#Savannah can go kick rocks

[angelasscribbles]

Chapter Synopsis- Riley finally meets Savannah and things heat up during the ball.

Just reading this and I'm already like....

Ok then! Let's goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I loved the whole opening sequence! Bert being so nervous, Riley ruffling his hair, Max trying to be coy, how comfortable they're getting with each other....all of it!

Max nudged Riley with a subtle smirk. “She’s alright.”

Ah, Riley feeling inadequate and Max basically reassuring her.

Bertrand tried to casually step away, but Riley grabbed his arm and escorted him along on her other side.

Not Riley getting territorial....

“The Beaumonts are always so generous with charity so I’m not surprised they took you under their wing.”

Oh, so bitchy. Listen, she feels threatened by Riley and she ought to!

Riley be like....

Seriously, the man just keeps giving and giving until I’m just like.. enough Bert, I can’t take anymore!” Riley laughed and Savannah politely joined in.

Dead. I'm dead!

That whole interaction between Sav and Riley! Poor Bertrand!

“I will!” Bertrand blurted out, immediately retreating to his brother’s side.

Bertrand is like help! Wait! Take me with you!!!

Max chuckled nervously

And just like that, she felt like an asshole. “I’m sorry, Bert. I’ll apologize to her.

She couldn’t look away and neither could he. Riley arched an eyebrow and bit her thumb, and Bertrand immediately looked away, blushing while his throat worked nervously. He risked one more glance at Riley before quickly turning away.

Why was this whole interaction so hot though?

“Lady Riley!” Bertrand jumped in surprise when he saw her appear beside him.

“Something hasn’t happened yet.. But it’s about to.”

GAH! I yelped out loud! GO RILEY!!!!

“Bertrand.. Shut up so I can suck your cock.”

That's my girl! Just take control of the situation! And ofc he shut right the hell up!

“Say it!”

Holy fuck! She really basically told him, "Say my name bitch!"

and then they way he said it's you, it's always you......

“Did I die?”

Fuck me, I laughed way too loud at this!

“A good.. ahem.. boy.”

This was sweet and fluffy and hot and sexy and awkwardly endearing all at the same time!

Shouldn’t I be spending more time with Savannah?”

"Oh, um.. No." Liam looked into the guest bedroom behind him where Drake stood, buttoning up his shirt with a rueful grin. “Drake and I were just discussing some important, private matters regarding.. Um..”

AAAHHHHHGGGGG!!!! DRIAM!!!!!!

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this???????

Another amazing, wonderful, fabulous chapter!!!

Never Have I Ever

Chapter 9 - The Apple Harvest Ball

Book- TRR

Series- Never Have I Ever

Pairings- Bertrand x MC 

Chapter Synopsis- Riley finally meets Savannah and things heat up during the ball.

Chapter Warnings- language, drinking, discussions of sexual acts, oral sex

Rating - Explicit, 18+ only

Word Count- 3,160

A/N- I was originally going to split this into two parts, but I think it flows together better as one chapter, so it's a bit longer than I intended. Also, I know the Apple Harvest ball is not a canon event that happens at Applewood, I just created it for the story.

Chapter 9- The Apple Harvest Ball

Max and Riley watched Bertrand fuss over his tie for the hundredth time that night. He was clearly nervous about seeing Savannah, who had just arrived back in Cordonia after visiting her mom in Texas.

“Bert, you look fine!” Riley said, turning his head away from the hall mirror outside of their assigned bedrooms. She smiled, “And I see you took my advice and fixed your hair differently.”

“I’ve been trying for years to get him to change his hair! I don’t know how you convinced him, Riley.” Max said, shooting a discreet wink in her direction.

Bertrand blushed and turned back toward the mirror, now focusing his attention on fixing his hair. “Yes, well..”

“Hey.” Riley stilled his hand. “You look great. Savannah won’t be able to take her eyes off of you.”

Bertrand met her eyes nervously. “You really think it looks good? It’s not too.. Unkempt?”

Riley ran her fingers through his hair, and he shivered. “It is the perfect amount of ‘unkempt’.”

They exchanged easy smiles until Maxwell cleared his throat. “I guess we should head downstairs!”

“Of course.” Bertrand returned to business as usual, leading them toward the ballroom for the annual Apple Harvest Ball.

_________________________________________

Savannah Walker stood across the ballroom, wearing a floor length purple gown cut low enough to show a modest amount of cleavage, while she laughed and chatted with Drake and Liam. 

“Wow, she’s really pretty,” Riley whispered to Max. She glanced over at Bertrand and found him staring at Savannah with wide eyes. “No wonder he likes her so much.”

Max nudged Riley with a subtle smirk. “She’s alright.”

Riley adjusted her red dress as she donned a polite smile, looping her arm with Maxwell’s. “Guess we should go say hello to everyone.”

Before another word was said, Liam locked eyes with Riley and waved her over. Bertrand tried to casually step away, but Riley grabbed his arm and escorted him along on her other side.

“Lady Riley.” Liam smiled and kissed her hand once Maxwell let go of her arm. “I’m thrilled to see you again.”

“You too, Your Highness,” Riley giggled like a school girl. She couldn’t help it. Getting attention from a prince was flattering to say the least. 

“I see the Beaumonts are taking good care of you.” Liam smiled, nodding to where she and Bertrand still had their arms locked together. “Thank you for delivering Lady Riley safely to Applewood.”

Bertrand immediately released her arm and cleared his throat. “Of course, Your Highness.” Riley didn’t miss the blush on Bertrand’s neck as he looked away. 

A man approached Liam and whispered something in his ear, and he smiled ruefully, “Ah, excuse me. My father needs to speak with me for a moment. I’ll be back soon.”

“And I’m headed to the bar if anyone wants to tag along,” Drake waved as he sauntered off.

Savannah hadn’t taken her eyes off of Bertrand since they approached. “Hello, Duke Bertrand,” she said with a coy grin.

“Lady Savannah.” Bertrand bowed slightly. “It is lovely to see you again.”

Maxwell wrapped an arm around Savannah. “Hey Sav. Have you met Riley?”

Savannah reluctantly turned away from Bertrand and her eyes fell on Riley, taking in her appearance from head to toe. “Ah yes, I’ve heard about Lady Riley.” She held out her hand in greeting. “Nice to finally meet you.”

Riley returned her handshake. “Nice to meet you. So.. I hesitate to ask, but what exactly have you heard about me?”

“Oh,” Savannah laughed. “Just the basics I’m afraid. You’re an American vying for the Prince’s hand, living at Ramsford with Maxwell and Bertrand.” Savannah smiled sweetly at Bertrand while she spoke, “The Beaumonts are always so generous with charity so I’m not surprised they took you under their wing.”

Riley raised her eyebrows.. Charity?

Riley mimicked Savannah's smile, and placed her hand on Bertrand’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “Yes, well the Beaumont’s have been so kind and accommodating to my every need since I’ve arrived. And Bertrand is such a generous host. Seriously, the man just keeps giving and giving until I’m just like.. enough Bert, I can’t take anymore!” Riley laughed and Savannah politely joined in.

Savannah’s eyes fell on Riley’s hand, ever so gently rubbing circles against Bertrand’s shoulder. “I imagine so. He’s always such a.. gentleman.”

If Riley had turned her gaze to the eldest Beaumont, she would have seen that Bertrand had nearly sweated through his suit.

Maxwell laughed, “Weeeellll, I think I’m going to take Drake’s advice and head over to the bar. Anyone want to join?”

“I will!” Bertrand blurted out, immediately retreating to his brother’s side.

“Sav? Riley?” Max asked hesitantly while the two women eyed one another. 

Riley smiled at Maxwell. “I would love a drink, actually. Savannah, they probably have other things at the bar besides alcohol, so you can drink too.”

Savannah’s mouth dropped open, “I.. What?”

“Isn’t the legal drinking age in Cordonia twenty-one? Or is that just in the States?”

“I’m over twenty-one, Lady Riley.” Savannah snapped.

“Really?!” Riley threw her hands over her mouth. “I’m so sorry! That’s what I get for assuming!”

Max chuckled nervously, “Okaaay everyone! To the bar!”

Riley tossed back three shots of tequila while the others sipped their wine. After a few awkward minutes of small talk, Riley stood. “I’m going outside for some air. All those drinks are making me a little warm.”

“I can imagine..” Savannah muttered under her breath. 

Once she made it outside, Riley dropped down onto a stone bench, thankful that the air was brisk enough to cool her balmy skin. This whole night had been horrible so far, and she considered staying outside for the rest of the ball. Maybe no one would notice she was missing.

“Ahem.”

She spun around to see Bertrand behind her, looking uneasy. “Oh.. hey Bert.”

“Can I speak with you for a moment?”

She sighed, and patted the spot beside her. “Sure.”

Bertrand sat, keeping a respectable distance between the two of them. He took a deep breath. “What exactly was going on with you back there?”

“What do you mean?” She knew damn well what he meant. She was an outright bitch to Savannah, who hadn’t really done anything wrong.. that charity comment notwithstanding. 

Bertrand glanced behind him to make sure they were alone. “I mean, you were behaving very peculiarly with Lady Savannah.. You’ve been trying to help me get the courage to seduce her, but you were downright hostile to her in there! And surely you knew she was over twenty one! I wouldn’t date a child!” Bertrand sighed, hesitating to meet her eyes. “What is going on with you?”

“Ugh,” Riley tipped her head back, looking up at the night sky. “I dont know. I’m feeling out of sorts tonight.”

It was the honest truth.

His face softened, “Is it the Tariq incident? I’ve asked around but no one has seen him since yesterday. And the imbeciles working at the front desk were no help.. Can you imagine in this day and age not having security cameras?”

She shook her head. “Honestly I forgot all about that.”

“Then.. Are you unwell?”

“No,” Riley paused to take a deep breath. “I’m fine. Promise.”

Bertrand watched her face curiously for any sign, anything that would give away her strange behavior this evening. But as usual, he couldn’t read her. “Well.. could you please try to rectify this and be kinder to her? For my sake, if nothing else?”

Riley turned to him and smiled softly. “I will.”

Bertrand grinned and looked down bashfully. “You’re a good person, Lady Riley. I know you are. I’ve never seen you intentionally hurt another soul, even when the occasion called for it..”

And just like that, she felt like an asshole. “I’m sorry, Bert. I’ll apologize to her.”

Bertrand’s face relaxed into an easy smile that Riley rarely saw in public settings. “Thank you.” He patted her thigh, but immediately drew his hand back. “I-I.. apologize. I’ll.. see you inside.” He briskly walked away, leaving Riley alone once again.

The Apple Harvest Ball - Part 2

After an awkward apology to Savannah, the ball continued without incident. Riley spent her evening chatting with Max and Drake, and occasionally dancing with Liam. She ordered two shots of her favorite peanut butter whiskey before sitting down at the bar alone to rest. That’s when her eyes landed on Bertrand and Savannah next to the dessert table. 

Riley could barely make out what they were saying over the music and chatter of the crowd, but one thing came out clearly. “I really like what you’ve done with your hair,” Savannah said while touching it softly. 

The bartender sat Riley’s shots down and she downed them back to back.

Bertrand was grinning politely while Savannah fed him a piece of cake, and she giggled, using her finger to wipe some frosting from his mouth. While Savannah busied herself with another piece of cake, Bertrand turned his attention to the bar. He immediately locked eyes with Riley, as if he knew exactly where she was in the crowded room.

She couldn’t look away and neither could he. Riley arched an eyebrow and bit her thumb, and Bertrand immediately looked away, blushing while his throat worked nervously. He risked one more glance at Riley before quickly turning away.

Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was something else. But before she knew what she was doing, Riley made her way over to the couple. 

“Lady Riley!” Bertrand jumped in surprise when he saw her appear beside him.

Riley grinned ruefully, “Savannah, could I steal Bert away for a moment? I have some official House Beaumont matters that need to be attended to promptly.”

“Oh, of course.” Savannah said, clearly confused.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” Bertrand smiled politely and left with Riley.

She led him across the dance floor, through the ballroom doors, and down an empty hall, stopping outside of a bathroom. Bertrand frowned in bewilderment, “What is going on? What House Beaumont matters are you even privy to?! Did you find anything out about Tariq? Did something happen?”

Riley smirked, taking hold of his tie and pulling him into the bathroom with her. “Something hasn’t happened yet.. But it’s about to.”

Bertrand’s brow furrowed in confusion, and Riley locked the door, immediately descending on him. As soon as her lips made contact with his, a raging, untamable fire surged through his entire body. His eyes slid shut in delight and he instantly returned her kiss, groaning as her tongue caressed his. She used her knee to part his legs, and ran it up his thigh gently massaging him through his pants. 

“Ohh.. mmph.. “ He couldn’t help but moan and gasp against her mouth while she teased him. He pulled back, attempting to breathe once more, but any hopes of that vanished as he watched her drop down to her knees in front of him.

“R-Riley.. What.. what are you-”

“Shh..” She whispered, leaning forward to press a kiss against the fabric over the straining bulge in his slacks.

His mouth dropped open as he watched her unfasten his belt, his button, his zipper… before lowering his clothing to the ground. Her emerald eyes raked over his completely hardened length with a hungry desire that threatened to send him into orbit.

“Are you.. s-sure you want to do this? What if it’s unpleasant for you?” His throat was dry in anticipation. “What.. what if-”

“Bertrand.. Shut up so I can suck your cock.”

Any bit of reservation he had, immediately melted away in that moment. He nodded rapidly and a second later, released a guttural moan as her warm mouth slid over him, completely submerging his cock in the most extreme pleasure he had ever felt in his life. Bertrand reached behind him for something, anything to grip onto for purchase as her tongue joined in the revelry his cock was receiving. His hands eventually found some sort of metal table and he clutched onto it for dear life. 

RIley moaned loudly and the vibrations sent him into overdrive.  In that moment, he wasn’t sure if he was going to cum or die, but whatever he was about to do was going to be life changing.

“Wait, wait.. I’m already so close..”

She released him with a pop and he swallowed hard as his eyes fell shut. Riley looked up at him through her long lashes with the sexiest grin he had ever seen. “Bertrand.. tell me who you’re hard for," she demanded breathlessly.

“Wha-” 

Once again her mouth completely enveloped him, sliding all the way to the base of his cock and he shuddered in pleasure. Bertrand wasn’t sure how to respond. Did she want him to say Savannah like she usually did?

She released him again and he gasped. 

“I said, who are you hard for, Bert?!”

“I don’t.. I don’t know!”

“You don’t know who’s sucking your dick right now?”

He watched her, wide eyed. She really wanted him to say her name? “You.”

“Say it!” Riley’s nails dug into his hips and she took him back into the warm heaven that was her mouth.

“Ohh.. oh god..” Bertrand’s vision began to cloud and his knees were trembling. “It’s you, Riley!" he called out as he inadvertently thrust into her mouth. "Oh god, Riley, it's always you! Oh Riley.. aah!”

He exploded into her mouth and she didn’t stop. His vision went white, his body quaked, his mouth hung open as wave after wave of ecstasy pulsed through him. 

Once he could finally breathe, he slid down the wall, dropping to the floor in a heap. “Did I die?” He panted, still unable to open his eyes. 

Riley’s fingertips softly trailed across his cheek. “You think I would let you die?” She chuckled, “Especially after you were such a good boy cumming in my mouth?”

His body shuddered at the praise and he opened his eyes, finding her watching him reverently. “Bloody hell, I did, didn’t I? I am so sorry!”

She put a finger to his lips. “What did I just say?”

“That.. it was good that I did that?”

“What did I call you?” She smirked.

Bertrand blushed, his heart still hammering from the most intense orgasm he had ever experienced. “A good.. ahem.. boy.”

Riley wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned. “That’s right.. Such a good boy.”

The way she praised him filled him with an overwhelming sense of both joy and arousal. Warmth flooded through his body and he replied bashfully. “Um, thank you.”

She touched his cheek and gave him a soft smile. “Now let’s get you cleaned up.”

Bertrand took several calming breaths while Riley tenderly cleaned the sweat from his body the way she always did. “You know I’m capable of doing that, Lady Riley.”

“I know,” She grinned, using a warm washcloth to clean his sensitive cock. “And I think you can stop calling me ‘lady’ at this point.”

Bertrand nodded, still trying to steady his racing heart. Tonight had him more confused than ever. He watched her rinse the washcloth in the sink, still working up the courage to ask a few of the questions that were swirling around in his brain. “Riley. Why.. did we do this tonight? Right now during the ball, I mean? Shouldn’t I be spending more time with Savannah?”

“I..” She paused her rinsing for a beat and glanced down at him before continuing. “I thought you could do with some stress relief since you were so tense. Now you should be able to get back out there without being so nervous.”

Bertrand still had a million more questions, one being the fact that Riley actually wanted him to say her name tonight.. but perhaps he should leave it for now. Maybe it would be easier to talk to Savannah now that he was more relaxed. Although, relaxed didn't even begin to describe the way he was feeling. His legs felt as wobbly as jelly.

“Oh no!” Suddenly Riley burst out laughing, her eyes gaining their usual sparkle as she pointed over his shoulder.

Bertrand jumped up from where he was seated on the floor. “What?!”

“You must have Hulked out earlier!” She nodded to the decorative metal table he had held onto, which was now bent in two places. The exact two places he had gripped during his orgasm.

“Oh Lord!!” Bertrand gasped, desperately trying to pull and straighten the metal back to its original design. “It won't budge!”

Riley laughed even harder and he whirled around to face her. “This is not amusing! This table could be some sort of antique relic and I’ve ruined it! Dear God, we’ll never be welcome at Applewood again!”

“They’ll never know it was us!” Riley couldn’t stop laughing and suddenly snorted loudly. 

Bertrand stepped back in surprise. “What on Earth was that sound?!”

“Nothing!” She threw her hands over her mouth, trying not to laugh again.

“I wasn’t aware that there was livestock in here with us,” Bertrand teased.

“I can’t help it, you ass!” Riley pushed his shoulder and he laughed, catching her hand with his own.

Their laughter faded, yet he still clung gently to her hand, before dropping it to smooth out his clothes. “I suppose we should get back. It’s probably been quite a while since we left, and we don't want to arouse suspicion.”

“Ya..” Riley replied, “You go first and I’ll follow in a few.”

“RIght.” Bertrand looked back at Riley, hesitating for just a moment before slipping out of the bathroom and making his way down the hall.

Once he got to the end of the walkway, he breathed a sigh of relief that the coast was clear and no one was the wiser of their escapade. But as soon as he turned the corner, he bumped straight into Liam. “Oof!”

“Oh! I’m so sorry, Bertrand!” Liam held the man's shoulders to steady him.

“No, it is my fault entirely! I wasn’t looking where I was going!”

Liam chuckled, “no worries.”

Bertrand knew he should just keep walking and leave it at that, but he couldn’t stop himself. “Were you looking for Lady Riley?” He blurted out and immediately began to sweat. Why did he even have to bring her up? Clearly he was just as adept at putting his foot in his mouth as Maxwell. Stupid, stupid!

"Oh, um.. No." Liam looked into the guest bedroom behind him where Drake stood, buttoning up his shirt with a rueful grin. “Drake and I were just discussing some important, private matters regarding.. Um..”

“Some changes to the horse stables back at the palace.” Drake interjected.

“Exactly.” Liam replied with a blush on his cheeks. 

Bertrand’s mind was reeling as the three stood in awkward silence. Liam and Drake?! How long had this been going on? How had he never noticed this before?! Did anyone else know?

Liam cleared his throat, “Bertrand, can we keep this… encounter between us?”

Bertrand nodded, avoiding their eyeline. “Of course.. Your Highness. Mr. Walker.”

The three parted ways and Bertrand’s stomach twisted. His feelings were more mixed up than ever now.

[black-arcana]

LZZY HALE: New HALESTORM Music 'Will Be Worth The Wait'

During an appearance on the May 23 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale spoke about the progress of the writing and recording sessions for the band's follow-up to 2022's "Back From The Dead" album. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): It's a strange year because instead of us taking three months off to do a record, or 'hey, now we're only focusing on touring' or 'we're only focusing on other avenues,' we're kind of doing everything all at once. So we've had a couple just kind of three-week sessions in the studio, and we're finishing up new music, which has been so exciting. We've been recording with [producer] Dave Cobb, of all people, and he's just amazing and, I think, exactly what the doctor ordered for where we're at in our life. And so we're really excited about new music. But then we're touring all over the States this year because we spent so much time in Europe last year. So, yeah, we kick it off with I PREVAIL in July. And then in the fall, we're going out with EVANESCENCE to Canada, for all the people up there. It's how we live. This is life. We just keep the train rolling down the hill. So it's all very exciting. And I can't wait for you to hear the music, and I can't wait to see everybody this summer at all the festivals. And yeah, we just have a a great year coming up."

Asked how fan along she and the rest of HALESTORM are on the new music, Lzzy said: "This has been an amazing experience because Dave Cobb, he's like half wise old oak and then half A.D.D. five-year-old in the sandbox, which works very well with our little camp in HALESTORM, because we're all perpetually 15 years old anyway. And so it's been a beautiful process.

"We've been doing all the things," she explained. "So I've been writing during our off time, but then also we're writing and recording in the studio, but kind of all at once. So as it's being created, we're getting the final takes. So, half of the record is done, and then there are some things that we have one more session to kind of go in, after our next tour, to kind of just kind of finish everything up, put the icing on the cake, if you will, and make sure we have everything there and then it should be kind of sewn up. But it's been really beautiful because we've been recording, actually, out in Savannah, Georgia. Dave Cobb has a house [there]. And if you can imagine, it's just the four of us staying in one house. No distractions, 'cause it's Savannah, Georgia — they love their tea and they love their food and that's about it. And unsupervised, so there's no managers, there's no crew, no tour and nothing going on. So, in a lot of ways, this record feels like our beginning, when we were all just kind of living with each other in the same apartment and every day is something new, everything is ready to record, ready to go. So whatever you do, as long as you're chasing what gets you excited, it's going to get down on tape. So, it's just been a great experience. And I'm looking forward to the finished product and being able to tease everybody with dates as to when we're gonna unleash it."

