#SEGO

[thegentlemancollects]

[the-last-concert]

Chapter Nineteen: Careful

Pepper

Two Days before the Last Concert

Pepper banged on Speedy’s door, repeatedly. They lived one block away from each other in Santa Monica. After the funeral, he was glad that Speedy was around him more. It was less of a dread to be able to get up in the morning. He had memories, ancient memories tied to his best friend. Could he still call him that? Even after … he cut communication out. He would think so. If anyone got how he was, it was him. And aside from all the people in Mystique, Speedy seemed like the only one who stuck around. 

“Yo!!” Speedy swung the door open in a hurry. He was half dressed and still had a toothbrush in his mouth. “You 5-0 or something?” 

Pepper pushed past him and walked in the house. He had big news and it couldn’t wait until they were at Zero Morale, the music advertising company they were employed at. On a whim, Pepper had no idea Speedy applied there, until he saw him in the cafeteria one day randomly. It was the best surprise he had after a long shitty week. 

“I got the gig.” Pepper told him. “The indie band I’ve been following? Well, I sent them some of my videos and.…they like it-no-loved it. I’m off to London to tour with them soon.” 

“Well, shit.” Speedy dapped him into a hug. “That’s a big deal. I understand why it couldn’t wait. But what about Zero Morale? And I thought you planned on doing grad school at UC to get your Master’s in teaching? 

“I know, I know.” Pepper said. It was eating up inside that he hasn’t shared not one detail on his plan. He pushed to tour because he needed to. While he still could. Pepper was sick. The terminal deadly kind. Cancer. And Speedy had no fucking clue about his condition.  “But this ain’t passing me by. I need to take this chance to tour while I still can. Time ain’t an option I have… at the moment.” 

Pepper hid his sickness from Speedy because it’s not like he’s been making the best choices with his health. Lately, shit has been a blur for him. He went to all-night bars, ate poorly, or nothing at all. Did every drug imaginable with fans or… band roadies. He needed to numb the pain. He needed to numb the world. He was fucking done with it. If he can be a misguided ghost for the rest of his existence, he would oblige quickly. But …. There was Speedy. Speedy has been here for him. And he sure as hell, didn’t want to think about Qwen. 

Qwendolyn Annie Tuckett. That was his mom’s maiden name. Pepper never acknowledge her re-marriage to the most vindictive man alive. Charles B. Jones.

Speedy smiled wide. “Then…we should celebrate. We got the hook-up at MiSChievous KiSS my bro got for us.” He motioned his hands in the sky to paint a movie picture. “We’re talking about free drinks…. All night.” 

“You know I ain’t passing that up.” Pepper settled on the couch, eating the rest of Speedy’s breakfast burrito. “But we got the set-up today in the Ziggy auditorium for that one artist.”

Speedy shook his head and smirked. This always meant he had been working solo, and more than likely bringing Pepper along with them. “Talked to the head of PR. Get this. There’s a secret concert happening in Madison Square for a reunion tour. And guess who’s helping out?”

“Us?” Pepper asked, half-way through chewing. 

Speedy ignored his messy eating and replied, “Naturally. We’re flying to New York tomorrow morning. And after the briefing, we got the rest of the day to ourselves.” 

“My dude!” Pepper did their secret handshake. “You always finesse the system.” 

“Aye,” Speedy’s hand went up, before taking back his plate from Pepper. He ignored that he wasn’t finished eating his breakfast burrito. Probably made from scratch, if Pepper could guess. “I’m just a man with a pretty face.” 

Speedy went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Pepper glanced at white envelope that fell from where the plate was sitting. It was a letter. And he can only imagine who was on the receiving end.

“You invited her?” 

Pepper stood up with the letter in his hand. He wanted to crumble it up and throw it in the farthest trash he could find. It was already bad enough he has been dreaming about Moggie since the funeral. He didn’t invite her. But a small portion of his hope was crushed when she didn’t attend. He had no right to be angry at her. But…. There was resentment. And a lot of it between them.  It had to be what- 8- no 9 years since he saw her last. And little over a decade since they spoke. 

Not since that night at Rosie’s. 

