#cat jean scenes my religion

[catlaila]

we need to be talking about cat jean best friendism more because LOOK AT THEM

[apocalypticgargoyle]

𝙎𝙐𝘾𝙆 & 𝘽𝙇𝙊𝙒 ☆ 𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙣𝙖𝙥 𝙨𝙢𝙪𝙩

∘ request: 

goddamn your writing is so good 🥵 any chance you’d be able to write something with sapnap where you’re both at a party and know each other through friends but not well and you’re both a bit tipsy and he just can’t control himself and drags you into a bathroom? kinda fluffy where there’s lots of kissing but also desperate and accidentally rough (because the idea of someone wanting me so much that they lose control is a major thing of mine)

∘ pairing: sapnap x fm!reader

∘ warnings: nsfw (18+),  party scene, drinking, crude language

∘ links: ao3

∘ word count: ~2000

a/n: Thank you so much for the request! I literally have the exact same thing so i think we’re soulmates or something. I hope you enjoy!

For the duration of the day, you’d been waiting for this moment. Your hair tangling amongst itself as you danced to the music with a group of your friends was almost a baptism for you. No longer were you restricted into your business casual attire and socially acceptable behavior. Now you were free to forget your name and responsibilities as mashups of different genres of heavily bass boosted music pulsed in your ears.

The large house was swelling with people, melding together as if their lives depended on the superficial human connection the beat could bring them. Many of them you recognized from some of your lectures; it had been a day where your classmates had planned a party for someone’s birthday. You hated to admit it, but you didn’t know or care whose party it was, you were just happy to have an excuse not to study.

You’d already lost one of your rings and your clothes were sticking to your body from the layer of sweat glistening against your skin, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything. As cliché as it sounded, going to random college parties had equated to your own kind of religion. These senseless addresses were homes to a different kind of worship, but one you had quickly become devoted to. The smell of another girl’s perfume rubbing off on you and the nameless identity of the boy that offered you hard liquor were your new sacraments.

As the song died out, beginning a new string of beats to thunder around the room, you found yourself out of breath. You gestured to your friends that you were refilling your drink, but really you were in search of air that was a bit fresher. You wove through the heavy crowd, ending up in the kitchen and beelining for the fridge. There was a small group of boys standing around the keg, one of them filling his cup as they discussed something a few of them were getting heated about.

You tucked a cold water bottle against your side and grabbed a clean solo cup. As you got closer, you would hear what they were talking about. “I don’t know how you don’t remember that. It was like a big thing a few years ago?” One of them grumbled as his eyes narrowed at the liquid streaming into his cup.

“Sorry, Nick. I forgot they were selling kids on eBay. I honestly don’t see-” They continued on into overlapping ramblings that you couldn’t help but laugh at. One of them, that had been referred to as Nick, looked almost too familiar to you. Yet as you stood there, you couldn’t remember even if your life depended on it.

Nick’s eyes drifted to you as if just realizing you were standing there. “Sorry, do you refill?” He asked, mustering a somewhat shy smile. You snapped out of your train of thought, handing your cup to him.

“I didn’t mean to seem like a creepy, sorry,” you stated, sending him an awkward laugh. His lips parted in a smile. His dark hair was slightly ruffled, probably just from the weather earlier in the day. You weren’t sure if it was your slight buzz or the close proximity, but God, he looked good to you.

“No, I was hogging. It was my bad,” he answered. You brushed your hair off of your warm forehead and he looked up at you from what he was doing, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. “I think I know you from somewhere,” he mumbled before something clicked behind his eyes as he handed you your cup back. “Oh, you’re Clay’s friend, right? I’m his roommate, Nick.” At his words, your brain clouded with embarrassment as memories of him finally fled your brain.

You smirked slightly. “Oh! Yeah, sorry I didn’t recognize you. You look…” You paused for a second. Where were you going with this statement? Hotter? “Grown-up,” you wheezed, making him chuckle again. “- I mean, since freshman year English, I guess.”

He chewed the inside of his cheek, attempting not to grin wider. “Yeah, you look… grown-up too,” he offered, sending you a slight smirk. “It’s weird how close you and Dream are and I never see you around anymore,” he continued.

You chuckled a bit, wetting your lips. “Yeah, I told Clay I had a crush on you and he kicked me out,” you joshed, making him laugh. For as quiet as you remembered him being, you were shocked he was engaging with you in the way he was. Maybe it was just the atmosphere and the alcohol that had him loosened up. Whatever it was, you found yourself partnering with him in beer pong and spending most of the night at each other's side.

You sat closely to him on a couch in one of the several living rooms, your heads set close together as you listened to what he was saying over the music. “Hey, you too found each other,” a deep voice bounded, making you jump slightly, almost spilling your drink on Nick. Clay plopped down on the other side of you, wrapping his arm around the back of your section of couch to tug on Nick’s ear.

“Why didn’t you tell me Nick was a stud now?” you joked, slightly cringing about how bold you sounded. Nick chuckled at your words, swatting Clay’s hand away from him and taking another sip from his cup.

Clay setted further into the spot beside you. “You guys wanna play ‘suck and blow’?” He stated, more to the group of people around you guys. You furrowed your brows at him, almost wanting to roll your eyes at Clay’s blatant mission to set you and Nick up together. But who were you to avoid his attempts.

The card was passed successfully around the group, until it got to Clay, whose breath you could practically feel on the other side of the thick paper. You turned to give it to Nick but dropped it at the last second, making his lips press against yours. It was almost like he was expecting it because he was utterly calm at your action, nearing leaning in on his own accord. There were cat-calling noises made from the group as the kiss ended briefly. “Ope, looks like you guys are gonna have to leave the circle,” Clay stated with an almost sing-song tone in his voice. You were thankful that you had turned towards Clay enough that Nick couldn’t see your jokingly scornful look.

“Well, that’s just too bad. We were so good at this,” Nick chided as the two of you stood to leave. You ruffled Clay’s hair as the two of you left, following Nick into another room. “Would you want to… go somewhere quiet?” Nick asked, his eyes flashing to yours. Your eyebrow perked in his direction before you wordlessly slipped your hand into his.

You found yourself in the bathroom, Nick's hands settling on your hips as he pressed his lips against yours. You let out a sharp moan as he ground his hips against yours, yearning for more friction. Your fingers dug into his hair as his tongue slipped into your mouth, hungry for your taste. His breath was like a drug for you as he groaned into your mouth, moving against you.

His lips left your mouth but only to caress your jaw before settling against your neck, sucking on the skin with a slight sting. You tilted your head back, giving him more access to you before wrapping a leg around him, begging him to go further with you. He chuckled at your neediness, his warm breath fanning over your neck. He tugged the strap of your dress down your arm, pressing his lips against the newly exposed skin, grinding against you. The taste of cheap beer passed between the two of you.

One of his hands slipped beneath your dress to squeeze your ass, pulling you tighter against his jeans, encouraging you to ride his thigh. "I want you," he moaned unevenly in your ear, sending heat straight to your core. You wanted him to completely ruin you, to show you what was hiding beneath the surface of his reserved nice guy barrier.

You answered his words by attending to his zipper, slipping your hands into his jeans and stroking him against his boxers. A moan broke through his teeth, his lips crashing against yours as you egged him on. His erection grew stronger with each of your movements. You could tell he was becoming desperate to ravage you with each of his restrained breaths.

Your teeth dug into his bottom lip, your fingers pushing his pants to the ground as he pressed himself against you. He pushed your underwear aside, answering your silent pleas. Pressing his lips against your neck again, he drove himself into you, earning a blissed out moan from you. A breath of pleasure and relief escaped his chest at the feeling of you instantly tightening around him.

He thrusted into you, as if testing the waters as you moaned his name against his skin. One of your arms tightened around his shoulder as he held you in place, setting his pace. The mix of alcohol and pleasure you were feeling with each snap of his hips was sending your head reeling. He pushed his tongue into your mouth, fingers digging into your skin. You moaned against his lips, sending him to speed up his movements. A sense of roughness came out in him as he pounded into you harder, and you were eating it up. You fingers dug into his hair, pulling tightly to earn a groan from him.

Your hands slipped beneath his shirt, raking against his back, urging him to use you like a flashlight. "Fuck, you feel so good," he groaned, voice husky with some type of forced restraint as if he wouldn't let it come out evenly. You tightened around him, moving in what little space he'd given you to grind against him.

With that, he began to thrust into you harder, as if he was finally giving into whatever he was attempting to hold back. His teeth dug into your shoulder with each pulsing movement, driving himself deeper into you. Ungodly moans left your lips, only confirming his actions as he hungrily chased his high, dragging you with him.

His paces became less rhythmic and more sloppy as he gripped onto you, your fingers digging into his skin as you felt your orgasm was just within reach. You tightened your leg around him, your head swimming as he began to hit your sweet spot repeatedly. With a nearly choked out moan of his name, your body flushed with relief, your climax ripping through you. Nick succumbed to his own as if he'd been waiting for you, the two of you leaning against each other for support as you rode out your highs.

After you caught your breath, you reapplied a layer of lipstick, eyeing Nick through the reflection of the mirror as he stood behind you, straightened his clothes. "Let's not tell Clay about this, purely because he'll make it weird," you stated, turning and evening out his hoodie strings.

He chuckled slightly. "Oh, I agree completely. Don't tell Clay." His sly smirk nearly drew you in as you pressed your lips against his again, a promise that you'd definitely be seeing each other again.

[ghchgc]

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[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #322

“you will hear it when your god cries  /  you will see it when the sun dies  /  upon the altars of change”

