#Water Cooler Joyce

[craft2eu]

Ein Lächeln für den Alltag - Koos Buster: Tegelen (NL) bis 10.09.2023

Koos Buster-Stroucken hat den Spitznamen Minister für Keramik. Er ist ein Botschafter des Tons und der Freude an ihm. Unmittelbar nach seinem Abschluss an der Gerrit Rietveld Akademie wurde sein Werk ein durchschlagender Erfolg in der zeitgenössischen Kunstwelt. Liebevoll und gekonnt formt er Dinge, denen niemand einen zweiten Blick schenkt, wie etwa einen Putzwagen, einen Geldautomaten, eine…

[acasualcrossfade]

Clean Sheets/ Fresh Pajamas

Stranger Things: Steve Harrington/ Eddie Munson

Sicktember 2024: Clean Sheets/ Fresh Pajamas

Words: 1543 | Rating: T | @sicktember

Summary: Eddie's sick, but Steve finds a perfect time to clean up and change the sheets.

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Steve was pulled from the depths of sleep by a distant ringing. He groaned, becoming aware of how feverishly warm he was, and the way something heavy hung onto him. He blinked, slowly becoming aware of the cloud of curls that covered his vision. He realized then that Eddie was curled against him, comfortably asleep on his chest. Eddie’s cheeks were still colored with fever and Steve felt as if he was laying under a heated blanket. Sweat gathered at the place where Eddie slept against him, and Steve could smell the scent of sour sickness still emanating from Eddie’s snoring mouth. 

The ringing came again, earning a groan from Eddie. 

“I’ll geddit,” Steve mumbled, sleep stealing most of his syllables. He forced his leg to shift out from under the tangle of sheets, earning another groan from Eddie. Unlike the low moan of warning before a choked, sicker hiccup, this moan was higher and almost a whine. Steve wasn’t sure if it was from being woken up or from him trying to leave the bed, but then Eddie’s leg pressed against Steve’s in protest, as if to say don’t leave. 

“S’the phone,” Steve whispered, planting a kiss on Eddie’s forehead. “M’comin’ back. Three minutes.”

Steve stroked Eddie’s cheek as his boyfriend’s face scrunched in tired frustration.

Eddie’s leg off Steve’s, taking Steve’s soft forehead kiss as acceptable payment for leaving the bed. 

The warmth from the bed only lasted a few seconds as Steve wished for a shirt as he stumbled across the room and to the hallway. He reached the phone seconds before it went to voicemail. 

“Hello?” His voice was raspier than he expected and he swallowed. “This is Steve.”

“Oh I was hoping to not wake you,” Joyce’s voice tutted from the other end of the line. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

He blinked rapidly as the bright light in the kitchen seemed to stab at his half-asleep eyes. He didn’t have his watch on, but the digital clock on the microwave read 8:34. He paused, wondering how Joyce knew about Eddie, but then remembered the call he’d made to her place at some time closer to 2am, when Eddie could barely keep down water.

“Hey, yeah, we’re okay. It was rough for a bit last night, but it’s cooler downstairs and I think moving him to the guest room helped.”

“Okay, good. Jonathan’s got the same thing and is still feeling pretty rough. You call me if you need anything, okay?”

“Okay. Thanks, Joyce.”

She reminded him to check Eddie’s temperature and Steve assured her he would before they hung up.

Steve set the phone back on the cradle, still squinting in the bright light of the morning. He rubbed his eye with the back of his hand; it was later than he realized, which meant Eddie was on his fourth hour of uninterrupted sleep. 

Maybe this was the corner he’d been hoping to turn all along. 

Steve absently filled a glass and it was only when the water touched his dry tongue that he realized how thirsty he was. He gulped the rest of the glass, quickly refilling it to down it just as fast. He’d been so focused on getting water in Eddie, that he’d forgotten to hydrate himself. The water refreshed him, removing the last of the sticky sleepiness between his bones. Joyce’s call reminded Steve of how sick Eddie had been last night, and winced at the memory of Eddie’s choking gags and heaves as he struggled to bring up everything he’d eaten in the last week. Steve lost count of how many times Eddie had pushed himself over the toilet bowl before Steve had to assist and the hours blurred as they moved between the bedroom and the bathroom.

Steve fought a yawn as he refilled the glass to bring back to the guest room. It was late but if Eddie was awake, maybe he’d be up to try some water and medicine.

The guest room door was ajar and as Steve approached, he caught the sight of Eddie’s arm sleepily hanging off the bed first. As he entered the doorway, Steve saw that the rest of Eddie was curled comfortably in the pillow dent left by Steve’s body. The sheets tangled around Eddie’s ankles, stubbornly kicked off sometime in the night. Sweat gathered at Eddie’s temple and dampened the pillowcase, making Eddie’s baby hairs stick to his temple and neck and dampening the pillowcase into a darker blue. 

Despite being sick, Steve was astonished at how beautiful Eddie was like this. The ponytail Steve tied last night had fallen loose, and Eddie’s hair was now spread across the pillows like a curly black storm cloud. His boyfriend’s back was a sight to take in; Steve had each divot and dimple memorized. Eddie’s outstretched arm was inked in tattoos, each a few inches apart. His fingers were long and slender, and Steve could make out the faded reminders written in Sharpie on the back of Eddie’s hand. Whatever bug Eddie was fighting stole most of his color, but his cheeks were still rosy, but nothing like the raging red they were last night.

For the first time in days, Eddie looked comfortable.

Relief came in a warm glow that seemed to expand through Steve’s chest, and Steve leaned heavier against the doorway. It’d been a long few days, and his own body wanted nothing more than the return to bed with Eddie. But the thought of waking Eddie or worse, the movement of the bed making Eddie’s nausea return, was a risk he didn’t want to take.

He'd crash in his bed, but their bedroom upstairs was still a mess from the last few days.

But, a clean bed was what they both needed.

The thought of curling up with Eddie in clean sheets gave him the momentum he needed and he headed upstairs to begin.

His bedroom was at the end of the hall, and he was hit with a heavy stuffiness and the same sour smell. Sickness seemed to hang in the air like an invisible fog. The sunlight shone in from the open curtains, casting the window panes in rumpled shadows over the unmade bed. He crossed the room to unlatch the lock on the window and cracked it open. The whoosh of air that came in carried the chilly bite of the oncoming winter, but it instantly cut through the stuffiness, making the room feel less suffocating.

Steve surveyed his room, taking in each part of the mess. Various painkillers and medicine for fevers were scattered across the surfaces of his room. His nightstand looked like a mini city of medicinal skyscrapers, the bottles of cough syrup to Pepto-Bismol and half-full glasses of flat Sprite, all clustered together. The thermometer lay nearby untouched crackers on a napkin, and a used washcloth hung off the side of the nightstand. The backup thermometer sat near the lamp, skewed to the side from Steve's rush to grab the trashcan when Eddie had first felt sick. Steve adjusted it and then picked up the TV remote next to it, trying to remember why he’d brought up the TV from the kitchen. The screen was off, but he remembered when he caught sight the open VHS case of Lord of the Rings. The cassette was still in the player, and although Steve lived by the be kind, rewind rule, but knew Eddie would want to eventually finish the movie.  

Maybe later this afternoon, if Eddie feels better.

The thought was a comfort as Steve started clearing the nightstand. He moved easily, taking a thing and finding the proper place for it, finding a rhythm with cleaning. The cough syrup, now capped, sat closed in the medicine cabinet. He tossed the used tissues in the trash, and the crumpled washcloth was replaced with a clean one. He set out a new pair of shorts and a shirt for Eddie on the dresser to wear later.

The bed was last. 

The quilt came off first and with a few tugs, the top sheet followed. The sheets were next, and Steve leaned on one knee to pull each corner free. The fibers of the sheets seemed to shake sickness off into the air, sticky and sweaty, and Steve was thankful for the open window. The pillowcases were stained and crusty, and he pulled those off, piling them with the sheets gathered at the end of the bed. He added Eddie’s abandoned shirt he stripped off days ago, along with the one Steve tossed to the side sometime yesterday. 

Steve wasted no time getting the pile to the laundry room to wash.

On his return upstairs, Steve paused in the doorway of the guest room again to check on Eddie and smiled at the sight. Eddie had turned over into a full stretch across the bed, still sound asleep. His back glistened and Steve could see the stain of sweat against the pillow from where he slept. Hopefully, Eddie would sleep even better in clean sheets and fresh pajamas.

As Steve leaned against the doorframe, the same warmth glowed in his chest, this time tasting of sweet relief and a little something like love. 

[strangerthingslover69]

Dmitri’s new look

Dmitri + female reader

With some convincing from Joyce Dmitri allows her to give him a new make over. New town new look right? You can’t quite believe just how good he looks

~not my favourite I’ve written but hope you enjoy ~

After what seemed forever of Joyce banging onto Dmitri about him getting a new look he finally gave in and let her help. With the aided help of El, Max, Nancy and Robin. Joyce asked if you wanted to come help them at the mall but unfortunately you’d have to work. As you sort out the books at the library your mind wonders to the girls and Dmitri. You wonder what an earth they are going to chose for him. He looked good in anything you’d seen him in but Joyce insisted since he’s staying why not try a new look? It was finally time to leave after a long day, everyone was going to the Byers for a BBQ that evening so it was a perfect time for Dmitri to show his new look.

You walk round to their house as it’s only ten minutes away. You can smell the burgers and sausages already cooking. It makes your stomach growl. You make your way to the back garden, seeing many people there but no sign of the girls or Dmitri. ‘Hey Y/N, how you doing kid?’ Hopper calls as he turns the burgers. You make your way over grabbing a bottle of beer from the cooler. ‘Hey Hop, doing good. Food looks great! Erm I was wondering if you’d heard from the others at all?’ You say taking a sip of beer. Hopper smirks as you shyly ask the question. You may think you’re good at hiding your feelings but you’re not. Pretty much everyone saw the way you looked at Dmitri. ‘Joyce just called. She said they’re leaving now. Should be here in 10’ Hopper replied. ‘Okay, cool, thanks Hop. Need me to do anything?’ You offer. ‘Maybe grab the buns and salad bring them the table for me?’ He asks. ‘No problem’ you reply walking towards the kitchen.