Back then, he wasn’t thinking. Everything was an implosive conversation. But she didn’t realize, she broke his heart that day. She had no intention of going with them to California. How… could he ever tell her then ? How much he was in love with her? How much he would miss the way she smelled? Or her smile? The way her nose looks sunken into her face when she’s mad? He didn’t have access to any of it. And that pissed him off way more than a petty goodbye.

Speedy stopped soaping the dishes before answering,” Yeah. It'll be jank going into a city she lives in and not having a conversation. This is a good thing. You can finally clear the air.”

“I ain’t clearing shit, Speed.” Pepper slammed the letter on the counter. “Do what you want. But there’s no way in hell I’m going now.” 

“It’s already too late.” Speedy said. He turned around from the sink and folded his arms. “Big Man signed off on it. And you know how it is there. Once the ink dries, there’s no free rides. He’s gonna expect us both to be in New York the day after tomorrow.” 

“Fine.” Pepper gritted his teeth. “Hurry up and finish getting ready. I won’t be late cause you need more time in the mirror.” 

Speedy snatched a toast that popped up and ate it halfway. “Don’t be such a baby. I’ll be down in 10.” He jogged upstairs to finish getting ready for work.

Pepper hated not having control. He was fucked. There’s no way he can face Moggie after all the pain he caused her. What if she never forgives him? What if she doesn’t remember him? That’s worse. Way worse. Instead of listening to scenarios screaming out, Pepper went into Speedy’s studio to calm down. Maybe he was losing it. Only way to cope with this was to play it out. He picked up a nearby guitar and just started playing. It was chords he was used to, but something stirred, and he started messing with major chords that cleared minor chords. It was a brand new sound. Just as fast he played it, he had the lyrics to what it was about. He started humming the melody. Then wrote some lyrics down on the back of a music stand. He never was the best at communicating. But music… music was always able for him to do the impossible. He had a way to be transparent. And maybe this time, the message for Moggie won’t get lost in translation. He had a way to talk to her. 

“You ready?” Speedy called from the living room. Pepper almost lost his sense of reality, but he came back. 

He put the guitar down and made it back upstairs. He spotted Speedy was dressed in Nike techwear with his vintage backpack from college, hanging off one shoulder. “Yeah, let’s go to work.”

They were called into a meeting right away. Big Man was his nickname, but everyone knew the CEO as Xavier Floyd Hathaway. His family? Filled with musicians…singers…songwriters and dancers. Some are even more famous than MJ. They struck gold when getting this job. Sure, it was a lot of grunt work, but they were able to network with some A level artists.

“Where we at? Speed?” Big Man questioned him. He was looking at the arrangements on the white board to pinpoint Paramore’s beginning and ending set. 

“I got the email back from Hayley. This is the revised set list that she wanted to put in.” Speedy handed him a flier and he scanned it over, before he waved at his assistant to take it from his hand.

“Tell her it’s approved.” Big Man stated. He kept looking between the board and his phone. One of his phones. “It’s missing… something. This is their last concert together. It gotta go out with a bang.”

“You’re right, Big.” Pepper said. “I may have that thing.” 

“Pep, shut up.” Speedy tried to warn his best friend for the millionth time about asking for stage time. Big Man believed in results before spotlights. Pepper has been like a sore thumb to his own work. Bugging Big Man every chance he gets about performing. 

“Nah, let him speak.” Big Man sat down and typed out something before giving Pepper the floor. “All yours, Pic. What’d you got?”

“An original song.”

“And you rehearsed it?”

“This morning.”

“And it’s all the way done? I don’t have time for anything less.”

“I promise. It’s golden.”

Big Man looked at his assistant and a few other workers before responding. But he looked….relieved ? Pepper couldn’t pinpoint his facial expression, but it got so quiet within a few silent seconds. He sniffed and leaned back in his chair, “Alright Pic. One shot. You got me? A lot is riding on this to be a success.”

Pepper clasped his hands together. “You already know.” Big Man nods and everyone is dismissed from the meeting to get ready for departure. 

“Bruh, on the real?” Speedy says. “I was scared for you. I mean-you really finished a song that fast?”

“HELL no!” Pepper said. “But I fooled him.”

“We’re fucked.” Speedy’s head dropped into his hands. 

Pepper smirked into a slight laugh. “No faith. I’m disappointed that you think we can’t pull this off.” 

“We? I ain’t lie to the most powerful man in the music industry.” Speedy pointed out. 

