#again if you're up for civil conversation i totally am too!

[i-luvsang]

in the light of the recent situation or whatever you want to call it with mingi and that anime, i'm pausing my writing for him for at least a little bit. i understand a lot of people think his name has been "cleared" on this topic, but after doing my own research and trying to understand the fancall myself, i'm deciding to air on the side of caution. unless you have helpful and creditable information or want to have a civil/productive convo about it, let's not talk about it because i don't have the emotional space for anything that's not civil and willing to come to an understanding of my point of view (as i want to be civil and am willing to understand other people's points of view). some more detail in the tags :)

[do0zy-artz]

Ending up writing all of three of them! (@phosphorus-noodles!)

[Writing requests are still open btw!]

Mayor Lizzie is having a bit of a slow day. No one's come into her office just, requesting her fine mayoral help. And it was boring! Especially because she had no chores around the empire to do! She was stuck in thus silly office, bored and just waiting for someone to stop by! And on such a nice day, too.

Lizzie sighs, and slumps her head against her desk. It's not often she gets slow days like this, and she doesn't regret that either. She'd much rather have something mildly annoying to do rather than nothing at all! If she was a less civilized cat, she'd be screaming for attention! Like all those stupid ones in the villages.

Though her quiet and boring day won't last for much longer.

There's a knock at the door, though it's opened before she can even call it a response. A face is peaking through, one belonging to a familiar little bard, who is one of her newest allies. He practically bursts through the door after that, once again not waiting for a response or anything of the sort. As she expected him to do.

"Hello Oli." Lizzie says, unsurprised by his....rather dramatic entrance. He was always dramatic. And weird too. In fact, if Oli wasn't dramatic and weird one day, she'd start to get worried for him.

"There's a God out there, says he wants to see you." The blonde hums, gesturing towards the buildings entrance with a wide sweep of his arms. Dramatic, once again. But also quite a showman. Lizzie appreciated that in a man. Or a woman, she wasn't picky.

"That must be Joel." She says, not even thinking about it as she grabs her human mask off her desk. Reaching for it has basically become instinct at this point, due to all the time she's spent around these humans she's befriended. "Come on."

"He's being really persistent." Oli says, following his feline friend out of the room. Lizzie makes sure he shuts the office door behind him, and then starts making her way to the front of her mayoral office. The office door always stayed shut. Especially after that horrid silverfish infestation a few months ago....

"He always is." She hums, her tail flicking in amusement. Joel had probably banged on her door and been rude to poor Oli, knowing him. Though he probably wasn't that rude in reality. Not anymore than he normally was to the two of them. (Which was admittedly very little. Even of Koel said he didn't, he did have a soft spot for the two of them somewhere in that godly heart of his.)

Oli makes a noise of agreement beside her, and Lizzie chooses to ignore how her tail almost gets stepped on. Her totally human tail, of course. Nothing cat like about it. And Oli doesn't comment on the very normal human tail he just stepped on, either.

Lizzie opens the door, once they reach it, and finds herself face to face with just the man she'd been looking for. And some very green eyes staring down at her, very green and pretty indeed. Oli shoves himself to her side, leaning against the doorway casually

"Joel! Why didn't you walk in yourself?" Lizzie asks, looking up at her rather tall friend. He's bending down slightly, so that their more eye level. But only slightly. Stratos' ruler is still several heads taller than her and the fox to her left.

"I'm eleven feet tall Lizzie, I can't fit through the door." Joel snorts. Though his tone sounds rude, there's no actual malice behind it. They've gotten close enough to where she can tell when he'd pretending or not, which certainly makes holding a conversation with him a lot easier.

"No you're not! You're only like, seven feet!" Oli snorts, wrinkling his nose up at Joel. And while yes, he is right, Lizzie and their other friends tends to not tell him that. It's bad for his ego, or whatever Gem had said about it. So they don't say anything, for his sake, because sometimes it feels like Joel's ego is the only thing keeping him together.

"I am, actually. But I wouldn't expect a mortal like you to know that." Joel scoffs, looking down at the little man (well, little to him. Oli was actually a head or so taller than Lizzie herself.). Figuratively and literally looking down on him. Oli just rolls his eyes. "I couldn't fit through the door if I really was seven feet anyways. It's made for you small animal people."

"He is right about that." Lizzie hums her agreement, glancing up at the top of the doorframe. It only came to Joel’s shoulders. Fitting inside her mayoral building would've been quite uncomfortable for their godly friend. Oli himself was hunching over just a bit, anyways.

"I'm always right." Joel says, his voice full of self confidence. Oli rolls his eyes at that, something that seems like an instinctual thing now. The bard is also about to open his mouth, make some witty comments back, but Lizzie cuts him off. She doesn't need to listen to these two argue for another hour. Her day was already boring enough before.

"Anyways, what do you want?" She asks, looking at Joel. Her tail flicks curiously behind her, swaying from side to side. Her friends pretend not to notice it, if only to humor her and entertain the unnecessary persona she's made. Just like they always do.

"Too see you." Joel blurted without realizing, though his eyes got quite wide once he did. Lizzie could only giggle as the god stumbled over his words, the additionly reason coming a bit too late. "And uh, to get some amethyst shards."

Beside her, Oli scoffed. "Your really just here for Lizzie and shards?" He crossed his arms over his chest, pouting slightly and looking offended. Though it was a very theatrical kind of offense.

"Fine." Joel huffed, reaching over to ruffle Oli's hair. The bard made a sound of protest, but didn't move away from it. Even though Joel could probably crush his head with one hand. "I'm here for too, you annoying little bard."

"That's what I thought!" Oli huffed, triumphant. He uncrossed his arms, looking very pleased with himself.

"Yes, yes, you're both cute" Lizzie says, pushing herself between them and further out the door. There's a cheeky grin on her face, maybe a cat like one, some would say. "Now, let's go get those amethyst shards for Joel."

Both boys splutter behind her, watching as Lizzie walks away giggling. She knows their both blushing because of that, and maybe that had been her plan all along. But that was neither here no there, she finally had a quest to spice up her day with! Even if it was something as simple as trading amethyst to one of her boys.

[waynes-multiverse]

Already so in love with the start of this chapter! A girl who can eat is a girl after my heart 🫶 (and apparently Russell's lol)

“Good god. You have never been more attractive to me, which is saying something.” You slurped again, Russell letting his curiosity in your eating habits fade away in favor of the elephant in the room.

Girl, you and I have the same headcanon about this! He needs someone with super weird food habits 😂🫶

And I loved her then suddenly trying to get rid of him and coming up with the lamest excuse in the book before threathening him lol. Glad he saw right through that! And this made me melt 🫠:

“Forget I said anything.” You stood up, Russell matching the movement and catching your bicep before you could take a step. Yes, he was injured but even one armed, he had enough raw strength in him to keep you from leaving. “Tell me or I dig on my own and make things a lot riskier for both of us.” He dropped his hand, nodding to the seat. Russell sighed. “I trusted you. You can do the same.”

Oh, and it is a mafia thing! 👀 Phew, that's a tough job for Russell (not that I doubt his abilities, but she is right – he's only one man. You're not planning on breaking my heart, are you? 😅)

“Like my home?” He stared blankly, eyes drifting down to your chest. “The flirting was cute. Eye-fucking me in my kitchen, not so much.” “You have sauce all over your shirt.”

Oh, he got real lucky there, didn't he? He must've loved this 😂😂

“Because knowing how to get stains out of all types of fabrics is kind of necessary in my line of work,” he said, opening a few cabinets before finding the one with the plates. “Now. Can you put the knife you thought you grabbed without me seeing back and we have a civilized conversation over pizza?”

I'm so in love with this characterization of him here! Behind all the goofiness and bad flirting still hides that smart killing machine, and you portray that so well throughout their entire conversation 🖤

“The paranoia got to dad. He would take me on these weekend hunting trips all the time and teach me survival skills and medical stuff and I was a fucking kid, Russell. I didn’t want to do that shit but dad was…twitchy.

I love reading more of her backstory, and obviously Russell can relate since he grew up similarily. I see some romance brewing and bonding happening here 😍

You’re going to park in the visitors lot and go to the airstream in lot 4. It’ll be isolated. You knock on the door and there’ll be a guy inside. Colter. You stay with him, go wherever he goes and do whatever he tells you to without question. You don’t leave his side until I come and get you, understand?”

Knowing her, I don't see this working out well for Colter. Poor guy will have his hands full with her 😂

You woke up around six thirty, jolting up in your bed to find a very wet and nearly naked Colter trying to pick up a mug he’d dropped.  “Well good morning,” you said, his hand in a death grip on the towel just barely concealing him away.

I don't mind this at all 😏

The commitment to him being shirtless on this show is for real, tho 🫠 (And PS: I saw you wrote for Colter too! I totally have to check that out! Justin Hartley had me in a chokehold since This Is Us. He rows right into the "lovable and stupidly hot idiot" category that I've fallen victim to lol.)

And not only did she bond with Russell in this part but also with Colter. Seriously loved every minute of their conversation! And considering Russell sent her to his brother, who he hasn't spoken to in so long, speaks volumes how much he trusts Colter. Colter seeing that too was such a precious moment 😭🫶

Sure, Colter was hot but Russell…well the image of that man in nothing but a towel as water dripped down his body…

Agree! The ruggedness and roughness (the beard) certainly adds a few plus points 🔥😏

“And? What am I saying?” you asked, staring him down.

I was gonna say, she should be careful with that challenge, and his answer did not disappoint! It was gold 🤣🤣🤣

And I totally didn't expect her to stay with Colter for days, drive across the country, and join him on a case! This is such a cool twists and I'm loving their hangout dynamic 😁 I do have an inkling Russell will be jealous of their bonding and probably scold Colter for taking her on a case lmao

“He knows what he’s doing. A job like this, he’s got to do a lot of prep work and he’s got to put a crew together. Trusted friends. Try not to worry.”

Ooooh I know you read the books and this reminded me so much of the crew book!Russell worked with!!! 👏

I was so relieved when he came back in one piece! And that little present for her was so sweet and thoughtful 🥹 The note, on the other hand, was hilarious 😂

But why the angst at the end there? No they were supposed to be happy! Sunset, rainbows, unicorns, glitter!!! I will suffer in the next part, won't I? 😅

This was such an amazing chapter from start to finish! I thoroughly enjoyed all their conversations, their dynamics, the humor mixed with seriousness and feelings. Loved every second of this! 🩵

He's My Man (Part 2)

Summary: The reader isn't quite so sure if she can trust Russell with her secrets but he's decided she's going to get his help, whether she wants it or not. Reluctantly she accepts but in the process realizes she might actually be starting to care about him...

Masterlist

Pairing: Russell Shaw x reader

Word Count: 4,500ish

Warnings: language, gun shot injury mention, mentions of death, angst, fluff

A/N: Ooooh things are heating up! Please enjoy!

__________

Russell stared at you with what one could only describe as a look of wonder. You didn’t exactly blame him. Eating four large cheese danishes and chugging back a week’s worth of coffee in the span of fifteen minutes was enough to make anyone’s eyes widen.

You tossed your trash in his motel waste bin when you finished and returned to your seat at the tiny corner table. With an obnoxiously loud slurp of even more coffee, Russell titled his head, shaking it slightly.

“Good god. You have never been more attractive to me, which is saying something.” You slurped again, Russell letting his curiosity in your eating habits fade away in favor of the elephant in the room. He straightened in his seat, pausing a beat. “So. What’s this long story?”

Your fingertips rattled against the side of the large styrofoam cup, a small amount of heat radiating through. Now that you’d had some time to think, or rather stress eat, you knew this was a mistake. A big one. You needed to kick Russell out of your life and the sooner the better.

“I think you have the wrong idea about what’s going on and I thought it better we talk in private,” you said. Russell wore a weary expression, his eyes dissecting your every micro-movement. “I’m not interested in a relationship or a date or conversation. I don’t do that considering my line of work and I imagine you keep things casual with yours. So you take your money and consider this a warning. Contact me again and I will have you dealt with, understand?”

Russell leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a clenched jaw. You narrowed your eyes in response, Russell picking at his bandage without realizing. 

