#And Joaquin is bringing snacks

[the-eldritch-it-gay]

the ideal group of friends among my da ocs n canon characters in my mind is Fenris, Serafine, Abjid, Azahar, and Zevran. Because they’re 🤝🏽 on trauma and also These Elves Can Murder You So Hard.

Together it’s My OCs That I Project My Trauma On and Project My Horrific Experiences Working As And Or Being Treated As A Custodian/Maid, and The Canon Characters I Cling To For Comfort.

[unfunpleasures]

unfunpleasures OFMD fic directory

I’m bad at using Tumblr now, but it feels like I should, at the very least, have a fic master post.

One-shots

Fig-ured Out: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated G; 1,526 words. Stede's online date doesn't show, but that doesn't mean his evening is a wash. A prompt fill for OFMD Fluffvember 2023 Day 7: First date | "It's pouring down out there."

24-Hour Pharmacy: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated T; 2,436 words. It’s New Year’s Eve and Ed is alone. Even better: he’s en route to the only drug store on this side of town that’s open all night tonight, and it’s after 11 and he’s risking life and limb (okay, that’s probably an exaggeration, but drunk drivers and weirdos abound on nights like this) to go grab a pregnancy test, some snacks, and a bottle of moscato (which depends on how the test goes) for his roommate Anne. Not like he had anything better planned, honestly– ordering takeout and watching TV with Anne had been his big plans for the evening– but it’s cold and dark and loud and he’s not super thrilled with how the night’s going. Then he meets someone in the snack aisle and he changes his tune a little.

It’s a Date: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated T; 2,769 words. Stede's a regular at the coffee shop Ed works at. They're both going to a party at Lucius', but Stede's bringing a date. Ed's bummed about it.

Help Me Make It Through the Night: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated E; 5,867 words. Ed’s a champion bull rider who’s just lost to relative-newcomer Stede Bonnet. On their respective drives out of Wyoming, a summer storm leaves them both looking for a place to stay. Written for OFMD AUgust 2024 Day 6: Rodeo and #OneBedWeek. (You can find the podfic here.)

Picking Flowers: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated G; 2,002 words. Stede decides to pick some flowers and gets caught in the act. Written for the OFMD Gotcha For Gaza event.

Longfics

Kings River, 1969: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated E; 33,155 words. Fresno County, CA, June 1969. The mighty Kings River runs through the San Joaquin Valley of California, beginning as snowmelt in the high Sierras and running over 132 miles down the valley to where it terminates near what used to be Tule Lake. Besides providing a haven for wildlife and fishermen alike, there are multiple powerhouses along its course, and it provides irrigation for over a million acres of farmland, including several dozen acres of citrus along the south bank of the lower river in Piedra. This was the domain of one Edward Teach: 29 years old, single, and trying his damndest to keep his criminal record from getting any longer. Ed works on a citrus farm along the Kings River and newly-divorced Stede Bonnet, fresh from Tennessee, has just taken a job as a horse trainer at the ranch up the road. Written for AU-gust 2023 day 14: place-based.

Stationary: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated E; 111,161 words. Edward Teach has made a massive mistake-- what's a few more? A Gentlebeard lovers to exes to lovers fic set in the modern era. (You can find the ongoing podfic here.)

SMAUs

Ask a Punk: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated E; ongoing. Ed Teach is a barista who lives at and co-runs a DIY space. Money is tight and times are tough, so when he literally runs into trust fund kid Stede Bonnet, whom he recognizes from the cafe as one of his regulars, at the local university, his housemates convince him to rope him in as a bankroll. Stede is game to help out, but it quickly becomes clear that neither has their mind solely on business. (You can find the Twitter thread here.)

Series

Drive Me, Crazy: Blackbeard/Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet; Rated E; ongoing. California, 1974. Stede Bonnet is fairly new to trucking, which he started as a means of getting some time away from his failing marriage. He enjoys the time on the road, but he finds it a bit lonely-- that is, until he meets seasoned driver Edward Teach. Series includes (in order): Daydreams About Night Things, Drive Me, Crazy, Still Thinkin' Bout You, 'Till The Rivers All Run Dry (longfic), Home For the Haulidays (Christmas one-shot), Baby, It's Pure Love (Valentine's Day one-shot), and Here In Love (CJizzy one-shot).

[jlealyza]

Unveiling the Joy Within

When I randomly decided to apply for the Special Program in Journalism, it was the best decision I've ever made. After years of training and practicing, I am finally back at the Regional Schools Press Conference. So here I am, unveiling the joy that happened during my two-day experience at the RSPC in Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City.

On Day Zero, we had to travel a day ahead of the contest since it took four hours to reach the venue. As I woke up exactly at 4 a.m., I was filled with excitement. I prepared all my things and got ready to go. Since there were no vehicles available in the early morning, I walked to our meeting place in the plaza. I stopped by the 7/11 to buy some snacks and then headed to the church to light a candle and pray. Afterward, we were off to Iloilo City.

Our first stop was in San Joaquin, and there wasn't much for me to do since I had nowhere to go. I simply stayed inside the van. Then our last stop was the venue. We waited a few minutes at the receptionist and left our baggage at the front desk since our room wasn't ready. We went to the cafeteria/poolside to have our lunch. Since I didn't bring my own lunch, I ordered chicken. Afterward, we killed some time while waiting for our room. (I don't know why I am writing this with so many details)

The first thing I did was explore the venue. Although it was my second time there, I didn't have enough time to fully explore it during my first visit. I talked to my friends, practiced, and read articles. Around 3 p.m., our room was finally ready, so we rested and I continued to practice. At 5 p.m., we had dinner, took some pictures, and visited different areas of the venue. Everything was so beautiful, and I had a lot of fun exploring the place. Around 7 p.m., we went to the rooftop, and that was the best part. From there, I could see the entire city, and it was breathtaking. The lights were bright, although it was still dark on the rooftop. It was a beautiful sight that met my eyes. After spending some time there, we went back to our room, practiced a little more, and then woke up at 3 a.m.

When my roommate's alarm rang, I immediately woke up and couldn't fall back asleep, so I read some articles. The only downside was that I had no internet connection since the Wi-Fi wasn't working, and I had to connect to a hotspot to access the internet. We had breakfast, and I could see a lot of people who would also be my rival (hehe) in writing. However, all I focused on was doing my best. The opening program went well, and I reminded myself to give my best. 

My contest was scheduled to be the first one, so I had no time to review. When it started, I had to rely on the facts I had memorized and trust my instincts. It was challenging, but I didn't hold back and gave it all. After finishing my article, I felt relieved and happy. We had lunch, and it started raining heavily, not just a drizzle. We had to decide whether to run back to our room or head to the poolside. Eventually, we all ran back to our rooms to grab our umbrellas (and it was so funny that we all just ran and had no idea what to do).

I had to prepare for the awarding/Saludo. Although I had a gut feeling that I wouldn't win, I was still excited. I knew that Ma'am Tin would win the Most Outstanding School Paper Adviser because I  believed she deserved it and we actually both applied this year. As for me, I did my best, but maybe this wasn't meant for me (for now, I guess?). As I expected, Ma'am Tin ranked first in MOSPA, and I placed second in MOCJ. 

I didn't feel any heartbreak feelings because I knew I gave my best, and that's all I could do. After the awarding, I spent the night making fun memories. First, after dinner, I went to the election for the writing guild, where I met new friends from different cities/provinces/places. I was elected as the secretary. We played a lot of games at the poolside and ate some pizza. We went to bed past midnight, knowing that the next day would be a tough one at the awarding ceremony. 

And indeed, it was a difficult day. How could I celebrate others' winning moments when I wasn't happy with my own result? It was the first time I cried after finding out that I didn't win. It was hard for me because I had given my best. I never missed a practice session or skipped any meetings/training/sessions, and I knew deep down that I had done my best. But then Ma'am Tin comforted us, and I realized that nothing was wasted. There are things beyond our control, and someday it will all make sense. 

I didn't have the appetite to eat, so I just went back to our room. While waiting for our door keys, I heard my roommate crying over the phone, which made me cry again. The three of us entered our room, and I locked the door. One friend went to the bathroom to cry, while I went to my bed and cried into my pillow. I could hear the conversation of my other friend. Then I set a 10-minute alarm on my phone because I thought I needed to eat and didn't want to waste the meal ticket. The three of us reflected on what had just happened, and I forced all three of them to eat, even though it was difficult.

Eventually, we decided to eat, and we were ready to go home. I packed all my things, and when my alarm rang at 12 noon, we went outside to eat. Afterward, we didn't head straight home because we decided to go to SM Mall to have some fun. I explored the place, bought some food, and then headed home. We arrived in Antique at 7 p.m. I went home and told my family everything. I was happy because they weren't disappointed, and they were happy with my achievement of getting second place in the award. 

The best thing was that I returned the money that I didn't spend. I only took a small amount for buying them some food. I spent a lot using my own savings because my parents invested a lot in supporting me, but I knew we needed money for my mom's treatment and medications. So, I hesitated to spend their money. All the expenses were mine, including paying for the hotel. That's why I cried because I felt like I wasted my money. (yet, NOTHING WAS WASTED). But anyway, as I said, there are things beyond our control, and this is just the beginning. I'll come back again and work even harder (not that I didn't work hard this time). I just want to say that I'll still give my very best, and I hope everything falls into place the next time I join the contest. Nevertheless, I was so happy that I finally experienced those lovely memories and I had a good time writing this one. Until my next Campus Journalism experience, I'll write it again very soon.

[handelplayssims]

We’re back and we’re here with an up-and-coming celebrity couple!

Johnny Zest and Joaquin Le Chen are a married couple seeking fame and fortune! For awhile, my goal was to improve the home on this lot but now my goal is to move out and get into the Acquisition Butte neighborhood. Because Johnny’s mother Nancy Landgraab is dead and the Landgraabs no longer live up there anymore! ...and yes, I had to modify relationships to make that canon.

Also I did do some modifications to Slipshod Mesquite over time. Firstly is a small addition of a music and creative trailer for Joaquin. And second is an additional trailer for when Geoffrey moved in with Johnny temporarily, but now lies open for roommates to live in with. We’ll see if it actually works this time. Though, more honestly, I want to see if I can move up to the non-Landgraab owned home first if I take what I want to bring with me and sell the rest.

...and we’re 42,748 short. Damn. Welp. BACK TO THE MONEY GRIN- what do you mean they won’t go off to their jobs until near the end of the week? Bah. At least there’s licensing songs.

But first first! Today is Prank Day, an automatically generated Sim holiday that will pop up if you don’t have anything scheduled. And both Joaquin and Johnny are goofballs who like getting their prank on. First, I set them up to do pranks in their workplaces. Then just did a few pranks on each other. And then! I set them lose across the neighborhood, pranking random passerby. Which works out for Johnny well, since I finished his joke star aspiration and am now working on the Friend of the World one.

Joaquin had a whim to discuss music with someone and I knew just the person. Candy Behr is his co-hort within the Spin Masters club and while he leads it...I really want her to actually do so. It’ll have to be something I work on when next I get back into her household. Also I set the two up to be woo-hoo partners, because Joaquin is the father of Candy’s daughter Lilly. Also Free Love NAP reigns here so it’s fiiiine! Fun friendly woohoo times can reign!

Also this is a result of the Free Love NAP. Lots of streakers. Anyway, Johnny’s next want is to make a friend and so glancing over his acquaintances, I call up Phoenix Burnes, a Sim of my own creation.

And here I just realize I have Johnny and Joaquin have the exact same summer outfit. Fun! Anyway, a good bit of socalizing and Johnny makes his new friend.

It is here that I notice the time. It’s Sunday and we have moderately famous sims here! It’s time to crash the Starlight Awards ceremony! And so I set these boys in their formal wear and then send them off to the lounge! Incidentally, this is when both of them get sleepy from staying up at night. It was a risk but it was one I was somewhat expecting. Also I was waiting for the bouncer to spawn in so that Joaquin could use his fame to allow Johnny in buuuut it was taking to long. I cheated and had him teleport in. This is a real good place for celebrities to meet and greet and chat with one another. Though Johnny is going to have to wait and see if they contact him first.

AND THEN THIS HAPPENED.

Kinda even forgot what song he was even nominated for. Ah well! So Joaquin is having a great time with his new award and Johnny is just exhausted and tired. At 11PM, the awards are over. I had the boys go to the toilet, get an overpriced snack and then head home.

Also somehow Judith is the entertainer of this place. She more strikes me as a pianist than a violinist. Anyway to bed with the boys and- GODDAMN IT we have one of those glitches where a sim won’t go to sleep! Naps on the couch for you Joaquin! BAH. THE NAPS WON’T WORK! Let’s travel to another lot and back home and see if that works. ...nope. Bah. Last option is to take a sim in and out of the household. Which I suppose I shall do. Annnd success! Finally! Now I can take a look at…

Neighborhood Watch!

Bruno Maher in the Maher household has died. Bruno went to sleep with the fishes.

Tiffanie Krueger in the Kureger household is now a Customer Support in the Retail Employee career.

Mt. Komorebi: The Kwa household has moved in.

Alivia Hook in the Hook household has died. Alivia experienced more embarrassment than any Sim can handle.

[sassysambucky]

Bucky calling Sam a snack

Send help, it occurred to me that Bucky loves using old affectionate terms to call Sam (like doll, darling, love, etc) but he’s slowly learning the new age slang, too, like snack. So

One day, lounging on the couch, Bucky comes across “Snack” on the ole’ touchscreen gadget so he grins, leans over, and tells Sam (probably in a goofy voice, too, fuck), “Hey, Samuel. You’re a snack.”

Listen. Sam immediately goes asdfghjkl and is blushing, smiling, laughing, says back, “Thank you, baby, you’re a snack, too.”

Of course, Bucky is fucking delighted by this response, and he takes it further and further until every week he’s coming up with a new snack to call him. Sam loves that it makes Bucky happy, so he bears with it, even making sure to google snacks that Bucky could have eaten back in the day to call him back (luckily, tons of old snacks still exist).