“Look-you got me in the mess from jump.” Pepper said. “And contacted the one person I didn’t want. You‘re helping me out with this. And ... .Imma need your studio for the rest of the night.”

“Whatever, man.” Speedy waved him off before cheesing widely. “But we’re partying first.”

MiSChievous KiSS was packed. They drove twenty minutes to downtown LA. The line wrapped around the block. Speedy and Pepper keeked at each other, knowing a celebrity had to be in there. It was the only publicity M.K. got. Other nights were deader than a lonely street walker. Pepper was crashing at Speedy’s place until they left for the airport tomorrow morning. He had no idea how he was going to finish the song, and survive the morning sunrise. The next couple days were gonna feel like actual hell. But this was the kind of break Pepper needed. At least, until he was able to get a handle on his life again.

Pepper wiped off his black leather jacket from the rainfall. He wore all black tonight. Right down to his steel toe boots.  Speedy wore a cream silk shirt that was left opened and an ivory tee underneath. He paired it with emerald denim flared pants and hi-top white Pumas. 

“Man, I hope your connection doesn’t make us wait in this long ass line.” Pepper complained. “Ain't worth it.”

Speedy gave him a will-you-trust-me look as they made it to the doorway. Pepper rolled his eyes. There was a huge bouncer, guarding the front with a female dressed in a silver dress, smacking her gum. She looked like she could be in her mid-40s. There was a clipboard she had, and a lanyard that read: MiSChievous KiSS ViP. She looked up when Speedy’s silhouette hovered over her. 

He smiled really big. “Good evening, Miss Lydia.” 

“Malachi…” She batted her long false eyelashes, before gripping the  ViP list clipboard tighter with her long false nails. “You didn’t call me back.” 

“I know. I’m a real jerk. But you know how Big Man is…..” Speedy explained, really laying on his charm thick. His hand was on top of hers, caressing it. She was like a putty in this man’s hands. “Got us running around like chickens with our heads cut off….Bloody.” 

“Boy.” Lydia busted her gum inches from Speedy’s face. Then, she smirked something sinister. “You lucky, I like you. Who’s your friend?” 

“Oh, this is Phinheas.” Speedy wrapped his arm around Pepper’s shoulder. Pepper nodded as Lydia winked at him. He had to contain the vomit that was coming up. “Basically, brothers. We grew up together.” 

“Well, if he’s anything like you,” Lydia says. “Then, this should be a fun night.” Pepper hoped that she wasn’t implying Speedy’s rap sheet of nights he had with women. Multiple women. Sometimes in one night. He withheld his shudder and decided to speak up. If it meant less wait time, he could kiss ass for two seconds. 

“Nice to meet you, Lydia.” Pepper said, extending his hand. She blushed and shook his hand. “Beautiful ink you got on your arm.” 

“What? This?” She pulled away, slyly. “It was just something me and my sisters did one crazy night.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Pepper said. “It fits you well.”

“Mal, I like him.” Lydia removes the red rope. “Y'all go in. Sego’s set should be just starting.” 

Speedy winked at Pepper, appreciating that he worked with him. They walked right in and went through the scanning security area. 

“You know of all the A-listers,” Pepper started to say after putting back on his watch from the bin. “I’m not mad at this one.” 

“Aw, you a fan of the sax?” Speedy joked as they walked in, violated with screaming girl fans. 

They saw Sego in big purple neon lights. Plants all around the stage. His band with him. He started singing already and the crowd went ballistic. Speedy motioned Pepper to follow him around the room towards the bar. Talking was absolutely pointless. They couldn’t hear each other over this crowd. He signaled in ASL.

Drink? 

Yeah. 

Alright, let’s go. 

They reached the bar when Speedy was recognized by his friend. He came around the bar, they did some crazy hand signals. Frat related. Pepper held in his eye roll. He introduces Pepper to him, and offers a free tube shot. Pepper smiled at Speedy knowing the right people. Finally, it did him some good. 

Speedy came close to Pepper’s ear. “My boy, Richie, got our VIP passes for tonight. We can chill in that section.” 