“Stop that,” you mumbled when he kept doing it, his lip twitching up in a not so friendly way.

“You threaten me and in the next breath are worried about my damn stitches? I don’t think you realize just how good I am at my job,” he said, placing both hands on the table, folding them together. You swallowed, Russell staring so intently you had to glance away. “Alright. Back at the coffee shop, that was a moment of bravery and now it’s passed? Tough shit. We’re in the weeds now and we ain’t leaving until I know you do your job of your own free will. Understand?”

“Forget I said anything.” You stood up, Russell matching the movement and catching your bicep before you could take a step. Yes, he was injured but even one armed, he had enough raw strength in him to keep you from leaving.

“Tell me or I dig on my own and make things a lot riskier for both of us.” He dropped his hand, nodding to the seat. Russell sighed. “I trusted you. You can do the same.”

“You’re one guy.” You shook your head. “Drop this or you’ll wind up dead or worse.”

“I made my living doing jobs where if I fucked up I’d wish I were dead over the alternative. I know how to keep a secret. Maybe I can help, maybe I can’t. But you opened the box. You can’t just close it again.”

“Yes, I can. Goodbye, Russell.” You grabbed your coffee and headed for the door, pausing when you had a hand on the handle.

But what if he could help…he was ex-special ops…

Russell’s hand slid over yours, giving it a gentle squeeze. You frowned, a reassuring smile greeting you.

“Do you like your job?” he asked. 

“S’complicated,” you whispered.

“How complicated?”

“Jobs like yours…that’s up to me to do that stuff but I…I work for someone else.” You found Russell’s unreadable green eyes and sighed. “I’m a fixer for the local mafia. It’s not a job you get to quit and stay alive very long.”

Russell contemplated your words, lips forming a thin line before he nodded. “I can take care of that assuming your story checks out.”

“My story?” you asked, Russell humming. “Why would I lie-”

“You could be playing me for any number of reasons. Like I said, I’m going to check your story out and if it’s all kosher, we’ll figure out where to go from there. Capiche?”

“Fine,” you grit out, shaking his hand away. “But do it quietly. You got three days.”

Late Evening

Your eye actually twitched when you answered your front door that night to find not your pizza delivery man before you but Russell fucking Shaw. He wore a deep navy utility jacket that hung loosely around his trim waist and a pair of black jeans. You weren’t sure why but his shift from lighter colored clothing this morning to this dark, edgy look made him look as dangerous as you expected he was.

“Russell,” you said. He didn’t bother hiding his smirk, eyes roaming over your body. You glanced down at your soft pale yellow pajama shirt and matching shorts set, huffing when he slipped past you inside.

“You totally are the kind of woman to having matching jammies,” he chuckled. You gripped the door tight, ready to kick him out just as your delivery driver pulled up.

“Just…take off your boots.” Two minutes later you had your pizza and garlic knots on your kitchen counter while Russell leaned back against it, his jacket since removed and tossed on the back of your couch. He wore a black zip up that was undone over a black t-shirt, Russell shifting at your growing unease.

“Listen,” he said, holding up his hands. “You got questions but first off, I’m not here to hurt you. This is just what I wear when I need to go…looking around places I ain’t exactly invited into.”

“Like my home?” He stared blankly, eyes drifting down to your chest. “The flirting was cute. Eye-fucking me in my kitchen, not so much.”

“You have sauce all over your shirt.” You glanced down, spotting marinara drops all over your short sleeve button up top from where you’d had the edge of the pizza box pressed against your torso as you’d carried it in. “Thanks for thinking so highly of me, though. Makes a guy feel special.”

“I’m on edge, alright?” you snapped, grabbing a towel and trying to get most of the sauce out. “Plus I just ruined a two hundred dollar shirt.”

“Figured you for a oversized men’s t-shirts kind of gal but little sets from french boutiques suites you.” You froze, Russell dropping his hands. “I know all about your shopping habits. You have high quality taste, much richer than the average suburbanite.”

“And?” you said, tossing the towel down, hands going to your hips. “Are you about to kidnap me and turn me over to the mafia or what?”

Russell approached you slowly, gently picking up the towel from the floor and dabbing it with some dish soap. 

“If I had wanted to hurt you or take you or whatever else is going through your head, you wouldn’t have seen me coming.” He rubbed the towel against the damp spot on your shirt, letting the fabric get soapy. “Let that soak for a few minutes and then after you have some dinner, toss it in the wash. It’ll come out good as new.”

“How do you know that?” you asked, Russell hanging your towel on the oven handle. 

“Because knowing how to get stains out of all types of fabrics is kind of necessary in my line of work,” he said, opening a few cabinets before finding the one with the plates. “Now. Can you put the knife you thought you grabbed without me seeing back and we have a civilized conversation over pizza?”

You weren’t sure how he’d seen you swipe the knife from the butchers block but figured he had a point. If he’d wanted to screw you over, he would have done it already. After excusing yourself, you returned in a pair of skinny black joggers and a slightly cropped gray AC/DC shirt to find Russell had already plated two sizeable portions for yourselves. 

“See? Now that’s a look more fitting for the princess of darkness,” he chuckled.

“That’s queen of darkness to you,” you said, taking a seat at the island in front of one of the plates. “Do me a favor, lover boy. Grab me a guinness from the fridge.”

“Dark stout. Always a good choice.” He got out two, removing the cap for you before retreating to the other side of the island.

“As much as I love uninvited house guests who welcome themselves to my food and beer, why are you here, Russell?” You took a large bite of pizza, Russell long necking his beer for a moment. 

“Yet I don’t see you kicking me out. It’s okay to admit you’ve fallen for me, Y/N,” he teased. You growled, Russell’s eyebrows raising in amusement. “Hot damn, woman. I love when you get all grr. Tells me you are a force to be reckoned with.”

You rolled your eyes, Russell taking an extra large bite. “Stop flirting and talk.”

“Why can’t I do both?” he asked, not waiting for an answer. “But to answer your original question, I’m here because your story checked out and that’s kind of a problem.”

“Excuse me? Why is that an issue?”

He set his plate down and gripped the island, leaning over it slightly. “Y/N. I can call up a few friends and wipe out a local mafia family no problem.”

“Awesome. Then what’s the fucking problem?” Russell tilted his head, like you’d just walked into some kind of trap he’d set.

“Y/N. Despite all the obvious sexual tension brewing between us, you failed to mention that you have a boyfriend. You know, the head of this fucking mafia family. The boyfriend that buys you those fancy french pajama sets? The one that bought that espresso machine over there? Girl, you better explain yourself because I am not a hired gun.”

You chewed quietly for a few moments under the heated scrutiny of Russell’s gaze before you pushed the plate away.

“My dad was an accomplished doctor. He was very well respected. I grew up very comfortably until I was about eight.” Russell loosened his stance and began to eat while you decided what he needed to absolutely know. “My dad unknowingly saved a mobster’s life one night in the ER. Mr. Lauter.”

“The former head of the mafia and this guy, Owen, your supposed boyfriend’s dad?” You nodded before taking a big swig from your bottle.

“Well, that pissed off Mr. Elpine who had almost had a successful hit on Mr. Lauter. Elpine tried to get my dad to kill Lauter. Dad refused and the next morning on the way to school, the brake lines in our car didn’t work. Dad and I walked away. Mom and my brother didn’t. Dad was scared Elpine would come after me again.”

“Your father went to Lauter for protection,” said Russell. You picked up your pizza as he put together the rest of the pieces. “Lauter offers him protection for saving his life but something happens and your dad ends up working for Lauter as his fixer.”

“The paranoia got to dad. He would take me on these weekend hunting trips all the time and teach me survival skills and medical stuff and I was a fucking kid, Russell. I didn’t want to do that shit but dad was…twitchy. PTSD for sure, a mental break too. I always guessed there was some brain trauma after the accident that never healed. He got real bad when I went to college. Bad enough that Lauter stepped in when my dad attacked me when I came home for the holidays. Lauter killed him and the fucked up part was I wasn’t even upset. My real dad had died when I was a kid. But…when a mob boss kills for you whether you wanted them to or not-”

“They think they own you for life.” You nodded. “So you became the fixer.”

“They let me finish college under the condition I come back and work for the family. They leave me be except for when I need to patch someone in the crew up. It’s honestly not that bad. They gave me a lot of money over the years. I hate to say this but Mr. Lauter was pretty good to me.”

Russell cleared his throat. “You do know how fucked up what he did to you is, right?”

“Of course I do,” you said, closing your eyes. “But compared to my dad and Owen, he was the lesser evil.”

“I came across the fact Mr. Lauter died about three weeks ago from heart disease.” You hummed. “Tell me about this fuckface, Owen.”

“Dude has had a crush on me since he was fucking twelve. He has it in his head that the family owns me, literally. Lauter always reined him in but since he’s been gone, Owen’s been…pushy. Telling the crew I’m his girlfriend, asking them to follow me. Thankfully, and this is why this is so weird, I grew up around a lot of the guys. Making me work and fix people, fine. But some kind of forced romance? They aren’t cool with it, at least they’re kind of ignoring Owen. I’ve kept Owen off my back because he’s grieving and busy trying to take over but he’s going to back on my ass soon. This time, those guys will have to listen to their new boss.”

“So…I take out Owen and you think you’re in the clear. You could have just said that.” He finished off his beer and washed his hands at the sink. “Here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going grab essentials, and I mean essentials, while I pack up your dinner in what I expect is some color coordinated tupperware. Then you’re going to take my car and drive to Elmhurst Camping Grounds. It’s about four hours north of here and no, you will stop for anything so use the bathroom before you go and I’ll pack you a snack. You’re going to park in the visitors lot and go to the airstream in lot 4. It’ll be isolated. You knock on the door and there’ll be a guy inside. Colter. You stay with him, go wherever he goes and do whatever he tells you to without question. You don’t leave his side until I come and get you, understand?”

“I feel like if I ask questions you’ll just tell me I don’t want to know.” Russell smirked.

“I love that big brain of yours.” You rolled your eyes but felt a tiny smile on your face. “Warming up to me are we?”

“Fuck no. But uh, who the hell are you sending me to?”

“My baby brother. Don’t worry. His ugly mug will keep you safe.”

Four Hours Later

“Uh, hi,” you said, practically bouncing up and down at midnight in front of a strange tall man at a very nice airstream RV. 

“Y/N,” he said as you forced a smile. “Bathroom is right there-”

You darted past him and into the small cubby bathroom, grateful after the long drive. The man was waiting leaned against a small counter space when you exited, a temporary bed made up behind him in what looked like a breakfast nook.

“Sorry to barge in. Russell said not to stop for anything.” 

“S’alright,” he said. “Bed’s made up if you want to crash. I’m going to stay up a bit longer by the fire. You’re welcome to join if you like.”

“Thanks, uh…” you said, a very brief smile on his face as you tried to remember what Russell had called him.

“Colter. It’s not a problem.” He skirted by you and outside, taking a seat in a foldable camping chair. You had questions but for the moment, all you wanted was to get some rest. 

You woke up around six thirty, jolting up in your bed to find a very wet and nearly naked Colter trying to pick up a mug he’d dropped. 

“Well good morning,” you said, his hand in a death grip on the towel just barely concealing him away.

“Morning,” he said, slowly backing up to the bedroom. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Not a problem,” you said, catching a whiff of coffee. 

“Mug are in the first cabinet if you want a cup. I’ll be out in a minute,” he said. He excused himself to his room and slid the divider shut, leaving you to the rest of the airstreamer. 

A moment later you were outside in front of a small fire, sitting in a chair with warm coffee in your hands. It was cool and you wished you’d thought to pack a jacket in your haste last night.

You were rubbing your arms when something was draped over your shoulders, a thick heavy hoodie. 

“Russell got you out of there pretty quick, huh?” asked Colter, taking the mug while you shrugged into the warm fleece.

“Yeah. All I grabbed was my wallet, some cash and my computer. He told me I could buy clothes here,” you said. Colter handed you back the mug and took a seat beside you.

“I checked his car. He had a duffel full of his clothes in there I brought inside. You can use his stuff, or mine, until we can hit a store.”