It’s to the point where Sam is on paperwork duty on any day and Bucky is bringing him lunch entering with, “Fresh cheese-less pizza for my flaming hot cheeto.” Joaquin is across the room pretending to listen to music at his desk while squealing. Sam blushes and says, “Thanks, jolly rancher,” and they kiss. On my life, they kiss.

[draftingteacups]

Imagine this, decidueye and inteleon both cool, suave (to other pokemon) and mysterious final evolution starters, who have been tragically friendzoned by the sweet and oblivious blissey, lol idk but I Can just imagine that their group dynamic is like Joaquin, Manolo and Maria’s from the book of life

Oh no, they got friendzoned alksdfjlkasjkl ☠️

Like Sobble being a massive crybaby for Azul before Happiny comes along. Sobble's embarrassed by the immediate and heavy affection but learns to love it and becoming calmer as a result. Just sweet baby vibes and cuddles with special Mostro snacks! Azul has to deal with Soni being in the Lounge as Happiny's playing and it be tense-

Rowlet is very stand-offish towards everyone and quiet overall, but Happiny brings a tiny bit of joy into his life and makes Rowlet open up to others in the process. Rowlet makes sure to keep Happiny from getting too distracted and brings her shiny rocks to show off. Happiny and Rowlet nap together under the tree shade.

Then when they all get to their final evolutions, Blissey's just happy to have her best friends and they just can't fight her on that, so they get friend-zoned hard while the other Pokemon are like "For real? Swing her off her feet!"

why is Happiny/Blissey reminding me so hard on my past OC alkdjlkfjaks

Their friend dynamic really matches Joaquin, Manolo, and Maria in a way. I remember watching that movie on a plane and I just felt tears at the Apology Song like dang.

[five-miles-over]

Joaquin Phoenix Characters - Sleepover Headcanons

Hi everyone! Hope you’re all doing well - staying healthy, safe and sane. This is just a fun little listicle about what some of our favorite characters would be like during a sleepover - what they’d like to eat, what they’d like to do, etc. The characters in this listicle are: 

• Arthur Fleck/Joker (”Joker”), Merrill Hess (”Signs”), Doug Holt (”Inventing the Abbotts”), Max California (”8 mm”), Jimmy Emmett (”To Die For”)  Johnny Cash (”Walk the Line”), Doc Sportello (”Inherent Vice”), Abbé de Coulmier (”Quills”), and Emperor Commodus (”Gladiator)

This is just a fun listicle, not designed to offend anyone. As always, please feel free to leave comments and/or constructive criticism below. Thank you, and without any further ado, please enjoy!

Arthur Fleck

• Favorite Snack: Frosted sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, just cookies in general (and don’t forget a glass of milk)

• Really likes doing arts and crafts (making necklaces, charm bracelets, slime, frames, you name it, he’s in)

• Very polite guest, will always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

• Enjoys watching “The Wizard of Oz” (and we cannot skip any songs)

• Surprisingly very good at charades

With the other characters: Arthur would be very happy to make friendship bracelets with Abbé, and indulge in a harmless pillow fight with Merrill.

Joker

• Favorite Snack: Popcorn, lightly salted

• Usually the first one to start a game of “Truth or Dare”

• Also, loves to take every challenge to the next level (Prank call someone? Nah, he’ll say to prank call the police, which btw you should never, ever do.)

• Gently needs to be told to put away his weapons.

• Seriously, do not teach him or invite him for a round of Russian Roulette

With the other characters: He could probably teach a very eager Commodus how to fire a gun, so...watch out? 

Also, he’d be having some pretty intense conversations with Max, Doc, and Jimmy about the kind of things they’ve all seen women able to do.

Merrill Hess

• Favorite Snack: S’mores and M&M’s

• Enjoys board games as well as outdoor activities (baseball, catching fireflies, tag)

• His favorite game to play at sleepovers though, is pictionary

• Tells a few too many stories about aliens

• Likes pillow fights

• Enjoys watching “Toy Story” and any of the “Indiana Jones” movies (because of the adventure)

With the other characters: When he’s not playing catch with Doug outside, he might be having a pillow fight with Arthur or watching whatever just happens to be playing. Also, his stories about extra-terrestrial beings may be the reason Arthur will need some more milk to fall asleep.

Doug Holt

• Favorite Snack: Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Usually is a very nice guest - he’ll bring over some store-bought snacks (chips/crisps, pretzels, onion rings) if not some meatloaf from home

• Actually has some great stories from his childhood about him and his brother

With the other characters: He would definitely make Johnny Cash laugh with his story about drawing fake sideburns to look like Elvis Presley. Also, don’t be surprised to find those two having a wrestling match or fist-fighting just for fun.

Max California

• Favorite Snacks: Beer and Pretzels

• Brings his own six pack of beer, the latest Playboy, Playgirl (every dirty magazine he has in stock), a few toys, and even some pornographic movies 

• He is the life of the party - he gets everyone laughing and whistling raucously

•  Brace yourself for some vulgar jokes and unrestrained swearing

With other characters: One time he brought a tattoo gun and gave Jimmy a tattoo of a skull and crossbones on the kid’s bicep. 

Much to the Abbé’s chagrin, Max is more than happy to read some of the stuff he brings to the party out loud.

Jimmy Emmett

• Favorite Snacks: Cheese Puffs and Candy Bars

• Kind of sloppy, and makes a mess when he eats

• The lightweight of the bunch- he gets buzzed after two glasses of wine. 

• He’s still great because he’ll laugh at almost any joke you tell him

• Also, Jimmy gives good hugs when he’s drunk or stoned (no one knows why)

With the other characters: Laughing over something weird while smoking pot with Doc. 

He’s also quite hooked on the magazines Max brings over, studying the photographs of women quite intensely.

Johnny Cash

• Favorite Snack: Not really a snack (more of a meal), but chili and cornbread

• Wouldn’t be a fan of karaoke, but definitely enjoys watching other people perform

With the other characters: Trying to be mature, Johnny would prefer to talk about Jesus with Abbé, or just watch the others try their hand at singing.

If all else bores him, he might just sweet-talk Commodus into saying, “They tell me your son squealed like a girl when they nailed him to the cross, and that your wife moaned like a whore when they ravaged her again and again.”

Doc Sportello

• Favorite Snack: Fruit (he seems to be someone who likes healthy, all-natural food)

• Brings his own stash of pot and paper for rolling joints

• LIVES for the karaoke -he’ll sing anything without any fear

With the other characters: Honestly, he’ll be lighting up a smoke and just having a great time in general. Will he sleep? Yeah, he will, but he’ll also enjoy hanging out with the other guys.

Abbé de Coulmier

• Favorite snack: Chamomile tea (because it’s calming) with biscuits

• The first to fall asleep at a sleepover (”Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”)

• If your prankster friend is around, Abbé might also be the first to wake up with an ink mustache

• Might insist on leading a group prayer before everyone “sleeps”

• Would enjoy watching either “The Ten Commandments” or a sweet, vintage film like “Roman Holiday” or “Sabrina”

With the other characters: After an obligatory drink with the host, the Abbé would enjoy speaking about the Lord with Johnny Cash. And of course, he would keep his rosary handy for when Max comes with...lewd party favors.

Emperor Commodus

• Favorite snacks: Charcuterie boards (cured meats, various pungent cheeses, olives) and Gelato

• Usually enjoys hosting sleepovers more than being invited to sleepovers

(mainly because it’s safer for him and he gets to be in charge of everything)

• Still, he is a very good host.

• Unlike the others, he’s surprisingly okay with hot oil massages, cooling facials, and even manicures 

• Wine tasting while gazing at the stars

• When it comes to Truth or Dare, he’ll choose some of the most extravagant dares to prove he’s not afraid of anything (even though he really doesn’t want to do any of them)

• Very, very very fussy about cleanliness - he does not like the idea of his silk sheets being stained with orange cheese dust or melted chocolate (looking at you, Jimmy...), or his tidy rooms smelling of pot

With the other characters: He once tried to host a private gladiatorial show for his guests...let’s just say there’s a reason lions are not supposed to be inside the palace. Other than that incident, him and the Abbé were actually able to have a nice few moments together for once, bonding over experiences with wine.

His favorite guest to invite is Max. Seeing as how the Abbé will not bring any of the Marquis’s books, Max is the one bringing the most entertainment and comedy.

[bumblesimagines]

Sharing Is Caring

Request: Yes or No

Summary: (Y/N) Keller never believed in true love. He did hookups but nothing serious. It broke Betty's heart since she had fallen for him the moment she met him. Her hurt and jealousy intensifies when Veronica Lodge joins the picture but Veronica has the perfect idea.

~

Betty turned the page of the book, feeling the edge of the paper as she read the lines. Her line of thought was disrupted as someone put their book down infront of her. She looked up, seeing light green eyes and slicked-back hair. She smiled gently.

"Kev.." She greeted softly. Kevin grinned in return, sitting across from her.

“You won’t believe who asked me out on a date!” Kevin took off his bag, placing it on the table. Betty giggled at his excitement, feeling happy for her friend.

“Remember Joaquin?” Betty nodded. “Well, he said that he’s free later tonight and asked if I was up for a date at Pop’s and added that I could bring a friend and their partner as like a double date type of thing. So... I was wondering if-”

“Kev, I don’t have a boyfriend.” Betty reminded. Kevin pouted, nodding.

“I know, Betty, but you can always come with a friend. Maybe Archie?”

“I don’t think Valerie would like that.”

“Jughead?”

“Jug doesn’t do ‘dates’.” Betty closed her book, sliding it into her bag. “Why don’t you ask Arch? He’ll happily help.” 

“Yeah but I want my bestie to be there.” Kevin placed his head on his fist, eyes distant as he tried to come up with something. Betty watched his eyes light up and a grin spread across his face. She frowned. That grin brought nothing but trouble.

“Hey, (N/N)!” Kevin called out. Betty straightened her back and quickly smoothed out her pink sweater. Kevin chuckled quietly, watching his friend silently freak out.

“What’s up, Kev?” (Y/N) asked, hand gripping his backpack strap. The hood of his jacket was up, making his face pop out more. His lips were stretched out into a smile, showing off his pearly whites. 

“I’m going on a double date and Betty here needs someone to go with her. I was wondering if you could tag along? Unless you have practice?” Kevin stared up at his brother with puppy eyes. (Y/N) rolled his eyes.

“Kev-”

“Please?” With a defeated sigh, (Y/N) nodded.

“Okay, fine. I’ll go on this.. double date with you. I’ll finish practice early, alright?” (Y/N) ruffled up his brother’s hair, glancing at Veronica as she sat down. 

“Sorry, I’m late! Mrs. Jefferson held me back.” She explained, giving them all smiles. Her eyes landed on (Y/N) and her smile grew wider. She stuck her hand out.

“Veronica Lodge, pleasure meeting you, handsome.” She purred. Betty dug her nails into her palm, watching them shake hands.

“(Y/N) Keller.”

“Kevin’s brother? I’ve heard so much about you!” Veronica tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear. 

“All good things I hope..” (Y/N) glanced at his brother with a cocked brow. Veronica giggled, nodding.

“He brags about you a lot. I see why now.” She said, finger toying with her pearl necklace. Betty licked her lips, heartbeat picking up. Of course, Veronica just had to come along and insert herself. Kevin cleared his throat.

“As much as I’d like to see where this goes, I’m afraid my brother has things he needs to do,” Kevin said. (Y/N) rolled his eyes, saluting them as he walked away.

“He’s a walking snack. The genes in your family are crazy.” Veronica said, watching him. Kevin chuckled, nodding.

“We get that a lot. But in other news, (Y/N) does not care about love. He wants to focus on his grades and ice skating. He does hookups but absolutely nothing serious. He’s a notorious heartbreaker, even though he doesn’t mean it.” Kevin told her, glancing at Betty. Veronica hummed, picking up the green apple.

“There’s nothing a Lodge can’t fix.” She smiled, biting into the apple. Kevin swallowed.

“Uh, another thing is... Betty has had the biggest crush on him.” 

“Oh..” Veronica chewed on the apple piece in her mouth, nodding slowly. Betty shifted her gaze onto the table.

“It’s not a big deal or anything... If you like him, you should go for it. I won’t stop you.” Betty mumbled. Veronica reached over, hand grabbing her wrist gently.

“I’m not gonna fight with my new bestie over a guy! We can... Share. After all, sharing is caring.” 

“You guys do know I’m still here, right?” Kevin questioned playfully. Betty gave a small smile. 

~

“And where are you going, young lady?” Alice questioned, arms crossed as she watched her daughter get ready. Betty glanced at her as she tied her hair back.

"I'm going to Pop's with Kev."

"Just Kevin?"

"And his brother." Betty stared at her reflection, fixing her off-shoulder navy blue sweater and jean skirt. Alice raised an eyebrow.

"(Y/N)? Hmph." She tapped her finger against her arm. Betty looked at her mom.

"What?" She asked softly.

"Nothing, Betty, I just think it'd be better if it was you and Kevin alone-"

"Kevin's boyfriend's gonna be there and he didn't want me to feel like the thirdwheel so he invited his brother. Plus, mom, you know (Y/N) is more focused on skating and school." Betty said, pulling two strands out of the ponytail to complete the look. Alice sighed, nodding.

"But I want you home by 11. Sharp." Betty nodded, watching her mom walk away. Betty put on some gloss before grabbing her bag and flats. She put the flats on and headed downstairs. Betty opened the door, closing it behind her once she stepped outside. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.

"Betty!" She opened her eyes, looking at the boys. She smiled, getting off her porch and approaching the car. (Y/N) was driving, considering it was his precious car, while Kevin was in the passenger seat.

"Hey, Cooper." Joaquin greeted.

"Hey, Joaquin." Betty gave him a smile.

"Oh, wow, I think this is the first double date I've ever gone on with my brother." Kevin said.

"And it's gonna be the last." (Y/N) replied playfully, smiling at his brother. Betty giggled, glancing out the window. Her eyes slowly moved from the passing trees to (Y/N). He kept his gaze on the road as Kevin quietly hummed along to the music. Joaquin gazed lovingly at Kevin making Betty smile. They were total opposites yet the perfect couple. Betty thought about her and (Y/N). He was the nice, sporty guy while she was the sweet cheerleader. A typical couple but everyone loved it. Betty blinked as the car stopped and everyone began to get out. She got out of the (F/C) car, watching as Kevin and Joaquin held hands when they entered Pop's.