Pepper motioned him to lead the way after he downed two neon tubes of liquor. It was settling. And he wasn’t feeling quite buzzed yet. But warm? He couldn’t explain it. Just knew the crowd around him was dead. And the screaming fans weren't pissing him off so much as before. He felt lucid. What was in those shots ? He didn’t care to ask. Just followed Speedy through the sea of people again, more relaxed than ever. He noticed when they moved a couple of inches, Speedy was either hugging, greeting, or kissing a woman. He didn’t count how many. He didn’t care. But it was quite the observation. 

There was another velvet rope. This time orange. With a guy bigger than the guard from the front. Sumo size. Pepper had a thought. Who would win if this gargantuan guard took him and Speedy on? They have been fighting bigger guys since middle school. And college was no different. Pepper always liked a challenge because it meant the win was so tasteful… in the end. 

Speedy’s grin reached the top of his head, holding up two passes Richie slid him before they left. The guard looked down, almost motionless and just removed the rope for entry. Speedy side-glanced Pepper, counting another victory. 

Then, they saw everything. A buffet of-not one- but two chocolate fountains. And fruit all around it. Some were kinds of fruit that never existed in America. Then, there was another bar inside. Only serving wine. But it didn’t matter to them. There was a buffet of Caribbean cuisine, as far as their eyes can see. 

“Holy shit.” Pepper dapped up Speedy. “Is this the Motherland ?” 

“Damn near.”  Smino made a comment, stacking his plate high with wings making a plate. He looked at them and shrugged. “What can you say? Sego MAD extra. But I dig his style.”

“Smiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.” They said in unison and pointed at him. Smino rocked his head down, but greeted them each with a dap. 

“Y’all gifted.” Smi said. “Usually he’s private about outsiders. But… he liked your sound.” 

Pepper was shocked. “Sego heard me play?” And confused. He didn’t realize what was going on. He thought they got here because of Speedy’s connection. But the whole time… whole time ….he was… the primary guest? 

Smi had a mouthful of bread, looking between the both of them. “What ? You ain’t tell him? Aye, I’m off that. Y’all enjoy.” 

Pepper folded his arms across his chest before addressing Speedy’s dumbfounded gaze. “So… when you said you had a connect-“

“-Whole time it was you?” Speedy laughed at the wind blown on Pepper’s face. They were at the buffet table, stacking food too. “Hell yeah.” 

“The fuck, Speed?” Pepper pushed him hard. “You could’ve let me in on this.” 

“You know why I didn’t? You would’ve bitched out.” Speedy explained. Then he shrugged, continuing to sample as they went. “This way you can’t. He expects you to play in his second half.” 

“You’re a fucking twat.” Pepper said.

“But you’re still performing. Aren’t you?” 

Seemed like Pepper had no choice in the matter. But he didn’t prepare anything. “I didn’t even bring Dandelion.” 

“He doesn't want you playing. He wants you singin’. It won’t matter. He knows how good you are on guitar.” 

“Fuck this, Speed.” 

“No. Your ass isn’t pulling out.”

“But-“

“-There’s a lot of fucking big wigs here. You wanted stage time? You got it. Better fucking enjoy that shit.”  

Speedy was serious. Pepper knew if he ditched him now, it would only come back to bite him in the ass. He had no choice. He had to handle his demons on stage. Speedy set it up this way. He knew that if he blows this, New York isn’t a question. Pepper had to perform tonight. His life was literally riding on it. 

Pepper sighed. “Alright. Fuck. I need another drink.” 

Jazzy tunes filled the air and Pepper was standing off to the side, waiting on his cue. What the fuck was he doing to sing? He had no clue. But it had to be original. Maybe the song that came to him before. When he thought about Moggie. Suddenly, years of memories with her resurfaced. He started to remember her laugh. Her smile. Her smell. He missed it. He missed all of her. 

Sego introduced him to the fans. “Alright, y’all like this surprise. All the way from Mystique, Wisconsin…... y’all put those hands together…….. for Pepper.” 

Pepper nodded and grabbed the mic off the stand after Sego made his exit. But not before they pound fists for luck. There was a hushed crowd. And phones started to dim down. Shit. He better start singing quickly. So he did. And had no idea where the lyrics were coming from. But he just thought of Moggie. He thought about what he would say if he stole her heart again. He thought about them being together. He wanted her. To his very end. It’s like something unlocked inside him. He hadn’t realized how hollow his heart was before. He never experienced loving someone. But if he had to…. It would be with Moggie. 