Speaking about Cobb's somewhat unorthodox recording approach, Lzzy said: "There've been a couple of songs where we'll have forgotten to put on the click track as a guide, and then that ends up being the take because we were all playing with each other and there was a different energy. Or [Dave] really understands the line between when you're excited about something and it's happening, and then that post, after that line when you're trying too hard to rock, or you're trying too hard to be a singer, or you've memorized it too many times. There's a fine line with performance and getting magic on tape, whereas a lot of people are… I mean, we all do it, but you shoot for perfection. But somewhere, if you're shooting too hard for that perfection, the human element gets lost. And then the magic is lost, or it just sounds like you're reading it, or it sounds like you've played it a million times and you're tired, or you're thinking about something else. So, for a band like us, it's really worked. And it was actually nerve-racking in the beginning because we went in, and you always have your bank of songs you've written or riffs for days and, like, 'Okay, what do we start with? And Dave was very adamant about not having a plan, which was nerve-racking. I'm, like, 'Wait. No, we have to have a plan or it's just gonna be chaos. What's happening? I don't know how to work like this.' And then, after a couple of days, I'm, like, this is actually really nice because every day we just get in the sandbox and we play, and, 'Oh, I brought a LEGO set, you brought a rocket. Let's see what we can do with this.' And so it's been really beautiful to see these things develop and almost the music telling you what to do, not the other way around. I'm so used to going into a studio where it's, 'Okay, we have our 15 songs that we know we want on the record, and we're just gonna do a song a day and get them all done and recorded.' This is completely different because he doesn't want to lose — again — that intangible magic that comes with the excitement of when things are new and you're creating. You don't have time to think; you've just gotta get it done. And so it's been beautiful to kind of. see all of that come together."

Asked if she thinks HALESTORM will release some new music this year or fans will have to wait until 2025 to get something fresh from the band, Lzzy said: "You know what? I've learned this — I can make all the promises in the world. I would love to do that. I'm hoping that we will at least have something to show before the end of the year, but I know how this goes — I end up promising dates, and then something happens and some recall from mastering or something doesn't work out with numbers or with whatever it is. So I'm not making promises, but I will tell you it'll be worth the wait."

HALESTORM is working with Cobb after making three records with Nick Raskulinecz.

Cobb has shared in nine Grammy wins, including four for "Best Americana Album" and three for "Best Country Album". He's also been named "Producer Of The Year" by the Country Music Awards, the Americana Music Association (twice) and the Music Row Awards, and has been a Grammy nominee in the category.

Lzzy and her brother Arejay (drums) formed HALESTORM in 1998 while in middle school. Guitarist Joe Hottinger joined the group in 2003, followed by bassist Josh Smith in 2004.

In May 2023, HALESTORM teamed up with country singer Ashley McBryde for a reimagined version of the band's song "Terrible Things", which was originally featured on HALESTORM's latest album, the aforementioned "Back From The Dead".

[sleuth-draws]

LOVESICK (part 2) - Pinned Ya! < prev | next >

She's as familiar with the feeling of being thrown onto her back as she is with her own tail -- but this is something completely new.

As soon as her back hits the ground, Vitani gasps, eyes springing open, registering her surroundings one element at a time. First, the pink sky. Then, the dust floating up into the air. Then, a paw pressed to her chest. Then, at last, Kiara's triumphant face.

"Pinned ya! " the princess laughs. "Aw, man, you should see your face right now!"

As she boasts on and on, Vitani can only stare up at her in bewilderment.

No one has ever overpowered her so easily like that, even while play-fighting. Not Kovu, not Imara -- hell, not even her mother. Bitten, maybe. Swiped at and scratched, of course. Kicked in her gut with claws out, abso-fucking-lutely.

But this? Never has she had all power stripped away in just one circular motion, in such a short time.

And it was done by Kiara.

Kiara.

Pretty little pampered princess Kiara. A daddy's girl. A goofball.

Kiara with her big eyes, the color of the burning Outland sky; her jutting chin; her big, stupid, fantastic grin; her dumb, gargantuan muscles.

Kiara with her kindness, believing in Vitani’s abilities and trusting without reservation.

Kiara intercepting her, accepting the fall onto her own back if only to push Vitani upward to gain the advantage easily.

Kiara pinning her down with just a light paw now, out of breath and bragging about her victory, her golden fur dusty and tousled.

Kiara, Kiara, Kiara.

Vitani blinks. Oh.

"--used it on my dad all the time, it's practically her signature move!" Kiara hasn't caught wind of her internal dilemma. "You should've seen Kovu's face when I--"

Kiara. Her brother's girlfriend.

Vitani's stomach squirms uncomfortably.

"--right? Vitani?"

"HUH? " Vitani gasps, pulled back to attention to find Kiara looking at her with concern in those big eyes, those big, beautiful eyes – Gods, stop it . "Wh-What?"

"I asked if you're alright."

"Oh. Um. Yes. Yeah. I'm, uh -- I’m good. I'm cool."

Kiara quirks a brow at her and looks at her with an amused smile. Regrettably, oh gods, so regrettably (STOP IT , Vitani screams at herself), she moves off of her.

"You must be really tired after today. Sorry about that, I shouldn’t have thrown you around like that, heh.” (Don’t apologize, never apologize – fucking stop, Vitani! ) “Hey, c'mon, I think Mom's hunting party just got back." She looks off towards Pride Rock, smiling, and is already turning towards it to seek out her mother's figure. "I think I'll go meet her there. They may need help portioning." 

Vitani rights herself and gazes at her sturdy figure, the savannah sun glinting over her, a halo forming over her head. 

Kiara turns and grins at her. "Meet you there? As the victor of our fight, I demand you sit next to me at supper."

For the first time in her life, Vitani forgets to breathe.

[changingplumbob]

Chopra Household: Chapter 6, Part 1

Reacquainting ourselves with the family.

If Viola is attempting to say something it will be in brackets, otherwise you can assume it's just trying out sounds Savannah aka Honeybee Mercedes aka Little Ladybug Viola aka Green Bean

Here we are in Henford. 3am and it’s family potty time!

Savannah: Mama I need help (she is fussy)

Cassandra: Okay honeybee, let’s do it together

Mercedes: Papa help? I not like by self (she is clingy)

Rahul: Sure little ladybug. Viola should be okay for a few minutes

Twins: *grumbling noises*

In the nursery Viola is oblivious to the sass of her sisters, preferring to suck on her hand. After getting bored of staring at the few things her eyes can focus on she decides to have some solo tummy time while waiting for a feed. Over we go! It’s a challenge when she can’t quite see the ground or her hands properly, she might need new lenses soon. She persists however and manages to get up on her hands a few times.

Cassandra: We better go to the doctors after this

Rahul: Yeah, we need to get them vaccinated

Mercedes: What sin ate ed

Cassandra: It keeps you healthy

Savannah: But mama it night

Cassandra and Rahul look at each other. The girls are 5 now so it may as well be time.

Rahul: Rugrats, mama and papa believe that there is a watcher who looks after us. Sometimes new things come into out lives at 3am out of the blue

Cassandra: We have to have faith that if we need to do things in the middle of the night the watcher will take care of us

Mercedes: What if not care

Cassandra: Oh little ladybug, I promise, the watcher loves you and your sisters

Mercedes can’t help thinking that if there is a watcher who loved her then Viola wouldn’t have been born… Savannah happily celebrates a successful potty session while Mercedes sadly spins to go see the doctor.

Everyone is vaccinated and well today, and fits in some naps before the day kicks off. At dawn Cluckton does his normal alarm clock routine and the animals outside wake up. It’s a cloudy summer day, with the threat of rain. Luckily the domain around the coop is covered so the chickens, mini sheep and mini goat have a place to stay dry.

Cassandra: All done with needles now green bean. Do you need a diaper change? Oh I think so

Viola: ca na doo doo

Cassandra: Did you just babble at mama? I think you did! What a clever girl you are

Outside the rain has begun much to the disappointment of the local wildlife. Cluckton sounds a border alert and Rahul stops feeding to have a look around.

Rahul: Binky? Is that you? Oh it’s always good to know you’ve survived a rotation

Binky: *wiggles nose*

Rahul: Here, I have wool, your favourite remember

Binky: *produces gift*

Rahul: A cross stitch pattern? Nice. I don’t sew but it’s appreciated. Maybe one day you’ll help with the garden

Binky: *twitches ears in not yet*

Mercedes and Savannah are up and about now. After changing out of their sleepwear they go in search of food. Rahul has left some fruit salad out for them if he’s busy and they both grab bowls. Mercedes always likes to sit up by the table while Savannah sometimes chooses to stretch her legs and have her food in the lounge.

After changing Viola the milestone sparkles and music start and Cassandra gets excited! She loves seeing her kids gain milestones, being a mama means a lot to her after her father ignored her and her mother vanished.

Viola turns over and sits up all by herself! What a smart green bean! Unfortunately Mercedes heard the milestone music and enters the nursery to see the display. She sighs in dismay, why must Viola get so much of mama’s attention! Savannah toddles past her and decides to climb on the rocking chair. She’s extra noisy as she does, knowing it upsets Viola.

Viola: *fusses* ca na loo do

Savannah: Viola being stupid

Cassandra: *sighs* Savannah, Viola is just smaller than you, she needs more help

Mercedes: She steal help *sniffles* I no have help

Viola: *cries in frustration*

Mercedes: *sniffles* It truth! She greedy

Viola pouts and Cassandra goes to give Mercedes a quick comforting hug and kiss before returning to the angry infant.

Cassandra: Little ladybug, what did I just say

Savannah: Viola need help cause…

Mercedes: She stupid baby!

Viola: ga na du loo

Cassandra: *scooping up Viola* Oh green bean, it’s okay, shush now. Darlings if you go play I promise, I’ll play with you once Viola is settled and I’ve done my chores

Twins: Promise?

Cassandra: Yes my darlings

Turns out despite the earlier diaper change Viola has once again soiled herself. Cassandra does her best to comfort the crying infant as she cleans up the mess. Outside Turtle decides to give me a heart attack by rolling on her back. Turns out she’s just playing in the rain though. After Cassandra survives the stinky mess she puts Viola in the back carrier for a nap while she goes to find some breakfast of her own.

Cassandra is clumsy and after having her breakfast she fumbles the plate. It falls in the sink with a clatter and she flinches, waiting to hear Viola scream in response. A moment passes and it appears Viola is still snoring softly. Cassandra sighs in relief and heads out to license her songs for the week. One particular puddle causes her trouble and she almost skids over. Luckily for Viola she manages to right herself and make it to the letterbox to send off the licences.

Rahul: How’s my little green bean

Cassandra: Grumpy. She’s exhausted I think and her sisters aren’t being to friendly. I never know how much of it she can understand

Rahul: Oh dear, do you have two bully big sisters? You know what would help besides an epic telling off?

Cassandra: *smirks* Another kid for Viola to play with?

Rahul: *smiles* exactly. Do you want me to put her down for a nap?

Cassandra: Please. I want to tend the coop and for some reason I can’t if she’s on my back

Rahul scoops Viola into his arms and carries her inside, cooing back to her babble. He puts her down on the playmat to rest so she’ll have some toys when she wakes up. Although she needs a nap Viola does not approve of being left alone to have one.

Previous (York) ... Next

[broken-synchronicity]

BOUTTA CLEAR BEASTMEN AND THEOR GOOD NAMES YALL IVE BEEN SLANDERING THEM FOR FAR TOO LONG

So, as we've established, prey and predator beastmen had been allies and at odds—a dichotomous relationship considering this is essentially cannibalism (I swear I won't go into gruesome detail but it needs to be said) I'd say there was a point in history where there was many a bloodshed, wars, and even blood feuds bc history isn't always squeaky and clean when you consider murderous inclinations.

Beastmen of today aren't as viscous as their ancestors i swear, that doesn't mean they don't rock jaws for fun it just mean they're less inclined to eat your dead body.

Most of it anyway.

Listen—I'm not trying to make Beastmen out to be purely driven by blood thirst but there are some dangerous implications when you consider the bite force of a hyena, like Ruggie could easily bite your hand off depending on his mood.

Which makes Rook scarier when you consider the fact that he literally terrifies Leona, Ruggie, and every other Beastmen in NRC—

This isn't about them tho! This is about how Beastmen evolved, and even their culture! I swear!

Prey beastmen developed Predator traits. Hear me out—"Survival of the fittest" is a statement that has been massively chopped and screwed, the original meaning went something like "a species that can adapts/fits the environment" I'm telling you rn, being considered a Prey Beastmen in Prehistoric times up to the Age of Gods was not a good time.

Bird Beastmen are still going through it to this day. Like their numbers were so low by the 15th century there was a universal law that decreed any Bird Beastmen, small, big, prey, predator were to be protected—like there were efforts put into increasing the Bird Beastmen population it was so bad.

Lemme clarify—Prey Beastmen is an umbrella term— Hawk Beastmen will still be considered Prey compared to a Tiger Beastmen, or hierarchical environments like Afterglow Savannah where Lions are considered top dog even though there are other animals like Hyenas, Jackals, African Wilddogs and the like roaming around or Zebras known for kicking Lions so hard their jaw han—you catch my drift?

Now that that's established let's get on to how Prey Beastmen developed other traits—

I'd say that P Beastmen weren't exactly prey like, they still had that Merfolk blood pumping through them giving them an advantage against any hungry bozo. But when they began to develop other traits they saw advantageous— don't let Zebras fool you bruh, there's a reason they haven't been domesticated yet. Rabbit ears are actually top notch when one isn't hornee on main—

No, Harpies are not Bird Beastmen—they have Rotten Divinity meaning they aren't exactly compatible with the human adjacent genes Bird B's have—

Which in lays a problem—those Merfolk now Beastmen who chose more Preda genes started getting real reckless— P Beastmen are not weak by any means i hope you know, and there was a lot of animosity that came from the assumption that they were weak bc they chose traits that were needed for their environment— Buffalo B's and their cousins adapted to the wild plains, Prairie B's adapted to their instincts of burrowing into the ground.

Need to mention that there are an abundance of animals to choose from, like all the Beastmen im listing have their animal counterpart but there comes a problem—

Preda B's are voluntary carnivores is what I'm saying—they don't have to eat meat but it is ideal. So, yeah, they could've justified killing P Beastmen, even said so outright.

But naw. They basically called them weaker and that they were meant to be eaten.

You can see how well that goes.

P Beastmen pushback against these untrue claims, like they can and will kick Preda Beastmen any day of the week—like the cheek, the gall, the gumption of these clowns.

Its all fun and games until it turns winter, those who chose beasts who are not meant for cold come crawling bro, hands and knees.

This becomes a start of an on and off relationship—who said a Preda Beastmen and P Beastmen couldn't breed?

Baby yeahhh!! We getting hybrids! Go give us the lion-zebra baby we've always wanted—the possibility of these hybrids, tribrids (yeah, Originals who???) Are low, but never zero.

I mean, there are time when the two genes would cancel each other out or there would be a favoring in the gene pool, if a Rabbit Beastmen's genes were stronger than the Wolf's by luck you'd find that the baby has rabbit ears, tail, but the teeth and mannerisms suggested otherwise—this might seem dry, but its like a human breeding an Alien and the child looks human but somethings off about the way they act.

But if its one thing I like to give in these lil thesis' its audacity—the hybrid might renounce (read: eat their parent) from the inside during pregnancy, orrr they eat them when they're older—see, the thing is, fucking each other actually doesn't solve anything when biases are already formed.

Which is where the evolution comes into play—since people wanna fuck so bad but not have their demon spawn kill them they'll just have to evolve—Prey Beastmen began to assimilate more Predator genes into their system (you don't wanna know, its super weird bc P Beastmen have more merfolk in them still, their at the cusp of settling into their evolutions prime time to assimilate more favorable traits, no? Think Splice.)

The changes are small, but overtime as the former Merfolk finally settle into their own as Beastmen those traits start to shine thru babyyyy. The playing field was always at least somewhat level but now that P Beastmen got their upgrade baby Preda's couldn't fix their lips to say shit— so then Preda hierarchies were formed which kickstarts a whole bunch of new bull.

I mean Predators clamoring to see whose stronger—like that sigma, alpha, beta bullshit i think there was a new Greek letter being claimed but I'm too scared to know I've moved past that a/b/o chapter in my life okay, anything a/b/o related will rob me of the little innocence I need to convince God I should atleast have a slice of cake before I get cast into hell.

👀👀👀👀

Efforts to save bird type beastfolk because they had trouble adapting make so much sense

Also, also, some of what you said also work kinda into how I have that the beastfolk kids are actually damn terrified of Jubal since it doesn't matter that Hippos are a "Prey" animal, you don't fuck with Hippos

[whump-town]

A Favor

Feeling very Hotch and Hank these days (feel free to send me asks about them because I fucking love them and I will write more about them if given the chance)

No warnings

No Pairings

It begins about mid-April in the height of the whole “April showers bring May flowers” thing. Hotch is sitting on the porch when Derek pulls into his driveway. The day is chilly, the perfect sort where the weather never gets the chance to get humid because the rain doesn’t stop falling and the sun stays tucked behind thick, billowing clouds. Windshield wipers darting quickly, never fast enough to fight the rapid downpour. Sitting out in a rocking chair, sweater pulled over his white-shirt to fight the chill, Hotch cocks his head to the side as Derek throws his door open, jogging - head down- to the porch. The car is still on.

“I need a favor,” he shouts as he nears the porch. He runs on up, ignoring Hotch’s raised eyebrow of confusion. Derek follows his eyes to the car and lets out a breathless sigh. “Listen, man, Hank’s got the croup or something. The nursery won’t take him when he’s got a fever and the plumbing just blew sky high at that house I’m renovating on Sixth Street. Savannah -”

Hotch stands, all Derek needed to say was that he needed Hotch to watch Hank for a little bit. The rest is rather unnecessary. How many times did Derek spend an hour or the day watching Jack so Hotch could do his job? Hanging around a park or the office instead of out doing what he wanted. Even if he hadn’t watched Jack, Hotch loves Hank. He cares about Derek and he also likes Savannah. Besides, his day isn’t exactly looking too busy at the moment. “He’s in the car?” Hotch asks, reaching down and grabs the raincoat he’d laid over the chair beside him.

Derek nods. He winces, “he’s moody but I think he’s excited to see you.”

Hotch hums. As they near the car, Hotch’s jacket is thrown over his arm as he walks into the rain, he smirks as they get closer and Hank’s crying gets louder. He looks at Derek, a twinkle in his eye, and betrays his amusement. Hank doesn’t exactly sound excited to be here.

Derek opens the door, immediately placing a hand on Hank’s heaving chest, shushing him gently. “Hank,” he calls, rubbing Hank’s chest with his thumb. “Baby look who it is.” Hank whines, kicking out and still making softer crying sounds as he rubs his eyes and finds Hotch. “See?” Derek offers, stepping to the side to let Hotch step closer. “I promised I’d take you to see Hops.” Hank still cries, softer now but big pitiful tears that make both men’s heartache. It makes Derek feel awful that he has to leave him.

Derek steps back, sighing as he moves to the other side of the car for the diaper bag. “Everything should be in here,” Derek shouts, as he leans around and drags the heavy bag out. He hadn’t looked in it, he realizes, before leaving but he’s certain diapers are good but he’s not so sure about a spare change of clothes. If it’s that big of a deal, Hotch will just drive him to Derek’s. Besides, Savannah should be off by five and Derek should be done by lunchtime. They’ll be fine. Hotch has done the baby thing before.

Hotch unbuckles the straps holding Hank in, frowning when Hank immediately starts fighting to get the rest of the way out. His fingers have lost the dexterity he had in his youth - too many years of abusing them for all they were worth in fights, countless hours of paperwork, and... Foyet. Wiggling baby and tiny little mechanics do not help. He’s managing slowly when Derek comes back around, his grey t-shirt now soaked, and he steps back to let Derek in.

“Alright, alright -” Derek gets him out in a second. Working through the straps and buttons with no issue. “Look,” Derek turns and gives Hank to Hotch. Smiling when Hotch wraps his raincoat around the baby, rocking his body to try and soothe Hank back down. The baby takes to Hotch, wrapping his arms around his neck, and presses his wet face into Hotch’s shirt. Derek can faintly hear him hiccuping, still crying but softer now. Whining more than sobbing.

At that moment, Derek has no idea the impact of the domino that he has knocked over.

When Hank was born, before Hank was born, Reid went through this phase of reading every parenting book he perceived worth it. If they were really good, if Reid found them intellectually stimulating and correct statistically, he’d turn them over to Morgan. Annotated. They would be covered in sticky notes, full of notes and commentary. Lots of directions about orders to read the books in and how to skip around so ensure he got the best read according to Reid.

Having nothing to do with what Reid thought was best or even important, Derek found himself reading through the guides about grandparents. About the ways that people change. Adapting to being a parent and then how parents handle being grandparents.

His father would never meet Hank.

Chicago is so far away. Fran is here when she can be, she’s a fantastic grandmother. He’s called her for everything under the sun and even though Hank has had a thousand colds and upper-respiratory infections come and go, he still calls her for every single one. Just to make sure. Just for someone to tell him he’s doing all this right.

Savannah hasn’t talked to her parents in years. Things are too complicated.

Hank will have a grandmother. One.

It’s so unfair.

It eats Derek up. Grandparents had been so important to him as a child. His grandmother was one of the only people he felt safe with, always. She was just calm in the storm of pain in his life. Who could be that person for Hank? He never wants Hank to need someone but it’s better to have a net to fall on, something to brace against when the floor gives way than to come crashing through the floor. To be met with concrete where it doesn’t have to be.

Then Derek goes and spills all those dominos.

The first time that it happens he’s a mess. He dropped Hank off at daycare at seven, like he does every morning. So, reasonably, that’s where Hank should be at two when Derek goes to pick him up.

An hour later, shaking and on the verge of tears, Derek finds him in Hotch’s backyard. The two calmly swaying in the hammock, Hank drowsily listening to Hotch read “The Lorax”. Even intently listening, head tilted up so he can see Hotch, to the older man’s boring, if not entirely too complicated, commentary about capitalism and Karl Marx. The alienation of labor and lack of class consciousness, it’s no wonder the kid is falling asleep.

Putting Hotch on the emergency list had been more of a precaution for the possibility that Morgan is on a job and Savannah has work. He hadn’t really considered Hotch would need to go get Hank. Morgan hadn’t even wanted to list him, didn’t want to bother him like that.

By about the hundredth time, it’s no longer jarring to walk into the daycare and find his son is already gone. Even the workers know to warn him now.

Derek has a key to Hotch’s, he’s more than earned that right but especially these days. He lets himself into the front door and through the house, knows exactly where to find his son. The kid spends more days out of daycare than he spends in it.

“What are you two going to do when he goes to Kindergarten next year?”