"How are we gonna compete against that?" (Y/N) joked, locking the car. Betty smiled.

"I don't think anyone can beat them." She replied, walking with him. Pop's was a bit empty, a few couples and random people sitting around, some working while others chatted. Betty slid into the booth Kevin and Joaquin were in, (Y/N) following. Betty stayed mostly silent, listening to Kevin tell funny stories. All throughout, (Y/N) would chime in while Joaquin just watched Kevin, pecking his cheek and causing the bubbly boy to swoon. Betty flushed when (Y/N) propped his arm around her casually but she told herself that it wasn't romantic. (Y/N) was just comfortable around her.

"So, how long have you two been together?" Joaquin asked. Betty felt her ears heating up.

"We're not a couple." She said with a shy smile.

"We're friends." (Y/N) removed his arm from around her, leaning forward and drinking from his milkshake.

"Oh, well, you two would make a cute couple." Joaquin said. Betty shrugged.

"(Y/N) is keen on not finding love until high school's over." Betty said. Joaquin cocked a brow.

"You only experience-"

"High school once.. Yeah I know. Everybody tells me that. I mean, I have my whole life to find love, why start now?"

"Why not? At this rate, you'll join the Olympics and that'll take up all your time." Joaquin wrapped an arm around Kevin.

"I don't mind. I'll probably leave this town after high school... Go off and compete professionally... Probably find a girl and marry her-"

"Have kids and come back to this tiny town to live off the rest of your years." Joaquin finished for him.

"Happens to the best of us." (Y/N) shrugged.

"What about you, Betty?" The blonde played with the sleeve of her sweater.

"I'll probably stay here.. Take up a job as a reporter or teacher." Betty replied, swirling her straw around the glass, watching the milkshake mix together.

"I always saw you as a housewife." Joaquin said.

"Everyone seems to think that." Betty watched as Kevin and Joaquin paid the bill before getting up. They left the diner, going over to (Y/N)'s car. Kevin and Joaquin got in the back, making Betty sit in the front.

"Keep your pants on until I drop you off, alright?" (Y/N) huffed at the couple making out. Betty laughed softly, staring out the window as (Y/N) turned up the music. He dropped Kevin and Joaquin off at the trailer park.

"What time do you have to be home?"

"11."

"It's only 9, mind if I stop by the rink?" (Y/N) asked. Betty shook her head.

"Course not." She smiled. (Y/N) hummed, driving to the ice rink. He parked the car, getting his skates and entering the cold building. Betty followed him, looking around the empty building, apart from the man renting out the skates. (Y/N) changed his shoes into the skates, getting on the ice and skating around. Betty watched him, noting how graceful and concentrated he was. She had seen him compete a few times before. He was definitely going places. Betty stood, going over to the shoe area and renting a pair. She slid them on and wobbled onto the rink.

"Ever skated before?" (Y/N) asked. Betty shook her head, stepping onto the ice. She grabbed onto his shoulders and tried balancing herself.

"The key is not to freak out." He cooed, hands grabbing her waist. Betty smiled nervously, gripping his jacket as she stood straight. (Y/N) slowly skated backwards, pulling Betty along.

"I've rollerskated before but never skated on ice." Betty said, moving her hands from his shoulders to his arms.

"Then you'll learn quickly." He assured, grabbing her hand and slowly skating. Betty eventually relaxed and let go of his hand, skating by herself. Nothing impressive but at least she hadn't fallen yet. (Y/N) smiled, reaching out and grabbing her hand.

"It's relaxing.. Keeps your mind off things." (Y/N) said, tilting his head up and sighing. Betty held both of his hands, the cold and fear of falling long gone.

"Yeah.." (Y/N) looked down at her. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her up. Betty laughed softly, placing her hands on his shoulders. She let out a soft sigh as he placed her back on the ice.

"I see why you like it so much." She said, slowly realizing how close they were.

"Alright, lovebirds! We're closing." (Y/N) chuckled, looking at the man.

"Alright, Tom, we'll be out of your hair soon!" (Y/N) called back. He led them to the exit and got out. They changed out of the skates, Betty returning the ones she rented. They left the building, heading back to the car and getting in. The drive was silent but peaceful.

"Right on time." (Y/N) smiled, watching the time turn to 11:00 PM. Betty chuckled, getting out of the car.

"I'll see you on Monday, (N/N)." She said.

"Mhm, see you later, Bets." He replied. Betty closed the door, heading up to her porch and unlocking the door as she heard the car drive off.

"How was it?" Alice asked, approaching her as she cleaned her hands with a rag.

"It-"

"Jesus, Betty, you're freezing!" Alice said, touching her daughters face.

"We went to the ice rink, mom." Betty chuckled, taking her hands off. Alice sighed, watching her head upstairs. Betty entered her room and collapsed on the bed. So close. She heard a buzz and picked up her phone, looking at the screen.

"Heard about the date! How was it? Remember I only want to share, not compete! Xoxo"

Betty sighed, wondering how to respond to Veronica.

[vanillaflavour81]

Passion - Joavin Fanfic

Rating: teen

Summary:  Joaquin thought he lost his ability to feel passionate about anything at all until he meets someone unexpectedly.

My contribution to the @southsidearchive ‘s daily prompt “passion”. 

Joaquin remembered that as a little kid, he had been happy and carefree, running around on the Southside of town without worrying about gangs or drugs or violence. It had been his little personal paradise with all it's abandoned buildings to play hide and seek in or act as if you had your own place to decorate. He and the other kids had met every day on the streets, playing and laughing. He had been passionate back then, always full of energy, enthusiastic to join the others and go on new adventures. His heart had been beating in his chest crazily, and his smile had been so big that it sometimes almost hurt. Whenever his mom told him to come home earlier and not stay out after dark, he had gotten furious and found a hundred arguments why she had to let him stay out late. He remembered being in his room, throwing things against the wall in his helpless rage, when he didn't understand why his mom locked him in. Her words about evil people roaming the streets had made no sense to Joaquin. Why couldn't he and his friends just go out there too? They were knights and magicians, they could fight those evil men. It had truly been a blessing to be this pure even when you were living in the middle of a gang war. That had been Joaquin's passion back then. His part of town, his friends, his family. This passion faded away when his mom died, too soon and too tragic. Joaquin was only ten, and suddenly strangers told him that he couldn't stay on the Southside. He had to come with them and move into an orphanage. At those words, a last surge of passion had gone through him, making him scream and fight as they pulled him out of the old trailer. But he had stopped fighting only a few days later. It didn't help after all. They wouldn't let him go. He resigned himself to his fate, too heartbroken about the loss of his mom and too young to be able to do anything. In the next seven years, passion was something Joaquin couldn't afford. He learned the hard way that he had to be in control at all times and that it was dangerous to wear his heart on his sleeve and show any weakness at all. Because that was what passion was for him now: a weakness. It made him too emotional and made him care too much about something or someone, and that was never good. Joaquin became good at hiding his true self. So good at it, that he thought he had lost the ability to feel passionate about anything anymore. His days consisted of putting on an indifferent face, sometimes grazed by a smug smirk. He had to do things he detested but were necessary to survive.

It wasn't hard to become a Serpent at this stage of his life. Joaquin could easily complete the tasks they asked of him. It was helpful to be able to shut down his emotions. Though sometimes Joaquin wished he could bring himself to feel more. But not even getting into a fistfight sparked anything in him. It was just everyday life. He sometimes wondered, what would have to happen to make him feel that old passion again he still remembered from his childhood days.

And then one evening it happened out of the blue on the parking lot of the Twilight drive-in, when a pretty boy with the neatest hairstyle Joaquin had ever seen turned around and shushed some Serpents, his gaze meeting Joaquin's for a few seconds. It was as if a thunderstorm had come up from one moment to the next, thunder sounding in your ears so loud that you couldn't hear anything else, lighting striking, illuminating the night sky making it look like daylight and sending a surge of electricity through your body. Joaquin stared in wonder at the boy. Even after he had turned around again, Joaquin couldn't focus on the movie anymore but instead found himself watching the back of the truck in hopes to get another glimpse of the handsome stranger while his heart was beating faster and louder than it had done in years. He didn't make the conscious decision to follow the preppy boy when he jumped out of the truck. It was as if his body decided for him or as if some higher power was making him get up and trail after the boy. It only took about five minutes for them to end up kissing against a fence behind the snack stand. They didn't even introduce themselves. Just some awkward pickup line was enough. And those looks of course. Looks full of wonder, their gazes locked on each other, both wide-eyed as if they couldn't believe this was real. Joaquin took the boy's hand, pulling him along in his haste to be alone with him. The boy's hand felt warm and soft, and Joaquin smiled when he saw the manicured nails. At this point, his heart was beating so fast that it made him light-headed. He was exhilarated, he was afraid, he was longing for more and at the same time fearing that it was all too much and that he couldn't take feeling all those things. It was overwhelming. And then they kissed, and it made Joaquin realize that he couldn't go on living in this numb state he had been in for the last years. Joaquin had kissed a lot of people. First girls when he wasn't sure about his sexuality. Then boys. It had been good most of the times. It had helped distract Joaquin from his shitty life. It had turned him on. It had helped against boredom. But it had never felt even slightly like the way kissing this stranger felt. It was hot and intense, making Joaquin press against him in his need for more. But it was also so so sweet, causing Joaquin's mind to conjure up images of lazy afternoons on a warm blanket, holding hands, happy laughter and whispered endearments, soft lips, gentle touches. He couldn't tell why kissing someone he had just met felt so life-changing. Joaquin didn't want to stop, he was craving more. Somehow this boy with his preppy clothes and his soft lips had managed to spark a passion in Joaquin again, something no one else had been able to do, and Joaquin hadn't been prepared for this. He wasn't the type of guy who watched romantic movies or spent his life dreaming about Prince Charming coming into his life to sweep him off his feet. He had resigned himself a long time ago to quick hookups and some friends with benefits stuff. And he had thought he was okay with that. But now everything was different. He didn't know why or how. But he knew one thing. He wanted this boy. Wanted to get to know more of him. Wanted to learn everything about him that there was to learn. He wanted to be a part of his life. And that didn't change when he found out who that boy was. It didn't matter that he was a Northsider, it didn't even matter that he was the sheriff's son. The only thing that mattered was that he made Joaquin feel again.

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Chapter 20: Saving Face

Becoming the Mask

Text that is both bolded and italicized indicates trollish.

"How're you holding up, Jim?" Toby opened up his half-made sandwich to put the vegetables on it.

Lunches by Chef Jimbo that required a final, in-cafeteria step to assemble weren't that odd, but usually they were more complicated than cold cuts and veggie slices. This was Jim's 'day off' lunch, for days when something was stressing him out to the point where he didn't even feel like cooking, or didn't have the time.

"Not great," Jim admitted. "… Did you talk to Draal this morning?"

"I've met that guy, like, twice. Plus, don't trolls sleep during the day?"

"We had a fight."

Toby gasped. "But – you don't look smushed."

"More of a 'hurt feelings' fight." Jim's hands tightened on his sandwich. He put it down without taking a bite. "He said I was unworthy of the Amulet. Then I said it still picked me, so I was obviously more worthy than him. And, considering his dad was the Trollhunter before me and Draal really wanted the job …"

"Ouch. Like in The Book Of Life, when Manolo told Joaquin he'd never be as great a hero as his father. What the heck set all that off?"

Jim grimaced and shook his head. Toby could respect that.

"Got a plan for apologizing?"

Jim hated having anyone mad at him. The very few times he and Toby fought, Jim was usually first to try and make amends.

"Wait for tonight, so he's had some time to cool down, then say sorry and see if he's ready to hear that. If he's not … I dunno. Go into the Void and ask his dad's ghost for advice, maybe."

"If you need to avoid him for a bit, you can crash with me and Chompsky."

Jim half-smiled and started eating, which meant he wasn't tensed up with nerves anymore. Toby patted himself on the back.

Barbara parked, neatened her hair in the rear view mirror, and sighed over her steering wheel. She wanted to go home, wolf down some food, take a hot, soothing shower, and collapse into bed. Instead, she'd agreed to meet her son's teacher for lunch.

"For Jim," she reminded her reflection. Her child needed his remaining parent to be involved in his life.

There were a few tables set up outside the café. Seated at one of them was a man in a brown jacket and blue turtleneck. She didn't notice him until he stood when she walked past.

"Dr Lake?" Barbara jumped a bit.

"Yes–? Oh." She recognized his accent from the phone. He probably guessed by her teal scrubs. "You must be Mr Strickler." She put on a smile and held out her hand to shake. He kissed it instead, making her blush.

"Indeed. Lovely to meet you at last." He pulled out the chair opposite him and she sat. It was so nice to be off her feet.

A waiter appeared, or perhaps Mr Strickler had signalled them now that she'd arrived, and asked if they wanted drinks to start. Barbara ordered a coffee. Mr Strickler asked for something she assumed was a blend of tea.

"I'll start by repeating that Jim's not in trouble." He folded his hands on the table. "I've noticed he occasionally has trouble staying awake, or that his focus seems to drift, snapping back to attention when called upon but wandering again soon after."

"That sounds like he's tired. He's always up early … I'll talk to him about when he's going to bed." Barbara had heard, and seen evidence at the hospital, that a lot of teenagers were sleep-deprived. With the way Jim tried to take care of her …

"He also has a habit of, shall we say, overstretching himself," said Mr Strickler, following the same train of thought as Barbara. "Taking on more than his share of responsibilities."

The waiter returned with their drinks. Barbara hadn't even looked at the menu's lunch options. She took a gulp of coffee and ordered the first thing she spotted with 'sandwich' in the description; a 'croque monsieur'. Mr Strickler ordered the same thing.

Maybe it was the hunger or the exhaustion talking but it actually sounded more appetizing when he said it.

"With all respect," continued Mr Strickler, once the waiter left, "Jim's behaviour is not uncommon among children whose parents have demanding careers; they seek to ease the pressure on their parents by being helpful –"

Barbara nodded; that certainly sounded like Jim.