“Thanks,” you said, smelling Russell’s deodorant on the fabric. Colter saw you tug the hood up, a question on the tip of his tongue but he decided against it. The air was still and quiet apart from the crackle of fire and morning birds. 

“So,” said Colter, not looking at you as he drank. “You and Russell…you like, his girlfriend-”

“No,” you said, shaking your head. “I just met the guy yesterday. All I did was patch him up.”

“Right.” You sunk lower in your chair, slurping loudly.

“Were you special ops like him?” you asked. Colter shook his head.

“Civilian. Never had any formal training, just what we grew up with.” Well, that was an interesting statement. What the hell did it mean though? “Our father was a survivalist, taught us things.”

“Oh. My dad was a little out there too.” Was that why Russell was so adamant about helping you out of your situation? No. Maybe it played a part, but no. He’d wanted to help before you told him that. “Does Russell do this sort of thing often?”

“No clue. First time I talked to him in years was two days ago. I helped him find a friend of his. I was there when he got that bullet hole in him you fixed.”

Alrighty then. Russell was becoming more and more intriguing by the second. 

“So you don’t know a lot about him then,” you said. Colter shrugged.

“I guess I’m figuring him out too but he’s a good guy. He’s somebody you want as a friend.” You hummed, finishing your coffee off. Colter excused himself to get you more and returned with a fresh cup, steam billowing from within. 

“You trail run?” you asked, Colter’s eyes showing a flash of surprise. “Muddy sneakers by the door. I did cross country in school.”

“I try to get out most mornings. The hot water should be good to go in about five minutes if you want a shower.” 

“Thanks.” You licked your lips as you remembered the sight of him exiting the bathroom not long ago. Sure, Colter was hot but Russell…well the image of that man in nothing but a towel as water dripped down his body…You shifted in your seat, squeezing your legs together to try and get a hold of yourself. Colter smirked slightly in his seat. “What?”

“I’m good at reading people is all.”

“And? What am I saying?” you asked, staring him down. Colter only smiled as he looked away to the fire.

“You’re wondering if Russell works out and picturing him naked.” You glared at him but it did nothing to hide the heat radiating off your cheeks. “Hey, you’re a grown woman. You can do as you please.”

“I think I will take that shower now.” You stood and set the mug down on the ground, shooting Colter one last look. There’d been no malice or teasing in his voice. He was simply being straight with you. “Listen. I just…I haven’t exactly been around good guys much, or ever. I’m not saying there’s anything there beyond physical attraction, okay?”

“Okay,” he said, looking at you like you were the worst liar in the world. “Whatever you say.”

You grumbled and went inside to take a very cold shower.

Three Days Later - Spokane, Washington

“Hey, Colt,” you said, pushing up the long sleeves of Russell’s gray henley you wore. Colter hummed around the piece of grilled chicken in his mouth as you spun your laptop around from the other side of the airstream’s dining table. “Could she have gone here? Looks like a decommissioned game trail.”

“Yeah, yeah that fits,” he said with his mouth full, chewing and swallowing quickly so he could take a closer look. You returned to your own dinner, Colter mentioning he was going to take a look after dark. 

Things had fallen into an easy pattern with the two of you. Colter was very different than his brother but it wasn’t a bad thing. He didn’t talk much and worked as a rewardist. He’d planned on sticking around the east coast for when Russell met up with you again but an urgent case in Washington popped up. You’d spent most of the past three days driving cross-country behind Colter’s truck and the airstreamer, learning what the hell a rewardist was.

Colter had told you about the case at first to keep your mind off of Russell but you’d reluctantly taken an interest and now were deep in the weeds of helping him locate a missing young woman.

“You want to come look with me?” asked Colter, breaking you out of your train of thought. You blinked, a small smile on his face. “Come on. It’ll get you some experience with rewardest work and stop you from doom scrolling.”

“Alright,” you sighed. While you appreciated Colter’s attempts to make you feel better, you were starting to get very concerned. You hadn’t heard from Russell since you left your house a few days ago and there was nothing in the news about the local mafia members being killed. Or him.

Colter rubbed your back when you helped him unhook it from the airstream. He tended to do that when you started to get stressed out. He hadn’t been lying before. He really was good at reading people. 

“Colter,” you said in the dark truck, the hum of the vehicle quiet in the cab as he drove. “What if something happened to him and he needs our help?”

“He knows what he’s doing. A job like this, he’s got to do a lot of prep work and he’s got to put a crew together. Trusted friends. Try not to worry.” You bit your bottom lip as you stared out the window, trees passing by. 

If only it were that simple.

It was two in the morning by the time you and Colter made it back to the camping grounds. You’d found Martha in not too great of shape but she was alive and the doctors said she’d make a full recovery with time. Colter has tried to give you some of the reward money for helping but you hadn’t done all that much in your opinion. 

“Stay here,” he said when he turned the truck into your lot and you spotted a dark figure sitting by the fire. He took his gun from the back of jeans and got out, pausing halfway out the door. He smiled over at you and you caught the dark figure give an awkward little wave. “Should I tell him how much you’ve been worried?”

“Not. A. Word. Colter,” you said before hopping out and happily rushing over to where Russell rose to his feet. You didn’t realize you were giving him a hug until he was laughing, returning it and lifting you off the ground. 

“I missed my queen of darkness too,” he chuckled, setting you down with a smirk. You scoffed, Russell’s eyebrows raising at your attire. “Is that my jacket? And shirt?”

“Why waste the money on new stuff,” you shrugged, Russell grinning like an idiot. “Stop that.”

“I’m sure that was the reason.” Colter came over, the boys sharing a nod. “You keep my little delinquent out of trouble?”

“She’s a breeze,” said Colter, taking a seat. “Even helped with my latest case. She should try the rewardist thing. She’s good at it.”

“Maybe. All I want to know is am I good?” you asked. Russell took your hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. He nodded, the tension running of out your body. “Thank you, Russell. Thank your friends too. I’ll pay you guys-”

“No payment. This was because you’re my friend, plain and simple. Just knowing you’re safe is more than enough.” You smiled, letting yourself rest your head against his shoulder. “You should rest. We’ll talk in the morning.”

“How-”

“In the morning. I need to catch up with my little brother.” You nodded, enjoying the feel of his heavy hand as it ran over your head. “Go sleep, Y/N. You’re exhausted.”

You reluctantly peeled yourself away and went inside to find your makeshift bed had been done up for you already. You didn’t even try to fight the flutters in your stomach when you spotted a yellow pajama shirt and shorts set neatly folded on top. There was a note beside it, a stupid ass smile finding it’s way onto your face.

Brand new. Imported from France. Don’t get used to fancy ass presents like these. I ain’t made of money. Even if these are soft as fuck and I totally wish they made these for men. I still think you’d look better wearing a band tee to bed.

Russ

P.S. They had a sale so I got you something else too. Check your backpack.

You shook your head and grabbed your bag from the floor, taking out a very elegant black bag. You undid the tissue paper and went wide eyed. 

Inside was a very, very, fancy black lace bra and multiple pairs of gorgeous bikini style undies in soft muted colors. There was another note waiting for you inside, your heart stilling.

No strings attached. Hopefully these will cover you for a little while until you can get settled again.

“Oh, Russell,” you said quietly, thumbing over the bag, smiling to yourself as your insides did very happy backflips.

He wasn’t just a pretty and protective face. He was thoughtful too.

And you were starting to fall for a guy that’d most likely be gone by this time tomorrow.

Fuck.

__________

A/N: Read Part 3 here!

[beckyh2112]

Chat Snippets, part 2

[Luna]: I think the men in chat wish to change the subject away from detachable cocks.

[Bex]: I get so wrapped up in Civilization! [Luna]: Write fanfic about it. [Bex]: It's not really a fanfic kind of game. [Luna]: Becca. Slash me trebuchets with monotheism.

[Bex]: Plants have been cruelly ripped from their habitat. [Pux]: Hooray weeding!

[Charles]: and then a guy cosplaying as Creepy Drunk came over [Charles]: (okay, no he wasn't cosplaying) [Charles]: it was one of those "Save us, Slenderman!" moments

[Jess]: Also, the title of the biography is, "All In," but Jezebel reports that all of the All In Jokes have been made and there are no more ones to make. [Sam]: Aw. [Sam]: But we have HAZE here. [Sam]: They won't BELIEVE the puns we can make now! [Sam]: Like a vast predatory punbird! [Jess]: Oh, jeebus, are we combining Furmanism with the Petraus case with sex puns? [Sam]: It is too late to stop now. We're commited. We've gone . . . All In. [Sam]: *Sunglasses*

[Bex]: http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3ojy62eBc1qcddvlo1_500.jpg -- On the one hand, Beyonce can pull this off. On the other hand, I wish this wasn't the third or fourth dress with Muppets attacking their feet. [Liona]: Hahaha. XD [Luna]: Beyonce does have superior Muppets. [Luna]: That a gradual gradient of Muppets, rather than surprise attack Muppets.

[Pux]: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1qfik6fWu1qc0hijo1_500.jpg Let us take a moment to consider this tombstone. [Bex]: Damn, he lived a good long life. [Pux]: He did. [Pux]: Killing bears. [Bex]: Yup. [Pux]: He had 99 problems. [Pux]: Every one of them was a bear.

[Bex]: Time to shower before I forget. [Kep]: go! clean thyself! do you want people thinking you are from KENT?! [Bex]: Egads! Horrors no! [Kep]: Are you clean? Do you look like a vagabond jazz singer from Kent?! Because if you do, BACK TO THE SHOWERS MISSY!

[Bex]: I know, I am sure Dallas has stores too, but it's easier for my sanity if I just carry everything. There is less flailing involved. >_> [Kep]: I understand; when we went to Vegas, I packed Twizzlers just in case.

[Bex]: S-E-C! We may not be that good with anything else, but damn, we can play football. [Ryuu]: Well, you know why? [Ryuu]: Because southerners lost The War and we're determined to never lose anything else ever again.

[Bex]: I will never understand the design choices that led to the AT-AT. [Luna]: Rampant government corruptions.

[Bex]: Three super-powered cops that don't know the others are super-powered. (Admittedly, Petunia doesn't know she's super-powered, so it'd be hard for Hollister and Esprit to find out.) [Bex]: One's a supervillain, one's a superhero, and one's an amnesiac with no ID. [Bex]: Trust me, it'd make a great comic book. [Sam]: . .. Yes. That would make a GREAT comic book. [Tai]: Together, they fight crime. Really.

[Scott]: Sam, what did I tell the last time you chewed on the power cables? [Sam]: That my Mynock impression is the best you have ever seen? [Scott]: Well, sure, but the next thing I told you. [Sam]: I am handsome and sexy and if you were into dudes you would consider divorcing your wife for me? [Scott]: …the next thing I told you that you swore you wouldn't repeat to anyone else. [Sam]: Listen, this is how I remember it.

[Bex]: I see their jeeps are made of gasoline. [Kep]: *nods* Yeahhh, the Jeep Petrolsplode had a lot of problems…

[Bex]: Though nothing will drive me madder than not being able to save where I want. [Scott]: *saves conversation right now* [Bex]: Miw? [Liona]: I like the Cracked argument that there's no reason for modern games not to let you save where you want to. [Scott]: Well obviously you're just uesless at the game and there's something wrong with you. [Scott]: ...wait. [Scott]: *reloads from save state* I totally agree with you, Becca.

[Bex]: "a tank adapted for heavy mining and demolition work" -- what? why would you do that? [Luna]: Governmental corruption. [Bex]: I will continue to accept this answer.

[Bex]: How does NaNoWriMo compare to real writing? Well, you know, "real" writers sit down and put words on the page. Whereas those wacky NaNoWriMo folks are all about sitting down and putting words on pages. How could you possibly compare the two? [Spyri]: For serious. [Spyri]: I mean, who would think people attempt to throw words at a page? [Bex]: Communists? [Spyri]: FILTHY COMMUNISTS. [Bex]: 644/1500 [words written] [Spyri]: Go communist scum!

[Jess]: The current plot is named, 'Refresh Everything.' I had no idea that's actually Pepsi's current slogan. It's… kind of an omnious slogan, really. [Scott]: I hear "Purge the old ways for the new order" didn't do well in focus groups.