What is your favorite nickname that you’ve had? "Bee," from my old best friend. I don't want others calling me it, though. Where did you go on the best date you’ve been on? A big arcade. It was a super fun double-date. Have you ever gotten a professional massage? No, and I don't want one. It'd be so awkward. What’s your favorite milkshake flavor? Chocolate. What act would you be most likely to perform in a talent show? I got nothin'. If you had braces, do you wear your retainers still? I don't. If you had braces, have your teeth moved since you got them off? Yep, because of the whole "not wearing my retainer" thing. Whose was the first baby shower you remember attending, and for what baby? I'm unsure. Possibly my sister's for her first daughter. Do you know anyone personally who’s lost a child? Many people. When was the last time you did something that felt like rebellion? So every now and again, I get a massive craving for soda at night, so I grab one from the kitchen and can hear my sleeping mother rightfully nagging me about it, haha... What is one present you got for your last birthday? Ashley got me this really cool skull bank that says "tattoo fund" on it, aha. I love it. What is one thing that you took to show and tell as a kid? I have a clear memory of bringing a Snorlax plushie one day. Do you remember losing your first tooth? Not my first, no. Are you afraid to pop a balloon? Not really, but it's kinda easy to make me jump just a lil bit when one is popped. When was the last time you laughed when you shouldn’t have? I don't know. Which was better: the first The Lion King or the second? That is fucking HARD. I adore both, but I think the original is slightly better. Do any of your grandparents have a tattoo? I'm pretty sure none of them did. Do you believe that your pets feel love towards you? My cat, definitely. As for my snake, I'm aware that snakes' brains simply aren't developed enough for love, but she clearly trusts me. Are you proud of your body? Fuck no. I'm humiliated by it every waking moment. Watermelon or cherries? I don't like either, but if I had to pick, watermelon. Favourite brand of cookies? I don't really have a favorite brand. Have you ever stuck gum under a desk/chair? No, that shit grosses me out. When shopping at a grocery store, do you return your cart or just leave it? Return your goddamn cart. What is one thing you’d never want your parents to find out? Uhhhh. I guess places I've "done it." When you were little, did you like Dr. Suess books? I did. Do you like eating out at restaurants? Yeah; at least, before Covid. What was your least favorite year of your life so far? Fuck 2016 into the next millenium. Do you like fried bologna? I haven't had it in so long that I don't really remember the taste. I think I would. Have you spent money on a game online? Yeah, very briefly with WoW. Mom was nice enough to refresh my subscription after the breakup (Jason paid for it prior), but from then on, I was rich enough in-game to use monthly game tokens to "pay." Do you put a line through your "7"s? Yes. What about your "Z"s? Also yes. Do you like cold pizza? Yeah, yummy. Do you like broccoli and cheese? Yessss. Toaster or toaster oven? We've always used a toaster oven. What are you most known for? Being artsy, I guess. Do you have any reputations? What are they? *shrug* What was the last thing to leave you speechless? No clue. What is the curviest part of your body? Well, I'm overweight, so it's difficult to tell where I'm naturally curvy... but I guess my hips. Even when I was at a perfectly healthy weight though, I don't think I was exceptionally curvy anywhere. What is your opinion on sex change? You are entirely deserving to feel comfortable in your own body. If you’re still a virgin, how important is your virginity to you? I'm not, though I thought I was when we were together, when we were really just using a loophole. It was a denial thing BECAUSE my virginity was so important to me. If you have lost it already, do you regret it? No. Would you take a break after graduating from high school (like, postpone going to college for a year or so)? I didn't. What regret keeps coming back to haunt you daily? Things I said to Jason. If you could cure yourself of one allergy, what would it be? Pollen. Would you ever post a picture of yourself crying on social media? No. Have you ever held a newborn baby? Yeah, my most recent niece I actually held. I don't THINK I held Aubree or Ryder as newborns because I was so afraid of not doing it right and hurting them. Do you know anyone who has twins? Yeah. Are you following in the career path of any family members? No. What is your favorite country in Europe? Germany. How many times have your comments been top comments on YouTube? A few times. I rarely ever comment, but if I do, it's because I feel like I really have something worth saying. Would you ever wear a wig? I'm not opposed to it. Do you like the moon or sun more? The moon. Do you like turkey or ham more? Ham. Have you ever slapped someone’s butt? Yes. Do you think dimples are ugly? I think they're cute, actually. Have you ever deleted Facebook friends for a significant other? No. Have you ever spent the night in jail? No. Do you consider yourself a good kisser? I assume I am from experiences. Do you watch Pewdiepie? Not anymore, no. His current content doesn't interest me. The most recent thing I watched was his playthrough of The Last of Us 2, because I adore the first game and definitely wanted to see him play the sequel. I think he's pretty funny and have no personal issues against him, though then again I am so uninvolved in the fandom that I have no idea if he's done something stupid again. Do you like "Despacito?" Haha, my mind went to The Dark Den's bearded dragon before the song... I'm not a fan of it, no. Did you ever color your hair pink? No, but I absolutely want to dye it pastel pink one day. :( I even edited a picture of me "testing" different hair colors out, and pastel pink looked suuuuper pretty. Do you drink energy drinks? No, they're too strong for my taste. Do you have any subscribers on YouTube? I don't now how many I have, but I know it's below 100. Do you have a Steam account? Yeah. Have you ever played Five Nights at Freddy’s? No, but I enjoy the franchise. I'm not totally clear on all the lore, though. Do you like religion? Quite honestly, no. Do you swear in front of children? No. What is the next craft you are going to make? There's no telling. I don't really do crafts. What was your favorite Backstreet Boys song? Maybe "The Call." Favorite *N Sync song? I don't remember enough of them, at least not right now. Which of those two bands did you like best? The BSB, baby. Do you learn choreography easily? When I danced, I'd say I learned at a fairly average pace. What’s your favorite candy to receive on Halloween? Reeseeeeeee's. <3 Do you have a bobblehead? No. Have you ever had a lead role in a play? No. Have you ever been insulted or called names by a significant other? No. I wouldn't tolerate that shit. What’s your favorite movie battle scene? Oh man, idk. Maybe something from Troy, though I honestly barely even remember the movie by now, haha. Have you ever been to a same-sex wedding? No, actually. Who takes care of your pet(s) when you’re out of town? Hypothetically, one of my sisters would come to feed and water Roman and clean his box. I'm certain I couldn't talk either into spraying Venus' cage, though... What was the last thing you wrote down on paper? Some group work during therapy. Did you have a Walkman when you were a kid? No. What’s your favorite recipe you’ve come up with? Oh dear, I don't make those. Do you like celery? Yuck, no. By what age could you swallow pills? I dunno. A normal age. Do you like to drink alot of water? I need to drink more. :/ I've gotten better, though. For years, I literally never drank water. How I even survived, idk. How many times have you gone fishing? Countless times. Ever been to a roller-skating rink? Yeah. I loved having bday parties there as a lil'un. What do you refer to your mother as? (Mom, momma, mommy) Mom, Ma, and Mama. Have you ever swam in the ocean? Yeah, multiple times. What is the last movie that made you cry? I think the remake of The Lion King. What would you like to swim in other than water? Nothing? If you could uninvent one thing what would you chose? Damn, just one? Maybe cigarettes? Have you ever read someone's diary? Absolutely not. I respect people's privacy. Have you ever played in a waterfall? No, but that'd be dope. Who has inspired you the most in your life? Probably Mark. Is there a place where everyone who lives near you tends to hang out? Idk. Teens sure do love to hang out at Sonic, though, reving their stupid fucking trucks. Does your alarm clock wake you with music, or with an annoying buzz sound? Music. Did you make it all the way through the Oregon Trail game? Yes; I was obsessed with those as a kid. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Which one are you more scared of? I feel like being alone with a tiger would scare me most. Though let's be real, I'd probably try to pet it. Have you ever changed your favorite color? From what to what? It was originally red, but then became pink when I actually understood it was its own color. Then it was maroon forever, and now it's back to pink. On a scale of 1-10, how competitive are you? Eh, 4-6? It depends on the situation, I guess. At what age did your have your most memorable birthday? My 21st, because I was in the psych hospital for it. Yes or no: Guys in skinny jeans? Yeah, man. Yes or no: Girls with dreads? Some people can pull it off. Have you ever attended a themed b-day party? What was the theme? Oh yeah, plenty. Do you have any Eminem on your iPod/MP3 player? I do. Has anybody ever given you a promise ring? No. What do you think about putting ‘spinners’ on cars? So long as they're not too distracting, I don't care. Do what you want with your car - again, so long as it is not disruptive. What celebrity do you wish would have a big comeback? I wish poor Britney Spears could catch a goddamn break and be happy again. She's a legend that doesn't deserve to feel like a puppet. Were you outdoors or indoors more as a kid? I'd say there was a pretty even split. Do you or have you ever owned a horse? No, but I LOVE horses. Have you ever had a relationship that began via text? (weird, I know, but it happens…) Most of my relationships started through a text message. Did you believe in unicorns as a small child? I don’t think so. Would you ever date a guy with longer hair than yourself? Yeah; I have short hair anyway, and I also like long hair on guys. Do you watch the show Wizards of Waverly Place? I used to love that show. Have you ever been to the rainforest? No; humidity aside though, that would be so amazing. Bats are not spooky or are they? I think they're precious. Do you like the song "Womanizer?" I sure do, actually. Do you like ice cream cake? Not really, but I'll eat it. Do you know how to change a tire? Nope. What kind of headphones do you have? Just cheap earplugs. Do you experiment a lot with new looks on yourself? No. What were some fun experiments you did in science class as a kid? Dissecting a frog was my favorite, and doing the same with an owl pellet was also very cool. What was the last strong emotion you felt? Guilt. I lied to get out of group therapy early because I was just NOT feeling it whatsoever that day, and I hate lying. Do you use dry shampoo between washes? No. Have you ever lived with someone you didn’t get along with? No. What types of animals have you had as pets? Jeez, what haven't we had... We've had cats, dogs, snakes, rats, gerbils, a rabbit, hamsters, lizards, fish, guinea pigs... Hell, I'm probably forgetting one or two. Can you name three good things about your most recent ex? She's so creative, a real advocate for proper reptile education and appreciation, and very kind. Name three bands/artists that you hate. Uhhh The Talking Heads, Bob Dylan, and The Police. What’s the best memory you have of your father? Playing softball with him in the front yard, and when he taught me to ride a bike. Should tattoos be meaningful? You get a tattoo for whatever reason you damn well want. I don't plan on all of mine to be meaningful. Some stuff I just want because I think it's cool. Are you afraid of the dark? No. Have you ever been through a trap door? No. What's the most recent good news you’ve heard? Hm. Who was the last person in your family to have a baby? My older sister. When’s the last time you used the microwave? Last night. What’s the worst thing in your life right now? Financial struggles. Have you ever owned a tire swing? No. Does anyone you know own a bird that can talk? No. Have you ever been someplace tropical? Yeah, Florida. Have Jehovah'ss witnessess ever called to your door? Yep. when was the last time you went to mass/church? I have no idea. It's been many years. Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? Thank heavens no.

[beatlesqueen1960s1970s]

Frain: Take Me To Chruch

Tw: Homophobia, Faggot Used, Attempted Murder, Cult, Violence

Freddie lays on the hill Brian cuddled against his side, "You know this is wrong.." Brian whispers feeling Freddie's hands roam over his body.

"I love being wrong then." Freddie whispers softly passionately kissing him roaming his hands on the younger man's backside.

Brian felt his body shudder as he kisses Freddie back the older man pulls him closer as the stars shine bright but clouds were slowly rolling in. He touches his cheek and sadly pulls away, "I'm only a field away." Freddie whispers standing up as they heard a noise.

The town of Shiloh, was entirely Anti LGBTQ+ they had to hide their relationship heavily. They have little safe moments together which are becoming fewer and fewer.

"We were born sick." Brian whispers putting a cold hand against his cheek not wanting to leave his love behind. He felt Fred's heated breath against his face, Brian grabs Fred by one of his suspender strap and kisses him passionately. He felt the roughness of his beard rub against Fred's bare cheek.

"The only heaven I got is when I'm with you." Freddie whispers forcing himself away wanting to feel more of Brian wanting to keep him in his arms.

Brian works for the church and Freddie attends the church even if he isn't the same religion.... a new poison each week.

It was hard being in a homophobic town and being a immigrant. They make sure to blend in by worshiping heavily and "dating" women..... Aka  paying a few women to be their girlfriends. The two bought houses that were a field away from each other and they worked on their farming. Everything was going smooth no one suspected any thing right?

Freddie was waiting to be dragged away he had been caught dating a white woman named Mary. He didn't stick to his own race and he knew that was sinful enough but lord if the town ever found out about him and Brian? He would have to flee the very same hour while a huge ass witch hunt would conduct. He can almost feel the burn of ropes dig into his skin as stones hit him and it makes him shudder to think such a thing but he knows what the town is like.

Freddie and Brian part ways like they've been doing each night since they started dating five years ago with linger eyes and a yearning for each other. Freddie assumes it will be like any other night they kiss goodbye and head back to their homes, only a field away never too far apart. Freddie greets his cat, Chester as he kicks the door behind him closed.

"Hey buddy. Did you miss daddy?" Freddie asks.

Loud intense purring comes from Chester and Freddie laughs as he gets dinner started, "My lover's got humor..." Freddie whispers then frowns, "She's the giggle at a funeral...Knows everybody's disapproval. I should've worshiped her sooner....If the Heavens ever did speak.... H- She's the last true mouthpiece." he tells his old cat scratching behind Chester's ears.

The stew almost smelled heavenly the sign of a good cook was in the kitchen or  complete luck. Freddie got a cutesy little flowery designed bowl down for his stew and prepared to get a nice beer from the fridge when he heard the commotion of a century happening outside his house. Freddie peers out as the rain sprinkles gingerly down a small bonfire was a blazed, two men guard it, Father Daniel and his son Abel he has a older brother but Freddie doesn't see him anywhere. They had a bonfire going in the centre of the field.

No masters or kings when the ritual begins

Freddie rushes out there his boots almost slipping in the mud, "Father! Father what is the matter?!" one of his straps was dangling off his shoulder now, Chester his beloved kitty was at his feet mud covered now.

"There's a nasty disgusting faggot right under our noses." Father Daniel sneers, "We're going to get rid of him." a big smirk comes onto his face, "Wanna joi-"

Freddie's already running to Brian's house it would be too dark to see anything but the young man's house was engulfed in flames the poor boy was being dragged out by his hair he was kicking and scream while trying to protect his body from the rocks being pelted at him some of the men still held molotov cocktails in their hands, some had their faces covered by masks.  Freddie could hear the town's words, all the screaming and wailing.

"Pedo!" a big hulk of a man screams crashing their boot into Brian's nose, "You're going to burn in hell!"

"He's mental ill!" a woman yells fanning herself with a church flyer.

"He's been vaccinated!'' someone else wails in the crowd sounding like a banshee.

Freddie hides behind some shrubbery he has to come up with a plan to rescue his love, Chester rubs against his knees and meows. Freddie covers his mouth, "You're right, Chess."

The town released all their pent up rage using Brian as some toy as they beat him, stone him, toss him around. He's being dragged towards the bonfire he's screaming for his life. His eyes are so full of fear and he's starting to choke on his own blood. They are literally going to burn him at the stake if Fred doesn't stop this.

"Stop!!" Freddie screams bolting from the shrubbery lifting his hands up a blueish glow seems to emerge from them as a  crack of lighten happens and the rain gushes down, Chester stands by his owner meowing louder, more than comes down.

"Witch!!" Abel yells lifting up his shotgun at Freddie.

"I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies!" Freddie screams, "I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife

Offer me my deathless death. Good God, let me give you my life. Please spare him!''

"Cain no!" it was Father Daniel's voice.

Cain fired his shotgun and hit his brother instead the preteen falls to the ground and a woman's cry can be heard,

Freddie raises his hand and sends Cain flying back into his father sending both men barreling towards the bonfire, "Witch! He's a witch!" the town stampedes around tramping each other leaving a dying Abel and a dying Brian.

Freddie steps over Abel guilt fills him but he can't help, Chester rubs against the boy's face. The boy looks already dead anyway and he just hopes Brian is still alive. Freddie kneels the mud soaking through his jeans freezing his legs more, "I don't know how they found my little secret out." the words come out with a twisted giggle, "Maybe I wasn't that safe."

He saw Brian's dulling hazel eyes search his face, "There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin," he cups Brian's cold wet face with one hand,

"In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene." he presses a chaste kiss against Brian's chapped lips.

He raises his hand the blueish glow returns he grazes the tips of his fingers against Brian's temple making the younger man cry out and arch his back before collapsing into his arms his white dirty dress shirt sticks to his thin body, "You truly are a witch." Brian rasps out a glow among his eyes.

"I'll leave, Brian. I understand." Freddie says getting ready to stand.

Brian grabs him weakly and kisses him feebly, "I love the mad ones."

Freddie gingerly picks up Abel and brings him inside the crumbling church Brian following at his heels he still has some bruises peppered on him, Chester meows following after flicking his big fluffy tail trying to get water out. Freddie lays Abel on a small table and heals him, "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. I heal you, amen." it was bullshit Freddie spewed from his mouth but he knew faith would most likely help ease Abel as he gets healed.

"Lets leave." Freddie says taking Brian's hand dirt was still caked in his nails and fingers from where he fought for his life only a little bit ago, "A train will be leaving soon."

"Take me with you." Abel speaks up struggling to sit up he holds his head.

Now that Freddie can see him in the light better he realizes the boy is no older than 9 years old. He's malnourished and missing a good bit of teeth.

Brian pushes past Freddie and grabs Abel putting the boy on his hip, "Lets flee before they get brave."

Freddie picks up Chester and snuggles into the kitty's ginger fur, "Come now."

And the walk to the train station under the cover of darkness, they manage to get tickets to the farthest town away from Shiloh, Mulberry. It was was a tiny small town perfect to hide and blend in to. The four leave town on a train around late 5AM, leaving the cult like town of Shiloh behind them. They watch out the train window as the fire from the bonfire spreads engulfing the cursed town like a hungry serpent.

