#also featuring: dougal

[ludmilachaibemachado]

In March 1974, John began producing Harry Nilsson's "Pussy Cats" album in Los Angeles. Considering the poor drinking habits of both Lennon and Nilsson, Lennon thought it would be a good idea for the musicians to live under one roof to ensure they would get to the studio on time, so May Pang (John's girlfriend at the time) rented a beach house in Santa Monica for her, Lennon, Nilsson, Ringo Starr and Keith Moon to live. Mal Evans, the roadie of The Beatles in the 60s, was appointed assistant producer🌼🎍🌼

After the first night of recording, on March 28, special guests showed up at the Record Plant Studios: Paul and Linda McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Bootleg recordings from the session were later released as the album A Toot and a Snore in '74. It is the only known instance of Lennon and McCartney recording together since the break-up of the Beatles🍀

Photo 4, taken on April 11974 at 625 Palisades Beach Road, Santa Monica by Peter 'Dougal' Butler; featuring Keith Moon in between John and Paul, is believed to be the last ever photo of the two together🍁

'True to his nature, and in one of the many bizarre happenstances that visited his short life, Keith Moon, also a house-guest at 625, happened to be in the middle while Linda, on the left, looks like she's about to bash him over the head with a pool cue🪴

Using his Polaroid camera, Peter 'Dougal' Butler, Moon's long-suffering PA, was believed to have taken the photo later than the other shots from the same day. It first appeared in his book Moon The Loon, published by Star books in March 1981, but the caption beneath it did not draw attention to its importance which suggests that neither the publishers nor Dougal had any idea of its significance at the time nor, indeed, for many years afterwards!💐

This was not however the last meeting between John and Paul, which happened on April 25th 1976, but no photos were taken🍃

📸1 & 3 taken by May Pang, March 29th 1974🍂

📸2 taken by Mal Evans, March 29th 1974🌱

Via instagram.com🌷

[jovenshires]

THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS AU OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK

THE BEST OF THE CHOSEN

the chosen is an alternative rock band, whose members are spencer agnew (lead singer / secondary guitarist), shayne topp (lead guitarist), damien haas (bassist / vocalist), and courtney miller (drummer / vocalist). known for their iconic guitar riffs and heavy bass lines, the band has been accused of relying heavily on their instrumentals to distract from their lead singer's vocal insecurity, to which they have not disagreed. hit songs include "short kings," "i was there man," and "nuclear rain." the band is inspired by the early 2000's alternative movement, specifically weezer, green day, and simple plan.

THE BEST OF FTC

ftc (short for full-time cast) is an indie trio known for their slow melodies and sad lyrics. their songs, typically written by their lead singer tommy bowe, are often explicitly queer, romantic, and yearning, though they also frequently feature themes of self-doubt and internal struggle. other members of the band are amanda lehan-canto (singer / guitarist) and kimmy jimenez (drummer / occasional background singer). with songs such as "creekside killer," "reading of the will," and "bones," ftc is inspired by artists such as boygenius, hozier, and mitski.

THE BEST OF KOLIVTION

kolivition is a hip-hop duo fronted by keith leak jr. (singer / rapper) and backed by olivia sui (pianist / dj / sound mixer). they incorporate r&b, funk, and rap into their music as well, with their soulful beats and psychedelic sounds. kolivition's songs typically revolve around romance in the modern world. the duo's hit songs include "life's a party," "give me all your money," and "bobby from the block." kolivition is inspired by childish gambino, frank ocean, and kendrick lamar.

THE BEST OF COVENTRY

coventry is a female-led punk band consisting of erin dougal (singer / guitarist), heidi ha (singer / drummer), and selina garcia (singer / bassist). they typically theme their songs around female empowerment and relationships - romantic, platonic, or otherwise. their hit songs include "sluts," "sunflower," and "wish i could (say the same)." they are inspired by paramore, no doubt, and veruca salt.

THE BEST OF LET'S DO THIS

let's do this, though a relatively new band, is an enthusiastic underdog pop trio. its members, chanse mccrary (lead singer / guitarist), angela giarratana (bassist / vocalist), and arasha lalani (drummer / vocalist), are clearly tuned into the pop scene and thus make current, upbeat, snappy music that is practically made for the radio, even if it's yet to take off. their songs rely heavily on romance, and are often either explicitly queer or gender-neutral. their top tracks are "i lied," "lost the room," and "coroner." ldt is based off of artists such as conan gray, maisie peters, and troye sivan.

THE BEST OF SMOSH

smosh is a moden reinvention of an early 2000's pop-punk / alternative duo. back after a 6-year hiatus and preparing to win a competition they've already lost, ian hecox (singer / bassist), anthony padilla (singer), and their rotating backup band are re-entering both battle of the bands and mainstream. their music centers around personal identity and how that identity affects one's relationships. though they are re-inventing their sound, smosh was and is still known for their heavy instrumentals and all-star vocals. hit songs include "shut up," "the sun," and "destiny," and the band was based off of twenty one pilots, fall out boy, and panic! at the disco.

THE BEST OF JACKIE UWEH

jackie uweh - also known as the most talented voice of our generation - is an r&b / soul singer who sells out football stadiums with her powerhouse vocals. her songs often feature themes of feminism, romantic relationships, and a continuous journey of self-discovery. this is her first year judging battle of the bands, and, according to her, hopefully not her last. jackie's hit songs include "buggin'," "over easy," and "been with." she is inspired by beyonce, rhianna, and lizzo.

THE BEST OF MYTHICAL

mythical, which consists of rhett mclaughlin (singer / guitarist) and link neal (singer / guitarist) and their fantastic backing band, is a country band notable for having won battle of the bands ten years ago. since then, they have created their own empire, complete with a record label and several signed artist - previously including ian hecox of smosh fame. though they are a country band, mythical is also known to incorporate alternative genres into their music, especially their most recent album, which has been by far their most controversial in terms of sound. their musical themes vary, sometimes instead focusing on story-telling rather than relatability, but typically they utilize love (romantic, platonic, and familial), religion, and self-expression and exploration. their songs include "will it?," "buddy system," and "let's talk about that." they are inspired by james and the shame, noah kahan, and the lumineers.

THE BEST OF TREVOR

trevor (that's it, just trevor) is a soundcloud-based rapper who's honestly just happy to be here. an up-and-coming (read: thus unsuccessful) artist, trevor is a part-time musician and a part-time sound designer and editor. after working on mythical's latest album, he was invited to emcee the battle of the bands and is ecstatic at the chance to promote himself. trevor focuses on the self-described subgenre "meme rap," which views modern life through a comical gen z lens. his songs include "another banger," "silly guy," and "o7," and he is based on yung gravy, yungblud, and danny gonzalez.

[arrthurpendragon]

Wrote a one-shot-ish type thing that may eventually become cannon for Entreat Me Not to Leave

After mustering my best withering glare and directing it in Dougal’s direction.  Not that the insufferable Highlander noticed, he had already begun captivating the murmuring crowd once more with his tale.  Although, I hadn’t escaped the notice of all the Scots of Castle Leoch.  Murtagh, while saying nothing, shook his head at me warning me not to follow.  But I ignored him. 

With a look I hope displayed my indignation, I clutched at my skirts before bending down to pick up the shirt Jamie  had tossed to the floor before chasing after the tortured Highlander into the night.

It wasn’t hard to find Jamie pacing between two trees.  His posture alone warned that he should be left alone. I knew he was angry and that stubborn pride of his hated when people pitied him.  But he wasn’t going to get any pity from me and I silently prayed that his temper didn’t make him forget that.

If he noticed me as I drew nearer, he didn’t make it known to me.  Instead he continued to pace, or rather stomp, between the trees and mutter under his breath.  While I’m sure Murtagh thought I was risking my life by chasing after Jamie in this state, I wasn’t completely insane. So, still clutching his torn shirt, I sat down on the grass several yards away and simply watched him. 

Jamie had every right to be angry and I didn’t intend to stop him in his justified pursuit.  I just wanted to be there.  If by some chance he needed me.  Thus far in our relationship, it had been I would needed him and I just wanted him to know that if we were truly going to make this work, he could depend on me.

After about another half dozen laps between trees, Jamie stopped for a moment and looked at me. The moonlight highlighted his handsome features and I felt my heartbeat begin to quicken.  It had never been like this with Stephen and I wondered if my heartbeat would always betray my desire for him, even in the years to come.

“I dinna ask for your company,” Jamie retorted in a clipped tone.

I nodded in understanding and then tucked a stray tendril of hair behind my ear.

“I dinna require ye,” he rephrased.  “I dinna require anyone. I’m fine.”

I motioned between the trees.  “By all means, carry on as you were.”

He opened his mouth to argue with me, but I held up a lone finger for him to allow me to continue.  His eyes narrowed at me, but he pursed his lips to let me speak.  

I quickly nodded my head in thanks before continuing. “In my experience, when I ask to be alone, I might mean it initially but tend to let stubbornness and pride get in the way when what I really want is someone to simply be there, even if they have nothing to say.  The true weight of being alone rarely brings comfort especially when what we crave is to know that we aren’t alone in our burdens or joys.”

He stared at me, blinking slowly, as he digested my words.  

“Deal with your anger however suits you best.  Just know that I find it justified and that whether you require me or not, I’m here for you, Jamie. Silently or not.  And no amount of your stubborn barking is going to change that.”

He swallowed hard.  I could tell he was struggling with my words.  While everything I had told him since we met had been true . . . or mostly true, I could tell that he didn’t trust easily.  I knew that he trusted me to an extent, but I could also tell he had built stone walls around his heart to protect himself.

I shivered against the wind that had begun to pick up.  I looked up at him trying to control my shivers.  I debated using his torn shirt as a makeshift shawl, but I didn’t want to draw attention to the item and make him start his process of dealing with his anger all over again.

