#clara oakes

[santaclaralocalnews]

At the Oct. 21 Santa Clara Children’s Business Fair, shoppers of all ages came out to support local youth entrepreneurs. This was the fifth year this annual event graced Live Oak Park. Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Council Member Kathy Watanabe spoke at the awards ceremony. Read complete news at SVVOICE.

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: AUGUST 2023

Happy Labour Day, Canada! There’s plenty summer left to enjoy our August Under The Radar picks from Isobel feat. Chris Clute, Rosemary Ginger, Tiger Really, Noble Oak, Frantic and Mikenna Hope, and Clara Cloud and Jeremy Lim.

1) Isobel featuring Chris Clute - “Good Guy”

There’s something so tender about the title track of Isobel’s debut album and her extension of the olive branch; I feel empathetic towards her. It’s one for the people pleasers who give too much, but receive little in return and whose efforts are for naught. Adaptability to suit others’ needs (and wants) comes at a personal cost—a loss of identity and oneself. You can hear a genuine care in her voice, leading with grace when her actions are not reciprocated.

It’s a surprising listen because Isobel also has the capability to be bold and rightfully bitter, but “Good Guy” revels in her maturity and understanding of putting herself first (“No ill intent, but I had to protect myself / Saying sorry, but I don’t know for what now / Being human, that’s all I wanna be now”). A collaboration with Chris Clute on guitar, the song is nuanced and gentle in how she reasons with herself and recognizes the scars left behind. The layered acoustic guitars create intimacy and also propel it forward. Isobel’s tone meshes perfectly with the guitars and subtle production, it comes off very natural and unforced.  

“Good Guy” lives up to its name in hoping for resolve, even when it’s not warranted.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

2) Rosemary Ginger - “Ocean in Between”

“While we’re apart you’ll vanish like stardust.”

Written by vocalist/keyboardist Adam Doucette while he was living abroad in Barcelona, “Ocean in Between” depicts the unease that time and distance can spur in close relationships. Its surf-pop guitar tones and swelling pianos complement the waters and cosmos referenced throughout the lyrics; a shimmer to a vastly negative, self-fulfilling prophecy. It builds in energy and anxiety until downcast, distortion-heavy chords replace Doucette’s vocals. Amy Tan provides the wistful harmonies and wailing punk release I didn’t expect, but wholeheartedly needed. “Ocean in Between” is indicative of the band’s immersive musicianship and songwriting. It is beachy but bittersweet, feeling future heartache in the now.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Tiger Really - “Dead Ringer”

"Dead Ringer” takes the ‘right person wrong time’ trope and provides a math rock accompaniment for those ill-fated, longing souls. Talks of antics and lingering feelings amidst a timeline that isn’t in our favour, the title calls to their visual inspiration of a person finding their soulmate—dying before they’re able to confess their love, and remaining in the veil in-between unable to move on. The regret and disappointment is masked by their intense sound; guitar lines that scream Midwest emo and classic jazz progressions, a breath of fresh air. It has a devil may care attitude while being cultured and calculated in matching their lyrics and tone. The purgatory hurts the most, unable to fully rid oneself of those desperate, fleeting moments.

The band is fronted by Chinese-Canadian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lian Shao, and has been making music together since 2020. I really like the bite and charisma that Tiger Really has shown, and it’s no doubt their debut album Swan Sting (out this October) is much anticipated.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

4) Noble Oak - “Let It Out”

With enough wanderlust to span today’s travel itineraries while feeling nostalgic for summers past, “Let It Out” is serenely spirited. The project of Vancouver’s Patrick Fiore, Noble Oak is immersive and perceptive in presentation; he’s very visual in storytelling. Inspired by the “spontaneity and recklessness” of his 2019 summer and the release at season’s end, the song beckons an unbridled freedom mixed with hesitation and longing. It has ethereal qualities with acoustic guitar and layered synths, but also embraces the crisp electronic beats and overall mellow ambiance. I was very impressed with the composition – how his voice gently oscillates in the repetition of the song’s title, and in the transitional dialogue it mirrors in sound (“And of those places you go when you’re sleeping / Do they show you a way to keep dreaming?”). 

When It Finds You is out now on Last Gang Records / MNRK. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Frantic feat. Mikenna Hope & Safe Trip - “You’ll See”

“You’ll See” is a powerful spoken word/hip-hop collaboration between Okanagan artists Frantic (Travis Andrews), Mikenna Hope, and producer Safe Trip. An ode to self-love in spite of the doubts, fears, and hardships perceived by oneself and others. I liked the alternating rap verse, RnB chorus. Cavernous beats and crisp clicks mingle with gentle strings and piano. Mikenna and Travis are both passionate performers and extremely talented at wordplay, with the latter often weaving mystical forest imagery into his narrative. That said, lines like “I am enough and I am here” are just as, if not more impactful. “You’ll See” reminds listeners that healing is a journey. Bare and ever-evolving, the sky never looked so clear.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

6) Clara Cloud and Jeremy Lim - “Ocean Lullaby”

Does mermaidcore exist? If so, “Ocean Lullaby” is a perfect anthem. It’s eerie and dreamlike as it lures listeners toward the dark side – you’re almost there, and it’s oh so enticing (“Your song can blur the lines between the sea and land”). Inspired by the mythology of sirens and the compelling nature of toxic relationships, the song has the right amount of electric wonder. Clara Cloud’s (Clara MacLeod) voice is mystifying; a spellbinding effect with her sweet tone whilst drawing closer to the proverbial edge. The beats are pulsing and sharp, like water rippling as it interacts with an outside source. Composer/producer Lim offers a vivid soundscape, interspersed with the mimicking of siren calls and pacing that follows the temptation.

In their debut music collaboration, the pair has the hypnotic factor—sinking into the depths of our desires to be saved, loved, or to face the great unknown. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy

[vintagelasvegas]

Ranch home of Rex & Clara (Bow) Bell near Las Vegas Nevada. Oakes 237. – Walking Box Ranch c. 1933. Postcard by Oakes Vegas Studio.

