#Having thoughts in this chili's tonight lads.

[hajihiko]

Playing with colours and whatnot

magenta is a hard one. Next time I'll try Lime

as I said on Instagram;

My struggle with understanding my own interpretations of romantic and platonic love continues. But I think that's okay, in some way I like that I might never fully comprehend my favourite emotion in the world. But isnt it fun to try though? Isnt that just life.

It's the 25th so I'm allowed to be super extra frank and self-indulgent🤙

[lithuvia]

fkdfhgjdhgfjshd!!! Arla's glee!! the rapid fire questions!! arla asking if tae is his child when he says no to tae being his student! the tooka in a blanket image!!! im !!!!!! theres so much and its all so good!!!!!!! the interpersonal relationship between them!!!! jon's realization at the end!! good for him having friends that arent the other wanderers!! theres so much i want to gush over once more text limited! i am big 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

:DDDDDD I'm so glad! If there's one thing I missed about posting regularly it was hearing everyone's thoughts, so thank you so much! I feel validated in this Chili's tonight, lads. I've been sitting on this chapter for a hot minute, thanks again for providing the motivation to finish it up <3

[pianodoesterror]

hi! i'd just like to second what the other anon said about your dundy!!! he's so unassuming, and so much fun without ever going too far (and his dynamic with your james is the BEST!). he reminds me of a few classmates i've had who seemed like the usual rowdy, intimidating Lads tm but have turned out to be genuinely very thoughtful and kind.

!!!! I feel the Dundy Love in this chili's tonight!!

Honestly, he has almost taken on a life of his own. I call him 'Dundas ex machina' to my friend cause you throw him at a problem in a fic and his presence will sort it out for you (as good in a google doc as on Erebus).

BUT ofc he is more than that - friends are important! And so are important to round out character's and the world in fics! And Dundy and James are a blast to write, so I'm glad other people like them too lool

Dundy is a gentleman and a lad with a heart of gold, and I love him (and so does FJ).

Thank you for this message! I am very touched!!! 🧡

[infinite-insignia]

((guys. I think I just remembered where the nickname ‘sig’ came from in my canon. so,,,after I got the eye scar (technically an injury at the time) I ran into gadget and he helped me out and stuff. like he put bandages over it and let me stay at his place and ofc I was still nervous at the time but I eventually felt comfy enough to tell him what my real name was even tho I thought it was weird. so like,,,shortly after that,,,we were like. sitting outside just,,,talking? like he was just tryna make me feel safe after the whole eye injury thing y’know. and at some point during the conversation (not sure exactly when) he called me sig and I was like. confused for a second so I asked abt it. so he explained how it was short for my real name but it would be less weird for me and I. I liked it? a lot?? a shorter version of my own name that didn’t sound weird? like,,,I remember being genuinely happy at the time and that just,,,aaa.))

((like,,,it’s been over half a year since I kinfirmed your local jackal over here. don’t remember the exact kinfirming date cause I didn’t write it down but it was somewhere in may. but like,,,all the memories I’ve had so far have been abt bad things that happened. and I’ve been wanting to remember happier things and then just,,,out of nowhere,,,I get a positive memory. one that clearly meant a lot cause I kept using the nickname even after the war and all that. like,,,aaa? I’m,,,very happy rn. almost makes me want to have people call me sig irl in this life but uh. it’d be a huge change for everyone I know and my sis is currently transitioning (mtf) and adding more changes to the family would screw things up so. might do it later. but! I am,,,a happy kinnie in this chili’s tonight?? like,,,I can’t even describe it, it’s like a happy feeling mixed with childish excitement and some other emotions that I can’t even describe but it’s positive and I’m. aaa!!))

((I am in,,,a good mood tonight lads!! now I just gotta convince my dumb depressed brain to let me stay in this good mood for as long as possible--which isn’t always easy for me but. maybe this time I’ll have a happy episode instead of a depressive episode and everything will be good for a while! I mean my therapist has been telling me to practice having a positive outlook so. why not start when I’m already in a good mood?? ye!!! I’m gonna have,,,a happy episode! cause I got,,,a happy and meaningful memory! and that makes me,,,a happy kinnie!!! :D))

[links-writing-blog]

For the ask game: Pink, Purple, and Green? :0 (Also I loved the poem!!!! It gave a real soft vibe as well as having some STRONG lovecore vibes !!! 1000/5

(AaAAAAAaAAAAaAAH THANK YOU!!!! You have no idea how happy your comments made me ;;;w;;; And y e s,,, That is exactly the kind of vibe I was going for!!! I was just like “You know??? I’m feeling Soft™ and Gay™ and super Lovey Dovey™ in this Chili’s tonight, lads so let’s write a poem about it” Also thank you for sending in some asks :) !!!)