His face softened slightly as he sighed. “Lass, your shivering.”

“I can handle a little wind,” I responded as I rubbed my hands up and down my arms.  I licked my lips before adding in a hushed tone, “Especially for you.”

I assumed he heard my addition because he sighed in frustration before beginning to walk toward me.  “If yer no going to leave, I’ll no be able to think with yer teeth rattlin’.”  

I arched my brow at him as he approached.  But I said nothing.  I simply watched him as he settled down on the grass behind me and pulled me against him, wrapping his arms tightly around me.  I snuggled back against him, immediately feeling the warmth that radiated off him.  

He rested his chin on my shoulder and whispered in my ear.“Dinna mistake me, Ruthie. I dinna wanna talk . . .”

I nodded my head, acknowledging his demand without further explanation.  I needed him to know that I trusted him and his judgment.  But mostly, I needed him to know that no matter what - I would be there for him.

[statecryptids]

REVIEW: Astrovitae magazine Issue 2

Astrovitae is a magazine devoted to creators in the speculative fiction subgenre of speculative biology. Though people have imagined fantastic beasts and beings since the beginning of our species, speculative biology  focuses on developing organisms using our current knowledge of biology, ecology, physics, geology and other sciences. Though even within these limits there is a wide spectrum, as some creators may work with strict hard science rules while others prefer to design fantastic beasts closer to myth and folklore.

This second issue of Astrovitae shows significant refinement from the already impressive first issue.   There is a new section on speculative biology news featuring interviews, YouTube videos, Kickstarters, and new projects.. It’s a good way to keep abreast of the bewildering variety of speculative projects out there. This issue also features the first of a regular book review column, beginning with Christian Cline’s The Teeming Universe.

Collaborative projects are the focus of issue two, with articles on the online Discord-based Specposium convention, the Project Sil Discord, and a preview of Almost Real magazine. The latter showcases the Keraunoplast, fascinating slime mold-like organism that feeds directly on electricity and can actually bond with old space junk to form cybernetic life forms. This issue came out in September 2021, and it’s fascinating to see how the imposed quarantine of the Covid pandemic and the subsequent burst of more online communication through Discord, Instagram and other social media has led to the birth of so many new speculative biology projects.

Hyperlinks embedded in the Pdf pages are a really useful feature. Readers can click an article’s byline to go to the creator’s website or other social media. Clicking the section heading will also take one back to the table of contents.

As with the previous issue, Astrovitae #2 is divided into several sections: Captivating Worlds, with overviews of large world-building projects; Artist Spotlight, which looks at the creators themselves and their bodies of work as a whole; and Creature Compendium: which zooms in on individual organisms.

 Captivating Worlds begins with an in-depth look at the natural history of Mathijs Megens’ Amethyst Beach Shield, a chemosynthetic armored organism.

The next entry, Domenic Pennetta’s Project Perditus is a survey of a world that resembles Earth in the early Paleozoic, with creatures that will feel familiar to many paleo-enthusiasts, while still retaining their own alien-ness.

The Alternate Cenozoic Project by Thien Anh Nguyen is a what-if about an earth where the large dinosaurs were not killed off by an impact form space, following in the tradition of works such as Dougal Dixon’s The New Dinosaurs, and the Speculative Dinosaur Project.

Sea Serpents of the Arthechocene by Alejandro Martínez Fluxá is set in the future after human-caused mass extinctions. With all the large pinnipeds and cetaceans gone, sea snakes evolve to fill the niche of large oceanic predators and filter-feeders, becoming the long, whale-like tiamats.

Evan Proctor’s Before Planet Feni is primarily an outline of the dominant species on the titular planet, as well as some background about the planet’s explorers. Hopefully there will be more to come in this work.

The World of Nijin-Konai by Lorenzo Battilani is a hard science look at a primarily aquatic alien world, delving into microbiology and genetics with a radiation resistant enzyme and redundant genes that allow the planet’s organisms to adapt to the lethal UV radiation of their native star.  Battilani also discusses the complex neurological, metabolism and anatomy of his creature in minute detail that could have come from a college biology textbook.

  Artist Spotlight features an article by YouTube creator Biblaridion detailing how their channel grew from a tutorial on concepts in evolutionary biology to a detailed study of a fictional world. 

Reinhard Gutzat offers a meditation on the sometimes rocky intersection of creativity and biological accuracy during an artist’s development process.

 Artist Sibilla Pepi offers a look at their design process as they develop a feathered wyvern based on the biology of real-life birds.

Creature Compendium showcases individual speculative creatures in the manner of pages taken from a field guide and includes a giant diving beetle, an alien tadpole, a balloon-like organisms that lives in the atmosphere of a gas planet, and more.

The authors write with the enthusiasm and vernacular of seasoned biologists well versed in scientific nomenclature. Their creatures are given unique taxonomic names and anatomical terms, adding greatly to their believability. These complex names can get a bit overwhelming, however, leading to what one might call “textbook burnout”.  Sometimes I found it necessary to go back and reread articles to fully absorb all the names. This terminology might turn off a reader with a scientific background, but the imaginative variety on display should hold most interests. This is a minor critique, though, and the magazine overall is a professional-quality publication that would be at home in any library shelf. I am particularly pleased to see more projects focusing on the hypothetical evolution of Earthly creatures.

Astrovitae issue 2 is vailable both as a free downloadable PDF from the magazine’s website and as a virtual book that one can flip through on Yumpu.com

[adultswim2021]

Squidbillies #44: "Anabolic-holic" | June 8, 2009 - 12:00AM | S04E04

Early has sawed off Granny’s walker legs so that he can rebarrel his sawed-off shotgun. He sticks them end-to-end so that he can shoot things at point-blank range from a distance. He shoots a mother bird feeding her babies, because he’s cruel and stupid. He eventually agrees to give Granny a ride to get a new walker, but he makes her pull him in his huge truck to save on gas, and also because he’s cruel and stupid.

He makes her go up to the top of a mountain where he finds what appears to be a monk. It turns out that it’s Thunder Clap, who’s sort of a combination of Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage. He’s voiced by Mick Foley, which I only know because I looked that up. I’ve heard that name. I’m not sure I can even picture who that is. I’m literally the only boy I know who didn’t go through a wrestling phase. 

I just looked it up. He’s the guy who dresses like Red Green if he himself were "a big, big fella". Anyway: Early ropes Rusty into a wrestling match with the man for some reason, and he calls the Brendon Small doctor over to administer a battery of anabolic steroids. Rusty gets huge and rips the guy to shreds. He has to go to court for smashing up a lot of guys, but all that happens to him is he has an asterisk put next to his name in the Dougal County Big Book of Brawls. The episode ends with an ad (voiced by George Lowe) for another match, this time with Rusty facing a newly roided Granny. 

I watched this one on DVD, because I remembered that I had most of the DVD releases. I did this because I wanted to find out if any of these episodes actually had commentary tracks I could steal material from, and Adult Swim DVDs from around this time were notorious for sometimes having commentary tracks on episodes and not advertising them until you select the episode from the menu and it gives you the option. I literally have read DVD reviews from reputable DVD review websites that failed to mention that select episodes on Adult Swim releases had optional commentary available, probably because the reviewer clicked “PLAY ALL” on the episode select menu, which would cause them to miss this feature. Anyway, I’m writing all of this because I feel guilty that I have nothing to actually say about this episode other than “it was alright.” Sorry for this paragraph, everyone. 

[thejacksmit]

First Take: Paddington in Peru - the trilogy doesn't quite stick the landing

SYNOPSIS: Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey.

It’s a trilogy of films that have become very well regarded in the family film market, and one which StudioCanal are arguably building their UK brand around (quite rightly) - we all know how beloved Paddington 2 was when it released in 2017, you just have to ask Nicolas Cage and he’ll tell you the answer. But with their trusted bear handler Paul King now in the big leagues making films like Wonka, and long-time producer David Heyman going with him, the big question with Paddington in Peru was whether a new director could keep that style and reputation of the series in tact.

Enter Dougal Smith. A music video director by trade, with no experience in anything beyond 3 and a half minutes, this is the man trusted to helm this 1 hour 43 minute film and he does a relatively good job keeping to the style we’ve got so used to under Paul King - but boy does the film miss his midas touch across the board, even if the trademark slapstick and wit that’s defined the earlier entries remains present and correct. However, the script has issues, while the work of Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont (taking a story devised by 1 & 2 veterans King and Simon Farnaby) does what it needs to do, the big sticking point is the involvement of Sony when it comes to global distribution rights- there are elements which pander to the American market, and where it struggles is when you take a stereotypically London-based film out of London. Erik Wilson yet again nails it on the cinematography having now worked on all three films, and Dario Marianelli turns in a pretty decent score (which doesn’t feature the calypso band that popped up in 1 and 2) to keep things consistent even with the change in direction.

On to the cast, and in time honoured tradition, we’ve got a few Hollywood legends not taking themselves seriously for the purpose of comedic effect. In 1 it was Nicole Kidman, in 2 it was that legendary Hugh Grant role, and in 3, Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman join the party with funny, if a little predictable characters - and in Colman’s case it is great to see her doing a family film and using years of work in TV comedy to her advantage. The new additions also include Carla Tous and a little cameo from Hayley Atwell- but importantly a lot of the OGs return too, with Hugh Bonneville, Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris and Julie Walters all coming back as expected within the live action realm, with Imelda Staunton coming in to voice Aunt Lucy- but the major change to the lead characters is the recasting of Sally Hawkins’ role to Emily Mortimer, and ultimately the whole thing struggled as a result. Whoever made that call is getting a hard stare. Importantly, the glue which just about holds it together is Ben Whishaw, who once again keeps the film on track as the voice of that marmalade-loving bear as only he knows how.