You smile and wave at Steve, Eddie, Johnathan and the younger boys as you walk past them. They smile and wave back. ‘Well if it isn’t little miss Y/L/N, hello’ Murray says taking some vodka out the freezer and pouring himself a cup. ‘Hey Murray, good to see you! How you been?’ You ask starting to gather the supplies. Murray takes a sip and cringes, ‘needs more water. But other than that good. You excited to see our Russian friends new look?’ He asks with a smile adding water to the vodka. He takes a sip ‘much better.’ He says with a satisfying smile. ‘I am yeah, are you?’ You say making your way over and grabbing the salad. ‘I guess. He’s not really my type though. I think he’s more yours’ he says in cheeky way. You turn slowly and look at him, ‘I-I don’t know what you mean’ you say nervously. Murray walks and stops in front of your putting his hand on your shoulder. ‘Look Y/N whatever barrier you’ve got up it’s time to let it go. I know you’re scared but I’ve seen how he looks at you. Trust me I’m never wrong’ he says smiling. Before you answer you hear more voices outside. ‘Let me get those Y/N. Please after you’ Murray says taking the salad out of your hands. You make your way outside to see the girls have returned but no Dmitri. You make your way over to them. ‘Hey guys, where Dmitri?’ You ask looking at them all. They all look at one another smiling. ‘Oh honey he’ll be here any minute’ Joyce says with a smile. You look at them with a puzzled face. The noise of a motorbike makes your head turn away from the girls. ‘He’s here!’ Joyce says excitedly. What the hell is going on. Everyone makes their way out of the garden to the front of the drive. you hesitantly follow the others to the front. All gathered around Dmitri. Holy shit balls. You catch your breathe in your throat. You can’t quite believe what your eyes are seeing. You didn’t think it was possible for him to look any better but god damn. You were loving his new look. Ripped jeans showing some leg muscles, leather jacket that clung nicely to his muscles and even the damn helmet looked good. Everyone else was loving it too but not as much as you. Hopper and Murray were surprised to see such a change. The girls were giggling. Steve, Johnathan and Eddie were checking out the bike. The younger boys were saying how cool he looked and they liked his jacket. You just stood there staring at him, mouth slightly open.

Dmitri sees you smiling even more and makes his way over. The others watching him come towards you. ‘So Y/N what do you think?’ He asks with a bright smile gesturing his at his outfit . ‘Yeah. Good. You look good. Great. Amazing. You just. Wow’ you start to ramble your words as your cheeks heat up. Dmitri let’s out a playful laugh taking another step towards you so your only inches away. ‘Thank you. I was wondering, would you like to go for a ride?’ He asks nodding over to his bike. ‘I didn’t know you could ride a motorbike?’ You ask with a smile. His hand comes up to your face tucking a stray hair behind your ear. ‘Y/N there’s a few things you don’t know about me. Maybe you can get to know them?’ He asks with a look in his eyes you’ve not seen before. You go on your tip toes resting your hand on his chest, leaning into his ear. ‘Well Dmitri. There’s some things you don’t know about me like I’ve been told I can a hell of a ride’ you whisper seductively into his ear. You move back down on your feet biting your lip. His cheeks turning pink like how yours were. You both just stare into one another’s eyes smiling. ‘For god sake. Just kiss already!’ Murray shouts at you both. You both turn and realise everyone was watching you. As Dmitri turns his head back to yours you pull him in for a kiss. Your hands rest in either side of his cheeky as his lips are finally on yours. It’s soft and needy. Just a perfect first kiss. You can feel you smiling into one another. Dmitri pulls back, ‘ready for that ride now?’ He asks with a cheeky smile. ‘I think I want to ride you first’ you say dragging him inside. The others just looks at one another and soon all start laughing. ‘Finally!’ Murray shouts

[jungle-angel]

Alley Cats on a Rusted Roof (Rhett Abbott x Reader)

Summary: Rhett’s hiding from his mother and (y/n) and it’s not long before the other men in the extended family come to join

Notes: Based off of the “Mike and Molly” episode where Joyce goes crazy with the spring cleaning and the guys are all roosted up on the roof and singing John Denver

 Granite Trail Reservation

Wabang, WY

Rhett couldn’t get to the Redwood’s fast enough. Cece had already gone nuts with the spring cleaning, making him, Perry and Royal clean out the attic, rake the yard and the rest of the ranch work on top of that. He needed a day, but knew he wasn’t going to get anywhere else......plus it didn’t really help that the Duttons had come down from Montana to visit and that the kids were all running amuck.

He pulled up to the smaller ranch he had known so well and the house that once had been a good sized mobile home with other pieces and extensions built off of it. In the yard roamed a few horses while the barn out back housed the other animals and critters that called this place home. As soon as Rhett pulled to a stop, he went up and knocked at the screen door.

“The hell are you doing here?” Wes chuckled when he answered the door.

“You gotta hide me dude,” Rhett told him. “Ma’s going crazy with the spring cleaning and I can’t take it anymore.”

“You’re in luck,” Wes told him. “Gutters need cleaning and the roof needs re-shingling.”

Rhett groaned and ran his hand over his face.

“C’mon, what can it hurt?” Wes asked him. “I go up to the roof when I hide from Nora.”

Rhett rolled his eyes and followed Wes as they grabbed a ladder and headed up to the roof. “You gonna want lunch?” Wes asked him.

“What do you have?”

“Might go down to the corner and grab a sandwich later,” Wes answered. “Uncle said he’s gonna come by and see if he can help get one of the fences repaired.”

Rhett and Wes set to work cleaning out the gutters, a job that was less then pleasant and not one they necessarily looked forward to. Rhett gagged when he hauled out a dead rat that had probably been there since the beginning of winter, cringing as he thought of Bartholomew, the cream colored little rat Hannah had kept as a pet.

“Oh God, it’s nasty,” Rhett gagged. ‘So nasty!”

“Chuck it across the yard,” Wes told him. “Buzzards will probably get at it.”

Rhett and Wes continued to scoop out the nasty muck from the gutters when they heard someone climbing up the ladder to the roof. “Ta 'c meeywi, knuckleheads,” Wes’s father greeted.

“Mornin Russ,” Rhett replied.

“Dad, what the hell are you doing?” Wes asked him.

“I’m hiding from your mother,” Russ chuckled.

“You’ve got knee surgery in three days,” Wes reminded him. “You shouldn’t even be up here.”

“If I’m gonna go, it’s gonna be after at least three beers and in peace and quiet,” Russell told him. “And not with your mother nagging my ear off at every hour of every day.”

Russ hauled up a small red beer cooler with him, his knee creaking and popping as Rhett and Wes both helped him up. “You hiding too Rhett?” Russ asked him.

“Yeah, Ma’s goin crazy with the spring cleaning,” Rhett answered. “Last I heard, (y/n), Monica and Beth were all cleaning the silver.”

Russell made a face. “And I thought our end was bad,” he laughed.

The three of them scraped the last of the gunk from the gutters, hosing it out as best they could until the water ran clear. The sun was shining high in the sky and not a cloud to be seen. The grass rippled in the warm breeze as it blew across the hills and through the pines while somewhere high in the sky, a flock of birds took off from the treetops.

Another truck pulled up barely a half hour later and out jumped Royal, John, Thomas and Mo, each one of them hoping to find a spot up on the roof to hide from the women of the house. Kayce and Rip weren’t too far behind them, both of them exasperated and ready to relax.

“Ya’ll got any spots up there?!” Royal called to Russ.

“C’mon up!” Russell answered.

The men climbed up the ladder, perching themselves up on the roof before digging into the cooler and settling in like roosters perched on the roof of a coop.

************************

Cecelia Abbott pulled up to the house, noticing the three trucks parked in the dirt driveway. She smiled and shook her head as she got out and made her way to the front door. 

“Cece!” Winona Redwood said happily. “Whatcha looking for?” 

“My clueless knucklehead of a son and his equally clueless knucklehead of a father,” Cece answered. 

“Check the roof, I think we have a nice assortment up there,” Winona told her. “You gonna want anything before you go? I need to run down to the corner and get a box of salt.” 

“I’ll help make lunch as soon as I find’em,” Cece half laughed. 

Cece rounded the corner to find the ladder, lured by the off kilter singing of a group of men who sounded more like screechy alley cats than actual singers. Sure enough, she climbed up and there they all were. 

“Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to The things that you've shown us, the stories you tell Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit The men who have served you so long and so well” 

Cece suddenly chimed in, the men turning their heads and each one with an “oh shit” look on their faces before they too joined her and finished off the song. 

“Oh hey, darlin,” Royal greeted. “I didn’t know you were here.” 

Cece gave him “the look”, one hand on her hip and the other still gripping the ladder. “Neither did I,” she said sternly. 

Each of the men meekly hid their beers, knowing what was bound to come next. 

“Now pray tell, why did ya’ll sneak away from your chores?” 

None of them really wanted to answer but Cece could tell what all of them were thinking. 

“Well,” she said. “I’m gonna go into town with Nona for a bit. Chores can wait till tomorrow.” 

As soon as she was gone, the men thanked God above that they had gotten out of their spring chores. Yet one thing still stuck with them even as they started singing the song once more. 

Cece always did....and always would, scare the ever living crap out of them. 

[undertsums]

A new kiddo on the farm

Original base: https://www.deviantart.com/starfire-vega1/art/Draw-the-squad-sleeping-821487820

Today was a busy and hot day, FarmRoman and FarmShadow were swamped with work, making sure the crops were properly watered and keeping the animals cool. It was finally nearing the evening and the hot air becoming cooler, but the animals were refusing to enter the barn.

Most likely a fox or a snake may have wandered into the barn...Could also be a wolf but it's less likely. FarmRoman and FarmShadow entered the barn and realised why instantly. Joyce and Neela had drifted off to sleep, they were staying in the barn avoiding the heat. But then their eyes landed on a small skeleton sleeping right next to them like they always belonged there.

"Aww, Shadow you got us a new child" FarmRoman cooed, FarmShadow instantly had to make this right "no Roman, two is more than enough I told you this." "But it's my birthday?" FarmRoman asked, begging and pleading, FarmShadow was finding it VERY HARD to say no to his sister. "Sorry miss but that's my kid" a new voice sounded from the door, the two turned and spotted a small skeleton. He had a rounded skull, a pink hoodie and lavenderish top undeneath the hoodie with shorts to match. Then he was wearing pink slippers.

FarmRoman frowned "awww...They're such a cutie" she said, FarmShadow only just seemed to notice something as he looked at the child skeleton then to his sister "you know...She looks like a mini you" FarmShadow stated. FarmRoman only just seemed to notice too "huh your right" she said only then to look concerned and stared at the other skeleton "so...Who's the mother?" She asked expecting the worse.