Pink: Which of your characters would become your best friend?

The story  s t i l l  isn’t finished because I’ve been insanely busy lately (can I get an f in the chat, my dudes?) but I feel like Averardus from my story, The Warlock and the Knight, would be a good friend of mine.

Purple: Which of your characters would become your sworn enemy?

I’m gonna treat “characters” as just characters I’ve written in my stories (including fanfiction), so in that case probably my version of Black Hat from Illicit in Harlem fjdkslafjl (which I plan to continue writing this weekend!!! FINALLY!!!). As much as I enjoy writing him, he’s also, well, literally part of the organized crime scene in the 1920s and a really bad guy so I’d 100% be the detective trying to chase this dude down and put him in jail.

Green: Pencil, typewriter, or computer?

Absolutely not, no-go, never pencil. I feel like I’ve mentioned it before but I,,, due to medical reasons I hold my writing utensils really weird and so writing by hand can be hard for me sometimes, and no matter what I always write WAAAAY slower than my thoughts go through my head (it makes my writing feel very fast-paced and/or disconnected at times).

I won’t lie, I’ve always REALLY wanted an authentic, antique typewriter. I don’t know if that’s just an old man in me speaking but it’d be nice to hear that “click, clack” and see the paper as it feeds out the back. Also, there’s something just so endearing about that classic typewriter font, and the inconsistencies that always come with it. I don’t like the new digitalized ones they have now, and the late 1900s models just,,, don’t look the same? And they don’t seem like they’d feel the same either. Oh! I should also probably mention, if I did have a typewriter it would be an at-home typewriter. The ones that are bigger, unlike the travel ones. Just because the travel ones often had letters or numbers cut out of the models to save space, but I don’t know??? There were some letters that looked the same as some numbers, but I still like having those separate keys there. But yeah, I’d definitely like a typewriter. But they’re expensive and hard to find :,)

As for computer, well, I mean, that’s what I write on, obviously jfakljsdlf. I can’t say I dislike typing on a computer. Things such as grammarly, spellcheck, etc. are SUPER convenient. A typewriter might offer a nice setting and help me get in the mood for certain stories (cough cough Illicit in Harlem), but it definitely doesn’t have things like that. I have to say though, I’d probably prefer a laptop to the computer I currently write on now. There’s just something invaluable that comes with being able to carry a laptop around, honestly. Like? It’s not a burden, but if you suddenly got an idea that you wanna write down, or find inspiration or something, you can just pull it out and start writing. Not only that, but you could bring it to places like the library or a cafe and it’d be really nice.

(Oh, whoops I kinda rambled haha-)

[exorcistcupid]

I'm feeling love for alma in this chili's tonight,, could I get a scenario of him getting flustered by his crush who has a tendency to flirt a lot thanks for my life fam 🙏🏻

(*chants* One of us, one of us– Join us in this flaming Alma pit of which there is no escape! Also, on a serious note, I have to apologize for making headcanons of his reaction instead. I’m just…really clueless and awful when it comes to flirting, but I sure as Hell know how to be flustered.)

Alma is not familiar with flirting–or at least doesn’t remember how to do it–when he gets introduced to the Black Order officially. He does, however, learn what it is very quickly after meeting you.

At first, he just thought you were being really nice! Though sometimes the things you said confused him, as they didn’t necessarily make sense in context of the conversation. Once he starts reading between the lines, though… Cue The Blush

He’s already at least a tiny bit blush-y around you. There is an unmistakable dusting of rose across his cheeks, highlighting his scar(or is it some sort of marking/tattoo? I feel like it’s a scar.) Because of his pale complexion, though, the moment you get your flirt on, even if it’s a rather tame comment said in passing, everyone within a mile radius can see his face heat up.

He nervously giggles, the sound a lot higher pitched then his normal voice. He stares at his lap with eyes as wide as saucers. He’s suddenly such an awkward little cherry, but he never tries to run away.

After a while, the reaction tones down a bit, but not by a lot. He’s easily flustered, the poor lad. But he’s also happy. Even if you don’t like him the way he likes you, he loves the attention. 

He has honestly tried to flirt back once or twice. He stumbled over his words and in the end it sounded more like a very heartfelt compliment than anything. He is too good, too pure. 

