#also the outfit for her parade tomorrow?!

[anxiousbabybird]

I’m weirdly proud of this but I had to make a “shoebox float” for my nieces Kindergarten Derby parade at school tomorrow and I’m showing everyone 😂

In other news, I’ve realized I’m going to be a super competitive mom one day and that definitely made me think of some HCs with the men I love tonight lol

[britneyshakespeare]

it's been a day and i'm still extremely over the moon about the titian ponytail barbie i got yesterday at the flea market

[little-miss-fandom-freak]

this might b the biggest self insert ever but please write a sevika x goth! reader fic or imagines- just anythinggg!

My wife won the poll in a landslide, so here ya go! (I'm also writing for the other two that won)

Sevika x Goth!Reader Imagine

The two of you met at a Goth bar that was hidden in the caverns beneath the Undercity. You were a bartender. Your paper-white makeup and heavy black eye shadow pulled her in. You smiled at her, asking her what she wanted, but she couldn't focus becaude was just hypnotized by you.

You two hit it off instantly. After a month of hanging around the bar and walking you home after your shift, she finally asked you out.

Sevika called your name, stopping you from opening you door. "Uh, so I was wondering..." You couldn't believe it. Was she finally asking you out after all this time?

"Would you, um, like to get something to eat sometime?" You tried so hard to contain you excitement, but you couldn't hide the smile forming on your lips.

"I'd love to!" You wanted to slap yourself for how giddy you sounded, but she was just as bad.

A dorky smile was plastered on her face as she nodded. "Great. How about tomorrow?"

You bit your lip to see if you were dreaming. "Tomorrow sounds good. Goodnight, Sevika."

Oh how she loved hearing you say her name. She almost tripped down the steps as she watched you walk into your apartment.

She waited for you outside of your apartment the next day, pacing the halls back and forth with anxiety. Her worries were silenced when you opened the door, her greeting died on her tounge when she saw you. You were in a more casual attire - well, casual for you. Instead of your usual high maintenance outfits, you wore a simple tank top and long black skirt. Your makeup was also more casual. You ditched the white foundation and opted for just the eye and lip makeup.

"Hey... how do I look?" You asked nervously. You rarely leave your house dressed so casually, but you wanted to see if she'd still like you without your usual theatrics.

"You look... um..." You thought she hated it, but really she just wanted to drag you back into your apartment and show you just how much she loved your outfit. "You look amazing" she finally said breathlessly.

The look of pure adoration in her eyes combined with her lovesick tone, you knew this date wasn't going to be the last...

♡ Sevika's love language is acts of service. So if there's any part of your morning routine that she can help with, she's there.

♡ She does your makeup for you (you were shocked at how good she was at it, but it's only because she's been watching you through your vanity mirror every morning)

♡ One time, you convinced her to let you do her makeup to match yours. Let's just say it didn't stay on for long.

♡ She loves the way you dress.

♡ Her knees get weak anytime you wear heels that make you as tall as her

♡ She loves how elegant you dress. Whether it's feminine or masculine, you never fail to dress like a goddess of the dead.

♡ Even at the beginning of your relationship, she would proudly parade around the Undercity with black lipstick across her neck and face. It was a hot topic between Silco's followers on who his second in command was with.

♡ When she's at the market and sees anything that screams Goth, she buys it for you without a second thought.

♡ She just loves spoiling you

♡ Do you like taxidermy and preserving dead animals? She gets you creatures you've never even seen before.

♡ Do you like painting or sculpture/pottery? She will build you an art studio with her bare hands.

♡ Or do you just like collecting scrap like a raccoon? She'll come home from work with her pockets full of every little thing she could find for you.

♡ She loves staying at your place because of the lack of sunlight. Between her work schedule and her drinking, the sun is constantly giving her headaches, so she appreciates the dark atmosphere of your room.

♡ Not many know this, but Sevika also loves classic literature. The two of you actually bonded over your shared love of classical horror.

♡ When it came to introducing you to those close to her, she was nervous you not liking them. She loved you, but she would hate to have to choose between you and the few peoole she's close with.

♡ Luckily, you loved them and they loved you just as much.

♡ You hit it off well with Jinx and Ran. Jinx loved your makeup and even had a little phase where she tried doing goth makeup with blue instead of black. And Ran just loved having someone to talk about music with.

♡ Silco, however, he didn't trust you. But it wasn't until he saw how you were with Jinx that he subtlely gave his approval.

♡ You wouldn't think that people would be scared of you in the Undercity; but there have been an odd number of times some unknowing woman tried flirting with Sevika, just to have you appear from the shadows and scaring the piss out of her. You don't even mean to most of the time, but Sevika loves it so you keep doing it.

♡ You two are the definition of a metal head/goth couple

♡ She loves going to concerts in her free time, and she was over the moon when you said yes to going with. During the concert, you did lose Sevika, but it turns out she was just in the mosh pit.

♡ In a fair trade, she also goes to goth concerts with you. The setting is a lot different, but she can't complain when she gets to watch you dance like that

♡ Speaking of which, she LOVES watching you dance.

♡ The way your body moves to the music like spirits dancing in a forest, it's all so mesmerizing to her. She could watch you dance for hours (and she has, it's one of her favorite hobbies)

♡ Back to Sevika in a mosh pit, she craves your touch afterward

♡ The first time you found her after the pit, you brought her to the bathroom to clean her up. She was so infatuated by you and your gentle hand, all she could do was kiss you because she couldnt find the words to describe what she was feeling in that moment.

♡ The more you go to concerts with her, the more you start to suspect she's letting herself get more hurt than usual, just so she can have you nurse her back to health. But you're not complaining, you love caring for your girlfriend.

♡ Sevika rarely let's her walls down around others. You've seen it first hand, the quick switch between your girlfriend Sevika, and second in command Sevika. It always reassures you that she truly cares for you.

♡ Another moment of weakness for Sevika was letting you fix her arm.

♡ She showed you how everything worked, and soon enough you became the only person to work on her arm.

♡ During the rebelling times, you became more involved with her and her work. Helping with mapping out plans, arranging and promoting meet-ups, and assisting with medical aid after Enforcer attacks.

♡ She didn't like having you so close to the line of fire, but she was so thankful to have someone so understanding in her life. And with the death of Silco and the mental absence of Jinx, it's what she needed.

♡ When Sevika joined the council, she, of course, took you to the first gala since the war. You asked if you should tone down your look (especially since you haven't seen a single other goth in Piltover. You were almost wondering if the culture was even a thing topside). But Sevika said no, she actually wanted you to go all out.

♡ Your makeup was more dramatic than ever, and she even bought you special contacts to wear. You looked like you just crawled from the grave, and she LOVED IT (and was slightly turned on)

♡ She didn't hide her arm either. She wore a suit that clung to her figure, with the sleeve gone for her arm. She also wore Zaun's colors with pride

♡ From then on, you two were known by topsiders as Councilwoman Sevika and her demonic-looking wife

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

AAAAAHHHHH I LOVED WRITING THIS!!! As someone who is alt we need more alt!reader fics! I hope you all enjoyed this! And if you have anything you would like me to personally respond to, message me or put it in my ask box because as of right now, Tumblr won't let me respond to comments :)

[vodika-vibes]

Congratulations on your 650 followers Vodika! I bring you a request. May I please have a fairy tale AU with Jango Fett. Jango is the king of Mandalore and he hires you as his son's caretaker. As you spend more time with Boba and Jango the two of you fall in love with one another and even though you are just a commoner and Jango can have any woman he wants all Jango wants is to marry you and make you his queen.

Once again congratulations Vodika! I look forward to reading all of your requests once they are finished ❤️

Cin Vhetin

Summary: After losing your well-paying career as an in-home nanny due to a lie, you’re forced to move in with your older sister just to make ends meet. You’re about to give up on ever finding another job when your sister brings you an opportunity that you can’t turn down.

Pairing: Jango Fett x F!Reader

Word Count: 2958

Prompt: Fairy Tale AU

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: Alright, I've had this mostly written for days now, I just couldn't get the final section to come out right. But I'm finally happy with it! So I hope you like it!

“I’m home~”

You look up from where you’re putting the finishing touches on tonight's dinner as your sister waltzes into the kitchen, a broad grin on her face. “Welcome back,” You greet tiredly, “You’re in a good mood, Rayne.”

“Of course I am, I got to see my future husband-”

“You mean the one who doesn’t know you exist? That future husband?”

“Hush, stop raining on my parade.” She spins around the kitchen, as though she’s still a teenager and not a woman nearing forty. “Anyway, I saw my beloved. And we had a conversation.”

“Oh?”

“He asked me if I wanted two loaves of bread or if one would be enough for tonight.”

“Sis, that isn’t talking, that’s him doing his job.” You counter with a roll of your eyes, “But continue.”

“It’s a step up.” She huffs as she stops spinning and flings her arms around your shoulders in a tight hug, “But, much more importantly. I signed you up for an interview at the palace tomorrow.”

“You what?!” You spin and glare at her, “An interview for what?”

“Don’t freak out,” She says as she jabs her finger in your face, “I’m doing you a favor.”

“Rayne!”

She rolls her eyes, “As you know, King Jango now has an infant son, and he needs a skilled nanny for Prince Boba. And you, my darling baby sister, are a skilled nanny and governess.” 

“Yeah, aside from the fact that I was fired from my last job.”

“Okay, so you weren’t fired because of anything you did, first of all. Those people lied about you and ruined your reputation, and this is an excellent way to repair that.” Rayne says as she places her hands on her hips, “Also, I know you’re doing your best to get a job and everyone is denying you because of the rumors, but I really think that this is the way to go.”

“If I get denied because of this lie—”

“You won’t,” Rayne reassures. “Your skill speaks for itself. And the King is rumored to be a discerning man.” She places her hands on your shoulders, “Will you go?”

You sigh, “Yeah. Okay.”

She squeals and flings her arms around you, “Oh, you won’t regret this, I know it.” Rayne releases you and claps her hands in front of her face, “Now, your interview is at the end of the day tomorrow, do you have a proper outfit to wear? I know you prefer your tunics, leggings, and boots. But do you have any skirts?”

“You know I don’t.” You say with a sigh, “I have a nice tunic and leggings that I can wear tomorrow. It’ll be fine.” Rayne opens her mouth to say something, but you cut her off, “I know you’re worried, but my clothes will be fine.”

She sighs and folds her arms, “I know, I know. I just…you’ve been so unhappy since you lost your last job. I’ve been worried.”

You make a face, “Well, the rumors weren’t kind to me, Rayne.”

“No, they weren’t.” She takes your hands and squeezes them, “I’ll leave you to your cooking, alright? I need to tend to the garden and then get cleaned up. Call me when dinner is done?”

“I always do.”

Rayne smiles at you and turns to leave the room, and then she pauses and looks at you, “Vod’ika,” you start at the familiar word falling from her lips, “Our buir’e would be proud of the woman you’ve become. I know I am.”

Your face heats and you avert your gaze, “You think so?”

“I know so.” Rayne hurries over to you and presses a light kiss to your temple. “Now, I do have to tend to the garden. Are you good?”

You smile at her, “Yeah. I’m good.” You watch as she leaves the room and then turn your attention back to the meal you’re preparing. You are so lucky that your sister is such an amazing person.  You’re never going to be able to pay her back.

The next day, your sister walks you to the palace, where you join the veritable army of other women who have applied for the position. “Are you sure you don’t want me to wait?” Rayne asks as she tucks some hair out of your face, “I don’t mind.”

“I’m sure. You have better things to do than wait hours for me to finish my interview, Rayne. And I know you have some things you need to do.”

“Well, yes-”

“Don’t worry about me.” You reassure her, “I’ll be okay. I’ve done this before after all.”

Rayne sighs, “Alright. I’ll see you this evening then. I love you.”

“Love you too.” You watch as Rayne hurries into the crowd and you settle back to wait for your turn. You know it’ll be a long wait.

King of Mandalore, Jango Fett, leans back in his chair as the most recent interviewee is escorted from the room. He pinches the bridge of his nose as he tries to stem the growing migraine.

“Well, this is going splendidly,” Miles notes dryly, “Half of those women have never seen a child, and the other half would be bad fits for living in the palace.”

Jango grunts, and then drops his hand, “You heard the woman who claims that children need a firm hand?”

“Oh yes,” Miles’ smile isn’t nice, “I made a note of that.”

“How many more?”

“Just the one,” Miles replies.

“And what do we know about her?”

“She’s quite the talented nanny,” He replies, “Has been caring for children since she was a child, used to Nanny for the Kryze clan.”

Jango lifts his head, “Used to?”

“There were some allegations of inappropriate behavior. Rumors and hearsay, mostly. Though, there are quite a few notes here, from a lot of people, indicating that those rumors and allegations are nothing more than lies.”

“Shocking, someone from the Kryze family lying.”

“Hm, if only we could power your kingdom with sarcasm-” Miles counters, just as sarcastically.

“Yeah, yeah.” Jango glances at the peacefully slumbering Boba, and then looks at Miles, “Well, we might as well get this over with. Call her in.”

Miles nods, once, and leaves the room.

He’s gone for almost five minutes, though Jango knows that’s because Miles is doing his pre-screening. Something that he started after the second woman let slip that she was looking for a title and a crown.

Honestly, he’s never going to get used to these leeches. Being a member of the royal family is hardly worth all that.

He sits up when the door opens, and Miles steps into the room, looking very smug. Trailing behind him is a young woman. Her hair is neatly pulled out of her face, and her clothes are neat, but don’t hang overly loose.

And, unlike most everyone else, her gaze skips right over him to focus on Boba. 

That, by itself, moves her to the top of the list.

“The last applicant, your Majesty,” Miles says with a gesture towards the young woman, and then he bows and leaves the room.

“His name is Boba,” Jango says, “He’s only a couple of weeks old.”

The corners of her lips turn down thoughtfully, “Forgive me for saying so, but having such a young baby around so many people is not safe for him.” 

Jango leans back in his seat, and a small smirk plays on his lips. Negative reputation or not, his estimation of her is going higher and higher. “I haven’t been allowing anyone to hold him.”

“Well, that’s something I suppose.” She finally turns her gaze to him and offers a shallow, but respectful curtsy. “I apologize, then.”

“There’s no need for that.” Jango scans her thoughtfully. She is young, but she looks tired. And her clothes hang on her, as though she’s recently lost a lot of weight. Or the clothes used to belong to someone else. “You were looking out for my son.”

He picks up her resume and motions for her to take a seat, which she does.

“I have your resume here,” He says, “And, honestly, I have a hard time believing that you don’t already have a job. Nannying since you were a teenager. A qualified governess in your own right. You’ve nannied for some very big names over the years. The most recent being the Kryze clan.”

“That’s all accurate, yes.” She replies, though her lips tighten at the mention of her previous employers. 

Jango sets the resume down on the table, “Based on your qualifications, you’re more than qualified for the job.” he says lightly, “But, understand, Boba is my only son. So I have to ask about these rumors-”

She winces and her shoulders curl in on her, “What would you like to know?”

There’s something like resigned defeat in her voice, and Jango finds himself not liking it. “What happened?”

Absently she rolls the hem of her sleeve between her fingers, “I was hired as the Nanny and Governess for Korkir Kryze three months before he was born.” She explains quietly, “I prepared the nursery, made sure that the house had everything it needed, and when he was born, I was the first one to hold him. I don’t think the Duke or the Duchess ever held him.” 

“Go on.”

“I can’t remember a single instance of his parents ever being in the same room as Korkie for longer than it took for a photo op or a meal.” She continues, “When he started talking, he called me mom. The Duchess…” She trails off, “She wasn’t happy about it.” She finally says.

“They fired you.”

“And spread rumors that I was a Noble Hunter and that I tried to seduce the Duke.” She bristles slightly, “I would never. I have enough self-respect to not try and poach from another woman-”

Jango holds up a hand, “Peace.”

She quells, though she still looks very unhappy.

“What happened after you were fired?”

“I moved in with my sister, it’s where I’ve been living.”

Jango nods thoughtfully, “This position comes with a series of rooms in the palace,” He explains, you also get two days off a week, days that you can set. You will be responsible for Boba during the day when I’m working, but you’ll only need to take him in the early mornings, evenings, or at night if I’m indisposed for some reason.”

She blinks at him, “Wait, you mean-?”

He smiles, “The position is yours, we’ll work out the rest of the hard details a bit later.”

“Thank you!”

His smile widens, “Would you like to hold Boba?”

She immediately walks over to the infant and allows Jango to place him in her arms. He watches as she adjusts his weight with the ease of someone who’s been caring for children for a long time.

“Time for the grand tour,” Jango says, “Follow me please.”

You settle into your new routine with ease. King Jango is a fine father and an even better man. He never treats you as if you’re less than him, and he listens to you if you say that there’s something wrong with Boba, or if you note that something needs to be changed.

In the 6 months that you’ve worked for him, you come to realize that you’ve never been as comfortable working for a family as you do when working for the King.

And yes, there is something of a small crush there. But you would never dream of risking your job in the hopes of catching his eye.

At 6 months old, Boba can roll over in both directions, and he babbles, though he still isn’t quite at the talking stage. More importantly, he’s learned stranger anxiety. Luckily, you’re not a stranger and he reaches for you as often as he reaches for his father.

Right now, though, Boba’s asleep in his crib and you’re organizing his nursery.

It’s one of the few nights where Jango isn’t able to put Boba down for the night, though, knowing the King, he’ll pop in as soon as he’s done in his meeting.

And, true to your expectations, half an hour later the nursery door opens. 

The King offers you a tired smile, and then walks over to the crib to peer down at the baby, “How was he today?”

“A little grumpy.” You reply, “But he settled around noon time.”

“That’s good.” You watch as Jango smoothes a curl off of Boba’s forehead, “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to put him down for the night.”

“It happens,” You reply lightly, you slip a couple more diapers into the drawer, and then you glance at him, “It’s been happening a lot these last couple of weeks.” You note, almost absently.

It’s an offer for him to confide in you if he wants.

Jango sighs, “It has, yes.” He falls silent for a moment, “I know I only hired you to take care of Boba, but it’d be nice to have someone to talk to. Someone who’s not involved.”

You finish folding Boba’s clothes and put them in the dresser before you turn to look at him, “I’m always happy to listen, Jango.” You make sure the baby monitor is on, and then follow him out of Boba’s nursery and into Jango’s suites.

You sink onto one of the plush couches as he offers you a glass of juice, before he sits next to you, “The Council, and Miles, are pushing me to get married.” Jango says.

“I wasn’t aware that you had a partner,” You note thoughtfully as you take a sip of the juice and set the cup on the table.

“I don’t. That’s the problem.”

“You’re the King, if you want them to stop just tell them.”

“Sadly, it doesn’t work like that. They have lists of women who might be interested in marrying me, but—” He shakes his head.