[Charles]: "Rayford wanted to argue, but he wondered at the advisability of doing what Bruce Barnes would call "witnessing" to the Antichrist." [Charles]: imagine how badass you'd be thought of if you TRIED TO CONVERT THE ANTICHRIST [Bex]: … Indeed. [Charles]: man, imagine if you actually pulled it off. That'd be a coup. Then Satan himself is the next logical step [Charles]: but Catholics shouldn't do that. Some poor bastard would have to hear Satan's confession. [Charles]: They'd have to pull shifts and gets meals in

[Bex]: http://sharpwriter.deviantart.com/art/Pascal-174420351 [Scott]: What is wrong with you, first commenter? [Scott]: Cyborg Obama would be RAD. [Bex]: I know! [Bex]: I was disappointed when I realized it wasn't Cyborg Obama. [Scott]: Imagine the leaders debates. [Scott]: White Middle Aged Guy: Basically I hate people who don't look like me, don't like the same gender as me or have less money than me so I want to have all their money because this is America. [Scott]: Cyborg Obama: Eye Laser Activate. *BZARP*

[Tai]: WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME CHOCOLATE AND RICOTTA WERE THIS GOOD TOGETHER [Cyn]: *peers at Tai* [Cyn]: where did you get this? [Sam]: She knows. Signal Charlie team to take the shot. The conspiracy must be protected. [Tai]: Vito's. >_> [Sam]: SHE KNOWS ABOUT VITO'S! [Tai]: Damn right I do.

[Charles]: and Indian Space Research Organisation chief says "Indians should be proud of the fact that the Chandrayaan enabled the discovery of water on the Moon." [Charles]: he's probably also thinking "thank fuck, cos it was a bit embarrassing that we lost the probe one year early" [Charles]: if other missions are like this, I hope to see a report from India that their first manned mission crashed, but the four astronauts have been given fantastic powers by cosmic rays

[Luna]: Lady who hates slash draws slash because she hates slash and dude who hates slash goes off about how he hates slash. [Bex]: Shall we burn them, bury them, or eat them? [Luna]: All of the above. [Bex]: In that order? [Luna]: It'll be like thousand year eggs.

[Bex]: … also, who puts a dinosaur-infested island in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes? [Luna]: Big corporation corruption!

[Charles]: one of the guys in my IT course is a former soldier. He talked a bit about serving in Afghanistan, and mentioned the US Army in glowing terms. Those specific terms where "they're almost as good as us", completely seriously as if the concept of being as good as the British Army was obviously impossible

[Haze]: Vaguely related - "I ship that like a FedEx sorting center".

[Bex]: "Who kills a Selkie, and doesn't take his skin?" [Spyri]: That's… I don't know why I find that so awful. D: [Bex]: *cuddles* [Spyri]: Poor, poor selkie. [Spyri]: You're supposed to take the skin and force it into cohabitation with you. *Eyes Ozai/Selkie!Bato.* Not kill a selkie. D:

[Charles]: "'Why wouldn’t I write speculative fiction? What genre could be better for depicting the ways in which society can change and improve in the future? Or exploring the past through myth and folklore and the epic events of history, reworked into modern entertainment? Speculative fiction has a powerful influence on society. It depicts dreams and nightmares; it has the power to caution and inspire. I can’t think of a more challenging, exciting genre to write,' " - see, that's someone who thinks about stuff [Bex]: Yes. [Charles]: they've got thoughts and logic. I just think stuff like "DUUUUUDE, wouldn't it be AWESOME if big robots landed in Warsaw!" when I think about writing [Charles]: PS it would not be for Warsaw

[Ravyn]: holy crap, I actually got a male whiptail… *thuds* [Tai]: wewt [DE]: Okay, I'm guessing pixel pets, not someone mailing you a lizard…. [Luna]: Awww. [Liona]: Hey, I'll have you know that the Random Mail-Order Lizard Enterprise is a highly successful business. [Luna]: I wish to be randomly mailled lizards. [Tai]: No lizards here, only dragons. [Liona]: Well, just fill out this form, and you, too, can be mailed random lizards at random! When will you receive them? What will you receive? How many? Not even we know! [Kenya]: *wants a bearded dragon* [Liona]: All shipments overseen by random number generating robot. [Luna]: :D [Liona]: Random Lizard Care Pack appropriate to your particular randomly selected lizard available for a small extra fee. [DE]: Google live lizards mail order. You can get mail-ordered lizards. [Luna]: But they aren't /random/. [Bex]: But are they random mail-ordered lizards? [Liona]: If randomly selected lizard is actually another reptile, you may return it to your local RMOLE Depot. Please resist flushing crocodiles or alligators down the toilet. [Tai]: Don't flush the caimans, either. [Liona]: If randomly selected lizard is actually a tarantula, you may request a full refund and a free complimentary lizard of your choice. [Tai]: *snerk* [Liona]: Okay, I'm done. XD; [Liona]: >_> If lizard is actually of alien origin, we apologize for the inconvenience when men in black suits invade your property and confiscate your new pet.

[heavenly-garden]

I'm here to have conversations about any subject so long as the conversation remains civil. I'm a genuinely open minded person but I'm also not a gullible fool. My eyes have been opened much these past six years since I became a follower of Christ.

I only seek to understand and not to judge because in the end it's not my place to judge others. I'm a sinner and are no better than anyone.

I used to lack a sense of direction in my life and didn't have any real goals but now I am focused, it's like I've come out of a deep dissociative state that I was trapped in for years and into a more grounded state of being, the holy spirit is guiding me to a better life but it doesn't guarantee I'm safe from harm. Pain is a part of life but I can handle it with Jesus I can withstand anything. I'd rather die standing for what is right and for my eternal soul than to risk it all for earthly pleasures. I'm done being shallow, lazy, greedy and foolish. This is my testimony. I am free. I am driven to go out and do more for others and hopefully help people by being kind and helpful.

Look guys I'm not here to brag or preach. I won't put myself up on a pedestals and treat others as though they are beneath me, that's not how a true Christian should act (IMO). I want to be able to be myself and coexist with you all as best I can. I want to reach my best highest potential and with Jesus I can. I'm not alone anymore carrying sin alone. I was finally able to let go and find real peace. I just want to share this joyful feeling with others, just good vibes and kind words, to lift spirits of my fellow human beings.

I was once a practitioner of traditional witchcraft, I studied alchemy, hermeticism, satanism, demonology, I was a pagan and used to do tarot card readings and astrology charts (now I try to work with my guide, angels and remain close to Jesus Christ as much as I can)

I won't go into much more detail, since for me this is my faith and I want certain things to remain between me and God only. All I can say is that I have been saved from my sinful ways and my life is great now. I still deal with depression and anxiety now and then but I deal with it better than I ever could in my own, the Lord has removed my burden.

I feel like prayer has helped me a lot as well as prayer, meditation and getting off social media for breaks from all the insanity is good for my mental health.

Look if you're a witch, a pagan, a Satanist, Occultist, whatever you may be I hope u find faith one day or that it finds you. You don't need to sell yourself to these unclean spirits. I say this out of genuine concern for your life and your soul, because I love you as I should love my neighbors, were all human and hurting. It's none of my business how you live your life just be careful, unclean spirits can destroy your life. Possession happens when you go down these paths, all kinds of scary things can happen, these entities are not something to be messed with.

You are dealing with beings beyond human comprehension and once an individual is open to possession it means your body is controlled by the spirit, complete and you allow it total dominion over your body. You could end up doing things you might not do because you agreed to be possessed. That's all I'm gonna say.

It happened to me and I'm never letting it happen again. I'm done with asking for power from these entities. All I need is Jesus and Yah now. They aren't asking me for anything but love and to love others so that's what I'm going to do.

Wish you all the best and I mean all of you no matter what we're all human and we need each other to succeed in this world so I'll respect your choices because it's your life and it's a gift.

I know there is a chance I'm going to potentially end up getting hateful comments for this post but I guess it's to be expected. Too many people feel like they have been burned, mislead or betrayed by the church so I get it. I go to church now, it took years to find a good positive place to worship God/Jesus and they're all so kind and welcoming. Ever since I was baptized in the river I've been at peace and I'm so grateful for it.

[makerofmadness]

@umbrarkzoo felt like you'd wanna be tagged in this so you can see dndnndndnd ('cus I know you like these)

Anyway I felt like posting incorrect FNAF quotes again here ya go (under the cut)

may accidentally repeat a quote from a past post 'cus I've made too many to keep track of and it's been a while ok-

quotes taken from the Perchance generator, I just insert the characters in manually if I find something I can work with

One quote features my hc version of the FNAF 3 guard (maybe I'll post more about that someday I just wanted to use her for one quote).

Toy Freddy: I need a long word.  Toy Bonnie: T-rex but the long one.

-

Jeremy Fitzgerald: How do you do that?  Michael Afton: I'm fearless.  Fritz Smith: I saw you run from bees yesterday. You flailed around and tripped over a chair. It was both hysterical and sad.  Michael Afton: I'm mostly fearless. 

-

Golden Freddy: Slash gamemode creative.  Freddy: Dude, this isn't Min-  Golden Freddy: *starts levitating* 

-

Funtime Freddy: Okay, two person huddle.  Bon-Bon: You can't huddle with two people. This is just a hug.  -

Toy Chica: You're pathetic!  Toy Bonnie: You're pathetic-er!  The Puppet: You're both losers.

-

Michael Afton: Can you name a single city in Oklahoma?  Ennard: Oklahoma City, bitch! 

-

Jeremy Fitzgerald: Let’s watch Sharkboy and Lavagirl.  Fritz Smith: Okay.  Jeremy Fitzgerald: And make out during the scary parts.  Fritz Smith: Th-  Fritz Smith: The scary parts.  Fritz Smith: Of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. 

-

Monty, tearing up the room: Where are they?  Monty looking under a pillow: Who moved them? Who moved my children?  Monty: Somebody moved my M&M's, and now I am going to start killing.

-

Michael Afton: We've got to find a way to cut down our expenses. What can we live without?  Helpy: Lefty, probably.  (insert lawsuit joke here)

-

Roxy: If I'm extra sarcastic with you it probably means I'm flirting with you or you really annoy me and I can't handle your crap... have fun figuring out which one. 

-

Funtime Freddy in a horrible German accent: Bill Nye is on break, I'm Bill Nein.  Michael Afton: Can I go to the bathroom?  Funtime Freddy, in the same horrible German accent: Nein! 

-

Roxy: Now, if I may speak for good-looking people everywhere...  Gregory: Only as their rodeo clown. 

-

Michael Afton: WHO THE FUCK-  Helpy: Whoa, language!  Michael Afton: I speak fucking English!  Henry Emily: ... 

-

Crying Child: I wanna sleep for 40 hours.  Michael Afton: You know that's called a coma, right?  Crying Child:  Crying Child: That sounds so refreshing, I could totally go for a light coma right now. 

-

Michael Afton: I only have 6 weeks left to live.  Jeremy Fitzgerald: Oh my god, really?!  Michael Afton: It's just a guesstimate based on the choices I've made.

-

Circus Baby: You use humor to deflect your trauma.  Michael Afton: Awww, thanks-  Circus Baby: That’s not a good thing.  Michael Afton: All I’m hearing is that you think I’m funny.

-

Michael Afton: Susie, you're my best friend.  FNAF 3 Guard: Best friend? BEST friend?! Bitch, I'm your only friend.  FNAF 3 Guard: I'M THE ONLY ONE CAPABLE OF TOLERATING YOUR DUMB ASS!

-

Michael Afton: Hey guys, today my brother pushed me, so I'm starting a kickstarter to put him down.  Michael Afton: The benefits of killing him are that I would get pushed way less. 

-

Michael Afton, making coffee: This is going to fix everything. 

-

Daycare Attendant: Do you guys ever have a civilized conversation that doesn't require insulting each other every time you get a chance?  Roxy: No.  Gregory: No.  Daycare Attendant: Didn't think so. 

-

Jeremy Fitzgerald, talking about Ennard: Is this a friend of yours, Mike?  Michael Afton: Kind of? Not really. They're in my life and there's nothing I can do about it. 