[pupsmailbox]

AUTUMN ID PACK

NAMES︰ acer. acorn. acre. amber. apple. archer. arden. ash. asher. aspen. aster. auburn. august. augusta. augustus. autumn. autumna. autumnal. autumnelle. autumnessa. autumnette. autumni. autumnine. autumnus. bean. birch. blaire. bonfire. bramble. branch. briar. carmel. casper. cassia. cassiah. cedar. cerridwen. chai. chestnut. cider. cinna. clara. cocoa. cora. corn. cornucopia. cozy. crimson. crisp. crow. ellis. ember. equinox. eve. fall. fallelle. fallen. fallette. falline. fallon. faye. finn. flannel. foggy. forest. forrest. ginger. glenna. goldie. halloween. harper. harvest. harveste. harvester. hawk. hay. hazel. hollis. hunter. jora. juniper. kaziah. keziah. latte. leaf. libra. lief. lilith. linden. luna. maize. maple. marigold. marley. marlow. maze. melanie. mocha. moss. november. nutmeg. oak. oakley. october. opal. orchard. orla. pansy. pie. pine. piper. poe. pumpkin. raine. raven. redd. rory. roslyn. rowan. russet. ruston. sabrina. saffron. scarecrow. september. sienna. sorrel. sullivan. sylvia. tamsin. teresa. tessa. wesley. willow.

PRONOUNS︰ amber/amber. apple/apple. au/autumn. aug/august. august/august. autumn/autumn. branch/branch. brew/brew. cider/cider. cloud/cloud. co/cozy. cocoa/cocoa. cof/coffee. corn/corn. cot/cottage. cozy/cozy. crow/crow. drift/drift. drizzle/drizzle. fa/fall. fall/fall. flannel/flannel. glisten/glisten. glow/glow. gold/gold. hallo/ween. hallow/halloween. halloween/halloween. haze/haze. hazel/hazel. hug/hug. jacko/lantern. lea/leaf. leaf/leaf. maple/maple. maze/maze. mellow/mellow. moss/moss. oct/october. october/october. orange/orange. pie/pie. plush/plush. pump/kin. pump/pumpkin. pumpkin/pie. pumpkin/pumpkin. rain/rain. raven/raven. red/red. sca/scarf. sept/september. september/september. sip/sip. snug/snug. snuggle/snuggle. soft/soft. soothe/soothe. spice/spice. sweater/sweater. swirl/swirl. syrup/syrup. thanks/giving. tick/treat. treat/treat. trick/trick. tuck/tuck. wa/warm. warm/warm. whiff/whiff. whisk/whisk. wrap/wrap. yellow/yellow. 🌽. 🍁. 🍂. 🍄. 🍎. 🎃. 🕯️. 🥧. 🧣. 🧶.

[helenablogsworld]

Shadows Over Maple Lane

The streetlights flickered as dusk settled over Maple Lane, casting long, eerie shadows across the suburban cul-de-sac. It had always been a quiet street, one where the sound of children’s laughter filled the air and neighbors exchanged pleasantries over white picket fences. But lately, there was a lingering sense of unease, a chill that clung to the air even in the warmth of summer.

Clara moved into the neighborhood only a few months ago, lured by the promise of peace. Her new house, with its ivy-clad brick walls and large bay windows, seemed charming enough, but something about it always felt...off. The air inside was stale, as if it had been holding its breath for too long, waiting for something to happen.

It wasn’t long before Clara noticed the oddities. The way the shadows in her home seemed to stretch unnaturally long at twilight, or how whispers, faint and unintelligible, drifted through the halls when she was alone. At first, she dismissed them as nothing more than creaks of an old house settling. But the strange occurrences escalated after she found an old letter tucked inside a loose floorboard under her bed.

The letter, written in elegant handwriting, told the story of a love affair between a young woman named Elise and a professor at a nearby college. Their love, though passionate, was forbidden. Elise’s father, a man of wealth and power, discovered their affair and forced the professor into hiding. The lovers planned to meet in secret one last time under the old oak tree in the backyard—an oak tree that still stood behind Clara’s house. But the letter ended abruptly, leaving Clara to wonder what happened to them.

Curiosity gnawed at her, and one night, she found herself standing beneath that ancient oak, the shadows of its gnarled branches stretching across the lawn. That’s when she saw it—a figure, faint but unmistakable, standing at the edge of the yard. The man’s silhouette was sharp against the dying light, and though she couldn’t make out his face, she felt his eyes on her.

Each night after, the figure appeared again, always standing just beyond her reach. It wasn’t long before Clara began hearing Elise’s name whispered in the wind, and the scent of roses—Elise’s favorite—filled the air.

Determined to uncover the truth, Clara sought out the history of the house and learned the grim reality. Elise never left that meeting under the oak tree. Her lover had waited, but she had been found first—by her father. Her life was cut short beneath those very branches, and her story buried along with her.

The shadows on Maple Lane grew darker after that revelation. Clara could feel the presence of something—someone—watching her, waiting for her to act. She realized then what the whispers were asking of her: Elise’s story needed an ending.

On a stormy autumn night, Clara returned to the oak tree, a bouquet of roses in hand. As the rain fell in torrents and lightning illuminated the sky, she laid the flowers at the base of the tree, whispering Elise’s name one final time. A gust of wind swept through the yard, and for a brief moment, Clara saw them—Elise and her professor, standing together beneath the oak, their faces no longer filled with sorrow but with peace.

As the storm passed, so did the shadows over Maple Lane. But in the quiet, Clara couldn’t shake the feeling that something—perhaps someone—still lingered in the house, forever grateful that their love, at last, had found its conclusion.

[knifedancer]

Unsigned Gifts

Marinette has a secret admirer that keeps giving her really thoughtful gifts with no signature. But who is it?