[nic-214]

Frain: Take Me To Church

Tw: Homophobia, Faggot Used, Attempted Murder, Cult, Violence

Freddie lays on the hill Brian cuddled against his side, "You know this is wrong.." Brian whispers feeling Freddie's hands roam over his body.

"I love being wrong then." Freddie whispers softly passionately kissing him roaming his hands on the younger man's backside.

Brian felt his body shudder as he kisses Freddie back the older man pulls him closer as the stars shine bright but clouds were slowly rolling in. He touches his cheek and sadly pulls away, "I'm only a field away." Freddie whispers standing up as they heard a noise.

The town of Shiloh, was entirely Anti LGBTQ+ they had to hide their relationship heavily. They have little safe moments together which are becoming fewer and fewer.

"We were born sick." Brian whispers putting a cold hand against his cheek not wanting to leave his love behind. He felt Fred's heated breath against his face, Brian grabs Fred by one of his suspender strap and kisses him passionately. He felt the roughness of his beard rub against Fred's bare cheek.

"The only heaven I got is when I'm with you." Freddie whispers forcing himself away wanting to feel more of Brian wanting to keep him in his arms.

Brian works for the church and Freddie attends the church even if he isn't the same religion.... a new poison each week.

It was hard being in a homophobic town and being a immigrant. They make sure to blend in by worshiping heavily and "dating" women..... Aka  paying a few women to be their girlfriends. The two bought houses that were a field away from each other and they worked on their farming. Everything was going smooth no one suspected any thing right?

Freddie was waiting to be dragged away he had been caught dating a white woman named Mary. He didn't stick to his own race and he knew that was sinful enough but lord if the town ever found out about him and Brian? He would have to flee the very same hour while a huge ass witch hunt would conduct. He can almost feel the burn of ropes dig into his skin as stones hit him and it makes him shudder to think such a thing but he knows what the town is like.

Freddie and Brian part ways like they've been doing each night since they started dating five years ago with linger eyes and a yearning for each other. Freddie assumes it will be like any other night they kiss goodbye and head back to their homes, only a field away never too far apart. Freddie greets his cat, Chester as he kicks the door behind him closed.

"Hey buddy. Did you miss daddy?" Freddie asks.

Loud intense purring comes from Chester and Freddie laughs as he gets dinner started, "My lover's got humor..." Freddie whispers then frowns, "She's the giggle at a funeral...Knows everybody's disapproval. I should've worshiped her sooner....If the Heavens ever did speak.... H- She's the last true mouthpiece." he tells his old cat scratching behind Chester's ears.

The stew almost smelled heavenly the sign of a good cook was in the kitchen or  complete luck. Freddie got a cutesy little flowery designed bowl down for his stew and prepared to get a nice beer from the fridge when he heard the commotion of a century happening outside his house. Freddie peers out as the rain sprinkles gingerly down a small bonfire was a blazed, two men guard it, Father Daniel and his son Abel he has a older brother but Freddie doesn't see him anywhere. They had a bonfire going in the centre of the field.

No masters or kings when the ritual begins

Freddie rushes out there his boots almost slipping in the mud, "Father! Father what is the matter?!" one of his straps was dangling off his shoulder now, Chester his beloved kitty was at his feet mud covered now.

"There's a nasty disgusting faggot right under our noses." Father Daniel sneers, "We're going to get rid of him." a big smirk comes onto his face, "Wanna joi-"

Freddie's already running to Brian's house it would be too dark to see anything but the young man's house was engulfed in flames the poor boy was being dragged out by his hair he was kicking and scream while trying to protect his body from the rocks being pelted at him some of the men still held molotov cocktails in their hands, some had their faces covered by masks.  Freddie could hear the town's words, all the screaming and wailing.

"Pedo!" a big hulk of a man screams crashing their boot into Brian's nose, "You're going to burn in hell!"

"He's mental ill!" a woman yells fanning herself with a church flyer.

"He's been vaccinated!'' someone else wails in the crowd sounding like a banshee.

Freddie hides behind some shrubbery he has to come up with a plan to rescue his love, Chester rubs against his knees and meows. Freddie covers his mouth, "You're right, Chess."

The town released all their pent up rage using Brian as some toy as they beat him, stone him, toss him around. He's being dragged towards the bonfire he's screaming for his life. His eyes are so full of fear and he's starting to choke on his own blood. They are literally going to burn him at the stake if Fred doesn't stop this.

"Stop!!" Freddie screams bolting from the shrubbery lifting his hands up a blueish glow seems to emerge from them as a  crack of lighten happens and the rain gushes down, Chester stands by his owner meowing louder, more than comes down.

"Witch!!" Abel yells lifting up his shotgun at Freddie.

"I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies!" Freddie screams, "I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife

Offer me my deathless death. Good God, let me give you my life. Please spare him!''

"Cain no!" it was Father Daniel's voice.

Cain fired his shotgun and hit his brother instead the preteen falls to the ground and a woman's cry can be heard,

Freddie raises his hand and sends Cain flying back into his father sending both men barreling towards the bonfire, "Witch! He's a witch!" the town stampedes around tramping each other leaving a dying Abel and a dying Brian.

Freddie steps over Abel guilt fills him but he can't help, Chester rubs against the boy's face. The boy looks already dead anyway and he just hopes Brian is still alive. Freddie kneels the mud soaking through his jeans freezing his legs more, "I don't know how they found my little secret out." the words come out with a twisted giggle, "Maybe I wasn't that safe."

He saw Brian's dulling hazel eyes search his face, "There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin," he cups Brian's cold wet face with one hand,

"In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene." he presses a chaste kiss against Brian's chapped lips.

He raises his hand the blueish glow returns he grazes the tips of his fingers against Brian's temple making the younger man cry out and arch his back before collapsing into his arms his white dirty dress shirt sticks to his thin body, "You truly are a witch." Brian rasps out a glow among his eyes.

"I'll leave, Brian. I understand." Freddie says getting ready to stand.

Brian grabs him weakly and kisses him feebly, "I love the mad ones."

Freddie gingerly picks up Abel and brings him inside the crumbling church Brian following at his heels he still has some bruises peppered on him, Chester meows following after flicking his big fluffy tail trying to get water out. Freddie lays Abel on a small table and heals him, "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. I heal you, amen." it was bullshit Freddie spewed from his mouth but he knew faith would most likely help ease Abel as he gets healed.

"Lets leave." Freddie says taking Brian's hand dirt was still caked in his nails and fingers from where he fought for his life only a little bit ago, "A train will be leaving soon."

"Take me with you." Abel speaks up struggling to sit up he holds his head.

Now that Freddie can see him in the light better he realizes the boy is no older than 9 years old. He's malnourished and missing a good bit of teeth.

Brian pushes past Freddie and grabs Abel putting the boy on his hip, "Lets flee before they get brave."

Freddie picks up Chester and snuggles into the kitty's ginger fur, "Come now."

And the walk to the train station under the cover of darkness, they manage to get tickets to the farthest town away from Shiloh, Mulberry. It was was a tiny small town perfect to hide and blend in to. The four leave town on a train around late 5AM, leaving the cult like town of Shiloh behind them. They watch out the train window as the fire from the bonfire spreads engulfing the cursed town like a hungry serpent.

[cat-vase]

Tim has DID 2.0

This is a better version of this post

Before I start I want to say that I do not have DID!! However! I try to do my research and I do not want to promote stereotypes/misinformation about DID! But!! If I say something that’s otherwise wrong or offensive please please PLEASE tell me!!!! I will fix it!!!

There would be fictives because they’re incredibly valid but I don’t watch many things, so... I can’t do that. I’m so scared about posting this, the only reason it’s under a cut is because it’s long, tell me if I need to add any warnings or anything because I’m kind of blind to that sort of stuff, okay here it goes!

I don’t think they would have a system name because they don’t feel the need for one and they have awful communication (they only communicate through notebooks. Any progress they made was wiped out due to Marble Hornets happening), but it would be The Crescendo System if they did because music is important to them!

Timothy (Tim/(Patient)1621/MDCXXI): 

The core and a host! 

Is the same age as and looks like the body

Sad lumberjack aesthetic 

Has DID (obviously), Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Depression, and PTSD 

Used to have Trichotillomania as a kid but has since gotten over it, he still tugs at his hair a lot though

Majored in music in college! He likes string instruments the best!

Is the main alter who went through Marble Hornets 

Is very good at hiding things 

Panics at loud/unexpected noises 

Forgets to take care of himself a lot (either that or he doesn’t care enough to)

Scared of the dark 

Counting calms him down, he likes routine 

Gay, in love with, and in a relationship with Brian!

Has a cat! Her name is Quark! She’s a brown Maine Coon!

Knows Latin due to learning it in Jemison Center (the mental hospital he was in as a kid)

He’s trying his best, but his best isn’t enough apparently :(

Arcane (Ark/Masky/MDCXXI): 

Used to be a host, but isn’t anymore due to being negatively affected by The Operator

Has always been a protector, but now goes to the extreme and attacks anyone he sees as a threat (which is almost everyone) 

Static eyes!!

Likes his face to be covered, hence the mask and Tim covering his face whenever he gets nervous/scared 

The tan jacket is a comfort object for him

Also went through Marble Hornets. Even though he wasn’t fronting for the majority of it, he was affected the most by it (which is why he doesn’t speak much anymore and is so violent, hence being repressed now and force fronting a lot)

Gives off a very angry, feral forest cryptid/animal energy 

Used to be a couple years older than Tim, but now doesn’t seem to have an age (ageless)

Oliver (Oli/Ollie/Olly):

A little (around 7) and a memory holder! 

Is the only alter that remembers positive things Janet Wright (their mom) did

His favorite colors are green and orange, but he will throw up if you give him an actual orange (the fruit). He’s not allergic, the smell is just… bad

His actual favorite fruit is strawberries!

Very extroverted! Loves meeting new people! Incredibly optimistic and only sees the good in people!

Tries his best to be nice and please people, but this leads to him getting frustrated a lot whenever people don’t get what he’s doing 

Hoards stuffed animals!

Scribbles on the walls a lot 

Overalls and sweaters are comfy!! He also has glasses 

Scared of thunderstorms (not just because of the loud thunder, but because of the lightning too)

Also scared of the dark 

Hush:

A teenager, probably around 13

Another protector 

His name is incredibly ironic because all he does is yell at and fight back against authority (unless he’s brooding because silence is nice sometimes but the world is still awful)

Can and will throw down and stab you if you yell at him 

Would rather die than take their prescription medication 

Lowkey an alcoholic and smokes because Tim does (bad influence!)

Very sneaky! He’s able to steal things incredibly easily and never gets caught!

Likes fire a little too much 

Likes to climb and carve things into trees

Knows Latin like Tim does!

Likes to write down everything in journals he hides in the ceiling 

Has a passion for music/instruments like Tim does 

Is able to survive alone in the middle of the woods (and has before)

Would probably own a black leather jacket and chains if they weren’t poor

Went dormant after they got into college, but came back after Marble Hornets (once they were in the mansion). Knows absolutely nothing about what happened during that time 

K.M.:

A persecutor, and possibly an introject of their abuser (Lee)

Doesn’t care enough to give his age, but is an adult  

If it wasn’t Tim or generally being reckless, it was him who caused a scar 

100% an alcoholic, and it’s incredibly bad due to the fact that they shouldn’t drink because they’re on a bunch of prescription medication

Will flirt with anyone (hypersexual)

Reckless, chaotic, self-destructive. That’s… about it  

Samantha:

Cis girl (she/her) and a caretaker! 

Same age as Tim, probably 

Very motherly to other people 

Has wavy, long, brown hair 

She likes to play the piano and likes photography!

Exudes a very calming/soothing aura 

Her favorite season is fall because of the pretty leaves and the steady rainfall and how it slowly starts to get dark out earlier 

Loves Tim’s cat!

Favorite colors are pink and light blue 

Has an interest in witchcraft/the Wiccan religion 

When their nails are painted (besides black), it’s a clear sign she fronted 

Likes to be outside and get flowers for indoors!

Tries to organize their living space when she fronts, and also tries to help with anything they need to do (take medication, take a shower, eat, clean or bandage any wounds)

Did front during Marble Hornets a bit. Mainly in the hotels whenever things were especially rough. She tried to make things a little bit better, even if she didn’t actually know who the man in the room with her (Jay) was 

Latet:

Agender (they/them), ageless, no one knew they existed until now 

Their name means “lurks” in Latin 

They found out Latet existed due to camera footage in the mansion (they stared into the camera for hours with emotionless eyes, not speaking and writing down codes, before turning it off) 

Likes their face to be covered with masks. Preferably black ones, but occasionally steals Ark’s and Ann’s 

Unknown if they are mute, or just don’t choose to speak/hasn’t spoken yet 

Unknown if they are the one who appeared in the ToTheArk footage instead of it being Ark

Eli (Bug):

Another little! Around 8 or 9!

Likes to be called Bug as well as his real name Eli because he likes the outdoors and mud and trees and gross insects 

Will be found more outdoors than in

Has definitely tried to eat things he’s not supposed to (dead animals or just… things that are inedible like crayons)

Likes to be around people too, but less so than Oli 

Rain boots, maybe a raincoat, and… probably overalls like Eli too, honestly, just a lot dirtier 

Likes to learn about animals!! The more slimy and dangerous the better!! Weird, freaky, smelly plants are ok too!

Does not listen when people tell him to do things, and will throw a fit if he’s not allowed to do something he wants to do 

 Emily (Em):

Demigirl/nonbinary (she/they), a teenager (around 16)

Punk/scene, probably wears a jean jacket and definitely has a neon green pixie cut 

Lots of bracelets!! Maybe Kandi ones?

Rebellious/doesn’t care, yet at the same time is productive? 