"– Or they see the sheer number responsibilities their parents hold, and conclude this is a normal level of activity for anyone. Or, in some cases, are encouraged to be perfect because their reputation reflects back on their family, but I don't believe that's the case with Jim."

Barbara fidgeted with a napkin. "I've never meant to put him under pressure … But I have, ah, encouraged some of his habits."

Like the cooking, or cleaning the house, or doing yard work, or helping her budget the utilities …

She'd viewed it as practical, teaching Jim things like how to operate a washing machine or handle money so he'd know how to do it when he was living on his own, but, was she interfering with his academic education, letting him take on – praising him for taking on – so many responsibilities at home?

Mr Strickler touched her hand, lightly, briefly, bringing her back to the present.

"Jim is a kind boy," he said. "He wants to help people. But it's impossible to help everyone, and Jim," the teacher steepled his fingers and contemplated his words, "Jim is young enough to not necessarily recognize his limits."

Over lunch – croque monsieur turned out to be a ham and cheese sandwich fried in white sauce – they discussed ways to encourage Jim to cut back without making it sound like his helpfulness was being rejected or like he was being criticized for not being able to do enough.

They didn't come to any solid conclusions. Barbara could encourage Jim to sleep or ease up on his chores; both adults could remind Jim of the importance of taking care of himself; but Barbara didn't want to ground him from extracurriculars or socialization to force him to rest. It hadn't gotten to that point, and hopefully it never would.

"I should be getting back to the school," said Mr Strickler, checking his watch. He uncapped the pen he'd toyed with off and on during their conversation and scribbled onto a sticky note from one of his jacket's inside pockets. "My phone, Dr Lake."

"Please, call me Barbara."

She took the phone number and he kissed her hand again.

"Barbara." Her name sounded lovely with his accent. "Walter. Do call if there's anything you'd like to discuss."

He summoned the waiter and paid their cheque and then he was gone, and Barbara was left feeling unsure if she'd just had an unorthodox parent-teacher conference or an even more unorthodox first date.

She went home and had the relaxing shower and nap she'd been craving.

Draal was conflicted. He was unaccustomed to that feeling. He did not care for it.

He wanted to believe he had done the right thing, not killing the Changeling immediately upon discovery.

He wanted to believe the Amulet of Merlin knew what it was doing when it chose … one of them … to be the Trollhunter.

He wanted to believe Jim's oath to turn against Gunmar was genuine, and not yet another act.

There was a pipe in the centre of the basement, and if Draal stood by it, he could hear nearly everything from the main story of the house. He'd heard Jim quietly threatening Nomura over Barbara's safety last night.

He should've been listening at the pipe when Nomura first came to the house; he might've learned more about what the Changelings were up to –

Draal's failings aside; the exchange he had eavesdropped on suggested Jim had been truthful about Barbara still being human instead of another Changeling collaborator, and that he felt a certain level of protectiveness for her, matching his explanation of why he'd let Draal move in.

As Blinky and AAARRRGGHH had each independently pointed out, Jim could have simply, easily, killed Draal that night, instead of agreeing to expose himself as a Changeling.

Or Jim could have stayed out of the fight, rather than exposing himself as the Trollhunter to protect Nomura.

If the helmet materialized with a faceplate, Draal still wouldn't know what Jim really was.

They hadn't spoken on the return journey from Trollmarket. Jim hadn't come downstairs before leaving the house that morning, either. Draal had gone upstairs midmorning to scavenge some food. A pile of cans waited for him in the blue box in the kitchen.

He brought them back to his living space and sat behind the furnace, on the blanket Jim had given him when he moved in, now somewhat ragged after a few encounters with Draal's spikes. He slowly snacked his way through cans and coal, and stared at the little Heartstone piece.

Why had Jim given him that? It wasn't like Draal had been expecting one. The Changeling could've kept it for himself. Jim had, by his own confession, been working for Gunmar up until last night, and that was assuming he really had changed sides.

That was what made Changelings dangerous, Draal supposed. They thought differently than normal trolls. You never knew what they were thinking. And even when you knew that, you still found yourself wanting to trust them.

Draal really hoped he had done the right thing.

Barbara woke up when Jim got home from school.

"Hey, Mom." He hugged her hello. Jim had never outgrown how affectionate he'd been as a small boy. Barbara hoped he never decided he was 'too old' to hug his mother. "How was your day?"

"I had lunch with your history teacher."

Jim's shoulders tensed, just slightly, under her hands – typical teenaged surprise and alarm over unforewarned parent-teacher interaction? Or, wait, with how Barbara phrased it, did Jim think she meant she'd gone on a date? Well, she was uncertain herself, but never mind that now.

"He's worried you aren't getting enough sleep."

"Oh, that." He relaxed in her arms. "Yeah, he's asked me if I'm sleeping okay. My eyes just bag up really easily, I guess."

Barbara held Jim out a short ways from her, examining him for signs of fatigue. Noticeable bags under his eyes, yes, he'd started getting those when he was twelve, but his pediatrician hadn't been concerned when Barbara mentioned it. Jim wasn't swaying on his feet, and his eyes were focused, and he wasn't jittery like he'd been using caffeine or sugar to compensate for exhaustion.

"Jim … if you ever need a break. A mental health day? One less chore on the roster? I get it, okay? You're a kid. A very responsible, considerate kid, but still a kid, and you need time to be a kid. And I'm your mom. It's my job to take care of you. So if you need anything, you know you can tell me, right?"

"Do what's good for you, or you're no good to anybody," Jim recited.

Mr Strickler – Walter – had shared the same quote at lunch when he asked Barbara when she'd last had time off, and gently suggested taking some might demonstrate to Jim that it was okay to prioritize oneself once in a while. Adolescents, whatever they may claim of their near-adulthood and independence, do look to actual adults for guidance, approval, and example.

"I know, Mom," said Jim. "I don't feel like I need anything right now, but I'll give it some thought and get back to you, okay? We could … revisit the topic this weekend?"

What books were on those packed shelves of his? Sometimes Jim talked like he was an office manager or something. He hadn't picked it up from her.

It was a good idea, though, so Barbara agreed.

"If you and Mr S met for lunch, then the three-bean salad's been marinating all day, not just for the morning. We can have that for dinner. Maybe a light soup and some rolls. I think we still have some frozen from last time."

"Mr Strickler seems very nice," said Barbara. "And he really likes you. I've never seen a teacher take such an interest before."

Jim, now rummaging in the freezer, made a vague affirmative noise.

"Is he single?"

Jim bumped his head on the ice cube tray.

"Um, I think so? His office has a bunch of curios but no family photos." Which implied the lack of them wasn't because he didn't care to personalize his workspace.

Jim had no confirmation Stricklander was on board with the plan yet, but Barbara spending time with Stricklander and getting him attached to her seemed to be off to a good start. That would be a good backup to keep her alive if Gunmar won anyway and Jim was exposed as a traitor.

Once his mother was asleep, he went downstairs to update Draal before going to Trollmarket.

"I've been working on our cover story. If any of the humans ask, we had a sparring match last night. I lost. You got mad and accused me of slacking off in training and said I was unworthy of the Amulet. I got mad and said I was still more worthy than you since it picked me. You took that as an insult to your father, and I apologized for that but we're both still upset; that's why things are awkward between us now."

"You didn't tell them what you really are?"

"Are you kidding me? I'm in enough trouble that Nomura knows you know; I'd be dead meat if it got out Blinky and AAARRRGGHH know, and the humans'd be dead meat with me if they knew, too."

"Hello, Trollhunter."

"… Blinky?"

"I know you speak this language. Did I actually teach you anything in our lessons?" Blinky asked bitterly.

"Blinky …" Jim scuffed his foot on the floor. "I'm sorry I … lied to you, about how much I knew. But you really did teach me a lot. I knew … keywords, before; every Changeling does, in case we overhear something about Killahead or Gunmar. I knew directions and distances and quantities. I understood … many words I heard you say. But the syntax and grammar and etiquette and culture were all new to me. That first thing you taught me, that greeting? It is my honour to meet you. I had never heard that before. I was barely literate. I … I faked how much I needed to learn, but, yes, I did learn from you."

"You don't actually know our verb for 'to deceive', do you? I'm fairly certain that comes under the heading of irony."

"Um, only as a noun. It's deception, right?"

Blinky rummaged in his pockets and got out a notebook. "Deception. Deceiving. To deceive. It's a regular verb, following the same rules as to see. Now, I have a number of questions about my brother I'd like you to answer."

"Okay. Deception, deceiving, to deceive, same rules as to see," Jim muttered. "I don't exactly know Dictatious well, but we've met."

"Describe him. I want to be sure we really are talking about the same troll."

"Okay. He mostly looks like you, except green instead of blue, nose is dark grey instead of orange, and … his horns point more up than back?"

Jim made an upward-sweeping gesture from his own head.

"Hair sticks up, too. It's got a couple of white streaks that might not've been there when you last saw him. And … I don't know if you know who Mark Hamill is, but he's a human actor and I've seen some of his movies and they sound alike. Like, uncannily alike."

Blinky slumped and sighed into his list of questions. "That's him. Next question. When and how and why did he join Gunmar?!"

Jim recoiled from the shouted inquiry.

"Survival? Maybe? I wasn't there. I'm not old enough to remember anything before Killahead closed. But either he was a double-agent already who got stuck in the Darklands with us, or he was too close and got pulled in by accident and offered the Underlord his services in order to not get killed."

Previous Chapter (Jim is convinced to turn against Gunmar)

Table of Contents 

Next Chapter (A breather episode after all this drama!)

The Book Of Life is a movie that canonically exists in the world of this show. Mary is giving a report on it during her Spanish Comprehension exam in the episode that introduces Gnome Chompsky. Guillermo del Toro was involved in both that movie and this show.

HannaVictoria from AO3 jokingly suggested Jim mention to Blinky that Dictatious sounds like Mark Hamill, his voice actor. I went for it.

In English, 'see' is an irregular verb. But trollish grammar is different, so I decided it would be a regular verb (one that conjugates based on consistent rules) in their language.

[lexasami]

Sense8 season 1 episode 10:

WOW. You know when you watch a tv show, and the first few episodes are amazing, but then it gets to a point where it starts plateau-ing or decreasing in quality? This is not one of those shows. Each episode I watch brings so much more excitement for the next one. And with each episode, I understand why people talk about this show with such an emphasis on human connection. It's fucking beautiful, man.

I didn't even notice that the episode had such a strong theme of familial bond until the end. At the beginning, Sun is presented with papers to sign for her release and talked to about her father's upcoming testimony, Wolfie shows willingness to do anything to save Felix, and Kala has a talk with her father about what happened to Papa-Ji and her confusion about marriage. Even her father, who was more excited about Kala's engagement than he was about her getting into a good school, showed that he cared more about her happiness than her marrying a "dominating man."

Even with such gloomy and terrifying warnings from Jonas, the Sensates still managed to have sweet moments together. Like Capheus being excited [again, hahah] about seeing a new country, and sharing his love of Van Damme with Kala. Also, great quote about TVs and beds. They helped ease each other's minds by watching a movie together.

I didn't expect Lito to come to Wolfie's rescue in his underwear and smoothie stained t shirt, hahah. I also didn't expect Wolfie to bring a fucking bazooka to a gun fight. His scene and Lito's fight scene with Joaquin really shined a light on their brotherhood. As they grow more connected, the Sensates start to look even more like a family, even though they haven't met yet.

The fight scene also showcased more of the group's strengths! Lito's great with lying, and Wolfie can take a punch. Like really take a punch, damn. And the trio of Lito, Hernando, and Daniela is back in action, awww.

Would it really be an episode of Sense8 without a sex scene? Everyone's bonding, and then there's Nomi and Amanita just going at it 🤣 But the boat scene was super adorable. Even in prison, Sun gets to watch the fireworks, and she and Capheus get to experience the 4th of July with Will.

And that final scene, oh my god. So Riley's father played that song during her birth, and so, did the others hear it when they were born too? Or were they feeling Riley's birth? Either way, such a beautiful moment they all shared. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a birthing scene like that before, so I was a little shaken 🤣 But they did showcase the different kinds of childbirth - vaginal delivery, c-section, water birth, home birth, hospital birth, etc. as well as how different cultures handle them.

That was stunning. And to see the Sensates feel overwhelmed with joy and getting to be there to experience something all together.. Wow. You can just feel all of them connecting. I don't know what else to say. I don't know how the Wachowskis and co. do it.

Finally, there's Riley. She's in danger the moment she enters the hospital. Again, there's so much to take in. But I appreciate how complete these episodes feel. It's kinda like I've eaten a whole dinner everytime I watch an episode instead of just a snack. Does that make sense? Hahah.

[iishipallthethings]

The Wager Chapter 9

Story Summary: Another Day of the Dead is finally here. La Muerte goes to the land of the living and is shocked to see Maria, the jewel of the town, unsatisfied with her marriage with Manolo. Another wager is struck and La Muerte finds herself falling hard for a human. 1 year after movie! Main ship: Maria X La Muerte (kind of slow burn) but there is another :)

Chapter Title: Please don’t turn away from me

Coffee?

“Finally,” Mary breathed as she stood in front of Maria’s mansion, a small suitcase next to her. She knocked on the wooden door, shaking off the last bit of exhaustion. Mary wanted to pack her bags as a human, an urge she could not understand but was helpless to overpower. But after packing her bag once, she had to redo it two more times to make sure she had everything she could possibly need during her trip.

It was time for her and Maria to go to Arroba to make new memories. Mary had spent most of last week with Maria, the two women discussing what they should do once they’ve arrived in Arroba. Several times the part of Mary that was concerned with how much time she spent with Maria rather than ruling the Land of the Remembered would make itself known. The small voice was always pushed away once she reminded herself that she had the loyal Sanchezes watching over things and if something were to happen, one of them would alert her immediately.

Her inner rambling ended as the door opened to reveal Joaquin. The hero grinned and gestured for Mary to enter. “Hola Mary,” Joaquin said happily. “Maria is just getting a few last minute things for the trip. She’ll be down in a moment.”

“Okay, I’ll just wait for her here then.”

Joaquin nodded and strolled off, presumably to wherever Manolo was.