OR

The five times Marinette received unsigned gifts and the one time she guessed who all the gifts were from.

AO3 Link

~~~First~~~

It all started one day when Lila and her lackeys broke her favorite marking pens. Not that she had any proof, except for the cruel light in Lila’s eyes and the way certain classmates weren’t meeting her eye – and hiding their hands in their laps – as she discovered the mess near the back of the classroom. Marinette had returned to the classroom after lunch and found the set of marking pens that her grandmother given her snapped in half, their vibrant inks smeared into a grotesque brown all over her desk surface. Luckily it wasn’t the whole set, but her favorite colors were in her bookbag for work on a commission… The bluenette hid her glistening eyes, not allowing a single tear to escape, as she began to wipe what she could from the desk. Her only response a silent nod when Madam Bustier, whom assumed it was not caused by someone else, told her that she needed to stay after school to make sure it was properly clean.

Honestly, she was glad to be alone after the last bell rang. The room was empty and silent except for the ticking clock on the wall. It gave her some private moments to let out those tears that she kept hidden – she would never let anyone see her cry from their bullying attempts – while she mindlessly went through the movements of scrubbing the tabletop. The gentle rasping sounds of the cloth against a hard surface and the familiar circular motions, long ingrained from cleaning parts of the bakery, gave the pigtailed girl a sense of Zen. It was oddly calming for all the emotions she had bottled up inside her earlier; at least she would not be visited by an akuma today. When she was finally done, she gathered up the empty cleanser bottle, dirty rags, and mangled pens to dump in the garbage near the teacher’s desk. Marinette gave one last sorrowful look at the pens, recalling all of the designs she had illustrated with them and the joy she had felt receiving them from Grandma Gina… On the bright side, they had not found her precious sketchpad to ruin. The designer wiped her damp cheeks with her jacket sleeve before dropping the pens into the can with a sigh. She trudged out of the class and down the steps, completely missing a pair of calculating eyes that watched her from the shadows…

~~

At the end of the next day, Marinette found a brand-new set of expensive Copic Marking Pens and five Bosco Wood pencils tucked into a simple pink ribbon bow on top in her locker, no note was attached. She looked around, feeling eyes watching her but not seeing anyone standing out in the crowd of random students gathering their things and chatting with friends. She reverently touched the beautiful clear case and hugged it to her chest, a small genuine smile gracing her features as she imagined all the stunning designs she would make, before tucking them safely into her bookbag. Perhaps one of her classmates felt bad for what happened and wanted to remain anonymous for fear of Lila? Whatever the case, these would be safer in her room.

~~~Second~~~

A few days later, Marinette sat at one of the tables in the library during lunch, off in her own world with her headphones playing the latest Jagged Stone single just loud enough for her to block out any passing sounds but low enough not to disturb others. She found it easier to focus on her work not surrounded by her former friends and the kindly librarian allowed her to eat at the tables so long as she didn’t make a mess. Today the designer was working on a dress for Clara Nightingale’s next award show appearance. The overall look was done but the colors… She tapped the end of her new oak pencil against her lips as she contemplated. The margins on the page were filled with tiny smudges of carefully erased notes. She pulled out her phone, looking through various Pantone color chip options through Qwant. Unfortunately, like with all electronics, the inherent settings and hardware capabilities altered the tones just slightly – making the decision even harder.

“I wish I could afford those Pantone Color chips…it would make it so much easier to choose,” Marinette murmured to herself with a sigh. “Perhaps I can buy one with the money Maman’s family will send me for New Year but that’s still months away...”

The five-minute warning bell signifying the end of lunch rang, pulling her from her thoughts. The girl packed her sketchbook and headphones away before sweeping any remaining crumbs and rubber shavings into her empty lunch containers, then headed off to class without a second thought to the other students meandering through the book stacks or lining up to check out something last minute. Her mind was elsewhere, dreaming of which colors would combine best to fit Clara’s style and still wow people on the red carpet, when she knocked into something solid. Marinette’s elbow was caught in a firm grip before she fell backward, finding herself hauled up against a familiar grey vest.

“Hello Angel, did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?” came the smug voice of the other blond boy in her class. Just great. She righted herself with a scoff, rolling her eyes at his ridiculous pick-up line while brushing imaginary wrinkles from her blazer. She knew he was only doing it to get a rise out of her but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of losing her temper.

“Not as much as when they kicked you out of hell, Felix,” she replied sweetly as she pulled away.

“Are you saying I’m hot?” he asked with a predatory grin.

“You’re about as hot as a dumpster on fire and only half as pleasant!” Marinette sing-songed before quickly brushing by him and walked back towards class, missing the playful look on his face as he followed her at a respectable distance. She settled into her seat with a huff, zoning out while Madam Bustier droned on about the Revolution, the girl’s mind lost in the details for Clara’s dress once again.

~~

The next gift unexpectedly appeared at lunch the next day. The librarian called her over and presented a small parcel wrapped in pink striped paper. “This is for you, dear.”

“What? Who…,” began the confused bluenette. She spied a small, unsigned tag with her name on it taped to the top. The tag itself was not handwritten, instead seemed to have been made on a typewriter. Who, besides her Grandpa Roland, even owned one of those anymore?

“Sorry but I don’t have any idea. It was left here with just your name printed on the card while I was busy with a phone call. Seems you have an admirer, dear!” chuckled the librarian as she patted the girl on the shoulder, then went back to sorting a stack of returns for reshelving.

Marinette settled the parcel on her usual table, carefully unwrapping to preserve the lovely paper for another of her crafting projects. She pulled off the lid of the plain white box and unfolded the tissue paper inside – her breath caught in her throat. Inside were four Pantone Color Guide fans for fashion and home design, each with 350 different swatches, in every shade of the rainbow. Her fingers trembled as she lifted one from the safety of its tissue bed, fanning it open with a look of awe. Who had done this? First the pens, now this… She was overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude, her face lighting up with palpable joy as her mind buzzed with questions and plans.