THE VERDICT

It’s not reaching the same heights as the first two (especially with Wicked and Gladiator II taking most cinema screens imminently), but as far as the first Paddington film under new creative stewardship goes, it’s about as smooth of a transition as it could’ve been - whether StudioCanal pursue the wider franchise that they have planned, without King’s involvement, could be the call which makes or breaks the series moving forward.

RATING: 3.5/5

[dxrknessembr8ced]

One of the gongsheng appeared into the whitehouse behind her to talk to her about the whereabouts of Las Erebus and also a few survivors.

" Uh boss? I think you might wanna sit down and hear this. "

" ....What is it? "

" We found survivors scattered into different locations on this shit hole. They're a couple of kids, a reporter and two writers..... "

This peaks her interests, thinking that these people will know the location of Hsien-Ko and the cult.

" Tell me more about them... "

" The kids are a jiangshi, some half dragon like boy with claws and other dragon features or some shit, and the third kid? She's a creepy little fucker but smart and not scared of anything. Even spat death in the eye. Witnessed her eat a baby. The reporter is one of those freelance journalists by a name Frank West. Those authors I told ya about? Don't know much but heard they're pretty popular one of them looks like a BSAA agent and his friend is some muscular looking guy. "

He sighed.

" You think they know where she is boss? "

" Find them, I want them all alive and also find out more about them and bring them all to me, if you kill one there are consequences. "

He nodded.

" Yes ma'am we'll release a full squad everywhere across metro city we'll even bring in those ganado rejects and those fucked up majini and Ja'vo in, whatever it takes. "

And so he walked away out of the white house while Macaque ponders on her desk reading a novel based around speculative evolution by the writer and illustrator dougal dixon. The hunt for these survivors begins as these evolved NE-b parasites with their hosts combined with the fanaticism of the vassals, the extremism and viciousness of both majini and J'avo combined with the tactical assessment and preparations of the gongsheng have become the most lethal faction of all the bio organic weapons. Let the fight for survival begin.

[pbjelly90art]

Old Faer art dump! Spaceverse Faer art dump part 2, featuring some drawings up to 10 years old lol from 2014 or so.

A lot of these characters are in Spaceverse now, but some don't have updated portraits yet, or I still reference these when I'm drawing new ones. These may be older--sometimes even much older--drawings, but they're classics, and often times were my original concept art for many characters, so I wanted to save them here.

In order we have: Dawa (not a Faer character, but on the page with one), Jagun (Faer verse design would have pointed ears and maybe purple dyed tips to his hair), my first Eirwen drawing, my first Cael sketch, my first Verne sketch (that's pretty much a pattern throughout here so I'll stop repeating it lol), Fionntan, Tigerlily, Nela, Declan, Regina (Reggie), Sylvie, Pyper, Aliana, Fletcher, future Sylvan, Lorrie (not in Spaceverse), Pyper, Sylvan with Lorrie (will be updated in future drawings to be his sister Farha in Spaceverse), Dougal (an earth dragon shifter in Spaceverse), Jacques, Fiona (renamed Fi / Fionnula in Spaceverse where she's a wind dragon shifter), Ryuta (who I plan to adapt as a sylphite/oighear and singer in Spaceverse at some point) and Raj (who's now a sylphite in Spaceverse, instead of a human wind mage as he's depicted here.)

Aliana and Lorrie belong to Cookie, and they also created Jagun’s initial character concept, which I have since adapted and developed for this story. The rest of the characters here in these older drawings belong to me.

[takemeawaytocamelot]

Red Jamie and the White Lady - Part 7

I’d say sorry for teasing, but I’m not. As always, @diversemediums is a total gem and an amazing brainstorm partner. If you haven’t read any of her stuff or talked to her, you’re seriously missing out. Anyways. I’m still overwhelmed with how much fun this story is and how much you all are loving it. I hope I keep it up!

Read part 6 HERE

Murtagh read his morning paper, sipping his tea. Jamie came down and sat at the table beside him.

“I need to Look,” Jamie said quietly.

He’d been waiting for this realization. If they’d been found, Jamie needed to See the immediate future to know how much time they’d have. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Aye, lad. Ye do. We need to ken if he’s found us.”

Jamie took a deep breath.

“No’ now! Ye wee idiot! Ye canna Look on an empty stomach and ye ken that well. Or have ye forgotten what happened the last time ye did it?”

Jamie’s eyes rolled.

“I’ve no’ forgotten.”

“Then eat up. And I’ll keep watch while ye Look. Dinna stay too long. Claire's no’ here to heal ye.”

Nodding, his godson settled down and began eating his breakfast. It might be time to move again, even if they hadn’t been found. They’d been here too long, gotten a reputation.

“Alright,” Jamie said a few minutes later. “I’m going to See.”

“What is yer aim? To See him now? Or future?”

“I want to See as close to now as may be, to see if he kens where we are.”

Murtagh sat forward and faced his godson. Each time Jamie did this, it made him nervous. Now that they’d found the healer, maybe it wouldn’t worry him so much.

***

Jamie closed his eyes and focused on the name and the face. Calling on that something extra he’d had most of his life, the world around him swirled and faded away.

A door closed and he walked forward. He took a deep breath and turned to face the mirror. He ran a hand over his bald head before pulling out a cell phone and tapping away for a moment.

Jamie pulled himself out of the vision with a gasp. Murtagh was watching him carefully.

“Are ye alright lad?”

“Aye, I’m alright. Christ, Murtagh. He’s here.”

His godfather began to get to his feet but Jamie shook his head.

“No’ here. But in the city.”

“Before ye gi’ me a heart attack, tell me what ye just saw.”

Focusing on the memory of the vision, he recalled it to Murtagh.

“And ye recognize the mirror, ye say?”

“Aye. It was the same one when I saw wi’ Claire. If he’s no’ found us, he’s found her.”

“He couldna ken that she’s the healer ye need. We didna ken it until she healed ye.”

Jamie began drumming his fingers against his thigh. Whatever unknown feelings he’d begun to develop for Claire, he couldn’t let her get hurt because of him.

“Aye, aye. But what if he does ken what she is?”

“Then we tell her and bring her here. Move again, but bring her wi’ us.”

Jamie made a frustrated noise.

“No. We’ve talked about this already, Murtagh. I’m no’ telling her what she is. And I’ll no’ tear her from the life she’s built here.”

Murtagh held up his hands in surrender.

“Alright, I’ll no’ argue wi’ ye again. But ye might change yer mind when the migraines get worse.”

Jamie sighed as he got up from the table. On some level, he knew Murtagh was right, but what about Claire? Just the thought of leaving her made his chest tight. Not that she'd go willingly, the brave wee thing… "Are ye alright lad?" Murtagh asked, watching Jamie closely. "Ye look a bit pained." Jamie swallowed but nodded. "Aye, I'm fine. Perhaps… perhaps we should call Jenny. Let her know we may have to relocate again." His godfather gave him a narrow eye before pulling out his cell phone, leaving the room the make the call and start preparations. Jamie exhaled. He was pained, but it wasn't his head that was hurting now.

***

Claire sat on the couch with a blanket around her shoulders as she sipped her wine. The volume on the movie she watched was up a little louder than usual, but Geillis had had a ‘friend’ over when she’d gotten home.

A knock at the door forced her to pause the movie and get up to answer it. Frank looked at her with a worried expression. She waved him inside and they sat down on the couch beside each other.

“I wasn’t expecting you,” she said self consciously, pushing her hair back.

“I know, I was just worried. You haven’t seemed yourself lately and I wanted to check on you. Are you coming down with something?”

“I’m not coming down with anything. I’m alright, Frank. You didn’t need to come over.”

He reached forward and cupped her cheek in one hand. For a moment, he searched her eyes. Then a rhythmic ‘thump-thump-thump’ picked up from Geillis’ room again and Claire turned the movie back on.

Claire sighed and gave Frank a smile.

“I think I’m just going to go to bed. You don’t need to worry, Frank, I’m just tired. That’s all.”

“It’s no wonder,” he said, giving Geillis’ room a dirty look. “With all that racket. Does she ever spend a night alone?”

Claire snorted.

“Rarely. But that’s usually if she’s found a ‘friend’ at a bar beforehand.”

When she turned off the movie and got up, Frank joined her. They walked to her room and she closed the door. It was much quieter with the door shut.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked quietly.

“You’ve got an early class in the morning. Go on home. I’ll call you later.”

With her sitting on the bed, he nodded and leaned down to kiss her sweetly. Then he left, closing her bedroom door behind him. After changing, Claire turned on her white noise machine and got into bed. But no matter what she did, she couldn’t get comfortable. Constantly tossing and turning, her lips burned in memory. The thing that was beginning to bother her, however, was that the memory wasn’t of Frank’s kiss. It was the kiss the lovers had shared in that strange shared vision. The passion and the heat between them was undeniable and something she’d never felt before.

She knew it was wrong to compare that kiss to Frank’s, but she couldn’t help herself. It wasn’t as though Frank was a bad kisser, just not the same intensity as the lovers had had. She recalled the night she’d had that vision, how her body had responded. Not one night with Frank had felt like that. Perhaps that passion they shared had grown from their deep love, and love like that was something Claire refused to share with anyone ever again. Everyone she’d ever loved had been torn away from her.

Her mind wandered to the last time she’d seen Jamie. That stray thought about kissing him, how she felt around him… It confused her. Before she could get herself tangled in her sheets, she got up to make herself a cup of tea. She needed to calm herself down so she could get some actual rest.

No more noise came from Geillis’ room. Maybe she’d finally passed out. No doubt she’d been quite drunk when she’d come home with her ‘friend’. As she got out her favorite tea, she heard a door open. Turning around, she thought it might be Geillis. Instead, it was someone she’d seen before.

“You must be Claire,” he said, his words tinged with a hint of an accent.”

“I am. I’m afraid I can’t recall where we’ve met before.”