That was another improvement. After the dinner, Joaquin and Manolo seemed much more at ease around Mary. Maria even confounded in Mary that the two were more open about their relationship now. The younger woman made a face right after and lamented playfully that soon she would have to find a place of her own or else she would not have enough sleep. Mary had regretted asking why when Maria informed her of the fact that the two of them were rather vocal when they were making love.

Mary did not have to wait long before she spotted Maria coming down the stairs, a cylindered pack on her back. Mary thought that the pack looked like something Joaquin would bring with him as he traveled to other towns. Chuy trudged behind the younger woman, a sad expression on his face. Mary frowned as she remembered his reaction to Maria explaining to the pig that the trip would only be for herself and Mary. The poor thing was absolutely devastated but after Mary told him that she would protect Maria for him, he cheered right back up.

Maria stopped in front of Mary and pulled her into a loose hug. “Hola Mary.” She pulled back and eyed the small suitcase. “Are you excited?” she asked, brown eyes flitting back to blue.

The older woman nodded. “Are you?”

“Most definitely.” The younger woman patted Chuy’s head with her free hand, “Don’t pout Chuy, I’ll be back before you know it.”

The pig did not look convinced but he raised his head to receive more petting.

Maria grinned at Mary, “Shall we go?” she asked.

Mary gave an affirmative and she opened the door for Maria. Maria grinned and whispered thanks before walking out of the mansion with Chuy in tow. Mary was just about to close the door behind her when she saw Joaquin and Manolo coming into the foyer.

“You didn’t actually think that we wouldn’t see you off?” Manolo teased as the two men join the trio outside.

Mary heard Maria mutter something under her breath but could not tell what she said and saw how the younger woman tensed up slightly at Manolo’s question. “You already said goodbye,” Maria said with a small frown. Obviously, the younger woman was not pleased that Manolo and Joaquin were going to see them off but Mary did not understand why. She simply glanced between the two, practically feeling the tension rising even though humor danced in Manolo’s eyes.

“We did, to you, “Joaquin laughed, unaffected by the charged atmosphere. Or maybe he knew what was causing it, Mary wondered. “We still haven’t said goodbye to Mary.”

Maria muttered something else that Mary did not catch but she allowed the two men to follow them.

Mary walked close to Maria, whispering so only she could hear, “Did something happen?”

Maria heaved a sigh and shook her head. “They’re overprotected, that’s all.” She offered an apologetic smile as she saw Mary’s confusion. “Don’t worry about it, let’s just enjoy our trip.”

The older woman grinned at that. The group walked to the train station, stopping at one of the carts to get snacks for the ride. When they saw the train, Chuy whined and leaned against Maria, almost causing the woman to trip. Maria smiled sadly at Chuy and gave him a hug. The pig returned it with one of his front paws, whining low in his throat. “Don’t worry Chuy, I’ll be fine. I’ll even bring back a treat for you.”

It occurred to Mary that this might very well be the first time Maria has ever been away from Chuy for more than a day. She thought about Maria’s honeymoon and decided that it was not that big of a stretch to believe that Maria took Chuy with her.

A tap on her shoulder broke Mary’s train of thought. She looked behind her to see Manolo grinning down at her. “Have fun Mary,” he said, pulling the woman into an easy hug. “Thank you,” he whispered as she gave the woman a small squeeze. “I know that Arroba hasn’t been the same ever since the honeymoon and I beg you, make it her home again.” Manolo pulled away, coughing in embarrassment as his eyes watered.

“I will,” Mary promised.

It was Joaquin’s turn to say goodbye to Mary. Unlike Manolo, he opted for a simple pat on the shoulder. “Maria has been looking forward to this for the entire week, so don’t be surprised when you can’t get a good night’s sleep,” he said with a wink and a smirk.

Manolo frowned and smacked Joaquin’s arm. “Be nice,” he said with narrowed eyes but on further inspection, Mary could see the mirth hidden in them.

“I’m just telling the truth!” Joaquin protested. He sobered and grinned at Mary. “Seriously though, I hope you have a wonderful time.”

“Are you two done saying goodbye?” Maria asked. Mary noticed that the younger woman still had a hand resting on Chuy’s head, not willing to break physical contact with the pig yet.

“Just about,” Manolo replied. He gave Maria a hug and whispered something in her ear as well. Mary could not hear what the man was saying but when the embrace ended, Maria nodded with a serious expression that did not fit the happy atmosphere.

Maria held out a hand for Mary to take. “Come on, the train is about to leave.”

Mary gave one last glance to the two men and Chuy. The pig gave a long whine as the two women boarded the train. They sat in their seats in first class, placing their bags in the overhead compartment. They were the only ones in their cabin and Maria took quick advantage of resting her feet on the open seat next to her while Mary sat in front of the younger woman. They chatted about what to expect in Arroba and Maria told her the sights she wanted to show Mary.

The train gave a sudden lurch that caused both women to jump. They watched outside the window as the train slowly left the station. Maria spotted Manolo and Joaquin waving at them, chuckling as she returned the wave.

As the train began to pick up speed, Mary noticed something was running along their side of the train. “Maria, look!” She pointed at the thing that was running with all its might as it barked over the trains gears.

“Chuy!” Maria gasped, moving closer to the window to get a better look.

Indeed, the pig was running with the train, barking all along the way. Maria opened the window and stuck her head out. “Goodbye Chuy!” she yelled with a sad wave.

Chuy gave one last bark and slowed down, watching as the train sped up.

When the pig could no longer be seen, Maria pulled her head back inside and closed the window. She sat back in her seat with a sullen expression.

Mary reached over and rested a hand on Maria’s lap. “You really do love Chuy.” It wasn’t a question.

Still, Maria nodded. “He’s more like a child to me than a pet,” she confessed. She looked out of the window, chewing on her bottom lip. “I hope he doesn’t cause too much trouble with me gone.”

“He’s a good boy,” Mary offered. She was glad that her wording earned her a small grin.

“I know that I’m not supposed to ask but where are we staying?” Maria looked so hopeful that Mary had a sudden urge to tell her. That was another part of the trip, Mary had not told Maria where they would be staying for the next two days, only saying that it was a gift to show the younger woman how grateful she is for everything Maria had done since she ‘moved’ to San Angel. More than once, Maria almost got her to say the name but Mary kept her silence.

Mary grinned impishly. “Oh no, no spoiling the surprise.”

Maria pouted and crossed her arms like a child would when denied a sweet. Mary only laughed at the gesture which caused Maria to frown even more. “But I will tell you this, I hear the view you get is exquisite,” Mary receded.

This seemed to placate Maria and the two began to talk about what they absolutely must see. After two hours however, Maria was now sleeping as Mary read from a book she brought with her. Mary glanced up from the page she was reading and giggled at the sight before her. Maria’s head rested against the window, her mouth slightly open. She would never peg Maria as a snorer but the soft noises coming from her were undoubtedly snores. Maria muttered something in her sleep and shuddered, her face twisting in discomfort but not waking.

Mary looked around her to see if anyone was watching. When she saw the coast was clear, she waved a hand and a silk blanket appeared out of thin air. An abrupt snort made Mary freeze, fearing that Maria had woken to see her use magic. But the young woman only murmured something in her sleep, nuzzling the window as if it were a pillow. Mary breathed a sigh of relief and covered Maria’s body with the blanket.

Once she made sure the blanket would not fall off Maria’s body, Mary settled back in her seat. She picked up the book and with one final glance to affirm that Maria was comfortable, she began to read again.

Mary felt the train slow down an hour later. She looked outside and saw that they were approaching the train station in Arroba. She marked the page she was on and placed the book back in her suitcase, with everyone starting to move around it was too dangerous for her to simply magic the book away.

She looked up and shook her head as she chuckled. Maria was still fast asleep, her head now resting on the seat headrest. Mary gently poked Maria’s cheek, giggling when a hand lazily rose to swat away her finger.

“Maria, we’re here,” Mary whispered as she now shook Maria’s shoulder.

Maria’s eyes fluttered open and she grinned sleepily at Mary. She seemed confused for a moment, turning her head this way and that to look at her surroundings. “Wharwe?” she mumbled through a hand that was covering a yawn. Maria looked down at the blanket covering her body and shrugged as if her tired mind could not be bothered with figuring out where it had come from.

“Arroba.” Mary would be lying if she said that sleepy Maria was not adorable. She saw the sleep leave Maria’s eyes as they filled with excitement.

“We’re here!” Maria jumped up from her seat, almost tripping over the blanket. She glanced down at the blanket with a confused frown. She bent down and grabbed it, looking around her to try to find one of the attendants.

Mary chuckled and reached out to grab it. “That’s mine actually, I thought you looked cold.”

Maria raised an eyebrow and eyed Mary’s suitcase. “How did you manage to fit this in there with the rest of your clothes?”

Blue eyes widened as Mary realized she just made a mistake. “If you roll up your outfits instead of folding them, you end up with a lot of room left over,” she lied. She thought that she would be used to the guilt of lying by now but it still made her stomach twist into ugly knots.

Luckily with her brain still drowsy from the nap, Maria accepted the lie without incident. As Maria reached up to grab her backpack, Mary waved her fingers at her suitcase, using magic to make enlarge the space inside without making the suitcase physically bigger. She placed the blanket inside and zipped the suitcase shut just as Maria shrugged on the pack.

They left the train and Mary began leading the way to the hotel. Maria pointed at different buildings and gave a personal story each time. Mary hummed when appropriate to show that she was paying attention and chuckle when Maria gave a particularly interesting anecdote.

“I had no idea you were such a trouble maker Maria,” Mary giggled when the younger woman explained that she was the reason why a sign that said DO NOT CLIMB in bold letters was placed on the side of a building with vines growing on the walls of an old pub.

“I just wanted a better view,” Maria pouted playfully.

“For what might I ask?”

Maria smiled devilishly at Mary. “So I had a better vantage point for water balloon attacks.” Maria shrugged at Mary’s raised eyebrows, “The boys were making fun of me! They deserved it.”

“And why were they making fun of you?”

Maria’s playful attitude dimmed to one of shyness. She played with a lock of her hair and glanced away. “I was reading about the history of the art in Arroba.”

Mary smiled gently and bumped shoulders with Maria. “That is nothing to be made fun of. In fact, I would say that learning about the history makes you a bright woman.” She looked around her surroundings and spotted a street sign. Walking over to it, she read, Luna Road.

Grinning widely, Mary pointed down the street. “We’re close to our hotel. How about we check in and you can show me your old school?”

“That sounds good,” Maria agreed. She allowed Mary to lead the way, frowning a bit as she looked at the restaurants lining the road. Each looked more expensive than the last, holding fewer and fewer customers. “Mary,” she asked, “where exactly are we staying?”

The older woman only chuckled and hurried her pace. She glanced behind her and could practically see the wheels turning in Maria’s head. Mary turned the corner and stopped abruptly, Maria almost walking into her.

In front of the two women was the Lunar Hotel. The first thought that came to Mary’s mind was that it looked more like a palace than a place where people stayed for weeks at a time, if they could afford to that is. The marble that made up the hotel was painted gold and the entrance was big enough to allow two bulls to charge in at once with enough room for them to swing their heads. Each of the five stories had a balcony in the middle, the railings carved to look like the teeth of a skull. The sign of the hotel was lit by at least a hundred candles and Mary shuddered to think of the poor person who would have to light them all at night and clean out the wax the following morning.

One glance at Maria and Mary knew the younger woman was trying to figure out how to say that the hotel was too much without sounding rude. Before Maria could open her mouth to protest at the fact that they were staying at a very expensive hotel, Mary grabbed her hand and walked quickly into the hotel. She nodded hello to the bellboy dressed in a pristine red suit who opened the door for them. He looked genuinely surprised that Mary acknowledged his existence and smiled at the two of them.

The inside of the Lunar Hotel was even ritzier than outside. Plush couches and chairs were strewn about in a close circle with a large rounded mahogany table in the middle of each circle. In the center of the room was a fountain that held a statue of a man looking down at the guests, presumably the person who established the hotel. The silver metal was obviously polished daily and the stern eyes seemed to follow the two women as they walked deeper into the lobby. Mary had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at the statue, some humans could be so vain. Mary could count on both hands how many people were staying at the hotel. All of them turned their heads to look at the two newcomers and quickly gave a dismissive sneer at the fact that they were carrying luggage. They must have assumed that they were the staff who showed up late. One middle aged man even muttered something to his twenty-something wife, who giggled obnoxiously at the joke.

Mary kept a tight hold on Maria’s hand as the younger woman began to move towards the rude man. Maria glared halfheartedly at Mary who only mouthed the words ‘ignore them’ as she moved further away from the rude man. She pulled the younger woman with her to the front desk situated in the back of the lobby. The man behind the polished wood looked down at the two and put the papers he was viewing off to the side with a heavy sigh. Once again Mary squeezed Maria’s hand gently as the younger woman looked as if she was about to have a few choice words to the receptionist.

“Name?” the man said with a bored tone, not even bothering to look at the two women as he checked his tie.

“Mary Beth,” Mary answered, her voice laced with irritation.

The effect was immediate. The receptionist’s mouth and eyes popped open comically and his eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. He sat up straight, too straight to be remotely comfortable, and looked at Mary with a smile as if she had just become La Muerte, which Mary did consider. “Miss Beth, we weren’t expecting you until later.” He took out a key and handed it to her, his hand shaking somewhat. “The suite is still not ready for you just now but if you like, you and your friend can enjoy the pool in the back. It’s most refreshing!”

Mary glanced at Maria who was hiding her laughter behind her hand. Shaking her head slightly, Maria informed the receptionist, “Actually, I was hoping that we could drop off our bags in the room and explore Arroba for a bit. Would that be all right?”

A muscle twitched in the man’s lips but he hid it with a gracious smile, however Mary could still easily read the distaste in the receptionist’s eyes. “Of course it is. You can leave your bags here and I will take them up to your room for you.”

“Thank you.”

The two women left their bags with the receptionist who barked out an order. The bellboy that had opened the door to them scurried to take the bags and with one glare at the man and a smile to the two, trudged away to the suite. Mary felt a little bad for the boy; she had hoped that the receptionist would be the one to carry their bags. She made a mental note to leave a very generous tip for the bellboy and nothing for the receptionist.