They’re in the backyard, as they typically are. As annoying as he finds paying for a program that Hank doesn’t honestly attend most days, he can’t complain that much. Hank is reading exceptionally well, having two adults’ undivided attention for long periods of time helps. There are side effects. He can read books on his own but he does occasionally do old people things.

Like grunt when he sits down.

And asks to drink everything out of a mug.

Derek can see the face Emily makes, knows how this conversation goes by default of how it’s gone a hundred times before. “No,” Derek says, flatly. “You can not pull him out of Kindergarten.”

Hotch looks down at Hank, the toddler curled up into his side with a picture book. “He doesn’t have to go to Kindergarten.”

Derek had made himself sick thinking about Hank’s perceived lack of support. He hadn’t anticipated this. The giant hammock Hotch put up in his backyard. Met for fall days just like this, large enough for Emily and Hotch lay on two separate ends. Hank in the middle of them, feet kicked up on Emily’s thighs like a little king. The bookshelf in Hotch’s old office lowest shelf full of children’s books. The car seat in his old pick-up truck. The go-gurts, applesauce squeeze drinks, and gummies in his kitchen cabinets.

“There are proven benefits to homeschooling,” Emily offers, eyes peeking up above her own book.

Morgan rolls his eyes, “and there are too Kindergarten as well.”

Hotch says nothing but the blank look, the slight glare, speaks for itself.

“I don’t want my four-year-old to act like an old person,” Morgan defends. Is it not bad enough he grunts when he bends down to get things? That he’s told Savannah his back hurts and he needs a heating pad? He’s four. He doesn’t need any of those things. “No offense,” he adds, very delayed. The worst part is that he was going to have to bring Hank here this afternoon anyways. He’s expecting a new roofer at his property on the other side of town and Hank gets too antsy to watch. Besides, Hank would much rather be here.

“Look!” Hank sits up, twisting and turning around so that he can show Hotch his book. Derek moves forward, about to fuss and warn him to gentle but Hank knows what to do. He spends every day with two old people, neither as limber as they once were. Covered in scars and trauma that have stolen mobility. He knows how to be excited and bouncy with them. So he’s careful even as he looks like a monkey climbing up the side of Hotch’s legs and hip to half sit on his stomach and turn his book around. “See?”

Hotch nods, smiling encouragingly. Hank’s new thing is spiders. Bugs are very age-appropriate but Emily and Hotch struggle to maintain a blind amount of interest. Especially when Hank brings them bugs, he’s so excited too. It’s adorable but Hotch is going to lose his mind if he has to let Hank crawl into his lap with one more spider.

“I’ll be back by six,” Morgan says. He kisses the top of Hank’s head, nodding his head when Hank shows him the enlarged picture of the spider in his book. “If not--”

“He’s fine here, no reason to rush around.”

Morgan nods, "love you, buddy."

Hank ignores him, just falls over onto his side. Squirming around until he's tucked against Hotch's side, smirking up at his father.

"Behave."

But the truth is, Hank always acts on his best behavior for Hotch.

[unknown-songs]

BLACK LIVES MATTER

A list with black artists who have a song in the Unknown Songs That Should Be Known-playlist (Can be a black artist in a band or just solo-artist) (no specific genre)

Bull’s Eye - Blacknuss, Prince Prime - Funk Aftershow - Joe Fox - Alternative Hip-hop Strangers in the Night - Ben L’Oncle Soul - Soul Explore - Mack Wilds - R&B Something To Do - IGBO - Funk

Down With The Trumpets - Rizzle Kicks - Pop Dans ta ville - Dub Inc. - Reggae Dance or Die - Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Funk FACELESS - The PLAYlist, Glenn Lewis - R&B Tell Me Father - Jeangu Macrooy - Soul

Southern Boy - John The Conquerer - Blues Hard Rock Savannah Grass - Kes - Dancehall Dr. Funk - The Main Squeeze - Funk Seems I’m Never Tired of Loving You - Lizz Wright - Jazz Out of My Hands - TheColorGrey, Oddisee - Hip-Hop/Pop

Raised Up in Arkansas - Michael Burks - Blues Black Times - Sean Kuti, Egypt 80, Carlos Santana - Afrobeat Cornerstone - Benjamin Clementine - Indie Shine On - R.I.O., Madcon - Electronic Pop Bass On The Line - Bernie Worrell - Funk

When We Love - Jhené Aiko - R&B Need Your Love - Curtis Harding - Soul Too Dry to Cry - Willis Earl Beal - Folk Your House - Steel Pulse - Reggae Power - Moon Boots, Black Gatsby - Deep House

Vinyl Is My Bible - Brother Strut - Funk Diamond - Izzy Biu - R&B Elusive - blackwave., David Ngyah - Hip-hop Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down - Heritage Blues Orchestra - Blues Sastanàqqàm - Tinariwen - Psychedelic Rock

Disco To Go - Brides of Funkenstein - Funk/Soul Circles - Durand Jones & The Indications - Retro Pop Cheesin’ - Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, sophie meiers - R&B Changes - Charles Bradley - Soul The Sweetest Sin - RAEVE - House

Gyae Su - Pat Thomas, Kwashibu Area Band - Funk What Am I to Do - Ezra Collective, Loyle Carner - Hip-hop Get Your Groove On - Cedric Burnside - Blues Old Enough To Know Better - Steffen Morrisson - Soul Wassiye - Habib Koité - Khassonke musique

Dance Floor - Zapp - Funk Wake Up - Brass Against, Sophia Urista - Brass Hard-Rock BIG LOVE - Black Eyed Peas - Pop The Greatest - Raleigh Ritchie - R&B DYSFUNCTIONAL - KAYTRANADA, VanJess - Soul

See You Leave - RJD2, STS, Khari Mateen - Hip-hop Sing A Simple Song - Maceo Parker - Jazz/Funk Have Mercy - Eryn Allen Kane - Soul Homenage - Brownout - Latin Funk Can’t Sleep - Gary Clark Jr. - Blues Rock

Toast - Koffee - Dancehall Freedom - Ester Dean - R&B Iskaba - Wande Coal, DJ Tunez - Afropop High Road - Anthony Riley - Alternative Christian Sunny Days - Sabrina Starke - Soul

The Talking Fish - Ibibio Sound Machine - Funk Paralyzed - KWAYE - Indie Purple Heart Blvd - Sebastian Kole - Pop WORSHIP - The Knocks, MNEK - Deep House BMO - Ari Lennox - R&B

Promises - Myles Sanko - Soul .img - Brother Theodore - Funk Singing the Blues - Ruthie Foster, Meshell Ndegeocello - Blues Nobody Like You - Amartey, SBMG, The Livingtons - Hip-hop Starship - Afriquoi, Shabaka Hutchings, Moussa Dembele - Deep House

Lay My Troubles Down - Aaron Taylor - Funk  Bloodstream - Tokio Myers - Classic Sticky - Ravyn Lenae - R&B Why I Try - Jalen N’Gonda - Soul Motivation - Benjamin Booker - Folk

quand c’est - Stromae - Pop Let Me Down (Shy FX Remix) - Jorja Smith, Stormzy, SHY FX - Reggae Funny - Gerald Levert - R&B Salt in my Wounds - Shemekia Copeland - Blues Our Love - Samm Henshaw - Soul

Make You Feel That Way - Blackalicious - Jazz Hip-hop Knock Me Out - Vintage Trouble - Funk Take the Time - Ronald Bruner, Jr., Thundercat - Alternative Thru The Night - Phonte, Eric Roberson - R&B Keep Marchin’ - Raphael Saadiq - Soul

Shake Me In Your Arms - Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’ - Blues Meet Me In The Middle - Jodie Abascus - Pop Raise Hell - Sir the Baptist, ChurchPpl - Gospel Pop Mogoya - Oumou Sangaré - Wassoulou Where’s Yesterday - Slakah The Beatchild - Hip-hop

Lose My Cool - Amber Mark - R&B New Funk - Big Sam’s Funky Nation - Funk I Got Love - Nate Dogg - Hip-hop Nothing’s Real But Love - Rebecca Ferguson - Soul Crazy Race - The RH Factor - Jazz

Spies Are Watching Me - Voilaaa, Sir Jean - Funk The Leaders - Boka de Banjul - Afrobeat Fast Lane - Rationale - House Conundrum - Hak Baker - Folk Don’t Make It Harder On Me - Chloe x Halle - R&B

Plastic Hamburgers - Fantastic Negrito - Hardrock Beyond - Leon Bridges - Pop God Knows - Dornik - Soul Soleil de volt - Baloji - Afrofunk Do You Remember - Darryl Williams, Michael Lington - Jazz Get Back - McClenney - Alternative Three Words - Aaron Marcellus - Soul

Spotify playlist 

In memory of:

Aaron Bailey Adam Addie Mae Collins Ahmaud Arbery Aiyana Stanley Jones Akai Gurley Alberta Odell Jones Alexia Christian Alfonso Ferguson Alteria Woods Alton Sterling Amadou Diallo Amos Miller Anarcha Westcott Anton de Kom Anthony Hill Antonio Martin Antronie Scott Antwon Rose Jr. Arthur St. Clair Atatiana Jefferson Aubrey Pollard Aura Rosser Bennie Simons Berry Washington Bert Dennis Bettie Jones Betsey Billy Ray Davis Bobby Russ Botham Jean Brandon Jones Breffu Brendon Glenn Breonna Taylor Bud Johnson Bussa

Calin Roquemore Calvin McDowell Calvin Mike and his family Carl Cooper Carlos Carson Carlotta Lucumi Carol Denise McNair Carol Jenkins Carole Robertson Charles Curry Charles Ferguson Charles Lewis Charles Wright Charly Leundeu Keunang Chime Riley Christian Taylor Christopher Sheels Claude Neal Clementa Pickney Clifford Glover Clifton Walker Clinton Briggs Clinton R. Allen Cordella Stevenson Corey Carter Corey Jones Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd Cynthia Wesley

Daniel L. Simmons Danny Bryant Darius Randell Robinson Darius Tarver Darrien Hunt Darrius Stewart David Felix David Joseph David McAtee David Walker and his family Deandre Brunston Deborah Danner Delano Herman Middleton Demarcus Semer Demetrius DuBose Depayne Middleton-Doctor Dion Johnson Dominique Clayton Dontre Hamilton Dred Scott

Edmund Scott Ejaz Choudry Elbert Williams Eleanor Bumpurs Elias Clayton Elijah McClain Eliza Woods Elizabeth Lawrence Elliot Brooks Ellis Hudson Elmer Jackson Elmore Bolling Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. Emmett Till Eric Garner Eric Harris Eric Reason Ernest Lacy Ernest Thomas Ervin Jones Eugene Rice Eugene Williams Ethel Lee Lance Ezell Ford

Felix Kumi Frank Livingston Frank Morris Frank Smart Frazier B. Baker Fred Hampton Fred Rochelle Fred Temple Freddie Carlos Gray Jr.

George Floyd George Grant George Junius Stinney Jr. George Meadows George Waddell George Washington Lee Gregory Gunn

Harriette Vyda Simms Moore Harry Tyson Moore Hazel “Hayes” Turner Henry Ezekial Smith Henry Lowery Henry Ruffin Henry Scott Hosea W. Allen

India Kager Isaac McGhie Isadore Banks Italia Marie Kelly

Jack Turner Jamar Clark Jamel Floyd James Byrd Jr. James Craig Anderson James Earl Chaney James Powell James Ramseur James Tolliver James T. Scott Janet Wilson Jason Harrison Javier Ambler J.C. Farmer Jemel Roberson Jerame Reid Jesse Thornton Jessie Jefferson Jim Eastman Joe Nathan Roberts John Cecil Jones John Crawford III John J. Gilbert John Ruffin John Taylor Johnny Robinson Jonathan Ferrell Jonathan Sanders Jordan Edwards Joseph Mann Julia Baker Julius Jones July Perry Junior Prosper

Kalief Browder Karvas Gamble Jr. Keith Childress, Jr. Kelly Gist Kelso Benjamin Cochrane Kendrick Johnson Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. Kenny Long Kevin Hicks Kevin Matthews Kiwane Albert Carrington

Lacy Mitchell Lamar Smith Laquan McDonald Laura Nelson Laura Wood L.B. Reed L.D. Nelson Lemuel Penn Lemuel Walters Leonard Deadwyler Leroy Foley Levi Harrington Lila Bella Carter Lloyd Clay Louis Allen Lucy

M.A. Santa Cruz Maceo Snipes Malcom X Malice Green Malissa Williams Manuel Ellis Marcus Deon Smith Marcus Foster Marielle Franco Mark Clark Maria Martin Lee Anderson Martin Luther King Jr. Matthew Avery Mary Dennis Mary Turner Matthew Ajibade May Noyes Mckenzie Adams Medgar Wiley Evers Michael Brown Michael Donald Michael Griffith Michael Lee Marshall Michael Lorenzo Dean Michael Noel Michael Sabbie Michael Stewart Michelle Cusseaux Miles Hall Moses Green Mya Hall Myra Thompson

Nathaniel Harris Pickett Jr. Natasha McKenna Nicey Brown Nicholas Heyward Jr.

O’Day Short family Orion Anderson Oscar Grant III Otis Newsom

Pamela Turner Paterson Brown Jr. Patrick Dorismond Philando Castile Phillip Pannell Phillip White Phinizee Summerour

Quaco

Ramarley Graham Randy Nelson Raymond Couser Raymond Gunn Regis Korchinski-Paquet Rekia Boyd Renisha McBride Riah Milton Robert Hicks Robert Mallard Robert Truett Rodney King Roe Nathan Roberts Roger Malcolm and his wife Roger Owensby Jr. Ronell Foster Roy Cyril Brooks Rumain Brisbon Ryan Matthew Smith

Sam Carter Sam McFadden Samuel DuBose Samuel Ephesians Hammond Jr. Samuel Hammond Jr. Samuel Leamon Younge Jr. Sandra Bland Sean Bell Shali Tilson Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Shukri Abdi Simon Schuman Slab Pitts Stella Young Stephon Clark Susie Jackson

T.A. Allen Tamir Rice Tamla Horsford Tanisha Anderson Timothy Caughman Timothy Hood Timothy Russell Timothy Stansbury Jr. Timothy Thomas Terrence Crutcher Terrill Thomas Tom Jones Tom Moss Tony McDade Tony Terrell Robinson Jr. Trayvon Martin Troy Hodge Troy Robinson Tula Tyler Gerth Tyre King Tywanza Sanders

Victor Duffy Jr. Victor White III

Walter Lamar Scott Wayne Arnold Jones Wesley Thomas Wilbert Cohen Wilbur Bundley Will Brown Will Head Will Stanley Will Stewart Will Thompson Willie James Howard Willie Johnson Willie McCoy Willie Palmer Willie Turks William Brooks William Butler William Daniels William Fambro William Green William L. Chapman II William Miller William Pittman Wyatt Outlaw

Yusef Kirriem Hawkins

The victims of LaLaurie (1830s) The black victims of the Opelousas massacre (1868) The black victims of the Thibodaux massacre (1887) The black victims of the Wilmington insurrection (1898) The black victims of the Johnson-Jeffries riots (1910) The black victims of the Red summer (1919) The black victims of the Elaine massacre (1919) The black victims of the Ocoee massacre (1920) The victims of the MOVE bombing (1985)

All the people who died during the Atlantic slave trade, be it due to abuse or disease.

All the unnamed victims of mass-incarceration, who were put into jail without the committing of a crime and died while in jail or died after due to mental illness. 

All the unnamed victims of racial violence and discrimination. 

...

My apologies for all the people missing on this list. Feel free to add more names and stories. 

Listen, learn and read about discrimination, racism and black history: (feel free to add more)  Documentaries: 13th (Netflix) The Innocence Files (Netflix) Who Killed Malcolm X? (Netflix) Time: The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix) I Am Not Your Negro

YouTube videos: We Cannot Stay Silent about George Floyd Waarom ook Nederlanders de straat op gaan tegen racisme (Dutch) Wit is ook een kleur (Dutch) (documentaire)

Books: Biased by Jennifer Eberhardt Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Davis How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery White Fragility by Robin Deangelo Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Woman, Race and Class by Angela Davis

Websites: https://lynchinginamerica.eji.org/report/ https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/ https://archive.org/details/thirtyyearsoflyn00nati/page/n11/mode/2up https://lab.nos.nl/projects/slavernij/index-english.html https://blacklivesmatter.com/ https://www.zinnedproject.org/

[maki-matsurra]

Fight | Chapter 4: 72 is the Lucky Number (Sam & Max x !Child Reader fanfic)

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Want to send in a request? Start here!

⚠️TW: Mild Description of Violence against child & Constant Swearing⚠️

CRACK

The final floorboard fell down the hole (Y/N) made, making them pant and sigh. It was still in the early afternoon, so if they hurried, they could get out of here and find a place to get help.

Grabbing their backpack they slipped it on their back, letting out a shaky sigh. And before they were able to go down the hole in the floorboards,

They heard the door lock click.

Deciding it was now or never, they quickly jumped down the hole, just in time to hear the door open, and the teenager yell at them.

They quickly crawled under the house, not wanting to look back as they knew the teen was most likely following them. They saw a light in the distance and started to crawl faster, ignoring the sharp rocks scraping their knees and dirt getting under their fingernails.

But once they reached the light, they soon found out that there was a grate over the opening, their eyes widened as they quickly tried to tug it off, but it was on there tight.

“Come here! You’re not leaving until I get what I fucking want!” The teen yelled, grabbing their ankle and tugging as they screamed for help, trying to kick him off but it didn’t help.

They were in his grasp once again.

And this time, they won’t have another chance of escape again.

It was a busy day at the local police office. Everyone was still on the case to look for (Y/N) and their kidnapper.

They were going over clues and evidence with the other officers, Agent Fields, Sam, and Max standing in front of a whiteboard, which had pictures and notes on it about the evidence.

“So, we’re looking for a male teenager with possible brown hair who drives a 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe, the age being between 16-19…” Savannah went on, pacing back and forth. 

That was when Flint bust through the office they were in, a serious look on his face. “Guys… You gotta come see this.”

The trio looked at each other before everyone was rushing to follow Flint, who led them into the main police lobby, where there was a live video feed being broadcasted to the TV.

It was the teenager, wearing a face mask and wearing black clothes, standing in an empty room with wooden walls.

“Wait… no, he’s in a shed…” Sam mumbled as he looked at the TV, catching the attention of Max as he glanced at him before looking at the TV again.

“I’ll say this once again, I have what you want, and you have what I want… A-And to prove it…” The teen stepped aside to show something to the camera.

The dog and Lagomorph’s eyes widened and their faces paled.

“(Y/N)!!!”

They were duck-taped to a skinny metal chair, clothes and body covered in dirt, hair messy, and their knees bleeding. They looked to the camera, sobbing behind their duck-taped mouth.

The two husbands stepped forward to the TV, their bodies wracking with anger and a slight tinge of fear.

“You have 7-72 hours to meet me by the docks, if you are not there with $25,000 or I find you p-poking around where you don’t belong…” He pulled a knife out of his pocket and held their head back by their hair, holding the knife to their throat as they screamed and sobbed. “I-I will kill them and leave their b-body at the docks.”

He soon let them go to turn off the camera, leaving the whole room in silence.

“Shit… this is bad…” A male police officer mumbled.

“No…No this is actually a good thing.” Savannah said back, making everyone look at her like she grew two heads.

“Good?! How is this a fucking good thing?!” Max question, complete anger in his eyes. “In case your tiny brain hasn’t realized it yet, THAT WAS OUR CHILD ON THAT DAMN TV! SCARED AND POSSIBLY INJURED!!”

“It’s a good thing because now we have a location range, near the docks.”

“How do you know they’re being kept near the docks? He just said to meet him there.”

“Because he’s a teenager for one, we can confirm this now because his height and how young his voice sounds, and two, you can tell this is his first time doing something like this, because of the want of money and his nervousness.” She replied.

“Then what are we fucking waiting around for, let’s go!” Max said, walking to the door.

“Wait, Max! We can’t just go to the docks, one, it’s still a very large area, and two, if the Unsub finds you poking around-“

“Lady, I don’t give a shit! Unlike you, we’re freelance police, meaning we can solve cases however we see fucking fit, so come on Sam, let’s go get our kid.” Max growled at the lady before continuing to walk towards the door, before stopping once he realized Sam wasn’t following him, he turned to see Sam standing next to Savannah, looking away with a guilty face.

“…Sam?” Max asked in a questioning tone.

Sam sighed deeply before looking at him in his brown eyes.

“…A-Agent Fields has a point, Max…”

Max’s shoulders dropped as he stared at Sam, disbelief and shock in his eyes. “Are you shitting me right now?”

“Max-“

“Are you, for real, shitting me right now?”

“N-No. Because as much as I want to save (Y/N), I also want to bring them home as safely as possible.” Sam reasoned, walking towards him and kneeling to his level. “In the 72 hours we have, we can form an actual plan and-“

“We never needed an ‘actual plan’ before, Sam-“

“Yes, because our child wasn’t involved in the crimes before.”

“I can not fucking believe you right now- you want to wait for our child to get hurt and scared even more than what they are now-“ Max growled, glaring at him.

“Max it’s not like that at all-“ Sam tried to calm him down, but the lagomorph wasn’t having it, pointing to Savannah, full of anger. “I can’t believe you’re taking her side over me-“

“Because she doesn’t have this backwards crazy thought-on-the-second plan that could get our child killed! Because she can actually think for once!!” Sam roared, getting annoyed with him, making Max and him pause, shock on both of their faces.

“… What…?”

“Max, I swear I did not mean it like I said it. I’m so sorry I just-“ Sam put a hand on his shoulder, but Max whacked it off with a growl and a; “Oh don’t even! We both know what you really meant.”

With that, the rabbit turned on his heel, face red and steam nearly blowing out his ears as he stomped towards the door, making Sam’s eyes widen and stand up. “Max! Don’t you dare-“

“Oh, fuck off, Sam! Keep your damn FBI poser whore and your bullshit plan!” Max yelled before slamming the door, leaving everyone in shock as Sam let out a whine in worry and sadness.

‘Max.. please for once in your life…’

‘Don’t do anything drastic…’

Max growled as he continued to walk down the street, looking down at his phone as he used it for locating houses and buildings near the docks area before putting it away. He decided to stop by the office to become prepared to go on this mission alone, so he had his own black shoulder holster on, his trusty Luger in it as well as his knife holster strapped to his left upper thigh.

‘Stupid Sam! Stupid FBI Poser!’ He growled, still stomping as he turned a corner, near some deserted houses, drifting off into the road without thinking.