“Here, actually,” he said with a kind smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

His shirt was partially buttoned and he wore jeans, but no shoes or socks.

“Right, you were here with Geillis before.”

“I was. She’s a very unique woman.”

Claire snorted and started to turn back to her tea preparations.

“That’s one way to put it.”

“But you,” his voice came closer.

Claire jumped when a hand rested on her shoulder. Stepping to one side, she turned and looked up at him, not liking the gleam in his eye.

“I’m afraid I’m with someone,” she paused, searching her memory for a name. “Dougal?”

“I find you a most singular woman, Claire. I’m here if you should find yourself wishing to sample…” he reached out to touch her face as Frank had. “Other pleasures.”

Pushing him away, Claire grabbed a coat and her keys before slipping into a pair of shoes near the door. Without looking back, she left the flat, eager to put distance between herself and Dougal.

Shortly after she’d left, she realized she was driving to Jamie’s home as if she was being pulled there. Had he had another vision? One that was giving him a migraine? She worried about those, with their increasing regularity and intensity. If they got too much worse, it could cause some serious damage.

When she knocked, she half expected Jamie to answer, smiling as if she’d arrived for an appointment. But it was Murtagh who opened the door.

“Miss Beauchamp,” he said, nodding his head. “What is it I can do for ye?”

“Is Jamie alright?”

“Aye. He’s up sleeping at the moment. Is something the matter?”

She hesitated.

“Ah… No. No I don’t think so. I just thought he’d… Never mind. I’m sorry for disturbing you.”

“Claire,” he said as she made to leave. “I think we should have a talk.”

The serious look on his face had her walking into the flat after him. She followed him back to the kitchen and sat in the chair he pulled out for her.

“What is it we need to talk about? Is Jamie alright?”

“Aye, he is for now. But I think ye should ken just what it is that’s going on here.”

Claire relaxed into the chair, sensing this conversation would be a long one.

“Alright. I’m listening.”

“I ken ye keep coming back here, that ye care about the lad. Ye agreed to keep his secret, but I think ye should ken exactly what that means. So what I’m about to tell ye is something I’ll trust ye no’ to share wi’ anyone. Ever. No’ yer man, or roommate.”

“I promise.”

Murtagh took a deep breath.

“The Fraser family has had a long and colorful history. Most men in the family have the Sight, like Jamie has, but no’ all. I’m a Fraser as well, but I dinna have the Gift. Jamie had an elder brother, William, and still has a sister, Jenny.”

“Had?”

Murtagh nodded, looking down at his clenched hands.

“Aye. Before I get to Willie, I need to tell ye about his mam and da, Ellen and Brian. They were a True match, meant to be. Anyone could see it when they were together. Brian was a Seer, like Jamie is, and his Gift got stronger. We kent he needed more help than hospital could offer. Ellen had her own Gift, something that only worked on Brian. It was she who kept his visions from killing him for many years.”

“What happened to her?”

It was a long time before he answered.

“Brian was out helping a family he kent wi’ something. The children were out somewhere, I’m no’ sure. Ye have to understand, Claire, the Fraser Gift is a strong thing, wanted by many people. Governments across the globe would love to have the power of a psychic to See what will come to pass. One such government found Ellen at home. She wouldna tell them where Brian was. They’d been prepared for something like this, kent it would come eventually. Ellen was… She was a brave lass, strong and fierce. Her family meant everything to her, and keeping Brian safe was her first priority. Willie and Jamie had started to show signs of having the Gift as well.”

Claire shifted in her seat, knowing she did not want to hear what happened to Ellen Fraser.

“Ellen fought them, determined to keep them from Brian and her sons. One foolish boy was afraid of her, having heard rumors she could stop a heart wi’ a look. It wasna true, her Gift only helped Brian, but he didna ken that. His weapon discharged and Ellen fell. I arrived at Lallybroch shortly after the military had fled. Having no Gift myself, I did all I could to keep the family safe. Maybe if I’d been there when…”

Lines of guilt crossed his face and he turned away from her then. Claire waited patiently, giving him the time he needed to compose himself.

“You found her?”

“Aye,” his voice cracked. “She had such life in her, Ellen did. Jamie got his hair from her, ye ken, and some of her face. But when I saw her… I kent she’d gone and wouldna come back. Brian came home before the children did, thank God. He wept over her body and I cleaned myself before going out to meet the children. They didna need their last sight of their mam to be her body on the floor in their sitting room. So we buried Ellen in the family plot and went about our lives. I stayed at the house then because I kent it was partly my fault Ellen had died. Brian started telling me about what would be happening for the boys in the coming years.”

Claire frowned.

“Why? If he had the Gift as well, why wouldn’t he teach them himself?”

“Weel, the visions get stronger, ye ken. They cause migraines which get worse as the power increases. He and I both kent his time was growing short, wi’out Ellen there to help him. So he prepared me and charged me wi’ their welfare, naming me their godfather. Brian died three months after Ellen. I say he lasted so long because he was a stubborn bastard.”

Wiping tears from her cheeks, she thought about how kind Jamie was. She’d lost her own parents at a young age in a car crash, but they hadn’t been stolen like Jamie’s had. Her heart ached for him.

“How old was he?”

“Ten. Willie was just sixteen, Jenny was thirteen. She’d just started to get her Gift - she can hear thoughts. Thirteen is when the Gift usually comes, but Jamie was only eleven when he got his. It was strong in a way nobody was prepared for. Willie kent Jamie would need someone to help him, like Ellen helped Brian. So he Looked as often as he could, trying to find whoever it might be.”

“Willie died too?”

Murtagh nodded slowly.

“Aye. Same as Brian, though much too soon. Jamie Saw it, his first true vision. He’d seen bits and pieces here and there, but nothing ever enough to be a real vision. But he Saw how and when Willie would die. Since then, he hasna looked too far into someone’s future. Willie did his best to find a way to protect Jamie, but… He couldna.”

“How old was Willie when he died?”

“Twenty-three. Jamie took it hard, as ye can imagine. He’d kent when Willie would die for some time, but he couldna do a thing to stop it. He carried that guilt for a long time. Still does, sometimes. Jamie is now the only Fraser Seer left, ye ken.”

Everything Murtagh had just told her weighed heavy on her heart. Jamie had lost so much in his life, grown up without his parents and carried the guilt of his brother’s death.

“Jenny’s still alive?”

Now Murtagh smiled.

“Aye. Verra much alive. Marriet to a fine young man who she canna read like the rest of us. He’s like a shield for her, which she needs. Helps her stay grounded. But we havena seen her in nearly two years. I keep in contact wi’ her when I can. Wi’ Jamie’s Gift, it isna safe for him to stay home, much as he’d like to. We have to keep moving to stay safe.”

Slowly, Claire shook her head back and forth.

“I can’t imagine how hard this is for him. His only family and he can’t see her. Growing up without his parents, losing his brother…”

“From time to time, he feels himself a coward for running, but he couldna stand the thought of something happening to Jenny like it did Ellen. So I stay wi’ him to keep him safe. I help him in what small ways I might, teaching him the things Brian told me.”

“So why are you telling me all this? I already promised I wouldn’t share anything with anyone. I’ve been lying to my roommate for weeks now.”

Murtagh nodded and rubbed a hand over his face.

“Aye, I ken ye are and I canna tell ye how much I appreciate it. Yer helping keep Jamie safe. But if ye intend to be his friend, ye need to ken the danger. It isna fair to ye to keep ye in the dark about all this.”

“Thank you for trusting me with this, Murtagh. It can’t have been easy to share all of that. How is he? How are his injuries?”

“Quite well. The injuries are healing up verra well. Ye do fine work.”

The floorboards above them creaked and Murtagh rolled his eyes.

“The wee fool is supposed to be sleeping.”

“I’ll go check on him. You should get some rest too. If you’re to be the one protecting him, you need your energy.”

“Actually, if ye wouldna mind staying here a bit? I need to get a few things to stock up on, but Jamie couldna leave earlier. If ye wouldna mind staying here until I got back?”

“Sure.”

Murtaugh gave her a final nod and disappeared into a back room. Carefully, she climbed the stairs to Jamie’s room and found the door slightly open. There was a large lump on the bed, beneath a beautiful tartan quilt, that she assumed to be Jamie. He looked heartbreakingly young as he slept, ruddy hair curling over his forehead and lips slightly parted. She could see the young boy he had once been. Compelled by tenderness, she reached out and brushed his hair back. The sweetest smile curled his lips up for a brief moment before his eyes shot open.

“CLAIRE!”

She jumped back from him, startled as his wide eyes rolled around the room, unseeing. He thrashed, limbs tangling with his blanket. “Jamie?" "Claire… God no…” "Jamie," she said loudly, heart breaking at his tone of voice. "Jamie, I’m right here. Are you alright?” He eyes snapped to hers, finally seeing her, and his mouth began moving, but no sound came out. She moved back to his side, worried. He must have had another vision. Damn Murtagh for leaving! “Claire! No, ye canna- AAHH!” His eyes lost focus again and he grabbed at his hair, blood beginning to run freely from his nose. "Jesus H. Christ!" she gasped, reaching for the discarded bath towel in the hamper and pressing it to his nose as best she could.

He thrashed again, groaning and whimpering. Claire stood for a moment, afraid of the choice before her. She had no training to deal with whatever was happening to Jamie, but taking him to the hospital would be dangerous. Given everything Murtagh had just told her, she thought it might be a bad idea. Then, his eyes rolled back and he fell back onto his bed. "Jamie," she said urgently, shaking his shoulders. "Jamie wake up!" Jamie didn't move. Blood still poured from his nose, staining his sheets crimson. "Don't you dare, James Fraser!" she demanded, frantically grabbing her phone and calling for an ambulance.