As soon as they left the hotel, Maria burst in laughter. Her shoulders shook with her laughs and soon Mary joined in. “H- he looked so su-surprised!” Maria managed to wheeze out, leaning heavily on Mary for support.

“I know,” Mary chuckled. “I thought his eyes would pop out of his head, they were open so wide!”

Maria hummed in agreement, still leaning on Mary slightly. She stood up and Mary found herself missing the body heat. Maria thread her fingers through Mary’s and nodded towards the direction they had come in. “The school’s that way. If you still want to go see it,” she added.

In response, Mary began walking down the road, not missing the small smile gracing Maria’s face. The two walked in companionable silence, simply enjoying the sun on their skin. Mary took in the beauty of Arroba, pointing out some of the murals that were painted on the sides of various shops and restaurants. Most of them depicted herself as La Muerte in the Land of the Remembered, frowning down at Xibalba who scowled back in his palace in the Land of the Forgotten. Mary felt a tinge of guilt at the murals, she and Xibalba had their differences yes, but she did not realize that the mortals viewed them as such opposites, forever pitted against one another. A fleeting thought whispered how in some aspect, the painters were still correct, she and Xibalba rarely spoke to one another, and in most of their meetings, they were wary and guarded their true motives from one another.

Mary’s train of thought abruptly halted when she noticed that Maria had stopped walking and was currently looking at her in concern. A quick glance told Mary that they had finally arrived at Maria’s old school. “Sorry, I was lost in my own thoughts,” Mary explained.

Maria nodded but still looked worried for the older woman. “You do that a lot,” she commented.

Mary started, it was true that the past week she found herself deep in her thoughts, but she hoped she had eluded Maria’s eye. Apparently not. Before the younger woman could ask what her thoughts were about, Mary walked over to the school’s entrance. There were two columns made of old looking brick surrounded with vines that seemed to grow out of the stone itself. In between the two columns was a rusty iron gate, the sign with the words, “Convent of the Women of Perpetual Purity” welded at the top. Right under the name was a lion roaring at an invisible enemy. In front of each column was a little garden of various sweet smelling flowers. The flower beds were circled by stones, each the same size as the one next to it. She fingered the rusty iron gate with a soft frown, eyeing the lock that kept the gate closed. Looking over her shoulder she asked, “Are we allowed inside?”

Maria nodded and began prodding the various rocks that surrounded the gate with her boot. She rolled some of them over and back for a minute or two before she broke out in a triumph grin. Bending low, she scooped up a rock that was situated in front of a white lily. She tossed the rock into the air once and caught it easily as if it weighed nothing.

It took Mary a bit longer than she would like to admit before she realized the rock must be a fake. Her suspicions were confirmed when Maria scratched at the surface until a key was popped out of its holder. She grinned over at Mary as she unlocked the iron gate. “The nuns had a strict rule that students weren’t allowed to go outside after dark.”

“So naturedly all of you did?”

Maria chuckled mischievously as she pulled the tugged the lock open. “Of course. The nuns knew but most of them grew up here so they understood that it was a rite of passage for the newcomers. They ‘dropped’ this key so we could sneak back in.” She placed the key back into its hiding spot and put the rock snugly back in its place. Instantly, Mary could not tell which rock held the fake key.

“Are you sure that it’s okay if we go inside?” Mary asked.

Maria only flashed her a grin and opened the gate, wincing as the metal creaked loudly. When she saw that Mary was still on the other side of the gate, she sighed. “Yes, we’re allowed,” she said with a great amount of exasperation, chuckling at the half-hearted glare she was rewarded.

Mary walked over to Maria, glancing behind her in longing. Maria laughed and weaved an arm through Mary’s, tugging her along the stone path. “Don’t worry. If the nuns catch us I’m sure they’ll recognize me.”  

Mary muttered something under her breath but the building in front of her caught her attention. At first she thought it was a castle of some sort but after a moment she realized it was the church. Mary had to tilt her head back to see the tip of the roof. She grimaced at the gargoyle sitting there, his maw opened in a silent screech as he glared at the sun. She spied two more gargoyles, as ugly as the first, glaring at opposite directions. She guessed that each gargle represented each direction, the one on top of the church’s roof for east and the two she saw for the directions north and south. She knew that if she and Maria were to go to the other side of the church, they would find the gargoyle that represented west.

Her eyes lowered to look at the stained glass. Like the ones from San Angel, Mary could just barely see herself as La Muerte sitting in her golden throne. For some reason Mary could not fathom, she felt a sense of resentment at the glass and turned her head to look at other details of the church. She noticed that there was some sort of expansion and unlike the church, the sides did not have any of the exquisite carvings or stained glass.

“That’s where we have our classrooms,” Maria said, sensing what Mary was about to ask.

“Why doesn’t it look like the rest of the church?”

“Because this place wasn’t always a private boarding school,” Maria answered with a shrug. The two started walking towards the church as she explained. “The church was first built as a convent for women who did not believe they needed a priest to worship, or at least that’s what the nuns told us.” Maria leaned towards Mary and whispered, “I personally believe that they just got sick of their priest telling them what to do.” Mary giggled at this. Maria continued, “After a while, they needed to find a way to get money so they decided to open up the school. The first students became very interested in the religion the nuns were studying and so they added the classrooms to the church itself. The old building eventually became the current dormitory for the students.”

The two women took a left at the church, Mary doing her best not to meet the eyes of La Muerte. They walked for about ten minutes before they stopped in front of the dormitory. It was newer than the church but still had a worn feel to it. It was made entirely of brick with a mahogany door etched with soft swirls. Several of the numerous windows were lit, signaling that there were occupants inside.

Mary glanced at Maria and saw that the younger woman was smiling, lost in memories. Maria took a step closer and whispered, “For most of my life, this was my home.” She looked down and played with her fingers, “I was so angry when I first got here. My father,” she wiped at her eyes in embarrassment and Mary placing a hand on her shoulder for comfort, “he sent me here because he thought I wasn’t a proper lady.” She gave a chuckle but it was weak. “I guess he was right though.”

The older woman frowned as she squeezed Maria’s arm to get her attention. “He was wrong. A woman who would stand up and fight for her town is a woman others should look up to.”

Maria sniffed and offered a small smile. “Thank you.” She wiped at her eyes once more and nodded towards the dormitory. “Do you want to go inside?”

Mary shook her head. “No, let’s go walk around a bit more.”

Maria showed her relief on her face. “Okay.” The two began to walk to the right of the dormitory. The grass was so green and dotted with occasional daisies. There was a lone oak tree in the middle of the garden which donned a sign that said ‘DO NOT CLIMB.’

“Before you asked, yes I was the reason for the sign. I used to hide in the branches so I could escape the boring classes and just read. After a while though the nuns found out and they were so mad.” Maria grimaced and Mary chuckled at the expression. “They thought that making me take kung fu and fencing would be a suitable punishment. After a year I was the best student in both studies.”

Mary chuckled as a sudden image of her fighting the leader of the banditos, Chakal. “For some reason you being good at fighting and swords doesn’t surprise me.”

“It shouldn’t!” Maria looked up and saw that the sun had moved a lot since their exploration of the school. “Come on, it’s getting a little late. Let’s go before the nuns find us and run us off their property.” Maria began to walk away and she looked over her shoulder at the older woman. “It’s illegal for nonstudents to be on their grounds.”

Mary’s eyes widened and she stared slacked mouth at Maria, causing the younger woman to laugh. She hurried over to Maria, hissing in her ear. “You said we wouldn’t get in trouble!”

“If we get caught,” Maria said slyly back. The two women retraced their steps in a hurried pace, Mary looking over their shoulder in case a nun suddenly came running around the corner. She spared the church one last glance, frowning at the glass of herself.

The two slipped out of the iron gate, Maria locking the two sides with practiced hands. The two walked back to the hotel in silence. Maria only broke the silence when they walked down one street and saw an old building with two stone lions in front. “That’s my favorite library; maybe tomorrow I’ll take you there.”

“I would love that.”

Their arms were entwined as they entered the hotel lobby. It was as packed as it was before and everyone looked down their noses at them like before. Mary once again had to fight the urge to reveal herself and stop the rude people from looking at them as if they were inferior just because they thought the two women had less money.

The same receptionist smiled at the two but neither women was fooled. He glanced down at his paper with something that looked like agitation. “Hola, Miss Beth. Your room is finally ready for you and your guest. He will lead you to your room,” the receptionist said as he jerked his head towards the same boy who took their bags.

Unlike the receptionist, the bell boy gave a genuine smile. “If you two would follow me.”

Mary nodded in respect and followed the bellboy. He led them up the stairs to the topmost floor. She glanced to Maria and almost smirked when the younger woman looked at the one door in confusion.

“Thank you,” both women said. When the bellboy turned to leave, Mary made a gesture for him to stay. “Here, for your help.” She gave him a large tip and grinned when he took the money with ill hidden shock.  It was obvious that he had not received many tips or simple thank yous. “What’s your name?”

“Mike.” He pocketed the money, his hand placed over the stuffed pocket as if he were to let go it would disappear. “If you two don’t mind me saying, you are one of the kindest guests I have ever met.” He glanced down and asked, “Are you going to tip the receptionist?”

“No, he doesn’t deserve one.” The bellboy grinned at this and left the two women. Mary looked back at Maria, “Close your eyes.”

“Why?” Maria asked but she did as she was told.

“Because I said so.” Mary gently grabbed her hand and opened the door. She guided Maria to the middle of the room and turned around so she could see her reaction. “Now, open them.”

Maria did as she was told, her mouth opening in awe as she took in the room. She was in the kitchen with a glass table to the right of her. On it was a bowl filled to the brim with exotic fruit. Right in front of her was the living room. When Mary had first walked into the room, she thought for a moment that she was back in her castle. The walls were painted a soft gold with beautiful swirls of pink and purple, creating a skull with flowers for eyes. There was a lovely brown loveseat situated behind a table carved from stone. There were two doors, one at the left of the room and one to the right of the room, hiding the two bedrooms.

Maria paid them no mind, or anything in the suite. She walked to the glass doors that led to the balcony. She slipped outside with Mary following closely behind. The view even took Mary’s breath away. The sun was setting, coating everything in a relaxing red hue. From where they were, the two women could see most of Arroba, the streetlamps shining the various houses and shops. They could even see Maria’s school twinkling in the distance.

“Beautiful,” Maria whispered. She rested her hands on the rail, leaning forward slightly to drink in the scenery.  She looked at Mary in awe. “Thank you Mary, for everything.” She rested her head on Mary’s shoulder, smiling in content.

“You deserve this.” And so much more, Mary added silently in her head. She felt Maria tense next to her and she looked down at the younger woman in confusion. “You do,” she insisted, “you have done so much for your town and friends.”

Maria began to play with her fingers again as she chewed her bottom lip nervously. Mary took a peak downwards and was shocked to find that Maria’s wedding ring was missing. “Maria, your ring.”

The younger woman looked down, her train of thought apparently halted. She held up her hand so Mary could see the little tan line of where the ring used to be. “Oh, did I forget to tell you? I gave the ring to Joaquin; he should at least have it even if he can’t wear it.”

Mary found herself smiling as she pictured Joaquin and Manolo wearing matching rings. “That is amazing. Every time I think I know the depth of your kindness, you surprise me.”

Once again Maria’s bottom lip was caught in between her teeth as a vibrant blush spread across her cheeks. “No one has ever told me something like that before.” Brown eyes stared into blue as both women smiled at one another, Mary silently giving Maria the confidence to tell the older woman what she was thinking. After a moment however, Maria’s eyes streaked to the now set sun and then back to Mary. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She brushed a strand of stray hair behind her ear and coughed. “W-We should go inside. It’s getting a little chilly.”

Mary did not miss the flash of disappointment in Maria’s eyes before the younger woman walked back inside. She glanced back over her shoulder, wondering what Maria was so nervous about. When she looked back in front of her, she noticed that Maria was standing in the middle of the living room, presumably waiting for her. “I suppose we should go to sleep then,” Mary said with a kind smile.

“Yes we should, we do have a big day after tomorrow,” Maria said, not meeting Mary’s eyes.

Once again Mary saw the glint of disappointment in Maria’s eyes, but they were also tinged with guilt. She nodded towards the door to her left. “That is your room. Buenos noches Maria.”

She heard Maria repeat the parting back to her as she slipped inside her own room. She was not stupid, she knew that something was bothering Maria but she could not find any fault with their day, besides the encounters with the receptionist. She continued to ponder the sudden change in Maria’s behavior as she took off her shoes, leaving them by the door. She stripped off her white skirt, bra, and blue coat, leaving her bare except for her underwear and white shirt. Mary slipped under her covers, sighing as she felt silk glide over her skin. Snuggling deeper into the bed, the woman fell into a deep slumber filled with old private schools and nervous Marias.

[bastionkeeper]

Taako somehow gets hurt and he's on the good shit. Taako just watches Joaquin play games usually because the colors are bright and pretty and the TV makes funny noises while he plays. Joaquin Doesn't mind, he however made the mistake of playing a Kirby game First. Joaquin had to drag Taako's giant Kirby pillow (basically a bed) down so he could give Kirby a hug while he played. Taako slept through most of the gameplay, but Kirby has good music, so when he was awake he liked it lots

2) Joaquin just pats Taakos head while he relaxes and saves dreamland. When he beats it he tells Taako Kirby wants to sleep for a while, and that pacifies him before he starts to ask questions. Honey is just sitting on Taako's lap, making sure they don't move too much and upset their stitches. Joaquin plays a lot of Overwatch too, and Taako just asks Joaquin why Kravitz is on the TV and so Grumpy. Joaquin fucking loses it and just quietly tells Taako "because he doesn't get any kisses"

3) Taako fully accepts that and asks Joaquin if he can tell Kravitz that he can have as many kisses as he wants when he gets home. Joaquin, trying to compose himself, just nods before going back to playing. They have lunch (stew for Taako, A couple of sandwiches for Joaquin.) and Taako just fucking sleeps for the rest of the afternoon after that. When he wakes up he's confused because he's hurting, but he's on his Kirby pillow? Joaquin is here? Why does he hurt????