More accurate description: is productive when she wants to be 

Because she does want to help! I swear! But other times it’s just… too much work. No. She’s not doing that. 

Follows her own agenda, which is either apathy or slightly chaotic, but hey, she’s more productive than almost everyone else, give her credit where credit is due 

Also kind of likes to play with fire

Black nail polish is a clear sign she fronted 

[reynoso79-blog]

The Simpsons - A Commentary on American Culture

No one could have predicted that the grungy drawings of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson on the sketch parody program, "The Tracey Ullman Show" would change into a tremendously worshiped pack hit among watchers everything being proportionate and establishments. As the longest running restored course of action all through the whole closeness of TV, it is in like turnpike one of the most esteemed. "The Simpsons" scenes are routinely themed around advancing new unanticipated turns of events – even imperfect subjects, for instance, gay marriage and religion in state financed schools. There is nothing of the sort as difficult to show up at point on "The Simpsons." Topics on the show are facilitated distraction that is truly spun around all ages, races, sexual course and religions rick simpson oil .

Credits

Producer and authority creator, Matt Groening is attributed with restoring the excess satire to prime time TV with the introduction of "The Simpson's" hypothesis on Fox in 1989. Official creator James L. Streams is an Emmy and Academy award winning producer and creator of films that wire Terms of Endearment and As Good as it Gets. Al Jean is the third official creator other than head producer (Simpsons, 2006). As a stunning little attestation, staff writer, Daniel Chun is the more fiery get-together of a juvenile this author dated in assistant school. Al Jean and Mike Scully are in like manner two fundamental researchers.

Regardless of the conspicuous VIP guest stars who have voiced different sensational characters on the show, it is the voices of the standard characters that are central and key to the show's continued with progress. Everything considered striking for giving out the general filtered through "D'oh!" as Homer Simpson, Dan Castallaneta past Tracey Ullman cast part, is other than Mayor Quimby, Grandpa Simpson and Groundskeeper Willie among others. What's logically a Tracey Ullman alumna, Julie Kavner prompts her voice to Marge Simpson and her two upsetting Homer-disdaining, MacGyver focused, chain smoking sisters Patty and Selma. Nancy Cartwright is the voice of multi year old Bart Simpson, paying little mind to Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz and Todd Flanders. Focus youthful, multi year old Lisa Simpson is outlined by Yeardley Smith. Both Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer offer voices to different Springfield's essential characters (Simpsons, 2006).

The Simpsons' Lucrative Heyday

In its exactly on an ideal opportunity to mid-'90s importance days, "The Simpsons" was less at the height of clear quality and evaluations, at any rate the show was gathering a few millions in referenced thing bargains. Parties couldn't get enough stunning Homers that drooled "Mmmm… doughnuts" or battery worked Barts hollering "Announced carumba!" at the push of his mid-locale, paying little psyche to PC games, dress, home enhancements from this time forward commonly more. Bart's catchphrases which included "Don't have a dairy creatures man!" and "Eat my shorts" were heard everywhere. Near the evaluations, systems of Simpsons referenced things have declined starting late, yet the section scholars' and producers' undertakings to keep the show new and attracting have not gone unnoticed by various watchers who have remained focused on the inhabitants of Springfield, USA.

A Window into Our Nation

How the show is set in a dull state shows an effort concerning the stars to reflect American culture everything considered in each scene. This has related with the show to draw watchers from wherever all through the country. For instance, a show like "Sex and the City" may have an especially beast after of New York watchers, while "The Simpsons" with its unidentified setting can interface all Americans. The two-story Simpson home on Evergreen Terrace energetically shows up additionally as a standard home in an American suburb – short the festival like striking shades.

The Main Characters – the Simpson family

The show is based around the Simpson nuclear family model of two watchmen, 2.5 young people (Maggie could be considered the .5 thinking about her as deficiency to talk) notwithstanding cats, Snowball I, II and III and ensured about greyhound, Santa's Little Helper. The family structure and character characters reflect standard American checks. While the Simpsons are truly broken, (as show by one of the past scenes where the family experienced incapacitated individual treatment with Dr. Marvin Monroe to vanquish their issues), finally, we when in doubt have issues, at any rate toward the day's end, there is an enormous level of warmth and solidarity in different families. This is unmistakably, if you pardon the trustworthy introductions of youth abuse where Homer stiflers Bart until his eyes swell off of his brain and the way that kid Maggie is certainly once in a while wandered out from home alone.

Submitted adornment and mother Marge is a tribute to enduring American moms. She is the heart, soul and glue of the Simpson family. As opposed to her life right hand, Marge doesn't have any mates or time to be social as she is an over the top level of clamoring paying unprecedented cerebrum to her adored one and adolescents. Homer, who has a huge level of irrelevant progression mates, is the pulverizing imbecile of a genuine proximity embellishment and father. What he needs sharp, he makes up in mix use at his kept up watering opening, Moe's Tavern. He isn't for each condition completely gave to his family and is continually fuming and crazy, yet near the fulfillment of most scenes, he picks the best choice – and that is the spot we see the spirit of the American father.

Bart is the artfulness, free vivacious most settled youth who uncovers burden all finished, regardless, like his father, as a last resort finds recuperation and a liberal closeness practice before the accreditation of a scene. Lisa is the totally evident still, little voice of the Simpson family. An especially read, caring youth who follows Buddhism and perpetual new unexpected new turns of events, Lisa can in like course chuckle with Bart at the especially energetic scenes of the cat and mouse enemies, Itchy and Scratchy. Kid Maggie, while the humblest and calmest character, says a great deal with the sucking of her pacifier. Managers have dependably given Maggie a discernible information and care that isolates her young age. She even has a uni-browed baby adolescent pre-grown-up kid foe.

Social Commentary

Notwithstanding the Simpson family central characters, the show features packs and unquestionable Springfield tenants with staggering records and excited characters, all of which address the focal characters an epic bit of us will establishing with the course of our lives. For instance, our country is over-issue with odd government supervisors and Mayor Quimby addresses an absolute vexatious political figure. He is routinely caught in exchanging off positions selling out Springfield and swaying with young people, yet he remains in force and no one in the town seems to shudder an eyelash. Completely when he even addresses the townspeople as "botching hicks" and they are not sifted through by it.

Punching fun of the police structure, The Simpsons features Police Chief Clancy Wiggum, perhaps the second most essential bozo on the hotshot near Homer. He is in peril for Springfield's security and thriving with his two side-kicks who rout Wiggum in information. His stagger factor is wavering and the town would be in a perfect circumstance rushed toward dread based oppressor savages with access to weapons of mass pummeling. Any police chairman who says "Aww, wouldn't anyone have the decision to in this town censure all position?" may not be the most qualified open entries for the turn of events (Simpsons, 2006).

Estimation of the Elderly

The show other than limits the fundamental issue of old dismissal. Homer's father, Grandpa Simpson, lives in the Springfield Retirement Castle. A surrendered war sifted specific, Grandpa was hard for Homer in his pubescence. As perhaps a kind of subconscious response, Homer put Grandpa in a home where his own fulfillment is poor. Doubtlessly Grandpa and various tenants are regulated genuinely. His ill-manners is clear when in one event, Grandpa won't let Homer get the phone with the objective that he can "respect the rings." Yet Grandpa appears in changed scenes as a singing, hypnotizing character who credits his novel, upsetting outlandishness to the show. Potentially the specialists are endeavoring to plot that different old paying little respect to everything have a great deal to contribute and should not be disposed of as aggravations.

Phil Hartman

The late Phil Hartman of Saturday Night Live acknowledgment influenced his voice to two prosaism Simpsons characters: miserable authentic guide Lionel Hutz and lighting up film star, Troy McClure. Troy McClure would normally progress by saying something like "Howdy, I'm Troy McClure! You may review me from such open assistance stories as 'Alloted Drivers, the Lifesaving Nerds' and 'Phony Tornado Alarms Reduce Readiness'" (Troymcclurepage, 2006). Troy was a boggling of a character a broad bit of us found in our giganticness in potentially a couple of state maintained school films that by chance held any illuminating worth.

Certifiable guide Lionel Hutz was a crude, salvage vehicle filtering for after, picked authority who now and again out of the blue appeared in a situation where his confirmed "achievement" may have helped him advantage by somehow. His authentic practice was named "I Can't Believe it's a Law Firm!" and offered clients gleams, for instance, a free pizza if their settlements were not formed in a brief timeframe or less (Lionel Hutz, 2006). Lionel's character unfalteringly exemplified the hypothesis of the unquenchable, money grubbing confirmed help.

[icarusaturn]

Learn about me!

1. Your name?

Maria Lawson

2. Nationality?

American

3. Age?

16

4. Birthday?

November 12, 2003

5. Zodiac sign?

Scorpio

6. Gender?

Female

7. Sexuality?

Bisexual

8. Your looks ( add a picture or describe them)

9. What do you/did you study?

I’m still in high school, but I’d like to study something either about language, music, or helping people/animals

10. What’s your current job like/what do you have?

I work during the summer at a Dairy Queen, a lot of my friends work there so it’s usually pretty fun

11. Your birth order?

Second, third if you count my sister

12. How many siblings do you have?

2, one brother and over half sister

13. Do you have good relations with your family?

Mostly yes

14. How many friends do you have?

Many but only around 5 close friends

15. Your relationship status?

Single

16. What do you look for in an SO?

Honest, kind, loves animals and kids, up to adventure, loves music, loves nerdy things, open to trying new things, good sense of humor, respects boundaries & privacy, not pushy

17. Do you have a crush?

No

18. When did you have your first kiss?

8th grade

19. Do you prefer a serious/meaningful relationship or casual dating/one night stands?

I won’t mind either a serious relationship or casual dating

20. What are your deal breakers?

No common sense, being an asshole, pushy, no respect, derogatory towards others, no self respect, being overwhelming and or annoying, hates animals/is rude to animals, can’t be independent, lazy

21. How was your day?

Good!

22. Favorite food and drink?

My favorite food is probably chicken or bacon cheeseburgers for meat, otherwise I love any sort of fruit. My favorite drink besides water (lol) is lemonade

23. What position do you sleep in?

Usually I sleep on my stomach or my side

24. What was your last dream about?

One of my friends’ sister was working at a Barnes and Nobel

25. Your fears?

Being betrayed, being lied to, everyone secretly hating me, being left alone, being forgotten

26. Your dream?

I want to be successful and happy with a good place to live and good friends

27. Your goals?

The same as my dream

28. Any pets?

Yeah, one cat named Sabrina

29. What are your hobbies?

Art, theater, band, choir, speech

30. Any cool places in your area?

I live in a small town, so there’s many unique things about it

31. What was your last awkward situation?

I was in the car at the local grocery store and someone I didn’t like parked next to me

32. What is your last regret?

My last relationship

33. Language(s) you can speak?

Only English, although I’m trying to learn sign language

34. Do you believe in astrological stuff? (Zodiac, tarot, etc. )

It’s very interesting so yes, I’d also like to learn more about it

35. Have any quirks?

I have synesthesia, the type where I can hear colors

36. Your pet peeves

Lazy people, people touching my stuff without permission, when someone keeps trying to talk to me while I’m listening to music, annoying loud people, obnoxious rude people, people who blurt things while someone else is trying to speak, people who think they’re better than everyone else, liars

37. Ideal vacation

Anywhere where whoever I’m with and I can do what we please whenever we please

38. Any scars?

A few from childhood and some more recent ones from self harm. I’m in a safer space and state of mind now, so there’s no need to worry

39. What does your last text message say?

I just signed up, did it work?

40. Last 5 things from your search history?

Marvel characters

Color block hoodie teddy fresh

Griz and Norm frozen

Everything I wanted lyrics

Kirishima shirt

41. What’s your device background?

42. What do you daydream about?

Movie/show scenes, memories, possible future outcomes, music

43. Describe your dream home

A house in the city with a bay window, an atrium, a claw foot bathtub, and a modern vintage look/feel, clean with nerdy decor

44. What’s your religion/thoughts on religion

I don’t have a religion because I don’t know much about it, but either way I don’t want to attend any holy services, because I’d like to prioritize other things. I do believe that everyone has their own rights to what they believe in, to me it’s like saying people should be able to eat, it’s common sense

45. You Personality type?

Campaigner personality ENFP - T

You can read about it on 16 personalities

46. Most dangerous thing you’ve done

When I was around 12 I flew with my brother alone on a plane

47. Are you happy with your current life?

For the most part yes

48. Some things you’ve tried in your life?

I’ve tried competitive dance, baking, hiking, and woodworking to name a few

49. What does your wardrobe consist of?

The usual stuff, t shirts, hoodies, jackets, sweaters, casual & fancy clothes, dresses, lots of shoes, jeans and leggings

50. Favorite color to wear

Yellow or blue

51. How would you describe your style?

Trendy nerd

52. Are you happy with your current looks?

Yeah mostly

53. If you could change/add something to your appearance - impossible or not - what would it be?

I want freckles lol

54. Any tattoos or piercings?

I have 4 lobe piercings, 2 on each side, and my left ear helix so 5 in total. I’m planning on getting many small tattoos and my septum pierced. Nothing drastic, all simple and small

55. Do you get complimented often?

Yes, almost every day with my hair and a lot with outfits

56. Favorite aesthetics?

Nature, vintage, character inspired

57. A popular trend that you dislike

There were these weird wavy eyebrows, not a fan 😂

58. Songs you’re currently obsessed with?

All of the Frozen 2 soundtrack, For The First Time in Forever and Let It Go from Frozen, Are You Bored Yet by Wallows, Amerika by Young the Giant, Maniac by Conan Gray, Come Around by Papa Roach, Same Damn Life by Seether, and Soarin by Bazzi

59. Song you wouldn’t normally admit you like?

I like mostly everything, so I would admit to liking mostly any song someone brings up

60. Favorite genre?

Pop or show tunes/ movie tunes

61. Favorite song/band/ genre?

My favorite song right now is a tie between Show Yourself and Into The Unknown from Frozen 2 or Are You Bored Yet by Wallows

62. Hated popular songs/artists?

6ix9ine, lil pump, artists like them

63. Put your music on shuffle & list first 5 songs

Prom Queen by Molly Kate Kestner

I’m Born to Run by American Authors

Holding on to You by Twenty One Pilots

Trip Switch by Nothing but Thieves

Swimming Pool Summer by Capital Cities

64. Can you sing/play any instruments?

I sing Soprano 1 and play Flute

65. Do you like karaoke?

Yeah!