She gave as much information as she could, realizing how little she still knew about him. With Murtagh gone, Claire climbed into the ambulance, trying not to bark orders at the EMT's. She touched Jamie's shoulder, needing to feel close to him, and sudden disjointed images flashed through her mind. Herself. And blood. So much blood. Fear gripped her, and she had to focus on controlling her ragged breathing.

“Oh Jamie,” she said in a quiet whisper.

His nose had stopped bleeding, thankfully, but his entire face was red with pain. Impulsively, she reached out and put a hand against his face. After a moment, he seemed to relax a little. His heart rate dropped to a more normal rhythm and he seemed to breathe easier.

After Jamie was checked in and settled in his own bed, Claire felt her eyes drooping. Her hands wrung together as Jamie slept. She kept wiping the tears from her face, worrying over the man before her. Had she done the right thing?

When his eyes opened, she sat up.

“Jamie,” she said, trying to grab his attention. “Jamie it’s alright.”

“Wh-where am I?”

“You’re in hospital. I didn’t know what else to do. I-”

“No!”

He began to thrash in the bed until she grabbed his face, forcing him to look at her.

“I’m not going to leave you alone,” she said quietly. “Relax, Jamie. Breathe in slowly, that’s it.”

Their eyes met and he began to calm until his breathing matched hers.

“I shouldna- shouldn’t be here.”

"I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. You were bleeding and you passed out.” He started to speak again, but stopped and exhaled instead. Claire was glad to see his eyes were clear, though his skin was still pale. "Do… do you want me to go?" she asked timidly. "I can go back and find Murt-" "No!" he exclaimed suddenly, grabbing weakly for her hand. "No," he said again, softly.

Claire interlaced her fingers with his, shocked to feel the warmth of him. His hands were strong and slightly callused. She had no problem imagining him working on his family estate. “You look tired, Claire.” She looked up from their clasped hands and saw him worriedly watching her. She sniffed out a laugh. "If that isn't the pot calling the kettle black I don't know what is," she said dryly.

He gave a light chuckle.

“Please,” he said, suddenly sober. “Don’t go.”

An unfamiliar desire urged her onto the bed beside him. He shifted, making a little more room, and she kept hold of his hand.

“I’m not going anywhere, Jamie.”

He nodded slowly, eyes drifting closed again. When his mouth fell a little open, she knew he was truly asleep. She wasn’t far behind him.

***

A man stood in the corridor, just out of sight of the pair on the bed. Putting the cell phone to his ear, he waited for the call connect.

“Well?” came the voice on the other end.

“I found him.”

Continue to Part 8

[jovenshires]

endless au edits: smosh theatre's seasonal lineup (1/4)

SMOSH'S SEASONAL LINEUP: A COMPLETE GUIDE by mac kahey smosh theatre, a musical theater company known for its diverse and inclusive productions, has just announced its show lineup for the year, and it is safe to say that fans are far from disappointed. starting off strong, the company kicked off its announcement with its winter showcase: a production of hadestown, led by stars damien haas and jacklyn uweh, and directed by none other than returning smosh co-founder, anthony padilla. padilla made his comeback to smosh a little over six months ago to collaborate with his fellow co-owner on their spring and summer musicals. this will be padilla's first solo show at the playhouse in nearly six years - and what a show to start off on. coupling this tragic tale of love lost with padilla's edgy direction style is a bold move, and fans are, rightfully, excited. the casting choices are also impeccable. the star-studded lineup includes previously-mentioned damien haas, an openly neurodivergent and queer actor making waves for representation everywhere. he'll be taking on the role of orpheus, a hopeless romantic, poet, and musician, and as someone who had the pleasure of sitting down with him for an interview last spring, all of these qualities describe haas to a t. this will be his first time leading a show with smosh in his near-six-year run at the company, and his first time working with padilla as a director. the actor shared the show to his instagram and expressed his excitement for the production, saying, "anthony is such a great director. it's been an honor to work with him and my amazing castmates." speaking of his castmates - his leading lady is none other than superstar jacklyn uweh. returning from her recent stint touring with the cast of spring awakening, she has rejoined the smosh cast for another performance that's sure to be amazing. the actress is known for advocating for women of color in theater spaces and never being afraid to speak her mind. she also, notably, has one of the most incredible singing voices of our generation. taking on the mysterious yet powerful role of eurydice will be no easy feat, but somehow, i think she has the power to manage it. just with this one casting, smosh has shown that when the perfect cast falls into their lap, they aren't foolish enough not to utilize it. the stacked cast doesn't stop there, though. playing hermes, the play's narrator and father figure to young orpheus, is ify nwadiwe, a booming comedic actor who has been known to feature in smosh productions. his fun-loving demeanor and natural swagger are sure to bring a natural carefree energy to this rendition of hadestown. he, too, spoke of the production fondly on social media, posting on x: "this is one of the greatest things i've ever been a part of. come see us next december to february at the smosh playhouse for one of the most incredible, f***ed up things we've ever done." long-time smosh player keith leak jr is taking on the role of hades, the rich, powerful, and egotistical king of the underworld, and his friend and partner in all things theater, olivia sui, will be beside him once more as persephone, hades's free-spirited yet suffering wife. watching these two together is always a delight, and i cannot wait for their dynamic to shine through the characters that they play. as far as the winter production is concerned, the community's shared high hopes for padilla's return may very well turn out to be grounded in reality. with an all-star cast and an incredible crew, such as returning stage head erin dougal, it is easy to see that padilla knows what he's doing. though only time will tell, i am confident that this production will be a huge success, and very well may be my favorite show of the year - although, i must mention the other productions first - because they all have incredible potential.

[caitbalfes]

I’ve never heard a woman use such language in my life!

1.01 | 3.10 (requested by @bonnie-wee-swordsman)

[gotham-ruaidh]

Little Bit Better Than I Used To Be

Catch up: Chapter 1 (Starry Eyes) || Chapter 2 (Save Our Souls) || Chapter 3 (Dancing On Glass) || Chapter 4 (Merry-Go-Round) || Backstage (1) || Backstage (2) || Chapter 5 (Danger) || Backstage (3) || Chapter 6A (Love Walked In) || Chapter 6B (Without You) || Backstage (4) ||| Also posted at AO3

Chapter 7: Stick To Your Guns

Get a grip on yourself // Get in shape for tonight // Take a look at yourself or your dreams // You're losing sight...

You got to stick to your guns // What's right for you, ain't right for everyone...

Soundtrack: “Stick To Your Guns,” Mötley Crüe, 1981 [click here to listen]

Time passed.

Claire’s sessions with Gillian progressed well. For five mornings a week, ninety minutes at a time, slowly they untangled the path that had led Claire to despair, to addiction, and to The Ridge.

Claire started keeping a daily gratitude journal. For Gillian had helped her understand that she had so very much to be grateful for. Almost every entry featured Jamie – something he’d shared with her, or something small she’d done for him, or a few chords he’d played on his guitar, or a new memory she’d timidly shared – thanks to his quiet, patient encouragement.

Afternoons were for Group, and for recreation. And now that the summer was in full swing, she was volunteering in the garden. It was Glenna’s pride and joy – and grew a healthy range of herbs and fruits and vegetables to be harvested at various points through the summer and served in The Ridge’s kitchens. And Glenna’s passion quickly rubbed off on Claire – who had never gardened in her life, but absolutely relished getting dirt under her fingernails and harvesting from the plants she’d tended to so carefully.

Together with Marsali and Jamie – and a shy newcomer, Elias Pound, barely out of high school but terribly addicted to painkillers – she continued to prep and clear the dining room each evening. With Gillian’s encouragement, she took Elias under her wing, guiding him through The Ridge’s process much like others had when she had first arrived.

And when Elias quietly shared that he wanted to be a doctor – she’d started giving him pointers on what to study, how to focus his energy, and how best to mentally prepare himself for what that life would be like. A life certainly without pills.

Her medical skills had come in handy a few times, too.

There was the evening when Glenna had cut a deep gash in the back of her hand as she’d sliced corn off the cob for dinner. Claire had expertly and calmly sutured the wound, with Elias’ diligent assistance. To the applause of the small crowd that had gathered, watching.

And there was the morning when Geneva had been stung by a bee and had a terrible allergic reaction. Dougal had burst into Claire’s session with Gillian, seeking urgent help. For all that Dougal was opinionated and in charge, he clearly knew when to step back – quickly doing as Claire bade, following her down the hall and bringing her adequate supplies to stop the swelling.

And of course there was the lunch, one rainy day, when Rupert had eaten his roast beef sandwich a little too enthusiastically and began to choke. Swiftly Claire mobilized, and with a few pushes of his diaphragm the half-chewed sandwich spewed all over the table. Everyone in the dining room had cheered.

She had a purpose.

She belonged.

She’d proudly told Uncle Lamb all about it (for patients at The Ridge received phone privileges – one thirty-minute phone call every three days – once they’d been there for two weeks). And Lamb certainly shared her joy.

“You just sound healthier, my dear.” He blew his nose into the receiver. “Excuse me. Claire – I feel awful saying this to you, but I think you’ll understand now. You were so desperately unhappy for such a long time, but you didn’t want any help dealing with it, and I felt utterly paralyzed – ”

“It’s all right,” she reassured him, twisting the phone cord in her free hand, watching through the windows as a few people played volleyball on the lawn. “I wasn’t ready to hear any of it. But now I am.” She paused. “Lamb, I’m so, so sorry. I’m sorry for what happened, and I’m sorry for how bad it got, and I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

“Oh, lovie. There’s nothing to be sorry about. I – ” His voice choked. “I’m just so glad you’re off of those stupid pills, and I’m so glad that you’re getting the help that you need.”

“I’m lucky to have really good people here, who want to help me. To build new habits, and to break the old ones. Did I tell you I’ve really gotten into gardening?”

“Yes! You’ll have to tell me more about it the next time we talk.”

“I will. All right – our half hour is just about up. I love you.”

“Oh I love you, Claire. Stay well.”