The skeleton chuckled "ah well...Technically no one...But sometimes when she wants to celebrate Mother's day she'll look to Papyrus. Even if he isn't a female but that doesn't matter" he replied. FarmRoman let out a sigh of relief "I'm sorry...I had to make sure" she said.

"Of?" The skeleton asked "well...Our mom she's a skeleton of great standing and she wants nothing more than a child to carry on her legacy...I wouldn't be too shocked of her remarrying and having another child after we left" FarmRoman replied. FarmShadow carefully picked up the child skeleton, trying not to wake up Joyce and Neela.

It felt odd holding her...His mind flashing back to when he held FarmRoman as a baby. It was almost like... FarmShadow smiled softly "she looks like she's being well taken care of...Thanks" he said as he handed her over to the other skeleton. FarmRoman smiled "you should come back to visit us, I'm sure our kids would enjoy playing" she said, the skeleton chuckled "sadly we won't be staying...This was accidental" he replied.

FarmRoman frowned "aww...Well be safe" she said, the two waved them off. FarmShadow sighed "did you not notice sister?" He asked, FarmRoman picked up Joyce and Neela carefully "hm? Notice what?" She asked.

FarmShadow smiled, he decided it would be best to keep what he knows to himself, he took Neela from FarmRoman's arms "nevermind...Let's get these two inside and then back to work" he said.

It was nice to see another Roman had a happy ending. Just like he and his sister.

[autemtoday]

SQUEEZE DAY

BY BENNIE CASTLE

Autem Publications ®

(An Original Sci-Fi )

Today will be Z's last day or, instead, his first day as a corpse. The irony; is how death brings breath into a depreciating existence. A man's last sip of water from a small recyclable cup; the least they could provide for the soon-to-be-dead man. The cooler is icy, As his final request, instead of identifying himself by his birth name, he is known by the letter 'Z.' Henceforth, this is his appointed moniker, which he will leave behind. Nothing is wrong with him, technically; No unbearable cancer, virus, or disease. Z is closer to forty than he is to thirty years of age, Z is not the most athletic or out-of-shape person, either. He was somewhat husky, taller than the average male, with dark-colored hair still upon his head, sporting a casual business attire. Z's eyes sink, then close; he sits back and retires. Four other people await patiently by their seats in the office.

An old man speaks, looking directly at Z with much trouble, and says," I remember when churches would protest In front of places like this..." Z reflects on his words, opens his eyes, and then looks at him. He is a slim man, wearing thick-rimmed glasses, a pair you would expect from an older person. His dotty pupils give the impression of rapid dilation because of them. Z replies, "I remember last month when churches would ask if I could donate my assets before visiting, well, places like this" The old man chuckles softly, then introduces himself, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Al. Do you mind if I ask you a question, son...? What is someone like yourself doing at a Squeeze office? Had I walked in amongst everyone, I might have confused you with one of the docs." Z bides his time. He considers the old man's words, then looks at the clock on the wall. "Oh no, I'm no Doctor, sir, real estate agent; rather, ex-real estate agent. My name is Z." It takes Al a while to process the information, and he scans Z again, uttering, "Well, okay, Zeke... you just seem out of place, is all." Z doesn't correct him. "I'm flattered, Al. I appreciate the concern, really, but it's a little too late. We're in this damn office on the national holiday of calling it quits. With Squeeze specials like these, who can pass them up? Just something you can't miss out on." Al's silence echoes subtle volumes- almost deafening. "Today's the 90th anniversary since the Big Squeeze & the ads still manage to haul us in, year after year, let alone week after week, huh?"

The old man's scowl makes his eyebrows appear much more extensive than they are, making up for his baldness. Suddenly, an apologetic expression befalls him. Both of his beady eyes fix upon Z again. "Back when I was your age, Zeke, this would have been the last place to find me. The 23rd century is just around the corner. What I would give to be young again, my boy." The old man quiets down, gaze remaining on Z." Different strokes for different folks, huh, old man?" A sly grin slips away from Z as his eyes look the other way.

'You're not funny, Z," says a 3rd voice. Al and Z turn their heads to see a young girl, frail yet stern, her eyes a ghastly green as if they can see through a man. "What? What isn't funny?" Says Z, nonchalantly looking around the room. She sighs, and an underwhelming look strikes her face. "The response? 'Different strokes for different folks, huh, old man?' It's not funny. Learn how to speak nice or say nothing at all, Z." The pompous attitude, followed by a smirk, nauseates her; like how a ravaging hyena cowers over an expiring, meatless carcass; rotten." Forget that, that idiot, Albert. He should know better than to insult a stranger," she says. "I'm Joyce, by the way." her cheeks flush a hue of a reddish pink against her pale skin. Z turns over to look at them both; he scoffs, "What is this? Sensitivity training? He should know better than to gossip and interrogate a stranger. There's a specific clause on the Squeeze contract explicitly stating what constitutes protocol and what doesn't...!" He sucks his teeth, avoids their glances, and picks up a complimentary magazine off the office table.

Someone coughs intentionally and then laughingly says, "Emotions tend to run high on squeeze day. We're here until the doc calls; why not be here for one another? We're human, not cyborgs; these suicide facilities should know better than anyone. "

Al turns his head to greet and answer the voice next to him, "You're completely right, son, now what's your name? Maybe if we'd all introduce ourselves properly, we'd feel more comfortable." His look shifts back to Z. "Mono. I realize most folks prefer aliases at Squeeze facilities but no matter- We wouldn't need names in a couple of minutes from now, would we?" says the man. He surveys every other face around the waiting room with his red hair and dead eyes. Joyce's expression slowly turns from melancholy to extreme discomfort- as one would after realizing they've stepped in dog shit.

Everyone remains still, with their blank faces, painting an expression of nothingness. The Squeeze Office is where one greets death like a neighbor or a distant 2nd cousin on Christmas.

"It's not that complicated, I suppose. No, we get humanely rid of ourselves and bring a little joy to the world." The man across from him speaks, "It's not as simple, either, Mono. Do you not think of others- how they feel, at least the ones who remain after us? The damage could be worse over time."

"What about the hungry?" Says Mono. The man's wide gasp was like a statue for 5 seconds. He reclines in his seat and stares at him. "Huh, well, I think of others- Quite frankly, maybe better than you... Mr.?" "Motley, an alias, but my legal first name's translation suggests the same."

Mono's grin is priceless; a modern Rembrandt. '' Haven't our global leaders set the surplus organic Goods and foods act just a few years ago? We, at least the Fantome Party, care. I know our elect can handle the hunger pandemic breaks, give it two or three generations from now." Motley doesn't show any expression. If his eyes could narrow any closer, he might have burnt a hole through Mono's skull. "The Fantome Party? Aren't they a little ahead of themselves? Various parties argue they need more real math for successful curvature. Squeeze facilities prove time and time again to be twice effective," says Z. The magazine is almost thrown back unto the table. Motley rolls his eyes, his head towards the windows, and says, "Sometimes the lack of compassion is worse than lack of food. The hungry stomach outlasts the hungry soul. What good is living when you're already dead inside?" Mono grins and looks over at everyone in the waiting room, ''Precisely what I mean. See that girl over there? Joyce? She's terminally ill at the age of sixteen. What good is living when you're already dead inside? This world doesn't rely on twinkle dust and smiles, ok? It relies on economic values. Acknowledge this one truth first; Motley." His gaze crosses Albert's, then Joyce, "Have you no manners? Joyce is technically still a child; what does she know about life? Even with the little time left, death needs no space to occupy her mind. Have you no pity? ... This age of ours, one of over-saturation, overpopulation, and overstimulation isn't humane sometimes. I've seen people break weeks before their appointed squeeze appointment!"

.......

-TO BE CONTINUED -

[lifewithoutmeds]

september 19, 2023

6:54 p.m.

the sun's starting to set earlier. it's setting around now, actually, and i'm typing in a fading light. also it's been about 10-20' cooler than it was about a week ago. the high's are in the mid to high 70's, the nights are cool, and i haven't had to turn on the a/c in about a week. i've also been able to go out on a couple lunch walks, which i hadn't previously, partly due to the weather, partly just because of my headspace.

i feel pretty uneasy lately. i know that the weather has something to do with it. as much as i appreciate how it's cooler, something about it kind of fills me with dread and extreme anxiety and sadness. it feels ... foreboding almost. like a blanket of darkness slowly descending, like i should be hiding the kids in some bunker, nervously looking back, hoping it won't catch up to me. it's a bizarre sensation.

i'm also remembering how much of this dissipated when jadai was here. cooler nights meant a blanket set up by the fireplace, and drinks and monopoly deal. it meant nights at shelby's with the dogs, with a movie on, with pumpkin carving and halloween music. now it's back to nothingness, the unsettledness.

week's recap:

thursday, 9/14/2023: went in to work, uncharacteristically on a thursday, due to a quarterly in-person asset management meeting. i worked a lot, as i do on in-office days, and our Pathway Home meeting ran late, until 6:30 p.m., and then joyce wanted a quick recap which took a few extra minutes. i ended up being quite late to dinner with stacy and catherine, but they had been waiting a bit so the food hadn't all been eaten, and i had some drinks and we all gave little recaps on our lives and catherine was so sweet, when i told her about my may mental breakdown, she said i should've reached out to her, and something to the extent of how when there's something ... i dunno, mature? authentic about my honestly in how i was dealing with the crap and sadness that is life, as opposed to pretending all was good. that was kind of nice to hear. i rarely hear anything good about my outtake on life. again though, it was really really good seeing them and i felt lucky to have been included.

friday, 9/15/2023: went fishing with tracy! i was debating this, since i haven't really felt like fishing in a while, it takes all day, and it gets pretty exhausting, but i figured with summer ending, with my few RDO's, and with tracy going back to work soon, there wouldn't be a ton more chances, so i'd go. and i'm really glad i did. we went out for a few hours, and i caught some perch, and got some sandcrabs and set up tracy with some giant sandcrabs with roe, and she got hit with a nice-sized guitarfish, which fought her pretty hard coming in. i was also slammed twice and my line actually snapped off at the hook, so i didn't know what hit it. it was pretty fun, and just nice to be knee deep in the water, with the hypnotic lull of the water, and seeing little things, the birds, an occasional seal. i dunno. it was kinda nice to be out there and kind of nice to reminded that there were still things that a little bit awakened my soul. afterward she was craving gyros, so we went to a place called gyromania which was pretty tasty but had the weirdest and most offputting customer service i've ever experienced. i don't even quite know how to describe it except Weird.