[the-mf-bread-babies]

20/6/20

× REBUILD III ×

+ RUNAWAY RENEGADES +

[ COLLECTION I ]

“backstories”

∆ VOLUME TWO ∆

“Odd Beginnings”

· PART ONE ·

———————————————————

CHAPTER ONE

DINER DATE

It was a rainy night. The clock inside the diner probably hadn't been fixed in decades, which only made time pass more slower for Jason. Jason Aronowitz Watanabe, 16 years old, was waiting for his first date to arrive at the restaurant. His mother and father were sitting in front of him, eagerly awaiting for her too. Among all the excuses the two had speculated, the son had grown tired and realized that maybe he didn't want to do this in the first place.

Jason stared at the unmoving clock, the sound of rain pattering filling his ears. God, it would be such a good time to sleep right now. “Honey, she's probably stuck in traffic,” said Judy, his mother. She spent hours to do her hair, makeup, and outfit. This might have been her son's date, but her and her husband's was going to take place as soon as the girl had arrived, and it was ten times more grand than Jason's. They had a reservation at Chili's.

Hisashi Watanabe, Jason's father, kept his eyes focused on the road outside. Maybe this was her. No, then that one. Also no. Well, hopefully Jason's not getting pranked or whatever. Oh, that's a cool truck. Bye, cool truck. Damn, that reservation's probably busted by now. So long, paradise pie. Two hours to get here and both dates are probably cancelled by now. Jason looks sad. Actually, he always does, it's understandable, but this time's sadder than usual.

“Jason, look outside!” The father whispered excitedly, pointing out the window. “Whatever. I wanna go home.” Jason grumbled angrily, his voice slightly cracking either from crying or just puberty. “Sorry, just… a limo,” Hisashi uttered quietly. “We can order something if you want,” Judy suggested, awkwardly smiling, her big sunglasses shielding the intense mix of emotions she was feeling– anger, disappointment, sadness. Also, hunger.

“Mm,” Jason replied cryptically. “Waiter! Can I get a menu, please?” Judy yelled out, startling the two men. She ordered something, her voice being reduced to mumbles by Jason zoning out, eyes fixated on the table. “Sweetie, do you want a milkshake? They have cookies and cream,” His mother asked, gaining back his attention. “Um, okay, sure.” Jason answered, giving his mother and the waiter a polite smile. “Thank you.” He went back to zoning out.

His parents were having a conversation about something unimportant, and the restaurant was awfully ambient. There was a jukebox, but that, too, was broken. This seemed like an appropriate situation for the boy to get distracted from everything and daydream. Damn, it would be so cool if he could play the drums. Ah, to be a transformer. Imagine going to have a heart transplant surgery, and Gerard says, “Babe, it's okay,” and then when it's done you ask the nurse who gave you the heart and she replies, “Frank Iero,” and you and the other three remaining members go get pizza or whatever. Poor Frank. Was that a bell ringing. Oh, to be a lamb in a field, eating grass. Ew, imagine eating grass…

HELLO.

A shadowy figure towered over Jason threateningly, katakana surrounding her. Who the hell is this?

“Do you need money?” Judy asked quietly, counting some dollar bills, thinking this was some random person. “Yeah!” She shouted excitedly. “Gimme five hundred thousand dollars, stat!” Jason's face turned to the girl. Her shirt read “TACO,” with an image of a cartoon taco below it. Cloaking the ugly t-shirt was a blue jacket that seemed quite old and vintage. Well, at least her outfit is matching. “Um… are you…” he asked the girl.

“Your date for tonight, partner!” Oh, she has braces. Yeah, seemed like a braces person. “Awesome! Now you two don't do any funny business, okay?” Jason's dad stated, pointing. “Dad, what.” “Well, off to visit your mother!” He added, his arm around Judy, the two scooting out of the seat to make room for the girl. “Cool! Your dad knows TF2?” The girl said, her face sparking up in joy. “I was an animator for the shorts,” Hisashi revealed, much to the girl's excitement. “HOLY SHIT!!! CAN I GET AN AUTOGRAPH?!” She yelled out, turning the heads of some people in the diner. “Sure thing,” he answered, signing a napkin. “Okay, bye, you two,”

Jason's eyes met the girl's, realising he forgot what her name was. Um… well, her brother's a senior, right? Tony… Tony Blenderson… Bender… Flanders… Uh… “Hi! You're Jason, right? From History?” She asked, raising his fear more. How did he even agree to this in the first place? Oh, right, their moms are friends. “Um, yeah, and you're…” Oh God. Grave mistake. “Man, I don't know! Most people just call me by my last name. First names are boring, you get me?” She confessed, calming him down slightly. “Oh, uh… yeah! Uh, so I can call you…” “Anytime!” She added confidently. “Huh?” Jason said, confused. “Henderson, man! Hendersonville is actually an actual place, by the way! Could you BELIEVE IT?!” Jason awkwardly agreed, not knowing what to do. “Yeah… like Disneyland or something…”