“But you’re not interested.”

“I’m not blind, I’m well aware that I could have any noblewoman that I wanted. The problem is that I don’t want any of them.”

“May I ask why not?” You ask, curious.

“Boba.”

You exhale slowly, “Okay, that’s fair.”

“Plus, I have no interest in firing you. And the last thing I want is to put you in another situation like the Kryze situation.”

“That’s kind of you, Jango. But I really shouldn’t be a consideration in this.”

“Why not? You’re basically Boba’s mother at this point.”

You laugh softly, “That’s going to get me in trouble, I know it.”

Jango leans back for a moment, his dark eyes scanning you, “I lied.”

“About?”

“Not wanting any woman specifically.” Jango clarifies, “There’s one woman I’m interested in.”

“Okay, so you should talk to her.”

“I am.”

“Oh. Oh!” Your face heats and you press your hands against your cheeks, “Me. You mean me.”

Jango chuckles softly, though there’s nothing unkind there, “I do mean you.”

“But I’m just a nanny.”

“So? My parents were farmers, it was my adoptive dad who made me King.” Jango shifts on the couch so that his knees are almost touching you, “Boba loves you. And you’ve managed to keep me sane these last six months.”

“I don’t know anything about ruling a kingdom.”

“You don’t have to, that will remain my job.” Jango’s warm fingers brush against your cheek, “Tell me you’re not interested, and I’ll never mention it again.”

You stare at him, “I just…why me?”

“Because you’re you. Because the idea of you not being in my life makes me miserable.” Jango’s fingers slide across your lips.

“People will make assumptions—”

“Let them. So long as we both know the truth,” Jango leans in, his lips hovering just over yours, “You are the one I want. The only one I want.”

A soft sigh falls from your lips, “Jango—”

You’re not able to finish your thought, as his lips catch yours in a gentle, almost chaste, kiss. Your hands come up to lightly press against his cheeks, and then one of your hands slides to card through his curls.

Jango releases a low groan, the kiss deepening as he leans you back, so you’re lying on the couch and he’s supporting his weight on his elbows. He lightly nips your lower lip and then soothes the sore spot with his tongue.

You don’t mean to release the breathy whine at the feel of his teeth against you, but you do, and Jango practically collapses on you with a deep appreciative moan.

His lips move to your throat, and you gasp when he bites down on the sensitive skin located there, intent on leaving a mark.

You know that he would keep going and that you would let him when the baby monitor releases a little noise, and you both still at the sound of Boba waking up. 

He stares down at you, and you blink up at him, “I need to go get him,” You whisper. 

“Yeah.” Jango kisses you one more time, “We’ll have to continue this later. If you want?”

“Well,” You smile at him shyly, “I wouldn’t say no.”

He flashes an eager, and boyish, grin. “I can’t wait,” Jango murmurs as he climbs off of you and allows you to grab the baby monitor to hurry to the nursery.

And, when Jango joins you in the nursery half an hour later and wraps himself around you to watch you take care of Boba, you’re really not surprised. Just like you’re not surprised when his arms slide tightly around your waist and he holds you tightly.

You know that it’ll be a change, being in a relationship with the King. But you find yourself excited about the change, rather than anxious.

[ssa-atlas-alvez]

cowboy!reader likes pop music I've decided. he also drives a truck that looks like it's a fossil yet runs perfectly fine. he knows about horses and will try to talk about old wild west movies whenever. definitely loved woody from toy story as a kid. 1000% baby talks dogs. goes to pride parades in full colorful cowboy outfit. can do bird calls back. stress eats sunflower seeds instead of smoking. the list of ideas goes on really

- 🦦

More (Not) Allergies

Okay, so I've only focused on the pop music for this one. Also it directly follows from 'Alergies (Not Really)' (which wasn't titled earlier but it was the one with Mia in). But I do have them all noted down (I'm working on the sunflower seeds on at the moment).

EDIT: Sunflower seeds one is now done and available here

Warnings: minor sad reader

Word count: 621

PART ONE

Taglist: @xweirdo101x @xdark-acadamiax @ara-a-bird @heidss @chubbyboyinflannel @pendragon-writes @migwayne @bigolgay @technikerin23

"Hey, where's your cattleman?" Spencer asked as you sat down in your usual seat. 

"I er, I need to find a new one."

"Did you lose it? We've probably got time to find it before we take off-" Spencer said, already starting to stand up.

"Nah, I didn't lose it. I gave it to Mia," You said. "I'll go lookin' for a new one tomorrow,"

"Isn't that your favourite one?" JJ asked, turning to you.

"Yes ma'am," You answered, 

“Wait, is this the one you wouldn’t let any of us try on?” Derek asked, looking up from his ipod.

“That would be the one,” You said with a small nod.

“Oh man, you must be getting withdrawal,”

“A little,” You joked. "She's a special kid. Plus, I think she might’ve tried to steal it off me anyway. Y’know she called me old? Three times? Imma spring chicken,"

"I don't know about that," Emily teased, "You're nearly thirty,"

"'Scuse me ma'am, Imma spring chicken."

When the conversation dialled down, you sighed slightly, sliding your hands into your pocket out of boredom. You furrowed your eyebrows when your fingers brushed against a small chain. You gently removed it from your pocket.

"Where'd you get that chain?" You asked, seeing Mia fiddle with it, running her fingers along the links. 

She shrugged, "I found it on the floor a few years ago," 

"'s pretty," You commented, she looked at you in disbelief. "What?"

"I wore it once, it turned my skin green," 

"Maybe you're just a zombie." You said with a shrug

"Rich coming from you old man."

"Hey, you okay?" You look up at JJ in confusion and she motioned to your eyes, red and brimmed with tears.

"Oh, yeah," You clear your throat wiping your eyes slightly, "Allergies."

She has a knowing look on her face, but goes along with it. "Allergies are the worst,"

"Tell me about it." You muttered. 

"But," She whispered, despite the team chatting amongst themselves, "If you are… upset or concerned about anything, I'm always here if you want to talk about it." 

You pause for a moment, brushing your thumb against the chain as you frowned. "I-" You paused, "I dunno," You stuff the chain into your pocket as you looked at JJ, giving her a small smile. "'M fine," You gave her a nod, "Just missing ma cattleman, is all," 

"Uh-huh," JJ said with a raised eyebrow before she gave you a small smile, dropping the subject (not wanting to push you). "Alright, well, I believe we are all going for drinks, you should join us."

You look unsure for a moment before nodding, "A'right," You said, "Just don't tell my Mama I'm getting drunk,"

“Ooo cowboy’s finally gonna get drunk?” Derek asked with a grin, “How about you sing some good ol’ country music for us?”

“It’s gonna take a lotta shots to get to that point,” 

“Well, we have tomorrow off,” Rossi smirked. 

God damnit. 

“Y’all do know I don’t just listen to country, right?”

“Yeah, okay,” Emily grinned, “What else do you listen to?”

“I started listenin’ to er, what’s her name?... Arianna Grande, she’s a’right,” You said with a nod, furrowing your eyebrows as the team all let out a laugh (minus Spencer, who was just a bit confused). “What?”

“You listen to Arianna Grande?”

“She’s good!” You argue, “N’ she hits the whistle tones well. I listen to Dua Lipa ‘n’ Selena Gomez sometimes too,”

“Oh my god…”

“What?”

“You have the music taste of a teenage girl!” Derek snorted loudly.

“JJ, defend me here,” You said, turning to JJ.

“Sorry cowboy,” She teased, “They’re right…” You groaned, letting your head fall to the back of your seat. 

“God damnit.”

[universal-rebellion]

It's April in Jorvik - ( sabine x reader ) Chapter 1

hi! I plan to crosspost this fanfic to AO3 as soon as I get my invite :')

( cw: swearing. )

It’s April in Jorvik. 

The snow is off the ground, the grass is green, and the Equestrian Festival is finishing its preparations. 

And as for you, you were truly excited for it, but now you’re stuck running errands for your fellow Soul Riders… again.

You thought last year was ridiculous dealing with Alex and Linda’s last minute tasks, but this year was even worse. Both Anne and Lisa were tagging along this year which has added on to your own preparations for the festival. As much as you’re usually happy to help, you can’t help but curse to yourself this time for being so willingly. Stupid Soul Rider nonsense. All you wanted to do was practice and prepare your horses for the events you were set to participate in. But no, you’re were dealing with setting up another booth for the girls, helping Lisa gather her tack and outfits, and attempting to prevent Concorde from spooking at everything. Thankfully, everything other than Concorde has been dealt with, but now you’re losing light and you’re walking your horse next to Anne while she hand walks Concorde. 

This reincarnation of Concorde is, respectfully, a major pain in the ass. She still isn’t able to talk just yet, even after being aged by Vala, so it makes every situation worse because she can’t even tell you what her problem is. You were riding your starbreed, who is just about as fed up as you with everything. Unfortunately, for your horse, he was the best option for putting up with Concorde’s bullshit. The gelding pinned his ears at every out of line movement by Concorde. If she got too close he nipped at her, putting her back in line. By this point, you’ve figured out that she hates the balloons, so you were doing slow laps around the arena to get her accustomed to them. 

After your tenth lap Concorde finally calmed down enough to walk without trying to break free from Anne’s grasp. 

“ Anne, it's like 8pm. I think she’s about as desensitized to everything as she’s gonna get .” You give a gentle tug on your horse's reins and his ears pricked back up as he stopped. Anne looked at you and looked back to her horse, defeated. You hop off your gelding and give his neck a good pat. 

“ She’s as good as she’s going to get. ” Anne reiterates your sentiment with a sigh. 

“ Can we please get back to the stables? Between everything I’ve done today, I haven’t had time to see my other horses that I might be riding tomorrow. ” 

Anne nods. “ I have to deal with cleaning up Concorde anyways. She isn’t anywhere where she needs to be if she’s possibly going to be performing tomorrow. ” The grey mare pinned her ears back at her and snorted in annoyance at the notion she isn’t up to par. Does it make sense to clean a grey horse the night before a competition..? Who knows, but you aren’t gonna rain on her parade. However, Concorde’s a priss so maybe she’d stay clean. The two of you start your walk back over to the stables and trailers. You don’t bother to grab your starbreed’s reins, he follows you along like a dog. Besides, you’re too focused on making sure Concorde doesn’t try to pull a fast one on the two of you.

“ Where are you stalling her? Are you bringing her back to your home stable or are you staying here for the night? ” 

“ I could not imagine leaving her here. ” Anne practically scoffed at you. “ We are going back home. I won’t lie, I truly don’t know how I’d fit all of my outfits and whatnot into a suitcase. Also, where on earth would I get ready? ” 

“ I’m staying at the inn? A lot of the people who are competing are staying at the inn? ” You give her a look. Anne returned the look and rolled her eyes. 

“ Yeah, not happening. I’ll just deal with waking up earlier tomorrow. “ You shrug at her and the two of you finish your walk to the stable and part ways. Your horse audibly breathed a sigh of relief when Concorde was out of sight. You chuckled at him and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“ Yeah, I know. That was awful. But, hey, you were great, boy. ” You gave him a rub on the forehead. “ Let’s get that tack off of you, you deserve some rest. ” You led him to his stall and untacked him, leaving his tack on the stand next to his stall door. 

As you walked out the stall he tried to follow behind, but was stopped by you closing his door. He bobbed his head and snorted at you in protest. 

“ I didn’t forget bud, I promise. ” You rummage through the bag you brought and grab your bucket of Stud Muffins. The starbreed eagerly, but politely, snatched the treat from your hand, satisfied. 

You turn to the next couple of stalls and see the two other horses you brought with you. You were set to compete in a few categories in the following days and decided to use some of your other horses to give them some time away from the stables.

Your starbreed was going to be your horse for the cross country section. That honestly should be a given from the amount of nonsense the two of you have gotten yourself into throughout all of Jorvik.

 You brought an 11 year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding for show jumping. Thunder is black with a small snip on his nose and he towers over you at a good 16.9 hands. He’s been with you for a while now and has proved to be a fantastic performer.  

Finally, you brought your new 6 year-old Andalusian mare for dressage. Daybreak is a gorgeous dapple grey mare, you are still in awe that you managed to snag her. In all honesty, you aren’t too serious about the dressage portion, but you thought it’d be a good experience just to test out your new mare in the ring. However, you know that she’d be fantastic no matter the rider. 

You give the two of them their own Stud Muffins and give them both a scratch for good measure. 

You were in your own world when suddenly two tall shadows nearly made you jump out of your skin. At the entrance of the stable a tall woman walks in leading a large black Fresian through the door. It doesn’t take you long to realize who it was.

Sabine. 

Of course. Why wouldn’t she be here? She was the last two years. You briefly recall the events that transpired between the two of you last April and the one before. 

You stay silent and try to finish up your chores for the night, grabbing a bucket for your horses’ grain. Khaan's steps thundering through the otherwise silent barn.

Annnnnnd of course she has Khaan stalled right next to your overly friendly gelding, Thunder. You mentally groan and try to not let your embarrassment show. The black gelding immediately tries to make friends with Khaan through the bars separating their stalls. The larger stallion pins his ears back at the attention, but doesn’t truly react until Sabine exits the stall. The moment she closes the stall door, the Fresian emits the lowest squeal you’ve ever heard from a horse and he kicks at the wall separating them. Thunder backs off and goes to seek attention from Sabine. She ignores his attempts and flings Khaan’s lead rope over her shoulder.

Sabine glares in your direction before turning to a bag sat next to Khaan’s stall door, pulling out a hoof pick and returning inside Khaan’s stall. Hm, bold after your horse just raised hell.

“ Wouldn’t have taken you as a person with more than one horse. ” She commented as she began to work on Khaan’s hooves, not bothering to make eye contact with you. “ Thought a Soul Rider would be too loyal to even think about it. ” 

You try and fail miserably to stop yourself from chuckling which earns you another glare and scowl in your direction when she puts Khaan’s hoof down. 

“ And I wouldn’t take the Dark Rider as one that would stall their horse in a public stable. ” You shoot back at her sarcastically, but lightheartedly. “ But I guess, no one else really knows that you’re a Dark Rider here. So, what difference does it make? ”  You say as you dump grain into Thunder’s feed bucket, which makes him entirely forget about Sabine and Khaan. 

“ You should see my home stable. It’d make your head spin if you think me having two other horses is more than you expected. ” You make your way back to your bag of grain, making Daybreak’s dinner. Sabine gave an audible huff as she finished up her work on her horse’s feet. She exited the stall again and threw the pick down in her bag. 

“ I don’t think it’s really any of your business why I have Khaan stalled here. Why don’t you just focus on your horses and I’ll deal with mine.” Ah there you go, that’s the Sabine you remember.

“Hey, you spoke first.” You dump the grain into your mare’s bucket. The two of you go to your work in awkward silence. You weren’t really sure why you were comfortable being alone with her, or moreso, why you didn't feel threatened by her presence. However, your starbreed wasn’t too happy about her being so close to you. You could feel him grow uneasy as you heard him pace and paw at the ground. Maybe you were too tired to really acknowledge the amount of danger you could be in? However, she didn’t seem too intimidating right now. If anything, she was a bit underwhelming for what you’d expect. 

You finish up your tasks with your horses and hang your feed bucket up. Looking over to Sabine you see that she’s fiddling with something in her bag. 

“ If you get bored again, I’m always up for a chase around Jarlaheim between competitions. ” You said picking up your bag. “ I could always use the warmup for my horses. ” Sabine stops what she was doing and cocks an eyebrow at you.

“ And willingly give you what you'd consider an advantage? That’s the stupidest shit I think I ever heard you say Soul Rider. ” She practically chuckles at you, dumbfounded by your words. 

“ Thought you’d enjoy the chance to kick my ass and leave me in the dirt. You know, like the last two years. ” You shrugged. “ Whatever. If you change your mind I’ll be around. ” You walk off and make your way back to the inn to call it a night, not waiting for her response.

That was fucking stupid.

[raygirlramblings]

I know technically Pride month is almost over, but London Pride is tomorrow so as far as I can see July is also Pride month, so there. 🏳️‍🌈

Plus we had rainbow day at work and part of the celebration was an art jam where we made Pride themed art based on random prompts. I got Llama, so here is a happy llama on her way to the pride parade! I’m so chuffed with how this finally turned out 💖

Not sure if it’s one llama with a magical wardrobe or a whole family of llama siblings all in semi-identical outfits. You decide 😉

[afreakingdork]

Attempted Execute of Non-Executable Memory - Chapter 2

RotTMNT Michelangelo x Kendra

The first date commences in this week's chapter art by @koto15

Rated: Teen and Up Audiences

Warnings/Tags: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Revenge, Falling In Love, Love, Romance, Dating, Aged-Up Mutant Ninja Turtles, Love Confessions, Human/Turtle Relationships (TMNT), Step-Parents, Neglect, First Kiss, First Generation Immigrant Kids, Acculturation, Loss/Removal of Cultural Identity, Prison Time

Synopsis: After hitting the lowest of lows, Kendra has carved out a simple life for herself. She’s content enough to live this way until opportunity walks through her place of employment in the form of an orange turtle mutant. She just needs to get close enough to him to plant a virus in his infuriating brother’s servers, but will she be infected long the way?

Also available on Ao3

First 🧡

Kendra pulled down her skirt for what had to be the hundredth time. The stupid thing was way too short, but she supposed that was the point. She’d let the sales girl talk her into whatever worked for a ‘hot date.’ They weren’t words Kendra would use to describe the affair, but the sales person seemed knowledgeable enough. In the time she’d been in the store, Kendra had watched a handful of overly chic women walk in wearing glaring ensembles. They asked this girl in particular for help, which was what had prompted Kendra to approach her even though most of these tags read ten times her monthly allowance for frivolity.

Which meant she walked out with this aggravating hemline.

Michelangelo or whatever his name was was going to pay.

In full.

For everything.

If she pulled even the insinuation of Dutch then she was going to deck him. 

She yanked again and tried to remember to temper herself.

She had to get through this date without ruining the stupid dress. As ludicrous as it sounded, her armor for the evening was a clingy rectangle with noodles for straps. It was supposed to be evocative because she needed it to be. Her goal was to seduce this wannabe renaissance man and get into his home. The quicker she could do that the better because it meant wasting less of her time. If it meant she had to parade around in some flashy getup then so be it. Men were exactly the type of idiots to fall for and drool over something so obviously lascivious.

He would need to keep that saliva in his mouth because this stupid strip of cloth was getting returned to the store first thing tomorrow.

It wasn’t like she had room for a handkerchief to wipe up either. She hadn’t been able to tote much because of her slinky garb. Her normal bag clashed clunky with this stylish fit so she’d been forced to set her entire evening on the straps of a spindly handbag. Her limited inventory meant she had to prioritize essentials. She settled for a downsized version of her wallet, her phone, a miniature can of pepper spray, and a thumb drive containing a computer virus capable of taking down a Fortune 500 company.