4) (sorry for the gap) Honey just goes to get Joaquin, and Angus who's home from school now, and Taako is really confused because he doesn't remember getting hurt? Or anything from yesterday to be honest and that's worrisome to him because his memory is already fucked. Joaquin and Angus fill him in with what happened, apparently Taako fell down the stairs and Dex or not he had a nasty land and fucked up his leg. Kravitz gets home a bit after and is glad to see Taako is Lucid.

5) Taako however tries to still cook, Kravitz is all like "Dove, no, you're hurt please rest or at least sit down and watch me make dinner please?" Joaquin and Taako walk him through the steps, while Taako focus's more on helping Angus with his homework because this boy is smart but he worries about tests so much. Joaquin takes a picture because Taako's smiling happily and he knows Kravitz will want that for the family scrap book. It hits him that he's been adopted by a Wizard and a Reaper. Huh.

Sorry Honey didn’t make an appearance I forgot all about her until I was nearly done!!! :(

Not even cleric magic could completely cure a stabbing that bad. Luckily modern medicine was on the rise in Faerun, so after Taako was run through by a rather angry fighter, the moonbase medical team managed to get him stitched up in time. 

Kravitz had been so angry hearing about the bandits that had nearly killed Taako just for a couple of his rings, that once he was sure Taako was stable and back safe at home, he rushed out to find the bastards and make them wish they’d never been born.

That left Joaquin with a rather drugged up elf with a gaping stomach wound who had strict orders not to leave the couch or bed unless absolutely necessary. 

“Wh’sat?” Taako asked, leaning over Joaquin’s shoulder and gesturing towards the Earthen setup. The teen had brought his playstation and television from the plane of thought, something that was now possible thanks to Lucas Miller bringing electricity to most of the upper class. 

“I’m gonna play some Overwatch,” Joaquin explained. 

“Wha? Dude you’re....you’re speaking...wha’s the word....gibberish,” Taako groaned, rubbing at his temples. He slumped back onto the couch, hissing with pain and clutching at his stitches. 

“Uh-uh, don’t touch those,” Joaquin pulled Taako’s hands away quickly.

“But they itch,” Taako complained. 

“Do you want me to put you in a cone?” Joaquin joked. 

“Cone of cold....s’level five evocation...” Taako murmured. Joaquin shrugged, the wizard wasn’t exactly all there at the moment so it wasn’t fair to expect him to make any sense. 

He played his game for awhile, making sure to keep a glass of water where Taako could reach and ushering him back to the couch whenever he tried to leave, which wasn’t often to be fair. Taako was pretty tired, he dozed off more than a few times. It didn’t help that he was on round the clock pain pills that Joaquin guessed where the fantasy equivalent of oxy. 

“Hey.”

Joaquin looked up. He was sitting with his back against the couch so Taako had room enough to stretch out. The elf was laying on his side, and had lightly patted Joaquin’s curly hair with one hand to get his attention.

“Yeah?”

“Wha’s Kravitz doin’ in your game?”

Joaquin snickered, this wasn’t the first time Taako had made such a joke about Reaper, but it was certainly the first time he’d actually believed it was Kravitz in the game. 

“Oh you know, reaper stuff,” Joaquin said, casually using his ult as he explained. If he didn’t get play of the game for that one he’d sue. He was channeling wifi across the planes that alone was play of the game worthy. 

“He looks so grumpy,” Taako hummed. “He gets like that when he’s hungry or when he’s tired.”

“Nah, it’s not that, he just needs kisses.” Joaquin said with a grin. 

“Oh shit, dawg...listen...” Taako grabbed Joaquin’s cheeks, squishing them. “I can do that.”

“Yeph you shure cahn,” Joaquin said through squished lips. 

It was at that moment that a portal opened into the living room and Kravitz stepped out, looking vicious with a glare and blood covered clothes. Joaquin shivered. It was easy to forget his two goofy fantasy dads were actually...you know...a powerful wizard and a grim reaper who killed people as easily as he killed video game characters. 

“How are you feeling, my dove?” Kravitz asked Taako, running a hand through the elf’s hair. The other hand went to cup his cheek softly. 

“C’mere!” Taako insisted, and Kravitz complied, kneeling down next to the couch and putting his face close to Taako’s. Taako immediately started covering the man in kisses until Kravitz was giggling and kissing him back. 

“What’s this all about?” he asked. 

“S’cause you were grouchy, nerd,” Taako slurred. “Lemme kiss the smile back onto ya.”

“Only if I can kiss you back,” Kravitz beamed, kissing Taako several times. 

Kravitz went to change out of his bloodied clothes, meanwhile Joaquin paused his game so he could go and get Taako’s pills for the next dose. He was paused by a knock at the door which turned out to be Angus home from school. 

“Do you knock everytime?” Joaquin asked as he let the kid in. He was pretty sure Angus was living with Taako and Kravitz now, whenever he wasn’t staying in the dorms or visiting Magnus and Merle. 

“I just prefer being polite,” Angus said, blushing slightly. “Is Taako doing okay?”

“Ango!” Taako was at the door, silky bathrobe swaying like his usual trademark cloaks, dragon slippers shuffling on the tile. “Welcome home, kiddo.” He kissed Angus on each cheek and ruffled the kid’s hair. “After school snack?”

“I can make one for myself, sir!” Angus piped up. “You should really be resting!”

“Nah, ol’ Taako’s head is clear for the first time all day, I’m getting bored. Let me cook you something.”

“Taako, come on you know what the doctor’s said,” Joaquin said, but Taako was already on his way to the kitchen, humming happily. 

Angus sat down at the kitchen table, emptying his bookbag and opening a journal that was full of notes way more complicated than anything Joaquin had seen in twelfth grade algebra. Taako appeared to be fixing up some grilled cheeses, and Joaquin guessed that was simple enough that it was okay for him to do it. 

Kravitz disagreed once he came back downstairs and saw Taako at the stove-top. 

“My dove, we talked about this,” Kravitz said, gently pulling Taako away from the oven. “I can make the meals while you’re recovering, okay?”

“Awww, but I wanna cook for my man and my boys,” Taako said, teasingly poking Kravitz with the spatula. 

“Nope, you’re on bedrest, you shouldn’t even be up from the couch,” Kravitz took the spatula from Taako and took over the grilled cheeses. “If you take it easy I’ll let you stay in the kitchen with us but anymore rushing around and I’ll carry you straight up to bed.”

“Tough guy, huh?” Taako chuckled. “I don’t remember this concern when we first met and you tried to crack my head open like an egg.”

“There’s still time for that if you prefer,” Kravitz joked back with a smirk. Taako stuck his tongue out at Kravitz before turning to Angus. 

“Whatcha got there, kiddo?”

“Oh, it’s theory of magic homework,” Angus showed Taako his notes, and the wizard nodded seriously at them. 

“Here, this part, you’re overthinking it,” Taako said pointing to a sigil Angus had drawn. The rest of what he said flew right over Joaquin’s head as the two got into the magic talk. Angus scooted his chair up close to Taako’s and put his elbows on the table, leaning in close to the elf. Joaquin grinned and snapped a few quick pictures with his cell phone, he knew Kravitz would like to see them later. 

It was a nice atmosphere in the kitchen, it had all the feeling of a lazy Saturday afternoon. Kravitz was humming symphony music as he served up sandwiches, Taako and Angus shared notes, Joaquin took pictures and interjected now and then with jokes and puns. 

A couple hours passed before Kravitz insisted Taako get some more rest. 

“I’m fine, y’treating me like glass...” Taako said, only to groan with pain as Kravitz helped him stand. “Okay....maybe...m’a little bit glass...”

“Come here, love,” Kravitz lifted Taako into his arms, careful not to brush against the stitches. “Angus, Joaquin, thanks for helping today.”

“No problem Mr. Kravitz,” Joaquin nodded. “Same time tomorrow?”

“I’ll be home tomorrow to take care of him,” Kravitz said. “....but, I could use some extra help. He is a handful when he’s ill.”

“I’m a handful all the time y’baby,” Taako stuck out his tongue, and then because he was still high as a kite and lovey dovey as always, licked Kravitz’s cheek and giggled. Kravitz gave Joaquin a deadpan look that seemed to say: you see what I mean?

“If you come back tomorrow, it’s my day off, you can teach me how to play your game!” Angus said excitedly. 

“Oh hell yeah,” Joaquin said, ruffling Angus’s hair. “Same time tomorrow then.”

The three locals said goodbye to Joaquin (Taako gave him a peck on the forehead) and the outerplaner headed home, sure to come back to his second home tomorrow.

[perfectirishgifts]

A Foodie Gift Guide That You Can Feel Good About

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/a-foodie-gift-guide-that-you-can-feel-good-about/

A Foodie Gift Guide That You Can Feel Good About

These food businesses are thinking beyond taste. If you’re looking for culinary gifts, these companies are investing in their farmers, rethinking their packaging, and trying to craft a new food movement that’s people and planet-friendly.

MARSHALL’S HAUTE SAUCE

Artisanal sauce company in Portland, Oregon uses ingredients from farms in the Northwest for their … [] line of sauces, made free of additives and preservatives.

Marshall’s Haute Sauce is made in small batches by Sarah Marshall herself in Portland, Oregon, and has been a staple of the Portland farmers market community for nearly a decade. They are dedicated to highlighting the freshest produce sourced directly from the local farmers around them. Sarah’s love of gardening, her experiments in home preserving, and canning seasonal ingredients led her to create this small business. Her four core sauce varieties, which are all delightful and on a spectrum of heat — come in a very giftable sample pack.

IMPERFECT FOODS

For the holidays, Imperfect Foods has come up with gift boxes, featuring sweet and savory snacks … [] made with excess food that would have been tossed otherwise.

Produce delivery company Imperfect Foods, known for the the leftover and gleaned veg/fruit, has come out with a new holiday offering that claims to save nearly 9 lbs of food from going to waste with each box, and proceeds will also go towards the brand’s continued support of Feeding America. Each box contains snacks that has its own rescue story. The box includes, for example, dried mango that was too “sunburnt” from sun exposure to be sold in stores; peppermint and dark chocolate covered pretzel pieces that were broken and rejected as the ideal pretzel (but perfectly edible); and whole almonds that were going to be tossed for having blemishes.

OVERVIEW COFFEE

Overview Coffee wants to bring regenerative agriculture to the forefront when it comes to the global … [] coffee supply chain.

This new coffee company is utilizing the widespread ritual of coffee as leverage to regenerate soil on a global scale. Overview coffee is sourced from farms around the world that utilize various practices to ensure they’re actively working to enrich the biodiversity of their land, ensure the health of their community, and increase their resilience to climate change. More than half of the adult population on earth drinks coffee every day and Overview believes that every one of those coffee lovers can take part in the agricultural revolution needed to reverse the detrimental effects of climate change by doing something they already habitually enjoy.

DIVINE CHOCOLATE

Divine Chocolate with holiday flavors

A delectable Fairtrade Christmas chocolate haul that you can feel good about with flavors for milk, dark, and nut-flavored chocolate enthusiasts. Divine Chocolate, which is 20 percent owned by the farmers who produce their cocoa, also works to empower women in leadership roles in the cocoa trade in Ghana. In addition, the brand now has an organic selection of bars as well, and is expanding its supply chain to the western island of São Tomé to source this organic cocoa from a co-operative of 1,000 farmers, half of which are women.

ENZO OLIVE OIL

California organic olive oil producers, Enzo, produce a selection of gift boxes that bring together … [] a sampling of the many oils they produce, using olives from their own 400-acre olive grove.

In the past decade, fourth-generation California farmer Vincent Ricchiuti and his family have not only planted over 400 acres of olive trees, but have made a brand for themselves as one of California’s few organic olive producers. This selection box highlights some of their best, all produced in a mill (brought over from Italy) in the San Joaquin Valley. For their flavored oils like clementine, chili, and basil, these ingredients are crushed along with the oil to infuse the oil and produce a pungent flavor. The gift sets are a good way to sample their offering — the Extra Virgin Olive Oils and a few flavored varieties.

JACOBSEN SALT

Oregon-based Jacobsen Salt Co. harvest sea salts from Netarts Bay, producing one of America’s … [] highest quality salts, which can be sampled in one of their gift packs this holiday season.

Jacobsen Salt Co. has been quietly transforming the salt industry for the past decade. This holiday season, founder Ben Jacobsen wants Americans to pay a little more attention to one of the simplest ingredients on the dinner table: the unassuming container of salt. Though the company harvests and produces their own line of salts (primarily kosher and pure flake sea salt from Netarts Bay in Oregon), they also source salts from around the world — Italy, Peru, France and the Himalayas, which are featured in a gift box. Since travel is largely cancelled, explore the world of salts at the dinner table.

TRADE COFFEE

Trade Coffee has partnered with small roasters around the country to bring high-quality coffee in an … [] easy to gift subscription model.

The pandemic has caused many small coffee businesses to shut their doors. This startup is hoping to give independent roasters in the US a new outlet to sell their coffee — and support their communities as they ride this economic rollercoaster. Trade Coffee, started in 2018, is a marketplace of more than 400 independent roasters — from Kickapoo Coffee in Wisconsin, which made news for offering a staggering $2.70 per pound for green coffee when global coffee prices plummeted to $1.40 per pound to Red Rooster Coffee, a small roaster situated in Floyd, Virginia, a town of 450 residents. For the coffee nut in your friend circle, who loves to find new roasters, this could be the ideal subscription.

PATAGONA PROVISIONS

Patagonia Provisions Sampler Gift Set has a little bit of everything, from a spice blend to dried … [] mango to buffalo jerky, and of course, wild-caught salmon.

When Yvon Chouinard is asked why an outdoor clothing brand is now going down the road of food, this is his response: “That’s the revolution I want to be a part of. Why is Patagonia making and selling food? The real question, to me, is how could we not? I realize, now more than ever, that the requisites for a thriving business and thriving people are one and the same. Triple bottom line? Food, water, love.” And their sampler box showcases their values in a scrumptious way — buffalo jerky (made with bison from the Badlands of South Dakota), wild salmon from the Pacific Northwest, dried mango from a regenerative organic farm in Nicaragua, chili with ancient grains grown in America, and more.