The crowd swayed and phone lights were reflecting in his face. They matched the sea of people, rocking at his pace. He missed this feeling. He loved to perform. It felt like nothing could ever touch him. After the room settled down, he was floating. Lifted in the aftermath of his reality. Everything was coming so clear for him. He had to…

He had to…

Breathe. 

Suddenly, there was no air flow. And the stage became a sudden barrier between himself and his future. His legs gave out and he crashed into the crowd. So many bodies broke his fall. But he was unconscious. 

His nose smelled a familiar scent in the air. It was sweet potato pie. He hasn’t had that since… Qwen. He remembers coming home from a football game. They just lost by two points. He was so down on himself. He was their quarterback. If there was any way to go back in time, he wouldn’t ran that last play. It was already too risky. And they had an injured wide receiver who wanted to get his way. He should have spoken up to the coach. Let someone else take Speedy’s place. But he had this look. A look he always gets when it’s prime time. It was a hunger Pepper never had, but always fucking envied from Speedy.

“My boy,” Qwen said. She just came up from the oven with a pie crust golden, between her mittens. “No use in crying over spilled milk. Now-wash up. Pie just got done.” 

Pepper nodded and did as he was told. He always did. Disappointing his mom wasn’t what he wanted. Ever. When he changed out of his gear, he saw his slice all ready to go. It was a cup of cold milk. With a note saying: 

Pepper,

The journey is on the ground. And to make root in all your mistakes. Sometimes the best way to learn is to make every mistake possible, and eventually….learn to let them go. 

I love you son. My QB. 

-Mom

Tears ran like a circus down his face. Qwen had never said it to him, but he knew how much she loved him. And maybe that was enough. He could not expect his way for her affection. At least, this was the best kind of some small form of communication. 

“Mom!” Speedy’s voice sounded like a boombox near Pepper’s way. When Pepper’s eyes opened, they were staring at his best friend’s panicked face. They were back at Speedy’s house and Pepper was laying on the couch. “He’s awake ! He’s awake! Shit…it worked.” 

“What…. worked?” Pepper asked, but then turned to his side to see a slice of sweet potato pie, displayed on the end table. With a glass of cold milk. “Mama V? When you get here? And why-“ A sharp pain in his head silenced him. 

“Ah! My baby.” Vickie carried over a tray of more food and placed it on the table. “You did scared us all to hell. But I’m glad you’re finally awake.” 

 “Wha-” Pepper's throat went hoarse. And he started coughing so much. What was happening? His body was failing him. Did he even perform? Or was that a fever dream? He can’t remember shit. It was so frustrating. 

“Cai. Warm up the car. We need to get him checked out.” Victoria ordered. Speedy grabbed the keys from the table and threw on his coat. He was out the door. “Pepper… let me help you stand up.” 

Pepper moved to Victoria’s arm, as his legs felt like noodles underneath. He didn’t know how she knew, but apparently no ligament was at his command. She walked slowly with him as they were out the door. Speedy helped with putting him in the backseat to lay across. And they drove off into the busy LA traffic. 

“It’s cancer.” The doctor said, looking at the X-rays and comparing them to the monitors on his screen. “Stage 3.” 

“No.” Victoria gasped. “That can’t be. Check again.” 

“Ma’am-”

“Check again!” 

“Mama V.” Pepper was going to confess. He couldn’t lie to her. He hoped this would calm her down. “He’s right. He’s the one who examined me before.” 

Victoria looked betrayed. She eyes Pepper, before stepping out of the room. She was already pushing buttons on her phone before Pepper could stop her. “I’m calling Charles.” 

“Speed. Do something.” Pepper said. “I don’t need that man in my business.”

“That man is your dad.”

“Step. Dad. I ain’t spoken to him since the funeral.” 

“And whose fault is that?” 

“You know it’s his. Why you putting this on me? He’s the parent. Though, he never acted like it.”

“Cause you lied.” Speedy told him. “To me. And Vickie. Why the hell would you hide this?” 

“Like I need both of y’all pity.” Pepper spouted out in anger.

“Wow.” Speedy said, sinking more in his chair. “You really think that little of us?” 

Pepper tried to take it back, but Victoria’s return silenced him. Of course, he didn’t think that. But he didn’t want to tell them anything. Not because they shouldn’t know. But because it was the last thing Pepper wanted to deal with. 