‘I need to take these home, immediately!’ she thought, returning the Pantone guide back to the same spot she had pulled it from. She closed the box and pressed it to her chest as she quickly departed from the library, barely preventing herself from bumping into a student that was about to depart through the doorway. She threw a quick “sorry!” over her shoulder as she ran, only catching a blur of gold hair in her periphery as she exited the school.

~~~Third~~~

A couple weeks later, after the commission for Clara was done, Marinette found herself with some free time on the weekend. Time to find a nice spot to draw! She had planned to wander through the park near her house, but discovered Adrien was doing a photoshoot with Lila. She rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something rotten.  Not that she didn’t still enjoy watching Adrien’s photoshoots – on the contrary, it was fun to see the modeling process and clothes – but the motivation had changed. She had found her feelings for the model fading as time went on; eventually she accepted that it was a temporary obsession rather than love that she felt. Being around him wasn’t as awkward as she expected but she preferred to avoid being around Lila – which meant not hanging out with Adrien as much as he was constantly around her due to his father’s wishes.

She hummed softly and turned on her heel, deciding to seek out another spot that might inspire her. The pigtailed girl wandered along the Siene, giving a friendly wave to Andre the ice cream vendor as she passed and enjoying the light breeze against her cheeks. She decided her time would be best spent at the Luxembourg Gardens – it had been a while since she had visited. Marinette took a deep breath as she meandered along the sunlight paths, surrounded by trees and flowers, the calming effect of the garden and architecture washing over the secret bug-themed heroine with each step. She found a bench near one of the buildings that caught her eye, settling down with one of her drawing pencils and losing herself to the sketching of various designs that began to form in her head. A few gowns inspired by flowers and the stream nearby, jackets and hats noted with colors of the various leaves overhead, but what appeared the most on the pages were men’s three-piece suits with embroidered vests… Marinette paused, gazing at the newest vest she had drawn. Deep twilight blue, bordering on black; with barely imperceptible golden and green abstract detailing that was vaguely reminiscent of peacock feathers.

It reminded her of Felix for some reason – not just the vest itself but the stylization she had added. She glanced up to the building again, taking in the architecture with a discerning gaze. It and part of the surrounding garden was of English design, merging in with the French touches seamlessly. Adrien’s cousin was from London, perhaps that was why it reminded her so much of him… She dropped her gaze back down to the page, her eyes widening as she realized she was unconsciously doodling Felix’s face and shoulders into the vest she had created. It was rough but the sketch – hair, jawline, and the beginning curve of a grin – was distinctively him. Marinette’s cheeks pinked at the realization, hurriedly attempted to flip the page only to discover it was the last sheet. Her book would need to be replaced!

“Well,” she said as she closed and halfheartedly tucked the pad away, “looks like I’ll have to buy a new sketch pad with my allowance next Friday.” With one last look at the beautiful garden around her, she began her journey home through the afternoon crowds. Marinette failed to hear the soft plop behind her as her sketchpad fell from her bag until she was back in her room. She returned to search for it with no luck, lamenting the loss of her work but hopeful that her luck – Tikki’s really – might just bring it back to her. After all, this was why she always wrote her name and address on the inside cover. Someone must have found it and would turn it in!

At school the following Monday and Tuesday, she relegated herself to making little doodles on her notebook’s lined paper. Nothing too serious or professional – little flowers and birds that she remembered seeing at the Luxembourg Gardens, black cats chasing peacocks through a field of flowers, ladybugs on leaves cleaning their antennae or snoozing in a pollen covered pistil bed... She didn’t want to waste a great design on paper that was too thin to accept her bold pencil strokes, not to mention whatever was left would not withstand the colored marker ink without becoming an oversaturated, soggy mess. At one point Marinette caught Felix staring over her shoulder at her drawings during free period; she was so taken aback that she was at a loss for words as his green eyes met hers.

 He propped his elbow on the desk and casually rested his chin in the palm of his hand, his trademark smirk spreading across his face. “Like what you see, Princess? Take a picture, it will last longer.”

Marinette gasped at the audacity and turned away, “No, you simply reminded me of a ‘before’ picture I saw on the TV the other day.”

“Give me a chance and I’ll do more than make you gasp,” he replied close to her ear.

“I’d slap you, but I don’t want to accidentally make your face look any better,” she murmured sweetly, her eyes alight with playful mockery as she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. A tingle went up her spine as his breath tickled her ear and they seemed frozen as their gazes met, the moment only being broken by the bell. Without turning her head any further, she heard him chuckle with mirth as he sat back in his seat.

By the end of class on Tuesday, she returned home to find a thick envelope tucked into the mail slot beside their apartment entry in the alleyway. She pulled it out and found yet another typed tag on the front addressed to her. Not wanting to wait a moment longer, she ripped it open right there on the doorstep. She cried with joy when she saw the contents! Inside was her lost sketchpad tied to a brand new one, its cover a pale pink and covered in plum blossoms and irises. Marinette looked up and down the alleyway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person that had left the envelope, but no one was there. Did she really have an admirer? She blushed as her hand traced the pattern on the cover idly. Whomever they were, they didn’t waste time with cliché gestures of flowers and chocolates… Instead, they seemed very attentive to her likes and hobbies. Every gift was centered around her designing but still found a way to incorporate a personalized touch. She had never felt so special or seen before. A warmth blossomed in her chest at the thoughtfulness this mysterious figure had shown her; this feeling leaving her floating through the rest of the week as if on cloud nine.