RUNAMOK MAPLE

Organic, Made in VT

Vermont-based Runamok Maple maintains a sugarbush, from which they source their coveted syrup, with care. The trees and the wildlife they support are just as important to this small-batch producer. Once the syrup is brought into the “sugarhouse” where it’s packaged and stored, the whole production is powered by solar to reduce their footprint. If you’re looking for a special treat, consider one of their infused options, which come in an array of flavors, or go pure, and get a really great bottle of Vermont maple syrup for the friend who loves a stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning.

RUMI SPICE BLEND

Rumi Spice Trio with Mortar and Pestle.

Working with saffron farmers in Afghanistan, former US military veterans who had served in the country started Rumi Spice to bring about peace and an economy for these local farmers while cutting down on middlemen. This B Corp has now expanded their offering to include other spices grown in Afghanistan. This spice set, complete with an artisan-made mortar and pestle from Tunisia, includes: black cumin grown wild along the foothills of Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains; coriander farmed in the Herat region, and fennel which grows wild in the rugged outskirts of the Herat.

ALTER ECO

Alter Eco truffles in holiday medley

Truffles can be a naughty indulgence. Alter Eco makes them slightly less naughty when you know what goes into making these organic, clean delights and how the company invests in its growers. Made with organic coconut oil from India’s Malabar coast and packaged in compostable wrappers, these little holiday treats are worth splurging on for yourself and your loved ones. Alter Eco sources 100 percent of its ingredients from small farmers around the world, many of which operate in farmer-owned co-operatives that are Fairtrade certified, and has been encouraging (and working alongside) cacao farmers to diversify their crop and pursue regenerative agriculture.

From Entrepreneurs in Perfectirishgifts

[3thurs]

Third Thursday events and exhibitions for March 19 (updated March 18)

The next Third Thursday — the monthly evening of art in Athens, Georgia — is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020, from 6 to 9 p.m. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. This month will offer six events in addition to the exhibitions. One of the venues will be closed.

Also this month, we are announcing a new venue to Third Thursday, tiny ATH gallery. The small gallery space has limited hours for exhibition but intends to be open 6 – 9 p.m. on Third Thursdays. The gallery “will promote a single artist at the time through a full gallery opening featuring a different artist each month.” It’s located at 174 Cleveland Avenue and the website is tinyathgallery.com.

CLOSED: tiny ATH gallery

“Jacob Wenzka: Ecumenopolis” — The word "ecumenopolis" is a Greek word meaning “world city,” or a city that encompasses an entire planet. It is the hypothetical next-level metamorphosis of the current metropolis or megalopolis. The physical representation of the ecumenopolis has been Jacob’s inspiration for the past 4 – 5 years, and the images in this show invite the viewer to reflect on the complexity and sheer magnitude of connections that are constantly being made in our lives, while also pondering the future of humanity and our planet. Jacob Wenzka earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2001. In addition to his fine arts exhibition practice, Jacob has illustrated 6 books (4 children's books and 2 for adults), and is one of the founders of New Growth Publishing, an independent children's book publisher in Athens. The opening is set for Friday, March 20 from 6 – 9 p.m. There will be an Artist Talk the following Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. Limited gallery hours will be posted on tinyathgallery.com.

CLOSED: Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia

Make It an Evening, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — Enjoy free coffee, dessert and a gallery tour at the museum prior to the performance in Hodgson Hall by George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Jittery Joe’s Coffee and Cecilia Villaveces’ cakes. Purchase tickets for the concert at pac.uga.edu.

Teen Studio: Comic Strips and Monsters, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to this studio-based workshop led by local artist and educator Kristen Bach. Explore comic strips by local artist Patrick Dean, and then create comic strip–inspired art in the Michael and Mary Erlanger Studio Classroom. Includes a pizza dinner. This program is free, but space is limited. Please call 706.542.4883 or email madison.hogan@uga.edu to reserve a spot.

Yoga in the Galleries, 6 p.m. — Join us for a yoga class surrounded by works of art in the galleries. Led by instructors from Five Points Yoga, this program is free and open to both beginner and experienced yogis. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; tickets are available at the front desk starting at 5:15 p.m. Yoga mats provided.

“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot,” 7 p.m. — After Portland slacker John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix) nearly loses his life in a car accident, the last thing he intends to do is give up drinking. But when he reluctantly enters treatment — with encouragement from his girlfriend (Rooney Mara) and a charismatic sponsor (Jonah Hill) — Callahan discovers a gift for drawing edgy, irreverent newspaper cartoons that develop a national following and grant him a new lease on life. Based on a true story, this poignant, insightful and often funny drama about the healing power of art is adapted from Callahan’s autobiography and directed by two-time Oscar nominee Gus Van Sant. Jack Black, Carrie Brownstein, Beth Ditto and Kim Gordon also star. 2018, R, 114 min.

On view:

“Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” — A celebration of beauty, this exhibition features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career.

“Kevin Cole: Soul Ties” — Three-dimensional wooden and metal constructions by the Atlanta-based painter and mixed-media artist. 

“Reflecting on Rembrandt: 500 Years of Etching” — For the 350th anniversary of the death of Rembrandt van Rijn, this exhibition of prints selected and created by students in the Lamar Dodd School of Art commemorates the artist’s profound impact.

“The Monsters Are Due on Broad Street: Patrick Dean” — This small retrospective begins with the artist’s student work at UGA, from which he graduated in 1998, and ends with his recent comics about illness and mortality.

In Dialogue: Cecilia Beaux’s “Twilight Confidences” — A look in detail at Cecilia Beaux’s “Twilight Confidences” — an important recent addition to the museum’s collection and the artist’s first major exercise in plein-air painting.

“Drama and Devotion in Baroque Rome” — Paintings on loan from the Museum and Gallery at Bob Jones University that show the influence of Caravaggio, including works by Rubens, Orazio Gentileschi and Simon Vouet.

Permanent Collection — Thirteen galleries house a large portion of the Georgia Museum of Art’s collection, including many of the 100 American paintings that made up Alfred Heber Holbrook’s founding gift.

CLOSED: Lamar Dodd School of Art Galleries, University of Georgia

"The Purpose of Disease" — A new series of work by our Post-MFA Fellow in Photography, Amiko Li.

"Golden Hour” — A collaborative exhibition of work by Dodd graduate candidates Mary Gordon, Alex McClay and Ciel Rodriguez.

"The Elements of Myth" — A solo exhibition by Dodd graduate candidate Kelsey Wishik.

Annual Juried Scientific Illustration Exhibition — Featuring work by Dodd undergraduates along with work from graduate students in Medical Illustration at Augusta University. 

CLOSED: Lyndon House Arts Center

Open Studios Artist in Residence Talk: Megan Sparks, 6:00 p.m. — Megan discusses her tragically humorous paintings featuring lovable characters with bouncy long limbs set in worlds full of butterflies but also shady back allies.

On view: 

“45th Juried Exhibition” — Juror Larry Ossei-Mensah assembled an exhibit featuring the artistic talent in the Athens region.

“Collections from Our Community” — Michael Lachowski shares his collection of “Trail Trash,” little pieces of litter collected and cataloged in the 90s.

“Lounge Gallery: Lee Coffey” — Charming paintings that celebrate the mundane, depicting everyday items such as house keys or signage with an emphasis on scale and color.

“Works by Eli Saragoussi” — Small fantastical sculptures and a soundscape in the lobby cases.

CLOSED: Ciné

“Jacob Wenzka” — Wenzka is a painter and illustrator, who lives with his wife and three children in Athens, Georgia. He earned a BFA in drawing and painting from the UGA Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2001, and his work has been displayed in a variety of venues throughout the Southeast. The works featured in this show are from his illustration work on children’s books, with focus on the upcoming book, “Robot Soup.” This book is the fourth title he has released, collaborating with local author, Bart King, following “Juniper Gets Wet” (2015), “The Girl Who Kept Night In Her Closet” (2017) and “Do Not Read This Book At Bedtime” (2018). “Robot Soup” will be released at the conclusion of this exhibition in April, and pre-orders are available now via Kickstarter. Learn more at NewGrowthPublishing.com. 

Hotel Indigo, Athens — The Gallery at Indigo is available for viewing in small groups and for self directed use; GlassCube is outside and can be viewed anytime

“TINY UNIVERSE #3” —The third in a series, this exhibition includes small works by 70-plus Athens- and Atlanta-based artists, most whom have previously exhibited at the Gallery@Hotel-Indigo over the years. “TINY UNIVERSE #3” represents a fraction of the great talent in our area from printmaking to painting, sculpture to jewelry making. Artists were instructed to keep the scale of their works under 64 square inches because, after all, the best things come in small packages!

“Supple Moments, Dark Corners” at GlassCube — A new installation by Elinor Saragoussi is a peek into the tender parts of the artist’s brain. Often it is an agile, colorful, playful space, but at times, the lights turn off and the spooks come out. This installation combines set design, illustration, sound, movement and lighting to create a uniquely whimsical world. Bring your smartphones and listen to the soundscape available via QR code at the Cube.

CLOSED: ATHICA: Athens Institute for Contemporary Art

Closed.

CLOSED: The Classic Center

“Good Vibrations” — Taking a note from the Beach Boys, this show celebrates the end of the summer. Brittainy Lauback photographs cruise life, capturing the seascapes and portraits aboard a Carnival ship. Warren Slater draws from his Australian upbringing and interest in Aboriginal mark-making to create his pulsating pointillist landscapes picturing beaches and surf culture. Hannah Betzel’s vivid abstractions vibrate almost musically, conjuring images of the sea.

“Building Facades” — In Gallery II, on the second floor, Mike Landers’ solo exhibition of sophisticated, symmetric, minimally composed photographs will take you down memory lane. Images of Barnett’s Newsstand, Helix and the Gap will make you nostalgic for nights wandering downtown Athens of the late 1990s and early 2000s and make you realize how much has changed.

CLOSED: Creature Comforts Brewing Co.’s CCBC Gallery

Closing reception for “Migration,” 5 – 7 p.m. — With complimentary snacks and the house DJ, in the taproom.

On view:

Migration” — Local artist Jackie Kirsche presents two new multi-panel, mixed media works of art that explore the rhythms of life as manifested through bird migration patterns.

--

Third Thursday was established in 2012 to encourage attendance at Athens’ established art venues through coordination and co-promotion by the organizing entities. Rack cards promoting Third Thursday and visual art in Athens are available upon request. This schedule and venue locations and regular hours can be found at 3thurs.org.

Contact: Michael Lachowski, Georgia Museum of Art, mlachow@uga.edu.

[nanyoky]

WELL i had to wait FAR TOO LONG for the official cw stream to go up but AT LAST:

OH GOD KEVIN WAS THERE

I knew midge was alive and i’m sure is going to be dealing with a lot of trauma right now but i feel like kevin and his surprisingly big strong arms are helping a lot

“i was just... night... jogging... you know?” no we don’t kev. literally no one knows because no one fucking goes “night jogging”

I love veronica and i get that she needs to take control of what she can but she is a smart lass who could have come up with a much better transition than “so our classmates were shot, but no one’s dead! so who wants tv and snacks???”

“i’m trying to get in shape for wrestling” babe. hun. sugar. no you’re not.

I am v sad that it def seems joaquin is not coming back becuase they are trying REALLY hard to remind us how kevin is still upset over the whole stashing bodies thing but honestly i feel like everyone’s so fucked up in this town by comparison that boy’s a kitten and kevin should not let that excellent face go so easily cuz i wanna look at him more okay bb come back

“are your nurses hot what if you pop a boner during a spongebath?” reggie mantel, asking the real questions we all have

midge brings her boi a stuffed moose because she is an angel and we are lucky to have her

YASSSS we get someone saying jughead’s name outloud and the clouds opened up and that look of resigned embarrassment helps me ascend

i’m still not over “jingle jangle” kill me

“Let’s not touch that” i like this toni. she seems like a responsible adult with unrealistically good hair.

god i feel like jughead has no notion of who his dad is to these people. he’s like prince hal if hal somehow didn’t realize his dad was actually king like- for realsies. speaking of someone come talk to me about fp: my garbage warrior king of old codes of loyalty and the battlefield struggling to rule in a time of order and law above man and his nature for violence just talk to me please i have so many feelings and shakespeare vibes

“we don’t keep guns in this house” fred i love you even if you raised a well meaning doofus who’s going to get someone killed come on we all know it’s coming

Archie sarcastic outbursts are not a good look on you but i’m enthralled keep going

“You know my dad” “i do. he’s a good man” like we all love fp but hiram babe you know coming from you that’s kind of a backhanded compliment

“police aren’t always the solution” jesus h christ this is the worst possible thing for archikins to be hearing right now hiram stop this vigilante libertarian diatribe

Okay i’m 99% sure that was just hiram openly trying to invite archie to get himself killed now i know where veronica gets her own clinical inability to be subtle

and now we see a network tv series leaning hard into the superhero trend but in an intriguing sort of way i will reserve judgement

“mom here’s a sketchy lumpy brown envelope that was on the porch with our surname scrawled on it like a crazy person well i’m off to school”

REGGIE’S PROFILE JUST LINED UP WITH THE POSTER OF LORD BYRON IN THE CLASSROOM I AM SCREAMING THIS SHOW IS TRASH BUT LIKE THE MOST GLORIOUS HIGH QUALITY TRASH AND I AM IN LOVE

dilton just casually carving a vampire stake in the corner like the premium psycho he is

“farenheight 451 is the temperature at which paper burns” except it’s not and jughead is the exact kind of pompous weirdo who would know about this classic error just like me come on writers

this teacher is trying so hard not to get his little educator hopes up on this dweeb in a beanie but his soul is doing a dumb little suburban dad dance

kevin is telling betty off for being a main character with a side character bestie and i’m here for the hint of fourth wall breakage

cheryl is LIVING for this drama she’s going to write the juicy erotica novel based on her school’s gossip pool and make millions

also i love that she’s like- kevin’s #1 defender right now? we’ve come a long way from “is being the gay best friend still a thing?” i mean don’t get me wrong i am with betty in the whole “protect kevin’s stupid reckless butt at all costs” department, but if i were kevin i would appreciate the support of my whole heartedly poor choices