The conversation went on, with the occasional text from Jason's parents. “So then I was all like, I know karate, you dumbass,” she started, Jason trying his best to understand what the hell she was talking about. “And this stupid little goat starts headbutting me, and I'm bleeding and stuff, obviously, keep in mind I had a hamburger, that's important, okay,” The boy nodded his head along. “So, yeah, that was how gender equality is. Yeah, zoos are dumb, they're bad,” “Yeah, like, it's not good for them and stuff,” Jason said, finally having some material for the conversation.

He paused for a bit, unsure if the other was going to add anything. “So, uh, what do you do? Like, um, in general, yeah,” he asked, sipping his milkshake. “Kill people.” She blurted. “Okay. I like collecting stamps.” He replied jokingly. “HAH! God, what a riot you are! Oh boy, STAMPS!!!” Henderson laughed exaggeratedly, thinking it sounded natural, and possibly cute. “Yeah…?” “Yeah, not real people, but like, I play video games a lot. You ever play Slime Rancher? I've got six thousand days on that guy.” She confessed seriously, crossing her arms. “Also, used to play Overwatch, but that was so last rebuild. Now, in this one, I prefer Garden Warfare. You know, the FPS Plants vs. Zombies game?” She casually added, Jason sending his usual confused nodding and raised eyebrows with a slightly opened mouth as a reply.

Jason thought for a bit. “I play Apex,” He said disappointedly. “Oh, didn't it end because of that big rapper guy? Marshmello? Yeah. Sorry, dude.” Henderson comforted. “Um. I guess?” Jason ate the Oreo on top of the milkshake. “Yeah, and I also listen to emo stuff. I was born in the wrong generation.” He said, stirring the drink. “Oh, like PSY? Yeah, my old neighbor listened to him.” .. huh. “Um… yeah, and like, MGR and stuff…” “Cool! What's that stand for, again? My cousin listens to Chaos! in the Gathering, Nuclear Lad, thirty three tailors, so I know emo.” Henderson bragged. “Oh, it stands for My Geological Rocks! It's because they're pretty rock, and one of them saw this book where the title was ‘Geological Rocks’ or whatever, so they named the band that.” He explained truthfully. “ Oh ! That's Dumb ! ” She blatantly said, her hand loosely swinging a spoon.

“Oh, shit, you don't have food. Um, do you want some?” Jason realized, offering Henderson the scraps of his milkshake. “Nope! Lactose intolerance, baby!” She confessed, a hint of sadness present in her face. “Oh. Sorry,” He said as he slurped up the remains quite loudly. “Should I ask them for a menu?” Jason asked, clearly not wanting to do so. “I ate a toasted toast sandwich earlier, so I'm not really hungry.” “A toasted toast sandwich is a piece of toast slotted between two other pieces of toasted bread. With butter spread on some of them.” Henderson explained in detail. “Is it good?” Jason asked fearfully. “Duh,” she said. “Oh, okay,”

The two sat in silence. The room was quiet, even the chattering of the other customers were gone. Henderson waited patiently for a waiter to come by, her face staring at the table. “That's a weird stain.” She uttered, poking hesitantly at it. “Probably tea.” Jason added, looking at the stain. “Yeah,” Henderson agreed, resting her head on the table. They stared at the stain for some time. “So, uh, you like Jar-Jar’s Odd Journey?” Henderson asked, looking up at the other. “No, I don't watch anime,” he replied, prying at the stain with his fingernail. “Oh, okay. But like, do you like Jar-Jar’s?” Jason paused, looking at her and squinting his eyes, thinking what she was meaning to hint, then slowly realising it. “Well, do you like Power Princesses? With the cat lady and the other lady?” He asked slyly, smiling from ear to ear. “Yeah… literally and…” Henderson inspected Jason's jeans. “metaphorically… you know…” Jason inspected hers too. They both cuffed them, even though Henderson's were already a good length, now a bit too short, resulting in a very prominent hint. “So yes, I do watch Jar-Jar, then,” he replied. They nodded, smiling in Mystery.