~~~Fourth~~~

On Thursday, Marinette sat at her table after lunch and felt something bump against her knee unexpectedly. She shifted and felt something small fall onto her knees. Trying not to look distracted in class, she brought it into her lap proper and held back a squeal as she caught a glimpse of pink striped paper. They must have stuck it to the underside of the table to avoid someone else finding it. The pigtailed girl slowly opened the wrapping, careful to keep it as silent as possible, to reveal a spool of delicate lace edging in a creamy white. She contemplated uses for it and decided she had plenty left over for a little display of appreciation…

Friday morning, she checked herself in the mirror one last time and received the nub’s up from Tikki. Marinette made her way to school and happily skipped up the steps, ignoring the looks she received – didn’t matter to her if they were in envy, anger, or judgement. Let them look! The designer had raised her hair into her Multimouse space buns but pinned small segments of lace around the base of each, giving her a Chun-Li look with her usual red ribbons trailing from each bun. She had paired the look with a red qipao top with a peplum hem, which flared slightly at her hips, over tailored black pants. She had also exchanged her usual pink purse with one covered in upcycled cream colored doilies.

Surprisingly she entered the class with a couple minutes to spare, nearly stumbling into the two blond cousins conversing at the front table. Adrien was the first to see her, his eyes slipping up to her hair as his smile turned warm and fond. “Hey Marinette! I love the new look; did you design it yourself?”

“Hey Adrien! Yeah, just haven’t had the chance to wear it before now. Felt like wearing something new today,” the designer smiled in return, giving him a little twirl. In the meantime, Felix had turned around and standing eerily silent as he stared at her. She could have sworn his ears had turned slightly pink when he finally glanced at her hair. “Cat got your tongue, Felix?” Marinette asked cheekily.

He cleared his throat before he replied. “Can I take your picture so I can show Père Noël what I want for Christmas?”

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, “Don’t you know? Only good kids get presents, I’m afraid you won’t qualify.”

“Well, if I must be a Grinch, then I’d rather steal you instead,” Felix stated with a grin.

She leaned in close and dropped her voice low, her eyes taking on a dangerous glint. “I guess I should add ‘body bag’ on my list this year then, because it sounds like you’ll end up in one.” The boy seemed temporarily speechless, so she smirked with victory and headed back to her seat. Vaguely she could hear the imperceptible murmurings of the two blonds get cut off by the bell as she settled in.

Marinette felt – and ignored – Felix’s stare on the back of her head the rest of the day. If she had turned around for even a moment, she likely would have seen the rouged complexion that he was unable to tame in her presence.

~~~Fifth~~~

A week later, after a long day dodging Lila’s machinations and having to stay late to handle Class Representative tasks, Marinette was relieved to find the locker room empty. She mentally ran through the list of books she would need to complete her homework and opened the lock, the door immediately falling open due to an unbalanced package within. Her heart leaped into her chest as she took in the memorable pink stripped paper. The bluenette sat on the bench and brought the package into her lap, noting that it felt soft under the crinkling exterior. Just as she did with the Pantone Guides, she carefully removed the paper. As the last of the tape was peeled and the boundary fell away to reveal the contents, Marinette audibly gasped. There in her lap lay the most beautiful silk she had ever seen, the same shade as the vest she had sketched at the gardens!

She blushed as she thought of the drawing and the image of Felix wearing it in her mind’s eye. She shook her head to free herself from such thoughts. Knowing him, he’d probably think her designs were not worthy enough to be worn. The designer brushed her hand over the material adoringly, unfolding the fabric slightly to gauge the length. There was enough to make a few vests or a skirt or a cocktail dress… Her fingers found a card hidden within the folds and pulled it free. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she read it. Printed in the same font as the others, it simply said:

The vest will only be half as beautiful as you.

~~~Plus One~~~

Marinette spent the next few days sewing the vest and adding the detailing. It now hung on her mannequin as pictured in her sketchpad but…it didn’t feel right. Incomplete. She trudged through school, distracted by the design and what it seemed to be missing. Even Tikki couldn’t calm her or help in any way. The girl wasn’t even sure why she was so focused on it! It wasn’t like she had a way to deliver it to her admirer… she had no way to tell if it would fit him either!

The girl was so unfocused all morning that, when it finally came to be lunch time, she tripped over something on the ground unexpectedly. She groaned from the floor as she brushed her knees off and sought out what item might have caused her fall. In the middle of the walkway was a nondescript black pencil case and – if the solidness she felt through the toe of her flat was any indication – it was full of writing utensils. Marinette grabbed it as she stood up, searching for a tag or name on it to figure out whom to return it to. Nothing was on the outside except for the zipper and a smudge of dirt in the shape of her shoe print. She unzipped it and peered inside, digging her fingers around to loosen the contents. She must have jostled something too hard because pens and pencils popped from the opening and spilled onto the floor.

“Damnit, Marinette…you’re such a klutz,” she muttered as she crouched back down to collect the items, hoping nothing was damaged. She knew how important good pens were. She smiled warmly as she looked at the case, remembering the pens and pencils she had received in her first gift from her admirer…

Just then a pencil caught her eye and she froze; it couldn’t be… As if afraid it was just one of Trixx’s mirages that would evaporate when touched, she reached out slowly and picked it up. There in her hand was a Bosco pencil, exact matches to the ones she had received. Looking around the semi-busy walkway, she quickly gathered up the rest and ran down an empty hall to the supply closet she sometimes used to transform during an akuma attack. The designer knew these came as a matching set of ten and had thought it was odd that she only received five…assuming whomever the giver was that they may have kept the others. She didn’t blame them; these were expensive pencils! She pulled her own pink case out and extracted one of the Bosco pencils to compare it against.

The serial numbers matched.

Marinette gasped and fell to her knees on the floor of the closet, staring at the zippered pouch in shock. “This is…this is my admirer’s case.” She sat dumbfounded for a moment before springing back into action to search for any name that might give away their identity. However, even after emptying it of all further contents, there wasn’t a single thing with initials or contact information. The girl groaned in frustration before carefully replacing the contents and cleaning the dirt from the outside. “I’ll bring it to the office, perhaps they will report it missing to Lost & Found. They brought me back my sketchpad, it’s only fair to find a way to bring this back to them too.”