66. Own any albums?

No vinyls or cassettes or DVD’s, it’s all on my Spotify lol

67. Do you listen to the radio? What stations?

I only listen to Spotify

68. Favorite movie/series?

My favorite movies are Frozen, Frozen 2, The Lion King, or any marvel movie past iron man lol

My favorite series are My Hero Academia, Voltron and friends

69. Favorite genre movies/ books/ etc.

Action, comedy, and fantasy

70. Your fictional crushes?

None lol

71. Which fictional character is you?

A mix of Elsa and Anna and Bakugou and Kirishima

72. Are you a shipper? List your otps if so

I don’t ship many things but I love Tododeku and Kiribaku

73. Favorite Greek god?

Apollo, Athena is my favorite goddess

74. A legend from where you live that you like?

There’s no legends where I live, but I like state legends like the legend of Paul Bunyan

75. Do you like art? What’s your favorite work or artist?

I like more modern artists, like ones on tumblr lol. These are a few artists I really like

@elentori-art @tecochet @cherriielle

76. Can you share your other social media?

I have Instagram, Twitter and the like but my Pinterest is maria_1820

77. Favorite youtubers

Colleen Ballinger, Joey Graceffa, Trainer Tips, David Dobrik, Molly Burke, Shane Dawson

78. Favorite platform

Everything but Facebook lol

79. How much time do you spend in the internet?

All of the time 😂

80. What video games have you played? Which ones your favorite?

I’ve played the sims and Mario kart and I like the sims more lol

81. Your favorite books?

We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson and the My Hero Academia series

82. Do you play board/card games?

Not really

83. Have you ever been to a night marathon in cinema?

Nope

84. Favorite holiday?

Christmas

85. Are you into dramas?

Medical/police/firefighter dramas lol

86. Would you use death note if you had one?

I’d like to say no but I probably would

87. What changes would you make in the world no matter how impossible, if you had the power to?

I would have everyone have a good house and money

88. (There wasn’t a question here so I made one up)What was your first word?

Besides mama, my first word was eat

89. If you turned into a paranormal being, what would it be?

A Phoenix

90. What would you want to happen to you after your death?

I’d want my body donated to science

91. If you had to change your name what would you pick?

I like my name so I wouldn’t change it

92. Who would you switch lives with for a week?

Maybe a guy to see what it’s like

93. Pick an emoji to be your tattoo

🪐

94. Write 3 things about yourself + only one of them must be true

I love acrylic nails

I’ve never been on a train

I met Dan and Phil

95. Cold or hot?

Cold because I could put on a sweater

96. Be a hero or be a villain?

Hero

97. Sing everything you want to say or rhyme?

Sing everything because I sometimes find rhyming annoying

98. Shape shifting or controlling time?

Shape shifting

99. Be immortal or be immune to everything aside from natural death?

Immune to everything but natural death

100. Book or movie?

Both

[bbclesmis]

Entertainment Weekly: Dominic West on why Les Misérables' Valjean and Javert are like Mean Girls

Victor Hugo’s epic tale of redemption and revolution Les Misérables is set in nineteenth-century France — and 2004’s meme-generating Mean Girls is…not.

Yet, the two have more in common than one might think, at least according to star Dominic West, who portrays Jean Valjean, a.k.a. Prisoner 24601.

Valjean begins the series, now a six-part miniseries premiering on PBS’ Masterpiece Sunday, newly emerged from 19 years in prison. He begins his life anew, wanting to shed his past and build a life for himself — but the dogged pursuit of his former prison guard, the newly minted Inspector Javert (David Oyelowo), puts him once more on the run.

That obsession, which finds Javert tracking Valjean across France, reminded West of a key scene in Mean Girls and popular meme. “This is a massive case of Why are you so obsessed with me?,” he jokes. “Jean Valjean and Javert really are Mean Girls, and it’s not clear why Javert is so obsessed with him. To an astonishing degree.”

For West, one of the most difficult parts of the role was exploring that cat-and-mouse game and why these characters can’t let go of each other. He says his costar David Oyelowo slightly disagreed with West’s assessment, which is that the relationship has an element of something “psychosexual.”

He explains, “There is a moment in our TV series where I strip off in front of David, as a prisoner; I’m being released and he does cop a glance…There’s a certain sexual obsession. There’s something going on between these two men. And we didn’t want to play that too much. It’s not explicit in the writing, and certainly not in Victor Hugo, but I think with our modern sensibilities you’ve got to look for an impulse that strong. And there’s no stronger impulse than love and sex.”

West is bursting with pop culture comparisons for the new Andrew Davies adaptation of the tale, which is known most famously to people in the form of the Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil musical. This six-part miniseries, which debuts April 14 at 9 p.m., is not a musical and hews more closely to the novel.

In advance of the premiere, EW called up West to talk how much the musical inspired him (hint: not at all), why Iron Man ain’t got nothing on Valjean, and what it was like trying to keep his cool opposite Oscar winner Olivia Colman’s comedic antics.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How familiar were you with Les Mis when you signed on? With the musical’s popularity, it seems almost unavoidable, especially in Britain.                          DOMINIC WEST: I escaped it! I hadn’t seen the musical and I hadn’t seen all of the film of the musical, so I was pretty new to it all. I certainly hadn’t read it. If I was honest, I was slightly put off by the musical. I also thought, “Well it’s just been made into a film. What’s the point of doing it again?” Then I read Andrew’s scripts and I saw why it was a classic. Then I read a book, and then I decided I thought it was the greatest hero in literature and I had to do it, but before all that I didn’t really know much about it at all.

Something that struck me in this adaptation is how much we really get a sense that Valjean is a scary guy. He’s a hardened criminal who is reforming, and we see that in the ferocity you lend him in early episodes. For you, how did you tap into that and then how did you hammer out the journey to his gentler side?                          The problem with the story is the only thing he’s guilty of is stealing a loaf of bread in order to feed his starving nieces and nephews, who when he then gets jailed for that, they then presumably all die. This guy hasn’t done anything wrong. In fact, he’s been completely wronged. That’s one way you find how brutalized he’s been, how unfair he feels the world has been to him. There’s a rage in there which I found because he’s constantly being told he’s a beast, he’s a brute, he’s a good-for-nothing. Throughout the story, he’s constantly thinking of that of himself. So, he does need to be as brutish and as frightening as possible at the beginning. If he’s always been a nice guy, there’s not much of a journey to go on. It’s just more dramatic when the Bishop shows love to this guy if he’s terrifying.

I was watching the first episode the day the sentencing for Paul Manafort came out here, and it struck me that Jean Valjean got 19 years for a loaf of bread and this guy got way less for something objectively worse.                          [Laughs] Yeah. It’d be great if he got 19 years hard labor. [Laughs] It was a real problem for me getting my head around that, you just sort of think, “Hang on a second, a loaf of bread?” That is just nuts. That’s crazy. But that was one of the big things that I had to come to terms with in terms of psychological things with Jean Valjean —this sense that if you brutalize people, then they believe they’re not worthy of anything. They believe they are brutish and they behave accordingly. That’s a lot what Victor Hugo was trying to talk about.

David Oyelowo is your foil as Javert. What was that push and pull like with him?                          He took the lead on it really. I kept trying to get to know him and go out for dinner with him or something, and he kept avoiding me and ignoring me. I thought, “Oh, he’s not very friendly.” And then at the end when we finished, we went out, we had this great time and I said, “It’s such a shame we’re only just getting to know each other now.” Then he said, “Oh no, that was totally deliberate. I didn’t want to get to know you. I didn’t want to feel easy with you.” And he’s right – if you socialize with people, there is a chemistry between you, there is an ease between you, which the camera catches.

Andrew Davies is so well-regarded as an adaptor, having tackled everyone from Austen to Dickens to Tolstoy. Why do you think he has such a knack for adapting these very big books by canonical authors?                          He won’t do a book that’s less than two inches thick, I think. [Laughs] But I suppose he got good at it with Pride and Prejudice. When I was looking back at the scripts having read the novel, [I noticed] almost every significant and memorable scene that I remember from the novel, he managed to somehow get into the screenplay. And when you consider how long the novel is, that’s an extraordinary achievement. He’s just very good at selecting the nuggets and finessing the bumpy bits. Because another thing that strikes you when you try to work out what happened, there’s an enormous amount of coincidence, as typical of 19th-century novels I suppose. What he’s very good at doing is condensing the important stuff, but also of unknotting the more grating bits of structure, which modern audiences don’t really buy.

You have some great face-offs with Olivia Colman as Madame Thenardier, and you’ve both been praised for your dry wit and sense of humor on set, so what was the funniest moment you shared together while making this?                          [Laughs] Oh god, well the trouble with her is she’s so damn good that she can be roaring with laughter right up to action and then suddenly she’ll do the most devastating scene of sadness. I thought I could do that, and I thought I could run with the big leagues, but I couldn’t…There’s a big fight scene where they all pin me down on the table, [and] she gets me by the hair. She did pull my hair quite deliberately I think. Then I get a red hot iron bar out of the stove and I burn myself with it to show them how it’s nothing to me. But anyway, it’s a serious scene for Valjean. As we were preparing before action, she and Adeel [Akhtar], who played Monsieur Thenardier were doing this impression of this couple who are on British TV [on] a thing called Goggle Box, which shows ordinary people watching TV. Everyone’s crying with laughter listening to their impression of this couple. She was constantly doing impressions and cracking jokes, and I just remember that one scene where I realized I had to stop listening to her and concentrate on the work at hand.

In some ways, this story is more religious than modern audiences often see – was that an aspect you tapped into? How do you feel about Hugo’s assessment of God in this story and God’s power in Valjean’s life and destiny?                          It’s obviously central. Hugo does a three chapter dissertation on the state of the Catholic church, nunneries in particular. He’s not a great fan of Catholicism, but he’s definitely a believer in God. You can’t really do Valjean without having that dimension to him. He believes in God; he believes he’s been saved and can be redeemed. That’s fundamental to him. You can’t understand him without that. The candlesticks become a symbol of that belief in God. This Archbishop, who gives him the candlesticks, is a wholly good person and the power of that virtue is what turns Valjean into a hero. That virtue does not come divorced from his God. That does not exist in a vacuum. My faith is less certain, and more modern skepticism, but there’s not really any room for that with Valjean. Without being specific about a religion, he has to believe that there is a higher power and that that higher power has saved him.

Valjean is a very physical role in a lot of ways. Did you have to do a lot of training for it?                          Yeah, that was a nightmare. He’s essentially described as the strongest man in the world, who can fight ten men at a time. He climbs up the sides of buildings rescuing children, and in the book, he climbs up the mast of a huge tall ship and rescues a sailor who’s trapped on a yard arm and then jumps off it into the ocean and stays underwater for a full five minutes so everyone thinks he’s dead and then escapes. He’s a superhuman; he’s the original superhero. I’d like to see Iron Man do 19 years hard labor in a 19th-century prison. He’s tough as nails. That was quite daunting for me. I did a lot of boxing training; that’s the toughest training I know.

Would you be up for playing him in the musical version should the opportunity ever arise?                          I think there’s a reason you haven’t heard me sing much. [Laughs] I think I’ve got a lovely voice, and all I’ve ever wanted to do is musicals. The only one I’ve ever done is My Fair Lady. I played Professor Higgins, which is a part that’s written for a non-singer. I was constantly trying to put songs into Les Mis. As much as I would love to play Valjean in the musical, I don’t think anyone’s going to ask me too once they hear me sing. [Laughs]

x

[lovemesomesurveys]

Do you like nighttime or daytime better? Meh. I used to like the nighttime. Now, I like the part of the day after I finally get myself outta bed, have my coffee, do my Bible study, check social media and YouTube, watch TV, and eat something. That’s generally the block of time from 9AM to about 1 or 2PM. The rest of the day tends to just drag. Did you see your best friend today? No. My mom had to be at work at like 5AM. Do you believe that high school relationships ever make it? Some do. I know some people. Are you ears pierced more than once, if at all? Just once. Have you ever gotten flowers from a significant other? No.