-

Michael Afton: *trying to buy a Father's Day card at Hallmark*  Michael Afton: Excuse me, do you have any that just say "You are my dad?"  Associate: Well, I-  Michael Afton: How about "You banged my mom?"  Associate: No...  Michael Afton: You know what, I'll just get a blank one.  Michael Afton: *writes* You are a father. This is a day. Here is a card. 

-

Sun: Hopefully Roxanne has learned a lesson about respecting other people's feelings.  Roxy: Oh, shut up and die Sun.

-

Fritz Smith: My future partner must be brave, strong, intelligent, successful and organized.  Jeremy Fitzgerald: *steps on a caterpillar and proceeds to drop to his knees and sob while apologizing profusely*  Fritz Smith: That one. I want that one.

-

Glamrock Freddy: Vanessa, is that legal?  Vanessa: When there's no cops around, anything's legal!

-

Toy Chica: I sort of did something and I need some advice, but I don't want a lot of judgment and criticism.  The Puppet: And you came to me? 

-

William Afton: What goes up but never comes down?  Michael Afton: The amount of stress you're bringing this family. 

-

Gregory: I wish I could control wasps and bees to sting my enemies.  Glamrock Freddy: You’re too young to have enemies.  Gregory: You don’t even know. 

-

Vanessa: Here are two pictures. one of them is your room, and the other is the garbage dump.  Monty: *points at a picture* That one is the dump.  Vanessa: tHEY'RE BOTH YOUR ROOM!  -

Funtime Freddy: The time to act is now.  Funtime Freddy: Wink, wink.  Circus Baby: Don't say "wink wink". Just wink.  Funtime Freddy: Oh, sorry.  Funtime Freddy: Wink. 

-

Vanessa: Where are my fucking keys?  Glamrock Freddy: Officer Vanessa, Gregory is around, can you say it a little nicer?  Vanessa: May I ascertain the whereabouts of my FUCKING KEYS?! 

-

Gregory: Good morning. As you begin your day, remember that violence is always an option and often the answer.  Glamrock Freddy:  Gregory:  Glamrock Freddy: ...Please, go back to bed. 

-

Michael Afton: Hey Mr. Emily, do you have any hobbies?  Henry Emily: Swimming..  Michael Afton: Really? That’s cool. I never expected you to-  Henry Emily: In a pool of self hatred and regret. 

-

Michael Afton: So I have made the decision to trust you.  Circus Baby: A horrible decision, really. 

-

Ennard: You should have realised, Eggs Benedict, if the scooper didn't kill you, we would.

[keshetchai]

Disclaimer that the easiest and most effective thing to do is simply block and ignore them. Probably also the most healthy for you mentally.

And don't use this with unhinged people, use your best judgment here, and block when you need to as a first option, not last. Also this probably works better with people who are interested in appearing like they listen to "all sides" or are fair and unbiased, or who care about like hearing people out, or whatever. (Including conservatives who just want to decry how no one listens to them.) And also people who want to appear liberal.

this works because it's happening in public, and because people want to be heard out, and they also don't want to listen.

BUT,

If you don't want to block them immediately for whatever reason, and you aren't being threatened and for some reason you want to engage with this person, this is what I do:

First: I establish we disagree. I establish I am currently communicating with them — this means we could actually continue this discussion and what they want is to be listened to. That's fine. But I don't want to continue the discussion the way it is right now. This part is nebulous, you're just sort of...doing whatever to indicate you realize the conversation was going nowhere.

Got it? Okay.

Second: you pivot to The Offer. The way this gets set up will vary. Sometimes they asked you to read/watch/listen to something and then you can turn this request back on them. Sometimes you can transition from something they said. Sometimes you just don't use any lead in at all.

But the key part is this:

when was the last time you visited a Holocaust museum? Have you ever visited one?

(They've never answered anything recent. Never. If they did, they were usually children.)

Then you pitch it to them:

You're going to offer to help them find the nearest Holocaust museum to them, and you will reimburse their trip by covering ticket admission or parking costs. then after they've been, you can totally continue to discuss their claims or read/watch whatever thing etc.

Where do they live? A day's travel to you? Far away? If you both live a days travel from the nearest one, you tell them you'll join them and go together whenever you can schedule it. If you don't, you offer to reimburse them the cost of admission (if there was any ticket price) or parking contingent on proof of their museum admission ticket. I say that. I tell them I will pay for their ticket, or if there was no ticket, the cost of parking.

If you don't have money just offer to plan logistics. Find the easiest way to get there. Offer to help schedule them for a museum tour, even.

I don't know why this works literally every time I offer, but it does. And by work, I mean no one has ever actually taken up the offer. No one says "okay, if you pay me back for museum parking, I'll go spend a few hours at the Holocaust museum near me." No one says "okay, I'll meet you there and we can go together, if you promise to read this book I want you to read afterwards."

Most of the time they just stop talking. Or they ignore it and try to change the conversation again. Too bad. This is public and people see them side stepping. On Twitter it gets funny because they'll start ignoring you to argue with other jews, and then you can point this out to everyone.

It works great when this person is still trying to talk about witch hunts, or how other people won't do x or y thing they demanded, complain about an unwillingness to have "civil discourse" or whatever silly claim and insist they know XYZ, that they're soooo educated. but you already just had them admit they've never been to a Holocaust museum (and frankly that'd be fine if they ever read any genuine history or Holocaust scholarship, but they haven't done that either) and also they ignored your offer to help them visit one. You even said you'd pay for it! You'd find the nearest museum. You'd go with them personally if you can get to their closest museum.

It's like popping a bubble on them. They drop the conversation. They don't respond to the challenge. If they talk to other people, you can tell those other people about your offer to this person. Other Jews they try to argue with can see how you've signalled they're full of shit if they try to act like they're willing to learn or converse. Sometimes they'll block you, but most of them don't do that until after I've brought up my offer to several other people they were trying to engage or argue with, and they then sense they no longer look good to the audience.

I've never had a single person say yes, they'd do it. I promised up and down I would read whatever 500 page terrible hardback they wanted if they also agreed to do this, and I ALWAYS mean it. No one does it.

Not a one! Although the person who taught me this trick i think(?) has actually managed to get one person to go out of the many many times he's done this.

But it sure does make them stop every time! Also it keeps you from trying to continually argue and educate with no progress while only getting more upset! Stop doing that, it only stresses you out!! Go straight to The Offer!!

If you don't block these people straight off, don't argue with them and infuriate yourself but get nowhere. Just make The Offer. It kinda operates on the same principles of unbalancing people by leveraging peer approval and shame to get them to not make shitty racist jokes or say a slur. Or when you vocally deny whatever it is they want (talked about here a bit.) Like it's not identical, but it does do the thing of not arguing and debunking point by point, but instead redirecting and giving the conversation boundaries publicly.

(And then you block them if you think you'll try arguing again. Don't do that).

Have I already talked about my magic trick to get annoying people on the Internet to shut up when incorrectly invoking/misusing the Holocaust or soft denying it? Like when they are trying to argue something stupid wrong or just toss it around like it's only a rhetorical talking point?

[janetbrown711]

"Why should you get to be angry? It's my life you're messing with" Yakko?

Yakko was still angry, even though it had been over a week since Max had visited.

His siblings' hostility towards Max was really getting on his nerves. Sure, Max caught on pretty early and no one was hurt, but still. It threw everything off- though what that 'everything' was, Yakko wasn't sure.

All he knew was that there was this... pulse, or energy. Like a magnet- Yakko had wanted to touch his face. Why? Max had almost not stopped him- what did that mean?

The fluttering, the blushing, the magnetism, what did it mean???

And why was it every time Yakko felt like maybe he'd figure it out, something or someone always interrupted. Even when Max wasn't there- Yakko would just be trying to sort things out in his head or reading a book, but either his sibs, or his classes, or his parents, or something else distracted him.

That didn't stop him from trying though, as he and Max still continued to write to each other daily, already setting up for Max to visit again tomorrow. He constantly read and reread Max's letters- absorbing every word to craft a perfectly witty yet sincere response. He valued Max and his friendship, he didn't want to ruin it.

And hey, he could tell he was improving. Over the letters he managed to never bring up his grandmother even once- and most of his conversations with Max avoided her too (for the most part... he was working on that). At least he knew other topics now.

However, he was still peeved at his siblings for their attempts to ruin it. Sure Max was clever enough to catch it- but if he hadn't? What if Max had never wanted to see him again after that? What if he had gotten hurt? It was totally irresponsible. He thought Wakko and Dot were better than that.

So- yeah. He was mad, though perhaps angry was too strong. He had mostly buried his anger deep within himself when his father pulled him aside and told him not to get mad at his sibs and that they just needed time, but the anger still resided deep in his chest. Reading the letters did calm him a little though, so that was nice.

However, the day before Max was to come over again, as Yakko went to reread through the letters he found the box that he stored them in to be empty. He searched through every possible drawer and every possible location in the entire castle before admitting what his gut instinct had told him.

His letters were stolen.

And he had a theory on who the culprit could be.

.o0o.

Yakko found his younger brother in his old room, the one nearby the room once belonging to their grandmother, with the private letters all sprawled out before him as he read over them.

All attempts to keep this a civil conversation were thrown out the window in that instant.

"Wakko, what the hell are you doing with my letters?!" Yakko did at least attempt not to shout, but he caught his brother off guard, as he nearly jumped to the ceiling in surprise.

"Y-yakko- I-i thought- I'm just-" Wakko scrambled to gather his mind.

"These letters are none of your business! Why on earth do you have them?!" Yakko approached, angrily taking the letters back.

"I-i thought you read them all- I thought you didn't need them- I-i just-" Wakko fought Yakko, pulling on the letters.

"These are private letters full of private emotions, Wakko. You have no business- I haven't even read this one! What is wrong with you?!" Yakko yanked harder, causing Wakko to let go.

"I-i just- Max is just-"

"Max is just what? Being my friend? Being the first person outside of my family that's ever connected with me?! God forbid I have a life outside of you two!" The elder brother fumed.

"H-he's just trying to take you away! You can't see it because you're like- in love with him- or something!" Wakko bit back.

Yakko froze.

"What did you say..?" Yakko's eye twitched.

"Y...you're like- in love with him. He's just trying to take you away- he's just like grandma!" Wakko argued.

"Max is nothing like grandma." Yakko snapped. "Max has made me the happiest I've ever been in my entire miserable fucking life! You should know that after snooping around my private fucking letters!" Yakko shouted, his voice cracking slightly as he felt himself begin to tear up.

"I just- god-! How could you be so selfish? Why can't you just be happy for me?!" Yakko demanded to know.

Wakko opened his mouth to utter some kind of reply, when without warning, their mother burst through the door.

"What on earth is all this shouting about?" She demanded to know. Wakko attempted to blink away his tears, which unfortunately caused them to fall so instead he picked up what letters he could before storming out without another word.

"Yakko. Tell me what happened. Now." She locked eyes with Yakko, deciding it best to give the younger brother a moment to himself.

Yakko sighed, wiping his tears from his eyes as he sat on Wakko's old bed. Lena was quick to join him, slowly rubbing his back.

"He took my letters. he's been reading them- all of them." Yakko explained bitterly. Lena slowly nodded.

"I just- those are private thoughts between the two of us- it's not just my privacy, it's Max's too. I-it's like Wakko has no respect for either of u-us," Yakko hiccuped a little.

"Now Yakko, you know that isn't true. Wakko thinks the world of you," Lena reminded softly. "He's just... confused. And scared."

"Oh yeah? He can join the club then," Yakko sniffled.

"Look... I know you're going through a lot with Max right now: new emotions, new situations, and the like, but... you've been plenty selfish too, especially in neglecting your siblings, Yakko. They've tried getting your attention several times but they feel as though you won't give them the time of day," Lena held one of his hands.

"I-i haven't-..." Yakko's instinct was to protest but as he reflected upon the past few months, he recognized the truth behind her words.

"Shit..." He muttered.

"Now, I'm not going to make you cancel Max's visit for tomorrow, but do know that after he's gone I want you to spend some good quality time with your siblings, alright? I'm sure Max will understand your situation plenty," Lena said softly yet firmly.