The designer opened the door and stepped back out into the hall, keeping the case snuggly held against her stomach like a precious artifact, then made her way towards the front office. As she approached, she caught a familiar voice drifting from the open doorway and into the hall, a voice that no longer held the same haughty tone but one filled with anxiety and concern.

“It’s all black with a zipper down the side. Contains several wood drawing pencils and pens which mean a lot to me. Felix Fathom, 01-XX-XX-XXXX. Did you get that?” He paused and she could hear the dulcet voice of their receptionist responding the affirmative. “Thank you. You’ll call me if you find it?” She didn’t wait to hear the answer, instead she ducked into a bathroom nearby and stared at the case as if it had grown legs.

‘Felix is my admirer…he gave me the gifts…this is his case…’ Her mind whirled as it connected the dots. All the times he had shown interest in her drawings and hobbies without calling attention to himself, the times they had bumped into each other in the library or the hallway, the pick-up lines and terms of endearment taking on a whole new meaning as she blushed… He had been there on the cusp of her periphery and paid more attention to her interests than she ever thought he might. And he sounded so worried about losing this case, which contained the matching ones to her set. Then a knowing grin crossed her face – the note cards! She recalled Adrien once mentioning that Felix’s father used to type all of his movie scripts on a typewriter. ‘He did all this…for me?’ Her heart swelled with warmth.

With a flash of brilliance, Marinette suddenly knew just how to finish her design!

But first, she needed to drop the pen pouch off at the front office.

~~

Marinette arrived early the next day and took her usual seat in the empty classroom, deciding to doodle as she waited for others to arrive. Well, one person in particular. Her nerves tingled with the impending confrontation. What if she was wrong? What if he did this as some sick joke? No. She and Tikki had talked through all those issues last night as she hand embroidered the lining with ladybugs flitting between Tudor Roses. It was folded and wrapped in her lap, covered by her jacket.

She heard the sound of his footfall in the hallway and held her breath, forcing her eyes to remain on the paper pad in front of her as she heard those footsteps falter at the doorway. Within a few moments, they restarted and walked up the aisle towards his desk before pausing next to hers. Marinette looked up and met his eyes, noticing he had already dropped his bookbag onto the ground next to his desk on the tier above hers. They were all alone, this was her chance!

“You’re here early, finally decided to be a good example, Miss Class Rep?” Damn him and that smirk!

“On the contrary, I had an important appointment to make this morning.” In one fluid movement she stood, unfolded the vest, and draped it around his shoulders like a cape before he could react.

His eyes widened as he looked down at the material swathed around his torso in awe, his eyes taking on a nervous shadow as they rose once again to her face, “You… How did…”

“You know what that’s made of don’t you?” Marinette’s voice took on a serious tone as if lecturing a student. Her fingers gently fiddled with an edge near his shoulder, pretending to assess the fabric before tucking it beneath his shirt collar. His eyes became searching, but he didn’t reply, his lips parted as if too stunned or unsure to answer.