“So, why'd you even agree to this?” Jason asked, facing her. “I dunno. Felt rebellious to steal my sister's date, I guess.” Jason leaned back in his seat, blinking interestedly. “So, if it weren't for you meddling fool, I would've gone on a date with a CRSCO girl, huh?” “Sksksksks and I oop,” Jason questioned dramatically. “Yes. That's actually why I'm late; I drove here by myself.” Henderson confessed, smirking. “And I knew I wouldn't like this date if it was at some fancy restaurant, so I picked somewhere I could eat, hence why the location is so unsuitable.” “The distance, especially. That was so my family couldn't track me down.” “As if they'd care.” Henderson folded her hands together on the table and put her head down and stared at them, her hair swinging dramatically in front of her.

“Well that's bad. And bad… ass,” Jake stated, tilting his head awkwardly. “Like, your family, that's bad, like, your brother's a… he's not nice, necessarily, but you stealing a date from your sister and driving to some random-ass diner in the middle of nowhere, that's some Gone Girl shit.” he explained, eyes burning with awe.

“I mean, I've had some friends from band that met your sister, and from what I've heard, and I'm sorry for being nosy, but, I mean, it really justifies this whole… thing. So, uh, yeah. Sorry,” Jason continued as Henderson moved her Orbs to meet his.

“So, how'd it feel to set her room on fire? Were the firefighters and shit? Again, sorry for being nosy.” Jason asked casually, doing his first attempt at the three-paragraph thing. Henderson giggled uncontrollably, wiping tears off of her Orbs. “Wha– FIRE?! Who told you that? I only just threw some of her stuff out the window, but SETTING IT ON FIRE WAS NOT PART OF THE PLAN, JASON!!” Jason sat up, stammering in response. “B-But, um, like, uh, Tristan, from band, the school band, said that– you, uh, like, it was midnight, and he woke up because of all the sirens, and– yeah.” Jason explained, his voice nervously loud, and his hands gesturing wildly. “Oh!” she yelled out, remembering the experience.

“That was the time I tried modifying the hell outta french fries and I set the kitchen on fire! Like, I was pouring the fries in, then the fire just shot up, like, ten feet, and my hair almost caught on fire, the smoke alarm was ringing, it was hell, man, hell,” Henderson explained excitedly. “So, yeah, someone called the fire station, next thing I know, I'm getting yelled at severely, and I can't play video games or go on my phone for three weeks!” Jason nodded in awe. “How did you… mod… fries?” He asked in confusion, rubbing his chin. “Oh, I put olive oil, safflower oil, cooking oil, and corn oil, also I used a flat frying pan, put in two brands of fries, made sure it wasn't overcrowded, also put a thick layer of seasoning on the pan and I folded it like scrambled eggs.”

“So yeah, a literal recipe for disaster. Never doing that again.” Henderson stated, although she was most definitely going to make the same mistake in a few years with Rachel. “Ah. I see. Why the flat frying pan?” Jason asked. “Oh, the other pans were in the sink and I was lazy.” She replied, making a disappointed face. “also i'm pretty sure that it caused the oil to like. yknow. vooooshhhhh” Henderson added, sinking her face into her hands.

Jason thought of a more embarrassing moment. “Wanna know that time I went to the ER because I was too goth?” “Wait, two times! One, I ate black lipstick, the other, I got choked by a…” Jason sunk his head down. “homemade e-boy necklace…” Henderson cackled loudly, slapping the table. “How the hell do you get choked by that?!” Jason pursed his lips sadly. “I was wearing the necklace first and put it on backwards, big mistake, it had a really heavy padlock, then my binder, which was way too tight, so it was choking me, but I was wearing my turtleneck, and my arms were stuck, so I just smacked the dresser violently.” “And that's how I came out to my parents.” Jason said, smirking and crossing his arms together. “Thankfully, they let me buy a better one that didn't, like, kill me.” He added.

Henderson's jaw was hanging open in surprise. “You're trans too?!” Jason pogged in response, “TOO?!” The two shared a very intense and complicated series of high-fives and fistbumps, screaming in joy. “Man, so this is why you stole that dumbass’ date!” “Solidarity!” Jason stated, smiling. “Thanks for saving me, uh…” He paused, waiting for a confirmation. “Uh… I dunno. Girl?” Henderson replied, shrugging. “Girl! I am Dude!” Jason shouted, giving her a thumbs-up. “Cool! Hi Dude!” She yelled out, earning a very strong high-five from Jason. “Hell Yeah !!!!!!!!”

“Man, you want something to celebrate? This shit's nice as hell.” Jason asked, visibly in a better mood than before. “To hell with it! Cheesy Frickin’ Fries for the lady!” Henderson shouted in joy. “And for the man?” Jason thought for a bit. “Truck” he uttered, giving her an emotional gaze. Get it? Gaze? “Ah, okay. Truck it is, then,” Henderson confirmed before raising her head to get the waiter's attention.