“He’s flying in tonight.”

“That won’t work.” Pepper said. “Me and Speedy are leaving tomorrow.”

“Oh no, Phinheas.” Victoria said. “You’re in no condition for that.”

“All due respect Mama V-” Pepper started, as Victoria raised a warning look on her face. “You ain’t stopping me. I need to be on that plane tomorrow.”

 “Cai. You better talk some sense into him.” Victoria looked at her son for a co-signing moment. But Speedy normally had Pepper’s back. 

“He’s…. right. If he misses this plane, it won’t look good.” Speedy said. “Our boss will have his head… amongst other things.” 

“Doc. There’s something you need to do. He’s already been too reckless.” Victoria says. “Can’t you restrict him…. or something?”

“No ma’am.” The doctor responded, in a neutral tone. “He’s safe to travel. But I would need to prescribe him Meclizine. For the dizziness and nausea.” 

“Sounds good to me, Doc.” Pepper said. “I’ll do whatever. I just need to be on that plane.” 

“What is so important about this trip?” Victoria said. “What are y'all not saying?” 

Pepper turned his head toward the Doc’s screen, not wanting to reveal anything. The doctor remained neutral, to not appear eavesdropping. Speedy was always the one to spill everything out to his mom. 

“It’s Moggie.” Speedy spoken up. “Don’t you think she should know about Pep’s condition?”

“Moggie…as in Moggie Green? “ Victoria lingered on her name. “That’s a name I haven’t heard y’all say in awhile.” 

“Well, you know I've been in contact with her, Ma.” Speedy said. “But she hasn’t talked to him in like, 8 years.” 

“9.” Pepper corrected slowly. 

Speedy looked at him, wondering why that mattered. But he just shook it off, persuading Victoria to be on board. “Ma, he needs to see her. Don’t you think he should?” 

Victoria pursed her lips together and started to pace the room. Then, she looked at her son. Her rebellious, but mistook son. “Fine. I’ll tell Charles not to come here. But Pepper-” She came even closer to him, sitting up on the hospital bed. She wagged her finger in front of his face. “You better turn this around, you hear? No more of doing this on your own. Cai will tell me if you aren't taking your health seriously.” 

“Yes ma’am.” Pepper nodded. 

She sighed and gave him a warming embrace. She motioned Speedy to hug them, as well. The doctor finished Pepper’s examination and he was sent home with a shit ton of pills. But… 

He was clear to see her. 

He was going to see Moggie. The day after tomorrow. 

[julianyarac]

28 Congreso de Medicina Perinatal de la SEGO

Realizado en nuestra querida ciudad, Girona. Los días 3,4 y 5 de Octubre, este fin de semana. Jornadas intensas, de puesta al día y un poco calibrándonos en nuestra práctica, de encontrarnos con compañeros y con personas que tenemos años sin contactar. Resaltamos la interesante charla del Dr. Palacios-Jaraquemada, sobre manejo quirúrgico del acretismo placentario, un cuadro clínico, que puede…

[jade-weird]

[sxsw2013gg]

GG: Sego were one of our favorite discoveries from SXSW a few years ago, and it was great to see them again at Zilker Brewing Co. (despite the freezing temperatures)!

[rotatevacuum]

[jue-jack]

grey and green aliens 👽

[thomaswaynewolf]

[thegentlemancollects]

[conchiferrous]