The pigtailed girl leaned in close to his lips and whispered, “Boyfriend material.” Then closed the distance to seal it with a kiss.

~~~Author's Notes: Do I sound like I am an artist knowing these things? Because I'm not. I just research A LOT when I write. 😅

[the-weirdos-mind]

Profile Update: Cass Oak

Link to old profile if interested

Name: Runa Oak

Nicknames: Cass (by everyone), Coelacanth (by Floyd), Chevalier des Monstres (by Rook), Oak Tree (by Alastor)

Twisted from Dipper Pines

Age: 16

Height: 5’4

Species: Human

Homeland: Crystal Woods

Family:

A mother and father

Romeo Oak (Twin brother)

Cara Oak (Great Aunt)

Clara Oak (Great Aunt)

Dorm: Ramshackle

Best Subject: History of Magic

Class: 1-C

Club: Mountain Lovers Club

Pet Peeves: Being underestimated, not knowing the answer when trouble hits, people messing with her brother

Favorite Food: Energy Bars

Least Favorite Food: Lemons

Talent: Documenting

Background

Cass and Romeo were born in a town six hours north from Crystal Woods in the Kingdom of Heroes. Ever since they were young, the twins had a close bond as siblings. When they were twelve was when her parents sent her and her brother to Crystal Woods to live with their great aunt, Cara, who they had not seen in years for the summer. They were sent there as their parents were under the process of divorce and didn’t want the kids to overhear the situation. The twins were told that they were being sent so they can better hold their magic.

While in Crystal Woods, she discovered that monsters like gnomes, minotaurs, and other creatures existed thanks to a strange journal she found in the woods. She already knew the existence of ghosts, merpeople and beastmen but there were other creatures that had yet made their appearances known. She spent that summer documenting monsters and updating the entries that the author already left. One day, she discovered that she had another great aunt named Clara, who had been missing from Twisted Wonderland for years, due to a fight between the older Oaks sent her through a portal between worlds. She spent some time with Clara as both were interested in the supernatural.

The two older women spent the rest of the summer helping the twins get a better hold of their magic. While she was there, she worked in Cara’s tourist trap called the Cursed Home, an old house that she lived in and became the twin’s temporary home for their stays. Once they heard about the divorce they were crushed. They often called their great aunt’s when the fighting was too much, even after the divorce was finalized. They spent summer in Crystal Woods for a couple of years until she and Romeo ran away to the town, not wanting to be in the middle of their parents drama. Cara threatened to take them to court for being unfit parents unless they agreed to transfer custody of the twins to her.

Two more years after living with her great aunt’s, both she and her brother were surprised to see the ebony carriage in front of the Cursed Home’s door. After Romeo entered the carriage, it didn’t leave. The women were confused until Clara said that the carriage seemed to be waiting for Cass. Once Cass got in the carriage did it take off.

Personality

Cass is a very intelligent and mature girl. She uses her head to calmly solve problems, whether it’s homework or how to take down a monster. It’s useful in stressful situations but there are times when it backfires on her. Some of the students find her to be a know it all and pick on her for being nerdy. Her maturity also tends to backfire on her, as she tends to get in her own way at times and takes things way too seriously at times. When she gets like this, Romeo is there to pull her back to being a teenager. She hates when people treat her like a little kid and dismiss her because of her gender and intelligence.

She does tend to use her findings to her own gain at times. Though she did do wrong, she does what she can to set things right. There are times when she’s extremely paranoid. She has trust issues that sometimes fuel the paranoia and sometimes feel like she cannot fully trust anyone in Ramschackle other than her brother. Despite her issues she finds herself trusting her dormmates more as the year goes on.

Signature Spell

The Mystery’s Solved

This spell allows her to quickly figure out the solutions to problems whenever she can’t think of anything else. She can summon a book that has the solutions to her problem and uses the one she finds best. She can only use this spell once a day.

Trivia

Clara gave her a journal to document her findings in Crystal Woods and she brought it with her to NRC. She now documents the overblots, phantoms, Estella’s magic, Fanner’s arm, and the creatures that live in the woods at school.

She was ticked that she didn’t get to go STYX but the information she received from Fanner and Estella filled up many pages in her journal, making them even

She made friends with the then teenage cashier at the Cursed Home and even went to hangout with him and his friends with her brother. They’re all still good friends to this day and often text each other in a group chat

She flicks whatever she has in her hands, a pen, pencil, piece of hair, whatever in a circle when she’s deep in thought

She does have a criminal record that started when she, Romeo, and Cara spent the night in the county jail for thievery

She’s the resident IT girl in Ramshackle whenever the technology acts up

She has a birthmark on her forehead that looks like the Cassiopeia constellation, where her nickname comes from. She hates it as people have picked on her for it in the past and grew out bangs and wears a hat to hide her forehead

@adrianasunderworld @mangacupcake @writing-heiress @fair-night-starry-tears @queen-of-twisted @achy-boo @abyssthing198 @fiendishfan

[posttexasstressdisorder]

It was a delicious day, perfect temps for me to take a walk down to Oak street to drop my ballot in the armored steel box in front of City Hall, on Santa Clara, at 1:17pm, to be precise. Walked over to the next intersection, Central (my street), to Dan's.

Had not been in awhile. Everything just looked amazing as usual. I didn't get all that much, and sadly, berries were not cheap. I got a couple small things of raspberries, will have to get more at GroceOut.

The great thing about Dan's is that right near the front, they've got the bargain bin, which always has at least something to nab. For me, today, it was a bag of small red potatoes for 99 cents, and the same for a tub of cherry tomatoes.

Their greens were gorgeous, and I got a bunch of organic collards, for $2.49, which is a great price. What I've noticed here in Cali is that while they do stock collards, most stores will NOT have Mustard Greens. One of my fave things to cook is a combo of mustard greens and swiss chard. You have the sweet and the bitter and the combo goes well with just about any main dish, or add white cannelini beans to the greens and have a one-bowl meal. Make some cornbread.

So I'll be making those collards with some small white beans, which I've got on-hand dried, which is a great combo as well. Onions, garlic, if I could I'd add some Salt Pork, but with bacon being $10.99 for 12 ounces, and salt pork being unavailable, I'll opt for some good old Liquid Smoke, which I always try to keep in the cabinet.

Got another bunch of organic bananas, and a red onion as well, and everything came to just over $20, which wasn't bad. The collards, potatoes and cherry toms were the score of the visit.

Walked back up Central to the building and got back just about an hour after I left. All in all, a nice little excursion on foot. I'll probably be making the walk down to Dan's more often, now that i know they take the EBT.