"Y-yeah... I guess I've been pretty wrapped up, haven't I?" He chuckled weakly.

"It's alright dear, so long as you do your best to recognize the mistake and make up for it through your actions," She kissed the top of his head. Yakko sighed and leaned his head on her shoulder.

The pair stayed like this a moment, before Lena decided she had waited long enough and it was time for her to seek out Wakko. However, as she started to head through the door, Yakko stopped her.

"Mom?" He asked.

"Yes?"

"Do you-... Am I...?"

Yakko bit his lip as he tried to think of what to ask.

"How do you know if you're in love?"

Lena chuckled softly.

"Hard to say, as it truly is different for everyone... But from what I remember... it's a sense of comfort and peace; being at peace with who you are and who they are to the point where you constantly want to be with them for that peace... if that makes any sense." Lena shook her head.

"Then again, when has love ever made any sense?" She snickered.

"Uh-huh..." Yakko pondered her words.

"I'm sorry dear, I'm afraid that's something you'll have to figure out on your own," She explained. "I'm afraid I have to go to your brother now though, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah- that's... yeah," Yakko nodded and Lena headed out, leaving Yakko to sort out this new information.

.o0o.

Wakko hated shouting.

It made him feel small- like he was four all over again. God- why did he always just make things worse? He never backed down, even when he said something stupid.

He hid in one of the storage closets near the tower. It was dark and cramped, but it was where he felt he ought to be. After all, he didn't want to be seen.

He gripped the letters in his hands tighter. He didn't know why he took them that time- it was dumb. He was already caught- Yakko already knew he was a thief.

But it was to protect him against Max-

Max.

Just that name made Wakko's blood boil and angry tears increase.

He hated Max.

He hated him a lot. Yakko wouldn't see it- he was under his siren spell somehow. Wakko thought taking those letters would show him some kind of clue to unraveling it, but instead, it just showed how messed up and lost Yakko was. It hurt to read each word and Yakko's notes on the letters- the little question marks and underlines and occasional heart. Wakko hated it.

Wakko hated Max.

He hated him very, very much.

He was taking his brother away- his brother would never ignore him unless there was something very sinister forcing him too- which Max clearly was.

R...right?

Wakko continued crying.

However, after a while of crying in the dark a soft knock interrupted his tears as the door slowly opened to reveal his mother, who slowly sat on the ground outside the closet and opened her arms. Wakko hesitated a moment, before practically leaping out into her loving arms.

"There, there Wakko..." She soothed as he sobbed in her arms.

"I-i w-was just- i-i just-" he couldn't get his words out.

"I know darling, he shouldn't have shouted so much," she stroked his head.

"I-i just..." Wakko attempted to breathe enough to calm himself.

"I know... you don't trust Max yet, and it's scary seeing Yakko connect so quickly, I know," She moved him so she could see his face, wiping the tears from his eyes.

Wakko sniffled. "H-he's just trying to take him away."

"That's not true, Wakko. Max is just spending time with him- Yakko is just getting... a little caught up is all," Lena sighed.

"B-but he never ignored me like this before he met him," Wakko frowned.

"I know Wakko... he hasn't done his best with balancing everything out..." She said. "But... you haven't made it exactly easier either."

Wakko blinked at that.

"What I mean is... you haven't given Max a shot yet. You rejected him without giving him a shot to prove himself to you," Lena said.

Given him a shot..? Was she insane? She would never suggest he "give grandma a shot" so why was she suggesting to give Max a shot? Because he "seemed" friendlier and more charismatic???

"Wakko, look. Whether or not you like it, Yakko really really likes Max. The least you can do is give him a day to prove himself, alright?" Lena made him look at her.

She looked so desperate for him to believe her, it made him sad. She was clearly under Max's spell too.

It became clear to Wakko he had been underestimating Max. If he wanted him gone for good and to free his family from his influence, he was going to have to take drastic measures.

"Maybe..." he mumbled for her sake. Lena smiled softly and kissed the top of his hat.

"Yakko will really appreciate it," She said.

"Yeah, okay," Wakko looked at the ground.

Yakko will appreciate it when he's free of Max's stupid curse- all of them will be.

"I have to go back to work- will you be okay?" Lena asked. Wakko nodded. Lena slowly stood, helping Wakko up as well, before giving him another hug and a kiss on his hat.

"It's gonna be okay Wakko, just give him a chance," She said.

"Okay," he said, giving a weak smile. Lena gave a similarly weak smile back before hugging him once more and walking away.

'Give him a chance.' Oh please- Wakko would give him a chance alright.

Wakko stormed right back into that storage closet, climbed up to the tallest shelf, and pulled down the highest key, before storming right on down to the tower- quickly and furiously unlocking the massive lock just to be sure, and-

Yes, they hadn't bricked it off quite yet.

Wakko now had the perfect to keep Max far away from his family for the rest of his life.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 The End

[najoah]

First Chance [Chapter 6]

Eyebrows furrowing in confusion, I moved the cursor around the monitor. My eyes glanced at the time. 12 minutes before class and I still can't figure out how to print my assignment. The dormitory's printing shop was filled with student, and the owner was too busy to attend to me.

Looking out the window in defeat, a familiar figure walks into view. With his khaki backpack in one hand, and a kimbap in the other, Kyu became the answer to my prayers. I knocked on the window to catch his attention. "Help," I mouthed when he turned to face me.

He snickered as he slung his backpack on his left shoulder and walked into the store.

Casually placing the kimbab in the pocket of his cardigan, Kyu reached out to pat my head – a habit he has taken up on every time we meet. "How can I be of service, my lady?"

Grabbing his sleeve, I pulled him over to the screen. "I might be dumb, but I can't figure out how to print this out."

He leaned in for a closer look. "Well, the computer is in Korean so you're not exactly dumb." His hand reached out for the mouse, and I watched closely - memorizing the step he took for my future references. Not a second later, the printer made a sound - signaling that the job has been done.

"Thank you, you life saver!" I held the paper to my chest, relieved. "I was really about to cry there."

"Small thing. Also," he said, pointing to a little sheet taped on the wall behind the computer, "there's an instruction here in English."

I looked to where he was pointing, and sure enough, there it was. Embarrassed, I hit my head with the palm of my hand. "Okay, I really am dumb. I totally did not see that."

"Of course, you didn't," he said with a hint of sarcasm. He took a quick glance at his phone, "Are you going to East Civ? We have to run if we want to make it."

I looked at my watch. "Shit, you're right."

Kyu strapped on his backpack on both shoulders before holding out his hand to me, "Shall we run, my lady?"

The thought of running across campus filled with me dread. The chance of tripping to my death while walking is already higher than the average human. Plus, the thought of sweat dripping on the side of my face... I shuddered. "I'm sorry, but I don't run."

His hand fell back to his side, his face bemused.

"Let's just take our time," I continued, "We're going to be late either way so let's make the most of it."

He smirked. Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he said, "Okay, let's take our own sweet time."

Fifteen minutes later, Kyu and I stood in front of the auditorium's door. Eastern Civilization was a mandatory class for all freshman student and is the only class held here. While the auditorium had three different points of entrance, there was only one that is accessible to students. The main door, situated at the back of class. The one that creaks obnoxiously at the slightest touch.

Ah, taking our sweet time was the wrong move.

Kyu and I looked at the door, and then to each other, and back to the door. "In three..." His hand was on the handle, "two, one."

The door creaked open and all six hundred freshman students on campus turned their head around. Professor Choi's lecture halted as he looked to us. Shocked by the attention, I felt my whole body heating up.

"Sorry, sorry," Kyu apologized, bowing to the professor. I did the same before we both made our way to our assigned seat. I was lucky – my seat was on the second last row but Kyu had to make all the way down the hall to his seat with all eyes on him.

Professor Choi cleared his throat, and turned everyone's attention back to lecture. Nestled on my chair, I pressed my lips together in embarrassment.

Nia, seated next to me, placed a small note on my table. I allowed myself a few minutes to calm down before prying the note open.

What a fucking entrance!

I crumpled the note in my hand and shoot her the middle finger. She laughed inaudibly and shifted her attention back to the lecture.

I pulled out my notebook from my backpack, body still warm from our grand entrance. On the new page, I wrote down two words that has become the fabric of my existence: Baek Hyunkyu.

Forty-five minutes of Gandhi and dozens of stifled yawns later, Professor Choi called for the ten-minute break we were all waiting for. I leaned against the chair as my classmates all stood, stretched and made their way out of the class for a breath of fresh air. Any other day, Nia and I would made our way to the vending machine on the second floor but still reeling from humiliation, I wanted nothing more than to stay within the walls of this great big hall.

Despite my eyes closed, Nia's penetrating gaze was burning a hole on my skin. "What do you want?"

"You can't come in like that and not tell me what happened," she whined. "You can't leave me hanging. I've been dying since the moment you walked in with lights beaming behind the both of you. It's a fucking k-drama and I need some context!"

"Shhh!!" I placed my finger on his lip. "Well, you have to wait. I can't say anything with 600 people around."

"Say what?" The deep, and warm voice I knew so well interrupted our chats. "You wanted to know why we were so late?"

We both turned to Kyu, who had made himself comfortable on the seat behind us. With a cup of canned coffee on his hand, he looked back at me with a smirk – sending butterflies to my stomach.

"Hi, Kyu," I greeted, tone flat.

Pulling out the same canned coffee from his cardigan, he smiled back. "Hi, there." Kyu placed the canned drink on top of my head. "This is for you."

I reached for the drink, confused. "Thanks. But what's this for?"

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "Maybe to help you get through the last few strands of mortification that you seem to be tangled by?"

My cheeks grew warm. "We should have just ran over."

"We really should have, " he agreed, his voice teasing. "But someone insisted to take their own sweet time." Then he did something – something that played in my mind whenever I think of him. He winked.

Nia, who was enjoying the K-drama scene unfolding before her, cleared her throat. "Okay, what the hell happened between you guys?"

I pressed my lips together, letting the question hang in the air. Nia could have gotten the answer from me, but I wanted to see what the boy with the smile had to say. In other circumstances, what happened earlier was nothing worth noting. Nia had the right to be curious about Kyu and I coming in together – we hardly acknowledge each other's presence in public despite how close I think we were. Conversations we shared about our hopes and dreams were privately shared over texts. But face to face, we were acquaintances. I revealed so much of me that it leaves me overly conscious of his gaze every time we meet. All I knew was that I had fallen for this boy from the conversations we shared, but I could never tell what he thought of me.

Kyu leaned in, his face now inches from mine. "Ahna rejected me," he whispered, his eyes piercing into mine. For a brief moment, the world stopped. I was swimming in his dark eyes, looking for the answer to the question that keeps me up all night. For a moment, I saw a glimpse of hope, of a future. But the clock moved again when he stood to his feet, leaving me without an answer. "Class is starting." He took a step back smiling at me, before turning his back and walking away.

Nia gasped, "Oh my God."