It was a regular girl’s Friday night delight.

Much like the headache of her outfit, she similarly hadn’t had much room for preparation and it wasn’t for lack of time. When it came to planning she had all the time in the world if she had wanted it. Michelangelo had been surprisingly courteous, if not too eager. While her phone had been stowed to charge the day of meeting him, he had apparently texted her the moment he left the coffee shop. It had irked her, but he excused himself in his excitement. He then left most of the decisions of the date up to her outside the location. At the time, that had seemed fine enough as she chalked his insistence up to some sort of machismo. He’d then pelted her with ice breaker messages that she’d ignored, because what point was there in getting to know each other when they had a date?

The when of which she had decided with the mentality of ‘the sooner, the better.’

She selected a date a week away. 

He said that worked. 

She thought the matter was done. 

She hadn’t needed to look at her phone any more than that. 

What she should have done was look up the restaurant in that ‘sooner.’

The ‘better’ was that the damn place was award winning.

She had only checked a few days before so she could plan her trip. Instead she was met with a ludicrous line of dollar signs indicating price range and the exclusivity raved about in multiple food articles.

Not that those were real publications.

It was in a cold sweat that she saw the rantings about reservations and the depth of her folly. There wasn’t a stitch of her wardrobe that was up to par for such a place. She was not going to be made a fool by some oaf who thought he could pull off orange. She had dove into research and did the best she could with her digital checkbook. She managed it all by only having to trade off a single choice: her ensemble or her hair.

They were both temporary in a sense, but one was worth more. The dress could be returned. The dress was for one night and her hair was everything. The maintenance of keeping it colored was killing her, but it made her feel whole. If she was going to get it done, then she needed to do it right. She wasn’t going to settle for some root touch-up that chanced mismatched color.

So she chose the dress.

The dress made more sense.

The dress would get her farther in seducing an idiot.

The dress was camouflage so she could blend in with Michelin stars.

The dress wasn’t what onlookers needed to glance at to confirm that it was her; this was Kendra.

She just hoped her updo hid her roots enough.

She assumed it would since the line of her skirt was basically synonymous with her crotch. She had seen herself in a mirror and she looked like she was plucked from the 90s. People would whisper about what current pop idol she was and she guessed that was a version of a vision that could be advantageous. Her hair would be purposeful then and since it was, she could accept that judgment.

Everything she’d done after purchasing the dress had been in service of it. Her make-up practice led her to a subdued look in contrast. The dress was the standout and she wanted eyes on that and her body. It was what made this transaction easiest. Sure, she could capture a man’s heart, but what was that in comparison to crushing this turtle’s soul?

She was getting ahead of herself and swallowed down excited drool. It had been a little too long since she’d gone through the thorough motions of planning destruction. She needed to keep a level head, especially after the poor showing of their first meeting. She couldn’t chance him getting under her skin, just as she couldn’t risk him knowing her home address. She needed to disappear after she planted the virus and it was bad enough he knew where she worked whether he remembered or not. The further she kept this Michelangelo person from her neighborhood the better.

It meant she had to take public transit and walk to the restaurant, but she’d dealt with worse. She felt in control as she clicked down the street in her stolen heels. She couldn’t remember what fiasco she had acquired them in, but she remembered there had been some sort of fight. Kendra had stolen this box of shoes on principle and they had ended up fitting. They were obviously knock-offs, but they gave her height and prowess to her strides.

She spied Michelangelo before he saw her.

That was good.

She had the element of surprise.

She clacked with purpose and re-shouldered the spaghetti strap of her bag. That shop girl had suggested a puffy shawl. At the time it seemed like a nuisance, something like a duster on dying starlets. Only now did Kendra wish she had splurged on that too. She could have let it roll from her shoulders for a tasteful exposure and completed her alluring image.

That was if Michelangelo would lift his dumb head. She had no idea how he was ignoring the beating of her pumps. His hair was cleanly coiffed and he didn’t look like he had headphones in. He looked like he was just staring at his damn phone. She felt her bag vibrate.

She hated him.

Only he would look for her when she was right next to him. She stomped hard on a metal grate and he jarred to attention. That was better and she set her sights on him. He looked toward her without seeing her for a moment before she watched his eyes widen. She expected to be jaw dropping, but it was the shine of his ridiculous bug eyes that threw her off guard. He acted like he’d never seen a woman before.

He probably hadn’t.

Didn’t they live in the sewers or somewhere equally repulsive?

She wished she remembered.

She wished she had her laptop data from back then.

It had all been confiscated.

It was a mark of her loss and with Michelangelo in front of her, he was the mark of what was to be gained.

“Michelangelo.” If she said his name enough times she might temporarily remember.

“Kendra!” He didn’t seem to know what to do with the phone in his hands. “Hey, I was just-”

She cocked a hip to wait for some oblivious drivel to pour from his mouth.

“I guess I was worried you might not show.” He decided.

She lost a little composure, but she held strong. “Why would you think that?”

“You haven’t responded…” He waved his darkened screen. “… to anything that I’ve sent you since we made the date!”

“We made the date, what more was there to say?” She tried to tip her head coolly.

His brow line shifted both incredulous and impressed.

“You can get it out of the way now. Say I saved it so we have something to talk about.” She gave a metered tilt of her skull to read bored. 

He didn’t catch it. “You look…”

She shifted her weight to her other hip so he could appraise her as he pleased.

He should count himself lucky, she thought.

He only gave her outfit a glance. “You look uncomfortable.”

“Excuse me?” She felt her bag strap slip off her shoulder.

“Oh, want me-?” He reached out on some sort of reflex.

She moved to dodge him. “I’ve got it! It’s fine!”

With an annoyed hoist she got the skimpy thing back in place.

The bag couldn’t even hold its own weight while stuffed.

“I wasn’t trying to be mean! It’s just…” He struggled.

She glared him down.

He percolated with some sweat which meant he had a bare level sense of how much he was blowing this interaction. “I don’t know, is that dress new?”

“Why would it be?” She scoffed without the sound to save spittle for later.

He would choose his next words carefully or she’d spit in his food.

Imagining it helped take the edge off her current rage.

“Well…” He rolled on the heels of his loafers.

While she waited, she took him in. He had well trimmed slacks, if not cut a bit short as he was showing ankle. He then paired a fine jacket of orange flowers with black lapels without its buttons done over a flowy white top. It suited him in the same way it did on someone who wanted to fake some nuisanced airs.

“It’s not weird to get new clothes for a date. I just got these shoes actually-”

“Yeah, sure.” She held out a hand to stop him. “So, this place takes reservations.”

He made a little confused noise.

She glanced at the ornate building they were outside. “Some months in advance. We met a week ago. What’s up with you getting in? You have a standing reservation for dates or something?”

He laughed and was all smiles. “I happen to know the chef.”

Everything she learned about him cemented that faux grandiose image. “Of course you do.”

“You look nice, by the way.” He swept an arm for her to go first.

“Little late for a save.” She clicked past him.

“It’s not a save if that’s the look you wanted to go for. I just said the first thing that popped into my mind!”

“No! Really?!” She shot him a sarcastic dart. “I hadn’t noticed.”

He chewed on an obvious laugh and didn’t get the door.

He didn’t know the first thing about dates.

This was going to be a long night.

She scowled and reached for a handle only to see the loom of a man inside.

She flinched backwards with a little too much surprise as the finely dressed gentlemen appeared in a bow. “Allow me.”

“Thanks…” She sneered and moved to slip in with Michelangelo trailing her.

Another in what Kendra imagined was going to be a long line of black and white starched peons addressed them at a podium. “Welcome to Streetwise Morning. Do you have a reservation?”

Kendra had to bite her cheek to keep from complaining about how this dinner place had the wrong time of day in their title.

“Hamato.” Michelangelo was right behind her.

What name was that?

She turned her confusion on him and he only smiled ahead toward the staff.

She soured further as he ignored her.

“Of course, Mr. Hamato, welcome!”

Did turtles have surnames?

“Right this way…” The host made mention of a sommelier and other ridiculous garbage as he led through the packed floor.

It was like clocking stooges as Kendra watched. She saw numbers ding with jewelry pricked in ears or dangling from wrists. Old and loaded bodies sat at tables where they stuffed themselves with portions that were too small. It was endless decadence in gag-worthy form. It only served to feed the ouroboros of privilege and attempted to take her appetite.

No, she was going to order one of everything.

She was going to eat her actual fill and take leftovers regardless of what foil swan policy this hoity toity place had.

She barely realized she had plopped down into an offered seat until she found herself sitting across from Michelangelo.

“Last names.” He started as soon as he saw her eyes. “Mighta been something we could have mentioned before. It’s not really dinner talk. You usually find that out pre-date.”

Was he making fun of her?

She was going to raze the ground with his corpse.

“Sorry.” She moved to remove her bag and noticed she had nowhere to stow it. “Should I have given you my social security number!?”

“I guess I’m confused!” He continued on as if she hadn’t spoken. “I’m getting a lot of mixed signals.”

“You are?!” She hissed at the same moment a menu was shoved in her face.

She turned pure ire on a random man who offered her a selection of wines.

“How am I supposed to pick before the meal!?” She seethed at him.

“Course pairing.” Michelangelo not so helpfully offered.

“Of course, sir, ma’am.” The man bowed his head and left.

“Ridiculous! What’s even the point of that?!” Kendra waved her purse.

Michelangelo took a cloth napkin and unfurled it in a snap before offering it over. “You can put it in your lap with this over it or behind you in the seat.”

“I have my own napkin! I’m not a toddler!” She bellowed to a few other diners’ glances.

Humiliation hit her like a truck.

Michelangelo was staring.

More people were looking.

They all saw her jailed.

Trapped, she mentally corrected and shoved her dinky purse into her lap.

Instead of making a flashy gesture like waving white cloth. She instead glowered down as she unfolded her own napkin to delicately cover her belongings and the abysmal length of her dress, if she could even call it that. Her bare ass and underwear were basically on the seat and she almost wished she had another napkin to save the back of her thighs from burning through the thousand dollar chair. 

“It’s all bullshit.”

It wasn’t like she was surprised.

She only slowly looked up when she was done with her covering.

Michelangelo had a sympathetic look.

What did he know?

“What?” She ground out.

“I wanted to make a good impression, but I’m only making you more uncomfortable.”

“This isn’t-!”

He held up a hand. “Look. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m not going to pretend to. You asked me out, but you don’t really seem like you want to talk to me. Sure. Maybe you wanted a story, maybe it was a bet. That’s okay too.”

She studied him.

“I just thought a nice meal fit you. You looked like you deserved it.”

She hadn’t thought of it like that.

She thought herself above all this crap.

Deserve?

Who was he to decide?

She parted her lips, but yet another new person appeared, this time with more menus. She took hers with more grace and looked over the single printed page. There were barely 10 items total and it made a mockery of the coffee shop’s chalkboard. If she wanted to order it all then she would speak for a few seconds tops. The longer she looked, she began to notice there wasn’t any other way to order. 

The whole set was served in courses and her only choice was preference of proteins. 

“Hey, last name Hamato.” She called without looking up.

“Yeah, last name unknown?” He didn’t hold an ounce of ire even though his words said differently.

“Byerly.” She always liked the way her name cut her teeth. “Do you know what’s good since your buddy cooks?”

The server who was still waiting seemed offended.

Michelangelo smiled brightly. “It’ll depend night to night, but from what I heard at the farmer’s market, cauliflower is plentiful and in season.”

“Steak set or whatever.” Kendra told the waiter. “You better be right.”

He answered by speaking to the employee. “I’ll have the same, thanks.”

The man bowed his head, took the menus, and departed.

“Ms. Byerly.”

She shot him a lazy glance.

“I’ve done silent meals. I’m immune to the awkwardness. I can talk to myself the whole time, but I’d rather give you the choice.”

“If I wanted an out I would have already left. Your manners suck.”

“Me?” He threw his weight back in his chair and chuckled. “Please! I’m begging you to tell me if you really want me or something else!”

“Why do you keep asking that?” She clicked her tongue.

“Because you haven’t denied it!” He shot right back forward, but then a flighty thought seemed to catch him. “Well you kinda did like once, but more so you keep asking rhetorical questions! I can’t get a read off that!”

“So you need a read on me?” She was going to ruin her lipstick if this kept up.

Michelangelo looked toward the ceiling and then back in what she thought was disdain, but there was excitement pouring off of him as he descended.

She made a single disgruntled sound and felt that her vision of his perversion was showing on her face.

“You drive me insane!”

Her face twisted up in revulsion.

He felt that he was grinning too wide and covered his mouth with a hand. “Okay, okay. Let me…!”

She heard a rumbling sound and moved to peek under the tablecloth.

Michelangelo was pounding his feet as if running off excess energy.

He was a mouse on a wheel in her eyes and she leveled with him for the vermin he was.

He blew out one sharp breath before taking the table. “The whole mean girl thing, it’s not really my thing. They’re my least favorite archetype in movies or shows unless they have like a reason to be and it can’t be the whole rich dad is ignoring them so they act out pampered princess style. Parental neglect is no joke. It needs to be something real and they’ve gotta get a cool redemption arc. Bonus points if they are humbled by their down to earth opposite.”

Her lids fell unenthused. “So you go through all that convoluted nonsense to lie?”

“Not a lie.” He was grinning again and there was that infuriating gap in his teeth. “Because I don’t think that’s you! You’re not the mean girl!”

Her eyes were going to roll back into her head, never to be seen again. “You have no idea what you’re talking about! You’re way off base, you-!”

“I don’t think I am.”

He was so sure of himself she wasn’t sure how else to belittle him.

“I think you have a reflex to be and maybe you were in the past. There’s always someone who’s got to play the high school bully, but can I be honest?”

“You said you weren’t lying.” She spoke bitters as a plate with a single morsel of food was placed in front of her.

“I think you’re refreshing.” Michelangelo picked up a utensil and she mirrored him as she now realized there were far more than she accounted for.

“Like cucumber salad?” She said dryly and took that bite.

“You’re way too spicy for that.”

“Spicy and refreshing? Not really a thing.” It tasted alright.

“Wrong. Jeow bong and like a million Korean pickle dishes.”

She only flicked her eyes to tell him she didn’t know what that was.

“It’s a Lao dish, never mind.” He waved it off. “The point is. You’re honest to a fault.”

She opened her mouth to hit him with a question about what he was up to, but she heard a ghost of him in her ears about rhetorical questions.

He sat nearly smarmy across from her as he read her mind.

She shot him a warning shot glare.

He took it with growing interest.

She had no idea how to handle him.

She couldn’t believe this man of all people pushed her out of her depth.

Just who was he?

“Like me.” He settled on the small phrase and the plates were switched out. “Or so I’m told.” 

She got something with bread and different colored dots that she guessed were different sauces. She hadn’t really read the menu. Michelangelo took this one with his hands so she did the same and tore off small pieces of bread in an attempt to try each of the colored blobs. As the color darkened, there was more flavor. She guessed that was interesting at the very least.

She was still hungry.

“So, what? You were a bully too?” She spoke as she chewed.

“Nah. I didn’t go to school.”

She nodded as he was about her age when mutants became apparent.

“I do have three older brothers though. So, not bullying but ribbing? Teasing? It’s a whole thing.”

“Huh.”

“Isn’t important, but you’d get it if you had siblings and I want to ask if you have any, but I’m trying to get to the point before course three.”

“Doubt you’ll make it.” She saw waiters swimming in her periphery like sharks.

“Right?! Portions at fancy places suck!” He laughed.

For once it didn’t sound grating.

“Ugh, they have these spoon dishes sometimes. It’s supposed to be a themed thing where you get everything in one bite. Those drive me nuts. Like I get it. It’s artistry, but it’s also like food should nourish the soul!”

She supposed she agreed and her plate disappeared from in front of her.

“Wait, what am I saying?!” He turned away for a testy noise.

She reviewed his admonishment with some interest.

“Distracted. Always distracted.” He berated himself and looked back at her. “We could be alike, we might not be, but that’s not what I was trying to say.”

A wine glass was poured and she sipped it before the next course arrived.

“You’re refreshing because who’s done what you did? You asked me out, but then you acted like you wanted nothing to do with me, but you show up here in your new dress and your hair looks so nice and your makeup is perfect and there’s clearly so much thought into how you present yourself and I love that and I also don’t depending on why, but all that shows is how much I don’t know and how much I want to.”

She slowed with the glass still to her lips.

“And yeah, I should have opened with a compliment and you were right to be upset about that and I want you to be upset about that. I think you should call me out. I’m not a masochist, but I wish more people would call me out. I want things to be good, but I also want to know when they aren’t. Like yeah, I’m a guy who believes in communication and the heart, but also how would that have gone if I had said you looked pretty right out the gate? Would you have even cared? We would have done all the usual date stuff and for what?! So we could hit date three and kiss, but we’re both thinking of how to get out of there because we aren’t bad, but we aren’t good. It’s all surface level, but why quit if it’s not actually bad?!”

She put her glass down at the same time a meat portion was placed in front of her.

It wasn’t a miniscule medallion.

It could have been bigger.

It was at least better.

She mumbled out a thank you to the waiter this time.

He was one of a dozen faces she would never see again, but she did it.

“You’re talking in circles.” She spoke pointedly and moved to grab what was clearly a steak knife. “You sound like that guy from ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ You talk until your point sounds like it’s made.”

She didn’t know which fork to pair it with and when she checked with him she found him staring at her with shining eyes and a partially dropped jaw. “You’ve watched When Harry Met Sally.’” 

Her nose wriggled as she was put off by the awe in his tone.

It was just a movie. 

He was being overly dramatic. 

He telegraphed which fork to grab. 

He had known all along.

She frowned.

“I love that movie…” He tucked his smile into his meat and sliced. “I love Gone With the Wind! They don’t even end up together! I love when the characters are from different worlds! I love romances that are real.”

“Real? What does that even mean?” She almost laughed and took a bite.

She momentarily melted.

He soaked her expression in.

She fought it.

He looked away for her sake.

She fought that too.

She shoved another bite in her mouth out of spite.

“Real like, Sally wouldn’t have even remembered Harry if he hadn’t been an asshole.”

“Sure, she remembered.”

Michelangelo nodded as he chewed.

“But he forgot.” She dotted off her point.

“But he forgot!” His eyes crinkled when he smiled.

She felt affronted by the knowledge.

She felt like there was something else there.

She didn’t know what, but she didn’t like it.

“If… that’s what the ‘asshole’ led you to believe.” He chuckled as he swallowed.

“He did not remember!”

“He says he did!”

“Yeah, after twenty questions.”

“So he can’t place her face. He knows there was something! That’s a spark.”

“So it’s love at first sight?” She gagged.

“Ew! No! That doesn’t exist anyway.”