Do you think dances (prom, homecoming, etc) are fun or lame? I had fun. Do you wear pants or skirts more often? Out of the 2, then pants. I never rare skirts. I rarely wear jeans anymore. I’m always in leggings or sweats. If you wear skirts, are you more likely to wear leggings, or go bare? I’d wear tights underneath. I’m too self-conscious about my legs. Do you drink tea? Hot or cold? I prefer it hot. Have you noticed that EVERYONE is ‘bisexual’ these days? I haven’t noticed that. Since when did sexual origins become fads? What. Are you a vegatarian? No. I’m not a huge meat eater, but I do love me some chicken tenders and boneless chicken wings. Do you like being single? Or rather be in a relationship? It’s for the best. Are you dependent on relationships to find happiness in your own life? I mean, I don’t want to be alone. I couldn’t do this without my family. I wouldn’t feel there would be any point if I didn’t have my family. That relationship is very important to me. As for romantic relationships, I have very little experience with it so I can’t say I depend on that kind for happiness. I want to experience a real, romantic love and committed relationship some day, but it’s not something I’m focused on or looking for right now. Snazzy opinion section on hot button topics. Woo Woo. Iraq war: fighting for freedom, or killing for oil? I don’t want to get into this stuff. Abortion: murder, or a woman’s right? Gay marriage: abomination of god, or love is love? Illegal immigrants: taking our jobs, or escaping poverty? Religion: live by it, or live without it? Randomesque. Are you online 24/7? I’m on here off and on throughout the day. Although, if I’m not on my laptop I am probably doing something on phone, even if it’s just watching YouTube. Have you ever been dumped by a boyfriend/girlfriend? Yes. Does it bother you when people never answer their cell phones? I can be that person. Do you have cable TV, satellite, or neither? Satellite. Are you wearing shoes? NO. Have you ever painted? Do you like painting? I’ve painted, but no it’s not something I really do. I like to color, though. Everyone thinks they’re a photographer. Do you like taking pictures? I definitely don’t think I’m a photographer, but yeah I like to take pictures sometimes. Do you have a brand of pop? Coke. What is your all-time favorite movie? I have a few. are you more of a country redneck, or city hippie? Neither. Not everyone can afford an iPod. Can you? I have one, but I haven’t used it since around 2013. Are you a dog person or a cat person? Dog. Are you addicted to texting? No. Do you text and drive? You know that’s completely irresponsible, right? I don’t drive, but I absolutely would NOT text and drive. And neither should you or anyone else. What would happen if you found out you were pregnant? I’d be terrified and freaking out since I’m a virgin and I can’t even have kids. Do you have a favorite aunt or uncle? I do have one I’m closer to. Do you prefer rock ballads or nitty gritty, heavy music? Depends. Are you old enough to have owned an original Gameboy Color? Yeah. Are you wearing anything you’ve borrowed from a friend? No. Out of all your friends, who is the most obnoxious? None are. Which is more annoying: scene/emo kids, or snobby/preppy cheerleaders? Anyone can be annoying. What’s the most expensive item of clothing you own? *shrug* Whopper or BigMac? Big Mac. Do you even like fast food? Yeah. I don’t care what people think about it, I like it. *shrug* Are your nails painted at the moment? If so, what color? Nope. Have you ever been cheated on? No. What would happen if you found out you were being cheated on right now? I imagine if I were in a relationship and found out my s/o was cheating on me that I’d be pretty upset and pissed off to say the least. What time is it? 1:22PM. Do you think dragons and faeries are gay or cool? Wow. Do you think saying “gay” is very insulting? Yes. When was the last time you played Hide n Seek? Not since I was a kid. Do you file your nails or bite them off? I pick at them or use nail clippers to pick at them. I’m always doing that. Not just the nail, but the cuticle and hang nails. Are you an outgoing person, or are you more reserved? I’m definitely more reserved. Did you do anything exciting today? Nope. You must lose either an arm or a leg. Which is it? I guess a leg since I’m a paraplegic. I rely on my arms like an abled person relies on their legs, so that would be really hard if I lost an arm. I’d like to not lose any limbs, though.

[relationshipsstuff]

The Best First Date Tips For girls

I’ll never forget my first blind date. I showed up to the restaurant one an hour early and waited in my car hoping to sneak a look at the guy I had been talking to for months online. Only he saw me first. I did not know until he came and knocked on my car window with a shy smile. “Well, this is awkward,” he said. He was right.

But despite the rocky start, we actually had a great time getting to know one another that evening, and I realized dating wasn’t as intimidating as I’d imagined. (And it could even be fun!) Once I got the hang of it, going on a first date was a major confidence booster. So to help you learn from my experience and expertise, I put together a few best practices for single ladies going on a first date.

Here are six first date tips for women that will help you make a terrific first impression on your next night out

1.Plan ahead and go in feeling confident and relaxed.

First dates can make some people feel anxious or awkward, so it’s best to do whatever you can ahead of time to make sure you feel at ease while you’re on the date. Maybe that means jamming out to your get-psyched playlist beforehand. Maybe it means looking up creative conversation starters or researching your date’s interests on their social media accounts.

Your first-date prep does not have to be all that in-depth. It’s just anything that’ll save you time and stress. If you’re going to a restaurant, maybe look up the menu and pick out what you want so you’re not buried in the menu for the first portion of the date. If you’re going to a museum, maybe look up some fun facts to share with in case the conversation stalls. Whatever it takes to make you feel prepared and at ease. A little effort can go a long way.

2.Dress appropriately and be comfortable.

When going through your closet for

first-date attire, my advice is to keep it simple. You don’t want to go all out on a first date. Wear something nice, but not too nice. Don’t show up to a coffee date looking like you’re going to the club. Instead, dress in a casual outfit you would wear any day of the week. I always pick out my favorite v-neck and flattering jeans, but that’s just me. If you rock high heels on a daily basis or don’t feel like yourself without eyeliner, then go for it. (Just make sure you’re not going hiking on your date.)

Be you. A good first-date outfit reflects who you are, where you are, and what you want. All in all, you should aim to be comfortable in whatever you have on during a first date because if you’re not comfortable that’s going to distract both you and your date.

3.Let someone know where you’re going.

This is particularly important for women who are online dating. Always text or call a friend or family member to tell them where you’re meeting your first date (you should never let someone you don’t know drive you), what that person’s name is, and when you expect to be home. That way, you know someone has your back and can keep an eye out for you at the end of the night.

As an added bonus, when you get home, you can follow up with your friend to gush or vent about how the date went, so you’re

not going through these experiences alone.

4.Take a deep breath and (ya, I’m going to say it) be yourself.

When singles meet on a dating app, they usually exchange a few brief messages before arranging a meet-up ASAP. That first date is your introduction to a love interest, so it’s normal to be nervous or excited about it. Don’t let those feelings trip you up though. Being authentically and unapologetically yourself is always going to score you points with dates who are tired of phonies and want to date someone real. You don’t have to like everything your date likes. You don’t have to pretend to be the ideal woman. Just try to relax, keep and open mind, and act like you’re talking to a close friend.

5.Try to avoid serious or controversial conversation topics.

Some people say you should never ever talk about exes, religion, or politics on a first date. Personally, I don’t think it’s all that cut and dry, and I’m not alone. A survey of 5,500 Americans revealed that 80% of singles think any topic is fair game on a first date. It won’t kill the mood to mention an ex in passing or ask a question about your date’s political stances. After all, if the issue is important to you, you should make sure you’re on the same page.

What can ruin a date is talking for too long about a serious topic. You can make your date feel uncomfortable by getting into difficult discussions about family issues, religious beliefs, or something too personal to share with a total stranger. First date conversations should linger on positive topics and give a wide berth to sticky subjects like how much money someone makes or what’s wrong with the dating scene.

6.Look out for red flags.

Don’t go into a first date with a checklist—you never know when someone who’s totally not your type could surprise you—but you should have some idea about what you want in a romantic interest. For instance, if you have cats, it’s not a good sign if your date has a cat allergy or is a dog person. Or, if you’re a left-wing environmentalist, you may not get along with someone who shows up to a date in an SUV and “I heart the GOP” bumper sticker. It’s up to you to decide how important these issues are to you, and whether you’re willing to work around them.

Red flags are different than dealbreakers because red flags have to do with matters of personal safety. A red flag would be your date talking about having suicidal thoughts or drinking heavily while you sip water. It’s a warning sign, and you shouldn’t ignore it if your date demonstrates aggressive, addictive, or unstable behavior on a first date. You should run the opposite direction.

Going on a first date can feel nerve-wracking, but by embracing the experience—awkwardness and all—you open yourself up to some incredibly fun and romantic moments. Even those initial missteps can seem endearing when you’re with the right person. So relax and focus on having a good time on your next first date.

[quiltah0lic]

CHAPTER 1

— bone-grit and book dust

“You’re too pretty for that, don’t you think?” Quinlan’s cheeks hollow, and he turns, skeleton-like.

Silas stands with his black matte hair sticking to his forehead like a leech, framing his sharp teenage features.

Quinlan remembers Silas at the ripe age of fourteen, his knees bruised and his cheeks all peachy and round and kissed. Innocent kisses, lollipop tongues and bible verses that promised purity. His spine protruded through his uneven button-up, but he wore it well — the spine, that is. His shirt swallowed him whole.

Summer going on fifteen stretched his bones and thinned his skin, wrapping pale hide tightly around shoulders too broad and calve muscles beginning to bulge. Silas’ eyes started to shine gold; they dripped caramel, and his veins became illuminated under his translucent skin. He came back dangerous, eyebrows sharp, eyes that dripped the sweetness of lewd. Eyes that promised things against the Sunday school kisses. Against purity.

Silas still shows up with bruises, lining the thick bones of his knees, and the never ending vein of his neck. Teeth are a common decoration of Silas Reed, but that as well, he makes beautiful. Silas is a prince of flecks.

Quinlan surveys Silas, stares past the gold and finds the sweet yellow of daisy pollen and the boots he used to wear on rainy days. Silas doesn’t flinch when Quinlan curls his mouth, lets the smoke flutter across the boy's cheekbones.

“No one is pretty enough to smoke,” Quinlan says, mumbles it around the stick in his mouth. “Amos didn’t stop you on your way out?” He’s already pulling out the lighter again from his pocket, waiting for Silas to follow in their poor smoking habits.

Silas smiles, the corners of his mouth tugging north. Cheshire-like. When he does that, he looks his age, and Quinlan wants him to walk around purring like a cat, golden eyes and innocent, teenage teeth.

“He’s too nice — poor man. I told him I needed air.” Silas says.

Silas couldn’t walk innocent even if he wanted to. He knew he lost it too long ago. Was too sinful. Broken.

“He didn’t even question the awkward box in your pocket?” Quinlan asks.

“Probably thought it was chocolates.” And Silas is pulling out the said box, Marlboro sticks scratched and abused in their packaging.

Quinlan flicks the lighters wheel again. All grey and sticky and life-contaminating. Silas has a stick in his mouth and Quinlan lights it with a killer between his own teeth. And what a scene this is: Quinlan encouraging smoke-suicide.

“You’re not even legal yet,” Quinlan says all smokey, shaking his head.

Silas shrugs, shivers with the breeze that carries itself under his shirt and tickles his ribs. “You’re the one encouraging such behavior to a minor.”

Quinlan snorts, flicks his cigarette. “Don’t act haughty, Silas. You and Fern snuck out here with small minds of fifteen. Don't go blaming me.”

“You're right,” Silas nods. “I’ll blame Fern and her god-awful sister who left cigarettes out in the open, tempting two lost dancer kids.”

The door squeaks this time, and Fern tiptoes over just like how she’s been taught, ever since her hair was long enough for a bun. She’s reaching for Silas’ cigarette, placing it in her own mouth. Her lips are chapped, and Quinlan doesn’t think it’s too pretty.

She’s a Mona Lisa that’s too young to carry so much hurt behind a smile. But she wears it well.

Her dark hair falls from it’s loose, pitiful hold of a ponytail, and it dances in the air — mimics their moves in sharp mocks of precise tilts they could never quite get to.

She eyes Silas, then Quinlan. “Don’t blame Jessica,” Fern tuts, and her faint lipstick rings the cigarette.

Quinlan knows her parents. He’s met them with his spine bent to ninety-degrees. And he knows she sneaks the lip-stained color; slips out from her window and gets the Marlboros. Her mother still licks the palm of her hand, before pushing rebel baby hairs of Fern’s bun, making sure they lay flat. Making sure they follow the rules.

“Who should I blame then?” Silas says, taking the cigarette back.

“God, maybe.” There’s a break in her words, her eyes flickering up to the sky. Her look falters. “Yourself, probably. Curiosity, most likely.”

Fern speaks too wise for her age, and Quinlan clenches his jaw. His teeth leave their imprint on the paper of the cigarette.

Silas snorts, flicks the butt and hands it to Fern. “Don't bring religion into this,” Fern sucks her cheeks in and he watches, “makes my mouth bitter.”

“That might just be the nicotine.” She mumbles.

The wind bursts like a bottle squeezed until blown. It pushes forward, makes Quinlan’s bangs flap like the papers stapled to light poles and the side of wooden buildings. Except his bangs aren’t inked with lost dogs and their pouty faces or people that were forgotten and stuck with a rusted staple in their head. His bangs are orange and burnt.

Fern finishes off the cigarette, and she’s letting it fall to the ground. She still has her ballet shoes on, and Silas stomps on it. He can dance with holes in his feet.

“You’re taking me to your friend’s bookstore today, right?” Silas coughs this out, and he doesn’t cover his mouth. Fern flinches away in disgust and swats the air away from her. Silas grins, “sorry.”

Fern tuts, and begins to pick at her nails. They’re red and chipped.

“Yeah.” Quinlan nods. He’s tired of muffling his voice with a stick, and he wants to spit out the biting taste that's leftover on his tongue. So he ends his cigarette on the railing of the fence before him and drops it to the floor. It crumbles.

Silas hums. “When?”

“I’ll ask Amos if I can take you early.” Quinlan turns, looking at the ashen hair boy. His cheeks are mimicking cherries, and he’s smiling bright like city lights. Quinlan almost turns around to check and see, if night fell earlier and if the buildings were lit and blossoming. Silas shines on his own.

“Great, great. I’m tired of dancing today. My ankles are killing me. I forgot to ice them last night.” Silas groans in complaint, and Quinlan looks down and sees the boy twist his ankles, moving them around until they click out a dusty sound. It sounds sad, and Quinlan wants to tell him to stop dancing on cigarette buds.

Quinlan shakes his head, and pulls at the shoulder of his hoodie, the red material sliding from his gaunt bones called a shoulder and he shakes. His fingers find their way to the pocket of his jeans, he brushes his thumb across the lighter, and clears his throat.

“Your ankles are going to give out one day, Silas.” Quinlan almost chokes on his words, just like my lungs.

And the kid shrugs, looks down at the black of his shoes. “Oh well. My hope gave out already, so I don't know if much more could really tear me down.” The habitual dolor state of dancers is evident. Too real to be a joke.