‘What a stupid plan, wait a whole 3 days for our kid?! Such bullsh-‘

WHAM!

“AGH! SHIT!”

Max yelled as he held his face. He just ran into something and hit his nose and forehead on it violently, tipping his head back as he closed his eyes. Just his luck. He lost his husband’s trust with his police skills and he received a nasty blow to the face as Karma.

“Are you fucking kidding-“ He paused as he opened his watery eyes to see what he ran into, his face turning into shock. “…Me?”

It was a 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe.

A red 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe.

He peered around the vehicle to look at the side before looking up, to see the window rolled down a bit. Rocking back on his feet first, bouncing a little on them to prepare himself, he soon jumped up and was able to get a grip on the window, taking a whiff inside the van.

It smelled like weed.

He dropped back down on the street and looked behind him, judging two houses where the vehicle was parked between.

A white one and a cream one.

He remembered what Sam said about there being a shed. So he looked behind the white-colored house first.

No shed.

And when we looked behind the cream colored house and found a brown wooden shed…

He soon glared at the house in question before mumbling;

“I’m coming (Y/N).”

[argylemnwrites]

Why Are We Still Waiting? - Chapter 3

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Romance (It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment universe)

Word Count: ~4900

Rating: PG-13 (brief language)

Summary: A trip to meet the newest Beaumont isn’t off to the greatest start.

Author’s Note: So, since it has been ages since I updated this story, I feel like a quick recap is in order. Drake and Riley are in Cordonia to meet Savannah and Bertrand’s new baby girl, Caroline. They just met Liam’s new girlfriend, Iris, and her innocent questions about their postponed wedding made it clear that Drake is very frustrated by the fact they aren’t married yet. To catch up/jog your memory fully on this series, you can check out the It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment masterlist (link in bio).

“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” Drake groaned as Riley reached forward to start scanning across the radio stations.

“What?” she asked. He noticed her give a tiny shrug out of the corner of his eye as she leaned back after settling on a Greek Top 40 station.

“I knew it. I swear you pick this one just to annoy me, Liu.” Drake had made the mistake of complaining about this particular station on one of their first trips back to Cordonia, right before she’d gone back to university. It was all over-produced and sugary, and the DJs were just fucking obnoxious. Of course, that last point probably didn’t actually bother Riley, since she couldn’t understand a word they said.

“Maybe I just like this station.” 

Drake glanced over and took in the giant shit-eating grin plastered across her face and just rolled his eyes. “Uh huh, sure. Let’s ignore the fact that this station plays a ton of songs in Greek.”

“I’m just trying to broaden my cultural horizons.”

“Says the woman who refused to watch Parasite because it has subtitles.’”

“If I wanted to read something, I would pick up a book,” she said, but she did lean forward again to flip over to a different station. 

“Thank you,” Drake said, clicking on the turn signal as he switched into the right lane.

“You make it too easy sometimes,” she said, Drake noticing that she shrugged a little out of the corner of his eye. “If you didn’t act like that station was pure torture, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it so much.”

All Drake could do was shake his head. “You know, some people might not be so open about liking something out of spite.”

“No, it’s not spite.” Drake glanced over and raised his eyebrows at that, so Riley elaborated. “Spite is mean-spirited. I know you like my teasing too much for it to be spite.”

“Really.” Drake deadpanned, although he wasn’t able to hold back his grin and fully play along.

“Uh huh. What other explanation is there for you hanging around me after all these years?”

“I can’t think of a single one,” he said, earning him a flick of her fingers against his shoulder.

“Well I guess I will have to keep teasing you then. Otherwise I might have to settle for a guy who would have made me get up before six this morning.”

Drake looked over at her at that. Even after years together, her ability to jump from intensely sarcastic to gently sincere in an instant still amazed him. Last night, Maxwell had called and offered to pick them up from the palace after dropping off Mom and Aunt Leona at the airport, but they had a very early departure time. Drake had turned him down, feeling like it would be a shitty move to force Riley to wake up early on vacation, particularly since she never complained about using her limited vacation days to visit his family. Yet here she was, appreciative of his gesture that cost him nothing.

“Maybe I just didn’t want to spend two hours in the car with Maxwell.”

She let out a laugh at that. “Well, at least I rank as better company in your book.”

“Always, Liu. Always.”

“Seriously though, thank you.”

“Of course.”

Her left hand settled on his shoulder and gave him a little squeeze at that, but she didn’t say anything else, just glanced out the window as Drake turned off the main road and onto the smaller one that led to the Beaumont’s estate. Within a few minutes, they were pulling onto the driveway. As they climbed out of the car, they heard an excited little voice calling from the direction of the estate’s entrance. 

“Uncle Drake!”

Drake closed the driver’s door and pivoted around quickly, crouching down and extending his arms. Bartie ran across the drive and threw his little arms around Drake’s neck, laughing as Drake scooped him up and hugged him tightly. 

“We saw your car diving! I wanted to go out. Say ‘hi’ like Mommy or Daddy. Uncle Maxwell said I had to stay inside. Had to stand still ‘til you stopped,” Bartie rambled off, barely taking time to take a breath. 

“Thought that a little toddler darting in front of the car might not be the best start to your visit,” added Maxwell, strolling over to their car. “Hey, little blossom,” he added as he hugged Riley.

“Oh, you don’t get to just ‘little blossom’ me after you convinced Liam to keep me away!” she chuckled as she gave him a playful shove. “What happened to me being a Beaumont and always welcome here?”

“He told you guys?” Maxwell asked, turning to glance at Drake.

“Of course he did!” Riley said, drawing Maxwell’s attention back to her. She laughed a bit and shook her head before walking around the car to Drake and Bartie. “Hey, Bartie! Wow, you’ve gotten so big!” Drake passed Bartie over to her, watching as she gave him a squeeze, but Bartie started squirming in her arms, clearly wanting to be released from the obligatory hugs.

Riley placed him down, and he turned right back to Drake, grabbing his hand and tugging on it. “Uncle Drake, come see my new playhouse!” he said, attempting to drag Drake along after him as he started moving back towards the estate.

“Hey, my favorite dude, do you remember why Aunt Riley and Uncle Drake are here?” Maxwell said, crouching in front of Bartie. 

Bartie kicked his foot against the driveway before he answered. “Everyone wants to see Caroline. But she’s boring. She doesn’t do anything!”

Drake was trying to figure out the best way to deal with his nephew’s clear jealousy, but Riley stepped forward and bent down next to Maxwell. “I would love to see your playhouse, Bartie.”

“What do you say?” added Maxwell. “Why don’t we show Aunt Riley while Uncle Drake goes to see your mom and dad and sister?”

Bartie was silent for a few moments, but then nodded, grabbing Riley and Maxwell’s hands and heading inside without a glance back. Maxwell chuckled, twisted around, and called out to Drake, “You remember where the nursery is, right?”

Drake nodded and raised a hand in acknowledgment, taking the time to pop the trunk and grab their luggage before venturing inside himself. He went straight upstairs, pausing only to place their bags in their usual room, before heading down the hall, turning to the left and entering the private quarters, making his way to the small room located all the way towards the end of the hallway, the last door on the right.

It seemed like just yesterday he was building a crib in there for Bartie when Savannah was moving in. The room looked much the same, the walls still a pale grey, the furniture all pure white. The layout hadn’t changed much, with the crib placed against the far wall beneath a painting of stars shining over a lake with a squid waving a tentacle in the air, the changing table right next to it, and the dresser next to the rocking chair in the corner. The only thing that looked different, as far as Drake could remember, was the sheet tucked around the crib mattress. Back when this had been Bartie’s room, the sheets were covered in a variety of zoo animals, the only splash of color in the otherwise greyscale nursery. Now, they were a black and white check, much more subdued.

Laying in the center of the crib, wrapped tightly in a light pink blanket, was a sleeping baby. Drake didn’t have a lot of experience with infants, but even he had heard you never wake a sleeping baby, so he stepped further into the room carefully, trying not to make a sound. When he reached the crib, he couldn’t help but stare. This was Caroline. His niece.

He wasn’t sure how long he stood there, just taking her in, but eventually Savannah’s voice caught his attention.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s a bit creepy to just sneak into someone’s home and watch their child sleep?”

Drake turned his head to look over his shoulder. His sister was standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest, an eyebrow cocked. “Hey, Sav. Maxwell sent me up here.”

“I should have known,” she said, walking over to join him by the crib, wrapping an arm around his waist as she gave him a half-hug. “I see you’ve met Caroline.”

“She’s beautiful,” Drake said, looking down again at the little baby in the crib, a few fine brown hairs covering her head. His niece. She was so tiny. It was kind of overwhelming, seeing her like this. When he’d met Bartie, it had been such a total shock that he even existed. Plus, he had been so much older than this. “Congratulations.”

“You can pick her up, you know.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want to disturb her.”

Savannah let out a few little chuckles. “She is the one who disturbs everyone most of the time. Besides, she’s just about due for a feeding.”

“I don’t know…”

“Come on, Drake. Just go wash your hands, and then you can hold her.”

And so a minute later, Drake found himself being handed his niece, so small and fragile-seeming. “Is this okay?” he asked, trying to make sure he walked the fine line between being gentle and holding her firmly as he tucked her against his chest.

“You aren’t going to hurt her!” Savannah laughed out.

“I just… I’ve never held a baby this little before. I don’t want to mess this up,” Drake said. Caroline felt so light in his arms. She was blinking, slowly becoming more alert after being shifted from her crib. Her bluish-grey eyes finally seemed to lock on his. “Hey, Caroline,” he said, “I’m your Uncle Drake.” But before he could think of anything else to say, she opened her mouth and let out a piercing wail.

Drake glanced over at Savannah. “What do I do?”

She laughed again. “God, what is Riley going to do with you when it’s your kid? She’s a baby, not an alien. She’s either hungry, sleepy, or has a dirty diaper.” But before she could poke fun at him any further, she reached over and shifted Caroline into her arms. “And since she’s hungry, I’m really the only one who can handle that.”

“Oh, do you want privacy or should I…”

Savannah shrugged. “I use a nursing blanket since Barthelemy walked in on me and made things real awkward.” And with that she settled onto the rocking chair, adjusting her top, positioning Caroline, then tugging a little cover over herself.

“What did Barthelemy do?” Drake asked as he moved to the side wall, leaning against it.

“Just acted real weird about the whole thing, talked to Bert about reminding me how a duchess should comport herself.”

“What a jackass.”

Savannah let out a sigh. “Bertrand was very apologetic when he relayed the message. But using a nursing blanket is not a big deal, and if it makes things easier for Bert with his dad…” She trailed off, staring down at Caroline, reaching under the nursing blanket to adjust something before she spoke again. “Having him around here has not exactly been some big happy family. I don’t know if his illness changed him, or if my memories of him were just fuzzy, but he’s an odd duck.”

Drake glanced over to the doorway. “Uhh, Sav. Not that I care, but the door is wide open and-”

She laughed and shook her head. “He’s at his rehab and physical therapy appointment this morning.”

“Ahh, gotcha. Any more talk of him trying to regain the title of duke?” Back when Barthelemy had returned to the estate, Sav had confided that it seemed like he was hinting that Bertrand should renounce his title and return it to his father. But since their wedding, it had seemed like most of that talk had died.

“No, he and Godfrey laid on the pressure after the honeymoon, but as soon as we announced the pregnancy, he backed off. His new mission seems to be to convince Liam that either Bartie or Caroline should be appointed as heir to the throne, which is crazy to think about, but it keeps him busy, so…” Savannah tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows, letting the thought just hang there in the room. 

Drake was bothered by the implications of that statement, but he knew that pressing Savannah on it would not really get him anywhere. As inappropriate and concerning as he found the implication that Savannah and Bertrand weren’t shutting Barthelemy down completely with that shit, he knew voicing his objections now would not solve anything. Discussing this all with Liam would make much more sense. So he just filed the statement away and moved to change the subject.

“Is it easier this time around, knowing what you are doing?”

Savannah smiled before glancing down at Caroline. “I think it’s more that I have a support system. And yes, I know it was my choice to not have one before,” she added before Drake could interject. “I guess in some ways at least I know what to expect, but Caroline is way more cranky than Bartie was at this age. Besides, I don’t think any parent ever really feels like they know what they are doing.”

“Nah, you seem to have it down.”

“It’s just a lot of trial and error. You’ll see when you guys have a baby.”

Drake ran his hand across his jaw, glancing down and watching his toes nudge into the baseboard. “I have a feeling that’s gonna be a while for us.”

“Oh come on! Don’t you want your kids to grow up with their cousins?”

Drake swallowed before taking a breath. “Of course I do.”

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“Well, getting married to start.” Shit. “Not that I think people have to be married to raise a kid or-”

“Relax, Drake,” Savannah said, cutting off his apologetic ramble. “It’s not like Bartie was a planned pregnancy.”

“Neither was Caroline,” he thought, but kept his mouth shut, not wanting to risk offending his sister or make her feel like he was judging her and her family. 

“I know you have an old-fashioned streak-”

“Hey!” Drake interjected, but Savannah just kept on going.

“-but I think you guys should think about having kids soon. You were going to be married by now anyway! And isn’t that the modern, New York thing to do?”

Drake didn’t know where all this was coming from. Why she was so insistent about something that didn’t involve her. But man, he wished she would move on to any other topic of conversation. Because what could he say? That he was ready to be married with kids? That he would have no problem starting a family with Riley tomorrow? He couldn’t share that with his sister, at least not without sharing things about Riley he was pretty confident she would never want Savannah to know.

The fact that she had decided on a birth control option that would last for three years made it pretty clear where her head was at with the whole kid thing. She wasn’t really ready, not by a long shot. And until she was ready, there was really nothing he could do about it. Drake was just going to have to wait until she felt like the time was right, whenever that might be.

Maybe it was just that he was four years older than her. Maybe that’s why he felt so ready to take those next steps when she seemed so unbothered, so willing to just roll along. And to be fair, it’s not like they were ever going to be a couple like Hana and Catherine, who had timelines and life plans and five year goals. But deep down, Drake couldn’t help but wonder why Riley seemed so ambivalent about them getting married and starting a family. Was she unsure about something in their relationship, unsure about something with him?

It’s not that she didn’t want kids ever, as far as he knew. She’d mentioned wanting kids before. And they’d planned that first wedding without issue. But now it seemed like she was stuck. No rush to get married. Not thinking about having kids for years. And Drake didn’t know how to approach the whole topic without seeming like he was demanding things. Putting pressure on her. He was happy. They were happy. It was something his younger self would have never thought possible, and it should definitely be enough. But maybe he was selfish, because there were times where it just didn’t feel like enough.

Maybe it would be helpful to talk to someone about this, but that would feel like violating Riley’s trust. He knew Riley had her therapist she talked to, and he was sure their relationship was a topic of conversation there, but that was different. The therapist wasn’t someone who knew Drake, who was his friend or family. Anyone Drake would feel comfortable talking about this with knew Riley. Knew her well, quite frankly. 

So for now, he was just going to have to keep moving forward. Keep hoping that Riley would start to feel ready soon. And at the moment, that meant sidestepping his sister’s questions and prodding.

“Geez, Sav! We haven’t even been here for an hour, and you are laying it on really thick.”

“Sorry, sorry! I know it’s not my business! If it makes you feel better, it’s not just with you. Kiara also told me I needed to back off when I started asking her about when she and Oliver were going to have kids right after their wedding.”

“Wait, when did Kiara get married?”

“Oh, Drake! At least you have an excuse for not knowing all the news now that you live abroad.” she said, shaking her head. “They eloped maybe… four months ago?”

And then Savannah was off, filling Drake in on tons of gossip he didn’t give two shits about. But it made her happy, and it was a safe topic of conversation, so who was he to complain?

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

Riley sat crossed legged on the floor in Bartie’s room at a little table, Maxwell seated across from her. Meanwhile, Bartie was hard at work at his toy kitchen set, organizing pieces of plastic food on plates. He wanted to show off and make “lunch” for them. Riley supposed that this was probably a common way for a three and a half year old to want to play, not that she had any such memories from her own childhood. What wasn’t common, she was sure, was the formal table setting Bartie had carefully placed in front of each of them, the perfectly pressed white apron he’d asked Maxwell to help him tie on, or the fact that he was arranging his plastic lettuce, eggs, and meat on actual china.

“Looks excellent, my favorite dude,” said Maxwell as Bartie carefully carried over several plates to the table. “What’s on the menu?”

“Steak tartare with a fresh greens salad,” he said before turning and heading back towards his little kitchen.

“Wait, aren’t you going to join us?” asked Riley, trying to keep from bursting out in laughter at the thought of a preschooler preparing such a meal.

“Aunt Riley, no aprons at the table!” he said his eyes wide as he turned back to face her.

“Yeah, come on Aunt Riley, where are your manners?” Maxwell winked before twisting to look over at Bartie. “You need any help untying your apron there?”

“No, I can do it,” Bartie ground out, tugging on the ties without much luck.

“Okay, well I’m right here if you do need help,” Maxwell responded. Within five seconds, Bartie was back, standing right next to him.

“Thanks, Uncle Maxwell!” he said, happily pulling the apron off and jogging over to hang it up nicely once Maxwell had it untied.

“You’re working hard to maintain your title as best uncle.” Riley said.

“Every time you guys come to visit, he suddenly wants to go fishing and camping instead of having dance parties with me.”

Riley laughed at that. “We’re new and exciting, what can I say.”

“Easy for you to say, you’re the favorite aunt by default.”

“What does default mean?” asked Bartie, plopping down on the floor next to them.

“It means no other choices, dude.”

“Oh,” Bartie said, nodding before picking up his silverware, pretending to cut into the plastic in front of him with surprising coordination.

“So has Uncle Maxwell been hanging out with you a lot since your sister came home?”

Bartie shrugged. “I guess.”

“We’ve definitely been seeing some jealousy,” Maxwell said with a nod. “I kind of thought this might happen, so I made sure to clear my schedule for a handful of weeks around the due date.”

“That was thoughtful of you.”

Maxwell tilted his head to the side and smiled. “Hey, I’m favorite uncle for a reason.”

“Uncle Drake is my favorite,” said Bartie, causing Riley to burst out laughing.

“Dude, that wasn’t the deal! You’re gonna pay for this,” Maxwell said, leaning over and wiggling his fingers. “The squid’s about to attack.” With that, Maxwell started tickling Bartie, triggering wild giggles and Bartie rolling backwards on the floor.

“Bartie!” Bertrand’s voice cut across the room. Riley twisted over to find him standing in the hallway, his eyes scanning over the scene in front of him. “We don’t make our guests sit on the floor, do we?”

“No, Daddy.”

“Bertrand, it’s fine-” Riley started, but he held up a hand, cutting her off.

“What do we say, Bartie?”

“Sorry, Aunt Riley.”

All Riley could do was nod, accepting an apology from a toddler that felt entirely unnecessary.

“Good,” said Bertrand, “Now go wash your hands and get cleaned up for lunch.”

Bartie scampered out of the room, turning to his left in the hallway.

“I offered to play with him, Bertrand.”

“Well, he was told that you were coming to visit Caroline. He should have known better than to monopolize your time.”

Riley opened her mouth, ready to respond, but Maxwell grabbed her wrist and shook his head. 

“How are you, by the way? I apologize for not being there to greet you and Drake.”

“I’m good, Bertrand,” she said as she pushed herself up on her feet, walking over and giving him a loose hug. “Congrats, by the way.”

“Yes, thank you. Drake and Savannah have Caroline in the private lounge if you want to go meet her. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check and make sure Bartie isn’t making a complete mess in the bathroom.”

And with that, Bertrand was off, following the path down the hallway that his son had just taken.

“Yikes,” said Riley as soon as he was out of earshot.

“Yeah, I know,” replied Maxwell, looping his arm around her shoulders and guiding her in the opposite direction. “That is another reason I made sure I didn’t have any need to be on set or in LA for any writers meetings for a few months.”

“He’s more of a tight ass than ever.”

“I think he’s very anxious because he missed this part of Bartie’s life. The amount of research he did and the number of parenting books he read is insane. But any time any little thing isn’t what he expects, he flips out.”

“What does Savannah think about that?” Riley asked, following Maxwell down the stairs.

“Either she’s too sleep deprived to notice, or she’s just pretending not to see it. I decided to give him two months to settle into things. If he’s still snapping at everyone then, well… I guess I’ll have to stage an intervention or something.”

“Wow. Well at least you’re here to look out for the kid.”

“Yup, figure I can keep things normal-ish for him. Though I will say between watching Bertrand spiral and hearing Caroline’s shrieks, any faint consideration I might have given to parenthood has gone straight out the window.”

Riley laughed, prompting Maxwell to keep going. “I’m serious! I know I told you I was pretty sure I was good being the fun uncle, but these past few weeks have really locked in that decision. Don’t tell anyone I told you this, but Bartie is right - Caroline is boring. And loud. And I am so glad she is not my responsibility.”

All Riley could do was laugh more. “Do you need me to make up an excuse for you so you don’t need to be in the same room with her?”

Maxwell nudged her with his shoulder. “Oh, laugh it up! I don’t have any issues with her. She just confirmed that fatherhood is not for me, no matter how cute she is when she isn’t screaming her head off.”

At that point, they entered the lounge, so Riley dropped any further teasing she had for Maxwell. “Hey, Savannah. Congrats!” she said, walking across the room and giving her a hug.

“Thank you, Riley. It’s so good to see you!” Savannah replied as they pulled apart. Riley moved to sit down next to Drake on the couch, who was cradling a baby against his shoulder.

“This must be Caroline,” she said, watching as Drake tapped his hand against her back lightly.

“Either that or I have a lot of explaining to do,” Drake said, glancing over at her. Riley just smiled and nudged him lightly with her elbow.

“Drake, why don’t you let Riley hold her?” Savannah asked. “She should get to meet her aunt, too.”

“Do you want to?” Drake asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Of course,” said Riley, reaching over and helping him peel the tiny little girl off his chest, nestling her into her own arms.

Caroline was awake, her eyes roving around as Riley shifted back onto the couch more fully to try and get comfortable. After a few seconds, they seemed to settle on Riley’s face. All she could really do was stare back, taking in this child, this baby girl who might not have been planned, but would certainly be loved by so many.

“Yeah, I know I’m a stranger right now. But in a couple of decades, I’ll be the one you come to when you want nightclub recommendations in New York City.”