then we went to our respective homes, i rinsed off my legs, and then crashed, staring at my phone until night.

saturday, 9/16/2023: went with my mom to a few more open houses, none of which were impressive, then went out to lunch per usual, this time at house of joy where we got jamppong and tangsooyuk. it was good and we split the tangsooyuk and she took the jamppong leftovers home to mix up later with market noodles. i laid down for the rest of the day and didn't do any chores. just laid there and i started to feel the darkness, the horror slowly start creeping in. randomly lorena came by after work with some leftover sushi and we went to BJ's where we got some wings and beer and sad music was playing and she was showing me photos of a wedding that she and her gf had gone to in big bear the past weekend, and it completely triggered me: the wedding, big bear, i thought of how that would've been a nice place for jadai and me to get married and before i knew it, i was crying again. i eventually got out of it and saw my former waitress crush but she looked different this time and i felt kind of different about her.

sunday, 9/17/2023: absolutely nothing this day. just laid down. ate some leftovers. just nothing. my hand started hurting from holding my phone for so many consecutive hours. i felt anxious, unproductive, lazy, guilty, and also just again that deep dread, this weird anxiety and i finally took a gummy to help me sleep/not feel, and don't remember the rest of the night.

monday, 9/18/2023: had a hard time focusing for work. the day was a bit of a blur. afterward though i went to grace kim's in pasadena. maddy was being very sweet and cute, and steve got together some really delicious smoked/barbecued meat. they also served a salad and mashed potatoes, all fresh, from the farmer's market, all homemade, all really tasty. i also had a few beers and i was very sad and dark and cried a tiny bit. oh also i had a noon psychiatrist appointment and i cried and cried and she said that this was fairly normal for a break up to feel all the things.

tuesday, 9/19/2023: decided to be productive today. took out trash, picked up the mail, watered some plants, did three loads of dishes and three loads of laundry. walked to the bank, deposited a check my dad mailed me for my birthday, and also withdrew $100 in tens so i could pay my weekly work parking fee. talked a bit on the phone with lana, amir, and lorena, which was nice. i took another walk after work and listened to The Read, and i still felt pretty spooked, like just anxiety and dread gripping my soul, and like i had to keep catching my breath and forcing myself to take deep breaths, and i was a little discouraged at the fact that when i did nothing, i felt bad, and even when i did everything "right," i still didn't feel good. i'm hoping this is a passing feeling, as i have to remind myself that my circumstances haven't changed, only my feelings. and i just need to dig myself out, shovelful by shovelful.

looking ahead: wednesday, 9/20/2023: in office day. randomly got re-in touch with dana from the assessor's office, and we're planning on getting dim sum in chinatown for lunch tomorrow. i haven't seen her in forever but i'm very fond of her and we have a really similar sense of humor. she had a baby recently and has apparently been suffering from terrible anxiety, so we might have lots to catch up on.

thursday, 9/21/2023: will be coworking with danielle again in santa clarita valley. this will probably mean hanging out with her dog and going on a few walks, maybe ordering in lunch like last time. i really appreciate her and enjoy her company and i think we benefit from just being near each other to vent about our personal problems and feelings. she's been a really great and consistent friend these years.

friday, 9/22/2023: a short day at work, and will be taking off an hour to go to a midday doctor's appointment. i think i've lost a few pounds since my last visit so that should be good i guess.

saturday, 9/23/2023: caroline's baby shower in the morning, and hot flash in west hollywood at night. looking forward to both. the wholesomeness of the baby shower, and the debauchery of the night. my new friend kim from long beach bought a ticket, and LD might come too, so for once i might actually know other people at the event and not just hang around, desperate to find a friendly face.

again, today was frustrating. i was doing all of the things. dutifully walking back and forth every 45-50 minutes to pick up my laundry, etc., dutifully washing load after load of dishes, counting my calories, taking my walks, and it just felt so ... i dunno, dull? repetitive? and it takes so much to be healthy, it takes so much to feel fulfilled, and it's just so much monotony and drudgery. i need to work and eat healthily and make my bed, and scrub my toilet and take my walks and then take care of my mental health by talking to a friend, journaling, and watching The Office. it just feels like so much for so little. just feeling again, like i can't quite find the point and it's getting tiring, just round and round the wheel.

a part of me thinks that i'll find hope and joy again in a relationship. i'll have a reason to pick up a treat at the bakery and to browse a stationery store so i can write cards, a partner to go bicycling with, and play monopoly deal with on cold nights. someone to plan adventures with, and have plans every weekend. but i also know that as much as i want that, i need to be okay without that. i can't depend that much on anyone. and it's been really hard to figure out why, otherwise. it's so much upkeep with no ultimate purpose or meaning.

i'm finding myself returning to some older patterns: looking for travel deals, asking if i can tag along with others' plans and families. looking for volunteer opportunities. just looking, just ... trying to find something to do, some meaningful way to spend my time. i'm having a hard time feeling good right now, and it's doubly frustrating because i really am actively fighting it.

i ate soondubu for breakfast and lunch today, and had a spinach/fruit smoothie for dinner. i might eat a few carrots with dip later. i was losing weight for a while but a few days of haagen dazs and leftovers had me gaining it back. i'm hoping i could keep it off, and lose more. i want to dress better, and bought a couple shirts online from banana republic, and i somehow calendared a shopping day with lana in a few weeks. i realized that i dress as if i don't care about myself, the world, or how i'm perceived by others, because i don't care about them either. my whole posture is one of not really caring about existence, and i think it's a bit defeatist. i feel invisible, so i act invisible. must work on this.

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

Our  Local Tamassee-Salem SC Area News each Monday except holidays                                          Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com                              Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library.                                            Volume 7 Issue 26                                                                                                  Week of July 10, 2023                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                                                         Lynne Martin Publishing

EDITOR:  If you care at all about your tax dollars, the next multimillion dollar school consolidation, and trying to prevent our Tamassee-Salem Elementary school from closing, now is the time, probably past time, to rally against the Oconee School Board of Trustees.  TSE is on the chopping block along with Keowee Elementary to consolidate.  Older schools are often  not maintained as they should be in order to give a good reason to close the school.  WGOG radio reports that the Board has seen very little opposition according to their website, where you need to access to give your opinion.   I feel people are best represented when they rally peacefully in massive numbers, and use the media to present the side that is unheard. LRMartin  

Town of SALEM:  Need Softball and Soccer players all ages! Sign up at the SalemTown Hall.  944-2819              

Jottings from Jeannie:  Time to Enjoy Kitty Cats   It would be just terrible to only have one pet and to have to decide between a cat or a dog.   I love them both.  Mama wouldn't let us have cats in the house, but then I married into a CAT family and fell madly in love with a succession of kitties.  I wasn't there, but "they" say that cats were domesticated 5,000 year ago.  Ancient customs and folktales record love between kitties and kids all over the world.   News to Me! If you meet a kitty with the tip of his left  ear cut off, that identifies a kitty who is feral (wild).  Kind folks have trapped, neutered, and vaccinated this kitty, and then let it go so it could roam the countryside catching mice.  I once tried to make friends with such a kitty, but he would not cooperate! He did stop by for a dish of milk every so often.  Miz Jeannie loves you!  Take time to cuddle your kitties and fix them a little dish of melted ice cream!

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP 13412 N Hwy 11 Open  Wed–Sat-Sat 8am-9pm. Sun: 12pm-7pm.  Events this week: Thurs: Old Time Jam 6:30pm. Fri– Food: RadDads at 5pm  Music: LUKE DEUCE at 6:30pm.  Sat–Food: IRON PIG Music: DOGDAY BLUEJAY at 6:30pm.  Sun 12pm-7pm Food: Lobster Dogs.  Music: Cornbread Heads 4pm.  Coffee shop features Pisgah Coffee Roasters and Dough-Dough pastries. More information 864-873-0048   PAINT & PINT or SIP ART CLASS: Paint a local landscape.   Sept 7. 6pm. $$45 Preregister. 864-873-0048

TAMASSEE DAR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM:  Sign up beginning July 3 for the Tamassee DAR Afterschool program that begins August 3.  Call 864-944-1390   for more details.                                                

Health & Recycle Tip : Freeze fresh water in a recycled plastic water or soda bottle to grab and take along with you on a short trip to town. Or, place many frozen ones in your cooler for a long trip.  It will keep you other foods cold along the way.  Drink the fresh cold water as it melts.  LRM                                                Conservation Corner:  Un-tethered growth has a cost:  Traffic, over crowdedness of once serene areas, need for additional services in law enforcement and emergency services, and loss of community…To Be Coninued ...E Martin                                                                                    

Have you ever heard?:  Sprinkling grits over a fire ant bed is supposed to get rid of those red hot heaping mounds of ants.  Placing a shiny penny in a ziplock bag filled with water and nailing it above your door entrance or windows is supposed to detour flies from entering.  

DID YOU KNOW?  If you are retired from Duke Energy and you are volunteer for community projects,  Duke Energy  will match your volunteer hours by donating $10 for each hour, up to $2000  a year to a nonprofit of your choice.  

QUOTE this week by Joyce Meyer:  If you are busy trying to change people you are too busy to allow how God is changing you.

(Adult )MOVIE RECOMMENDATION:  A Christian friend recommended we all need go to the movies to see  Sound of Freedom.  