[punkscowardschampions]

Jac & Savannah

Jac: Feel totally free to ignore this, and this isn't an attempt to further any more conversation between us again if you don't want it, but it would feel bizarre to pretend...well, that we hadn't known each other before, or that I'd forgotten you entirely, so Jac: Obviously things weren't great when you left but I'm fully over that as no doubt you are too Jac: As we're classmates again, it makes sense to me that we are civil and prepared to work together if necessary but I'm not going to attempt more than that, nor am I holding some kind of grudge which would prohibit the former, I thought I'd reassure you of that, as well as just say, hello, I suppose 🙂 Savannah: You're right, it would be bizarre as well as counterproductive Savannah: though, we don't actually know each other any more, two formative years having passed, so I don't see why we can't start over Savannah: treating each other like we would our other classmates Jac: That sounds logical to me too Jac: I'd be happy to treat this as an introduction opposed to a reintroduction Savannah: okay Savannah: but before we do, I just want to say I'm really proud of you for getting in Jac: You too Jac: it's amazing, isn't it Jac: better than we had even visualized and worked and prayed for Savannah: I always knew you could do it Jac: I had no doubts about you, either Jac: potential that you'd changed your course and vision but whatever you put your mind and talent to Savannah: I did think you'd go to Bath, or that I would Jac: I could lie here and say something about preferring the history and culture of Edinburgh as a city, and finding St Andrews better in X Y Z but Jac: Bath didn't happen, is the reality of it Jac: but I'm not devastated, as I once would've been to be left with my 2nd choice Savannah: We don't have to lie, it didn't happen for me either, partly because catholic school did of course, but that's not the entirety of it Jac: I try to leave lying, however innocuous and pointless, two years ago, too Jac: Karma or otherwise, just stopped feeling worth it Jac: how was your new School? Savannah: A lot of things stopped feeling worth it to me too Savannah: Oh, Sienna liked it Savannah: I did not Jac: I am sorry to hear that Jac: I can't think of anything I would've liked less than being surrounded by other hormonal, crazy, moody, bitchy teenage girls either Savannah: at least she thrived, you wouldn't even recognise her now Savannah: she's so Savannah: Loud Jac: 😂 Jac: Loud can be good Jac: at least some positives came of it all Savannah: she reminds me of how I remember Jude Savannah: but she's happy, I think Jac: I think you'd still have recognized Jude Jac: likely from a mile off, giving you time to escape Jac: I hope she is Savannah: 😄 Jac: and that you'll be happier here than you were there, too Savannah: unless either of my parents enrol, we can take that as a given Jac: I'll drink to that Jac: complimentary coffee, that is Savannah: for now anyway Jac: Hopefully the plans get a little more exciting Savannah: 🙌 Jac: Have you heard any Psych school nights being organized or do you think one of us should bite that bullet and start the group chat? Savannah: we should do it Savannah: best foot forward, you know? Jac: Absolutely Jac: Why not, eh Jac: You're in halls too, right? Savannah: Yes Savannah: where are you? Jac: John Burnet, how about you? Savannah: You only get a single bed too! Savannah: I'm in University Hall Savannah: it's so pretty Jac: The nuns taught you well then 😛 Jac: I think it's worth it for the architecture, we'll just have to remember not to roll Savannah: 👼🏾🙏🏾 Savannah: It wasn't worth ANOTHER argument with my dad about co-ed Jac: and you get to have the Libraries literally right on your doorstep Jac: I was debating it, but I'm still better in smaller crowds, that sold JB to me ultimately Savannah: if my dad didn't run my life I totally would've applied there too Savannah: I love that it has a garden Jac: I know, right? Jac: Well you can use my little patch of 🌷 🌹 🌺 🌸 🌼 🌻 whenever you like, because I'll certainly be haunting the libraries enough Savannah: You haven't lost any of your sweetness Savannah: & of course you must, I hate studying alone Jac: I'll probably be tragically uncool forever, our classmates may as well find out sooner rather than later 💁 Jac: if the sight of all those books gets too much, there's always the 🏖 for maximum studying, I'm sure Savannah: No way! I had more fun with you than I've had with anyone else EVER Savannah: they'll find all your good points Jac: 😊 Jac: Okay, we did have some fun Savannah: a lot Jac: I can't/shan't disagree with that Savannah: it doesn't feel like two years Savannah: sometimes more like twenty, or like two months Jac: It is really weird, I felt like I haven't said it because it can't be overstated Jac: but good weird Jac: are any of your friends from Sligo here too? Jac: I don't know anyone Savannah: I don't know anyone either Jac: A familiar face is a good thing Jac: as is getting to know each other afresh, they can coexist Savannah: I thought it was for the best that nobody followed me here, until I saw you Jac: Shocking as it was Jac: glad the 😱 isn't permanent Jac: I'd hate to do that to you, honestly Savannah: you don't believe I could pull it off? Jac: Of course you could Jac: but your 😄 is undeniably a better look Savannah: my lips ARE very big, I could end up looking like a blow up doll if I'm forever open mouthed from today onwards Savannah: then I'd never marry a prince Jac: Why we're here, obviously Savannah: Everyone thinks so Savannah: just because my boyfriend dumped me after the leavers cert Jac: Oof Jac: that's rough Jac: though at least he didn't steal your Summer? I guess Savannah: Oh my god! That's exactly what he said Savannah: no wonder he reminded me of you Jac: Oh God 😬 are you suggesting I should be in Sallies with the rest of the fuckboys? 😂 Jac: not the crowd I was hoping to get in with but, you know Savannah: where you are is perfect for you Jac: 🤞 Savannah: it feels right being here Jac: Yeah Jac: it really does Savannah: I was worried I wouldn't feel that when I actually got here but 🙏🏾 Jac: I thought it'd be scarier being away from home Jac: but if anything, it's a relief Savannah: you don't have to share a room with Jude any more, it obviously would be Savannah: how is everyone though? Jac: 🍵🙊 Jac: No, they're good, all doing their own thing Jac: Jesse's got his music, the kids are the same old Jac: oh, Jameson got a girlfriend though, that's cute Savannah: I can't believe one brother is literally famous and the other is adorably loved up Savannah: Sienna hasn't had a boyfriend yet, I think that's my fault Jac: Honestly, they're both unbearable now 😏 Jac: overprotective big sister vibes or off-putting dumping ex? Savannah: Jesse was always an acquired taste, which I never did Savannah: Oh, both, for sure 🤫 Jac: Musically and personality-wise, he'd agree you have a point Jac: long as she's happy, like you said Jac: always found them too distracting myself Savannah: I suppose I just always needed a distraction Jac: Clearly, that's why we aren't having this conversation in Bath Jac: for the best, in the end 🌌🔮 Savannah: I hope so Jac: Honestly, it's a better uni Jac: and I'm not just lying to myself/you to make us feel better 😂 Jac: Delia Rockford, you remember her, right? Jac: She got into Bath, so, you aren't missing out, is what I mean Savannah: I hate her Jac: She's doing International Management and German Jac: the language of the future 🤨 Savannah: She's German descent! That's basically cheating Jac: You'd think she's got a place at Cambridge studying classics the way she's been bragging Jac: they aren't remotely top in languages or whatever the hell International Management is but alright 🙄 Savannah: I'm so glad she blocked me after what happened during the party at Michelle Brennan's house Savannah: which wasn't even my fault Jac: Now that feels like a million years ago Savannah: It was Savannah: I don't think we were even friends yet Jac: We weren't for that long, in the grand scheme of things Jac: that's the weirdest part Jac: we were pretty intense, yeah Savannah: everything was pretty intense Jac: It was Jac: Isabelle is doing coaching at TUD Jac: we were never really the same but she's well in herself Savannah: She'll be incredible at that Savannah: if it had happened to me, there's no way I would've not been retaking the year Jac: I know Savannah: did you hear about my mum? Jac: No, I don't think I did? Savannah: she'll appreciate it not being common knowledge, I guess Jac: Is she okay? Savannah: She's doing better now Savannah: which I suppose means she's at about the same level as she was before I left Savannah: because she really struggled after Jac: It must've been really hard for her Jac: to have you two gone, and realize it probably was for the best Jac: did you see her much, in these two years? Savannah: not as much as I should've Jac: You can't be blamed for that Jac: you had to take care of yourself, and Sienna Savannah: but she needed me to stay Jac: Maybe she needed to sort herself out Jac: and she's getting there Jac: our parents shouldn't be our responsibility Savannah: It has to work out here, you know? Savannah: I can't go back Jac: Of course it will Jac: you're going to be fine, amazing Jac: and then you can do your masters and your Ph.D. and then marry a prince and you'll have several royal residences, neither of which will be in Dubo or Sligo Savannah: I'm just sick of things being painful, difficult is fine, but I want it not to hurt Savannah: which is a HUGE overshare if we met today Jac: it's cool Jac: I hear everyone is best friends for life fresher's week Savannah: that makes me feel a lot better Savannah: especially when I pause to consider how many of them I'm likely to cry on before it's over Jac: It's basically tradition Jac: you won't be the only one Jac: moving forward, it's bound to make you think more about what you're leaving behind, even if temporarily Savannah: I've missed you Savannah: sorry if that's like leaping over a boundary or something Jac: I wouldn't have bet on that being what you said, should I ever see you again Jac: but it's better than what I would've Savannah: It's not like this with anyone else Savannah: I can't change that Jac: I never really Jac: like I went out, people would talk to me, I'm not trying to sell a sob story here Jac: but you're right Jac: it was never the same with anyone else, not remotely Savannah: I've given you mine already, so if you have one, it's okay to tell it or not Savannah: even if I'm so embarrassed I did that Jac: Seriously, no need Jac: you were there to witness my unfinest hour Jac: I treated lots of people like shit Jac: Is, mainly Jac: but you too, in lots of ways Jac: not proud of it, but I changed, still am, hopefully Savannah: I hope you don't change too much though Jac: Yeah? Savannah: I thought you were perfect how you were Jac: And I'm the sweet one Savannah: we both made mistakes, but that's human Jac: It's been a while since anyone's accused me of being human Jac: all those exams Jac: 🤖 felt more fitting Savannah: & you look so 👼🏻 Jac: You look as flawless as you ever did Savannah: My auntie mailed all her good skincare to Sligo Jac: expect no less 🙌 Savannah: the fresher air was 🙌 Savannah: even if the rural accents took me by surprise Jac: 😵 or 🥴 surprise though? Savannah: not like 😊 😋 😍 😘 🥰 Jac: the accent here is pretty 🤭 Jac: though Savannah: which one? 😄 Jac: Valid Jac: very town VS gown Savannah: which one though? Savannah: tell me Jac: The original Savannah: very Romeo & Juliet of you Jac: Oh no Jac: am I that cliche now? Savannah: we'll see Jac: Sounds slightly concerning Jac: but I'll do my best to subvert expectations Savannah: it'll be concerning if you get distracted by some boy's accent after working this hard to get here Savannah: unless he's a prince, obviously Jac: Not changed that much Jac: I'd get disowned if I married royalty, anyway Savannah: 🚫💍👰 Savannah: just adorable heirs to the throne Savannah: 👶👶👶👶👶 Jac: adorable, illegitimate bastards ❤ Savannah: yes Savannah: or is that another cliche? Jac: Probably Jac: although if we are educated, career women now, any babies is beating expectations Savannah: except not really because every career woman is also determined to become a mother & prove she can have it all Jac: 🚫👶 it is then Jac: maybe a dissertation topic, at any rate Savannah: 😢 Jac: 👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾 Jac: many as you like Savannah: they all need best friends Savannah: you have to stick to the plan Jac: Can I get through freshers first? Savannah: 🤞🏾 Jac: Please, I'm no amateur Savannah: I hope not, I'm single & the point is we do it at the same time Jac: as am I Jac: not feeling any 1st year that hard, thanks 😏 Savannah: you always date older, it's fine Jac: None of our lecturers were the one Jac: another cliche avoided Savannah: I'm not sad about that Jac: There's enough inequality of power about without actively seeking out the dynamic, agreed Savannah: ^^ Jac: the fashion show seems to have got the diversity memo though Jac: could be cool Savannah: it's going to be the highlight, I can feel it Jac: 😄 Jac: I was thinking Tues for our psych night, as nothing much is really going on Jac: what do you think? Savannah: good idea Jac: 👍 Savannah: I'll start the chat if you want Jac: You were always better at talking Savannah: when it's not that important, but when it matters, you always know exactly what to say Savannah: at least to me Jac: You're easy to talk to Jac: in a way I really could never work out Savannah: There's nobody in my life right now who would agreed with that Savannah: so it must be you Jac: my inbox full of unreads would say otherwise but Jac: I'll take it Savannah: okay, it's us together Savannah: does that make you happier? Jac: Better Savannah: your hair got really long Savannah: I'm BEYOND jealous Jac: You've got no reason to be jealous of any other girl in the world Savannah: you're not any other girl in the world Savannah: 🤫🤫 Jac: 😶 Jac: Promise Savannah: it looks beautiful, I can't cope Jac: My 😳 will not Savannah: 💗 Savannah: 🌷 🌺 🌸 Jac: Is that a dress code? Savannah: well NOW it is Jac: 😂 Jac: My wardrobe can accomodate Jac: cheers for the heads up Savannah: you're welcome Savannah: & we're all set until 💬 Jac: I better let you get on then Savannah: was it that good of a conversation starter? Jac: Solid Jac: will scare off anyone 😱 of 💗 🌷 🌺 🌸 Savannah: well I obviously don't need that negativity in my life Savannah: but I didn't mean to end this conversation Jac: We don't have to Jac: What are your plans for the rest of the day, now the obligatory are over? Savannah: don't judge me, because I know I sound like a different person, but I haven't made any Jac: Thank God, me neither Jac: I didn't know how long any of that would take Jac: nor unpacking, which is technically done but that says nothing about the decorating I wanna do Savannah: I could help Jac: Or, slightly more fair, we could check out the town, see what shops are about? Savannah: I'd like that Jac: Cool 🙂 Jac: let's have half an hour to debrief and make sure we don't look 😱 and then head out? Savannah: okay Savannah: you can put your hair up & save my life Jac: oh 🤫 Savannah: I am serious Savannah: 🚗 🚕 🚲 are distraction enough Jac: You could rock a cast Jac: but I won't let it happen Savannah: what would you write on it? Jac: That's a good 🧊breaker Jac: but I'll have to keep that secret for now Savannah: if I ask everyone on Tuesday, will you tell me then? Jac: It's a deal Savannah: it is

[rpbetter]

Hi, my knowledge is mainly from the blog. You're right, I think Rolescape can benefit from more varied takes. I want to add my two cents. I just wish there was another way to do it. I don't know if I can stay on the server that long because I get bad stage fright. I joined briefly, but I felt like I was walking into a clique that already formed. I just don't like servers. That's another problem I have with this I guess. It feels unfair, exclusionary to people like me. Can you share any tips?

