus who’s interested in what on the pink pages for possible friends, but you said you weren’t interested so we can skip that.”

Marinette watched him look over the papers for a moment, waiting until his attention was back to her. “Now, anything you have a vague interest in that you might have some random inclination to do at Dupont during your free periods, before or after school?”

Damian raised an eyebrow at her.

“Its you let me tailor the tour for you, or you have to go all over the school and talk to me the entire time, when we both know you’re really not interested.”

“Tt.”

Marinette shrugged. “Have it your way, now, on with the tour!”

--

Damian gawked at the core ciruculum including what he knew was more college level than high school level. Then there was the fact these students had access to multiple state of the art facilities tailored to current students interests on campus, with little issue getting them apparently.

“How does your school get all of this?”

The pigtail girl almost laughed at his question. “I guess they just sent you here since we have the most flexible curriculum routines then.” The girl shifted how she stood. “Dupont is an experimental school, everyone is given high expectations on entry but as long as you keep up with grades the school gets whatever any student requests—a few years ago we had one kid that was allowed to do rocket science as part of his program, he went to some German facility with a translator every other day. Alix has a blanket permit to do street art and installations on public property, as long as she gets her design approved and can give them her schedule as long as she helps other student with history classes. I get full access to any designing materials as part of my deal with the school in exchange for doing any school event costumes and tailoring jobs that I get a two week notice on.”

Damian nodded along, processing this new information. Suddenly, the high amount of akumas from graduates and current students of Dupont made sense. They were specialists, extremely skilled at their crafts and more likely to be knowledgeable than the general population on a variety of topics.

--

Marinette was glad for their hour-long lunch. “I’d ask if you wanted someone to eat with you, but you look like you need some time to process. I’ll check in before school ends.”

She ran home, noting that the man from that morning was still there but looked much less like he would keel over sometime soon. She knew that brew would help. She grabbed a croissant and ran upstairs to finish Prince Ali’s latest commission—a variant on his usual princely attire that was more maneuverable but still formal enough that no one would notice when he wore that one instead of the traditional one.

She had a feeling he was going to use it to sneak away from his guards.

She set an alarm and got to work.

She was quick to leave once the alarm sounded—she gave herself an extra five minutes this time.

“Hey, you’re the coffee angel, right?”

Marinette turned to see the man from that morning, now much more alive.

“I guess.” Marinette knew not to give out names to customers unless her parents deemed them not-stalker-y.

“Thanks, that thing actually worked. What’s in it?”

Marinette smiled at that. “Sorry, that’s a secret not even Maman and Papa get to know.”

“Huh,” the man processed her words. “Guess I’ll have to keep coming when I’m low then.”

Marinette nodded. “Guess so, good to see you’re no longer a zombie monsieur!”

She ran off at that, not sure what to think of them yet, other than if they needed that drink regularly, they might be worse than her. And she has heroing as an excuse. He doesn’t.

--

Holy shit was not expecting this response.

Thank you all so much, was not expecting this much positive response and i think my brain broke a bit, in the good way.

So, we have a new fan to Marinette's secret menu, and a Damian slowly realizing why the school is targetted who is also going with the 'I don't do friends' thing, again.

leaving this one as a poll: Damian calls out Lila by the end of the day for how Marinette and him end up as friends, or he puts together Marinette is doing a lot for the class by the end of the day and wants to figure out why, especially after reading the Ladyblog during lunch, or any other ideas.

Any ideas on how Marinette meets Dick and Jason for when she meets the next round of Batboys?

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @littleredrobinhoodlum @northernbluetongue @kceedraws @pirats-pizzacanninibles @theatreandcomicfreak @daminett4life @catthhay @weird-pale-blonde-person @amayakans @chocolatecatstheron

[mystical-flute]

Split Second: A Once Upon a Time One-Shot

AO3 || Buy Me a Ko-Fi

A split second. That's all the time Zelena has to make her decision. A 5x21 "Last Rites" fix-it.

Something was wrong.

Zelena wasn’t sure exactly what, but she felt a deep sense of dread as she returned to the Town Hall with a bag of baby essentials in tow. She should have been excited, after all, she and Hades were ready to start their lives in control of Storybrooke.

Emma was still outside throwing magic at the barrier, and she could see Belle flipping through a book, clearly trying to find some sort of magic spell or enchantment to get through, but Zelena smugly knew it was useless.

Still… Emma was outside, so she couldn’t be the one causing the feeling of dread. She wasn’t worried about the snow bird or the prince either - they likely were having a private reunion with their son, and honestly, Zelena didn’t blame them. In fact, it may have been the smartest move she had seen out of them.