franky the boat timeline

[ID: A One Piece fan comic featuring Nico Robin and Franky from the hypothetical bad timeline. Instead of dialogue, all text boxes contain lyrics to "Green Grass" by Tom Waits. In the first panel, Robin, who is now old and graying, stands alone in a cannon room inside of a ship. She is leaning against a support beam, right hand pressed against the beam while her left hangs down, holding a glass of rum and coke. Her white hair is messy and covering her eyes while she grimaces. The lyrics read: "Lay your head where my heart used to be. Hold the earth above me. Lay down in the green grass. Remember when you loved me." In the second panel, Robin somberly rests her chin on a ship's wheel, her left arm slung over the side of it. It's raining down on her, and her glass is now placed behind the wheel next to three of the ship's log pose compasses. The lyrics are: "Come closer, don't be shy. Stand beneath a rainy sky." The bottom half of the panel is divided by a stream of steam coming from the Puffing Tom as it runs along the ocean under a night sky. The lyrics are: "The moon is over the rise. Think of me as a train goes by." In the third panel, Robin is mopping the dirtied deck. The lyrics are: "Clear the thistles and brambles. Whistle 'Didn't he Ramble'". In the bottom right hand corner of the panel is a close up of the glass of rum and coke with the lyrics: "Now there's a bubble of me, and it's floating in thee." The fourth panel is a low shot of three steel cannons with a mast towering above it; painted on the sail is: "BF-70". The lyrics are: "Stand in the shade of me. Things are now made of me. The weather vane will say, it smells like rain today." The fifth panel show a flock of seagulls flying over head on the top of the panel, and on the bottom the seagulls have morphed into white flowers, with the seagulls in an abstract in between phase in the middle of the panel. The stars in the sky line the borders, but they too melt away into abstract lines the further down the panel. The lyrics are: "God took the stars, and he tossed 'em. Can't tell the birds from the blossoms. You'll never be free of me. He'll make a tree from me." The flowers funnel down into the sixth panel where they morph into stars inside of Robin's speech bubble. Her speech bubble is wordless, containing only a night sky. She's standing as close as possible to Franky's figurehead while on the deck, and looking towards him, looking somber. She's resting her left hand on the railing while holding the back of his figurehead with her right. The lyrics are: "Don't say goodbye to me, describe the sky to me. And if the sky falls, mark my words, we'll catch mocking birds." In the seventh panel Robin lays in a hammock in Franky's sleeping quarters with the lights still on. The hammock is close enough to a wall for Robin to reach out and place a hand on it. The lyrics are: "Lay your head where my heart used to me. Hold the earth above me. Lay down in the green grass." The last panel shows Franky as a ship sailing the ocean under a night sky. His figurehead resembling the general Franky's somewhat, and eyes that function as headlights. Multiple cannons line of the sides of him. Robin is hugging his figurehead from the back, and a textbox reads: "Remember when you loved me." /END ID]

[twistedcharismaaa]

Silk Dreams: Temptations

General Summary: The creation of Masego.

Summary: A deeper glimpse into the past of Masego and Charisma's relationship that leads to their awaiting future.

Author's Note: Hi guyssss! How are ya? I hope you guys are well! I miss you guys and love you guys so much! I’m here with a little update! I hope you guys enjoy it it! I know it’s been ten thousand years since I’ve last updated this. Please feel free to re-read as a refresher. I’m still rusty. I’m really insecure about this update to be transparent lol. So I really, really hope you guys enjoy this. I love y’all! Don’t forget to leave a comment for ya girl! I liveeeee for the commentary! Enjoyyyyy!

*Flashback*

She didn’t know what captured her first - his smile, his laughter, or his eyes. She swore he had the warmest eyes she’d ever seen. And he was absolutely clueless of the power that rested in those dark brown orbs. She saw her fantasies in them. She saw vast possibilities, endless resolutions, and more importantly, freedom. She wondered how many versions of herself that she could be around him and she wondered who he was outside the confines of these four walls that they both seemed to frequent every Friday afternoon. The Smoothie Café on 15th Street was quaint and quiet. It was something that she had been lacking recently. The art of simplicity. She wondered if he lived a simple life and she wondered what he wrote about when he typed on that laptop of his. Whatever it was, held a lot of importance. She figured it was important enough for him not to notice her. 

Neglect was never a stranger to her, but it still hurt all the same. She figured this is just the life of an attention seeker ever insatiable for the spotlight or maybe ever insatiable for love. Silently, she sighed before taking another sweet swig of her fruity delight of a drink. Carelessly, she stole one more glance from Mr. Pretty Brown eyes. But this time, to her surprise, his eyes were already resting on hers. Again, he had the warmest eyes she’d ever seen but yet, they were able to send a chill down her spine. She smiled timidly and he did the same. Slowly, he stood up from his table and began gradually walking her way. 

She pretended to busy herself with some random app on her phone. Again, she took another sip of her smoothie and waited impatiently for his arrival. Moments later, he stood in front of her table. 

“Excuse me,” he said politely. 

“Yes,” she responded, kindly. 

“I’ve noticed that we both seem to come here a lot. The drinks here are amazing,” he said, as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. 