She hung up and sighed.

[garthcelyn]

Original Thieves chapter 2: Featuring a fun mention of Atlas(Dogteeth)'s ex girlfriend, Marlowe. Dogteeth really is just a reference to unfinished projects huh?

TW for slight body horror in this, it's not major, but it's there.

4217 Words

Dorothy Marlowe had been missing for weeks. She was a woman that Blue had served many times over the years at his father’s tailor shop. He sold her rolls upon rolls of deep blue yarn every few months, a detail that had lived in his mind since they had met. And now she was missing, suspected dead. Blue had the honour of working with the suspected culprit. Dougall, the self-proclaimed charmer of the Ivory Rose, who used her boyish good looks to gain whatever it was she needed. Or so she said. Blue had yet to see it work, as they now sat outside a museum where they had been tossed after Dougall’s failed attempt at seducing a guard. Dougall kicked rocks along the pavement, scaring away the doves that pecked happily at scraps that had been thrown for them. She bristled against the wind in her deep blue knitted jumper, tugging its sleeves over her hands as she refused to look upon the newcomer to the team. He was now a member of The Ivory Rose, an organised crime unit who famously stole the Crown jewels and had yet to be caught. A group made up of unidentified, disgruntled mages of varying Mabrisian origins, who had several bones to pick with the justice system and the monarchy. That Ivory Rose had also stolen Blue’s memories in what he’d consider being an ever greater heist. That is whose home Blue had fucked his way into. That is who had him shot on sight and promptly recruited purely to spite Dougall. He had never regretted a one-night stand more.

Dougall shot him one last glare before she set off down the street. He kept hot on her heels, eager to keep his mentor in his sights. She hadn’t looked like much, in fact, she had barely looked as charming as she seemed to believe, and had the personality to match. She looked closer to a weasel, her face pointing in a long point to the ground. Gaunt cheeks and ashen skin, as if she had been deprived of basic necessities such as sleep and water, paired with her shadowed blue eyes. She barely seemed alive. He watched as she sucked down one cigarette after another, barely slowing her movements. Not even his customer service smiles and demeanour had broken through to the woman.

His trial assignment had been to break into the Museum of Arts undetected and steal a painting by Rennyn Navarre. It was simple, according to the Ivory Rose ringleader who simply went by J. However, it seemed impossible. Dougall huffed yet again, tossing her stub to the ground and letting it fizzle out.

“Alright, your turn,” she growled, “see if you can do any better.”

He pointed at himself, scowling. “Aren’t you supposed to be the expert? You know what happened back there.”

Dougall grunted. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting from the woman who had ordered his memories to be erased. Her brother was far nicer, despite him being the reason why he was in the situation in the first place. Blue fought back the urge to roll his eyes at the display.

“Alright,” he sighed, annoyance seeping into his tone. “I’ll try again when they swap shifts.”

Dougall had actually rolled her eyes, much like a petulant child not getting her way. She couldn’t have been much younger than him, at the ripe old age of twenty-four. Her attitude was one of a grouchy teen, and yet she looked far older in a way that her brother Ezra didn’t, despite them being identical. Her brother held himself with his head high, energised by his sheer excitement for life. Dougall, not so much.

Blue sat on a park bench, overlooking the fountain at the centre of the square. He idly picked at his sandwich that he had bought from a vendor, overfilled and dripping shredded lettuce over his lap. Dougall sucked through her pack of cigarettes early on and had been drumming her fingers against the wooden seat for a lack of a better thing to do. Blue glanced at her now and again, watching how she did everything in her power to escape a conversation. He tore off half of his sandwich and handed it to her, gaining a suspicious glance.

It had relieved him when the hour had been up. Surely stealing a painting would be far easier than dealing with the young woman. His joints cracked as he stood, stretching and popping his back. He looked towards Dougall for guidance; any hints or tricks she found useful over her years as a thief. He wasn’t sure what he had expected but wasn’t surprised when she stared back at him in silent loathing.

“What? Nothing?” he asked in a jeer, crossing his arms and staring at the mess of a woman before him. “You’re supposed to help me, J said -”

“J says a lot of things,” she mirrored his stance with a look of sheer apathy, “she’s still the newest to the team, besides you. She needs to earn my respect.”

“I’m sure your respect means a lot,” he muttered, “whatever, let’s get this done so we can go back, and I can keep my memory this time.”

Dougall barked out a laugh. “You’re still hung up on that?”

Blue didn’t dignify her with a response.

The museum hid in the back alleys of the major city, overshadowed by tall homes of the rich, the manors that they buried themselves away in. It had been sponsored by Earl Henry Douglas of Greyhaven and had was used as a boast of his wealth. It was his collection on display, after all. Things he had imported from Shales and hid, or outright stolen. For that reason alone, Blue was happy that it was the Douglas Museum Of Arts that they had sent him to pilfer, not that he had a choice in the matter.

He wandered in through the large wooden doors, taking in the scenery as if he were just any other visitor. The inside was built like a cathedral, which shouldn’t have phased him too much since it had been built in the hollowed-out carcass of the Temple of Omos. The Queen had refused the Temples their right to exist upon her coronation - an action that hadn’t won her any favour. Its corpse was now the home of the Douglas family’s stolen artefacts. A fitting end, he supposed.

The rows of art and sculpture lead all the way to the back of the building and branched off into what used to be the military barracks. Blue couldn’t help but stand in awe, despite himself and his situation. The collection was impressive after all, despite their origins. Unfortunately, the large space had also been full of visitors gaping at the displays, and guards. Blue could count at least a dozen, and that had only been close to the entrance. Beside him, Dougall tensed yet again, seemingly uncomfortable with being in the museum despite her dubious occupation. Blue couldn’t spend too much time thinking about her. His memories were on the line after all.

He meandered through the rows of paintings, just as any regular visitor would. Looking, before moving on with the crowd. He picked up a leaflet, flicking through as he went, looking for a glimpse of where the painting the Rose wanted could be. The portrait of Sheridan Sørensen, the last wolf of Bannaheimr. He wasn’t into art, not truly, but even he knew the stories behind it. How she gave up everything to chase a woman across Kirus. He didn’t like the story very much.

He had found the partner painting, that of the husband, Maxwell Waverley, and yet the painting he needed was nowhere in sight. He huffed and turned to Dougall, who had been busy picking at her fingernails and avoiding eye contact with anyone and everyone.

“What now?” he asked, “it’s not on display. Do they have storage? Restoration facilities?”

Dougall shrugged. “I heard they have a warehouse which is almost impossible to break into.”

“Almost impossible?”

“There’s a reason I’m here and not the entire team, and it’s not just for punishment.”

She left it at that, beckoning him to follow with no further explanation.

Dougall swiftly led him back outside, eyeing him curiously as she grabbed him by the arm and steered him away from the museum and down the street. He looked at her bewildered but decided against asking what the hell she was doing until she offered the information up herself. She kept walking, half dragging him down the street to Daver Lane.

Daver Lane was a quiet street, mostly populated by the elderly and not much else. Corner shops sold their necessary wares, the local newspaper set up their office for easy access to their larger client base, and the smell of grease and oil-polluted the area from the abundance of takeaways. Daver Lane - a perfectly mediocre street. Dougall pulled Blue around the corner, bodies mostly hidden by the Farspeech Box.

“Are you going to help?” he asked in a low hiss. Not that the grand majority of the street could overhear, let alone care about what two young adults pressed into a corner could say. Quite the opposite, in fact. No matter how uncomfortable Blue was with the situation, they’d be safe from prying eyes. At the very least none would suspect anything other than two idiots in lust having a private moment, and not the two thieves’ nefarious planning.

Dougall smiled sardonically, baring her teeth. Her left canine broken, levelling it out to the same height as the rest of her teeth. “You really want my help?”

“As much as I despise having to ask help from some fucking alleged murderer,” he groaned. Dougall stopped smiling. Whatever act she had disappeared, replaced by a look of sheer hurt. “yes, I want your help. Where’s this warehouse?”

An old woman toddled down the pavement, walking frame clicking against the ground before her with each movement. Dougall made a sour face and pressed herself into Blue. He let out a sigh and hid his face near her shoulder.

“Do you know where the warehouse is?” he whispered, hoping to sell the act that Dougall had unfortunately cast upon him.

“It’s at Lakeside,” she whispered back, “Y’know, close to the Douglas Lake house in Greyhaven.”

She spat out the name as if it were poison on her tongue. There must have been an old grudge there somewhere, but Blue didn’t want to ask aloud. Not when he seemed so close to getting this errand accomplished.

“Then… we’ll drive over?” he asked, “do you guys even have a car?”

Dougall shook her head. “Do you?”

“Well,” Blue tilted his head to one side in hesitation, “yes. It’s my father’s. He needs it for work.”

“Then we steal it for the night, it’s fine.”

“Oh, it’s not fine.”

Blue drove into Lakeside in the car that he had borrowed from his father. His father, who had voluntarily handed him the keys to their “Carlisle & Son” branded van for him to ‘show his girlfriend a good time’. He had fought back the urge to gag and gladly took the keys before fleeing the establishment. It had been bad enough that the man he had met up with, so to speak, was Dougall’s identical twin brother. He would prefer it if he would never be involved with both siblings. Makes for an awkward family reunion.

He pulled into an alleyway, just wide enough for them both to open their doors a crack to slink out, and thin enough to obscure his name that was blatantly painted on the sides.

“So, Jake,” said Dougall with a grin. He regretted letting her inside his house, letting her meet his father even more so, “what do you want to do now?”

“Don’t call me that,” he said sternly. Little Jake Carlisle Jr may as well have been dead for years. The name of the father who’d never understand, who was never there. “It’s Blue. Now, where’s this warehouse?”

“You’re a shit boyfriend,” she joked. It had been the most he’d seen her smile since meeting her this time around. “you’re lucky you’re pretty.”