DAR SCHOOL STUDENT FROM 1942-46 RECALLS EXPERIENCES - (Fifteenth Installment of Pauline Kelley Cannon's Memoir). . .On December 13th of our 10th grade year, Maggie's boyfriend, Leroy, came home on furlough, and he and Mama came to New Jersey Cottage and carried Maggie home. They did not come to see me. After they left, Mr. Cain told me Maggie and Leroy were getting married and she would not be returning to school. . .It really upset me that they didn't come to see me and tell me what they were doing and let me say goodbye to Maggie. I wrote Maggie and Leroy a letter to let them know how I felt about the situation, and Leroy wrote and told me that was the best reprimand he had ever gotten. I also wrote to Mama and let her know just how I felt. . .I was heartbroken and felt so alone. I had not seen any of the family except Maggie since early spring, as I had worked all summer to pay my tuition. But I talked to the Lord and soon got over it. . .MY 11TH GRADE (SENIOR) YEAR, Mr. Dupree was our class sponsor. That year seemed to fly by at breakneck speed. . .For our last prom we decorated the dining hall again, and it seemed even more beautiful than it was for the first one. Ernest was again my date, of course. . .Everyone had a wonderful time dancing and reminiscing about our school years. I don't remember all the menu for our meal, but I do remember we had brick ice cream for dessert. It was so delicious. . .My uncle, James Broome, and his band provided the music for the dancing. . .After it was over we had to clean up the dining hall and put it back in proper order. We were so tired after that, we were ready for bed.--TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

                                     EAGLES NEST ART CENTER                                    501c3

Located 4 Eagle Lane, Salem SC 29676  DHEC kitchen available & rentals                                                                                                                      

INDOOR YARD SALE at ENAC  Friday, July 14, 1pm-6pm and Saturday July 15, 8am-1pm.  Please call  or 864-280-1258 if you want to rent a table for $5/day.                                                                                                                          OCONEE MOUNTAIN OPRY:  July 15, 2023 at 7pm-9pm we will hold our 4th Oconee Mountain Opry featuring Spaulding McIntosh, Amelia Hawke, and The Waterkickers.  Tickets are $10 at the door, the day of the event. or online.                

TALENT SHOWCASE:  August 12th.  This will be a fun evening to show off your talents on stage.  Please sign up by July 30th.  Please call 864-944-2490  or email eaglesnestartcenter@gmail.com.                                                                               

*****The T-S Class of 1978  is having their 45th Class Reunion at ENAC, July 28,  6pm-8pm. Come visit us!******

                                              CHURCH NEWS                                                                                                                                                                               Salem Seventh-Day Adventist Church:  Join us for Vacation Bible School Sunday July 16 from 1-4pm. Theme: The Creator Is My Friend/What Do You Feel? Featuring “The Critter Keeper.” Ages 4-14 years. Children under 4 years must be accompanied by an adult. Come dressed for water play and bring a towel. See you soon!

CHILDHOOD PRAYER:   God is Great! God is Good! Let us thank Him for our food! By Your Hands we are fed. Give us Lord our Daily Bread!   Amen                                                                                                                                                  I missed you! Glad to be back this week! Lynne R Martin                        

[joyceblok]

Get to know your Alphas from your Betas & how to treat your skin to both! 

Two common skin care ingredients you'll have heard a lot about (with good reason!) are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). So what are they exactly, and what do they do? Essentially, they're both plant or natural based chemical exfoliants that help remove dead cells from the top layer of the skin. But, each also has unique properties that tend to different skin concerns.

AHAs are water-soluble, meaning they can't break through the skin's natural oils and are mainly used to exfoliate the skin's surface. They are incredible agents for even skin tone, easing pigmentation and diminishing scarring. Some AHAs, primarily lactic acid, also act as a humectant, drawing hydration to the skin. BHAs are oil soluble, meaning they penetrate deeper into the skin's pores. Think of it as the ultimate deep clean for excess sebum build-up. Some skincare brands focus on one or the other, but dermatological research shows they work well together synergistically. That's why our Joyce Blok Alpha-Beta range combines AHA's and BHA's to deliver the best of both worlds. 

Our Alpha Beta Power Duo 

Joyce Blok’s Alpha-Beta Gel Cream (with 4.5 alpha-beta hydroxy acids) is an antioxidant-enriched moisturiser with the comfort of a cream and the lightness of a gel. It evens skin tone and stimulates cellular renewal. While the newly reformulated Alpha-Beta Concentrate (with 15% AHA’s) clarifies the complexion, helps reduce fine lines, while offering the antioxidant benefits of green tea and bilberry. 

Where to start?

We recommend using the Alpha Beta Gel Cream in the evening in combination with Joyce Blok’s Super Serum. The Alpha Beta Concentrate is perfect for the start of the cooler months. Introduce to your evening routine by applying once a week to begin with, leave on and cleanse skin in the morning. Sunscreen is essential whilst using our Alpha Beta range. We recommend JB’s BB Cream SPF30 for beautiful, protected coverage. 

Enjoy our two-for-one offer

Purchase an Alpha Beta Gel Cream & receive your FREE full-size Alpha Beta Concentrate - while stocks last.

Introduce this duo into your regime to reveal a complexion you didn’t know was possible.  

[joytraveler]

60. Sunny Spring Mornings, pt 2

DueyDecimal: Now the big question, does Bea have the determination to get all the endings?

"Of course we've got to get Bea and George together, but you know me, gotta mess around before I settle down." This time she works ("NO"), Home, then to talk to Keith, "Fresh as a goddamn daisy" she says with a gravelly tough person voice

Keith is always polite and friendly, but doesn't seem to get interested until Joyce has done a lot of work-- at least three NOs. This man values hard work over prettiness and attention!

But if Joyce keeps coming back to him after NOing the box, and freshens up once in a while, eventually he does ask her out on a date. His dating game is significantly harder than Woody's, and he even beats her once but he seems to like that!

Finally the big match comes, and it's a real challenge because there's more balls to keep out of your goal... and soon enough, Joyce and Keith are standing at the altar!

[Joyce and Keith were happily married.] [After a short but sweet honeymoon, they returned to i.O Technologies.] [With industrious saving, they were able to afford a handsome home in a few years.] [With their help, Dr. Ryder completed his research.] [HAPPY ENDING!]

Baconnaise: Bout damn time Klickitat_Street: Is there a MEGA HAPPY ending where you marry all four of them?

"I know, right? What, I actually have to WORK at building a relationship, what's what about!" Charm meter maxed out and it's time to talk to George. "Yeah, I don't want to choose, I want to sit on a throne of men. I don't think that's too much too much to ask!"

Baconnaise: I don't care who you are. I WANT THAT THRONE. > HNV is now known as Throne_Of_Men

Now it's time for George, and George is a tough nut to crack, because, as Aro puts it:

aroseahorseboy: George is a superficial bimbo

George wants you to have lots of money but also be at your prettiest, which means lots of work balanced with lots of visits home to freshen up! Not only that, but once you're getting far enough with George, Woody and Keith both make visits to you to caution you against George: Woody warns you about his college 'conquests', and Keith openly calls him a womanizer.

aroseahorseboy: yeah you don't want to get hit by his womanizing beam

Even tougher than the final date with Keith is the final date with George, which has multiple balls to juggle AND multiple ring boxes to collect, which doesn't make much sense, but it's just a game.

"This must be the 'canon' path, but it sure doesn't feel right. This stopped feeling like a date a long time ago and started feeling like a game!"

"As much as I like the thought of one ring for each finger. I could be like Mandarin"

berg_snurglar: forget all these guys, date the water cooler, he keeps to himself but he's very clear headed

Finally it's complete, and the wedding begins! There are a lot more blond heads on the groom's side of the aisle this time.

[Joyce and George were happily married.] [George soon quit his job at i.O to follow his dream of becoming a professional surfer.] [He spent two years getting high on Joyce's couch before their divorce.] [Joyce remained at i.O to support herself and her daughter.] [With her help, Dr. Ryder completed his research.] [HAPPY ENDING!]

HNV: ... Klickitat_Street: Happy... divorce? aroseahorseboy: if that ending's canon, those kids sure aren't DueyDecimal: I thought George was Dr. Ryder?? Did we ever MEET Dr. Ryder

"It seems more obvious on retrospect.." (Sigh.) "It's gonna tell me HAPPY ENDING no matter what isn't it? And no, we didn't, I'm as confused as you are, folks. So unless he's the secret final date boss I think we're done here. Maybe I'll just marry Woody one more time, they at least seemed happy enough with each other"

Syrupentine: Now I'm sad, Joyce is Redmom and Redmom is our friend! She deserves her happy ending! :( I mean, actually happy

One more game to start with, time to go visit Woody... "And... WHOA! New person!" Woody is talking to someone much taller, burlier, with wild white-streaked black hair, who isn't facing you. Then he turns to the camera.

["Ah, this must be our new intern? Terribly sorry I haven't been here to welcome you, things are so busy. Dr. Jason Ryder."]

"Dr. Ryder, we meet at last, again! And you're reasonably hot as ever! And kind of aloof, but not surprising, you're working on some crazy mad science, I completely understand"

HNV: !!!! aroseahorseboy: joy walker, meet jay rider burd_snurglar: wow, seeing them together again I recognize Woody too

Now the choice menu includes the option to visit Dr. Ryder! He's no fool, he says things when you visit him like:

["You may feel confused, disoriented, not knowing what you've signed up for. Good! If there's one thing that research this sensitive does not need, it's know-it-alls!"]

GlockRoach: Bea, you can change him. Teach him the importance of love and ping pong

The whole game is different this time: when Joyce goes to work, a second 'astronaut' joins the first, this one in a distinctive red containment suit, and places his hand on the yellow one's shoulder. When Joyce goes home to clean herself up, sometimes there's a present waiting there!

aroseahorseboy: what backwards world is this where women don't have to do all the courtship themselves Syrupentine: I know I've never been there. T_T

The biggest change comes in the ping-pong segments, which are now played with TWO sides each! Bea must guard both the top and right walls and try to score points on Dr. Ryder's bottom and left walls, all the while avoiding his barrages of special attacks!

GlockRoach: Bea what was it you said about him being a super hard final boss thing? Baconnaise: Yeah that's how you know he's the one

"Hoping this was a good idea in the first place.." she says, after the box segment.

The final round sees her taking several losses before, with a combination of luck and persistence, the date is successful at last!

Now THIS is a happy wedding! All three of the other boys are there and applauding as Dr. Ryder kisses the new Mrs. Ryder.

[Joyce and Jason were happily married.] [They went on a marvelous six-week honeymoon in Europe.] [While Dr. Ryder returned to his work at i.O, Joyce pursued another career path.] [They had five brilliant and beautiful children, to whom Joyce was a full-time mother.] [Woody took over Joyce's position at i.O Technologies.] [Without Joyce's help, Dr. Ryder never completed his research.] ... [GAME OVER.] -BAD END-

"That's it. That's what happens, huh. Ok. Well, that kind of sucks.. Maybe the lesson is just to be happy with what you have? Don't search for Mister Right or you'll never have time for a life of your own. But it's not like they had bad lives, is it? We know how it works out!"

DueyDecimal: Apparently it wasn't a dating sim... it was a getting- your-work-done sim? GlockRoach: Bea you should finish POP2. Just to be safe. I'm worried now. Syrupentine: I was hoping we'd see Glem and the kids again... berd_snurglar: did they ever say what he was working on or did i miss that, was afk a while or why its bad if he doesn't finish it aroseahorseboy: fucking woody opened the box, didn't he Syrupentine: He's not my husbando anymore if he did. (╯°□°)╯( ┻━┻  Klickitat_Street: How about POP 2? You should at least see what happens when you get past ED the angle angel...