“Hey, I want in on that invite,” said Maxwell as Savannah let out a few chuckles. Riley glanced over at Drake, expecting him to be rolling his eyes or shaking his head, but instead was caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze. He was staring at her holding Caroline with such passion, such longing, she felt almost exposed. All she could think to do was drop her eyes back to the baby, not wanting to dwell on what that meant at that moment.

Unfortunately, Savannah must have noticed Drake as well, because she said, “Oh, I see that look. ‘A while’ my ass. I bet you’ll be pregnant by the end of the year.”

Drake let out a sort of sputtering cough at his sister’s comment, but before he could say anything, could so much as get a word out, Riley felt her own mouth opening. Her own response spilled out so glibly, without a second of thought. It was almost like she heard someone else saying the words, even as she knew she was the one speaking.

“Don’t give him any ideas.”

She felt Drake stiffen beside her, saw Maxwell shifting in his seat, and heard Savannah mutter out a little apology, but all of that was just background noise as her brain screamed at her. How could she have been so fucking stupid? What possessed her to say that? Or at least to phrase it like that? There were ways to shut down Savannah’s prying without implying that Drake had baby fever and she wanted no part of it.

The uncomfortable silence in the room was broken as Bertrand and Bartie entered. “Lunch is ready in the dining room,” said Bertrand, gesturing to the door behind him. Bertrand then stepped over to Riley. “I can go put her down,” he said, gesturing at his daughter still in Riley’s arms.

“Oh, sure thing,” said Riley, passing him Caroline before standing up. Savannah, Maxwell, and Bartie had already left the room, but Drake was still seated, his eyes locked on his knee that was bouncing up and down.

“Drake, I-” she started as soon as Bertrand had stepped out, extending her hand to help him to his feet. But Drake ignored the gesture, pushing his hands into the cushions of the couch instead.

“I’m hungry. Let’s just go eat, Riley.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t-.”

“It’s fine, Riley, Really. We can talk later” He nodded at her and started walking towards the door, leaving Riley to follow after him. And more than the brush off, more than his refusal to hold her hand, the fact that he’d not called her ‘Liu’ let her know that she had made a huge fucking mess.

Perma: @walkerswhiskeygirl @octobereighth @kimmiedoo5 @mom2000aggie

TRR/TRH: @twinkleallnight @iaminlovewithtrr @mskaneko @axwalker @jovialyouthmusic @marshmallowsandfire @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @debramcg1106 @masterofbluff  

Drake/MC: @no-one-u-know  @iplaydrake

ICWAM: @thequeenofpixels @sunnyxdazed @sammie0220​

[ashintheairlikesnow]

The Get Ready Game

CW: Young children of rescued whumpee, referenced past child abuse, referenced past emotional abuse. CW for child’s trauma response/PTSD, Overcompetent Emotional and Logistical Support Oldest Daughter X 100, unhealthy coping mechanisms

@comfy-whumpee‘s Jax Gallagher successfully saved his children (and himself) from Savannah Marcoset. But Izzy, now nearly seven, remembers her mother very well still, and knows that if her father doesn’t yet feel safe, she shouldn’t either.

So she makes a plan.

---

Izzy finds her brother playing blocks in the living room, half-heartedly building a tower while his eyes are on the cartoon show playing on the telly. She glances side to side - Dad's at therapy, only left a little bit ago. There's ages of time before he comes back, and he’ll be all in his head and distracted but probably he’ll want to lay down, so if she wants to do this, she’d better do it while he’s gone.

“Jamie?”

“Hm?” Her brother doesn’t look away from the show, but he kind of tilts his head in her direction. He’s younger than she is, only four and can’t read yet. But he doesn’t have to, she can do the reading for them both. She reads at a high level, her teacher says. Izzy practices every single night, she’s the best reader in class. 

She has to be.

“Where’s Grandpa, d’you know?”

Jamie points to the side. “In the, um, in the kitchen-”

“Sssshhhh! Quiet, don’t let him hear I asked.” Izzy puts out both hands, and now she has her brother’s interest. He loves having secrets with her, special kids-only things. It’s why this works, why she can teach him what they need to do, just in case, without him running off to tell Dad or Grandpa right away. 

She goes quiet, listening. She can hear Alfie’s voice, low, murmuring. He stays home on the days her dad has to go to therapy, so Jax can go and then come back and lay down in his room without having to worry. 

Grandpa will be talking, probably with some tea in hand, and he won’t overhear them. It’s perfect timing. Dad at therapy and Grandpa on the phone, maybe for a long time. 

“Hey, Jamie,” Izzy says, keeping her voice carefully casual. “You want to play Get Ready with me?”

Her little brother brightens. Izzy isn’t the best at his kind of play, rough-housing or throwing things around, playing Daddy-and-Baby with the big soft dolls he’s given all sorts of odd names to. Izzy doesn’t like playing baby-holding games, and besides that she doesn’t like how loud he is about it. She’s too quiet, too prone to sitting very still or whisper-talking her way through pretend games about princesses that Jamie doesn’t find interesting at all.

But this game… this game, he likes. 

He knows it’s important, even if he doesn’t know why. He knows his big sister is trusting him with big important things, and not being irritated by him or pushing him away. James scrambles up onto his feet, accidentally kicking his little tower of blocks over in the process. Both of them freeze at the crash.

Alfie’s voice rumbles through from the kitchen. “You all right in there, Jamie?”

“I’m good! I just knocked over my blocks, is all! Can I watch one more show?” Jamie pitches his voice just right, and Izzy’s proud of him. He’s learning all the tricks, and he’s doing it without having to be scared first, without it having to be something he has to learn. 

“All right, one more,” Alfie calls back, and Jamie grins, giving Izzy an exaggerated finger over his lips. Izzy grins right back, one of her top teeth growing in still, one of the bottom ones flat out missing entirely, she only lost that one three days ago, wiggling it in class until it came right out. The two of them move out of the room and down the hallway, almost tip-toeing in their bare feet, listening to Alfie’s voice, on high alert for him to make his goodbyes. 

They make it back to the bedroom Izzy still shares with her father - two twin beds lined up in there, and Alfie’s been talking about moving to get Izzy her own room, but Izzy never feels safer than waking up from a nightmare to still be able to hear her father’s gentle, deep breathing nearby. Jax’s bed has dark blue blankets and Izzy’s has a deep purple fuzzy one, plus special sheets she picked out herself with unicorns on them.

“Okay, Jamie,” Izzy says in her stage whisper. Her brother’s eyes lock on hers, hazel-brown like they all have, but Jamie has Jax’s hair color and Izzy’s short, spiky hair is the same deep chocolate brown as her mother’s, reminders she can’t escape, only try to cut off short enough that she can’t see it. “How does Get Ready start?”

Jamie’s smile widens further. He knows this one right away. “We meet in the hallway outside your room,” He says, very seriously. “Then… we come in here and find the Get Ready bag,” He answers, eyes already shifting to the closet, where it was the last time they played.

“Nope, not there.” Jamie looks at her, confused. “It’s okay, Dad did something in the closet last week so I moved the bag, just in case. I don’t think he found it, though, I hid it really well. Can you think of where I might hide it now?” She lilts her voice, slightly sing-song, like her teachers do at school. 

Jamie looks slowly around the room, taking in every detail - the window with the curtains pulled to make it dim, the two beds with the table between them, a lamp. Dresser messy on top with things tossed there - receipts, interesting rocks that Izzy has found and kept and given to her father. Then he nods, firmly, to himself more than her, and points under her bed. “It’s there.”

“Are you sure?” Izzy asks, still in teacher-voice.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because… because, because you would want to get it fast if you woke up, and you can roll under your bed for hiding from Mom,” Jamie explains. He sounds very earnest, and Izzy smiles at him to reward him giving it so much thought.

“Go look and see if you’re right.”

Jamie walks over to her bed and drops down onto his hands and knees, looking underneath. He pulls out a stuffed-full old, raggedy-looking adult-sized backpack, a faded gray that might once have been black, some old band patches and button badges still stuck around the outside. “I was right! I was right, Izzy, I found our get-ready bag!”

His voice is too loud, and Izzy shushes him quickly, closing the still-open bedroom door. Grandpa won’t like it, they’re not really supposed to close doors to shut out grown-ups, but this is too important. “Good job, Jamie!” She says in a high sotto-voice. “You are right. So, if I wake you up and I say, we have to get ready, what do we do?”

“We grab our Get Ready bag,” Jamie answers, all seriousness, patting the top of the bag gently with one small hand. “And we hide, inside the back of the closet in the big box. Then, when it’s safe, we go outside.”

“Right. How can we go outside if Mom is in the living room, though?”

Jamie’s eyes go to the window, and he points. “We go out the window,” He answers, and when she nods, he gets a little braver and adds on. “There’s-... fire escape, out there. Like stairs made of metal. We climb down with our bag. You know how to unlock the window.”

“Good. Right, I do.” She’d had to work out the trick to the window over days when no one was around her, fiddling and messing and making her fingers ache until one day, she’d managed it just right. Child proof my butt, she’d thought, but then she knew she wasn’t as child-y as everyone else her age seemed to be. 

Everyone else didn’t have to be ready for what would happen if their mother came back. Everyone else didn’t still dream about their father begging their mother to stop. Everyone else couldn’t still remember, a little bit, screaming-

Well. 

Everyone else might not have a Get Ready bag, or play this game, but she did. And when it happened, she’d be ready. Even though she knows the grown-ups wouldn’t want her to do this, they’ll be glad when it’s time, when she does what her dad would do in her place and takes James and runs. He’ll understand, if she has to, and he’ll be proud of her for being ready. He will. 

She just can’t tell him ahead of time. 

Izzy drops down into a crouch and hugs James tight. His hair smells like strawberry kids’ shampoo, just like hers does, and he’s very warm and his hands are always sticky, even when he hasn’t been touching any sticky things. “You remember very well, Jamie. Do you remember what’s in our Get Ready bag?”

She pulls back, and Jamie presses his lips together in deep thought, tapping on his chin in an overexaggerated ‘thinking’ expression. “Toothbrushes,” He says, finally. “Mine has Wally Lizard on it.”

“And?” 

“And toothpaste, the kid toothpaste.”

She’d spent weeks and weeks getting enough - putting a little extra in a baggie every night, so that her dad and grandpa wouldn’t know she was taking more than she needed. There was enough now for she and James to last a while. “Perfect. What else?”

“Ummmmm…” He trails off, sitting on the floor and thinking about it. “There’s pull-up nappies, for me for sleeping, and underpants for both of us, and pants and shirts and Franken-puppy and Unicorn, and the black-and-white bear from the zoo-”

“Paulie Panda,” Izzy corrects.

“Paulie Panda. And also Monkey George. Um um um um there are juice boxes, and Monster Munch, and Jaffa cakes, and that thing with the nuts in I don’t like, and chocolate biscuits… Aaaaand books, and…” He stops and frowns. “I don’t remember what else.”

“No, that’s good, that’s better than last time. You’re doing great.” He puffs out his chest a little in pride, and Izzy smiles, settling down to sit with him, the two of them tucked in the space between the twin beds. “There’s also hair-combs, and some shampoo and soap in a bag I nicked from the shop.”

Jamie’s eyes widen, big as saucers. “You didn’t. That is taking, Izzy-bella, and taking without paying is wrong.”

“I gave them money for it,” Izzy says, dismissive, ignoring the prickle of guilt inside her chest, too hot and sharp not to feel at least a little. “I put some of Dad’s money on the counter when nobody was looking the next day. It wasn’t really nicking, I just didn’t want him to see me get it and have to explain. But also in the bag is… this.” She digs into a front pocket and pulls out a bunch of index cards scrawled with careful child’s handwriting, numbers and letters she had spent hours and hours on. “Do you remember what these are?”

Jamie looks down at them, cocking his head, then looks up and shakes it, side to side. His hair is longer than hers is. 

“These,” Izzy says, “are the most important thing of all. These are our numbers. I’ve got about three where I remember them without even having to look, but I’ll get the rest, too. The first card has Grandpa’s phone number, and Dad’s, and it has Nana’s and Auntie Poppy and Auntie Georgia’s, too. Plus the number for Nana’s favorite shop, because her friend works there and her friend could help us get to her if she isn't home. For starters, I’ll say one that you know. We know that if-... that if Mom comes back, Grandpa will probably get-...” She takes a deep breath, tells herself to act more like a grown-up, forces down the panic and fear and worry in her chest, pictures it curled into a ball and thrown in the back of her closet to gather dust. I’m not afraid, I’m not afraid. “Grandpa could get hurt and not be able to help us. So, what do we do when we get out on the street or run away from here?”

“We, um, we find grown-ups, and we… we ask them to call 9-9-9, and tell them our names and our dad’s name, and we say, our dad is in danger and needs help. Then we tell them Nana’s name, or anybody else’s.”

“Good. Really good. What do we do if she gets us and takes us back to America?”

James swallows - this part scares him, just a little. He doesn’t remember America, not really. He was only a baby. And he remembers it being a fun place for a holiday, from the trial. But he knows Izzy is scared of America, scared enough to wake up at night crying because she dreamed about going back, and so he is, too. “We find a phone,” He says, very soft and very slow. “And we push the numbers 9, 1, 1. And that will go to people who will help us in America.”

“Good, good job, Jamie. What do we say when they pick up?” They’ve rehearsed this, over and over again. It’s the most important part of the Get Ready game. 

“I say… ‘my name is James Timothy Gallagher, and I have been ab-... abd… I have been kidnapped.’”

“Perfect. And if it were me, I would say, ‘My name is Isabella Nicole Gallagher, and I have been abducted. I am six and three quarters years old and my brother James is with me and he is four, and we are English.’ Then what?”

“We say, um, we say our… our dad is Jackson Gallagher and he has been kidnapped too, probably, and he needs help. And Savannah M-... Mark-set-”

“Marcoset,” Izzy says quietly, sounding out each syllable for him.

“Mar-co-set… is who took him. Then… we wait for help to come.”

Izzy nods, and she rifles through the flashcards, scanning over the names and places and numbers she has carefully, painstakingly, been writing down while casually asking the librarian question after question. How to call emergency services in England, America, Canada, France, Russia, and the country Georgia. Her information, to hand to people, so she won’t have to repeat herself, is copied on six cards. 

Under the flashcards, a photo of she and her dad and James that Grandpa took, at the park. It’s a photo where her dad is smiling, and he doesn’t look scared or upset or closed-off. Just happy, with them. It’s the photo she wants to have to show the police officers who she has to hope will help them. 

It’s the photo she’ll have if…

“What do we do,” She asks, and her voice is thinner, trembles just a little. “What do we do if she takes him away and we get left behind?” 

James crawls over to her in a flash and holds on, putting his arms around her waist and tucking his head under her chin. His hair tickles under her jaw. “We go all by ourselves,” He answers, in his high voice. “You and me, Izzy and Jamie. We go by ourselves, and we go find Nana.”

“Right.” Izzy closes her eyes against a rush of heat, of tears. “I-I have a card-” Her voice catches and she clears her throat. “Dusty in here,” She says, hoarsely - her grandpa says that sometimes when he’s pretending he’s not teary - and forces her racing heart to calm. Stop it. If Dad is gone, you have to be the grown-up, then. When she finally speaks, she manages to keep her voice slow, and even. No sign of her fears at all. “I have a card with Nana’s whole name and address on it, and which buses we take to see her. We can-... we can do it ourselves, all by ourselves. I know we can. But-... you have to be very good and quiet, so we don’t make anyone look at us and the bad guys can’t find us.”

“So Mom can’t find us,” Jamie whispers.

She nods, chin moving against his hair. “Right. We have to go very fast, and be very very quiet, so Mom can’t find us. But with our Get Ready bag, we have everything we need, if Dad-... if dad can’t help us. Okay, last question for our game and then we’ll be done. Do we tell Dad or Grandpa about Get Ready?”

“No.” Jamie answers right away, immediate. He knows this one. “Because, because they… might tell Mom about it.”

“Right. Even if they don’t want to tell her, she might be super mean and hurt them lots to make them. She used to hurt Dad until he would tell her things she wanted to hear, before, and she’ll be even madder now. But… if we don’t tell them about Get Ready, then they can’t tell her, right? So we can go find Nana before Mom does, and if Mom gets to Nana before we can, we have food and everything for a few days until the police officers help us.” Izzy holds him tightly, resting her chin against his hair. “I’ll take care of you, James. I promise, I won’t ever let her hurt you.”

“Dad won’t let her hurt us neither,” Jamie answers, but he likes the cuddles, and he doesn’t pull away. Izzy doesn’t hold him very often. 

“No, I know. I know he won’t. But… if he can’t stop her…” Izzy sets her jaw, closes her eyes against the memory of the bright red spots layered over older scars around her father’s neck when his big black necklace first came off. “If he can’t… I can. I just have to be very strong, and very smart, smarter than she is even. I have to be smarter than all the bad grownups.”

“And I have to be quiet and brave.”

“Right. And you’ll be very good at it. I know you will.” She squeezes him, so tightly both of them ache, and then pulls back and away, shoving the backpack back into its hiding spot, opening the bedroom door. The two of them get back to the living room just as their grandpa’s phone call finishes in the kitchen, and by the time he comes back in to ask them what they want for snacktime, James is back building his tower of blocks, and Izzy pretends she’s been on the couch with her chapter book the whole time, sitting open in her lap.

She doesn’t realize she opened it upside down until her grandpa’s gone back in the kitchen to get their snacks ready, and she flushes, embarrassed at the stupid mistake.

Still, she’s… she’s pretty sure he didn’t notice.

Every time they play, James remembers a little more without her having to tell him. Maybe… when their mom comes for them… Izzy can save Jamie - and then get help to save her father. 

And he'll be proud of her.

He will.

----

@astrobly @finder-of-rings @burtlederp @wildfaewhump @whumpiary @whump-tr0pes @moose-teeth @orchidscript @sableflynn @pretty-face-breaker @raigash @vickytokio @eatyourdamnpears

[moldisgoodforyou]

Charlie visiting JJ in Charleston while they are doing long distance??

 warnings: cursing, smut, insecure JJ

wordcount: 2.4k

“I’m miserable.” JJ announced to the room as he flopped back on the couch, Thursday night. He hadn’t seen Charlie in two months and it was beginning to take a real toll on him, making him mope around the house the second he was free from the distraction of work.

“Suck it up.” Elliott kicked his leg from the other end of the couch. “You talk to her, like, every day.”

“Not enough. She’s too busy with work.” JJ complained. He lived in what Charlie liked to call ‘frat house 2.0’ with five of his former fraternity brothers. They were fun, and the house always had some form of chaos. For some reason, Thomas had taken it upon himself to organize a trip to Savannah and not invite JJ. (Even when JJ had Friday off work. The audacity.)

JJ was thoroughly offended, of course, and protested when Thomas told him he had to stay behind to ‘watch the house.’ He moped around and complained when the boys packed, and was complaining again as they were about to leave. “This is fucked up. I’ll sleep on the floor or something, I wanna go.”

“Can’t, buddy, no room for you in the car now.” Thomas told him, shaking his head. “Besides, you said you’d pick my cousin up from the airport, remember?”

“Reminder me again why I’m doing your dirty work?”

Another roommate, Leo, snorted from the other room. He was the worst liar of them all and had almost let the secret slip, having to leave the room every time the Savannah trip was brought up.

The rest of the boys sent him a glare, including JJ for solidarity, though he wasn’t sure exactly why. “Because you owe me. I got you from the airport last week for work.” Thomas tossed JJ’s car keys at him, shaking his head. “And go. You’re gonna be late.”

JJ grumbled but hauled himself off the couch. “I hope you guys have zero fun without me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go.” Elliott waved him off. JJ drove to the airport, waited in line for longer than he’d like, and had a permanent sour mood by the time he was in the pick up zone at the terminal. He was zoned out completely when someone knocked on his window from the driver’s side and he jumped, startled.

A familiar someone.

It took him two seconds to register Charlie’s face before he was scrambling to turn off the car and throw open the door. She waited with a grin, giggling when JJ threw his arms around her and spun her in a circle. “Charlie!”

“Hi! Did they pull it off?” She asked, meeting him in a quick kiss. “Wait they - oh! You planned this with them?” He nodded in recognition, his hands not leaving her hips for a moment. “Yeah, I mainly let Thomas figure out the details. He said he’d plan something so we have the house to ourselves for a night.”

“The whole weekend.” JJ corrected her with a grin, then grabbed her bag and put it in the back. He led her to the passenger side with a hand on the small of her back, kissing her again once she was in the seat. “I can’t believe you’re actually here.”

“Believe it, baby.” She grinned and he beamed, hopping back in the car. He kept a hand on her knee the whole ride home (occasionally sliding higher up on her thigh til she nudged him away) and was excited to point out his favorite spots in the city on the way home. Charlie hardly paid attention, her eyes tracing over every feature of his she’d missed so much when they were apart.

“Stop ogling me.” JJ teased halfway through the drive, leaning over to kiss her at a stoplight. “I’m not.” She protested but kissed him back anyways, moaning quietly when he bit her bottom lip teasingly. He pulled back right away, shaking his head. “No teasing. Not in the car.”

“Not teasing.” She laughed.

“You are, moaning like that. And I’ve waited two and a half months to take my time with you, so don’t.”

Charlie raised her eyebrows, trying to ignore the chills she got from his words. “Yeah? Wanna tell me exactly how you’ll take your time?”

His grip tightened on her thigh, just slightly. “I’d rather show you.”

She reached over and curled her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, smiling to herself when he leaned into her touch. “Missed you so much, J.” He beamed. “Missed you too, pretty girl. The longest two months of my life.”

“So dramatic.” Charlie teased. He grinned over at her, cheeky. “My hand just isn’t the same as your -”

“JJ!” She pulled her hand away from his hair. “Don’t tell me that’s all you missed me for.”

He laughed at her blush, smirking. “Never. I missed your pretty eyes, and your gorgeous hair, and seeing your smile and hearing your laugh in person, and -”

“Okay, okay, quit.” She swatted his arm, shaking her head. “And I’m pretty sure you’re speeding.”

“Damn straight.” JJ ghosted his fingers up her thigh until she nudged them away again. “How far away are we?” Charlie asked, glancing out the window before focusing her gaze back on him. He pulled onto his street in the college neighborhood, gesturing grandly. “Welcome home.”

Charlie frowned, just slightly. “Wish you could say that for real.”