Ankles were everything in dance. Unless dance wasn't your everything. Instead, your everything would be cigarette ash stuffing up your ribs or red lipstick on your neck.

[doomedandstoned]

Elder Druid, Barbarian Hermit, Satlan, and Slowbro Play Coventry

~By Reek of STOOM~

Photos by Luke Orchard

Friday, November 29th, at The Phoenix in Coventry, England

On the coldest night of the year so far, we ventured into the frost and made our way to the well-renowned Phoenix venue in the heart of Coventry to witness a four-band spectacle organised by Heathen Mirth Promotions out of London, UK. The venue itself is impressive and inviting: traditional pub downstairs with the live area above and an expansive beer garden.

SLOWBRO

Split (With Those Amongst Us Are Wolves) by Slowbro

First up on the bill were SLOWBRO, a three-piece local band who I hadn't encountered before and who surprised us with their dexterity and musicianship: A Stoner/Doom/Progressive crossover with heaps of energy and enthusiasm that won over the small but rapidly-filling room. After their set, I caught up with the members, James, Sam and Zeke for a quick chat.

Hi guys, you're new to the Doomed & Stoned radar, please tell us a little about yourselves.

Sam (guitars): "Well, James & I knew each other from the area and we both had guitars gathering dust in our rooms, so we decided to do something with them. We met up in a practice room once every two months or so, found a slot on a gig, came up with a name and just took it from there."

James (guitars) pipes in: "People started asking us to come back. We kept telling them no, but..." and laughs.

So why have you kept such a low profile on social media?

Zeke (drums) replied: "These guys just like to go abroad for three years or so" and laughs. "We're not trying to be the next big thing, just going about it and seeing what happens".

You had a split release out last year. Are there any other releases?

Sam: "Yes we had a full album out in 2018 called 'Nothings,' recorded locally and released on a small local label Creature Lab Records."

Are you signed to a label now?

James: "We're not tied to anyone long-term yet, we're just hoping to make our next album and see if it gets any interest."

Looking ahead to 2020, what plans do you have?

Zeke: "To play outside Coventry."

James: "We want to get our next album recorded - just get back into the studio and put down all the new stuff we've been working on."

You really impressed me with your style, Who are your influences?

Sam: "Sleep, Kyuss, Electric Wizard, first 2 Black Sabbath albums.." James interjects; "Christina Aguilera" and the three of them collapse, laughing. "Old School riffing, classic stuff, you know?"

What's your long-term ambition?

James: "Just to give people something good to listen to and get them to come out and see us."

Final question: What was the last piece of equipment you had to kick to get working again?

Sam creases: "The amp we borrow from Steven Bennett for every gig. We DO take care of it, honest!"

James: "We want to thank you and Doomed and Stoned for all your support. It means a lot."

No problem guys, thanks for talking to me and good luck for next year.

SATLAN

Next up on the bill were SATLAN, a four-piece outfit based in London and fronted by erstwhile Dead Witches vocalist Soozi Chameleone. The band are seriously tight and their drummer is a superstar. Soozi herself was having an off night, but still delivered a powerful performance despite not feeling at her best. Musically, a combination of Dead Witches and Alunah in style, but Satlan have a distinct Sabbath-esque motif generated by guitarist Roy Nadel. I caught up with Roy and bassist Alex after the set.

Firstly, the name Satlan, where did that come from?

Roy: "It's actually Hebrew slang for 'Stoner', someone who is too lazy - it fits our style."

Are you originally an Israeli band?

Alex: "No, we're from all over the place. Roy is Israeli, I'm Russian and Jake (drums) is Malaysian. We all got together in London and just started jamming, so we're an International mix. Roy and I have known each other since we were 16, playing in various bands together in Israel's Punk scene - Roy was actually a drummer in one of our bands! Our current drummer, Jake we found playing in thrash metal band THE BLEEDING and we knew straight away we wanted to work with him. I remember saying I wanna work with this guy!"

Do you have any recordings planned in the near future?

Roy: "We've just recorded an album. it's in the mixing stage right now and it'll be ready sometime in the next couple of months. We also have a gig with Church of the Cosmic Skull coming up in February and we're planning a UK tour, including a few dates in Scotland around April."

Final question: what was the last thing you kicked to get working?

Alex: "My cat." They both laugh.

Roy: "No animals were harmed really - we both have cats and we love them."

BARBARIAN HERMIT

Solitude And Savagery by Barbarian Hermit

BARBARIAN HERMIT are no strangers to us, having been included on our recent England compilation. Manchester's finest took to the stage around 10pm and proceeded to blast the eardrums out of the room with their signature Stoner/Sludge crossover. Compelling frontman Ed Campbell is a madman on stage and the most heroic poser since Bruce Dickinson! The dual guitar assaults from Mike 'Big Daddy Reeg' Reagan and Rob 'Spadge Fafner' Sutcliffe are ferocious and tighter than drainpipe jeans. After a blinding set, I caught up with the lads in the pub's pool room.

Thanks for attending the interview, tell me - how did you hear about the job?

Ed: "Well we had an email from a guy saying he was gonna pay us from a Somali bank account if we played. He said he wasn't a pirate. Seriously though, Heathen Mirth Promotions got us onto this and we've really enjoyed sharing a stage with everybody."

Since the Doomed and Stoned in England appearance, what's been happening?

Mike: "We opened for Bloodstock during the summer, that was a great laugh and we had a mini-tour in Edinburgh, Carlisle and the north with Widows and Drudge in October, then joined up with this lot for the dates we're doing now."

You guys have a new release coming out soon and a new tour next year. In hindsight, is there anything you'd have changed about the process?

Rob: "Phew, fair question that. Working on the details, in a studio when you've got a deadline in the studio and label commitments like "How's it sounding?" and y'know, general pressure to get it finished; it's all in those final little details."

Ed: "At the same time we did some of our greatest work under pressure. My personal favourite on the album is the one we put together right at the last minute, well, not the LAST minute but near."

It's normally always the way. When the pressure's on, some bands do their best stuff.

Mike: "We find that even though been playing these songs for about a year, you pick up little things and think, “Wish I'd done it like that instead,” but it's been great to get people in like Ten Foot Wizard and Boss Keloid to help us out."

ELDER DRUID

Golgotha by Elder Druid

At just after 11pm the monstrous apparition called ELDER DRUID took to the stage and detonated. Massive waves of Doom flood out from the barely-intact cabs as frontman Greg conjures spooky sounds from the Theremin, ghosting over a sea of intense riffing. Mass worship ensued as the congregation got down and dirty at the Druid's altar, the dual guitar assault of Jake and Mikey crushing everything in its wake.

Devastatingly heavy, Elder Druid came to preach The Old Religion and the flock lapped it up like manna from the heavens...pure class! I caught up with them before their set:

Good evening gentlemen. First question: what brought you to Coventry on a freezing cold night?

Greg: "Soozi from Heathen Mirth contacted us and got us onto the bill. We played a different venue last time we were in Coventry, but we heard that The Phoenix was the #1 place so we just had to be here."

Moving on to the new album. You're in the finishing stages now and it's due for release on 17th January. How have you found the recording?

Jake: "Yeah it's been great. Last time we had an engineer record and mix us but this time we've done it entirely by ourselves so it's good to have that freedom so we can get everything organised properly before we went in to record. you get to do it on your own timescale. Then it's good having the time to get all the details together, tinkering as it were."

There's a danger of "over-tinkering," though. Did you fall foul of it?

Mikey: "100% yeah, there is risk of being too critical, but I think we got it right this time. There's a few surprises on the album, Electric Piano and the Theremin to name a couple."

Is there anything you would have changed given the chance?

Greg: "The whole band" and laughs.

Dale (bass): "Better equipment would be nice. When you have the best gear etc it makes a big difference to the sound and inevitably it would be nicer to work with, but what's come out the other end we're really happy with it."

You can always ask Slomatics if you could borrow some of theirs?

Mikey: "Yeah, like can we borrow a riff off you please?" they all crack up.

What's the plan for 2020?

Brien (drums): "The launch day gig will be @ Voodoo in Belfast on the 17th Jan and the day after @ Fibber McGee's in Dublin then we're playing a festival in May over in Antrim, then we're heading over to play at Stonebaked Festival in Leeds, (Formerly BOOM fest) which we're really up for."

What was the last piece of equipment you had to kick to get working?

Mikey: "Greg."

Jake: "Funny you should say that...one of the amps blew up last night, but I managed to sell it on eBay." (laughs)

Any message for the fans?

Brien: "We don't have fans."

Greg:" Anyone out there who likes what we do, thank you!"

Thanks guys, it's been a pleasure!

Jake: "Thank you and thanks to Billy and Doomed and Stoned for looking after us."

[priyastandon]

DOWN MEMORY LANE - HOLDING ON TO THE MAGIC OF MY LORD SAI

I lost my heart to my beloved Lord Sai, when I was just a little girl. The year was 1973. The scene was the beautiful Woodville at Shimla. Baba walked, nay, glided past me as I sat in the private garden of Sohanlalji. I sold my heart to Him, for the price of love. Just love, Divine love, selfless love, the love of a thousand mothers! One glance He cast my way, a hint of a smile, a deep look into my eyes that scanned through me up to my soul. Ah! I had found my Lord! Looking back I realise and understand that really speaking, He had found me, just as a mother looks out for her child and holds her hand, lest she wander away. Since that day, since that beautiful day, He has held my hand. My little hands grip has been lax and wayward at times, but He never let go!

Through the ups and downs of life, through my childhood, adolescence, youth and now midlife, He has always been there. When I got married my husband Sanjay was not a devotee of Baba. Somewhere along the way, when and how he got connected to Sai, is something that is another story. Suffice it to say that, today he is beautifully in communion with the Sai-way of life. And what is this way of life? Baba always told us that He had not come to start another religion. He teaches a Hindu to become a better Hindu; a Muslim to become a better Muslim; the Christian to become a better Christian. The true understanding of one’s own religion is something most of us don’t have and it is this that He taught us.  He taught us how to better ourselves. He taught us how to improve the world by just improving ourselves.

I happened to read a comparison between a kitten and the infant of a monkey. What left a deep impression on my mind was the understanding that the infant monkey, for moving on from here to there, clings on to the mothers back while she jumps from tree to tree and branch to branch. So to say, while the mother monkey jumps around freely, it’s the little baby's job to hold on for dear life; tight enough and secure enough, so that it may not fall. Conversely a kitten is totally dependent on its mother for moving from place to place. The cat picks up the kitten in its mouth and shifts it from here to there. It knows exactly how firmly to clutch its canines such that the kitten is held safe yet not injured by its sharp teeth.

And Lord! I am your kitten. I don't trust myself to remember to cling on to you at all times. What if I forget? You hold me Swami. You know how much to hold and how much freedom to allow. You are my mother and I am your kitten! I feel safe in the knowledge that you hold on to me. The onus of holding on is on you, not on me.

I lost my physical mother, Meera in August 2011. After Swami shed His mortal coil, my mother lost the will to live. She was a cancer patient who was fighting the disease fearlessly and patiently.  But once she knew that Swami had moved on from the form into the formless, she resigned herself to fate. The disease enveloped her and she merged into her Lord. My father, Justice M. M. Punchhi, joined her in June 2015. A few days later my son Shiven found me sobbing alone in my room. The grief of having lost both my parents was so deeply overwhelming. My son said, "What is the matter Mama?" Through my tears I said, "I am an orphan now." He said, "How can you be an orphan? You have Swami! You are insulting Him by saying so."

All of a sudden I quietened down. Yes! Sai is my mother and my father. How can I be an orphan? I loved Him while He was in His physical form and He surely loved me. But, came to think of it, He loves me more now. So, if ever I need to cry, I cry in His presence.

Strangely, He pops up here and there to tell me that He is watching me. Driving, I sometimes read, ‘Sai Autos’ behind a car; ‘Sai Music house’ somewhere on the street. Sometimes I see His picture on a sticker on a wind screen. Oh! These coincidences are perhaps incidents when He chooses to remain silent, yet they make me feel His presence. And yes, I feel comforted no end. The assurance that He is there, is better than any insurance. 

In our endeavour to hold on to Him, at many a juncture in life, we are at crossroads and have to make choices. The Choices we make in life are surely the ones that mould how we finally shape up. One of the best choices, Sanjay and I as a couple made, was to send our boys to The Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School at Parthi. Living in Chandigarh, our boys were studying at the prestigious St John's High School. After Class X boards, we had the option of sending them to any of the local schools for two years, mostly to take a dummy sort of seat, for as we were told it was just a mere formality and attendance was granted. Basically, the children would be at home or at tuition while preparing for college entrances and further admissions. Amidst all this, while visiting Puttaparthi, Sanjay got really impressed by the way Swami's white army of students conducted themselves. He said firmly, “We'll send them to Parthi." The idea was dropped on me like a bombshell. Living 2000 kilometres away, in an orthodox family, where we kept the children close to our bosom, this was definitely a first.

Incidentally when our eldest was twelve, while in the interview room, I had asked Baba, “Baba, please give admission to our children in your school." Like an X-ray machine, He saw through the thoughts that had not yet even surfaced sufficiently in my mind, for me to take cognizance of them. He smiled and said, "You want to send them here because if they are here, you can come again and again!" Oh! Unconsciously holding on to Him … And caught and clean bowled! He looked at the boys ever so caringly and said, "There is lot of difference in ahaar-vihaar here and there." (Difference in the food and life style)

Well to cut it short He did give them admission in His School after class X. All three of our boys Saraansh, Shiven and Satyam have been there for two years each for class XI and XII. They held on to Him and He held on to them!

I can say with conviction, that those two years here, for each of them, have been the most discerning periods of their lives. It made men out of them. Despite my best efforts to keep them grounded and connected to Swami, I was finding it increasingly difficult in their growing up years especially when they were in class VIII to X. Call it study pressure, peer pressure, being born in a political family, availability of comforts and staff, whatever … I really don't know, but the fact of the matter was that I was tired, exasperated and quite often at my wits end while trying to put my best foot forward in being a good mother and raising good children. In my yearning to please Baba, I always wanted my children to be such that Baba wants His children to be. But I was failing and was extremely disturbed about it.