"All right, we've seen the past, now back to the future. Let's finish Planet of Pisces 2, assuming it doesn't glitch out on us this time, that was unbearable."

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Thursday, June 23rd

HARMONY: Who-hoo! This is gonna be great! I am an evil fighter! That's why I suck at being evil. I was meant to fight evil! It's so clear to me now. (to Cordy) Is this what it feels like to have a purpose? I mean, wow! Look at us. We're working together. I've never had a job before. We can meet at the water cooler and gossip.

~~Disharmony~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for at least one new editor! Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Noche de reyes (in Spanish) by irati (Spike/Alex Krycek, The X-Files crossover, E)

Angel's (Not So Much) Inner Monologue by girlpire (Angel/Spike, M)

the pattern won’t wash out by explosionshark (Buffy/Faith, not rated)

Do You Like My Lips of Spike? by cawthraven (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Hanging out in cheap motel rooms, Chapter 20 (complete) by CookieDoughMe (Faith/Dean Winchester, Supernatural crossover, E)

Chasing Sunrise, Chapter 3 by summers-maclay-lehane (ofstormsandwolves) (Giles/Jenny, T)

Anything We Want, Chapters 13-15 by scratchmeout (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Talkative Minds, Chapter 5 by Jws1993 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Someone To Lean On, Chapter 9 by MaggieLaFey (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Consequences, Chapter 9 by Jws1993 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Deadly Denial, Chapter 13 by Jws1993 (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Après, Chapter 15 by Ninereeds (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Slayer and the Vampire, Chapter 35 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, PG)

Always and Forever Yours, Chapter 19 by Buffyworldbuilder (Ensemble, The Originals crossover, FR7)

Death Is Buffy's Next Great Adventure, Chapter 87 by Sharie (Buffy/Tom Riddle, Harry Potter crossover, FR15)

[Images, Audio & Video]

DALL-E mini generated image: Buffy collage by Anna0nas (worksafe)

DALL-E mini generated image: Illyria in a beautiful dress by Ali_Amberfall (worksafe)

Artwork: Buffy but she’s a Magical Girl by stardustmacaron (worksafe)

Artwork: Kitty (Spike) by spikedru (worksafe)

Artwork: More Spike because I can and I will by lupotterdraws (worksafe)

Artwork: Miss Buffy Summers, the queen & vampire slayer by kinbarikei (worksafe)

Artwork: Utterly Unofficial Buffy Tarot by bramcrackers (worksafe)

Playlist: With Her I Die: A Spike & Drusilla Playlist by maliignant

Fanvid: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Fan-Made) Intro by PRIYA PINEAPPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fanvid: Angel (Fan-Made) Intro by PRIYA PINEAPPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fanvid: Dawn Summers Tik Tok Compilation by ♡ No Name ♡

Fanvid: buffy + spike | you know i love a london boy by loveisntbrains

Fanvid: buffy + spike | fool for love by loveisntbrains

Fanvid: buffy the vampire slayer / penn / she knows by Mew kuson

Fanvid: Buffy and Angel // Trouble by Buffyfandom

[Reviews & Recaps]

Review/Meta of Buffy S8 Issue 39 - Last Gleaming Part 4 by shadowkat67

Meta/Review on Buffy and Spike Comics or...too many artists/writers spoil the plot by shadowkat67

Bad Eggs by National_Walrus_9903

Sleeper by lottieflimflam

I'm back with another midway through the episode rant [BtVS S3] by serious_rbf

Newfound Respect S5 by CandyLove9

Has anyone here read "In Every Generation" by Kendare Blake, and if so, is it good? by Skramer94

Buffy Rewatch 2k22: 2.1 When she was Bad by handsofabitterman

Buffy Rewatch 2k22: 2.2 Some Assembly Required by handsofabitterman

Buffy Rewatch 2k22: 2.3 School Hard by handsofabitterman

Buffy Rewatch 2k22: 2.4 Inca Mummy Girl by handsofabitterman

The Buffy book "One Thing or Your Mother" by oveliagirlhaditright

Podcast: Marmalade - Angel S02E17 - Disharmony by Pop Culture Role Call

Podcast: 6.18 – "Entropy" by Beep Me Pod

[Recs]

Fic rec: Night In (Xander/Willow/Buffy, by badly_knitted) recced by petzipellepingo

[Fandom Discussions]

how come in the prom episode Joyce said Angel and Buffy needed to break up because “you’re from different worlds” by vampir4te

The relationship between CordeliaChase and Connor is my favorite by sebastianmcgraw81

They had to kill Joyce in s5 because otherwise s6 could not have happened by mollyspeak

Assigning buffy characters magnus archives powers by mollyspeak

I HATE Buffy's outfit in the finale of Season 7 by jules-slayer-of-the-vampyres

what btvs would have looked like as a show if ats had never taken off by herinsectreflection

Willow and Gabrielle (incl. vid rec) by girl4music

i’m imagining a hypothetical two-parter for ‘orpheus’ by faith-thee-slayer

Buffy, Dawn, and Spike had a movie night... by disco-tea

Who do you think wrote all of Giles' books? by TheMaster666

Werewolf Hunters, Serial Killers and Psychopathy: Is Gib Cain a Mass Murderer? continued by burrunjor and thrasherpix

Cordelia sans Visions by fauxindigo

Favourite Cordy quote by Remarkable_Builder45

The Buffy Comics (Seasons 8-12) are classed as canon by the original writers. Is that good enough? by MattanzaMafiaFedora

Anya appreciation!!!!! by Crimedramagirl

Season 6 Episode 1 Plot Hole? by Strawberry_sourbelts

Weirdest episode of the show [BtVS]? by RPGOwl

It wouldn’t be BtVS without___. (Fill in the blank) by petite_red_hen

It feels like Joyce disappears from the show at the end of season 3 by Vannysh

And the biggest demon in Buffy is Gachnar by draconetzah

My ranking of tragic Buffyverse characters by AJ_Babe

Theories on why Drusilla had prophetic visions when she was human? by ceoazula

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

Upcoming publication: La Septième Obsession Special N°10: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (French) by La Septième Obsession

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[cosmictuesdays]

A Need-To-Know Basis

(Thanks to @ifeveristoday and @yoursummerfrost for helping me put this together.)

I was thinking about how in my kidfic, Spike and Buffy aren’t ever telling Joe a lot of details about their lives before he came along, like his mother dying twice. And that got me thinking.

How many people - for a given value of "people" - on God's green earth - discounting those off it - actually knew Buffy died in "The Gift"?

- Buffy herself - Spike - Dawn - Willow - Xander - Giles - Tara - dead as of the last scene in "Not Fade Away", and not a vampire-style dead, either; really and fully dead - Anya - also dead - Angel - Cordelia - dead - Wesley - dead - Gunn - Lorne - Fred - dead enough to just say dead - Glory's minions

We can presume Faith knew, either through Slayer dreams or someone having the good grace to tell her. We can also presume that Glory's minions are themselves dead, ideally with Spike hunting them down and killing them over the summer after season 5 as a suitably violent form of grief and mourning - and if there's fic of this, please let me know because I'd love to read it. But to the best of my knowledge, there's no lines of dialogue to cite or moments that point to textual on-screen evidence.

And that's it. Not a whole lot of people. Enough to keep it on a need-to-know basis, with the likely outcome being that it's decided nobody needs to know.

It's something which could be found out, whether consulting people not from God's green earth, oracles, other Slayers currently active as of "Chosen" that might find out through shared Slayer dreams, asking the living people on the list some very persuasive questions - and in the end, as of "Not Fade Away", it's still a short list.

Similarly, there's not a whole lot of people who ever knew Dawn was the Key:

- Dawn - Buffy - Joyce - dead - Giles - Willow - Xander - Tara - dead again - Anya - still dead - Spike - The Monks of the Order of Dagon - dead - Ben - dead - Glory - dead - Glory's minions, which are still presumed dead

Again, it's enough people to fit around a dinner table.

How many people are completely aware of what Spike did to earn his soul?

- Spike - The Lurking Cave Lurker Demon What Lurks In The Cave, or Lurky for short*

A lot of people know Spike has a soul, and a few of them are aware of the general circumstances, but nobody's yet told anyone anything about the details of what happened in that cave.

*It's been hypothesized Lurky's name is Lloyd, based on D'Hoffryn's dialogue: "The flaying of Warren Meers? Oh, truly inspired. That was water cooler vengeance. Lloyd has a sketch of it on his wall." To which I say: I don't buy it. Lurky isn't a Vengeance Demon of D'Hoffryn's stripe. He seems to be pretty secure to stay lurking in his cave and doesn't seem the type for water cooler conversation, however literal or metaphoric that water cooler might be.

Who knows for certain Spike assaulted Buffy in the bathroom?

- Buffy, who was there - Spike, who did it - Xander, who found Buffy and put the pieces together - Dawn, because Xander told her

Spike alluded to the vague concept of what he did to Clem without mentioning any specifics. Willow seemed to have some idea, but quickly moved onto other tasks at hand and let the subject drop. There's nothing to say she couldn't be told later, and it's possible someone decided to fill Giles in on it. But as far as I can remember, we have nothing that we can use to definitively argue that anyone besides those four know.

It's honestly pretty fascinating to think about the limited information characters have to work with, and what they’re all walking around with inside of their heads.

[chasingfictions]

also just the way the camera lingers on certain elements,, the painting of the seaside, the multicolored windchimes just out the window, the bright painting of flowers, the funky wooden bowls stacked in the kitchen, the water cooler in the corner on the antique-looking table in the kitchen, the stacks of books around, the tray of pastel washcloths in the kitchen, the ornate rug pattern, the knickknacks on the mantlepiece, the woodgrain of the furniture, how this was joyce's house and one she curated so carefully every element, how this is her Space and you get a sense of all these little touches, how she made this home Hers after her whole life fell apart .... :) and canonically joyce is a homebody, and just, this was her Place, and how the summers house becoming so much more the scooby hq across the next few seasons, especially in season 7, feels like on some level this soft homage to joyce...