“Waiter ain't here. Should I? Go to the counter?” She asked, pointing to the front of the diner. Jason nodded in response. Henderson approached the counter, her hands in her pockets, her eyes looking around. There was not a single person to be seen, the pies sitting on the rack softly, asking to be stolen and devoured. “Be… do…” she whispered softly, her hand reaching to the pies, only to be stopped by the other one. Disappointed, she went back to Jason, frowning.

“God hates us.” She uttered, her head pointing up. “No one at the counter, no one near the entrance, so no friggin’ cheese fries.” She grumbled, “Drove five friggin’ hours in the friggin’ rain just for this dumbass shit. Can't even have the friggin’ pies, that's illegal,” Jason looked at her sadly. “Hey, it's okay, I brought snacks,” He pulled out a packet of chips from his hoodie pocket. “Here's the fries…” Jason placed a slightly melted cheese slice onto the table. “And here's the cheese!” “Hipster, innit? All deconstructed an’ stuff,” He said happily, swinging his arm a la Grunkle Stan.

“What a gentleman. Thank you, Jarnathan Jarstar, my brother,” Henderson said gratefully, unwrapping the cheese slice packet. “Good job, uh, Catra,” Jason commented, opening the chips packet. As they dined happily, a tall, scary figure approached them slowly and murderously.

“Ya can't bring outside food in here.”

“It's against the rules, kiddos.”

“Might getcha banned fer life if yer not careful enough.”

“Aah!!” Jason screamed quietly. The figure revealed itself under the illumination of the ceiling lights— a man, presumably middle-aged, dressed in a cheap chicken costume, donning a knight helmet. “You wouldn't make the cut. Ya just wouldn't.” The man uttered cryptically, confusing the two. Was this weirdo the mascot or just some guy? “I have pepper spray, creep.” Henderson threatened, pointing the self-defence tool at the costumed man. “Like that'll do anythin’.” He pointed out, glaring at the girl.

In response, Jason pushed the man, Henderson following suit by vigorously kicking the life out of him. Blood oozed out of the now-stained costume as he begged for help, trying his best to explain the current situation. “Stop! Please stop!” He yelled out, only for the helmet to be removed by Henderson, who was ready to punch the hell outta him.

Some balding white guy sporting bad facial hair had been the culprit all along. Jason pulled the remains of his hair and threw him to the floor, yelling. Out of the blue, a group of people showed up, coming to the rescue and pulling them apart from each other. “Whose idea was to be threatening again?!” The man in the chicken costume yelled out, clearly angry at all of them. “Run!” Henderson shouted, grabbing the snacks and dragging Jason out of the diner, only to be chased down by the others.

“Who the hell was that guy?!” Jason yelled, running. “I may be weird, but I definitely don't know that guy, and definitely not enough for him to just show up like that!” Henderson shouted back, confused. “Guess it's some weird kidnapper, then? Or a really odd mascot.” Jason said, dashing around the street corner. “Probably!” Henderson ran past Jason. “Hey, wait up! I was kicked outta the track team for a reason, Henderson!” The boy yelled, running out of breath. The girl went back to him, feeling a bit guilty.

“I, uh, have asthma.” Jason said, pulling out his inhaler. “Oh, um, I'm, uh, really, really, sorry.” Henderson nervously apologized, her mind wondering what would happen if Jason died right then and there. Oh, she'd definitely have to go to court. Maybe it'll be like Legally Blonde. Jason stood back up, gesturing to Henderson to keep going. “Hey, I'm okay, go ahead.” “You can leave me here if you want. Death isn't a big concern for me; I'll meet all the MGR members, then when I go to hell I can punch Brendon Urie in the face…” Jason struggled out. “… because he's like, racist,” “Bob Bryar too, man,” Henderson nodded slowly, not knowing what the hell kinda emo thing he was referencing.

Jason looked behind Henderson, surprised. “Hhhh… they're not killing us…” he tried out, pointing to her back. “Oh, hey, yeah. Let's go hide somewhere.” Henderson suggested, looking around for a good shelter. “I'm gonna tell this to my parents first…” Jason said, moving down to sit on the ground. “Oh, man. There's no reception here.” He revealed, getting more and more scared with every second they stayed there, the possibility of them being caught and killed or whatever growing steadily.

“I mean, we are in Ohio, Jason. There's a bigger chance of us stumbling into a big-ass cornfield than us getting reception in some super rural town like this.” Henderson sighed. “This place is called Van Wert, Jay. How friggin’ hillbilly is that? Van Wurrrtt, yee-haw,” She commented angrily. Jason took a deep breath and stood back up, scanning the horizon.