Zelena had always thought Snow had the brains in the relationship.

There was one person though. Well, two people, actually, who could have been desperate enough to get to the baby, and as soon as she realized, Zelena knew that was where the sense of dread must have been coming from.

Regina. It had to be Regina, and more than likely, Robin.

Zelena moved faster, sprinting down the long hallway to the mayor’s office. As she approached, she could hear voices. Hades was gloating, Robin was a panicked father, and Regina was sounding more like the heroes than an Evil Queen.

Her blood ran cold when she heard Hades say “Olympian Crystal”. If that thing hit her sister… if it hit Robin… Zelena couldn’t imagine it.

Hades loved her, right? So there was no way he would use the crystal on someone she loved, right? Zelena had even told him that she wanted to work with Robin on co-parenting their little girl, so surely, he wouldn’t be willing to kill him too, right?

But he was.

There he was, holding the Olympian Crystal in his hand, raising it in Regina’s direction.

She saw Robin move, but Zelena was quicker, summoning the crystal into her hand.

She didn’t have any other choice. She knew if Hades would be willing to kill her sister, then… perhaps there was no way he truly loved her, or cared about her.

So Zelena did the only thing she could think of: She stabbed Hades, right in the back.

He gasped, horrified and managed to turn around.

“You - you said you’d never hurt me,” he choked out.

“So did you,” she sobbed, glancing in Regina’s direction. “You broke that promise first, Hades.”

Hades let out one last gasp, disappearing in the misty light, and that was when Zelena fell to her knees, sobbing and shaking harder than she ever had.

Regina was at her side immediately, pulling her into a hug that Zelena was all too happy to return. “Zelena, you - ”

“I know what I’ve done! I’ve killed the only opportunity I had at happiness!” Zelena shouted. “I know I’m going to be back in that damned asylum room.”

“You saved me,” Robin said quietly, the pink bundle in his arms. “I will never be able to repay you, Zelena.”

“I think you can,” Regina replied, looking at Zelena. “You did the hardest thing anyone would ever have to do. I think we can allow you your freedom, Zelena.”

Zelena looked up, wide-eyed. “Wh - you must be joking.”

“I’m not. Little green bean would want her mother… and you deserve to have a chance of happiness. I think you’ve atoned for your actions.”

More tears escaped from Zelena. Conflicted, hot tears rolled over her cheeks onto the floor. She was overjoyed, yes, but the cost was so high, and she was never going to be in love again.  “I don’t know what to say.”

“ROBIN! REGINA!” Emma shouted, her footsteps drawing closer and skidding to a halt when she arrived in the doorway. “Are you both okay? What happened?”

“Zelena saved our lives,” Robin said calmly. “She defeated Hades.”

“And the baby?” Belle asked with a brush of her hand against her stomach that had Zelena raising a brow.

“She’s perfectly fine,” Regina said with a smile. “We’re all safe.”

“Not all of us,” Emma muttered.

Zelena noted the brief flex of Regina’s hands and the roll of Belle’s eyes behind Emma’s back, but said nothing.

“Well… since the danger has passed - again - perhaps it’s time we get some dinner?” Regina suggested. “Emma can call Snow and Belle, you can call Rumple and have them meet us at Granny’s?”

Belle smiled and nodded, heading back down the hall. Emma seemed more reluctant to leave, but eventually did so.

“You just wanted them out of the way, didn’t you?” Zelena asked with a weak smile.

“Yes. Fond as I’ve grown of the heroes, we were in the middle of something,” Regina replied with a shrug. “And that’s what you’re going to do now that you’ve managed to overcome your darkness.”

“I… I assumed I was going to never see my baby girl again,” Zelena admitted. “I don’t know what the next step is.”

“Not at all,” Regina said. “You can move in with Henry and I, if you like, so you aren’t so far away from the town in that big farmhouse of yours.”

“She should also probably have a name at this point,” Robin added with a small shrug. “So we can call her something besides ‘baby girl.”

“I...think she should be named after you.”

“Me?” Robin asked, his face soft as he turned to the little girl in his arms. “I’m honored. Hello there, Robin… here, Zelena… you can carry her to the diner.”

Zelena managed to stand on shaky legs, taking Robin with a small smile. “My little Green Bean. You’re going to grow up so loved…”

Robin blinked up at her and let out a gurgle that nearly melted Zelena’s heart.

“Ready to go?” Regina asked.

Zelena nodded, following them out of the hall, and stepped into her new dawn.