[samatedeansbroccoli]

✉ +Menendez

Josefina,

Such beauties are the sights of Angola. The morning haze of the orange sun shines brightly upon the canopy that makes Angola's forest rich with life. The river which supplies the villages with water babbles when the wind has quieted, and on the days the wind sings through the trees, it accompanies the river. Those breezes are hardly enough to combat the heat, though Angola is reportedly cooler than Nicaragua.

But no matter. It has been too long since I last wrote to you, and I can only image the worry you have felt between my last letter.

I know this will make little sense, so allow me to describe in more detail. I have been assigned to meet a friend of mine who has had a record within the KGB and Omega group, a group which experiments with the supernatural. During my wait, fate has chosen an unfortunate turn of events as the Angola resistance has pressed farther down the river to rescue one of their own, so to speak. Their rescue mission has lead to none other than the gringos to discover the village I have resided in. An unfortunate set of events placed me in harm's way, and I have been wounded.

My revealed location is, by no means, formed from a mistake in my plans. James Joyce has once said, "A man of genius makes no mistakes. His errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.” This is only a setback, and I write to you to justify my belayed return home. When I return, your happiness will be the only concern, as it has always been.

Until then,

Your brother, Raúl

[katerdaddy]

Angel Wings and Hand touches

Part 1

This is a Harringrove X men Au based off of @memes-saved-me

Their X- men Au harringrove is beautiful and amazing. A++.

"Steve." He was sitting in his room, an old magazine in his hands. Standing there was Nancy. They'd had a fling. Well, that's what Nancy called it. He'd thought it was a relationship. Nancy had the ability of walking through walls and other objects. She was damn good at it too.

"What's up?" He glanced at her. That was a mistake. She was as gorgeous as ever. Her hair curled nicely and a new sweater over her shoulders. He was smitten all over again.

"It's your turn for a mission." Steve groaned. Nancy just smiled, leaning against door. "On the plus side, Dustin gets to go with you..."

Steve perked up. He lifted up from his bed, moving around the room.

"Henderson? That means this is his first mission." He grinned, moving his way to his closet.

He could feel Nancy smirk.

"I figured you'd enjoy it way more than me."

Steve slipped on his gloves and followed Nancy out the door.

.......

They'd made their way to the common room. Dustin was zooming around the room as usual. Talking far to quickly than was usually possible.

The rest of their party was on the couches.

El was lazily moving a pillow around, Mike was fiddling with his glasses, which he shouldn't be. That would be dangerous. Lucas who was sitting down and eating his lunch. Like a well practiced mutant who didn't have to flaunt his powers. He was able to control explosions. Charging energy into balls to throw. Basically his own personal fireworks.

Next to him was Robin. She had the ability to create high powered sonic waves with just her voice. She was Steve's favorite.

That left Will. The quiet one. The cold one.

He was off freezing and unfreezing his glass of water (and mikes soda).

His brother Jonathan, Nancy's new boyfriend, was near them, scrolling through his camera.

Being able to turn invisible had it perks. He could sneak in anywhere unnoticed.

When Nancy and Steve entered their room, Dustin zoomed up to them, bouncing. His usual energy on a day to day basis. They were used to it now.

"Steve come on!" He dragged him. Pulling a bit to hard. Steve's glove flinging off in the process.

"Hey dude! Henderson! Watch the glove." He stopped him with his good hand. Aka, his gloved hand and yanked his glove back.

"Come on, trouble. Let's go."

......

They didn't have to travel too far.

Just over 2 hours drive by jet.

Dustin couldn't keep still in his seat.

Asking Steve questions like, " So do we use our hero names or do we just come in like 'hi I'm Dustin and this is Steve.' Or is that to casual."

Steve smiled an answered.

"Well that depends. What do you want to do?"

Dustin was basically vibrating by now.

"Duh! Superhero names! Ok I was thinking, lightning strike. Or, or , or the speed. Or the streak. Or-"

Steve chuckled, ruffling Dustins hair.

"You've got to choose something cooler than that."

Dustin just elbowed him away, saying something about his well quaffed curls.

"Well, how did you choose your name? Cause I like your's."

Steve smiled. Turning his attention back to clouds below them.

"Someone just called me it one day and I thought 'Hell yeah, that's bad-ass."

Dustin shot him a look. An unbelieving look.

"Really... someone just called you 'Rouge' one day and you stuck with it?"

His mouth was open. Eyes lidded. Arms crossed. And for once, he was holding still.

Steve grinned. Bad memories flashing past him of a freckled boy, toad like in every way. And his girlfriend who was nearly indestructible. Like a diamond.

"I wasn't always the guy you know now..."

Dustin snorted. Head falling back.

"Yeah you were a grade A ass-hole."

Steve snorted back. Caught off guard.

"Thanks dingus." He'd caught that word from Robin. They need to spend less time together.

"It's good to hear you care."

The boys arms lifted defensively, but he still smiled nonetheless.

.....

They were finally there.

And on a beach no less.

Somewhere in California.

Dustin mentioned San Francisco.

"Alright...what is your name again?"

Dustin smiled. All teeth.

"Quicksilver."

Steve grinned back, ruffling his curls again.

"Attah boy, now that's one bad ass name."

They shared a few steps in silence.

"Who are we looking for again?" Dustin piped up. Wiggling around in the sand.

His running shoes and rash guard weren't really made for this.

"Someone they call Angel and Hot head. The first, a boy. Looks to be around 17-18. And a girl like 13 or twelve or something."

"Alright. I can get the girl. You get the boy?"

Dustin prepped to speed forward.

"Woah,woah, woah! No. This is a duo operation. We can't split up."

But Dustin just smiled, circling around Steve once. Giving a thumbs up before zooming down towards the pier.

"Asshole!" Steve yelled out, knowing full well Dustin could hear him.

He'd start with the surfers. They were closer anyway.

He was getting weird looks. Of course he was.

It was blazing hot and he was in dark leather gloves and a leather jacket with Sherpa lining.

He noticed someone. Sitting on a board. Just a few feet in. A sweatshirt on and a wet suit slung on halfway.

Steve examined him for a few moments more.

He stretched for a second. But only a second. And there he saw it. A white feather.

Bingo.

So he called after him. Urging him to move out of the ocean.

He listened cautiously.

"Hey Amigo. Need directions?" He asked, board tucked under his arm.

"Um actually... I need to speak with you." The boy cautiously set down his board on the sand, blue eyes never leaving the other.

"I know what you are.  They call you angel right? My name is Rouge."

He saw the boys jaw tightened. It didn't loose yet.

"Not here. Let's go under the dock."

So he did. They walked in silence. Mostly the sound of the wetsuit the boy was wearing rubbing against his knees filled the silence.

He'd gotten a look at the boy from afar.

But now so close to him, he could see the freckles that danced across his tanned almost golden skin.

He saw his blonde, salt infested hair that curled around him.

Saw the mark across his eyebrow and the bruise on his jaw.

His sweatshirt read something about San Francisco on it in red lettering.

But all too soon. They were under the dock.

"You smoke?" He'd asked all too nonchalantly, arms folded as he leant against a barnacle and salt infested wooden pillar.

Steve smiled, pulling out a pack of camels and a lighter.

The boy made a face.

"Camels all you got?"

He rolled his eyes and put one between his teeth.

"If you wanna bum one off me, you gotta deal with the camels."

He lit the cig, letting some well needed smoke disappear out of his lips.

It had been awhile since he smoked. Nancy hated smoke, so he quit for her.

Everything he did was for her.

"Alright fine. Pass em' over pretty boy."

And he did. He wanted to show this boy he could trust him. And that it would be okay to come with them to a safe place.

He tried not to think about the pretty boy comment.

"So Rouge... how'd you find out it was me." He placed the cigarette against his teeth, holding his hand out for the lighter.

"You uh, stretched... I saw a feather."

The boy blinked. A small grin fighting against his lips.

"S' that easy huh?"

"Well, and I was looking for you also."

If Steve didn't know better, he'd think he just saw a gleam in the boys eye.

"Lookin' for me huh? You some sort of admirer?" He smirked against the nicotine and smoke.

"No. I'm part of Hawkins school for gifted youngsters. And we think you'd like it."

The boy shook his head. He laughed sourly while his curls bounced across his face.

"No way in Hell pretty boy, I'm not going to some lab to get tested."

Steve sighed. Him and this boy we're almost one in the same.

"I thought that too when they recruited me."

He smiled at the memory.

Hopper holding out a freshly gloved hand to a heaving Steve. Tommy and him had done a number on their group.

Hopper had said "Son. I know you want better. You deserve better. Come with me and I'll show you."

And he followed. Still anxious though. He didn't trust anyone except Hopper. It took a long time to open up to Joyce. Especially when the first thing she did to him was surprise him with a bone crushing hug. Which made him get spooked and grab her arm. Causing her to pass out.

"You're a freak like me?"

He didn't have time to answer. Because he was blown back into a pillar by a screaming Dustin.

"Steve!!!!"

He saw the tan boy jump a little. His sweatshirt puffing out.

Probably his feathers ruffling.

But his focus soon came to the wide eyed boy gripping onto his jacket.

"Hothead is Hot Head for a reason!"

Was all he said before looking over his shoulder and zooming behind Steve.

A young girl shot down to the sand. Her body entirely enflamed. She was panting. Her eyes glaring straight at them. Nostrils flared, she planted her feet.

"Shit Steve!" Dustin squealed, gripping the boy closer, covering himself fully.

"Dude! What do you expect me to do?" He glanced behind him and then glanced to the winged boy, scowling into his cigarette. Staring at the girl.

"You creep!" The girl roared running straight for them.

Steve hardly had time to think about moving, but Dustin zoomed them out of the way before anyone was hurt.

But the wood behind them wasn't safe. The girl rammed into it, fire spreading up.

"Shit dude the pier!" Steve gawked.

"Handle the girl I'll get the fire!"

Dusting shook his head, shoving Steve forward.

"No! I'll get the water, cause I'll get it done in double the time. You get the girl. Get her into the water and use your voodoo hand stuff."

Dustin zoomed down.

"It's not voodoo hand stuff! That makes it sound dirty!" He yelled.

And the kid was right. He was dousing the flames double the time.

The girl was still charging straight for Dustin.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

He yelled getting the girls attention. She sneered, snapping to look at him.

The other teen was just watching. A small smirk on his features.

"Gee thanks asshole!" He called before he was barreled over into the sand.

She grabbed his shirt, holding a flaming fist up.

"What do you and that creep want!"

Steve panicked. Trying to crawl to the water to douse the flamed girl. But she was strong and held him there.

He tried to throw sand, sand can douse flames.