“Well, hard to find a place where we won't get shot immediately when entering, especially at this hour. I mean, gun store, bar, creepy pharmacy, another gun store, mom and pop, mom and pop's gun store, shooting range, farmer's market, café (with a rifle under the counter), barbershop, ranch–” Henderson smiled from ear to ear as she heard what Jason just said. “RANCH?! WITH HORSES?!”

tob e fucketh continue

a uhhh Notes by Rocco Wulfram North

oh that names so epic omg

[mumfordanddaughtersoftheroad]

June 25, 2017 at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - Arroyo Seco Weekend.

Lads. My god, lads. We felt it. We know you felt it too. This one was the best one, wasn’t it?

Back to the beginning. We flew from Las Vegas to LA this morning, leaving at 7 am. Tired. After consuming chili for breakfast (who eats chili before going to a festival??), we napped pretty much all day. We walked into Arroyo Seco Weekend a little hot and grumpy. But Weezer was going strong and the hometown crowd was appreciative. After their set, we found plenty of room at the foot of a mild incline where people were sitting with lawn chairs and blankets. After much debate (crowd turnover is high so should we go closer to the front … or do we stay and have better view farther away without all the jostle of the crowd), we decided to stay put. Good decision.

After a short 45 min, the boys came on with Snake Eyes. Marcus showed up in his black tee. We liked it very much. Heeheee. Something in the air was different immediately and not just because of Marcus’s tee. By Little Lion Man, it was clear. There was an energy that we haven’t felt in a while. They loved us and we loved them until there was no “us” nor “them” and instead, we were all having this amazing experience together.

Marcus was having fun and being very chatty. (“Wow there are a lot of you. You go way back. I thought you were watching another gig. Thanks for coming to ours, though. That’s very nice of you!” / “How are you over there in the woods? The Wooded People. Hello Wooded People! Are you sitting? Why the fuck are you sitting? I’m going to come over there and fuck up all your shit. *plays* Just kidding, I wouldn’t do that. I’m a long way from home. *plays* I could, though.”). Ben couldn’t help commenting, “you’re one of the best crowds we’ve played to in a while.” We know, Ben.

Babel, White Blank Page, and Awake My Soul are regulars now. Ditmas Run came tantalizingly close to us. Blind Leading the Blind was dedicated to "our hometown of London, which has had a shit time recently." I’ve never seen a crowd that big be so silent during Cold Arms around the sharesies mic. So good. So good that Marcus stopped singing during The Wolf to shout “we love you! We love you so much!” The feeling’s mutual, Marcus. Tonight was a special one. So glad we were there.

[enlit12ww]

The hues of dusk set in as Don Badoy Montiya stepped out of his carriage. The quaint sounds of gay laughter, galloping stallions, and women’s gab seep into the air as if it were oxygen—he was home. When was the last time he stepped foot on the rich soil of his motherland? The once humble población1 has now prospered into a great cabecera2. However, there would be no time to reminisce for it was May day eve. A grand ball was thrown at the favor of the young bucks newly arrived from Europe3 and he was not going to miss it. He arrived to gala only to hear the jeers of wild spirits who drowned themselves in the finest brandy. It is as if Dionysus4 administered the banquet himself! Every corner would be filled with the waltz of socialites and libido-filled skirt-chasers. Badoy basked in the vigor, taking in the merry atmosphere when he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Don Badoy Montiya?”

The don jolted and turned to see the source of the voice. A tall figure stood before him with clothes kissing every inch of his muscular frame. His profile and features were chiseled as if he were a hero of myth. This adonis carried an air of refinement and familiarity.

“DIOS! ‘Twas only you Don Sebastian5 Fuerte6! Would it kill you to exchange proper salutations? I haven’t seen you in years!”

Sebastian ardently laughed at reaction. “You always were a delicate damsel! How could you forget a man like me?”

“Apologies, I could not recognize you for you have sculpted your body like a god! Have you sold your soul to the devil?”

Badoy was shocked at the transformation of his friend. Sebastian Fuerte was formerly a tall and lanky chap with not an ounce of machismo in him. Now, he breathed virility!

Sebastian tittered, “‘Twas nothing but sport. Seeing you takes me back to our times in Barcelona!” A firm grasp fell on Badoy's shoulders as he and his old friend reminisce.

Ah Barcelona! It was the best of times. His mornings would start him grooming himself for hours, delicately combing his mustache and spritzing himself with an eau de toilette7 that smelled of ylang-ylang8. The routine would continue by walking on the lively streets to browse various ateliers9. Later in the night, he and his mates would paint the town red and visit Bar Marsella10 to indulge in the vertiginous absinthe11 and flirt with damsels. “How could I forget those nights?”