“I know.” JJ nodded and pulled into his driveway, jogging around to get her door. “Soon. C’mon, I gotta show you the house.” He slung her bag over his shoulder and took her hand, leading her in. The house was your typical college house - at least 70 years old, run down, paint peeling and chipped countertops. By some miracle, Thomas had demanded they all clean the night before, so the place didn’t have the normal beer bottles perched around the house or clothes hanging off the staircase. (With Elliott’s arguing, the ‘vintage’ poster of Farrah Fawcett in a bikini stayed up as classic decor.)

“What do you think?” He asked, rocking back on his heels. “I love it. It’s nice!” Charlie exclaimed, starting to back him up against the counter. He grinned and dropped her bag, hands finding her waist immediately. 

He kissed her hard and she responded equally, letting out a small squeak of surprise when he flipped them around and swiftly moved her to the counter. She hooked her ankles behind his back, legs around his waist, and whined a little when he pulled away for a second to breathe, his forehead resting on hers. “They’re never gonna forgive me if we have sex on the kitchen counter.”

“How would they find out?” She teased, tugging up on his shirt. His eyebrows shot up and he let her pull his shirt off and over her head, tossing it aside. “You’re seriously considering this?”

Charlie shrugged, tugging him closer for more kisses. “The angle could be good. So I’ve heard. And I’ve missed you.”

“So you’ve heard.” JJ repeated dumbly, not really processing what she was saying as he kissed her back. She shook her head as she laughed, sliding her hands over his shoulders. “Do I need to spell it out for you, Maybank?”

“Probably.” He mumbled against her skin, pushing aside her loose shirt to suck at the base of her neck. She moaned louder than usual, letting her head fall back. At the sound of the garage opening, JJ cursed lowly, digging his fingers into her hips. “Thought you said we had the house for the weekend?” Charlie teased, combing her fingers through his hair.

“Thought we did too.” He grumbled, but refused to step back out of her touch. She unhooked her ankles from his waist but kept her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently just so his head wasn’t resting on her neck.

Elliott strolled in with a grin, swinging his keys on his finger. “Sup, Charlie?” He greeted her like it was totally normal for her to be there, taking note of JJ’s shirtless state. “Hi Elliott.” She responded dryly, nodding her head in acknowledgment. JJ turned just slightly but kept his hips toward Charlie. “Get the fuck out.”

Elliott laughed. “Just grabbing the cooler we forgot. Thomas is gonna kill you if you have sex on the counter, by the way.”

“What is taking you so long?” Thomas barged in, then stopped as he took in the scene. “Oh. Didn’t think you’d be back so soon, JJ. Hi Charlie.”

JJ groaned, letting his head fall to Charlie’s shoulder but refused to turn around. “Both of you. Leave.” Charlie giggled. “Hi Thomas.”

“Aw, come on, how come you’re nice to him?” Elliott complained, picking up the cooler from the kitchen floor.

“If you have sex on the kitchen counter, I swear -” Thomas started and JJ practically growled, hooking his hands under Charlie’s thighs and lifted her off the counter. “Get out or you’ll have to hear what I sound like in bed. I’m not holding back.”

Elliott smirked. “We hear that after your nightly facetimes with Charlie anyways, you’re not quiet.”

Charlie just grinned and rested her arms around JJ’s neck as he began to carry her upstairs, yelling out behind him. “I don’t want to see your asses til Sunday night!”

“No promises, chief!” Elliott yelled back, then they heard the door shut after a moment and the garage door going down.

JJ had made it to the top of the stairs and easily carried her into his room, settling down onto the bed with her still wrapped around him. She rocked her hips against his, grinning. “What do you do after we facetime?” She teased. He tugged her shirt off hurriedly and traced his hands over her chest, making her shudder. “I’m about to show you.” JJ replied, deftly unclasping her bra and tossing it to the floor. She moaned as he ducked his head down, taking a nipple into his mouth. “Promise you’ll be loud for me?” She asked, rolling her hips again.

He barely suppressed a growl, lips pulling off her breast with a pop. “I will do literally anything you ask me to right now.” Charlie laughed and he pushed her up the bed, tugging her pants off. “I’m not fucking kidding, Charlie.” She grinned, raking her nails against his scalp and tugged gently at his messy hair. “Thought you were gonna take your time.” 

“Mm. Figured I’d fuck you first, then I can take my time.” He grinned up at her as he pressed kisses up her inner thigh and she sucked in a breath, used to having to stay quiet. “Fuck, JJ.” She murmured, thighs flexing in anticipation. He nipped along her leg, soothing the spots with his tongue right after. “God, I missed you so fucking much.” 

She gasped as he traced one finger over her soaked panties. “No teasing, J.” He smirked as he placed a kiss over her heat, holding her hips down. “Yes teasing.” 

“You said you were going to fuck me.” 

“Yeah. With my fingers and my tongue, then I’ll -” 

“I need you.” Charlie interrupted him meaningfully, tugging on his hair to bring him up. That was enough for him and he scrambled to kick off his pants, then rummaged through his drawer for a condom, groaning when he came up empty-handed. “I don’t - I think I gave Leo my last one when you left.” He told her, apologetic. She rolled her eyes, though she appreciated the sentiment. “Back pocket of my pants.” 

He grinned and pulled out the foil packet from her pants, waving it around. “Came prepared, hm?” 

She couldn’t help her blush as she sat up and reached out for him, needy. “Packed more in my bag because this seems to be a theme with you. Come here, stop teasing.” 

“I’m not, I’m just standing here.” 

“Your cock is in my face and I know you won’t last if I even breathe on it. Fuck me already.” 

He laughed and rolled the condom on hurriedly, then pushed her back on the bed. “So romantic, sweetheart.” 

Charlie grinned up at him, pulling him down to her. “Anything for you.” 

_

A couple hours later, they laid in bed together, Charlie’s head on his chest and JJ tracing a pattern on her back. “It’s harder than I thought it would be.” He admitted quietly. She glanced up. “What is?” 

“Being so far away from you.” 

She frowned and moved up to kiss his cheek. “I know. I thought it would be easier too.” He tucked his arm around her shoulders, pulling the sheet up over them to cover her up. “Think you’ll come back any time soon?” He asked hopefully, but braced himself for a disappointing answer. 

“I don’t know, J...I got an offer to stay once I finish my program, remember? It’s a pretty big deal.” She hated telling him that, seeing the way he exhaled slowly in dismay. “But you can always come to me, you know. When your internship is over? There’s lots of opportunities out by me.” 

“Yeah.” He agreed, pressing a kiss to her head. “I’ve thought about it. Just.”  

“Just what?” She peered up at him, running her thumb along his jawline tenderly. 

“I don’t know, it’s stupid.” 

“Nothing’s stupid with you. Tell me.”  

He scrunched his nose slightly, the way he did when he didn’t like admitting vulnerability. “I’ve never been so far from home before. Not sure if I’m meant to leave the Carolinas, you know?”  

Charlie frowned and nudged his chin so he had to made eye contact with her. “JJ, hon, how many times do I have to tell you that you deserve the world?” She pressed her forehead to his, not letting him look away. “You’re smart and creative, J, any agency would be lucky to have you. You know that.” 

“Do I?” He mumbled, a small blush tinting his cheeks at her praise. 

“I do, anyways.” She kissed him, firm. “If you want to stay here, that’s okay. But don’t shoot yourself down just because you won’t give yourself a chance to try.” 

“Charlie.”  

“No arguing.” 

He laughed and pulled her close, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. “I love you so fucking much. Not sure what I did to deserve you.” 

“Everything and more, J. Love you too.”  

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

Glee OC Masterlist

Name: Aurora Anderson

Story: Somewhere Only We Know

Face claim:  Kaylee Bryant

Love Interest: Sebastian Smythe

AO3 | FFNet | Wattpad

Summary: Aurora had always known that Andersons go to Dalton, she just didn’t think that she would be included in that legacy.  But after the incident at the Sadie Hawkins dance left she and her half-brother in the hospital, their father told them that Aurora would be the first female student in Dalton history, regardless of what she wanted.  Of course the Dalton Brotherhood had always been her family, and being with her closest friends was exactly what she needed, but when a spy shows up in their midst, she knows that her home is going to be changed forever.

Name: Abbie Hudson

Story: Brutal

Face claim: Savannah Lee May

Love Interest: Sam Evans

Name: Betty Fabray

Story: A Family Matter

Face claim:  Sabrina Carpenter

Love Interest: Sam Evans

Summary:  Freshman year of high school was supposed to be the start of the best years of your life, right?  That’s what Betty Fabray thought when she walked through the doors of William McKinley High School for the first time. It’s what she thought when she joined the Cheerios, it’s what she thought when she heard about a singing club, and it’s what she thought when she got accepted to the New Directions.  But then she got slushied, her position on the Cheerios was threatened, and her big sister was kicked out of their house.  Now Betty has no idea what to think, but between Sue Sylvester and Sectionals, no one is giving her time to figure out what she wants, other than to get her sister back.

Name: Christina Hummel

Story: Don’t Stop Believing

Face claim:  Laura Marano

Love Interest: Sam Evans

Summary:  Ever since their mother died, Kurt and Christie Hummel had somehow gotten even closer.  They did everything together; voice and piano lessons, dance classes, working in their dad’s shop, enduring the daily torture that was McKinley High, and, of course, joining glee.  But there was one thing that the twins didn’t agree on: Finn Hudson.  While Kurt saw him as their knight in shining armour, just because he offered them the barest hints of dignity while his friends tormented them, Christie saw him as just as guilty as the rest of his teammates, watching their endless humiliation and letting it happen.  Despite their polarizing opinions, the twins had always been able to look past that - to not let Finn Hudson come between them.  But when Finn joins the glee club, bringing even more jocks and Cheerios with him, their seemingly indestructible bond is going to be put to the test.

Name: Daphne Carter

Story: Anything Goes

Face claim:  Ashleigh Murray

Love Interest: Leon Elliot, Mike Chang, eventual Sam Evans

Summary: Daphne Carter didn’t miss Lima.  She hadn’t been there since she was five, back before she booked her first commercial and suddenly found herself as The Child Star of her generation.  And ten years later, starring on Broadway across from her best friend and dating one of the biggest up and coming rock stars around, Lima didn’t even crossed her mind enough for her to miss it.  But once the drugs and drinking that her parents had always chosen to ignore made her the front page of every gossip rag across the country, something had to be done.  Not for her well being, of course, but because addiction wasn’t profitable.  And that’s how Daphne Carter finds herself being shipped halfway across the country to live with her parents’ childhood friends, and being dragged into the McKinley High Glee Club.

Name: Delilah Puckerman

Story: Wish You Were Me

Face claim:  Vanessa Morgan

Love Interest: Sam Evans

Summary: Delilah Puckerman hadn’t actually wanted to leave her boarding school.  Of course, her expulsion hadn’t been a surprise considering what had happened, but being sent to public school?  Unfair and unnecessary, in her opinion.  But nobody cared what the crazy girl wanted, and she found herself sent off to McKinley High.  She honestly thought that things couldn’t get any worse, until she meets a boy named Noah Puckerman.

Name: Dylan Ayers

Story: Bet On It

Face claim:  Liz Gillies

Love Interest: Brittany Pierce

Name: Eliana Lopez

Story: Get It Right

Face claim:  Victoria Justice

Name: Faye Anderson

Story: Teenage Dream

Face claim:  Vanessa Hudgens

Love Interest: Sam Evans

Summary:  To any outsider, the Anderson twins had it all.  4.0 GPAs at Dalton and Crawford, lead soloists of their respective glee clubs, a big house in Westerville, and a celebrity brother.  They didn’t see behind the curtain; didn’t see the absentee parents, the lonely, empty house, or the brother who only texted a few times a year.  But Faye was happy. She loved her school and her glee club and her brother.  And then Blaine decides to go to public school, and her parents decide to send her to McKinley with him.  And although she loves her twin, and would do anything for him, she can tell that her teenage dream is about to become a teenage nightmare.

Name: Gilbert Hummel

Story: Anthem

Face claim: Casey Cott

Love Interest: Blaine Anderson & Sam Evans

Name: Jason Conwright

Story: All Or Nothing

Face claim:  Ross Lynch

Name: Jeanie Boyer

Story: Loser Like Me

Face claim:  Grace Phipps

Love Interest: Ryder Lynn, eventual Marley Rose

Name: Joy Schuester

Story: By Its Very Definition

Face claim:  Lili Reinhart

Love Interest: Noah Puckerman, Brittany Pierce, Mike Chang, Sebastian Smythe, eventual Sam Evans

Summary:  Joy Schuester knew what glee was - how could she not?  Her dad never shut up about the good old days, his glory years at McKinley High.  He even named her after something his old coach would say - by its very definition, glee is about opening yourself up to joy.  Big whoop, she’d never really cared.  Really she was just interested in cheer, drama club, and dancing around her room while singing along to Taylor Swift. But then her dad takes over the glee club and Joy has no choice but to join.  She expected the showtunes, the divas, and even her dad’s white guy rapping.  She didn’t, however, expect to fall in love, and she definitely didn’t expect to find herself caught in the middle of a war between her coach and her dad.

Name: June Harris

Story: All Rhodes Lead Home

Face claim: Hailee Steinfeld

Love Interest: Jesse St. James

Name: Kendall Pierce

Story: Songs Of The Heart

Face claim:  Meg Donnelly

Love Interest: Mike Chang

Summary: Maybe it was her age.  Maybe it was the special Pierce… intelligence.  Maybe it was just that she was a better person than most students at McKinley High.  But whatever it was, Kendall Pierce didn’t understand why she couldn’t cheer and sing.  She didn’t understand why Quinn Fabray was so insistent that she not join Glee, or why the New Directions were so suspicious of her “intentions”.  She loved to sing and she loved to cheer, it should have been simple.  But when Quinn Fabray suddenly joins the club, with her sister and Santana in tow, Kendall starts to realize that nothing about high school is as simple as it seems.

Name: Lilibeth Anderson

Story: Untitled

Face claim: Olivia Rodrigo

Name: Logan Hayes

Story: Dream Maker

Face claim:  KJ Apa

Name: Luci Meadows

Story: Maybe This Time

Face claim: Maia Mitchell

Name: Marilyn Pillsbury

Story: Life Can Be Beautiful

Face claim:  Madelaine Petsch

Love Interest: Brittany Pierce, eventual Quinn Fabray, possibly Quinn Fabray & Sam Evans

Summary: When Marilyn Pillsbury was ten, her mother died.  When she was twelve, her dad was arrested.  When she was thirteen, she moved in with her aunt Emma.  And when she was fourteen, she started at William McKinley High School.  And she was nothing but the weird guidance counsellor’s weird niece.  But then, after a fateful encounter with three Cheerios in the girls’ bathroom, Lyn finds herself being dragged into the spotlight. She becomes a Cheerio, she’s hot and popular and the school loves her, she’s everything she ever wanted to be.  And when Quinn joins the glee club, Marilyn is right beside her with Brittany and Santana; finally she can do what she really loves without fearing the consequence.  She’s on top of the world, life is beautiful.  And then she finds out that Quinn is pregnant, and she has to make a choice.  Will she seize the opportunity to rise to the very top, or will she stay loyal to the girl who brought her up from the lowest of lows?

Name: May Taylor

Story: All Rhodes Lead Home

Face claim: Hailee Steinfeld

Love Interest: Mike Chang

Name: Paige Callahan

Story: Light Up The World

Face claim: Zendaya

Love Interest: Mike Chang

Name: Robyn Conwright

Story: All Or Nothing

Face claim:  Olivia Holt

Name: Roxie Flores

Story: The Greatest Star

Face claim:  Camila Mendes

Love Interest: Noah Puckerman, Sebastian Smythe, eventual Sam Evans

Summary: Rosalind Flores was used to living in Quinn Fabray’s shadow.  Quinn was the head Cheerio, even though Roxie was the better cheerleader; Quinn got the boys, even though she had a stick up her ass; Quinn had the friends - lackeys, even though she treated them like dirt.  And then Mr. Schuester takes over the Glee Club and Roxie sees a refuge from her life as Quinn’s understudy.  And it’s great.  Sure, Rachel is as obsessed with being number one as Quinn, but Roxie loves to sing and she’s really, genuinely happy.  It’s everything she hoped for; it’s perfect.  And then Quinn Fabray walks into the choir room and Roxie’s sanctuary collapses around her.

Name: Savannah Evans

Story: Rumour Has It

Face claim: Dove Cameron

Love Interest: Valeria Ramírez

Summary: The first thing that the Evans siblings learned when they moved to Lima was that rumours spread much faster than they did back home.  The second thing that they learned was how to lie.  And lie they did.  They were just three siblings; their financial struggles were because of their dad’s job; they absolutely most definitely didn’t have another sister who’d been in the hospital for as long as they’d been in Ohio.  And everyone believed them.  Right up until Rachel Berry sees Sam hugging some blonde girl outside of a motel and drags the entire glee club on a witch hunt that ends with them meeting the Evans siblings in their motel room.  All of the Evans siblings.  Even Savannah, Sam’s twin and best kept secret who, rumour has it, it about to start at McKinley High.

Name: Valeria Ramírez

Story: Rumour Has It

Face claim: Sofia Carson

Love Interest: Savannah Evans

[frustrated-writer-skyeknight]

S.q.u.a.d. reacts to the Lion King

Based on this article: I watched The Lion King as a grown-ass man.

"Man, Disney should just stop with the remakes already." Jamie sighed as he took some textbooks from his locker, "I mean, I think the Lion King one was just a CGI version of the original."

Jack frowned, scratching the back of his neck. "There was an original version?"

"What? Dude, of course there is. It's a classic. Everyone's seen it." Jamie snorted, turning towards the approaching brunette trio. "Hey guys, you know about the old Lion King movie, right?"

Dimitri shrugged, "I know there's a new lion movie out." He said. "Looks more like a documentary thing, if you go by the trailer."

"Didn't have cable growing up," Jim replied, "still don't. Plus, Disney is overrated anyway."

Hiccup hummed thoughtfully, "What's lion king?"

Jamie stared at his friends dumbfounded. "Okay, we are so having a movie night now." He said.

Later that Friday evening, Jamie and his friends find themselves in the den of his home, parents out with the younger sister, and three bowls of popcorn with different flavors; cheese, butter, and barbeque. Plus, two boxes of pizza.

"Wow, Jay," Astrid whistled as she settled on a spot next to him, "you sure went all out for this."

Jamie shrugged, "Disney is my childhood." he said.

"I still say they're a gold digging empire," Jim deadpanned, but took a handful of popcorn. "But I never say no to free food."

Dimitri took a slice of pizza as Jack had too, and they 'toasted' to it, "Preach."

"Okay guys," Jamie rolled his eyes as he set Netflix on the television, "at least wait for the movie to start. Since I brought it up earlier, let's start with 'The Lion King.' I've got tissues ready in case you need it."

Jim snorted, rolling his eyes. "It's an Animated kids movie." He said. "Nobody cries over those.

───────────────

🎶On the day we arrive on the planet~🎶

"Well, opening song sounds good." Jack hummed, "wouldn't mind getting it stuck in my head. Unlike that overrated Queen Ella single one."

Dimitri groaned, "Ohmygod, yes." he groused, "People will not shut up about it!"

"Okay boys." Astrid rolled her eyes, "focus."

They did so, but it didn't take long for someone else to speak up. "Whoa, now hold up. So, that monkey dude..." Jim frowned, and Jamie felt the need to pause the movie. "I mean, come on, this monkey chief dude comes hobbling around on a walking stick earlier, and you expect that he can hold a damn newborn over a cliff? That's shady, man."

"Just watch." Jamie rolled his eyes, smirking at his friend's offended expression. "Also, I'm gonna have to preemptively warn you to suspend your disbelief for a lot of these movies." He hits play once more.

And they watched.

"He's as mad as a hippo with a hernia."

"That's some mad alliteration skills," Jack mused, "ugh, alliteration. Still confuse that with assonance."

Hiccup stared at his boyfriend, "The fact that you even bring that up casually..."

"Okay, feeling that Scar's the bad dude here." Astrid interrupted, "but I'm liking the accent."

Rafiki is painting Simba on his tree...

"There's that shady baboon butt again, doing grafitti without his goddamn walking stick." Jim snorted, "I don't trust that punk."

Dimitri chuckled, giving his boyfriend a one-arm hug. "Pup, you have trust issues. It's your thing." He cooed, "it's a cartoon monkey, he can't hurt you."

"But he can hurt his fellow cartoon animal peeps." Jim countered. "Shady bastard."

Dimitri rolled his eyes, "and they say you're a cold, insensitive prick." He snorted.

"Wait, a Lion in a Pride mates with all the lioness..." Hiccup frowned, his eyebrows knitting together. "He's literally sleeping with his wife and the rest of his, uh, concubines in a single..."

Jamie groaned, "You're ruining my childhood here."

"So, this is that famous overmemed scene." Jack snorted, "pretty grand, I'll give it that. Tempted to google what the shadowy place is, though."

Jamie shook his head, taking Jack's phone. "No spoilers." He said. "It's coming up soon anyway."

"Forgive me for not leaping in joy. Bad back, you know."

Hiccup nodded faux sagely, "Scar is me at every social gathering." He said.

"No, no! Don't, you gullible lion cub!" Jim shouted at the TV, much to everyone's amusement. "THAT DARK PLACE IS OBVIOUSLY NOT AN ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD, SIMBA. DON'T DO DUMB SHIT. LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS. GO TO LION CUB SCHOOL!"

Dimitri snickered, gesturing to his soulmark. "He's talking in capslock again." He said.

🎶"I just can't wait to be king~!"🎶

"Okay, I'm so finding a playlist in Spotify now." Jack mused, scrolling at his phone that Jamie returned earlier. "These tunes are gonna be my jam."

Hiccup shrugged, "I still find it funny that the animals are so okay with their predators being their king. No revolution sparked by discontentment at all." He pointed out. "Sounds kinda fishy."

"Okay, anyone else feeling kinda awkward with Simba and Nala's sexual tension?" Jim voiced out, "I mean, they're kids... Or cubs... Whatever. They're young."

Hiccup nodded, "Not to mention, cousins. Being in the same Pride..." He trailed off as Jamie kicks him lightly on the shin.

"Again, ruining childhood for me." Jamie sighed, and Astrid rubs his arm soothingly.

Jim points at the screen accusingly, "Ah! An elephant graveyard!" he gawked. "okay, was wrong on that, but still creepy as hell. Especially now that practically everywhere in the Savannah is an elephant graveyard... Even a rhino graveyard."

Jack shook his head, "Guys, you need to chill."