“Oh, sorry, I forgot I was with Mr. Real Rom Coms.”

Michelangelo held his head up with pride.

“Which still isn’t a thing.”

“It totally is! Just because it’s movie magic doesn’t mean it can’t capture that magic sometimes!”

“But not love at first sight. Then what’s the spark then, huh?” She mourned as she cut her last morsel. “How do they know?” 

“The interest! The intrigue! You gotta start somewhere.”

“That’s not love.”

“It can’t be.”

“Why not?”

“Because you don’t know a thing about them.”

“But you want to know me?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then you saw some spark?”

“Maybe I did.”

“You don’t know?”

“You have to let me find out.” Michelangelo finished his meal and turned on her as if this whole conversation had been his point.

Her mouth snapped shut and she cycled through what insults she could fling without getting them thrown out.

“Mr. Hamato.”

A man manifested and both Michelangelo and Kendra turned on him.

He was mostly unfazed, but one of his brows craned upward. “The chef requests your attendance between entremets.”

Kendra lit with fury. 

Just when she could finally stand a conversation with her dinner partner, he moved to yet again undermine the affair. 

If this was his idea of a surprise then he better have gotten a gift receipt. 

“Joel?” Michelangelo asked with obvious confusion.

She bore holes into his head in an attempt to suss out why he didn’t know what he must have planned. 

“Chef Fields. That’s right. If you’ll follow me.” The man moved to get Kendra’s chair.

She never once stopped examining Michelangelo.

There had to be a tell.

This was another pomp to his circumstance.

He had to have planned this.

Meeting the chef. 

He had bragged that this Fields person was his friend. 

She had gotten caught up in his stupid conversation.

She forgot what he was.

He was some jackass trying to impress her with a nice meal.

Something he decided she deserved.

She was supposed to be running this show.

Not chasing after him.

They were sent through double doors where someone was shouting things to a busy kitchen staff.

It was ordered chaos.

A man used tweezers to place something and popped up to adjust his glasses. “Mikey!”

“J-Joel…!” Michelangelo was caught in a bear hug.

He had yet to crack.

Was the stupidity he put on another ruse?

That made him dangerous.

Now felt like the safest time to bail. 

“And this must be your lovely date!” The chef turned on her before she could flee.

“Hi, I guess.” She managed something polite enough.

“Welcome! Do you know how special you are? Mikey never pulls his favors.”

“Uh…” She searched her supposed date again.

A dish moved behind the chef and he turned his back to catch something off with it. 

The moment is back turned, Mikey pled to her with every fiber of his being.

That didn’t seem right.

Did he seriously expect her to believe this wasn’t a part of his wooing shit show?

“Well-!” The chef turned with an arm out and slapped Michelangelo on the back. “I’ll tell you that he never does, has the memory of a gnat! This guy wouldn’t remember what his favorite color was if he didn’t wear it all the time!”

“Ha! Ha! Sure, Joel!” Mikey barked with fake pops of laughter. “Now, we were enjoying that meal you promised so if we could-”

“This guy! We go way back! Not like culinary school, though Mikey snuck in to a ton of those, but there was this period where Mikey was getting into these food circles. I don’t know how he did it, but he always had a guy and that guy was like my meat guy or my supply company guy and I kept wondering who this mutant foodie everyone was talking about was. Then, poof, he gets invited to my friends and family!”

Kendra was sure she made some sort of noise.

Michelangelo was distracting her with a weepy face every chance he could.

“So if the guy who knows everybody, but forgets all his favors suddenly pulls one for a date, it has to be special! I had to see you and look at you!” The chef stepped towards her oozing intent.

Kendra was ready to dodge; her arm was coming up.

Michelangelo moved in a blink of an eye and put himself between the chef and her. “Joel! I know you’re workshopping something! You always are! What’s got that big brain of yours stumped?”

The chef stalled only for a moment before he cracked a smile. “There’s my idea guy!”

He clapped Michelangelo again and, this time, she didn’t miss how her date winced for a split second.

She followed after like a hawk as the chef stormed through the kitchen to a quieter table and dismissed someone with only a bitter glance.

The whole kitchen structure reorganized from the show of strength, but the ire for it was palpable.

This man was not respected.

He was feared.

Kendra would have appreciated that in most circumstances, but as of current she felt like they were being held hostage.

She didn’t appreciate being an arm candy afterthought.

“The sea!” The chef sounded manic as he ran to gather things.

The others were again forced to bend to his whims as he opened fridges and caught pans without much more than a microscopic, “Behind.”

Kendra slunk closer to Michelangelo and he sent her more of those sad faces.

She sent him one in return that told him to buck up.

He blinked at the expression once before turning forward to address the chef.

Said man was now poured over two garish white porcelain spoons that were filled with a menagerie of pastes that looked like spit-up hacked onto a third grader’s art project.

In a spoon. 

A single-bite.

Michelangelo had mentioned this.

Again, Kendra wondered if it was on purpose.

The chef was still plating.

Michelangelo was free to express.

What was on his face was growing dread.

This wasn’t planned.

Not the summons.

Not him mentioning hating this dish.

What was happening now was pure karma meant to bite the turtle on the ass.

Kendra fought cackling right there and then only because the chef rose with an undeniable pride that she wanted to squash even more.

“Voila. This is inspired by a trip I took to the sea when I was a kid. I was mesmerized and went out so far that I was overcome by this huge wave. I almost drowned, but I saved myself. My parents were just gone. I will never forget that briney taste in my mouth and the way the sand melted between my fingers as I crawled on shore. I got back to my beach towel and downed this bag of cold Doritos from our cooler. I like to think they saved me. Ever since I’ve been trying to recreate that memory. The one that shows you Poseidon’s might. The sea is not to be trifled with! She is fruitful, but she is merciless. This dish is meant to encapsulate that, but I’m still missing something. So, please.”

The chef bowed his head in offer.

Michelangelo flapped his hand by his side to work up courage.

“Both of you.” The chef took a hard stance that said they were both going to eat if they wanted to escape. 

She hated that.

She hated him.

She hated his dish.

She hated how Michelangelo, who had just been spouting how he wanted authenticity, was now cowering in the face of it.

She snatched the spoon.

The chef rushed to blurt out something about how to let it rest on her taste buds.

Who gave a fuck?

She chomped down hard enough that the porcelain whined under her teeth.

She’d snap the damn thing off and eat it for fiber.

Had she not immediately gagged.

Ocean was right.

All that she had eaten was salt and brine.

She pulled the spoon out so fast that some salvia from the overbearing salinity flew with it.

It sprinkled a tidy splatter across the stainless steel counter.

“You call that the sea!?” She hacked and saw a weird plastic container full of water just off to the side.

She grabbed it and saw someone’s name on it, but popped the top off regardless.

She chugged and heard some kitchen member mumbling weakly about their drink.

“Try something that isn’t the Atlantic for once! Taste of the ocean’s ass is more like!”

The chef’s head rolled back.

Michelagenlo caught his spoon and gulped it down with the same vigor only he didn’t tug the utensil out.

He outright shivered and shriveled up before giving a dry cough around a white clink. “Joel, what…?”

The chef’s mouth gaped like a fish.

“What’s missing is the point!” Michelangelo recovered and took the container that Kendra passed him to swallow the rest. “You’re showing the sea’s might alright! But why? You were hurt so you want to hurt your diners? Is there like a follow-up course? Something to make this palatable? What’s the point otherwise!? That no good came from the ocean!?”

“Follow-up…” The chef dropped his stunned exterior for what he seemed to think was deep analytical thought. “Of course! The Doritos!”

“Yeah, man. Doritos, whatever.” Mikey’s tongue was out and he seemed to be looking for something to wipe it with. 

The chef launched himself at the obviously unsuspecting turtle. 

It was Kendra’s turn to intercept.

She caught the man by the jowls. “Hands off, he’s mine.”

Michelangelo made a peep behind her and she rolled her eyes.

“At least until I decide what to do with him so knock it off with the touchy feelings and get to condensing cheese powders or whatever it is you do here.”

The chef stared at her until he laughed.

Some awkward parting conversation was had and they were allowed to resume their meal. As they were led back to their table, Michelangelo covertly passed on that he was absolutely going to forget this place on purpose going forward. Kendra gave him an appreciatory nod for his activism. He ate it up with intensity that he aimed at her for the rest of the meal.

She allowed it.

Three more courses and a dessert came that they ended up swapping because Michelangelo got more berries and she wanted them. She let him have his ice breakers. She wasn’t overly giving in the conversation, but she allowed him a small glimpse.

Small things.

How the Citipati was her favorite dinosaur.

Not because her mother led her to believe they were ancestors to turkeys when she was little.

How she disliked Strawberry Fanta.

Not how she was glad when her dad still bought it for her because it had been her favorite as a kid.

How her guilty pleasure was those blind date shows.

Not because she liked looking up how they predictably broke up right after.

She learned about him too.

She found out he didn’t blow as much hot air as she thought.

He studied culinary arts and had some degree to show for it.

He studied physical art and had a certificate of the same. 

He studied a lot of things.

He had a base level knowledge of over a dozen skills.

He wasn’t stupid.

He spread his stats too thin.

It made him incompetent in everything he did because of it. 

To what end?

There was no reason. 

Not to the date.

Not to any of this.

It was a lingering thought as they stepped out into the cool night air and she was given a grossly informal looking container compared to the restaurant that served it. It was full of specifically bread along with a more formal looking tub that held the dot sauced she had liked the most 

She didn’t remember Michelangelo acquiring it, but she knew he had since he was the one to give it to her.

“So that was a bust.” He spoke suddenly as they idled on a curb.

She sent him a dull stare.

When she was almost starting to tolerate his existence, he had written her off. She was going to go home, peel off this dress as carefully as could be, and then boil herself in a shower. Burning away the rotted outer layer of her body felt like the only way to rid herself of this night. Once refreshed, she was going to lay in bed and cover herself in breadcrumbs while laughing at two psychos who failed to kiss at the altar for the first time in their miserable lives.

She returned from her fantasy evening and was about to walk away when he continued. 

“So let me do it again. For real this time. None of this…” Michelangelo waved up and off the exterior of the restaurant.

“Bullshit.” She recalled.

“Exactly.” He snapped a finger at her and punctuated it with a wink.

She shook her head at him.

“How’d I do…?” He turned to the side as if not to sway her. “Wanna try again?”

“No fancy restaurant?”

“Nah, let’s eat pizza and I’m going to say the dress code is decidedly not a new dress you’re going to return.”

“When will you drop that-!?”

Michelangelo held up a hand.

She was going to bite through it with her teeth alone.

“I’m going to reach behind you. No weird stuff.”

“Why!?” She tried to look.

He seemed to know she would and was there with a tap between her shoulder blades.

She felt a prick of something and a little tug that went through her dress.

“Your tag has been sticking out all night. I wanted to tuck it in, but I didn’t want to freak you out.”

“The…tag…” She paled.

“Can I do it now?”

She could only nod.

“Sorry…” He seemed to mean it and was considerate in minding her skin as the piece of flimsy cardboard slid along within her lining. “There. Much better.”

“Every time I talked back…” She mouthed.

He appeared in front of her with a carefree smile playing on his lips.

“Knowing I lied to your face, you want to go out again?” She looked him right in the eye.

“I mean sure. I still want to get to know you. You’re nothing like I remember.”

She had already lost her color, but this time her stomach dipped with lethal warning. “Excuse me?”

“You went to school with April. At least I’m pretty sure!”

The innards dropping was the collapse of a black hole and a prelude before the nova went off with righteous fury. 

She was slow in setting her bread down before she flew up to catch that downy undershirt of his. 

“You knew this whole time!?”

His grin split his face. “Sounds like you did too!”

She shook him and he only giggled at the violent rocking. “Why didn’t you say anything!? You acted like you knew nothing! I don’t want to see you again!”

“Hey, wait!” Michelangelo caught her wrists to stop her in a single squeeze.

He was strong.

She didn’t know what to do with that knowledge.

She perpetuated her glare.

“I didn’t remember, remember you, alright!? I recognized that beauty mark!”

“My-!” She stopped.

Not her hair.

Not her lipstick.

Not her villainy.

Her beauty mark?

“Why that…?” Her fingers loosened against his top.

“Golden ratio…” He eased his hold as well.

“What is that?”

“It’s an art thing of perfect proportions! You’re smart right? It’s a Fibbi-something.”

“Fibonacci.” She spoke possessed by the knowledge.

“Yeah! That! Sure! But your face does the perfect spiral with the beauty mark as the eye grabber.”

“And nothing else…? Seriously!? Nothing more obvious!? Like on me!? Nothing?!”

“No…?” Michelangelo searched her.

He really seemed to only remember her for that.

She let go.

She took a step back.

“The worst part was I could not for the life of me remember your name. How humiliating is that? I didn’t know how I was going to figure it out!”

He had forgotten her name.

Just like she had forgotten his.

She looked at him one time.

He was watching with gentle interest. 

Like none of this really mattered. 

She laughed.

It burst her open.

It had a vivacity she hadn’t felt in years. 

It was a cackle to her ears, but it didn’t have that malicious edge that usually spurned it on.

When was the last time she had laughed like this?

She honestly couldn’t remember.

Michelangelo, without a thought in his head, watched on as if he was being presented an award.

She wiped her eyes and shook her head at him. “Authenticity doesn’t include lying to you, does it?” 

“Well, that depends.” His eyes danced with a playful light. 

She sighed. “Your name is too long.”

“Call me Mikey.” He shined with his smile.

“Mikey.”

“Yes?”

“We will work out our next date details over text.”

“Yeah!?”

“Calm down.”

“Yeah?” He repeated with an obvious dampening.

“Sure. Why not? I’ll take another free meal. You’re paying.” She shrugged, picked up her to-go container, flicked her ponytail, and spun to click away. “Night.”

“Got it! Night! Oh! Wait! I can pay for a cab! Or something! So you can get home and-”

“Nope! You’re going to watch me leave!” She called out and didn’t stop her momentum.

He was quiet for a moment before he yelled. “That’s a gift all its own!” If she didn’t want her bread so badly she might have thrown it at him.

🧡 NEXT 🧡

We got a full load of beta thanks with @tmntxthings  @thepinkpanther83 and @unrestrainedhotsoup

[shapercreater]

Day 1 of AnthroNorthwest today! Finally convinced my brother to come with me today and help me with Peggy this year, gonna be back tomorrow with my Mom and gonna try and make some friends and maybe actually do the Fursuit Parade this year!

(also a big thank you again to @moonpaw for the name tag! We actually went out and ended up basing the rest of her outfit after the sketch for the con!)

[blu3cl0v3rs]

Child's Play Alt AU

Watched Child's Play, so heres my alternate AU because this episode hurts my feelings >:,(

Alright, so instead of pushing the whole "age up Lloyd because he's losing his childhood anyways" vibe, we're making it "Lloyd's still a kid, let him live his fucking life instead of having him train 24/fucking 7".

Here's my thought process on how Child's Play will go:

Ninja go smol

They find Lloyd

Instead of immediately finding out about the Grundal, they fuck around and be kids

Near dusk, they spot the Grundal

They go to Mother Doomsday, the whole competition and Grundal fight happens

Right before Nya and Wu show up, the Ninja draw the Grundal away from Lloyd

They fucking apologise for forcing Lloyd to act older than his actual age as they think the Grundal's about to eat them

Wu and Nya show up, chuck Tomorrow's Tea at the Ninja, and everything's back to normal

They go back to the Bounty and hang out with Lloyd as he reads the latest issue of the Starfarer comic series

Now for how this will affect the rest of the show:

For the rest of Season 2, we'll see Lloyd relaxing a bit more, and the Ninja spending more quality time with him. Because I am a firm believer that Misako should've apologized along with explaining herself, she apologizes to Lloyd, who is more skeptical than in canon, although he accepts. Other than Lloyd being less comfortable with Misako's physical affection and not calling her mom, the season progresses the same.

In Season 3, Lloyd won't be paraded around like a celebrity, but instead he'll be at Sensei Garmadon's monastery, helping out with training and demonstrations. Wu's academy will not happen, instead the Ninja will be paraded around like celebrities, although bugged a lot about when the Gold Ninja will show up for an interview. The season progresses the same, but the love triangle will not happen, but instead I'll create a different conflict.

In Season 4, we have a few year time skip, accentuated by Lloyd looking older (how he looks S2 - S7), and the Ninja looking a little different. Cole gets longer hair, Kai gets longer hair, Jay stops straightening his hair (shown by a straightener being in his bathroom) and later on stops using makeup to cover his freckles (short clip of him using a makeup wipe to remove the concealer), Nya gets longer hair (but no ponytail. I'm anti-Nya's ponytail. It's more like a half-up half-down), and they all get their new outfits. Everything else in the season is generally the same.

In Season 5, it generally progresses the same way. We see some of the possession from Lloyd's point of view. We get a lot more verbal conflict. Misako and Wu get confrontations with possessed!Lloyd. More of Kai and Lloyd's relationship is shown. More of the parallels between Kai, Lloyd, and Morro are utilized. Kai also gets his eyebrow scar from Morro. Morro manages to escape the Preeminent, freeing Lloyd and Garmadon from the realm he was trapped in before leaving the Realm Crystal with them and flying off.

In Season 6... * clicking noises, hmms, and strutinizing faces ensue * yeah, scratch that. Instead of Season 6, we're actually just gonna have a "special" of sorts, where it's all actually from Nya's perspective as she slowly builds up rage from the bullshit that is sexist media, until she explodes and unloads all of it onto the Ninja, where they decide "yeah, this has been getting too much" (Lloyd's being constantly overwhelmed by interviewers and paparazzi, Jay and Cole are still being bugged about the love triangle even though they've said many times that it was resolved, Zane has had too many creepy encounters with obsessed fans, and Kai... actually, Kai's been loving it and the Ninja are 0.002 seconds away from banning his Chirp account). So, they rebuild the monastery instead of doing it in Season 10.

Day of the Departed progresses the same, but instead Morro shows up with the help of Nelson (‼️ my boy) to sorta save Cole, but ends up getting revived as well. He fucks off again. Cole is rightfully confused. It will feel somewhat ooc for Morro, and that is the point. I might explain this in a spin-off fic.

In Season 7, Krux and Acronix get sorta "controlled" by their power, a reference to Wu's line in Season 2 to Lloyd where he's all "Learn to control your powers before they control you". They want complete control over time and to basically merge with time itself (foreshadowing to Season 14, perhaps?). Also, the title of Sensei is not forced onto Lloyd, but instead Cole starts stepping up more as leader and sort of teacher. Other than that, the Season progresses the same.