Then came the best decision of our lives - The decision to send our eldest son Saraansh to Baba’s school at Parthi. The decision was tough. Having always lived in a comfortable home, it was not easy for him to live in an ashram. From an air conditioned bedroom to one which had a fan that was fan merely in name; from having a room to himself to sharing with five others; from his personal washroom to common toilets and baths in the boys hostel; from eating at the dining table to eating on floor mats; from having servants to clean and make beds, wash dishes and to sweep the room, to rolling up a floor mattress each morning; wash his own dishes; from colourful T's and jeans to pristine whites; from Oxfords and trainers to bare feet on the road, from rich Punjabi food to simple fare of sambar and rice … every day … day after day … the life was certainly not easy.

But what a difference it made! As they say, Gold shines brighter only after being heated to a very high temperature, for it is only then that the impurities burn away. Sending our second son Shiven, was like a corollary to the theorem.

Satyam our youngest joined Swami’s school after Swami had left the body. I was apprehensive about sending him, wondering if it would be worth it, with Swami being physically absent. But it was my older two boys who were adamant that he had to go. In their words, “It is an opportunity of a lifetime. If he misses it, he will regret it all his life. He has to go.”

Our children have been through the same process of heating as gold does. It was a process of metamorphosis. The changes have been gratifying, sublime and hopefully irreversible. At the cost of repetition, I say that it was because they held on to Him and He held on to them. Neither one gave up!

He always said, "Be in the world but let not the world be in you". Today, while being in this material world, they are able to stand by the values that were drilled into them during that metamorphic phase of life and they are definitely stronger for it.

Alongside the changes that were being wrought in their lives, how could we too remain unaffected? The very thought of our children roughing it out in the ashram made us more austere with our own lifestyle. Both of us unconsciously worked on bettering ourselves to become better human beings. The desire to please Swami by being good was upper most in our minds always. Passively, He worked on us too. In hindsight I realise that while He was moulding and chiselling our children in Puttaparthi, back in Chandigarh, He was working on us too. Yes! He held on to us too!

I felt an urge to share these thoughts, not to gloat over ourselves or our children, but to acknowledge the blessings bestowed by Swami on us. Reading this may touch a chord in someone's heart and inspire him to aspire to be a better human being. The Lord works through His people. I had asked Him to make me His instrument. He said, "All are instruments. You be a mind; be a mastermind!"

In my journey in writing, together with my husband and soulmate Sanjay Tandon, I have done six books namely Sunrays for Sunday, Sunrays for Monday, Sunrays for Tuesday, Sunrays for Wednesday, Sunrays for Thursday and Sunrays for Friday. Besides, I have had some articles published in the newspapers. Writing in the public space gives me an opportunity to share in subtle ways, Swami's teachings with people who are not even Sai devotees. I have a blog that Swami inspired me to call, ‘The Cosmic Word’. When the thought came to me I wondered, “Why? A mere mortal like me … and ‘Cosmic Word’! How does it add up?” Today I realize that though I write on lighter topics of everyday interest too, but each piece is flavoured and spiced by Swami’s teachings, howsoever subtly it may be!  We, who have been lucky to have experienced the miracle of Sai, have access to and have the awareness of the availability of so much food for the soul. But there are millions of people who are thirsty for the word of God. If I can convey to them some spark of Swami's teachings in a language and format that they can relate to easily, I would be blessed. And had I not asked Him to make me His instrument? I want to hold on to each memory with Him … I want to relive each moment spent with Him … I want to celebrate each word He said to us and spread it to our world and beyond!

Spirituality is a subject that people do not want to show interest in, publicly. I guess it is considered 'cool' to be worldly, and atheist in the garb of emancipation of thought and modernity. But deep down, each one of us does have a calling. Each one of us has to find his purpose in life. As we proceed on this path and look further and beyond, our thoughts, ideologies and even goals tend to move further and higher. And in so doing, we have to chalk out a path or weave a web of a set of rules for ourselves. I guess every house or every organisation has a set of rules, whether written or unwritten, by which it is governed. At our home, it's neither his way nor her way, it's neither my way nor the high way, it’s only the Sai-Way!!! And we are blessed, for even if we sometimes forget to hold on to Him, He always holds us in the palm of His hand!

Dear Reader, this post is very dear to my heart. If it touches a chord in yours, do leave a message down below to let me know! Sairam!

[seiche-archive]

really LONG CHARACTER SURVEY. RULES. repost, don’t reblog! tag 10! good luck! TAGGED.  @insolasidera​ TAGGING. Anyone wearing socks! Or if you just want to!

BASICS. FULL  NAME: Lance Charles McClain NICKNAME: The Tailor, Sharpshooter, Blue Paladin AGE: 19 BIRTHDAY: (Dark Voltron tell me Lance’s Birthday) ETHNIC  GROUP: Cuban NATIONALITY: America LANGUAGE / S: Spanish and English SEXUAL  ORIENTATION: pansexual ROMANTIC  ORIENTATION: demiromantic RELATIONSHIP  STATUS: taken  (verse dependent) HOME  TOWN / AREA: N/A CURRENT  HOME: the castle of lions PROFESSION: pilot of the blue lion, guardian of water and defender of the universe

PHYSICAL. EYES: Dark blue eyes that swell like the depths of the sea, the pits of the ocean, sparkling with life, like sunlight dancing on the waves. LIPS: Thin and soft, almost always pulled into a smile or a smirk, always wrapped eagerly around his words. But they can be serious, drawn in a line along his cheeks, not allowing distractions or to be deterred in anyway. COMPLEXION: Soft, light brown skin that never allows room for blemishes to peek through, kept in shape from years of moisturization, a routine grained into habit that kept his skin in mint condition, an almost pristine state. He’s almost too worried to have blemishes, to have imperfections on his skin. BLEMISHES: Years upon years of routine have disallowed blemishes to appear, or stay for very long, so no. None. SCARS: The bane of his existence, the lines of discoloration that decorate his back, tear along his skin where the explosion ripped at him, exposed his flesh. TATTOOS: The only ‘imperfection’ that Lance has ever allowed on his skin, the rippled of black in a sea of brown. The lower right hand ‘corner’ of his back, the silhouette of a bird flying away, soaring through the metaphorical sky. HEIGHT: 6′0 WEIGHT: approx. 165 BUILD: Though broad in shoulders, he is lanky just about everywhere else, muscles pulled over long bones, more strength than given at first sight. FEATURES: The features the ripple the expanse of his face are given to us at angular angles, pointed noses and chins that pull his face to a tight point. ALLERGIES: n/a USUAL  HAIR  STYLE: Dark brown hair that brushes the skin just past his ears, breaching the top of his neck, exposing the skin their. Parted at the top of his forehead right in the middle, curled in both directions curtaining either side of his face, framing his features. USUAL  FACE  LOOK: A look often identified as ‘smug’ or egotistical, one thought to be quite full of himself, his lips pulled into a smirk, an angular eyebrow quirked high on his forehead, eyes pointed in the direction of which the person he is speaking to. USUAL  CLOTHING: His casual outfit of preference is a white and blue three quarter sleeved shirt, light blue relaxed fit jeans and his favorite pair of blue and grey tennis shoes. All brought together with a dark green cargo jacket with muted yellow stripes on either sleeve just below the shoulder.

PSYCHOLOGY. FEAR / S: Being forgotten, not being good enough, losing those he cares about. ASPIRATION / S: Graduate from the Garrison, Save the Universe from Zarkon POSITIVE  TRAITS: Confident, Funny, flirtatious, always trying to cheer up his team mates NEGATIVE  TRAITS: Self-loathing, self-sacrificial, desperately seeks validation. MBTI: Entertainer (ESFP-T) ZODIAC: Leo TEMPEREMENT: Sanguine SOUL  TYPE / S: Equally Performer and Hunter ANIMALS: Tiger VICE  HABIT / S: Pads of fingers dancing along the edge of his palm, tapping along eachother anxiously. A gentle pinch on the interior skin of his wrist, a gentle tug to ease nerves. FAITH: Raised within the walls of people who hold religion in a high regard, he would say he believes in something, just isn’t quite sure what it is, exactly. He believes that someone, something looks over everyone, that there is an essence that influences all things. He wouldn’t call it ‘God’ wouldn’t attach such a name for it, mostly because all ‘God’ ever did for him was diminish him, swipe away his identity with a few words from a really old book. GHOSTS?: Absolutely. They are here, they are self aware and they are terrifying. AFTERLIFE?: He likes to believe the stories told him as a child, that if you’re good and do well in life then you will go to heaven and live a happy life with ‘God’, but now, with the events that have happened, the string of things that brought him to this point in his life, the point in ones life where reality is too heavy, where good people make decisions at the cause of someone’s life, even if that person is terrible and is doing horrid things. Good people make tough calls, so currently, he isn’t sure. It’s a nice fantasy, but it’s still just that. A fantasy. REINCARNATION: No. ALIENS?: Absolutely. POLITICAL  ALIGNMENT: Besides becoming amused at the angry babblings of his relatives at gatherings, he holds no political statement, no side he would prefer over another. EDUCATION  LEVEL: Enrolled in collegiate level courses and piloting lessons, he didn’t do very well in school but in terms of intelligence he is quite advanced in math and tactical thinking.

FAMILY. FATHER: Alive (To be named) MOTHER: Alive (TBN) SIBLINGS: Older sister, older brother, two fraternal twin younger siblings. EXTENDED  FAMILY: Massive family on either side, too many extended relatives to count them all. NAME  MEANING / S: Lance means ‘Land’ and McClain means “Son of the Servant of Saint John” HISTORICAL  CONNECTION?: No

FAVORITES. BOOK: Action and thriller books that are short and sweet. MOVIE: Movies where ‘the hunter becomes the hunted’ 5 SONGS: Me Too by Meghan Trainor, Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots, Worth It by Fifth Harmony, Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira DEITY: none. HOLIDAY: Halloween MONTH: July SEASON: Summer PLACE: Varadero Beach, Cuba WEATHER: Sunny, warm, wonderful weather for surfing or just a day at the beach. SOUND: Upbeat music that’s nice to listen to, reminds you that life gets better eventually, uplifting music that your feet just have to move to. But also relaxing music that allows him to block out the rest of the world, allows him to zone out and hush his intrusive thoughts and grant him legitimate sleep. SCENT / S: Saltwater TASTE / S: fruity drinks, like lemonade. FEEL / S: soft typically, but loves the feeling of sand underfoot ANIMAL / S: likes dogs and cats, don’t make him choose. NUMBER: Number 1, always. COLORS: blue and grey

EXTRA. TALENTS: Providing a different train of thought, a different perspective for his team, sharpshooter, great at piloting under pressure BAD  AT: Self-preservation, thinking highly of himself, taking the high road TURN  ONS: Sense deprivation, lingerie, being tied up, someone taking control over him, but also overthrowing the other and turning the tables, taking back control, spanking TURN  OFFS: forced submission, choking HOBBIES: Listening to music, being with friends, playing video games, watching movies QUOTES: “I don’t mind not getting a happy ending if it means you get yours.”

MUN QUESTIONS. Q1: if you could write your character your way in their own movie, what would it be called, what style would it be filmed in, and what would it be about? A1: This blog is based off of the Netflix original series Voltron Legendary Defender, so pretty much that.

Q2: what  would  their  soundtrack / score  sound  like? A2: orchestral af, weeping strings and a commanding brass and percussion. but also moments of lightheartedness between the instruments. (<--- What Sam said p much)

Q3: why did you start writing this character? A3: Because Lance is me, dialed up to ten in terms of flirtation. We both would much rather take care of others than ourselves. But we both know that we are the shit and fuck you for thinking otherwise. But that way of thinking isn’t always the forefront and definitely doesn’t come without it’s own consequences.

Q4: what first attracted you to this character? A4: The scene where Lance first bonded with Blue, that scene is gorgeous and honestly one of my favorites and it’s very vital to the plot.

Q5: describe  the  biggest  thing  you  dislike  about  your  muse. A5: He flirts to much for my personal liking.

Q6: what  do  you  have  in  common  with  your  muse? A6: Personality (though his is really dialed up from mine), fears, mindset, the ability to make others feel better but not exactly bringing up the issue (aka, making them feel better by forgetting about it momentarily)

Q7: how does your muse feel about you? A7: I hope that we would be able to be friends and that we could help boost eachother up positively, give eachother a nudge in the right direction when they need it. In all honesty, I’d hope that he would like me.

Q8: what characters does your muse have interesting interactions  with? A8: Honestly every interaction is different and unique in it’s own way, no one interaction is the exact same than the other. For example, Lance’s interaction with his twins in twin verses are vastly different. With Alex ( @saltybluelion ) Lance is the younger sibling and tends to be a bit more rambunctious, and then there are interactions with Shiro ( @insolasidera ) where Lance is pretty dwelled in on his thoughts and emotions. On the flip side there’s interactions with Keith, two very distinct reactions, you either get  a really pissed off, easily irritated guy who is ready to fight you on your every word ( such as with @vermiillion ) and then you have adorable, BEAVIE loving Lance who loves his life and his family (such as with @redlionstar ) All of these interactions are different and amazing and I love all of them.

Q9: what gives you inspiration to write your muse? A9: I am heavily influenced by the things around me, so music, movies, literature. For me it moreso comes down to my ability to write a thorough and good response that I’m happy with rather than whether or not I have his muse. Because more or less, I am Lance. I say things, react to things how Lance would.

Q10: how long did this take you to complete? A10: I’ve been stopped quite a bit, so several hours. Plus those tests were long. Shrugs. A could of hours.