Thank you for replying back! I didn't want to just imply what your experience was, especially as that easily comes off as a snooty, "well, if you were in The Server you'd know!" kind of thing that I am not cool with.

I absolutely understand! Despite running this blog, my RP blogs, and trying to be a reasonably social presence, I'm really not very socially inclined. I actually held out on joining the RS server for months, had to have a friend vet that it was relatively chill, not an incredibly busy atmosphere. Honestly, and y'all can despise me for this, free pass, I don't like discord in general, it's just become the only option for messaging off of tumblr, and that's what I keep it to - messaging friends and trustworthy, not hyper-social, mutuals. Servers and other group chat situations give me hives lol I'm only somewhat joking! I hate it. It overwhelms and exhausts me.

So, notably, RS's server is not like that. There are some busy moments when several people are joining at once, there's a conversation going in a channel, or the developer drops something new/asks for feedback. That's really it, though, and even then, I've yet to see anyone having to like, rapid-fire answer to get a word in edgewise. I've not been stressed out enough to (and I do mean this absolutely literally, I have a trichotillomania issue, hats are my besties, shhh y'all don't tell anyone my Secret) pull my hair out or anything. The opinions expressed are incredibly civil, everyone is very respectful. Even when you can tell that things are getting a bit intense between differing opinions!

It really helped my anxiety over it to have someone already there, someone who also has some anxiety issues and gets socially overwhelmed, no less, who could tell me that it was a chill place. Maybe knowing that will help you as well! I would totally, and too bluntly, tell you if I felt like it sucked there.

On that same note, if it would make you comfortable enough to join and eventually be able to speak up there, I'd be happy to PM you my discord so you'd know of one person there. Again, as a rather private and less social person, I totally understand if that wouldn't help you, and you can just know that I am, in fact, there.

Because you're right...when you enter any established space, even if people don't treat you that way, you feel like an outsider. They've established roles in the server and friendships with each other, you haven't. It's totally natural to get a clique vibe and be uncomfortable! Making the only way you can get over that really difficult, as that way is to dive in.

Now, again, full honesty, cheery people kind of freak me out lol but the folks in the general chat are pretty welcoming! If you could always respond to them and get some comfort level established by jumping into a recent conversation then, or asking a question that might start a short conversation with them. Like, asking how everyone's day/night has been, or how they're liking the server. Just little, casual questions like that to get someone talking. If you are there when I usually am (overnight, America, CST), it's very slow and quiet, only one to four people are very active then, so it's a great time to interact with fewer people.

Do you enjoy pets? They have a pet channel if so! That's always a great sort of place to make yourself comfortable and meet people in a purely friendly atmosphere. Pet people want to share and talk about their pets, they also want you to share yours. These are positive conversations waiting to happen! If it's your deal, check out this channel, you'll see recent pictures and discussions surrounding the pet(s) in them that you can then add to the conversation on. "Adorable cat! This has to be a cat thing, mine does it too, see -picture of your cat on clean laundry-" If there has been nothing new recently, add a funny or cute picture of your pet or a pet you know that you enjoy.

There are also the "fun stuff" and "self-promo" channels. With the former, you might find a way to join a conversation about something shared or, again, share something in the same vein of humor you see present. The latter, you might end up finding someone sharing their RP blog(s) who you know and didn't realize was in the server as well.

Then, there is the "feedback and questions" channel. I found it easier to just jump in there on a topic that I felt compelled to join in on. The same might happen with you! It's easier for me to speak about something I care about than it is to engage in casual conversation, especially with people I don't know. If you feel the same way, this might be your answer in getting a push to feel comfortable enough to say something.

Again, I very much understand where you're coming from, Anon! Servers in general are not meant for people like me either. They're inherently exclusionary when you have problems functioning and feeling comfortable in those environments...I can't even properly enjoy servers set up by friends when either more than two of them are actively speaking or even a single person is especially "busy" (effusive about something, excited/excitable, etc. none of which are bad things, friends who see this lol y'all know how I am and I appreciate that you love me regardless). I 100% feel you, no judgment here!

If it isn't something you can do, at least you tried, right? You should still feel proud of trying, of caring enough to try. If you try again, it's okay to just lurk quietly and be aware of what is going on, too. For however long you need to. Maybe a topic will spur you into commenting like it did me! If you see something you like, say it. I don't think there is ever enough detailed positive commentary either. Most people just say that they like something, pop up a sticker, etc. and it's good. Having run businesses, sites, forums, blogs, and yeah, discord servers, I know how unhelpful non-detailed positive feedback can be. It's great you like this, but what do you like about it? That is useful application in other things, as well as being something I know I should try not to change in the future flippantly. So, if it's easier for you to establish yourself as existing there by saying something positive, by all means, do that first!

Otherwise, like the concern over leaning too much in the purity direction, no one was nasty to me for giving a different opinion than the more vocal people. It wasn't brushed aside or treated with hostility. No rushed to talk over me or refute anything I said, either. Definitely a less awful environment than tumblr has trained us all to expect!

It is additionally worth noting that I was not the only person in there with a different take. There are people who will politely and respectfully counter issues like "but survivors" and they are engaged with by the developer with just as much interest as the other side. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels the way you do, so long as you're expressing yourself politely, your feedback is welcome and going to be treated as such. It just seems to me that, as on tumblr and twitter, the most vocal and capable of public opining group happens to the purity police.

Probably because the rest of us have had our already present social anxieties and difficulties exacerbated by the purity police at some point or another, making it more difficult for us to speak up. Whereas their experience is being able to run on mob mentality, having their experiences forcing themselves to socialize rewarded. So...maybe not letting the entire phenomenon win is helpful, too?

Whatever you decide to do, whenever you decide to do it, I appreciate that you care enough about your concerns to have tried and even asked for tips on how to try again. That's awesome of you!

[acourtoffuckmylifeup]

@santaclausdeadindian

To be fair you're absolutely right about a lot of stuff and no way am I firing back at your reply bc respect and I get you, good valid argument.

Just wrote this at a time of great impulsiveness and completely opinionated on my behalf and putting it out there I didn't bring any facts into this because it was from me suddenly remembering about it and getting ranty, less rather than me checking facts and being technical.

But still again, opinion based and I obviously ship Zutara and was just feeling a bit ranty about that and I'm just being typically like 'wah it's been 9/10 years and my otp are still not endgame and never will be'. So sorry about that but just letting off steam

nothing against housewives it's just the way the watertribe was based in ATLA they wanted to conform her into that role where the men were the ones in a place of power and the females were kind of cast off as the healers but weren't allowed to be much more and she was so against it, like that wasn't her as a person but in LOK at the start before Korra leaves (can't remember facts tbh so this is off of memory but if you/anyone can add then would be grateful) she suggested something or said something and was kind of pushed aside or ignored in terms of opinion, like again she saved the world and she deserves more like people bowing at her feet or something idk. Got me a bit upset at the character change there. And tbh I know her and Aang were involved but it just seemed like the character vibe of them as a married couple wasn't there as much and we found out about them or Aang more from their children but not quite as much of how Katara was or how she felt after he died (that I can recall)

and I find that sad because I wish we had a different series that was just the gaang after the war (also about one of your previous points about not expecting them to come out of the war perfect -- I get that, I know they won't be and I love how they didn't sugarcoat it but I wish we had more time to see them together after the war. Even just glimpses of them meeting up but it seemed like they were all just split apart which is heart wrenching.) I want to watch all (literally all) of the events that took place after the war between the gaang to see how they come to the places they are now and the choices they made because there are plot holes and I miss seeing them but also I think it'd be too sad to watch my mains grow up.

And i agree with all your points on the characters like yeah they were still good but here's me being ranty and picking out the bad parts that I was mad about but being totally honest I see both sides of the argument, I like them being flawed and human but at the same time I think it's because I'm so unused to it and seeing it hurts because yeah it's realistic and even hits too close to home in some parts especially Toph and makes me kind of defensive about the characters because I wish they could be happy and perfect but they're not and I have to be realistic about it but it sucks either way. Also didn't know Suki and Toph were getting a comic book!! Where? When? And sign me up!

And you're right about Azula and it's the worst because hers was probably the most relatable of all but still she wasn't saved. I suppose though they didn't actually show it but in the comics Zuko and Azula go off to find their mum (and it gets more twisted with them) but again realistically she was made into a product of her fathers abuse and it's awful that she became "bad" for that but I haven't read the comics only heard spoilers but apparently there is a sort of redemption arc for her which she deserves. Except we don't hear about her in LOK as well which is a shame.

****this is a nice little debate/conversation not trying to turn it into an argument because I hate those but rather like discussing people's opinions and how they (mainly mine) might be impulsive to start and actually debating about them so nice to keep it nice and civil :) ****

ATLA AND LOK RANT

There will never be a day when I wake up and won’t be angry at the fact that both

Zutara (theultimateship) wasn’t endgame even though they were literally perfect for one another, each others opposites, perfect ying/yang and both great chemistry and a mature realistic relationship.

The Gaang was done dirty so bad, not even one of them was left off well (maybe Zuko but *cough cough, wasn’t with any of the gang and no uncle Iroh and probably married Mai so how good could he have been*)::

- Sokka was fucked over and just discarded and killed off with no explanation of why or when or how and that was that, we didn’t need to know any more apparently,

Toph was ruined (still cool but um her whole story line and how she was left in a goddamn swamp and written off as a bitchy psycho old lady and everything with her children?? She would have been the best mum bc look at her parents, she would have succeeded where they failed and she was always so wise so wtf happened!!),

Aang was left as “a bad father” and his whole personality and characterisation was just rewritten in his old age??? Like he didn’t care about them and it wasn’t explained why he treated them like that or what happened with Katara or anything about him in the gaang and he was just used as something to fuel the character development of his children rather than the great character he was?

Suki was literally dropped never heard of her again like where is she? where did she go? where did she come from cottoneyejoe? Never saw or heard about her in her old age and did she survive seeing as she was a warrior so there’s the chance she didn’t but she wasn’t a main main but she was still important!

Katara was the worst as she was just denounced to a simple watertribe wife who was treated like she hadn’t accomplished anything and wasn’t allowed a proper say (SHE SAVED THE WORLD YOU PIECES OF SHIT) and her new character just didn’t care? didn’t fight them? ATLA Katara would have challenged them all and did challenge anyone who put her in that position but LOK Katara was just made into a fricking house wife for Aang and I’m so pissy about it still,

They all deserved better and they were more of a family to me than my own family when I was younger and they were done dirty and I will be 108 and hating on their ruination still, just watch me.