In Season 8, we get to see what Garmadon's been up to, which is just training kids ike he was in Season 3. Lloyd is visiting. They end up talking about how Wu might actually be gone, and what the Ninja would do after that. The Ninja also meet up, and there is a brief mention of Nya and Kai spending time with their parents. The season progresses the same storyline of Harumi's manipulation, but Lloyd's actually a bit suspicious of her. He doesn't remove the mask from its pedestal, and the fight ends with Harumi knocking Lloyd into the pedestal which knocks the mask off, then she grabs it and scampers off like the morally grey little shit girlboss she is. She doesn't kidnap Misako, but rather imprisons her after she tries to get Garmadon back, who Harumi actually kidnapped. Instead of resurrecting Garmadon, she brings out his Oni side using the masks, making him lose control.

He can't feel any positive feelings, and only has the urge to destroy. Lloyd confuses Garmadon, because he feels nothing towards his son, so he just wants to destroy him. Harumi and feral Garmadon (that's what I'm calling him) take over Ninjago City, Lloyd loses his powers, and the Ninja are sent to the First Realm. Yay! Also, feral Garmadon is essentially Emperor Garmadon, but more animalistic and doesn't disown his son. He can talk though.

In Season 9, it's basically the same thing, but it's more focused on Lloyd learning to trust himself, his judgement, and his leadership. Morro is there and... kinda helps?? Idk, he kinda redeems himself. Also, Maya and Ray are there because they were coming to surprise visit. Yes, this means Ray-Maya-Morro dynamics, and Ray and Maya interact with their daughter. In the end, Mystake fucking drags Garmadon instead of dying, and they lock Garmadon up until they can find a way to revert him back. Garmadon does not give a cryptic warning.

Season 10 does not happen. Idk what you expected.

Season 11 happens, but without the "Ninja slacking off for months" schtick, because it felt like a copy-paste of Season 1. Instead, they're searching for ways to turn Garmadon back, and hear about this super powerful sorceress from ancient Ninjago times, aka Aspheera. Also, Aspheera never tries to overthrow the throne, Wu simply teaches her Spinjitzu, but FSM finds out and just fucking buries and seals her. That's why he's the Deceiver. Other than that, the season progresses the same.

Season 12 is all the same, but Lloyd has better design choices. Also, Morro's there in the background bc I said so.

Season 13 is all the same. I love this DnD campaign season.

I might slap a oneshot series here (chronologically, will not be a part of the actual fic itself) about the journeys the Ninja go (haha, Ninjago) on between S13 and S14.

Season 14 is the same, but Maya brings Morro along to the monastery as well. Sorry Nya, you're merging with the ocean.

Season 15 is probably going to be rewritten. I'll publish another post and link it here once I watch S15 and write it in this AU.

Btw, I'm calling this my Never Grow Old AU

[hospitalterrorizer]

diary490

1/29-30/25

wednesday - thursday

hard time sleeping last night,

but i did go out today, which means you get to see my fugly bangs. and i'm going out tomorrow too, so that means you can see my ugly face tomorrow too... no dreams today though. here i am:

dirty mirror + outfit that doesn't photograph too well but i really like it, i love that jacket, super nice to wear. i can't decide if i'm fucking ugly or not here, i feel like i am sort of but also not really. there's definitely something that happens when the pics are compressed that whatever happens to make them blurry looks bad to me, or makes me look bad, plus looks bad.

here was this store we went into today, we did go out to see this lunar new year celebration thing but that wasn't particularly good. some people stared when i started to speak, because i don't voice train really. i don't know if i really want to or need to. i feel okay with my voice mostly. i don't like when it's too deep, but if it's 'deep' i'm usually making some kind of joke. this store, anyway, it's a really funny store fully of like, costume jewelry basically, but it's for older women it seems like, they seem to really like it in there, it's kind of fun, i like some of the brooches they had, very tacky and strange, in a pleasant way, it felt truly old in sensibilities but not taste if that makes sense at all. it's like the notion of glamour in 2025, this degraded and cheap thing, it's sort of pretty by that token, it was called duberry fashions:

some stuff was a little more expensive and felt of higher quality, the belts seemed like they could last you a while and looked kind of nice. i'd like to get one of those.

here are some photos we took while in summerlin. people really hate me in the wealthy parts of town... i guess today will be an 'i feel so ugly' day, i think i look cuter in the mirror but... i want to cut off my stupid head, i feel like a very dumb girl (am i saying girl to affirm that i am feminine i wonder, i'm so bananas it's freaky, the self probing is probably demented (especially demented to make it visible (but it's on my mind and so...))) frankly. it's gonna grow out and be fine, maybe better than before even... i just... if i look ugly now with less bang, does that mean i am truly ugly, am i even ugly, am i just stupid. i have such an intensely low self esteem it feels impossible to fix, only some things soothe that, but being soothed always feels a little wrong. i dunno. i don't think i look bad... i know that... it's been a while since i've taken pictures of myself and i probably should have waited a little longer after having done skincare to do it but... blah blah blah... what is truly ugly, am i ugly. i can't tell. pictures always feel like better measuring sticks. they aren't though. i'm just coo coo... smash my head into a watermelon... did i ever talk about that video, where the cosplay woman smashes her head into a water melon and holds her head after doing it, it made me really emotional and i felt so bad for her and i really related to it, it made me write poetry. i am so distracted by trying to make myself know if i'm actually ugly or not... my forehead can be cute. i might feel better about these pics tomorrow even. it's just different maybe. i was trying to get to talking about being inside dillard's and taking photos, we wandered around the summerlin dillard's and ended up in the men's section and found some funny objects:

(bowtie obelisk)

(menacing pelvis)

while in dillard's we saw a peter rabbit tableware set... i wanted it badly... they had this plate it was cabbage shaped... with a little rabbit on it... i wanted it so badly. a couple of those... we could have the most perfect plates ever... if we had the peter rabbit plates. that was a consumerist fantasy of the day. possessing something so grandma-esque.

at the parade, which was insanely stupidly freakishly psychotically crowded for what it was (surely there must have been better ones elsewhere in town?), i got handed this:

something interesting to ponder. a platform free from violent, erotic, criminal & harmful content. ganjingworld.com.

apparently this is a falun gong thing omg... i wonder if it propelled me into having thoughts, when i came home, about how i like the idea of having my legs cut off to my thighs. violent + erotic, and probably criminal. harmful could be debated i guess. the other side of the ganjing world card says #kindnessiscool. which is a truth, generally. i could join now and win 10,000 dollars. 10k dollars from falun gong... #wow #whoa.

uhmmm, what else to say. oh, i had a thought about something to write, i will go do that.

that was fulfilling to write though i have no clue if it's good. it's re: the thighs, if that's any indication.

i also wrote some lyric ideas out today, and did some more music stuff, i got a second guitar in a song, i got something new written because i am dumb, so that puts me at a totally stupid 67 songs to eventually figure out. but the scope of the next thing feels a little set, there's some songs with already recorded vocals, so those will probably come out.

i should sleep soon, since i've gotta be out tomorrow, but it'll be kinda late, and relaxed... oh... i got cookies today, excited about that, they should last me 6 days, 6 cookies for 6 days. we had to get more sweets today. kind of obsessed with this song right now:

it's crazy how their good songs grown and grow on me, and the records i still have loose attachment to at best. i need to hear some of the bands that came after them, but are related to them. one's called like, mi ami, it seems strange, in a good way. from what i understand one record seems to kind of go off of what this record was doing a bit.

it's 5:30 am,

so,

byebye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[clarktooncrossing]

DUMPSTER DUDELZ III: Revenge of the Dumpster

HEY THERE PEOPLE OF TODAY AND ROBOTS OF TOMORROW!

IT'S ME, CLARK!

Happy New Year, weirdos of the world! The last year might've been a mixed bag in most regards, but in terms of artwork I was riding a creative high. Like, holy crap, the amount of artwork posted is surprising. You better believe the goal is to keep that streak going well into 2025. What better way to start then looking back on what didn't make the cut in 2024? By now showcasing my leftover sketches in these compilations has become sortuv' a regular tradition. Not that you'll ever hear me complain about it. I hate seeing artwork go unused, plus it's fun seeing how my skills have improved over the last twelve months. So what awaits us in the dumpster?

(1) ABBY K. DABBY

Y'ever wonder why rabbits are considered sexy? Lola Bunny, Jessica Rabbit, Judy Hoppes, even Playboy loves dressing their models up as the small critters. Why is that? It was while pondering this, looking up artwork of Zatanna, and watching clips of Penn & Teller: Fool Us that this feisty sorceress came into mind. Meet Abby K. Dabby, the resident magical mistress of the Clarktooniverse. At the moment there's nothing there outside of a cool design, though my plan is to further fill out her backstory so she's more than just eye candy with a quirky name.

(2) BLOOD ON THE SADDLE

Disney fans everywhere rejoiced when Disney finally renovated the beloved Country Bear Jamboree in Orlando. Less so when the show finally opened and prioritized shoving tracks from the company's library down our ears in favor of maintaining the oddball humor the show's known for. Personally I just counted my blessings, especially considering the fates of Dinosaur and Muppet Vision 3*D. You could say D23 was a real disappointment. At the very least, I thought Big Al singing "Remember Me" from Coco was funny as ever. Oh Al, you are truly the bluest bear we've ever met. Never change, buddy!

(3) ROSIE STARDUST

This was quickly sketches after looking at a commission done by @zernna. Like a lot of my characters, Rosie looks better when drawn by somebody else. Regardless, the cosmic cutie is always fun to draw.

(4) JACKIE'S WARDROBE

Speaking of commissions, my buddy @burningthrucelluloid commissioned me to create a sweet picture featuring his two space characters, cosmonaut Jackie Valentine and wasp princess Exa. He left it up to me what the former should wear, thus several options were offered. The three presented here include the heroine's regular spacesuit, a sexy pair of space undies, and something more akin to what she wore before leaving Earth. In the end we decided on something fancier to better fit the romantic mood. Anybody interested in checking out the final result can click here.

(5) FREDDYS OF DIFFERENT LANDS

Along with Abby, Freddy Fox's walk through Whimsyland is the result of a failed Sketch BOOM. Or more specifically, one that never got finished. It could easily be finished now since nothing went wrong with its production. Still, I'd prefer just to scrap it and move on. Not without saving what's already been completed first. This depicts the theme park's mascot walking through each land with an appropriate attire to match. From left to right we have classic Freddy walking down Whimsy Warf, crossing into Cowboy Country, jaunting towards Jungle Junction, frolicking through Fantasy Forest, making his way into Monster Marsh, and finally trotting through Tomorrow Town. It's the last outfit I'm particularly proud of, calling back to the campier costumes parading through other parks. Let's hope a trip to Whimsyland is in our foreseeable future.

(6) AN-D SHARK (DOO DOO DA DOO DA DOO)

In case you missed yesterday's post, a Secret Santa was held on my Discord server this year and I got Void-Android Anybody doubting his present wasn't drawn by hand can now kiss dirt and eat my rubber! They can also check out the final product by clicking here.

(7) BAT BARNEY

@princessofDisney27 wanted me to check out Waiting for Santa was a part of this year's Christmas Specials Special. Obviously that review didn't get finished in time. That's a story for another time. For now, Hannah unlocked my purple-tinted nostalgia before sending me down a rabbit hole of odd finds on YouTube. Learning who Bob West and David Joyner were, seeing the dino rock an epic drum solo whenever not purse snatching, watching the theatrical movie a thousand times over, that tyrannosaur from Texas found a way back into my heart. It's the only explanation I have for this. Why Batman? Blame Barney, he encouraged my weird-ass imagination.

(8) HELP WANTED

Many tough decisions were made this year. Cutting 3K was one of them. The story of ERN-E and the Knights of the Square Table never came together quite the way I had hoped. So now the plan is to work certain elements into other stories. As we've established, throwing away ideas isn't my cup'a tea. Especially not when Candy Banger's ready to shoot me if she's not given a new job. Rest assured folks, this won't be the last you see of this android assassin.

(9) SO, NO HONEY?

Did you know that Popeye and Tintin enter the Public Domain this year? Along with several other Mickey Mouse shorts? Can't wait to see them all be turned into horror media produced by lazy douchebags. Yes, we get it, the joke is seeing these family friendly franchises going dark and disturbed. If we pretend it's funny will you stop telling the same, unoriginal joke? Regardless, I decided it'd be fun to include A.A. Milne's cast of beloved characters for Whimsyland as a nice parallel to certain other theme parks. Their colored sketch actually debuted earlier this year on my deviantART account. Hopefully you all love'm in black and white too. And here's hoping something more creative is made with these characters other than trashy slasher flicks.

(10) STEAMBOAT WILLIE

Did you know that Mickey and Minnie Mouse entered the Public Domain last year? Of course you did! You couldn't go anywhere without hearing about it, no doubt to Disney's dismay. Granted, it was only these characters as they appeared in Steamboat Willie, Plane Crazy, and Gallopin Gaucho, but this was still big news in the world of animation. No longer could Mickey be locked away in the vault. Anybody was allowed to use the rodent as they see fit. Immediately I wondered what a Clarktoon version of him would look like. Designs are still being worked out, but as you can see, some liberties have been taken.

(11) TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART

Hey, anybody remember that eclipse that happened earlier this year? Wild times. Rosie certainly remembers it. This was the sketch that eventually became this picture:

(12) SUPER-DEE-DOOPER

Back in my early years, Barney was all I bothered drawing. Or at least what could charitably be considered a crude approximation of the character. Honestly, he looked more like a stop sign wedged into the top of a potato. Gimme a break, I had yet to refine my artistic skills. Years later it was decided to see if my skills really had improved at all. The results more than speak for themselves. Although Little Clark is a lot taller than he ott'a be. Gimme a break, this was drawn at 2 AM while watching Expedition Theme Park's video on the Universal stage show. For the record, that show would've been the only reason Little Clark would've preferred a trip to that park over Disney World. Nothing you tell me could convince me that wouldn't have been the greatest hug of all time!

(13) TEENAGE MUTANT FREELANCE POLICE

deviantART making dumbass decisions? Stop the presses! By now I think it's safe to say we've become accustomed to the media sharing site changing things for the worse. This includes removing sta.sh from the platform. It was a convenient place to store your art until it was time for posting. My Studio isn't terrible, but it pales in comparison to its predecessor. At least it's not frustratingly redundant like the updated messaging system. Nope, still not over that. Still, seeing as sta.sh was about to get the ax, I elected to remove any artwork still lingering there. Included was this sketch from 2014 featuring a Ninja Turtle from the original Mirage comics meeting Sam and Max of the Freelance Police. You could say it was oddly fitting considering both started out as independent books with odd senses of humor. Though it's up to you to decide who's crazier; a Mirage Turtle or Max?

(14) SANTA'S BUDDY, THE ICE CREAM BUNNY

Suddenly, a siren starts to wail! And you'll never guess who's coming down the trail! Or will you? Meet the Ice Cream Bunny, star of 1972's Santa Claus and the Ice Cream Bunny. It's a hilariously awful Holiday feature filmed at the defunct Pirate's World theme park, a precursor to Walt Disney World. Many factors led to its downfall, one of them being pictures produced on the cheap at their property. This is made especially evident by the lackluster costume made for the titular rabbit. Most folks find him incredibly creepy. I am not most folks, then again clowns don't scare me out either. People are weird. Oddities like that aside, here's my attempt at making the character cute. Why not? He's also public domain! How else would you explain all the times Rifftrax tore this movie apart?

(15) EASTER BUMPER

Less creepy are the lagomorphs surrounding Bumper. @foxhatart has tried convincing me to sell Bumper stickers before and this was my attempt at making them. Granted this sketch is still useable, but like the aforementioned BOOM, it's better to start fresh. Still, you lot would kill me if something this cute went to waste.

(16) WANDA ZIGGY

Meet Wanda, wife to alien grease monkey and Clarksburg's resident cinephile, Wonder Ziggy. His design was based on Robot Monster from the similarly named movie. Wanda was based on Virginia Leith as she appeared in The Brain That Wouldn't Die. Originally my exposure to this movie came in the form of the Whose Line game Film Dub, where the cast basically pulls an MST3K by providing their own commentary over footage of public domain B-Movies. Never mess with a winning formula, folks. Even back then, the image of this hauntingly gorgeous woman's head kept alive on a mad scientist's table stuck with me. All of that was before I discovered the bonkers plot of the movie. In this story, the head doesn't die, Ziggy saving her and the two sparking a romance. She comes off as cold and detached only because of how her last marriage handled her. Really she loves Ziggy and is just laser focused. Fingers crossed I can do a full-fledged color picture of the oddball couple soon.

(17) BUMPER & BUTTERFLIES

Yet another remnant from a failed Sketch BOOM, albeit a different one. There's not really much to say here, it's simply another excuse for Bumper to look cute.

(18) WONDER ZIGGY & PIZZA MONSTER

Speaking of Wonder Ziggy, here he is alongside the always hungry Pizza Monster. Made these with the intention to use'm for something Christmas relayed. Obviously that didn't happen. Both ended up looking better than expected, so expect to see them again in the future.

(19) THE ORIGINAL XENA

Turns out 2024 marked a major milestone in the Clarktooniverse. Around ten years ago, I decided to finally check out the Alien franchise. Like most things horror, exposure began slowly by first checking out Markiplier's playthrough of Isolation. Seeing how passionate he was for this freaky franchise led me to finally watching the movies, the first two being excellent masterpieces rightfully loved by audiences. We don't have to discuss the sequels. Point is, my obsession with xenomorphs quickly grew. For some reason I wondered what would happen if my best buddy Crocie came into contact with one. Cue this crude sketch of a xenodile which eventually became the basis for Xena. Yes folks, Croc's daughter turned 10 last year. Happy birthday, kiddo! Here's to 10 more years of absurd adventures!

(20) MALEFIDOT

I know you, I waltzed with you once upon a dream. Or rather, once upon an absurd suggestion by @burningthrucelluloid. Couldn't tell you how exactly this idea came to be, other than it combines my favorite character from Steven Universe with my favorite Disney villain. Like I said; weird-ass imagination. XD

(21) CONFUSED COW

No doubt this was the look on Jim Cummings's face when Mr-Herp-Derp asked him to sign my Supercow pic at Comic Con this year.

(22) APES TOGETHER STRONG

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was all my mind could focus on back in 2014. Rise was already a fantastic film when its sequel surpassed every expectation. And then some! The fact that Andy Serkis was never nominated for an Oscar is a sign that humanity really is screwed. If nothing else, it's leagues better than this year's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which felt like a soulless retread of themes found in prior entries. Still, I'm not here to bash on newer sequels. For now this was yet another drawing from 19 year old Clark rescued from sta.sh.

(23) TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA BUMPER

Ninja Turtles turned 40 last year. By now it's safe to say their teenage years are long gone. My wish was to draw some spectacular piece celebrating the occasion. This was the closest I got. Ah well, maybe when the Turtles are 50.