"Okay, these hyenas reminds me of that old Cartoon Network show, Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy." Hiccup mused, "Especially Ed, who's basically Ed. Can't be a coincidence."

Astrid snickered, "He's also you; laughing or making jokes to laugh about in inappropriate situations." she teased. "Got us in trouble a lot in those 'bring your kid to work' events."

"Aaaand Mufasa comes in to save the day," Jack slow clapped, "knew it. But boy, is Simba grounded. You done fucked up, kid."

"I'm surrounded by idiots..."

Jim huffed, leaning back against the couch and Dimitri's arm. "Mood." He deadpanned. "Also, calling out their cruelty to animated zebras."

"I know right?" Dimitri humored him, "where the fuck is PETA when you need them?"

Jamie snorted, smirking at them, "Uh, I don't know... Reality?"

"Doesn't feel like it either." Astrid quipped, "elephants still dying everywhere."

Jack rolled his eyes, "Fucking chill guys."

"Ah, Hiccup, look. How's that for discontentment?" Astrid pointed at the screen, "Scar's not satisfied with being sass king of the jungle. Wants to run for real king, that can't end well."

Hiccup shrugged, "I'll take it." He said, "and it's not a jungle, actually.

"Dude has mad pipes though." Jack pointed out, "I'd definitely attend the opening night of 'Scar: The Musical.'"

Jamie hummed thoughtfully, "Huh, a lion king remake with his perspective instead would be an improvement." He said.

"Simba, it's to die for!"

"Okay Hiccup, take notes." Astrid quipped, "Scar's pun game is topnotch."

Hiccup snorted, tossing a throw pillow her way. "Must've learned from me." He shot back, "I'm a master."

"Still," Astrid said, laughing as she threw the pillow back, "I have the feeling this is the point of the movie I'm gonna start hating Scar."

Jamie cringed as the stampede started, and he paused the movie much to everyone's frustration. "Okay, guys. Again, maybe you need ti—" he trailed off.

"PLAY THE DAMN MOVIE!"

Jamie did so. And he found it strangely satisfying when everyone cried out a despairing 'NOOOOOOOOOO!' along with Simba as Mufasa fell to his death.

"Mufasa is dead?!?!" Jim gawked, "he died?!!? Just like DUMBLEDORE?!?!?! Just like MY FATHER?!" He whimpered, leaning on Dimitri as his boyfriend reached for the box of Kleenex from Jamie. "Feeling unusually upset right now. It's a damn kid's movie. It has no right to be hitting it home, and right to the feels."

Dimitri sighed, patting his back consolingly. "There, there..."

"Fuck you, Scar. Just..." Jim groused, "Fuck. You."

Astrid sighed, taking a sheet from the Kleenex herself. "Gotta say, though," she started, "for a schemer like Scar, he sure does skimp on the quality of his henchmen. Letting Simba go is gonna bite him in the ass someday. Guaranteed."

"Okay," Jamie paused the movie. "intermission. Who needs a bio-break?"

Jim just stood up and went for the bathroom. The rest finished the pizza and Dimitri made sure to leave some for Jim.

"You good, Jim?

"Shut up and play the movie." The brunette groused, "ugh, I can't believe I cried. Damn you Scar."

Jamie laughed as he plays the movie once more. "Told you you'd need tissues."

"Screw you, man."

───────────────

"Mufasa's death was a terrible loss..."

Jim eats his pizza. He continues to curse Scar as he speaks of Mufasa's death. "Don't fall for his crap, come on!" He scowled. "Zazu, he fucking slammed you to a rock!" He sighed, "Why the hell are you letting him become king? This is why you animals are getting extinct."

"It's.... really not." Hiccup protested.

Dimitri massaged his shoulders, "Jim, you can print out a picture of Scar and dart him, okay pup?" He soothed.

"The hyenas look like they can get shit done, though." Jack mused, "well, except for giving Simba the slip."

Jim hummed, "Oh, baboon guy. Almost forgot about this dude." He said. "Cutting him some slack because I feel he's going to drop some Yoda shit on this bitch."

"You get so feisty when you're irritable." Dimitri mused, "and this is why Scroop secretly has a thing for you."

"WHAT!"

"What?"

"Don't worry," Dimitri shrugged, kissing the tip of his nose. "I don't share."

Jim huffed, "Well, I bloody hope not!"

"You gotta put your behind in your past."

"Gotta get a tattoo of this Pumbaa quote." Jack joked, "words to live by 101."

Hiccup audibly whimpered, taking Jack's hand. "Please don't " he said. "Your skin's perfect. It's bad enough that my choice of words already marred it."

"Aw, babe..." Jack hugged him, "you know I love it."

Astrid blew a raspberry. "Get a room."

"Uh, my house, so no." Jamie protested.

Jim blinked, "Wait, I know this is Timon and Pumbaa because I had them on a pencil case when I was eight or something. Then, I got one of space and that was that." He started. "But damn, I didn't know Hakuna Matata was from here. I have heard this song before, I am not entirely ignorant."

"I'm so hungry, I can eat a whole Zebra."

"I'm condemning this casual Zebra slaughter," Hiccup declared. "Let it be known. You can't just eat a whole Zebra, Simba. Come on."

Astrid gagged, "Insects? Really?" She shakes her head. "Simba's diet is fucked. I'm not a nutritionist or a zoologist, but I really, really, don't think insects are enough to get Simba through all those years in the jungle. I mean, it's like asking humans to survive on dog food alone."

"And yet he has grown into a fine-ass lion over the course of about three bars of song." Jack whistled, "Intriguing. Switching to insect-based diet after the movie."

Hiccup shakes his head, "Snowflake, I rather you go vegan."

Rafiki appears and takes Simba's floating fur with the dandelions...

"There's monkey Yoda again," Jim snorted, "jumping down on trees, not a walking stick in sight. He's on to something though, so I'll let it sli—HOLD THE PHONE!" The brunette balked, "Did baboon man REALLY figure out Simba was still alive from smelling dandelions that floated from miles away?"

Dimitri rubbed his back in circles, "Pup, stop being antagonized by the damn monkey already." he snickered, "it's cute, but I'm worrying over your mental health."

"Don't tell me what to do, dimwit." Jim scoffed, "I mean, really, this insane Yoda monkey with inconsistent usage of walking aids might be the movie's last hope. How to feel about this, I don't know."

"AAAAAAH!"

Hiccup hummed, faux sadly. "We're gonna lose Pumbaa. I can feel it." he said. "Life's just not fair, and warthogs just aren't fast."

"Oh, wait, it's Nala!" Jack cheered, "Yaaay!"

The freckled brunette snorted, crossing his arms. "Nala goes from hunting Pumbaa one minute to having a conversation with him after Simba vouches for him?" he shook his head, "So, tell me how there aren't any riots with the predators being friends with some preys, and others not? Unjustifiable exceptions."

"Guys, suspend your disbelief." Jamie sighed, "I think I gave out that warning earlier."

🎶...You needn't look too far; Stealing through the night's uncertainties, love is where they are~🎶

"Whoa, 'Can you feel the love tonight' was from this movie? Okay, it's official, I'm in love with this soundtrack." Jack made an exaggerated bowing down motion towards the screen, "Hands down one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard."

Dimitri narrowed his eyes at the screen, in scrutiny. "They totally boned at this scene, right?" he deadpanned. "I mean, did you see those bed room sex eyes?"

Jim stuffed him with a pillow, "At least the sexual tension between them doesn't feel as awkward now."

"You said you'd always be there! But you're not... it's because of me..."

Hiccup nodded his head, "Sexual tension replaced with crippling self-loathing, just like real life." he sighed, "feel ya, Simba."

"God, I don't know how many therapists mom made me see until I finally got over blaming myself for my sperm donor leaving us." Jim sighed, shaking his head. "and then guidance counseling when we found out he killed himself a few months before Freshemen year started."

Dimitri stared at his boyfriend worriedly, "Pup, do you need a hug?" he embraced him without waiting for a response.

"It ain't your fault, Jim. Shit happens... Especially stampedes if you're in a forest."

Jamie sighed, "Savannah."

"Real talk, though," Astrid mused, "shit happens when you've got scheming uncles who planned to push their brother off the buffalo freeway."

The brunette stared at his girlfriend before picking up his phone, "I'm tweeting that."

Rafiki appears humming incoherently...

"I swear to god, this monkey is on meth." Jim snorted, shaking his head. "Yeap, he just called Simba a baboon. This primate is trippin'."

Dimitri stared at the rest of his friends, as if he was in 'The Office'. "I'm never gonna hear the end of this, am I?"

"Better not bring him to any Zoos soon," Jack advised. "He might try to throw rocks at the monkey containment."

"Okay, I take it back." Jim raised his arms, "This is going to be some pivotal revelatory shit." he started.

"Correction, I know your father."

Jim glared at the screen, pointing an accusing finger. "Okay, still trippin'" He scowled at the meditation monkey, "I hope this really is Mufasa and not some metaphorical mambo-jumbo. If not, I call subterfuge."

Jamie was starting to wonder if this whole movie marathon was a good idea. They were just starting with the first one, and Jim already seems like a lost cause. Maybe there was a reason innocent children were the target audience.

"CALLED IT," Jim growled at the television, "that's a reflection, you punk-ass monkey. Way to let a brother down." He shook his head, frowning as the screen shows cloud Mufasa. "Aaaaand now he's slipped Simba some acid. Just great."

Definitely a bad idea.

"Wow, it worked." Even Hiccup is surprised. "who'da thunk it. Hm, might wanna check for hidden projectors, though. Monkey might've pulled a Mysterio... Well, for a good cause, but still. Jim's got it right with subterfuge."

Dimitri glared at him, "Dude, spoiler alert."

"Oops." Hiccup blushed, "sorry."

Jack blinked at the screen, "What the fuck," he scowled, "He just left Nala behind and returned home? When it was her idea in the first place? Bro, that's your soulmark. Boy, is he in for some pain."

"I think this came out before the discovery of soulmarks." Hiccup patted his hand soothingly. "there, there.... What we should really be questioning is that desert. I'm still wondering how there's even an oasis in this movie."

Jamie face palmed, "Suspend your disbelief, suspend... Oh, forget it." he groaned.

🎶"He eeee's a big pig (Yup, yup). You could be a big pig too. Oy!"🎶

"In a movie filled with amazing songs," Jack snickered, "Timon's luau song's gonna be my personal favorite. Bonus points for presentation."

Astrid sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. "And they fell for it," she tossed her hand in a 'I'm so done' manner. "This is why you hire quality hit man, Scar. You can't half-ass a coup and not expect repercussions."

"Well, if he was Loki-smart," Jamie shrugged, "well, there's no Avengers to beat him up and the heroes don't win."

Jim snorted, "Simplified hero-winning's overdone." he said. "Villain redemption arcs like Zuko's should start catching on."

"So, you have no cable for Disney," Dimitri started, "but you know ATLA?"

Jim shrugged, "A therapist was a fan," he explained, "and she thought it'd help with my father abandonment issues. Confirmed: It did."

"I killed Mufasa..."

Hiccup face palmed, and groaned as if he was in real agony. "Aaaagh, typical villain behavior." he groused, "shut your damn Zebra-holes, and finish the job for once, you idiots never learn."

"Chat shit, get banged, Scar." Dimitri snickered, "Chat shit, get banged."

Jim stuffs a pillow at him once more, "Stop it with the innuendos!" he sighed, as he stared at screen. He raised a brow, "Amidst this all-out melee, meth-monkey is doing some serious damage. How, I do not know."

"Well, guess he's been hiding his pizzaz all along."

Simba and Scar finally battle it out

"NOOOOOOO!"

"YEEEEEEEEES!"

Jack cheered, "SIMBA WINS." he grinned, "And the hyenas have also found a temporary solution to their food shortage. Win-win."

"This was a kid's movie..." Jim narrowed his eyes at the screen, "and they heavily implied Scar getting gang-devoured."

Jamie snorted, and snickered. "You should see the one when the villain got hanged from the treetops."

"WHAT!"

"Remember who you are..."

"Feel like 'The Eye of the Tiger' would be a proper song for this moment," Jack mused, before pausing in thought, "wait, wouldn't that be 'Eye of the Lion', then?"

Hiccup laughed, shaking his head. "And just like that, the land is glorious again. No mention of rehabilitation process with might have included replanting trees, and attracting livestock with lucrative real estate prices." he mused.

"Let's just hope this heralds a decline in the merciless killings of animated Zebras." Jim snorted, "still unsure as to how meth-monkey hasn't managed to drop a cub off the cliff yet."

Jamie shook his head, as he went back to Netflix's home screen, and grinned towards his friends, "Now, as payback for effectively ruining my childhood, here's a little piece of info to mindblow you guys: The Lion King is basically Hamlet but with lions, and a happy ending."

"WHAT!"

"Ohmygod!" Jack balked, "IT IS! IT SO IS!"

Hiccup frowned, shaking his head. "I can't believe I didn't see it," he frowned. "And I fucking love Hamlet. I feel like I've let Shakespeare down."

"Baboon man should've made like Yorick and turned into a skeleton head..." Jim snorted, "Wait, was that why they made Scar hold that skull in a certain way?"

Dimitri rolled his eyes, "And here I thought we moved past the whole Rafiki antagonized drama."

Jamie laughed outloud, clutching his stomach. "Just wait till you see the Romeo and Juliet sequel."

"Can we get a movie with more..." Astrid scrunched up her nose, "... humans please?"

[doubleattitude]

24/7 Dance Convention, Atlanta, GA: RESULTS

High Scores by Age:

Sidekick Solo

1st: Charlotte Brayman-’Wonderful World’

2nd: Emersyn Lawson-’Beautiful Things’

2nd: Khylie Wilkerson-’Proud Mary’

3rd: Audrey Mikkelson-’Shake the Room’

4th: Brenna Ferrell-’Showstopper’

Mini Solo

1st: Mia Clark-’Dem Beats’

1st: Carrigan Paylor-’Orange Colored Sky’

2nd: Elizabeth Scott Lanier-’Bitter Earth’

2nd: Kaylee Schwamb-’See Me Now’

3rd: Ashley Otano-’Dark Matter’

3rd: AnaKate Danner-’Malfunction’

3rd: Ella Barnes-’Nobody’s Watching’

3rd: Layla Karadchy-’Tomorrow’

4th: Jasmine Pando-’Amelia’

4th: Georgia Beth Peters-’Come Together’

4th: Allie Plott-’Fire’

4th: Savy Luetchtefeld-’Sound of Silence’

5th: Lauren Fenton-’Boogie Shoes’

5th: Cora Wunder-’Faith’

5th: Rudie Bolton-’Still Don’t Know My Name’

6th: Isabella Shortridge-’In This Shirt’

7th: Bella Smith-’Against The Music’

7th: Sami Nix-’Bridges’

7th: Rose Mangan-’Make Someone Happy’

7th: Ruby Wilkes Petty-’Once Upon Another Time’

8th: Alessandra Gauger-’Morning’

9th: Kenzie Wagoner-’Recharge’

9th: Laila Taylor-’Riot Rhythm’

10th: Belle Brining-’Ain’t to proud to beg’

10th: Malea Moore-’Big Time’

10th: Gabi Brown-’Brown Skin Girl’

10th: Sydney Lawrence-’Everybody Wants To Rule the World’

10th: Lyrah Atkins-’Keep It Moving’

10th: Vivian Liu-’Opportunity’

10th: Channing Jones-’Tight Rope’

Junior Solo

1st: Giselle Gandarilla-’All Human Beings’

2nd: Nicholas Moreno-’Blue Lips’

2nd: Emme James Anderson-’Resume’

3rd: Mia Doyle-’Designated Harmony’

3rd: Brinkley Pittman-’Gravity’

3rd: Belle Richardson-’Seven Birds’

3rd: Leila Winker-’Takt’

4th: Addison Bradley-’Dynamite’

4th: Maddie Shaw-’Final Goodbye’

4th: Caroline Powell-’How Rare’

4th: McGowan Howell-’Resurface’

4th: Maely Weaver-’Staggered In a Configuration’

4th: Cadence Lyles-’Warrior Queen’

5th: Amanda Fenton-’Devil In Disguise’

5th: Emma Martin-’Dreams’

5th: Leah Midgett-’Mirror Mirror’

5th: Morgan Belyeu-’Older’

5th: Vanessa Johnson-’Over The Rainbow’

6th: Kaden Brown-’Resolution’

7th: Mollie Mikkelson-’Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’

7th: Gracie Elder-’No More Tears’

7th: Sloane Dawson-’TEA’

7th: Scarlett Liu-’Unaccompanied’

7th: Sydney Martin-’Vibeology’

8th: Isabella Burdo-’Dance, Dance, Dance’

8th: Estella Guzman-’No Contamination’

8th: Alora Freeman-’Sing to the Moon’

9th: Lila Jane Meadows-’Friend Like Me’

9th: Ever Martin-’Long Time Traveler’

9th: Ensley King-’Ruby Blue’

9th: Gracie Hawkins-’Smokestacks’

10th: MacKenzie Meissner-’Be Strong’

10th: Kinsleigh Gullette-’Despicable’

10th: Pierce Bevans-’Float’

10th: Stella Adamson-’Gamzatti Variation’

10th: Sophia Bell-’Waving Through A Window’

10th: Taylor Dillard-’Way Down We Go’

Teen Solo

1st: Brady Farrar-’Once More’

2nd: Oliver Keane-’Electric Pulse’

2nd: Georgia Greene-’Warning’

3rd: Preslie Rosamond-’Possibly Maybe’

3rd: Sophie Garcia-’Warrior’

4th: Emma Vaughan-’Tango’

5th: Camille Pepper-’1,000 Faces’

5th: Savannah Manning-’Line Thickness’

6th: Emery Sousley-’Birds of Paradise’

6th: Addy Beckham-’Fame’

6th: Natalie Bumgarner-’Lullaby’

6th: Angelina Brennan-’Woman’

7th: Loren Puchalski-’All The Time’

7th: Nika Nosova-’Epiphany’

7th: Sydney Jones-’Raise Your Voice’

7th: Jackson Smoak-’The Longest Time’

8th: Abigail McKinney-’Shout’

8th: Haley Midgett-’Smile to Me’

8th: Callaghan Johnson-Untitled’

9th: Hadley Snell-’Like This’

10th: Emmy Fuller-’Be Be Your Love’

10th: Tierney Denny-Lybbert-’Lean Back’

10th: Sophie Hunsicker-’Take Flight’

10th: Kayleigh Atterton-’Wild Is The Wind’

Senior Solo

1st: Xavier logan-’Self Memoria’

2nd: Thiago Pacheco-’I’m Naturally Platinum’

3rd: Lily Sledge-’My One and Only’

3rd: Kayleigh Everhart-’Thunderstruck’

4th: Grace Robinson-’Always;

4th: Wysdem Ceaser-’Blades’

4th: Niya Smith-’Down2Ride’

4th: Seth Gibson-’Identity’

5th: Chloe Jeffcoat-’As For The Fall’

5th: Dai Boyd-’Try A Little Tenderness’

6th: Alexandra Jinglov-’Action Reaction’

6th: Maika Takemoto-’Changes’

6th: Bella Mills-’Everywhere, Still’

6th: Shaeleigh Person-’Mine’

6th: Christian Butts-’Ohm Sweet Ohm’

6th: Brittany Willard-’Unchained Melody’

6th: Javon Moore-’Visions’

7th: Tristin Edsel-’And So It Goes’

7th: Belle Mason-’Drones’

7th: Saleya James-’Fix You’

7th: Lily Thompson-’Foolish Games’

7th: Savannah Folding-’Heart Shaped Birthmark’

7th: Kirsten Brown-’Trainwreck’

7th: Ella Samellas-’Without You’

8th: CJ Parker-’A Letter From France’

8th: Bailey Cerio-’Free Falling’

8th: Mallory McCormick-’Rose’

8th: Chloe Barr-’Still Light’

8th: Jalen Scriven-’TIME’

9th: Jasmyn Hopper-’Another Lifetime’

9th: Raven Rutledge-’A Pale’

9th: Sydney Scott-’Forsaken’

9th: Katelyn Midgett-’Georgia’

9th: Morgen Watkins-’Gonna Love Me’

9th: Ryin Corcoran-’Red Dust’

9th: Sophie Hooker-’We’ll Meet Again’

9th: Hannah Rivers-’Will You Ever Return’

10th: Blair Southerland-’Desperation’

10th: Izzie Bringle-’Hush’

Sidekick Duo/Trio

1st: West Main Studios-’Colors Of the Wind’

2nd: To The Pointe-’Wildside’

Mini Duo/Trio

1st: Carolina Collective Dance-’It’s Quiet Uptown’

2nd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Loves Me Like A Rock’

3rd: Carolina Collective Dance-’Proud’

3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’To Build A Home’

Junior Duo/Trio

1st: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Even The Sun’

2nd: Milele Academy-’Fiyah Speak’

3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Nothing We Can Do’

Teen Duo/Trio

1st: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Let Me Follow’

2nd: Milele Academy-’Down We Go’

2nd: The Royal Dance Academy-’Grieving’

3rd: Great Gig Dance Co-’Canon In D’

Senior Duo/Trio

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Addictive’

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Verlust’

2nd: Milele Academy-’Darkest Hour’

3rd: Studio 413-’Black Flies’

Sidekick Group

1st: Studio Powers-’Big Love, Small Moments’

Mini Group

1st: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Daisies’

2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Bones’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Hey Hi Hello’

3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’The Moment’

3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Wepa’

Junior Group

1st: The Southern Strutt-’A Young Mind’s Thoughts’

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Made of Stone’

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Swan’

2nd: Studio Powers-’Cry Me A River’

3rd: Milele Academy-’Save a Horse’

Teen Group

1st: Milele Academy-’Close Up’

1st: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Slack Jaw’

1st: Studio 413-’Social Media Overload’

1st: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Wooden Hymnal In C’

2nd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’He’s A Dream’

3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Shaken Lung’

Senior Group

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’I’m Delighted’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’What A Girl Wants’

3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Dying of Thirst’

Sidekick Line

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Mr Piano Man’

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Rainbow Brite’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Besties’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Dump Him’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Reflections’

Mini Line

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Fergalicious’

2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Brown Skin Girl’

2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Found A Good One’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’As Good As It Gets’

3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Back At It’

Junior Line

1st: The Southern Strutt-’This Place About to Blow’

2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Dance Apocalyptic’

2nd: The Southern Strutt-’I Will Leave The Light On’

3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Genesis’

3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Kill The Lights’

Teen Line

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Lay Them Before Me’