Blue massaged at his temples. “Please, just answer the question.”

“It’s close to here.”

Blue nodded, ushering her to lead the way.

The founders had built the town around a lake, much like the name suggested. The buildings followed the curvature of the water, overlooking the boats that bobbed along its surface. Nice buildings, unlike the outskirts of Kingshill. Tall, white and gleaming leading into the more rustic cabin-style houses. Night had begun to fall, the twin moons reflecting in broken semi circles over the ripples in the lake.

It was peaceful.

The perfect night for a break-in.

The warehouse sat barely hidden in the residential area. A wide building compared to its counterparts and teeming with guards. Blue swallowed hard and looked to Dougall for advice.

“So you said there were other reasons for you to be here-”

Dougall sighed. “I’m what most would call a dark mage, my magic is siphon based.”

“Which means?”

“I can copy or steal other’s magic. I’m basically a jack of all trades.”

“Good to know.”

The two crouched in the shadows of a cabin-house, watching the guards do their patrol like hawks. Blue tensed, Dougall grabbed his arm to keep him steady. He nodded a thanks, hoping that she knew what he meant by the gesture. She grunted and gave him a thumbs up.

“So, dark mage, you got anything up your sleeve?” he asked in a hushed whisper.

Dougall threw her hands up in an overdramatic shrug. “I… can mess with their memories a bit? Got that off of Remy.”

“Will it hurt them?”

“Has it hurt you?”

He tilted his head in a half shrugging gesture, “no, I guess not. Can it buy us a few minutes to get a better look at the place?”

“Thinking like a true thief, perhaps you’re one of us after all.”

“Can you get on with it?”

Dougall let out a low chuckle and flashed a grin. This was her element, and she made sure to show it. With one last glance, she moved, going as fast as she could while sticking close to the ground. Blue deflated, watching her go, debating his next move. The guards looked heavily armed, and he was not looking forward to another gun in his face that day. One had been too many.

Dougall stood once she had crossed the road, waving a hand in greeting. The guards shifted, pointing their drawn weapons at the young woman. Blue moved to follow, to get her out of trouble, or do anything, but Dougall held up a finger in a stopping motion. Whatever she had planned, she seemed confident that she would not fail. Her hands seeped a glittering grey mist that slowly thickened to dense fog. Her skin seemed to crystallise, turning to glass with her movements until Blue could see all the nerves and veins and bone. He almost recoiled, but felt drawn to the sight at the same moment. He had never seen magic so close, only in tricks, and even then the mages used staffs to protect themselves - to funnel away any damage that they could do to flesh.

In a quick burst, she threw her arms forward, the fog that she had accumulated shooting forward in two quick shots. One guard fired, but if it had hit, Dougall showed no reaction.

“You’re on a break,” she yelled at the guards, “go on, get.”

The guards looked at each other in confusion, then back at Dougall. She shook her head.

“You know who I am, don’t make me tell you again.” she held herself tall and proud, staring down the two guards. They hesitantly nodded and left the door clear for the two to run in. Blue stared up at her, curious how much had been the magic and how much had relied on her reputation.

“Impressive,” he said, standing and making his way to her side, “did they hit you?”

Dougall looked at him, confused, then patted herself down. Once satisfied, she gave him a thumbs up and a forced smile, which he returned.

Time to get the job done.

Regardless of having to deal with two fewer guards, the two made their way over as silently as possible, cracking open the large wooden doors of the warehouse.

Blue held back a cough as he entered. The interior was brimming with dust and the smell of oil and rust. Boxes and crates stacked high to the ceiling, likely having never disturbed or seen in years. The sight alone made his blood boil. Earl Douglas was a wealthy old bastard who kept culture in boxes to fade away to nothing. People had fought and died to keep their rights to their own history, and yet here it was. Collecting dust, mingling with other stolen artefacts, to be forgotten by the gentry that cared not for its own people, let alone foreign rights.

“We’re never going to be able to shift through all of this,” he groaned, “Creator, I hope it’s not boxed up.”

“It’s disgusting,” agreed Dougall, a sneer pulling at her rough features. “come on, best crack on. We don’t have long and I’d rather make the most of my time, don’t you?”

Blue nodded and rolled his shoulders. He dreaded what had come of his weekend. Dougall blew on her transparent fingers, rubbing heat into them and shoving them into the pockets of her dark leather jacket, setting off towards the back of the warehouse, her form disappearing into the darkness. Blue sighed and closed the door behind them, hoping to look as inconspicuous as possible, and hopefully buying the budding thieves more time to search for their needle in a haystack.

He climbed on top of one box, ripping off the lid of a taller crate with a pop. The motion caused him to sway backwards, but he caught himself before he could topple onto the ground and cause harm to himself or draw attention. Placing the lid to lean against the taller crate, he rifled through what he could see. Pots, mainly, hidden haphazardly in loose hay. There were onto jewels that cost more than his entire worth, but not what they had asked him to acquire. The night was still young, he figured, and he had plenty more crates to keep him occupied for weeks.

He cracked open a few more crates to no avail. More pots and vases, and some shiny jewels he pocketed so at the least he wouldn’t return empty-handed. Dougall had yet to return from the blackened void that was the back of the warehouse. He had heard nothing at all from the woman since she sauntered off and feared the worse. They couldn’t have had much time left, surely. He hopped off of the crate with a grunt, knees popping.

He wandered the darkening maze, hoping to at least find his mentor and partner in crime. He pulled a lighter from his trouser pocket, flicking it once, twice, three times for the spark to catch. The soft glow illuminated next to nothing, but Blue pressed on, hoping to find his partner safe. He wasn’t sure how he’d ever explain that she got hurt or worse on his watch.

Running his fingers across wood and metal, subconsciously counting how many boxes deep he had gone. He counted eighteen long, and the warehouse’s end was nowhere in sight. He had gone too far in, the light from the entrance no longer guiding him. A soft breeze threatened his tiny flame, he quickly cupped his spare hand around it to keep it alight, to the loss of counting each crate. He’d just have to rely on his footsteps now.

Two voices muttered words that Blue couldn’t pick up. A tangled mess of hushed words and garbled tongues. He walked softer now, hoping to get a glimpse before he scared them off, or worse, startled an attack. He took his thumb off his lighter, extinguishing the flame. He plunged into darkness, hobbling along the best he could.

The voices grew louder, more heated as he got closer. Blue hesitated, waiting around a corner to not be caught by the flickering light that hovered in between two people. One was definitely a guard, clean suit and armed to the teeth, her hair tugged back tightly out of her face. Yet he couldn’t catch a glimpse of the other, but it was definitely a woman speaking.

“You can’t keep doing this,” said the guards woman, an exasperated tone that one might use on a younger family member trying to break into the snack cupboard.

“He doesn’t own me,” hissed the other woman, the voice he could now recognise as Dougall. “He never has. I don’t owe him anything.”

“This isn’t a matter of owing, Dot. He’s your-”

“I know who he is,” Dougall snarled, the air seemingly growing colder as the seconds ticked by, “now let me go. I have my own business to attend to. That’s an order.”

Dougall brushed past where he hid, storming down the aisle of crates. Blue let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He could hear a door squeak open and closed, presumably from the guard exiting the building.

He stood slowly, careful not to knock over any of the boxes as he went, flicking his lighter yet again. The soft yellow light barely lighting his way, but it was enough to make his way back the way he came. To pretend not to have heard whatever had transpired. He wasn’t a true member of The Ivory Rose, not yet. As much as the situation had been against his will, he refused to mess up his chance at a life of adventure just yet. It was in his blood after all. If he could not follow his mother, to travel across the seas, this was the next best thing.

He reached the end with little trouble, standing before the double doors of the warehouse. Returning to his crates, rifling through them again in case Dougall found him. He’d at least have plausible deniability in case questioned.

Dougall sauntered over from the left of the warehouse, letting out a single sharp whistle to get his attention. He looked over, almost dropping the vase he had found. There, in her hands, was the large framed painting of the one and only Sheridan Sørensen. The professional thief grinned, carefree and proud. Blue looked at the painting then slowly back at her in distrust. If she caught any of his doubt, she didn’t waver.

“Time to go,” she grinned, tossing him the painting - which he barely caught - and running out the door. He huffed and chased after her, feet pounding against the dense earth floor. Blue couldn’t be sure why they were running, what with the sudden lack of guards. Dougall’s order seemed to have worked, for whatever reason.

Blue parked the car in front of the Den, after an underwhelming drive back to the capital. He unbelted the painting from where it lay in the back of the van, following Dougall back inside. Dougall, who yelled at the top of her lungs the very second she entered despite the late hour.

“We’re back!” she whooped, sauntering into the living room, where the gaggle of women sat around; exhausted from waiting.

J, the team leader, rolled her eyes.“What do you want, a medal?”

Blue stepped in cautiously, painting held in front of him as if it could shield him from the many pairs of judging eyes of women he knew no name.

“Ey, he did it!” grinned one, a tall woman with purple ribbons braided into her hair, from where she sat cross-legged in front of the fire.

“Took longer than it should have - but yes, I suppose he did. Congratulations, Mr Blue.”

“You really can just call me Blue,” he said sheepishly, carefully setting the painting up against the wall. Sheridan Sørensen’s piercing gaze glared over the room as if her ghost lived on within the oil paint.

With a pop of a bottle and a thump on the door, the group froze. They stared warily towards the front door, looking amongst themselves as if daring someone to move. Blue braced himself, opting to take initiative, hoping that it would gain favour with the women.

He crept to the passageway, peaking out through the frosted glass panes that bordered the door, no matter how unhelpful they proved to be. A blur of black and silver stood swaying, moving forward to rap at the knocker again. Blue bit his lip, taking in a deep breath, and opened the door. Two of the Kingshill guards, pistols drawn, pushed past him into the house, no matter Blue’s yelps of discouragement.