“Then we shall drink to them!” Sebastian exclaimed.

Arm in arm, the two roamed around the gala under the vivid moonlight to join the debauchery of others. The night was young and so were they! As time passed, the pair slipped away from the crowd to quaff beside the tranquil river bank. The cold breeze coupled with clapping leaves of flora created an intimate atmosphere.

Inebriated with a crimson face, Badoy wailed and confessed, “Fortuna12 has never been on my side. I have charm in spades and looks so dashing yet I have not bed woman. Is there something wrong?”

“Peradventure13 you lack machismo.” Sebastian retorted. Badoy giggled and took another swig of Brandy.

“You forget yourself Sebastian, a jest perchance?”

“You groom yourself for hours, smell like a woman, and can barely hold your liquor. You are no man.”

“Pardon me, were you not similar?”

“I am no longer that feeble lad you once knew. You are still a boy Badoy, one without a lady to his name.”

The once serene scene was now brought up by tension as Sebastian’s words sliced the air. Intoxicated, Badoy regurgitated the tinola14 he ate earlier and saw his reflection amongst his repulsive spew. Compared to Sebastian, he did not have particular features that stood out as particularly macho. His mustache, while prominent, looked odd on his boyish complexion. His ordinary stature coupled with his slender frame could not hold a candle against Sebastian’s statuesque appearance. Seeing his flushed countenance beside Sebastian’s suave visage made his blood boil. Out of a fit of rage and drunkenness, Badoy swinged a punch towards his former friend. Losing his balance, he crumbled on the river bed. Sebastian sighs and leaves at the pathetic display of bravado.

“Go home Badoy, ‘tis past a school boy’s curfew.”

He clumsily recollects himself on the rocky banks only to find a bleeding scar on his cheek. Wiping the blood off his face, Badoy yelled, “I shall bed a wife tonight, then we shall see who is truly a man!” Driven by alcohol and anger, the young don tipsily disappears into the night. The weight of his body sank as he took every step as figures twisted around him. His vision blurred along with his consciousness until it caved into darkness.

He regains his bearings and finds himself carefully sauntering in a moonlit hallway. A wave of shame swallowed his soul as he recalled Don Sebastian’s statement. Was Badoy just a boy? How was he going to bed a wife? A faint candle light would then catch his attention. He followed its source only to find an enchanting beauty standing before a large antique mirror. It was Agueda! What a fine lady she grew to be! Sebastian’s words immediately rang in his head as stared at the maiden. Was this an opportunity bestowed by the heavens? Indeed! He would put a love spell by charming her out of her wits. A giggle escaped his wicked smile as he creeped behind the darling Agueda. He leaned his head over her shoulder and saw his reflection. He saw a stern man smiling back at him; his eyes were of a beast ready to hunt. The thought of being with her felt devilishly delightful, he would prove that damn Sebastian wrong.

The lass slowly opened her eyes to find Badoy towering over her.

“Charms like yours have no need for a candle, fair one,” he said, smiling at her in the mirror.

1 Población is the common term for a town or settlement during the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines.

2 Cabecera is the district capital. The layout of the town was in a geometric grid pattern and featured a plaza, church, convent, and town hall on the center. Houses of nobles would be closer to the center while the houses the poor would be located farther.

3 The young bucks from Europe refer to the Ilustrados. They were wealthy Filipinos who were able to afford education abroad. This class of erudite men were prominent in the late 19th century.

4 Dionysus is the god of harvest and wine, usually associated with celebration

5 Sebastian is Latin for “revered”.

6 Fuerte is Spanish for “strong”.

7 Eau de toilette is French for toilet water. Despite it’s strange name, it refers to lightly scented cologne.

8 Ylang-ylang is the Filipino name for the Cananga odorata. The flower’s extract is commonly used for perfumes and aromatherapy.

9 Atelier is French for an artist’s workshop where many fine and decorative arts were produced.

10 A bar established in 1820s located in El Raval, Barcelona. The pub still stands as of 2018.

11 Absinthe is a type of alcoholic beverage popular in the late 18th century. It had a high alcohol content making it akin to a hallucinogen and was popular with the middle class.

12 Fortuna is the Roman goddess of luck

13 It is used as an adverb, it means “perhaps”. Not to be confused with the noun which pertains to uncertainty.

14 Tinola is a classic Filipino dish made from chicken, green papaya, and leaves of a chili pepper. It’s broth is also flavored by ginger and onions.