2nd: Studio 413-’Hold On Tight’

3rd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Midnight Street’

Senior Line

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Sunny Side of the Street’

2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Charlie Boy’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Deep Fried Flavor’

2nd: Great Gig Dance Co-’I’d Love to Change The World’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Layla’

2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Matter’

3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Full Bloom’

3rd: Studio 413-’Rumors’

Sidekick Extended Line

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Flying Solo’

Mini Extended Line

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Fly Kicks’

2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Wonderland’

3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’The Happy Disco Show’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Yacht Club Cuties’

Junior Extended Line

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Foot On The Gas’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Walk It Out’

3rd: Studio 413-’Girl Boss’

Teen Extended Line

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Work’

2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Earthquake’

2nd: The Southern Strutt-’The Wave’

3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Angels’

3rd: The Southern Strutt-’XR2′

Senior Extended Line

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Reception’

2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Here Comes The Boom’

Sidekick Production

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Chewy Chewy’

Mini Production

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Yacht Club Cuties’

Junior Production

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Ski-A-Rhythmdale’

2nd: Studio 413-’Electricity’

Teen Production

1st: exonerated

2nd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Southern Hospitality’

3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Bay 2 the A’

High Scores by Performance Division:

Sidekick Jazz

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Chewy Chewy’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Rainbow Brite’ 3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Dump Him’

Sidekick Hip-Hop

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Besties’

Sidekick Tap

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Mr Piano Man’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’ABC’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Shout’

Sidekick Contemporary

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Flying Solo’

Sidekick Lyrical

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Reflections’ 2nd: Studio Powers-’Big Love, Small Moments’

Mini Jazz

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Fergalicious’ 2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Brown Skin Girl’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’The Happy Disco Show’

Mini Ballet

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Concerto In D’

Mini Hip-Hop

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Fly Kicks’ 2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Found A Good One’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Back At It’

Mini Tap

1st: The Southern Strutt-’As Good As It Gets’ 2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Love Shack’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Jitterbug’

Mini Contemporary

1st: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Daisies’ 2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Bones’ 3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’The Moment’

Mini Lyrical

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’3000 Miles’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Fly Me To The Moon’ 3rd: Studio 413-’Helium’

Mini Musical Theatre

1st: The Southern Strutt-’Wonderland’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Yacht Club Cuties’ 3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Little Shop of Horrors’

Junior Jazz

1st: The Southern Strutt-’This Place About to Blow’ 2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Dance Apocalyptic’ 2nd: Studio 413-’Electricity’ 3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Kill The Lights’ 3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Genesis’

Junior Ballet

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Violin Fantastique’

Junior Hip-Hop

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Foot On The Gas’ 2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Walk It Out’ 3rd: Studio 413-’Girl Boss’

Junior Tap

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Sussudio’ 1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Here Comes The Sun’ 2nd: Studio 413-’Into the Night’ 3rd: Great Gig Dance Co-’Tiny Dancer’

Junior Contemporary

1st: The Southern Strutt-’I Will Leave The Light On’ 2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Swan’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’A Young Mind’s Thoughts’ 3rd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Off The Rails’

Junior Lyrical

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Made of Stone’ 2nd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Daisies’ 3rd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Firework’

Junior Musical Theatre

1st: The Southern Strutt-’First Day Fruge’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’The Gospel Truth’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Zero to Hero’

Junior Acro

1st: The WHEREHOUSE-’Day-O’

Junior Specialty

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Ski-A-Rhythmdale’ 2nd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Grease!’

Teen Jazz

1st: The Southern Strutt-’XR2′ 1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’I Hope My Life’ 2nd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Shake’ 3rd: Studio 413-’Body Language’ 3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Kick It’

Teen Hip-Hop

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Work’ 2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Earthquake’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’The Wave’ 3rd: Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Southern Hospitality’

Teen Tap

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Rock Your Body’ 2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Hook’ 3rd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Wooden Hymnal In C’ 3rd: Studio 413-’Gold Watch�� 3rd: The Southern Strutt-’Gold Watch’

Teen Contemporary

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Exonerated’ 2nd: Studio 413-’Hold On Tight’ 3rd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Embrace the World’

Teen Lyrical

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Midnight Street’ 2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Angels’ 3rd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’This Particular Dream’

Teen Musical Theatre

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Groundhog Day’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Beetlejuice’ 3rd: Heather Wayne’s Dance Company-’Too Darn Hot’

Teen Acro

1st: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Oceans’ 2nd: Studio Powers-’Area 51′

Teen Specialty

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Lay Them Before Me’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Book of Love’ 3rd: Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Hip Hip Chin Chin’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Born to Be Alive’

Senior Jazz

1st: Studio 413-’Rumors’ 2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Human Nature’ 3rd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Saved By The DJ’

Senior Ballet

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Recomposed’

Senior Hip-Hop

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’Deep Fried Flavor’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Here Comes The Boom’ 3rd: North Georgia Dance and Music Factory-’Power’

Senior Tap

1st: Rhythm Dance Center-’What A Girl Wants’ 2nd: Great Gig Dance Co-’I’d Love to Change The World’ 2nd: Rhythm Dance Center-’Layla’ 3rd: Great Gig Dance Co-’Faith’

Senior Contemporary

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’I’m Delighted’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Charlie Boy’ 2nd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Dying of Thirst’ 3rd: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Full Bloom’

Senior Lyrical

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Matter’ 2nd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Tides of Lamentation’ 3rd: Dothan School of Dance-’It’s All Coming Back to Me’

Senior Musical Theatre

1st: Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Sunny Side of the Street’ 2nd: The Southern Strutt-’Too Darn Hot’ 3rd: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Might As Well Be’

Senior Specialty

1st: Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Reception’

11 O’Clock:

Sidekick

Studio Powers-’DANCE’

The Southern Strutt-’Flying Solo’

Rhythm Dance Center-’Besties’

Mini

Studio 413-’Helium’

West Main Studios-’Spiders’

Milele Academy-’Move Your Body’

Studio Powers-’Iconology’

Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Bones’

Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Daisies’

Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Found A Good One’

Rhythm Dance Center-’Fly Kicks’

The Southern Strutt-’Fergalicious’

Junior

Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Dance Apocalyptic’

Studio 413-’Girl Boss’

Rhythm Dance Center-’Foot On The Gas’

The Southern Strutt-’This Place About to Blow’

Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Kill The Lights’

Milele Academy-’Missy’

Studio Powers-’Cry Me A River’

Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Made of Stone’

Teen

The Southern Strutt-’The Wave’

Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Hip Hip Chin Chin’

Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Exonerated’

Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’Lay Them Before Me’

Oconee Youth School of Performance-’Poppin Party’

The WHEREHOUSE-’Changes’

Studio Powers-’Stand Up’

Milele Academy-’Close Up’

Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Southern Hospitality’

Studio 413-’Hold On Tight’

Rhythm Dance Center-’Earthquake’

Senior

Dothan School of Dance-’You’ll Never Walk Alone’

Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Reception’

Rhythm Dance Center-’What A Girl Wants’

Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Sunny Side of the Street’

The Southern Strutt-’Charlie Boy’

Great Gig Dance Co-’I’d Love to Change The World’

Studio 413-’Rumors’

Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Exile’

Milele Academy-’Get It’

Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Bitter’

Heather Wayne’s Dance Company-’Old Skin’

Smitty’s Performing Arts Center-’Where Is The Love’

Studio Showcase:

Milele Academy-’Close Up’

West Main Studio-’E R’

Variations Dance Studio-’Through The Cracks’

Upstate Carolina Dance Center-’Exile’

The WHEREHOUSE-’Changes’

The Southern Strutt-’Charlie Boy’

Studio Powers-’Stand Up’

Studio 413-’Rumors’

Rhythm Dance Center-’Earthquake’

Oconee Youth School of Performance-’Poppin Party’

North Georgia Dance and Music Factory-’Tap Dat’

Heather Wayne’s Dance Company-’Old Skin’

Gretchen Greene School of Dance-’Hip Hip Chin Chin’

Great Gig Dance Co-’I’d Love to Change The World’

Dancemakers of Atlanta-’Exonerated’

Columbia City Jazz Conservatory-’The Reception’

[primtuck]

Primrose Savannah Tucker

Preferred Name: Prim

Age: 23

Pronouns: She/Her

Gender: Demigirl

Orientation: Tentatively Pansexual

Occupation: Clerk at At Your Service

Neighborhood: Bighorn Hills

Likes

Ice Cream, Warm and Sunny Days, Art (especially painting), Books (especially fantasy and romance, but she has a deep love for all kinds of books), Gardening, Vinyl (Bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Leonard Cohen, Carole King, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, ETC), Going on Walks With No Set Destination, Exploring Her Father’s House and Farm, and Making Daisy Chains.

Dislikes

Wet Socks, Ants at a Picnic, Overcast Days, Entitled Customers, Disorder, The Color Gray, Cellphones, The Concept of Boredom, Overly Friendly (Loud) Strangers, Snow, and Getting Rocks in her Shoes.

Quick Biography 

(tw death, abandonment)

Never knew her father, and was raised by her mother, Melinda.

Melinda was a flowerchild, and dragged Prim around from Rainbow Gathering to Rainbow Gathering her whole childhood.

Besides living in a van the only “home” Prim ever had was the occasional commune the pair would stop in mostly during the winters.

Prim was homeschooled by Melinda, and the curriculum was different to say the least. It consisted of things like gardening, but also grifting.

To supplement her own education Prim became very interested books, and spent a lot of her free time hanging out at the library.  

Melinda abandoned Prim in their van when she was only 15 leaving her to fend for herself until the authorities got involved, and sent Prim to live in a group home.

Once Prim turned 18 she was kicked out of the system, and went back to what she knew. Living in her mother’s old van.

It was during this time that she was rejected from Art School due to her lack of a formal education.

After the rejection she spent her time jumping from town to town, taking whatever minimum wage job would take her.

It was during this time that her father passed away, and left her his farmhouse in Providence Peak.

She now lives in his old farmhouse, doing her best to fix it up, and working at At Your Service to support herself.

Full Biography

Wanted Connections:

Regulars

Prim works at the local gas station meaning that she’s probably very familiar with her regular customers. This is obviously very (purposely) open ended, but if your muse would have any reason to regularly go to the gas station they probably know Prim.

Family

Prim has absolutely no knowledge of other family left in town after her father’s death. This could include aunts, uncles, cousins, and even half siblings. The only thing set in stone about her father is that he’s a white man who went through a free spirit phase where he spent time at a commune. My head canon as to why he would leave the farmhouse to Prim and not any other family is that he always felt guilty about not being there for Prim once he discovered she was his child, and so the farmhouse was the only thing he had left to give her at the end of his life.

Miscellaneous Connections

If your muse has lived in town for a long time (especially if they live in Bighorn Hills) they might know of, or be curious of the girl who inherited the old farmhouse in Bighorn Hills.

If your muse loves the outdoors, and spends a lot of time there Prim can over be find meandering around and drawing/reading so it’s likely they’ve crossed paths at least a few times.

If your muse loves books or reading maybe they've seen/met her at the local library. She loves to read, and probably spends most of her days off there.

If your muse is a big fan of music, especially vinyl records they’ve probably spotted Prim at the record store. She seldom buys anything, but she goes to thumb through the records. At home she has a large collection of vinyl left to her by both of her parents, but she’s still convinced there's new records out there for her to find.

Personality

Prim probably hasn’t been in town for more than a year so she’s probably still meeting all of the locals.

She can be a bit shy, but is overall friendly.

Once you get her talking she can hold a conversation forever, and gets a bit lost in the concept of time.

She gets very attached to the people she enjoys, although she may show it in a way that could be seen as unusual to the average person. 

Mun

Hey guys. I’m Spike. I’m 24 (almost 25). I use to role play all the time, but I haven’t role played at all in at least a fews years, so this is all a little new for me. Prim is also a brand new character for me, so I appreciate patience as I figure everything about her out. I can be contacted on discord to plot if you want (Assper#4336), but tbh I’m probably easier to contact here than I am there. I’m really open to anything plotting wise so if you have a specific connection you’d like with Prim just let me know. I’m sure we can make it work. Anyway I didn’t proof read this, and I’m not going to so enjoy the mess.  

[tarcherdisney]

The African Tale

It was a hot summer afternoon in the driest part of the African plains near Mt. Kilimanjaro. The plants were dying, the grass grew very little, the sun was shining, and the sky was bright orange. The entire savanna was deserted. Not a reptile, bird, or mammal of any species was in sight. But then there were two.

An adult male lion named Leo was looking for a new place to live and was starting to get thirsty. He continued to stroll through the grasslands and stopped to take a drink from the lake. The lion bends his head over the water and licks it with his tongue.

He heard a deep thump that got his attention and lifted his head. He saw something big and grey behind the acacia trees in front of him. As Leo’s curiosity started to get the best of him, he jumped on the rocks that were sitting on the river and landed on the grass. The lion lumbered through the grass and slid through the acacia trees. In astonishment, Leo then spotted an adult male elephant breaking a tree branch as he was eating the leaves from it. Leo ran towards the elephant and said, “Uh, Excuse me. Hey, excuse me”.

The gentle giant turned his head around and gasped with surprise. “Hey, where is everybody?” the lion asked as he approached the elephant.

“I’m not particularly sure”, said the elephant in his baritone voice, “But all the other animals must have left a few days ago and I did hear one of them saying that they’re going to a valley”.

“A valley? Where?”

“Somewhere far away from here I guess.”

“You look so familiar to me. Do I know-,” he gasped with excitement. “Elmer!! My childhood friend!”

“Oh. Well if that’s my name then I might as well take it. And you are?”

Leo began to look confused with his eyebrows meeting at the top of his head. “E-Elmer, its me, Leo, don’t you remember, even a little?”

“I’m sorry Leo, if that is your name, but I couldn’t recall anything,” said Elmer with his trunk rubbing the left side of his head. “All I remembered was that I was running with a herd of elephants and then I accidently slid down a cliff of some kind and some bolder or rock hit me hard on the head as I fell. And after all the other animals left, I couldn’t remember anything else”.

“Well my name is Leo and your name is Elmer, got it?” Leo said firmly and assertively.

“Got it! I guess. Oh, and nice to meet you by the way” said Elmer as he shook Leo’s paw with his trunk.

“Ok,” said Leo, “Now, which way do we…” The ground started to shake and began to split apart. The landside split the two animals, separating them. Leo began to jump on the other side of the divide where Elmer was. Then the landslide began to grow up to 1 story high as they both jump on the other landslide on their right. The ground became unbalanced as their area started to split apart even further. “We’ve got to get out of here,” said Leo as he became frantic.

“Through there!” exclaimed Elmer, pointing his trunk to a cave in the distance.

“Are you sure?”

“I think so.” They both started to jump up and down landing on one landslide after another.

“I hope you know where you’re going with this”

As he tried to catch up with Elmer, Leo landed on the edge of the landslide with his claws attached to it. He struggled to reach the topside as he was sweating and the lava pit was at least 5 stories below him. At that moment, Elmer quickly stopped and turned around to where Leo was. “Grab on, buddy,” said Elmer as he stretched his trunk to reach Leo’s paw. And then, just when he was about to slip and fall, Leo grabbed the end part of Elmer’s trunk and was pulled up into the surface of the landslide. “I think its best to give you a ride,” Elmer said as he kneeled on his front knee. “Yeah no kidding,” said Leo as he quickly climbed to the top of his back. The landslide where Elmer was standing on began to fall forward as he jumped on another one until he finally landed at the area that was close the cave. He galloped as fast as he could, the ground behind him was falling apart, and when he jumped inside the cave, the boulders behind him were blocking the entrance.

Afterwards, the earth became still again. Leo jumped from Elmer’s back as they breathed in and out with relief. “Are you ok?” Elmer asked while panting.

“Yeah, I’m fine. And that was the biggest earthquake I’ve ever seen! What’s going on here?”

“Just by the looks of that disaster, I couldn’t put my trunk on it. But I’m assuming that it’s probably the first sign of the end of the world.”

“The End of The World?”

“Hey, it’s just my assumption. It’s not like I can predict anything.” Leo felt emotionally unstable when he started to realize that their world was coming to an end as the volume of his voice started from low to loud.

“Oh, so your ‘assuming’ that it’s the end of the world since there’s very little food left, the whole savannah is turning into a drought, we got nowhere to go, all of our families are missing, we’re the only two animals left behind on this God-forsaken planet and then the next thing you know we’ll be caught by some… huge ginormous flood!”

Suddenly, they heard a huge thump-like crack in the distance and turned their heads to the right. “Uh, Leo” said Elmer, looking as though he was nervous about what would happen next. At five steps ahead of them, a huge roar of moving water was coming right in their direction.

As it came in faster and faster, Leo shouted, “RUN!!!” So they did. As the two animals kept running towards the end of the other tunnel, another exit was being blocked. Leo tried to get the rocks out the tunnel and Elmer tried to push them with his head.

But when the flood came 4 steps closer, Elmer said nervously “Pleo, I mean Leo, right, is that your name?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Climb on my back,” Elmer said directly as he kneeled on his knee.

“Why?”

“Just trust me,” Elmer answered as he took two steps back for a short second and then successfully broke through the wall and fell down into the riverbank.

The two animals immediately walked out of the riverbank as Leo shook his body to get the water off of his fur and his mane until it was dry. “Thanks for that,” said Leo. “Now where are we”?

“That’s strange, I don’t recall if this jungle was ever deserted before.”

And then, Leo slowly looked down at the ground with astonishment and surprise and saw something that finally caught his eye. “They…they were here.”

“What?”

“Look at these tracks. These animals are all in just one group leading to straight into that Jungle. A-And here, it even has the paw prints of my kind as well as your kind. This could be our first clue.”

“Or the path that would lead us straight to the valley,” Elmer added as he smelled the paw prints with his trunk. “I don’t know that’s just my second guess.”

Leo became exhilarated. “Elmer, this is it! This is where we’re going to see our family again! We’re finally going to get home!”

“Well in that case, lead the way. Speaking of which, I never actually knew I had a family before.”

“We’ll find a way to get your memories back,” Leo said as they walked straight into the deserted jungle.

The sky was then darkened with grey storm clouds, as there were rumbles of thunder. Leo was walking on a horizontal tree branch and Elmer was walking through the bushes. The elephant started to look around and said, “This all seems… very familiar. And I can’t even remember why.”

“You know this jungle?”

“Again, I don’t recall. It must have been something bad about it, but I just can’t remember what it was.”

Suddenly, a lightning bolt struck the tallest tree of the jungle and the tree started to burn. “It must be that, right,” said Leo

“Yeah, I think so. Hop on.”

As soon as Leo jumped on Elmer’s back, the fire began to spread. Elmer started to gallop but the fire was closing in on him. They found a pathway out, but a burning tree branch suddenly blocked it. Elmer began to stand on his two feet, kicking his front feet in the air, and tooted his trumpet loudly until he came down on his four feet. Leo began to roar furiously as a call for help, but no one answered. The fire cornered the two animals and Leo said with medium anxiety

“Don’t panic, don’t panic.” The lion started to look around and saw another pathway through the jungle behind them.

“Through there!” Leo cried.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

So then Elmer turned around and rushed towards the exit with a fallen tree branch in the way. As he kept going faster and faster, Elmer quickly said, “Leo, I’m not sure jumping over that tree branch is such a good idea.” Leo was leaning over to his ear, looking at him straight in the eye and said with inspiration, “Elmer, you must… believe!” The elephant came at a close stop near the branch and jumped over it without a single scratch and ran straight towards the exit.

“Yes!” shouted Leo with excitement, “I knew you could do it!” Then a giant burning tree started to fall on them and they ran right past it as few more burning trees started to fall. As they made their escape out of the burning jungle, the two animals reached to the edge of the cliff where the river was below them. “Aw, seriously?” cried Leo. They both turned around to see the trees knocking down each other toward their direction. With no other choice, the two animals jumped off the edge of the cliff and all the rocks and branches fell along with them. Then one big tree branch knocked Elmer on the head as Leo fell off from the elephant’s back and into the river.

Leo backed away from all the rocks and branches that were also in the water and swam up to the surface where he grabbed on to a branch that was floating. He coughed and called out Elmer’s name twice until he quickly turned around and gasped, seeing the upper part of Elmer’s body on the branch and slowly sinking right into the water. Rapidly, Leo dived in the water and grabbed hold of Elmer’s neck with all his might and reached up to the surface dragging the elephant to the shallow part of the river. As he got closer and closer to the land, the entire sky started to rain.

“We did it” Leo said, “We survived.” He got close to Elmer’s body, grabbed his foot, and he couldn’t feel a pulse. “Elmer, are you there, buddy?” He pulled his huge flappy ear with his mouth, getting his attention to move, but he wasn’t moving. Leo felt devastated and his eyes started to water. “Oh no. Oh no, no, no.” Leo said as he started to doubt himself “oh, I’m so sorry buddy. This is all my fault. If I had fallowed my instincts in the first place, we wouldn’t be in this mess. All I wanted to do is to see my best friend in the whole savanna again.” He started to sniff. “You were my only friend during my childhood and you were still my friend even if you lost your memory. I just wish you would come back to me now.”

Leo put his paw on his eyes as he started to sob quietly, then Elmer slowly got up on his four legs and opened his eyes. “Hey, Leo.”

“Yeah.”

“Remember the time you saved me from that quicksand when we were kids?”

Leo smiled as he rubbed off his tears with amazement. “Elmer, you’re back!” The two animals hugged each other with relief and contentment.

“I know, I missed you too bud. Oh, and I think I found a way to reach the valley.”

“How?”

The elephant pointed his trunk to the top of a cliff that was right in front of them. “That’s impossible” Leo said, “How are we going to get there”? Elmer knocked down a giant tree with his front feet, Leo climbed on the top of his back, and they walked straight up to the cliff.

As they kept walking and reach to the top part of the cliff, the wind was gusting through their faces and the entire land was covered in fog.

“Maybe this isn’t the place,” said Leo.

“This has to be. After all, I got my memory back.”

“Well then lets see if you’re right.”

The wind blew harder and harder with the fog flowing along with it. The fog suddenly cleared as the sun was shinning brightly showing the entire valley and all the animals that lived there. “There it is,” said Leo as he stared directly at the valley. “We made it! We made it! I knew I had it in you!”

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Leo.” Said Elmer as he walked down towards the valley. “And look, our family is down there”.

“Its good to have you back, buddy”.

“Yes, Its good to be back”. The two animals finally became reunited with their families and they eventually found mates as well.