(24) ZOMBEAGLE

Rounding things out is this psychotic pooch plush toy for a yuletide one shot held during December. Years of Alec badgering me to give Dungeon Mastering a try, I set up a short seasonal story loosely based on Jingle All the Way for my friends. On the final week before Christmas, everybody and their grandmother is out looking for the Holiday's hottest toy, Zombeagle. Whiny parents forced it's recall back in the 90s before vit became viral on ClockFace. Now our players must fight to see who leaves Barney's Toy Box with their prize. Said players include Alec as the cyborg goblin Vrellunk, @Foxhatart playing her ponysona Autumn Scribble, @JetProject portraying the multiversal menace Pic Shell, @Mr-Herp-Derp dealing damage as the hyper-evolved dino Stokes, and @princessofDisney27 thinking outside the box with her magical princess turned mother Heather Heartland. In the end, Fox won the battle but Hannah left with the toy. All got a happy ending, myself included. Plans are already set out for a sequel and a full-length campaign, though that's a discussion for later this year...

MAY THE GLASSES BE WITH YOU!

BlueSky || Cara || deviantART || tumblr

[heavencasteel420]

WIP Wednesday!

From Drive All Night:

Soon the lights dimmed and music from a single trumpet, warm and low, snaked throughout the room. A girl, maybe a couple years older than Nancy, stepped through the multicolored curtains. She had brown skin, a sweetly rounded face, and serious dark eyes ringed with kohl. Her dress was a simple, modestly cut midnight blue velvet, with absolutely adorable shoes to match. Nancy wondered how hard it would be to find sky blue pumps.  Then a butterfly, pink and luminescent, appeared in the girl’s hand, and Nancy forgot all about shopping.  “How?” she whispered to Heather, but the other girl just giggled. “A magician never reveals her secrets,” she said, gazing raptly at Kali.  More wonders followed: a swarm of butterflies, a flock of birds, a parade of dancing flowers. In vain, Nancy looked around for a film projector. Then she gave up, ordered a sidecar, and enjoyed the rest of the show.  Kali finished with a shower of light that rained down on her until it covered her body in shining golden scales. Then the lights went out. A split second later, they came on and she was gone. 

From Tonight, Tonight, The Highway's Bright:

Billy wasn’t in English class the following Monday, so Nancy offered to bring him the homework assignment for 1984. Mr. Lassiter smiled at her hesitantly and said it was nice of her. All the teachers were careful with her now; her transformation from goody-two-shoes bookworm to King Steve’s latest consort to screaming crazy girl to popular ice queen in the space of a few months had made them nervous. Nancy wore soft, fluffy pastel sweaters over demure knee-length skirts and put ribbons in her hair to smooth over the past (and, truth be told, to get a rise out of Carol, who hated her outfits), but of course people remembered her punching the wall. Her hand still ached when it rained.

From Tomorrow's a Long Way Off:

“There you are,” said a tired-looking Mr. Green as he entered the lobby. “Go help Robin clean up Cinema 1, will you? These kids are animals.”  Sure enough, Robin was standing in the middle of the theater next to the bright yellow cleaning cart, looking despairingly down at the fold-out seat. When Jonathan got close, he saw a suspicious dark patch on the worn red fabric. When he got closer, the ammonia smell of urine hit his nostrils. “Okay,” he told Robin. “Don’t panic.” “I’m not panicking,” she said. Her eyes were wide, and she sounded like she was trying not to laugh, which wasn’t reassuring. “Jonathan…they’re just so gross.”  “Some kids just get way too excited over Star Wars,” he said, suppressing a grin. It was gross, and he would’ve been in a much more sour mood if he’d had to face it alone. “It’s not a big deal. Paper towel, water and vinegar, baking soda, vacuum. That’s all you need.” “They also drink their weight in Coke,” Robin grumbled, as he pulled a roll of paper towels from the cart and started blotting the seat. “Thanks a lot, by the way. Chrissy Cunningham said you cut up all the frogs and stuff for her in bio last semester, but I wasn’t expecting…” She trailed off and grabbed a trash bag from the cart, then started picking litter off the floor. “She took all the notes,” he said. “Her handwriting’s way better than mine.” 

[avoxrising]

Capital Nights

Episode 2 ~ A Grand Entrance

Note that episodes 1-13 are available on my Wattpad currently with plenty more prewritten ones to come. Also note that this is a very mature story but this episode has no mature topics. Enjoy!

☆☆☆

I am startled awake at the crack of dawn by a very excited Apple.

"Today is the day!" she chimes as she opens my curtains. "Hurry up we must get you to prep."

I groggily get dressed and eat breakfast before I'm shoved out the door of our suite. There's another car waiting for us downstairs and Crey is whisked away with me to the rooms of painful prepping.

"My my dearie aren't you a specimen," a lady with pink eyes states as I lay naked on the cold table. I'm not self conscious but I probably will be by the end of the morning if the prep team keeps making comments.

I don't bother learning their names, closing my eyes and meditating while they pick, prod, and scrub at my body. Meditation is something we learn at the academy to clear our minds and refocus. I use the prep time to go over my strategy for the day and for training tomorrow.

Today is the tribute parade, meaning I have to perfect my capital persona. I should intimidate the competition while also observing them. By the end of today, I hope to have a clear idea of who I'm up against.

Tomorrow is training, meaning I have to earn the careers' trust. Reece and Khan seem a bit weary about me because I'm young but I know I can win them over this week. I'll wake up at 5am, eat breakfast, train with Adrian and Crey until 7am, head downstairs at 7:55 for training, and then practice survival with Mags in the evenings. I need to focus on eating well and getting good sleep this week so I can be at my best during the games.

"All right," the one with pink eyes chimes. "Our work here is done. I'll send Tiberius in shortly."

The three ladies leave and I sigh in relief. Only a moment later, though, a terrifying man walks in.

"Hello Brooke," he states. "I'm Tiberius, your stylist."

I simply smile and nod at him. He stands around 6'5" and has a long and slender frame. His skin is an olive color but his eyes and hair are both dyed white, giving him a ghostly appearance.

He sets a heavy garment bag down on the table and makes me stand up so he can take my measurements. His hands are ice cold against my naked body but he's surprisingly gentle.

"Ok I should only have to make a few minor adjustments to the outfit," he states happily as he moves to open the bag. He pulls out a gorgeous corseted bodysuit adorned with pearls and shells. It shines in the light and shows the perfect amount of skin.

He slips it on me before pinning it in a few places to adjust the fit. After a few minutes, he's satisfied with the bodysuit and moves on to my hair and makeup. He places a headband covered in shells in my long blonde hair and glues pearls to my eye lids and shoulders. Finishing off the look, he slides white translucent gloves on my arms that are dotted in tiny pearls.

☆☆☆        

☆☆☆

"Stunning," he states as he looks at his work. I finally catch a glance at myself in the mirror and my jaw falls open. I look hot. This is seriously the best I think I have ever looked. Plus, the outfit isn't horrible like the parade outfits normally are. I actually like it and it's very on brand for the ocean.

"My dearie don't you just look stunning!" Apple exclaims as she walks in. "Come along now! We need to get you out there."

I follow her through winding corridors until we reach a large space with horses and chariots for each of the districts. Making my way over to Crey, I let out a slight chuckle at our seemingly coordinated outfits. He has a few plates of gold armor on that are covered in shells and pearls and he wears a crown that matches. His stylist made sure to leave his abs and arms on full display.

☆☆☆

☆☆☆

"Brooke!" He exclaims when he sees me. We attempt to hug but our outfits are too stiff. I'm so glad Tiberius opted to put me in dainty sandals instead of heels as we climb into the chariot.

The parade commences and I stumble a bit as our chariot starts moving. Crey puts one of his hands on my lower back to steady me and I shoot him a thankful smile.

The crowd is loud as Districts 1 and 2 come out. I didn't get a good look at their outfits but 1 seems to be covered in nothing but glitter and 2 appears to be dressed like gemstones. As our chariot comes into view, the crowd only gets louder.

Crey and I smile and wave at the crowd but I remember to keep my smile to more of a smirk. Even though I'm dressed like a princess I still need to keep up my act of being intimating. I send a few winks into the crowd, directing them at people who look like they have money they could spare. I'll definitely need sponsors if I want to win.

After the President's speech, the chariots return to the tribute center where we disembark. Adrian, Mags and Apple come over to tell us how amazing we looked but I don't pay them much attention. Instead, I'm staring down the competition.

The boy from three physically shutters as I give him a glance. He's definitely not a threat.

All the tributes from five and six are staring at the ground, avoiding everyone and everything around them.

The pair from seven are chatting amongst themselves but it doesn't appear to be a friendly conversation. They seemingly do not get along.

Eight, nine, ten and twelve are scared out of their minds so they're nothing to worry about. The boy from eleven however is pretty big and could definitely overpower me in hand to hand combat. I'll have to attack him by surprise or at a distance in the arena.

☆☆☆

We make our way back to the fourth floor where Crey and I rid ourselves of our parade outfits. I opt to dress in some joggers and a tee shirt for maximum comfort. I need to relax tonight so I can be at my best for tomorrow.

At dinner, Crey and I talk with Adrian and Mags about our training schedules and what we observed at the parade. Adrian and Crey agree that the boy from eleven could be a threat so we should try to take him out at the bloodbath before he gets his hands on a weapon. I'll have to watch in training to see which weapons he goes for.

Crey thinks the pair from seven might be dangerous but I explained to him that they were having an argument after the parade so whatever alliance they may have won't last long.

When we were finished eating a nutritious dinner, I shower and headed to bed, eager to start training the next morning.

-

AN: hope you enjoyed! This fic is technically a Finnick x OC romance (but the romance part takes awhile) hence the tags. Please check it out on Wattpad if you want more.

[aplacetosharemyfics]

The Downfall of Susan St. Clair : The First Meeting

Maisie didn’t like going to the drive-in.

------------

The night air was surprisingly cool, even though it was only a couple of days into fall. Maisie had anticipated the cool evening and had dressed appropriately. Her thick woollen cardigan, drawn closely around her chest, was keeping her nice and toasty. That didn’t mean she wasn’t jealous of the other girls, their invincibility against the cold allowing them to parade around in their best dresses, pale arms exposed to the night air and makeup immaculate on their faces. But she could never perfect eyeliner, and she couldn’t convince herself to undo even one button of her cardigan. It was if, she mused, they were a completely different species.

She was barely through the gates when a car full of hollering boys pulled in. Passing a little too closely for comfort, the noises around her suddenly seemed to increase three-fold, drumming into her ears with the pure intention of pain. Breathing deeply, Maisie tried concentrating on the ground at her feet. Panicking would only make things worse. But a well-timed honk from a nearby car sent her into flight mode. Pressing her hands over her ears until the nails dug into her scalp, Maisie hurried towards the bathroom block. With mere instincts leading her, it was no wonder she didn’t notice when someone stepped into her path.

“Ow!”

Maisie’s hand was ripped from her ear as her shoulder was forced backwards by the collision. In that split second, Maisie found her attention drawn away from the surrounding noise and to something slightly closer. Susan St. Clair, the most popular girl in Rydell High. A single look could send boys swooning and girls gushing. And that look was glaring at her. It was Susan that she had unknowingly walked into.

“Watch where you’re going!”

Susan tossed her hair over her shoulder and stalked away. Maisie watched her leave, taking in her outfit. It was purely jealousy, the reason for her looking. Susan’s jeans, tight fitting to show off every curve of her long legs, were made of thicker material than any tights that could be worn under a skirt. Her shirt might show off as much tanned skin as possible, but the soft jacket over top covered the most delicate parts of the skin. In conclusion, her outfit showed off everything while also keeping her warmer than even Maisie. Of course, she was jealous.

An empty bucket of popcorn flying past her head broke Maisie out of her thoughts. It bounced harmlessly on the gravel. Turning, Maisie quickly ducked as another bucket was thrown towards her. The seats in front of the concession stand were filled with laughing Football Jocks. Straightening up, Maisie eyed the popcorn sitting on their laps. Surely, they weren’t going to waste popcorn on her.

“Make sure you avoid this one too!”

She had underestimated how much a couple of dollars worth of popcorn meant to them. After all, Daddy’s money was enough to buy the entire drive-in without risking a dent. As the bucket span through the air, a spray of popcorn flew out from within. Maisie raised her arms, covering her face as popcorn rained down upon her. The bucket collided halfway through the barrage; the sharp corner of the paper receptacle crashed into her forearm. A roar of laughter erupted from around her as more people sacrificed their popcorn for the social spectacle. By the time she made it to the bathroom, her cardigan was greasy from the constant bombardment of buttered popcorn.

Maisie rubbed the soap deep into her palms as the water ran. The incident would be forgotten by tomorrow, but she couldn’t get the laughter out of her head. Biting back anger, she let the warm water run over her hands, washing the soap away. What she wouldn’t give for the water to wash away the pain as well.

“What did you want to tell me?”

The door was thrust open. Maisie rushed into the nearest stall, hands still wet, as multiple bodies entered the small restroom. Slowly, with her elbow, Maisie pushed the door shut, willing it to stay silent. They hadn’t spotted her so far.

“We saw Brainy Janey!”

The incident might be forgotten by tomorrow, but it would still be at the front of peoples’ minds tonight. The door wasn’t quite closed yet.

“In Buddy’s jacket!”

Finally, the door was closed, and Maisie was able to slide the lock into place.

“Wait …”

Maisie twitched, her ears pricking up.

“Jane Facciano?”

It wasn’t just any group of girls outside her cubicle. It was Susan.

“Are you sure it was Buddy’s jacket?”

Maisie nodded – all the jackets appeared to be identical. But she had underestimated the powers of popular girls.

“Definitely.”

Apparently, they could tell the difference over a distance, when worn by someone else, and in poor lighting.

“Absolutely.”

Maisie tried wiping her hands on her skirt, only to discover a piece of popcorn. Flicking it away, she flinched at the sound of it skittering over the tiled floor. But the girls had other things on their minds.

“And someone saw her kissing Buddy!”

Everyone gasped, Maisie quickly covering her mouth when she realized she’d joined in.

“He was supposed to be mine,” Susan said through tears.

The blubbering went on for a while, with pauses to fix makeup. Maisie had started counting the tiles. As she counted the 312th tile – though she was pretty sure she’d gotten lost around 150 and skipped some numbers – the door was pushed open. Maisie quickly pressed her eye against the crack in the door while the attention was directed away from her. It was Jane Facciano. The girl of the rumours. Who’d stolen Susan’s boyfriend And who definitely hadn’t expected to find Susan crying in the toilets.

“Dot, don’t be rude!”

Susan quickly berated her friend for a hateful comment, putting on a strong voice to compliment Jane. She was stronger than some boy, even if he had broken her heart. Followed by her friends, she left Jane alone in the bathroom.

Jane was a typical busybody – someone who wanted to make things better for everyone while also drawing more attention toward people who’d rather stay in the shadows. She most probably didn’t notice the incident earlier. Making every effort to be as loud as possible, Maisie exited the stall and started to rinse her hands. She kept her eyes low; she didn’t need to catch Jane’s attention. Only when she turned to dry her hands did she glance up at Jane, noting the shocked expression on her face was covering the confusion from her encounter with Susan.

Sliding out of the bathroom door, Maisie checked her surroundings. The film was starting, and a roar of approval rocked the parking lot as the credits started to play. But she already felt like she’d already watched a feature-length film, her heart beating too quickly in her chest. There was only so much drama one person could handle in an evening.

------------

Her mother was waiting in the living room when she returned.

“You’re home early.”

Of all the evenings for her mother to actually be home, it had to be this one. Biting back a rude remark, she brought an innocent smile to her face. There had been a deal riding on her attending this event.

“The movie finished early.”

Her mother twisted around, reading the old clock on the dresser. Maisie swallowed.

“It finished an hour early?”

Should she make up a lie about a fight breaking out? God, she wished she’d walked the streets in the chilling night air for a little longer.

“Well, what happened? What was your favourite scene?”

Maisie bit her lip. Her mother knew she was lying. And she couldn’t even remember the name of the movie she was meant to be watching.

“It was a high school drama,” she said, confidently.

If she could give enough details, her mother couldn’t refute her claims.

“A new girl arrived at an unfriendly little town where she tries to make friends. But the students don’t like new things, so they bully or ignore her. It ends with the star football player falling in love with her and breaking up with his status-driven girlfriend.”

Her mother was nodding along, the amused look on her face suggesting she was second-guessing herself.

“My favourite scene was …”

Maisie trailed off. Jane and Susan facing off? That moment when everyone realizes they must like Jane or else? She swallowed.

“When the football player started to fall in love. They bumped into each other in the hall, and he found his eyes following her as she left.”

Maisie found herself describing her own experience with Susan, the sight of the tall blonde strutting away floating in front of her eyes.

“Sounds a sweet film.”

Shaking the image out of her head, Maisie nodded.

“I’m going to head to bed.”

She ran up the stairs before her mother could stop her, tugging the greasy cardigan from her arms as she climbed. Her room was quiet. The offending cardigan was dumped on the ground, the coins retrieved from its pockets and placed on the dresser. It had been meant for popcorn – a peace offering from her mother. Climbing into bed, pulling the covers over her head so everything descended into darkness, Maisie breathed. She had survived.

----------

Maisie didn’t like going to the drive-in.

[yoramkelmer]

Hogwarts Overexposed Chapter 13: Day of Reckoning

Hello everybody, it´s been a little while since the last sporking, but here we are. And I hope to get through this chapter in one setting.

As a preparation, since the last chapters sporking, I read ahead the chapters after chapter 12, and believe, reading these unsporked was really a test of patience.

I might as well add that there will be large sections of this chapter I will leave unsporked, as it really is so stupid one has to read it to believe.

"Harry, I feel as if we've failed the girls," Hermione said, her melancholy mood apparent in her voice.

"I know, but we've done everything within our power," he said, caressing her absentmindedly.

"But it wasn't enough. The girls still have to spend the next eight months parading about appearing to be dressed in those appalling costumes. How could Severus agree to Hogwarts participating in this debacle? What was he thinking?" she asked.

"I wouldn't be too hard on Severus," Harry replied. "His intentions were honorable. All the reports he received concerning previous games were positive. When Minister Wrong approached him last year concerning Hogwarts competing against the Americans, he only visualized positive results from the meeting. Like us, he was not aware that greed had tarnished the games and turned them into an adolescent peek show."

And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the last ever time Emma Wrong is mentioned, and it is mentioned in a way that is so nonchalant and without any mentions of her running an empire of terror attacks, abductions and nipple eating.

"When did we catch up with and pass the Muggles?" Hermione asked. "I always thought the magical world was rather prudish and behind the times and now this happens. Even in the most liberal of Muggle schools, students would never be allowed to parade around in such outfits, let alone be forced to do so."

Hermione, you´re in Hogwarts Exposed.