But it wasn't enough.

"Hey shit for brains!" He heard the teen say, but Dustin was already on him. Zooming around him in a circle.

"Hey! You stay there."

"ANSWER ME!" The girl roared, her hand getting closer than comfortable.

"Ahh I'm sorry!" Steve called out struggling to pull off his glove.

"What are you doing? Hey! Stop!" She gripped his forearm, burning through the leather, just barely grazing his skin. Cheap Melted leather melded to his forearm.

He wheezed out. Burns never felt good.

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Dammit. I'm sorry!"

With his ungloved hand he reach for her face. His hand reaching for her cheek. Burning his hand in the process.

But the flames were gone and the girl fainted, falling on top of him.

Her once flaming hair, now bright red and falling down against her shoulders.

"Sorry! Shit sorry kid!"

"Hey what did you do to her!" The boy roared. Placing the exact moment to kick Dustin in the stomach, sending him towards the water. Besides Steve.

"Listen! She's okay!" He scooped her up, placing her slumped against the dock.

"Like hell she's okay! What did you do!"

The teen roared, gripping off his sweatshirt, wings unwrapping from his waist, on full display.

They were beautiful, white and strong and gorgeous.

Steve just stared. His words leaving him.

"Woah..."

He heard dustin whisper, his eyes the same place his was.

Staring at the beautiful man in front of them.

"What did you do!" His wings flapped, Steve stood from the sand. Moving away from the girl.

He tried to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth he was met with a jab to the jaw.

"HEY!" Dustin yelled, zooming forward to lunge at the teen.

Steve had, had enough of this. Let's see what this girls power can do.

But before he could try, there was another fist to his nose. He stumbled.

Dustin was thrown against a pillar. He slumped down. Passing out.

"Shit." Steve hissed. His nose gushing blood. Searing pain coming from his forearm and opposite to his hand.

He was over this. He wasn't going to let some angel winged boy beat him down.

He focused his breathing. Engulfing his body in flames. The girls power.

And he loved it.

He looked forward. The winged boy a few feet in front of him. Stumped and looking between him and the young girl.

Steve smirked, lunging forward, pushing against the boys waist. Pushing them to the ground.

He crawled on top of him. Flaming hand above his head.

"Stand down!" He yelled, gripping the angel by his pendant with his gloved hand.

He put his hands up and nodded assuringly.

Steve sighed, deflating. The fire disappearing before anyone knew it was there.

"Good." He huffed. Catching his breath. "Can we just talk?"

The boy nodded. Steve crawled off of him. Helping him up. He noticed the boys burned sides. Steve had tapped him there. Dammit.

"Sorry about... your torso." He muttered. The teen laughed letting his head fall back while he lifted him off the sand. "Sorry about your nose.... and jaw. And your friend there."

Steve smirked, brushing himself off. "Asshole." The teen smirked back, his chest puffing out and wings flicking. "Back at ya." ....... They talked. They got them packed. The girl. Max, woke up. She threw a fit. Because, who wouldn't.

The boy, Billy. Seemed ecstatic to leave, ready to leave actually. Packed up 2 bags and a suitcase worth. Even brought his surfboard.

Steve didn't have the heart to tell him there was no ocean in Hawkins.

Max, packed her skateboard and just a suitcase. Less than her brother.

Steve had asked if they wanted to wait for their father to be home before they left, but Billy shook his head and kissed 'Susan' on the cheek goodbye. Max barreled into her mother. Squeezing her tightly while she promised to call and write once a week. Billy said he'd call. Never said when though.

Steve figured they didn't have the best family atmosphere, most mutants didn't. ......... They boarded the jet, placing it on manual. The way home already programmed in.

Steve unbuckled from his seat. Moving towards  Billy, Walkman in his ears. Close to asleep. Max was awake asking Dustin questions. Dustin was his usual talkative self. Answering Max's question with the same amount of energy a sugar high kid would. But in Dustin's case, he was always on a sugar high.

Steve shook Billy awake. His eyes shot up and his body stiffened. Going cold. But soon he relaxed, deflating like a balloon. Steve motioned to his headphones and made it look like he was taking his own off. Rounding a hand by and beside his ear.

Billy caught on and moved his headset away. "What's up?" He whispered, leaning towards the boy.

"I noticed I burned your sides earlier...We have a pretty incredible first aid kit near the back compartment, want to join me? Your sister burned me pretty bad..." He gestured towards his sleeve where a red and blistering hand print was on his fore arm. And where melted leather had suck itself to it.

Billy thought for a second but nodded. Unbuckling from his seat and following after. Well that was a start.

[st-fandom-imagines]

Never The Same- Part 2

TRIGGER WARNING- SEXUAL ASSAULT like I wrote in the imagine sexual assault victims can go through so many emotions and this is where I went with it, keep in mind, it is the 80's so a lot was different then! I hope you guys like it and its a good part 2! PART 1 CAN BE FOUND RIGHT HERE! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Request- anonymous asked: Can u plz write a part two of never be the same its was a really good read and I wanna see what happens next! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ The past 48 hours have been my worst nightmare, Steve and I were currently sitting in the police station, talking to Hopper about what our next step was. Hopper had been holding Billy for almost a full two days now, and he had done everything he could, legally. I wanted to scream, cry, and laugh all at the same time. "Since there was no penetration, we can only charge him with assault and battery. Since you didn't get checked by a doctor or nurse after it happened, which I don't blame you for not going, I think it would have made your mental state worse, they cant prove that any of any of your injuries are actually from him, so the charge wouldn't hold up in court, (Y/N), I cant hold him here for much longer. I suggest a restraining order, I can get that done by the end of the day." Hopper promised, Steve's hand in mine, holding tighter than he ever had held on before. I talked to Joyce this morning about how sexual assault can affect people and the different emotions the person can cycle through after it happens. Fear, Anger, Frustration, Self Doubt, depression and in some case self harm, all of these things I could go through all because of Billy. All because someone raised their child horribly and turned him into a monster. "Yeah, thank you Hop." I answered making him smile softly before getting up from his desk to get the paperwork, I knew what I wanted and it certainly want a piece of paper that Billy was just going to ignore if he wanted to see me again. I saw Hopper's key ring on his desk, the key ring that had the holding cell key on it, the key that was holding the monster inside. "Hey, Steve, would you get me some water?" I asked him knowing there was a water cooler with cups when you first walked into the station. I know Steve thought I was fragile right now, which I am but I'm also angry and stronger than anyone knows. "Of course, baby. I'll be right back." He smiled, kissing my forehead before getting up and walking towards the coolers. This was it, my chance to do what the justice system wont. I grabbed Hopper's key ring and put it in my pocket, and walked slowly to the back of the station, not waning to set any of the other cops off. I turned right, walked down the long hallway before I took another left and then was face to face with my attacker. I could feel tears start to brim my eyes, my heart start to race and my palms start to sweat. Getting sexually assaulted isn't always by a stranger, most of the time its actually by someone you know and I think that is what is sticking with me. I knew him, I knew his sister, I walked past him so many times before but he chose to do this to me, just because he could, just because he is a man who didn't get his way. "Oh, what a surprise." He slithered, setting me off completely. I walked over to the holding cell and unlocked it, seeing he was in hand cuffs and chained to the one wall of the cell. Before he could say anything I punched him square in the jaw. I didn't care if anyone saw me or heard me, I knew Steve would see I was gone soon and come looking for me. I just kept punching him, my knuckles getting bloody. He just laughed in between in punch, like my pain was funny to him. I wanted to make him suffer, like I will suffer for the rest of my life. I must have hit him more than ten times before I felt arms around my waist and pulling me out of the cell. I only noticed that I was crying when I felt the tears fall on my bloody hands. Hopper yanked the keys out of my pocket, locking Billy back up as Steve held me close to him as I tried to break free from him "Crazy bitch, let me press charges now, you have cameras don't you?" Billy remarked and Hopper looked up at the camera in the corner of the room and sighed. "You see Billy, that camera is broken, and (Y/N) here, she did what I wanted to, You have no proof just like she has no proof." Hopper responded making begin to start laughing as well the crying that wouldn't stop. "You have gotten worse beatings from your dad Billy, you have hurt her enough. Just know when you get out, you are going to have a lot of people beating you up, myself included." Steve defended as he tried to drag me back down the hallway. I was too tired, weak, cried out and bloody to even try to stop him. I began to stop laughing, the pain surging through my knuckles taking over. I did what I wanted, and I knew Hopper would get rid of the video of me kicking Billy's ass. Hopper took Steve and I into a small room in the long hallway, not wanting the other cops to see me like this, especially because they wouldn't want to know I was the one that kicked Billy's ass. "(Y/N), you are okay, listen to me." Steve whispered as Hopper wiped my hands of all Billy's blood and began to bandage them. I wans just experiencing one emotion, I was experiencing them all. "Hopper is going to get that restraining order, El has super powers, I have a bat full of nails, you are covered. Hawkins is a small town and word has already spread about Billy being a monster. You have the whole town on your side." Steve comforted making my crying slow up, and my breathing began to slow down to normal. Both men just looked at me as I calmed down, bot in shock, horror and both beaming with joy. "Now, you kicked Billy's ass, how do you feel?" Hopper asked popped making me smile with a sniffle. "Better." I responded making him nod and pat Steve on the back, as he left the room, assuming he was going to finish the paperwork. I looked at Steve for the first time since I asked him  to get me water and he looked more worried than anything. "Do you think I'm crazy?" I whispered and he shook his head as he wrapped arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. "No, not even close. That was probably the most sane thing you could have done, I think I would be more freaked out if you did nothing." He smiled making me laugh with a nod, this was the first time in the past two days that I felt better, that I felt like myself again. "I'm never going to be the same, am I?" I asked Steve and he shook his head with a sigh. "No, you wont, but its okay, we will work through it together. If you change completely, I will fall In love with you all over again, if you change a little, we will adapt together, no matter who you become, I'll be right here, backing your every move." Steve swore making me smile with tears in my eyes. I intertwined our fingers before looking into his eyes. "I love you." I simply stated making him smile and kiss my nose. "I love you too, now lets get that restraining order and then go tell Joyce about you kicking Billy's ass." He smirked as we left the small room and walked back towards Hopper's desk. I smiled, knowing that I had those three, no matter what, I don't think I would have stopped hitting Billy if Steve wasn't there and that tape would have gotten out if it wasn't for Hopper and Joyce, the voice of reason, I'll get through this, and come out better on the other side.