“They are,” she agreed. 

“I figured it’s time for me to introduce myself. I’m Ambrose. All my friends call me Ro,” he replied, smiling. 

“Charisma,” she answered. “That’s a pretty name. Doesn’t it mean immortal or something like that?” She quizzed.

“Yeah, it does. It has Greek Origins. Thank you,” he replied, chuckling. 

“You’re welcome,” she replied, smiling. 

“Since we’re on the topic of pretty things, I think you’re absolutely beautiful,” he admitted. 

And just like that her smile grew even wider. 

“Thank you,” she answered. 

“If you’re not busy or anything. I would love to take you out to dinner sometime. Or maybe we can get a smoothie together?” He suggested.

Before she could answer, The sound of reality buzzed in the palm of her hand. Masego was calling. Quickly, she ignored the call. 

“I would love to,” she replied, eagerly.

“Bet,” Ambrose stated, happily.

Gleefully, they both exchanged numbers and then exchanged goodbyes. 

She watched Ambrose exit the Smoothie Café with a small smile on her face. Once the door behind him closed, she returned her attention back to her phone. It buzzed again, and again, and again. Her phone was flooded with missed calls and unread texts. Reluctantly, she read Masego’s last message. 

“I’m back in town …. I want to see you. I missed you,”

Instantly, she was reminded of how courteous her lover was. He was just so mindful. How mindful and considerate he was to announce his arrival back home after not speaking to her for over a month. She was completely ghosted. His prized jewel on the shelf collecting dust. He was absolutely polished and pristine. How kind he was to update her on his well-being overseas through Instagram stories and Twitter posts. It would only be right for her to match his chivalry. She left her lover on read and tossed her phone in her purse. She gathered the rest of her belongings and exited the cafe and entered a new state of illusion. 

——-

*Present* 

The crowd sounded like roaring lions. Their cheers echoed loudly throughout the building. Even with the door closed you can feel their adoration pulse. She couldn’t blame them though. She loved watching him perform on stage too. Quietly, she sat down and tried to think about all the things she loved about him. She even tried to think about all the reasons she had to stay and all the reasons she had to go. 

Breaking her many thoughts, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. It was Ambrose calling. Hesitantly, she ignored his call. Seconds later, he followed up with a text. 

“Did you end it with him? Have you talked to him? Call me baby, please,”

She read his text and instantly her heart broke. Ambrose didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve this. 

“Fuckkk,” she groaned. 

Tears welled in her eyes and slid down her cheeks as she texted Ambrose back.  

“No, he’s performing right now. Didn’t catch him. Will call later,”

Quickly, she locked her phone and tossed it to the side. She closed her eyes and tried to quiet her mind. 

——

Several moments passed and Masego quickly entered his dressing room sweaty and breathless. A sense of relief washed over him the moment he saw Charisma’s face. She was still there. He smiled widely and sat beside her on the couch. 

“You’re here,” he whispered. 

“I am,” she replied. 

“Are you ready to talk?” She questioned, sternly. 

“Yes,” he answered. 

“Good,”

———

How quickly dreams can turn into nightmares….

Part 3

@ghostfacekill-monger @geriixox @sapphichottie @chaneajoyyy @isisafrofairy @mooon-berry @savagescorpion @nzia-writes @nelleana @blackburnbook @fendionmyfeet @neewrites @themajesticnigerian @theycallmechanty @teardropzih @xxariaxxaxx @shewrites02 @straightouttasimulation

[fireyfatez]

SEGO ITO ! - INTRODUCTION.

" A mystic BEAST with a mystic DESTINY! "

The Ultimate PROTECTOR.

Pan-Asexual-He/They | MAIN PROTAG.

Although he doesnt seem very brave and smart, and mostly nervous.. hes a valuable addition to the cast. Without him, NO ONE knows what they're doing.

He may be a push over, but everyone loves him. He's very dear to them.

Don't underestimate him, however.

[julianyarac]

L@s Ginecolog@s…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soc Esp Ginecolog Obstetricia (@sego_es)

[jade-weird]

[sxsw2013gg]

AB: Sego are recording new music, and played some of it (with a slight lineup change) at Zilker Brewing. They still sound great, even if the songs from their fantastic last album (and their hard-rocking cover of “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”) are hard to beat.