They filed into the living room where the crew sat like statues, the froth from the popped alcohol dripping languidly down the side of the glass untouched.

“Dorothy Douglas,” boomed the male guard, pistol pointing towards Dougall’s face. Dougall hardly looked surprised, much less interested. “You’re under arrest for the murder of Dorothy Marlowe.”

[adultswim2021]

Squidbillies #49: "Reunited, And It feels No Good" | July 20, 2009 - 12:00AM | S04E09

The Cuylers have a dang old family reunion, and guess what? Extended family actually shows up to it. They are significantly wealthier than the Dougal County Cuylers, what with owning a modern car with DVD players and refrigerated air.

This is the family of Durwood Cuyler, who stands upright like a man, shoving most of his tentacles into a pair of shoes. He’s a yuppy, an outdated term that I don’t feel like updating. He is also a family man; he married a blonde human woman with a Karen hairdo, a recently outdated term that is actually too modern for me to be using about a show from 2009. They also have two kids who never speak because they are glued to their devices. I think we can all agree on one thing: Durwood simply gave up. 

The episode is basically about the two Cuyler clans clashing, slightly. Early hints at the fact that they could use some of Durwood’s money. His wife is steadfast against them even associating with Early’s family altogether. Early reveals his investment plan: a plushie from that Cheyenne Cinnamon “movie” that Burger King is showing, which according to my tepid googling hasn’t actually happened yet. I’m referring to the "Big Uber Network Sampling", an event where, if I recall correctly, a bunch of Adult Swim pilots that were available on a Burger King website. I think the idea was the pilots were pitted against each other in various matches, and the winner got to, as it turns out, continue being a rejected pilot. Cheyenne Cinnamon was one of those pilots. We see a little more footage of that playing in the headrest screens of Durwood’s family Durango. 

Durwood is so horrified by the treatment of Rusty (who has lockjaw from running barefoot through animal feces), that when Rusty shows Durwood his art project (which is just a glitter drawing urging Durwood to help him get the fuck away from Early’s abuse), Durwood decides to take rusty off Early’s hands for “a couple days”. As they speed away, Durwood tells Rusty he’s never going back there again, and that they’re going to set up a cot in the garage. Early is ecstatic to be rid of Rusty, but when he’s reminded that his government checks will stop coming he becomes incensed. TO BE CONTINUED. 

A common response I have to Squidbillies is that I’ll watch it for a few minutes and think “hey, I think I like this show, actually”, but then I'm ready for it to end and it’s not even half over yet. That’s sorta where I was with this one. Lucky for me, it’s technically not over. This is a bonafide two-parter. When it originally aired they played both episodes back-to-back, but as far as I can tell they were always considered two separate episodes. I will be considering them two separate write-ups. Okay!

EPHEMERA CORNER

Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode II DVD (July 21, 2009)

I'm stubbornly sticking to my stated mission of making you aware of every DVD release from Adult Swim in a rough chronological order compared to the Adult Swim television timeline. As such, I wind up spotlighting releases that I have nothing to say about, and no significant feelings felt for. This one has 90 minutes of extra features, which I'm pretty sure is longer than the special itself. I also believe this is the extended cut of the special (or at the very least the DVD includes the extended cut), which I think aired on TV too. I forget. I don't like thinking about this show, or the intellectual property known as Star Wars. Thanks.

MAIL BAG

Kon komes through with a fact I did not allow myself to learn:

The God guy on the Squidbillies episode was voiced by the very guy who played Jesus on the Rising Son, and also starred in many Superdeluxe-brand FARK sketches that you and me really love and both are huge fans of

YES! Thank you Kon. Point of fact- the IMDB page for this episode doesn't credit who played God, but does list Sean Watkins on the cast list. But they linked to the wrong Sean Watkins, which left me scratching my head. I looked like a fool

[silverynight]

A strange promise

Newt certainly doesn't think too much about it when he finds his ex-professor in that dark alley at night; sometimes the magizoologist has to buy certain ingredients or food for his creatures and since keeping magical beasts is still illegal in most of the countries, he has to go to places where dark wizards buy their stuff.

He's still trying to get the woman to accept his money (for some reason she's always insisting on giving him everything for free) when a hand slides a couple of galleon on the counter.

"It's on me."

The woman nods, looking a little bit intimidated by the figure behind the magizoologist; Newt turns around immediately, ready to argue with the stranger when he recognizes those blue eyes.

"Professor Dumbledore!" He beams, prompting the other man to blush. There's a curious sparkle in those beautiful blue eyes of his.

"Please, Newt... You're no longer my student, just call me Albus," he grins, taking the magizoologist gently by the arm and walking him outside the store. "Let me buy you a drink."

They talk about Hogwarts, what it was when Newt was there, but it seems like Albus is not really interested in the past, he wants to talk about the present and the future.

"Promise you'll pay me a visit soon," Albus smiles, touching Newt's cheek. "Allow me to return the favor, I can follow you anywhere and stay with you a couple of days while you study new creatures."

Since Newt would like Albus to be his friend, he doesn't hesitate to promise that. At the moment he doesn't think too much about the way the wizard leans closer or how often he stares at him like he wants to learn his features by heart.

***

The first time Grindelwald appears just in time to help with a problem he got himself in, Newt doesn't think there's a connection with his visits to Albus or the fact that his ex-professor is constantly writing to him asking where he is at the time.

No, he's just in shock because the dark lord is taking all the mooncalves with him and grabbing Newt's arm in time for all of them to escape together. Grindelwald doesn't hurt him, instead, he makes sure Newt's alright before nodding in his direction and apparating away.

The second time Grindelwald helps him, he gets hurt and Newt can't just leave him there bleeding so he patches him up.

And that's when he sees him vulnerability and his kindness: like any other human being. It's easier to think of him just as the dark lord who deserves to be imprisoned, like Theseus often says, but Newt can't think about Grindelwald that way anymore.

"Your arm will be as good as new in a couple of days," Newt mumbles as a gentle smile quirks the corner of his lips.

However, his grin is quickly replaced by an expression of surprise when Grindelwald leans closer and touches his chin softly, his fingers brushing gently the freckles he finds on his creamy skin.

"He was right. He always is."

"What did you say?" Newt whispers, confused. Although he notices he is not afraid of the dark lord at all, even though he knows what he's capable of.

A playful smirk appears on Grindelwald's face as a spark lights up his mismatched eyes.

"You're truly beautiful."

Newt blushes, but doesn't have the time to say anything because the dark lord disappears again.

***

The first time Newt thinks there's something more than meets the eye is on Valentine's day; Albus pays him a visit and he arrives with a bouquet of forget-me-nots and invitation to dinner.

A date.

With his heart jumping inside his chest, Newt accepts the invitation; they have a great time and Albus kisses him until they're both gasping for air.

He doesn't think about Grindelwald until he finds another bouquet of flowers, dark roses, when he gets back home.

Even though he's not sure he sent them, but something about them makes him wonder...

Newt puts the bouquets together and he moves to take Dougal in his arms, even the demiguise seems intrigued by the situation.

Perhaps there IS a connection.

***

He's convinced something's going on when poachers start disappearing all over the world and a month later Albus finally agrees to become Minister of magic.

Theseus worries about that all the time; he doesn't like Newt dating him, but Newt has never payed too much attention to his complaints since his brother has never liked any of his suitors.

"He has too much power now," he comments with concern usually before urging Newt to break up with him.

Newt stops thinking about it when the Ministry adds a few laws to protect magical creatures; people in England start seeking information on beasts after the new Minister is seen anywhere he goes with his lovely phoenix beside him. Also, the news about the things that are happening help Newt's book to become a success.

Grindelwald... Gellert (as he asks Newt to call him) keeps appearing whenever Newt goes and the magizoologist has never told anyone, not even Albus, although he has the feeling that he wouldn't get mad about it.

Newt even has the silly idea that he wouldn't even mind if he found out Newt likes Gellert a little bit too much.

***

It's February 14 again when Newt wakes up in Albus's house, he feels weak and hurt and is not sure if he's dreaming the other person in the room or not.

"They didn't suffer enough, Albus. But I had no time, look at what they did to our Newton!"

"The important thing now is that you brought him back home, Gellert."

Newt's eyes finally blink back open and the two men pacing around the room rush towards him.

He's not afraid of any of them, even now that he just found out the truth.

"Are you alright, Liebling?" Gellert kneels next to the bed and takes one of his hand in his.

He looks so vulnerable, so worried...

"Where are my babies?"

"Here," Albus points at case at the other side of the bed and Newt sighs with relief. "All safe and sound."

The magizoologist looks up at the two men in front of him and remembers he was almost killed trying to save a wampus.

"The wampus?"

"I already patched him up and fed him, my darling," Albus says and Newt realizes in that moment, with a mixture of shock and pleasure that those two wizards would do anything for him.

It's a scary thought.

"You've been working together this whole time," Newt mumbles as Gellert gets closer to kiss him on the forehead.

"We've been taking care of you," Grindelwald says.

"I know," Newt mumbles with a fond smile on his face.

Theseus would probably be horrified if he saw him.

"We want a better world for you, my love," Albus assures him, sitting on the bed at his other side.

"I don't want muggles to su–"

"I won't–We won't hurt them, Liebling. I promise," Gellert's voice is sweet and gentle, he presses his lips against Newt's temple.

"Will you stay with us, Newt? Will you live with us?"

"Will you be ours?"

Looking up at Albus and Gellert, Newt finds himself nodding; it's too late to pretend he doesn't love them both already. It's always been them.

"I promise," he whispers, before falling asleep.

When he wakes up, he's in the middle of them; he's never felt better.

They get married in secret, on a Valentine's day. Newt and Albus have to make a party in front of friends and family; neither of them mention Gellert, but when they get back home, their beloved is already waiting for them.

***

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