"It isn't our world or the schools that are to blame, it is government corruption and the greed of individuals like Simone," Harry insisted. "I'm not at all happy with the situation, but for now I'm afraid the best we can do is prevent it from escalating. The concealment charm is going to frustrate Rishard to no end. He's looking forward to the girls, especially Jamie, putting on a revealingly good show."

The social commentary is truly subtle.

And the way Harry talks of Jamie giving a "revealingly good show" is rather creepy as well.

Hermione nodded her head in agreement to Harry's comments, but they had done little to abate her frustration. "Even without any accidents, I feel like he's still winning. The vision of the girls in those costumes alone is enough to cause most men to puff up; their various parts popping out was just an added bonus."

"At least the girls should be able to cope with the situation," said Harry, sighing deeply. "They might not be happy with the sexually explicit nature of the costumes, but being nudists, they aren't ashamed for their various body parts to be seen. I can't imagine how Nora and the boys will react. Nora, especially; she is so shy and modest."

Don´t worry, Harry, Nora is gonna be brainwashed into accepting the dogma of naturism soon enough.

"I suggested to Jamie that she should try to convince the others to also use the charm, but I doubt that she'll have much success. The boys will likely be thrilled about the girls being nude, but I doubt they'll be willing to follow suit. Then, like you said, there is poor Nora. I doubt she'll have the courage to even leave her dormitory tomorrow."

"Hermione, what would you do?" Harry asked. "I mean under the same circumstances, would you wear the costume or go naked with only the charm?"

Hermione thought for a while. "That depends on what period in my life we're talking about. Now, I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest to use the charm; I'd have absolutely no problem with my teammates seeing me nude. However, back when I was a young girl in school, it would be a completely different question because I was an entirely different person. As a first and second year, I would definitely have opted for the costume. I can't picture me letting anyone see me nude, even though there wasn't anything much really to see. Even as a third, fourth and fifth year my body still wasn't exactly bursting forth. I would have probably still taken my chances with the costume rather than have anyone see me totally naked."

Does this sound like something the actual canon Hermione would ever say?

Hermione blushed. "In my sixth and seventh year, my breasts would have never been content to stay confined in that costume. I would have had to use the charm out of necessity although I would have died of embarrassment being naked unless you and Ron were my teammates. We were such good friends that I don't think I would have been nearly as embarrassed to be seen by either of you."

Such natural sounding dialogue. I´m so stunned.

Hermione laughed. "Maybe I should have let you guys see me naked in second or third year," she said. "Then at least it would have been evident to you that your one mate was a girl."

"That was Ron," Harry said defensively. "I always knew you were a girl. I just never realized that you were the girl I was destined to love. Speaking of which. You're upset tonight. Would you rather we forgo our normal pleasure?"

B O N K

"Harry, I don't think I could sleep a wink if we didn't make love. Being joined with you, as one, completes my day." Hermione paused. "There is something else we must discuss first, however. What are we going to do about Emily?"

"I don't feel anything needs to be done," Harry said, acting in Emily's defense. "Sure, she's more irrational than the other girls, but her heart is in the right place. Emily's a good girl."

Show, don´t tell.

Emily is by far the worst behaving of all the Sues, and yet Neil wants us to believe that she´s a good girl.

I hate her.

"I wasn't talking about punishing her," Hermione clarified. "I'd prefer she let it out rather than hiding her true emotions and feelings. I was more concerned with the concealment charm. Emily, as you well know, is the radical nudist in this family. Since she was taught the charm, not a week has gone by that she hasn't asked about the possibility of her using it instead of wearing clothes to attend classes. Now Caitlin, Jamie and Kim are about to do it, not for a day, but for eight months. Emily didn't make the team with them and now they are about to do something she's been begging to do for what seems like forever."

"Are you suggesting that we also let her use the charm?"

Well, of course!

Is anyone really surprised at this point?

Hermione nodded her head, a guilty expression on her face. "Harry, I must be the worst mother in the world. Yes, you are! Tomorrow morning I intend to send my two young daughters, their best friend and Jamie off to classes, all totally starkers." "Then I'm the world's worst father because I back your decision one hundred percent," Harry said. "But they won't actually be naked. They'll have on their socks and trainers."

OMG DATS LIKE SO FUNNY OMG OMG Hermione stared at Harry momentarily, and then broke into laughter. "Men," she said, before nestling back in his arms.

* * * * * *

Tuesday, November 1, 2005 "Girls, hurry!" Hermione yelled. "You're not going to have time for breakfast if you don't get a move on." "I think I've lost my appetite," Kim said, as she led the other girls into the room. "This is going to be harder than going nude on the cruise was."

Oh, the conflict! Can´t you feel the suspense in this scene? "You'll be fine," Hermione lied as she inspected the girls. The short walk from the bedroom to the sitting room had been enough to cause Jamie's breasts to burst out of her top. Kim's slit looked like it was trying to devour her tiny triangular bottom. Only Caitlin remained at least minimally covered.

This whole "Caitlin has flat breasts" gag is both really annoying, cringe and reeks of unfortunate implications. Harry and Hermione exchanged perplexed looks. "Is this going to work?" Harry asked, as he held a sleeping Ben. "Doesn't the charm simply replace the clothing? What is going to prevent their goodies from still popping out?"

Harry, you calling them "goodies" makes you seem like a pervert. "The difference is that unlike an article of clothing, the charm isn't actually worn. It is more like a three dimensional projection that appears solid. Clothing can shift position, the projection can't. It will always cover what it initially covered." Hermione paused. "You can even feel as if you are grabbing onto it, but when you pull, nothing happens because there is actually nothing there. You can't touch, rip or tear something that doesn't exist."

How convenient that such spells exist. Occasionally one truly forgets that this is supposed to be a Harry Potter fanfic. "Mum, does that mean that it can't get wet or dirty?" Caitlin asked. "Exactly! If you fell in mud, your body would be covered from head to foot. The charmed article would appear completely clean, while in reality you would be covered in mud underneath it. Now, what we want to do is have each of you adjust your costume before I perform the charm on you. You want to cover your breasts on the side as best as you can and also make sure that the triangular patch at your crotch is smooth and covering as much as possible.

The latter part is where I´m asking - why all these details?

Though it´s rather obvious why. "So then once they are covered with the charm, they can't get a camel toe or expose a nipple?" Harry asked.

Well, considering how Madam Hooch is out of the way now, I doubt they need to be afraid of her showing up and attempting to eat their nipples. "No, no accidents," Hermione said, "but unfortunately that still leaves an awful lot exposed."

One might even say Overexposed, am I right? "An awful lot!" Harry repeated, wondering what his reaction would have been at 15 seeing Hermione, Cho or Parvati in a costume such as this. B O N K Suddenly he was having second thoughts about the girls leaving the sanctuary of their quarters. "They're required to go about their normal activities," Hermione said, as if reading Harry's mind. "We have no choice." Harry and Emily stood watching as Hermione did the charm on each girl individually and then as they in turn slipped out of their costume.

I still find it baffling how the main conflict and actual plot of this fic is angsting about these stripperific outfits and that the main villain is a flamboyant camp gay stereotype. They all appeared to be still dressed, but Emily knew from personal experience that they were actually nude. As the girls slipped on their socks and trainers, Hermione gave some additional advice. "I didn't charm the capes because I didn't know whether you wanted to wear them or not. They don't really cover anything; they just draw attention and make you look more ludicrous. Also, be careful how you bend, do a lady-like squat. The front and back of that outfit is only connected by a quarter inch string; it won't hide anything if you bend improperly."

This is the last time the capes are mentioned as part of the outfit, afterwards, they´re never mentioned again.

Like so many other things in this series. Emily had watched, a gloomy expression on her face, as Hermione performed the charm on Jamie, Caitlin and Kim in succession. "I'm afraid that's about all I can do to help you," Hermione said dolefully. "I hope the other students understand. After all, anyone of them could be in your shoes. Speaking of shoes; Emily, quickly slip out of your shoes and socks." "Why?" Emily said staring at her mum questioningly. Then she suddenly realized why. "Are you going to put me under the charm, too?" she asked elatedly. Hermione nodded her head and gave her youngest daughter a weak smile. Emily was euphoric.

I hate Emily.

* * * * * *

"So far, so good," Caitlin said, as they neared the Great Hall. "Caitlin, we used the private stairs from the staff quarters to the Great Hall; no one has even seen you yet," Emily reminded her.

In this fic, you never know though. "I know. I wish we could keep it that way," she said. "I realize this sounds crazy, but I'd prefer if everyone were about to see me nude rather than in this sluttish outfit."

This is going to be a running gag in this fic from now on. "It's not crazy," Jamie assured her. "Kim and I feel the same way." Kim nodded her head. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but let's get this over with." The others agreed as they hurried from the refuge of the tapestry-covered passageway to the Great Hall, bursting with students. As they entered, every eye turned in their direction, but they weren't greeted with the expected wolf whistles or obscene remarks. In fact the relative quiet was unsettling, considering the display they were affording the other students. Quickly, they split. That sounds rather impractical in this fic though. Caitlin and Jamie heading to the Gryffindor table, Emily and Kim to Slytherin. "That went better than I expected," Jamie said as she took a seat next to Amanda. "I thought we'd be greeted with all sorts of obnoxious comments." "That's because Snape chewed out the entire hall just before you got here," Amanda responded.

Yes, the one time Snape shows some spine, it´s off screen! "What happened?" Jamie asked inquiringly. "When the Americans walked in they were given the type of reception I imagine you were expecting. The pretty blonde -- didn't you say her name was Debby? Yes, this one of the few times we get a description -- became quite flustered and actually tripped over her own feet. Brian prevented her from actually falling to the floor, but in the process, both her boobs popped out. The Hall went wild and she's been crying ever since." Jamie glanced toward the Hufflepuff table and saw Debby crying her heart out, her head buried in Brian's chest. "Snape saw the whole thing and literally blew his top," Amanda explained. "He went into a tirade for about ten minutes about how wrong it was that the contenders were forced to wear such provocative costumes and that he was ashamed to be associated with the event. Bottom line is that if anyone treats any contestant with anything but the utmost respect, that person will be packing their bags and leaving Hogwarts."

Oh well. "That should put an end to obscene remarks," Caitlin said, "but I doubt it will have much effect on the lustful stares." "Especially in your case, Jamie. How in the world are you managing to make your breasts behave?" Amanda inquired.

Would you ever have expected to read a sentence like this in what is supposed to be a Harry Potter fanfic? "The concealment charm," Jamie whispered in Amanda's ear. "Caitlin and I are actually sitting here nude."

How lucky that no one outside the table hears it, considerng that everyone around them stares at them. Amanda stared at Jamie in total disbelief, before saying, "May I?" Once she touched Jamie, she just sat there speechless, a confounded expression on her face.

Seriously? "Good morning, everybody," Alex said, giving Jamie a light kiss on the cheek and sliding in next to her. "I wanted to be here before you guys," Alex said apologetically, "but I overslept. I hope you and the others weren't given any grief." Without thinking he laid his hand comfortingly on Jamie's. He had momentarily forgotten about the concealment charm, but in a few seconds he was reminded and quickly removed his hand. "Alex, you're the only one that can see me," Jamie said, reaching for his hand. "I don't want this charm changing anything between us." "It won't," he said, resisting a compelling urge to reach out and touch Jamie's tempting breasts.

So much for nudity being completely nonsexual.

* * * * * *

I have no idea why Neil added a break when it´s not even a scene transition.

"How does it feel to actually finally walk the corridors of Hogwarts nude?" Alex asked. "I know its something you've always wanted to do." "Yes, but not like this," Jamie answered disconsolately. "Although I'm nude, it looks to everyone as if I'm wearing a scandalous outfit. I'd much prefer they see me as I actually am. "Truthfully, I imagine what I really want is a Utopian dream," Jamie continued. "I'd like to live in a world where people just saw me simply as Jamie Zacherley, a world in which I wasn't judged by my clothes or lack of same or by my physical appearance, but rather only by the type of human being I am."

This mega melodramatic monologue just reeks of Ebonys "Why couldnt Satan have made me less beautiful?" speech from My Immortal. "Do you really think the world could ever evolve to the point that people would ignore nude individuals around them?" Alex asked. "No," Jamie answered honestly. "Not unless everyone suddenly started running about starkers and I doubt that is about to happen. For now I'd be happy if people would just stop equating nudity with sex."

Oh well. Alex nodded in agreement. "Oh! Alex!" Jamie cried out. "We have to help her." At first Alex had no idea what Jamie was going on about, and then he saw Nora. She was sitting on the floor in the doorway of an unused classroom. She had her knees pulled up to her chest, her cape pulled tightly around her. The girl was shaking uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face.

Yes, this is the actual first time we actually meet Nora.

While she as an alternate was present in the previous chapter, we still had virtually no introduction to her and she said nothing.

So she was essentially a non-entity.

Without thought, Alex removed his robes and draped them over the emotionally distraught girl. "I'm not allowed to cover myself," she cried, but made no movement to remove the comforting robes. "This is a lot of bull," Alex shouted, "and it's not going on for a minute longer. Jamie, I'm taking Nora to the headmaster's office. I'm going to need the rest of the team. It would help if we had the Americans' support, too. Do you think Professor Granger or Potter could get them?" "Alex, what are you going to do?" Jamie asked.

Jamie, he pretty much already stated it. "That depends on your fellow competitors," Alex answered, as without explanation he picked up Nora in his arms.

How realistic.

* * * * * *

"Professor Snape, what is so urgent that it necessitated my being dragged from my warm bed?" Rishard asked, as he entered the headmaster's office.

"I'm not quite sure myself," Snape responded, frostily. "I did not initiate this get-together; therefore I'm also extremely anxious to learn its purpose. Now that Mr. Simone has arrived, could you kindly explain why we are here Mr. Ward?"

This sounds as if canon!Snape is trying to get out of Exposed!Woobie!Snape. "Yes sir," Alex responded, "but first may I please beg your indulgence as I ask a few questions of those gathered here." "A few questions," Snape agreed, "but be quick about it. This is disrupting the school day."

Wait, they actually go to classes at Exposed!Hogwarts? "These are general questions I'd like to ask of all members of both the American and Hogwarts teams," Alex said. "Please respond by raising your hand when appropriate." "How many of you like the costumes you have been issued to wear for the competition?" Those assembled all watched apprehensively as not one hand was raised. "It doesn't matter whether or not they like the uniforms," Simone shouted huffily. "They have a magical contract."

Which works how?

Do their heads explode when they decide not to wear these costumes? "Yes, we're all well aware of that," Snape replied. "Please allow Mr. Ward to continue his questioning. I would like to see where this is all heading." "How many of you would have not even considered being a part of the competition if you had known before hand that you'd be required to wear such a revealing costume as practically your only clothing for the next eight months?" Alex asked. This time all hands went up.

THE MAIN CONFLICT OF THE FIC EVERYBODY "I'm sorry Severus, but this is a waste of my time," Rishard said haughtily. "Mr. Simone, would you rather waste a few minutes now or a few days later in court?" Alex asked. "What are you going on about boy? Rishard asked angrily. "No barrister would consider taking such a case. Magical contracts can not be broken." "You're wrong," Alex declared. "Legal magical contracts can not be broken. Each of these students is obliged to compete in your tasks, but they are not required to wear your costumes, most certainly not everyday for the next eight months." Rishard shook his head in frustration. "Okay, junior barrister, suppose you tell me just why they don't have to wear the costumes." Alex smiled. "I wanted to be sure, so I stopped and got this book from the library on my way here." He turned to page 169 Get it? and read out loud. "Magical contracts are no different than paper contracts with the exception that there is no printed copy. All the same rules apply. Both parties must be made aware of all the particulars prior to completion of the contract. Noncompliance with items not disclosed will not negate the remainder of the contract." "Very interesting, Mr. Ward," Snape said, "twenty-five points to Gryffindor. This is so in character for Snape. Oy vey. "You might want to consider a job in the legal profession. Mr. Simone, do you still feel that no barrister would consider taking this case?" "This is preposterous, he's just a boy," Simone argued. "Certainly you people can't place any merit in the dribble he's spewing. It has been the authority of the games committee to select participation uniforms for over a thousand years."

"And how long has it been policy to insist that they be worn on a daily basis for eight straight months?" Severus questioned. Rishard hemmed and hawed before saying, "That would be new policy, but it is still part of the magical contract." "Only if disclosed to the participants before they became bond," Severus declared. "I know my students were not aware of your new policy, were you?" Severus directed his eyes to the group of Americans who quickly shook their heads no. "Before returning to your classes, you might want to all slip into something more appropriate for a wizarding school," Snape announced. "You're overstepping your authority, Snape," Rishard warned in his anxious high-pitched voice.

This is the Main Villain, everyone. "I might well be," Severus said. "Sue me if you can find a barrister willing to take the case." Rishard literally shook with anger. "This doesn't change the training or actual competition," Rishard warned. "They must dress as directed for those events."

I have the feeling that if this was set in a more logical setting rather than Bizarro!Dark!Edgy!Potterverse, then I think that if the parents saw their mostly underage children wear these outfits for the events that they immediately would protest and that the events would be cancelled as a consequence to that. "If that indeed proves to be correct, they will," Severus agreed. "Humiliation is always difficult to bear, but rather five days than over two hundred." Severus turned to the assembled students. "Is there anything anyone wants to add?" "Sir, would it be all right if Jamie and I talked with all the contestants for a moment before they went about their business?" Alex asked. "Certainly," Snape said motioning to a corner of the room. Rishard watched suspiciously as everyone gathered around Jamie and Alex. Before Alex could speak, Debby threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly. "I'm sorry," she said looking first at Alex and then toward Jamie. "Brian told me that you were engaged, but I had to kiss him. You cannot imagine how good it will feel to get some clothes on and not be the center of attention for a change."

Oh well, Debby, regarding clothes, I´m afraid to tell you.... "Just don't make a habit of it," Jamie warned before giving Debby a friendly hug. I can´t help but imagine Jamie having a huge slasher smile in this scene and context. "Look, we can't talk here, too much chance of being overheard. Can everyone meet me Friday night at eight o'clock outside the entrance to the Great Hall? It's about these costumes and it's important."

* * * * * *

Cut for a boring scene about Emily and Caitlins relationship dramas, and another boring scene about prom dates.

"You can't imagine how good it feels to wear clothes again," Debby said as she and the other members of the American team approached Jamie and Alex. "I hate that ludicrous outfit. Words can never express my gratitude."

Yes, Debby, and by the end of the fic you will hate clothes alltogether. "Words will have to do," Jamie said with a warning laugh. "You've already exceeded your yearly limit of kissing Alex." Jamie looked around and counted heads. "I think that's everybody then, please follow me," she said. "Where are we going?" Dick bellowed. "And where are Thatcher and Potter?" "I don't want to talk here," Jamie answered. "Kim and Caitlin are preparing a place where we won't be disturbed." "I don't have all night to be traipsing around the castle," Dick complained. "Furthermore, what is Ward doing here? He isn't a member of either team."

Dick is only saying this because the scene needs a contrarian. "He's my boyfriend and he's How hard was it just to write "he is here"? here at my request," Jamie replied. "I might need his help to stick your head in a chamber pot if you don't shut up and stop bellyaching." Debby smiled. She definitely liked Jamie and Alex. Something about them just sparked trust. On the other hand, Bancroft had easily won her disdain.

Like other sporkers have noted in this scene, it would have been way more interesting if Debby found herself more drawn to Bancroft than the way too perfect Jamie Sue. Jamie looked about nervously as the group followed her and Alex as they made their way toward the seventh floor. "Harry offered me his map," Jamie whispered to Alex, "but I was fearful someone else might see it."

And then this is promptly forgotten about. "I don't imagine it's necessary to name names," Alex said squeezing her hand. "I'm disappointed," he moaned. "Your robes are real."

Alex, you pervert!

"Yes, but what's under them isn't. That's another reason I wanted you with me." "Why are you bringing us up to the seventh floor?" Bancroft complained. "There's nothing up here." "Do you call that nothing?" Jamie asked, as they approached a highly polished door with a brass handle. Alex seized the handle, pulled open the door, and led the way in. The room was spacious, and illuminated with flickering torches. The walls were lined with wooden bookcases containing every manner of law book imaginable. How convenient. There were also seventeen extremely comfortable chairs. "I've been on this floor numerous times before and I've never seen this room," Dick complained. "Maybe you weren't looking for it," Caitlin said with a chuckle.

OMG THIS IS SO FUNNY LOOK HOW SMART CAITLIN IS LETS ALL CLAP FOR HER "If everyone will please take a seat, I'd like to get started," Jamie said. Caitlin and Kim remained standing uneasily on either side of Jamie as the others all were seated. "Prior to you getting started, may I ask why the three of you are wearing robes inside on a Friday evening?" Jeff questioned. "What we want to talk about tonight involves a little show and tell," But mostly tell! Jamie explained. "Bear with me and you'll understand in a few minutes. "First I'd like to properly introduce Alex Ward, my wonderful boyfriend, who found the flaw in the contract that allowed us to get out of wearing those hideous costumes nearly every waking moment for the next eight months." Everyone applauded and either kissed Alex or patted him on the back. Surprisingly even Dick Bancroft shook Alex's hand and murmured what sounded like, thanks mate. "Unfortunately, thus far, Alex hasn't found any loophole that will get us out of wearing those atrocities for training or the actual contests," Jamie remarked. "I don't understand," said Nora nervously. "What is the difference?" "Tradition and over a thousand years of precedence," Jamie answered. "Having us wear his awful costumes on a daily basis was Simone's original idea. The concept was totally new to wizard competition and therefore needed to be explained in full before it could become part of the magical contract. It not only wasn't explained, but it wasn't even revealed, therefore it can't be part of the contract."

As was clearly stated earlier that day.

Why is this repeated again if we all already know? "I'm confused," Jeff admitted. "If the costumes are considered to be indecent for us to wear daily, why is it okay for us to wear them for training and in the actual events?" "You've jumped to an erroneous conclusion," Alex interjected. It´s not an interjection when he´s answering the question, Suethor! "The fact that you don't have to wear the outfits on a daily basis has nothing to do with whether they are indecent or not. You don't have to wear them because being required to do so on a daily basis was a change from tradition that was not properly explained before the magical contract was initiated." "You mean that we still have to wear them for training and the actual competition?" Nora asked, devastated. "They're still ghastly and indecent." "That, they are," Jamie agreed, "but unfortunately it has been traditional for event holders to issue uniforms for the games. It was not necessary for this to be explained to us because it has been the accepted policy since the origin of the games." "But certainly not such revealing outfits," Nora pleaded. Alex nodded his head. "I was hoping that we could use that against Rishard, but it seems history is on his side. For a period of over two hundred years, wizards and witches actually competed in the same attire as the original Muggle Olympians." "Didn't those dudes contend starkers?" Brian questioned. "Exactly," Alex answered. "I'm sure Rishard has pointed this out on numerous occasions to those opposing him." "Let me get this straight," Bancroft fumed. "We don't have to wear mini Speedos on a daily basis, but we do have to wear them for the two training sessions and the three actual events when the entire wizarding world will be watching. I was expecting good news. Why are you wasting our time if you don't have any worthwhile to tell us?" "We do have something meaningful to say," Jamie responded. "I'm sorry, I wish we had a way of getting us all out of wearing Rishard's debauched creations, but we don't. We do, however, have a way of preventing body parts from popping out while participating." Jamie removed her robes; Caitlin and Kim followed suit. Kim's face glowed a bright pink as all the competitors from both teams stared at the trio.

This is so dumb.

"The way you're staring at us now, is exactly the way the spectators will be looking at all of us during the competition," Jamie said, disgust evident in her voice. "But as provocative and revealing as these costumes might be on their own, Rishard is expecting us to deliver much more to his audience. He is counting on us to have numerous 'accidents' throughout the course of the contests."

Jamie looked pointedly at Bancroft. "And it's not just boobs that he's hoping will pop out. He wants both male and female privates on display, too." For the next few minutes, members of the American team related stories of the numerous embarrassing moments they had endured during the US competition wearing a less revealing costume than now required. After Debby finished telling the story of how she had spent ten agonizing minutes as part of a human ladder with her vagina completely exposed, everyone sat in silence for a few moments.

That does sound rather unpleasant.

But still strange how no one dared to bring this up while still in the US. Debby looked intently at Jamie, tears filling her eyes. "These contests are going to be seen world wide on wizard cam. I don't want my pussy bared to the entire wizarding world." "We have a way out," Jamie said hesitantly. "It has its draw backs, but it's better than the alternative." Jamie gave Caitlin and Kim a smile. "Are you ready?" Both girls gave Jamie a nervous smile as she began counting. First the three girls did ten toe touches. They followed this with ten sit ups, ten pushups and ten jumping jacks. To finish everything off, Caitlin did a handstand with a full split.

This whole plot is so ridicculous. Everyone watched with amazement, particularly the Americans. "How did you do that?" Brian asked, looking totally flabbergasted. "Wearing those outfits, your breasts should be exposed." He stared at the spot where Caitlin's legs met. "You don't even have a hint of a camel toe. I hate this fic. By rights you should be totally showing off." Debby and the remainder Not balance? of the American team nodded their heads in agreement. "It's impossible. How did you manage to stay in your uniforms?" Debby asked. Jamie took a deep breath. "It was easy," she said. "You see, we aren't really wearing Rishard's costumes. We are covered with a concealment charm. In reality, except for our trainers and socks, we're nude." "What do you take us for?" Bancroft yelled. "Do you actually expect us to believe that blarney?"

Why would a pureblood wizard like him be surprised over that a spell like that exists?

Oh, I forgot - this scene needs a contrarian! "In your case, I'm surprised that you've accepted the principle that the world is round," Jamie said, frustration evident in her voice. She reached out her arm. "Touch my hand." Alex cringed as Dick Bancroft reached out and touched Jamie's hand. Bancroft barely made contact when his mouth open and his chin dropped. He didn't speak, but he did seem on the verge of drooling. Jamie withdrew her hand, but Dick's eyes remained fixed on her body.

This isnt the first time where we have seen Dick gushing over Jamies oh so hot body.

Despite all these scenes, nothing ever comes of it.

Strangely enough, Jamie and Dick actually have more of a dynamic and even somewhat of a chemistry than Jamie has with Alex, who we still essentially know nothing about. "I don't understand how you can consider being nude better than wearing that depraved costume. Either way your private parts are seen," Nora pleaded. "It's extremely different," Debby said. "One way, you're exposed to the entire world. I expect that my pictures will float about on the Muggle Internet How strange how she suddenly mentions the Muggle Internet, considering that they before and after this scene keep mentioning the Wizard Net. for the rest of my life. The other way, you might be seen totally nude, but only by a few people that you intimately trust." Her eyes rested on Brian. "Jamie, would you please teach me that charm?" "I'm in too," said Brian. A couple of the other Americans also agreed, but one girl and the other three boys declined. None of the Hogwarts competitors seemed willing to take the plunge. "Why can't we wear both the costume and the charm?" Nora asked. "We thought about that but it causes numerous problems. The charm is meant to hide flesh, so parts of the real costume sometimes stick out from under the charm. Plus if the actual costume becomes out of place, which it will, there is no way to adjust it. We need to be careful that Rishard doesn't catch on to what we're doing.

I said it before, but my G-d is this plot ridicculous!

So an ancient dark lord returns from the death, and yet this is supposed to be the main conflict of the fic?! "If there are no other questions, I'm willing to show anyone that's interested how to apply the charm." After Jamie had showed the interested Americans how to use the charm, the students separated into teams so that members could become accustomed to seeing their teammates nude.

This is part of the cultish brainwashing for the wonders of naturism.

* * * * * *

Saturday, November 5, 2005 "What do you think practice will be like?" Caitlin asked Jamie as they both nervously nibbled I almost read that as Nipples! at their breakfast. "I've no idea," she said. "I'm just glad that Harry is going to coach and be present at the training sessions. That Rishard is creepy; he makes me uneasy." "I don't like him either. He's most definitely a pervert," Caitlin declared. "Although he seems more interested in watching the boys than he does the girls."

Which in Neils eyes makes him even more evil. "Yeah! His only interest in us is that we expose ourselves enough to satisfy his paying clientele," Jamie replied. "I heard that these training sessions are even open to the public. I wish Nora and the guys had decided to use the charm." "Especially Nora," Caitlin said. "She's so shy. I'm afraid she'll be a basket case before the day is over. She must be assimilated!" Jamie nodded her head in agreement. "You don't mind if I come watch the practice, do you?" Alex said placing a hand on both Jamie and Caitlin's shoulders. "I kind of want to keep an eye on Bancroft." "We'd be disappointed if you didn't come," Jamie answered candidly. "Okay, see you in a bit then," Alex said, leaning down and kissing both girls on the cheek before starting away. "Wait up," Jamie shouted. "We're done eating. You can escort us both down to the Quidditch Pitch." "Now that's an offer I can't refuse," Alex said gleefully. "It's not often I get to escort the two prettiest girls in Hogwarts." He put an arm around each girl's waist. "Do you realize how envious all the other guys are right now and they can't even see what I can?"

This is clearly Neil speaking through Alex. "Just make sure that hand stays on my waist," Jamie warned. "No grabbing a feel of my butt."

I´m surprised Jamie has any boundaries at all. Caitlin giggled. "You can squeeze mine if you want, Alex. I think it would feel neat."

-_- Jamie, Caitlin and Alex all exchanged impish looks and then burst into laughter.

* * * * * *

Cut for a boring scene with Emily and Tyler.

"Good morning," Rishard said, surveying both groups of players. "You certainly all look divine today."

He glanced at Harry and gave him a wink. "This is our first of two 'Get to Know You' sessions. To be successful in these games you must know your teammates and trust them intimately."

"What we're going to do first is a humorous little ice breaking drill using a simple little beanbag. Would both teams please form circles?"

Harry and Buddy had their teams comply, spacing the members about three meters apart in two separate circles. After the teams were positioned, Rishard handed Harry and Bud each two beanbags and instructed them to hold on to them until later. He then walked over to the team from Salem. He handed Debby a beanbag and then whispered something in her ear.

"I wonder what he told her?" Emily asked.

"I'm not sure," Tyler replied, "but I wouldn't want her looking at me like that."

Debby's face was flushed, but she was staring livid daggers at Mr. Simone.

Rishard next walked over to the Hogwarts contingent and handed a beanbag to Jamie. "My, but doesn't that costume display your attributes nicely," he whispered. "Your tits look like they're just begging to be unleashed."

This sounds like completely natural dialogue.

Jamie just glared at Rishard. She couldn't believe that he was talking to her in such an improper way.

I´m surprised that she is surprised at this point.

"I should warn you," Rishard continued, "that costume might not be able to restrain those beauties of yours, but don't worry. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and I'm sure the sight will be greatly appreciated by all those watching."

I don´t know why, but it seems that Neil wants to show that he´s a pervert.

"Now then, each team has a beanbag," Rishard announced loudly. "Introduce yourself to your teammates. Tell something unique about yourself and then toss the bag to the player on your right. Take your time; it is more important you get to know your teammates than it is to rush."

Debby and Jamie both began to speak, but since Tyler and Emily were sitting nearer to the Hogwarts team and could hear them better; they concentrated more on their introductions.

"I'm Jamie Sue Zacherley, a seventh year Gryffindor," Jamie announced. "Most of you are probably by now aware of my uniqueness; I'm a Mary Sue naturist."

Jamie then passed the bag to Caitlin. Each player introduced him or herself and then passed the bag on until it reached Nora who was standing on Jamie's left. Nora had a difficult time reaching for the bag. Her left hand was busy covering her crotch, while she tried to cover her chest with her right arm.

"I'm Nora Jordan, vice president of the Gobstones Club," she said timidly.

No idea what that is.

Mr. Simone had been watching both groups waiting for them to complete their introductions. "Now what I want you to do is call out any teammates name and toss the beanbag to that person. Try to do it as quickly as possible, but make sure your throws are accurate. Begin!"

Nora called Jeff's name and then without moving her arm, made a pathetic one hand toss to the boy on her immediate left.

"She's going to need to loosen up," Alex said to Amanda, who was now sitting with him. "She must be assimilated!"

"That's easier said then done," Amanda answered back. "The poor girl is embarrassed to be seen in public in that outrageous getup and I don't blame her. Worse yet, she's scared stiff to move for fear of becoming even more exposed."

Alex was sympathetic to how Nora felt, but at the same time realized that her inhibition might well eventually be the downfall of the Hogwarts team.

Both teams seemed to be having fun tossing the beanbag about; only a few players had dropped it. After getting their attention, Simone gave Harry and Bud the signal and they both called a name tossing a second beanbag into the circle. After a few more minutes the third bag was added. Nora stood apprehensively; she knew sooner or later one of the bags would come in her direction. She was amazed that no one had thus far thrown to her. Obviously all her teammates, Bancroft included, had decided it was best to avoid throwing to the timorous girl.

Oh well. Seems that someone is trying to take Caitlins title of being the Queen of Angst.

Anyway, we now come to another one of the most infamous scenes of the series:

Then without warning, it happened. Three people called his name at the same time and Bancroft found three beanbags zinging his direction. He leaned to his left, stretched to the right and then jumped skyward. Unbelievably he had caught all three bags. He started to send them off in different directions when Jamie flung her arms around him and held him in a tight embrace.

"What the ...?" Dick started to say.

"Your penis decided it wanted some fresh air," Jamie quickly explained. "I'll keep you shielded while you adjust yourself."

I laughed so hard when I read that the first time.

Jamie held on just long enough for Bancroft to put things back where they belonged, and then she hurried back to her position in the circle. Dick just stared as she walked away. That had almost been worth being exposed.

Or even Overexposed.

"I hope she doesn't have to do anything like that too often during the competition," Amanda said.

"You hope!?" Alex said, his face turning a sickly green. "If she ever has to hug him again, I'm going to end up tossing my breakfast."

"That's enough," Simone said. He was still trying to act jaunty, but disappointment seemed to etch each word.

"I wonder what's wrong with him?" Tyler asked. "He seems disappointed about something."

"He is," Emily responded. "Rishard was expecting a tit show and he's not getting it. So far, at least on the Hogwarts team, Bancroft was the only one to have an accident. I know for a fact that he was hoping for Jamie to be out of her costume more than in it."

"I get it," Tyler said. "Jamie, Caitlin and Kim are wearing the charm too. That's how they are able to jump around without Overexposing themselves."

"Our next getting to know you exercise is called 'Reach Out and Hug Someone'," Simone announced.

Alex just looked at Amanda and shook his head. This wasn't his day.

One of the few times something that is meant to be funny where it actually works.

"For this exercise the groups will once again stand in circles. When your coach yells, 'go' you run across and hug someone. On each 'go' you switch partners and hug someone different until each person has hugged everybody in the group. Yes, I mean everybody," Mr. Simone emphasized as a number of hands had ventured into the air.

When Harry hollered 'go' for the first time, neither Dick Bancroft nor Nora initially moved. Nora was simply afraid to move whereas Bancroft found the whole idea of hugging extremely uncomfortable. Once everyone else had paired, with Harry's encouragement, Dick finally moved toward Nora and only just placed his arms around her.

On the first switch, Bancroft ended up with Caitlin. Caitlin hadn't seemed to mind hugging Jeff, but seemed exceedingly hesitant to put her arms around the Dick.

"I wouldn't want to hug that slime ball either," Emily said, commenting on Caitlin's lack of enthusiasm. Then she remembered that Dick was Tyler's brother. "Sorry! I'm sure he's okay once you get to know him."

Cut for more boring Emily/Tyler stuff.

As the pairings continued to change on the field, so did the arousal level of the Hogwarts male participants. Most of the boys had never experienced seeing a naked girl before the previous night, now they were in turn hugging three of them. Their swelling quickly subsided, however, when the boys began hugging each other.

So it seems none of them are gay.

Finally after the members of both teams had exchanged hugs with all their counterparts, Rishard called an end to the exercise. Although his voice still maintained a buoyant air, his face gave away his disappointment. He glanced one by one at the Hogwarts players, maintaining eye contact with the girls longer than the boys. Finally his eyes came to rest on Jamie Zacherley. The girls all looked extremely provocative, especially Jamie. The costumes left little to the imagination, but he had promised his colleagues that no imagination would be necessary. He had guaranteed accidental nudity. With the exception of Nora, the Hogwarts girls seemed to be running and jumping about without a care, yet there had been absolutely no Overexposure. Why weren't Zacherley's tits popping out?

"It looks like it is about to rain," Rishard said, glancing at the darkening skies. "This will be our last exercise of the day. Next Saturday we will concentrate on developing team trust."

Oh well.

Cut for more boring Emily/Tyler stuff.

"Harry! I'm so glad you're back!" Hermione cried, as he entered their quarters. "I was just about to send Hedwig to search you out."

Ah yeah, I totally forgot that Hedwig still is a thing here, given that this was written before the final book came and used another fanfics continuity while then using the canon that was revealed afterwards at the same time.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked, seeing grave concern etched on Hermione's face.

"I'm not sure," Hermione answered tensely. "Severus just stuck his head in the fire and asked that you and I come to his office immediately. Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt are on their way." Hermione bit her lips. "I don't think it's a social visit. Severus looked distraught."

Oh well.

It´s rather easy to guess what´s coming next, considering what the last chapter ended with.

End of Chapter 13

Finally.