I will say this: knowing I made the best informed decisions I could make, and knowing that I personally handed my ballot off to the correct authorities, I can rest a little easier about all this. No, my one single ballot may not "mean" that much, but I made my voice heard.

And to me, that's the best we can all hope for.

Fill out your ballot if you haven't already. Take it to a drop box, or a vote center (County has several!). Get it done. Do your Civic Duty.

You'll feel better for it.

[dandelionpixels]

doctor who hcs

favorite childrens books

ask: How about a Doctor Who headcanon for what each Doctor's favorite children's book is, and why they like it?

Nine: The Little Prince + Paddington

- The Little Prince. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly: what is essential is invisible to the eye” This one is self-explanatory, a boy traveling planet to planet, learning life lessons. Dude its HIM.

- Paddington is a big one. A little bear who had to leave everything he’s every known? Who found a second family? Nine shed real tears over that book.

Ten: Matilda + Curduroy

- Matilda. I don’t really have an explanation for this one, I just know it’s true. I also know he loves Ms. Honey and unbearable amount.

- Curduroy :’)). Ten sees himself in this book like nothing else. A lonely little bear who just wants a home and someone to love. ″This must be home,” he said. l know I’ve always wanted a home!”

Eleven: Goodnight Moon

- Goodnight moon. It really reminds him of Amy. Can’t stress enough that it’s their book. (Eleven bought her a copy one time, and wrote a message in the sleeve)

- Clifford and Curious George. One thing about 11 is that he will be obsessed with wacky animals. Curious george is honestly so entertaining to him and Clifford makes him want to cry in a good way.

Twelve: Where the Wild Things Are + The Giving Tree

- Where the wild things are. This picture is literally twelve btw. Like ohmygod he’s just a lonely little boy who wants a hot dinner and his mom and to play king.

- The giving tree. Lowkey his and Clara’s book. “And the tree was happy.” Augh he’s old and happy and tired and growing. He’s such an old oak tree y’know?

[adsu-shy]

The uncensored version of my Halsin x Clara illustration is OUT on Twitter ! Don't hesitate to follow me on X so you don't miss it and the futur's ones hehe !

Oak father preserves you !

[tiny-librarian]

Apart from the Astors, there were at least 6 sets of honeymooners in first class. Daniel Warner Marvin, aged nineteen, son of the owner of the Biograph Cinema Company, was returning to America with his bride, Mary Farquarson, aged eighteen. Lucien P. Smith, aged twenty-four, of Huntington, West Virginia, had recently married eighteen-year-old Mary Eloise Hughes: she bore his posthumous son in December 1912. Victor de Satode Penasco y Castellana, aged eighteen, from Madrid, was going to America with his new wife Maria Josefa Perez de Soto y Valleja, aged seventeen. John P. Snyder, aged twenty-three from Minneapolis, was returning from his European honeymoon with Nelle Stevenson, aged twenty-two. Dickinson Bishop, heir to the Rounf Oak Stove Company, had married in November 1911, and embarked at Cherbourg with his wife Helen after a tour of Mediterranean Europe and Egypt. One newly married couple were both verging on the age of fifty: Dr Henry (or Hyman) Frauenthal, with a high-domed baldness and fulsome black beard, had married in France, as recently as 26 March, Clara Heinsheimer from Cincinnati.

Titanic Lives - Richard Davenport-Hines

[umbrellaroleplaysstuff]

Clara stared at Oak and Cedar, the twins. Also know as the troublemakers. She sighs, “who would like to explain to me why I’m staring at to mud covered pups?”

Forest was nearby. He gave a chuckle until his mother gave him a look that said ‘you’re not helping’

Meanwhile Wren and Lief stood behind Forest. Also looking at their two brothers.

Oak was the first to speak "we were just playing mama" he looks at ceder and nods

[pupsmailbox]

WINTER ID PACK

NAMES︰ alaska. alba. alban. alina. amara. andri. aneira. angel. angelina. apricity. aquila. aquilo. arctic. aspen. aster. aurelian. aurora. ayden. balthasar. bane. beir. beira. beiron. bell. belle. bianca. blanc. blanca. blanch. blanche. blanchesse. blanchette. blaze. blizzard. blizzardette. blu. blue. borea. boreas. boris. brea. bree. bylur. carol. caspar. caspian. cedar. chione. chióni. chris. christina. christmas. clara. claudia. cloud. cloude. coco. cocoa. colden. cole. cozy. crimson. crystal. december. dew. dewdrop. dewey. dewy. diamond. douglas. edur. eira. eirlys. eirwan. eirwen. elitsa. ella. elowen. elsa. ember. emmanuel. emmanuelle. eryi eryi. estelle. euria. everest. everett. everette. evergreen. fannar. faye. fionn. fir. fjolla. flake. frediano. freeze. fritz. fros. frost. frostette. frostine. frosty. fuyu. fuyuko. gale. garland. ginger. glace. glacia. gloria. gwen. gwyneira. hail. hala. hazel. hika. holly. icario. ice. icee. icelyn. icicle. icidia. icie. iclyn. icy. iris. isarr. isbert. ivor. ivy. jack. jack.. jaki. january. janus. jasper. jolly. joseph. josephine. joy. juniper. kalt. kari. khione. kirsi. kit. ledi. ledia. loden. lucas. lucien. lucina. lumi. mafuyu. mafuyuko. mary. melchior. merry. mira. miyuki. natalia. natalie. natasha. nevada. neve. nicholas. nick. nieves. noel. noella. noelle. north. november. oak. oakley. olwen. orin. pepper. peppermint. perla. permafrost. pine. poinsettia. polar. polaris. quinlan. rain. raina. raine. rainer. reign. reyner. robin. rudolf. rudolph. rudy. sally. scarlett. scrooge. silvia. sioc. snow. snowdrop. snowe. snowesse. snowette. snowine. snowstorm. snowy. solstice. soren. spruce. star. stella. storm. stormy. talia. theron. tundra. vail. vega. viola. vixen. warrin. weiss. whittaker. whyte. willow. winny. winter. wren. wynn. wynter. wyntr. yuki. yukio. yule. yulia. yves. yvette. zane. zanna. zarina. zephyr.

PRONOUNS︰ arc/arctic. arctic/arctic. aura/aura. bleak/bleak. bli/bliz. bli/blizzard. bliz/blizzard. blizz/blizzard. blizzard/blizzard. blue/blue. chi/chill. chill/chill. chilly/chilly. christ/christmas. christ/mas. clou/cloud. cloud/cloud. co/cold. coat/coat. cold/cold. cool/cool. cri/cryst. cry/cryo. cry/crystal. crys/crystal. crystal/crystal. drip/drip. drop/drop. fir/fir. fla/flake. flake/flake. flu/flurry. flur/flurry. flurry/flurry. fre/freeze. freeze/freeze. frig/frigid. fro/frost. fros/frost. frost/bite. frost/frost. frostbite/frostbite. froze/frozen. gla/glace. glacier/glacier. glove/glove. hai/hail. hail/hail. hx/hxm. hy/hym. ice/ice. ice/icicle. icicle/icicle. it/it. ix/ix. mitten/mitten. rain/rain. rain/rainy. scarf/scarf. she/shiver. shiver/shiver. shx/hxr. shy/hyr. sky/sky. sle/sleet. slip/slippery. slush/slush. sno/snow. snow/flake. snow/snow. snow/snowflake. so/snow. sto/storm. storm/storm. storm/stormy. stormy/stormy. tha/thaw. thxy/thxm. thy/thym. tundra/tundra. water/water. wi/wint. wi/winter. win/ter. win/winter. winter/winter. ❄️. 🌌. 🌨. 🌨️. 🌲. 🐻‍❄️. 🗻. 🧊.

[kemetic-dreams]

Eartha Mary Magdalene (M.M.) White, a prominent African philanthropist and businesswoman from Jacksonville, Florida. Her life was truly remarkable and her legacy continues today through the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund.

Born in 1876, Eartha was the 13th child of two former slaves. She was adopted by Clara White, a woman who lived her life by helping others. In fact, Clara's favorite motto was,"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for all the people you can, while you can." Eartha embraced her mother's motto in her own life. She is pictured in the photo (standing) alongside her mother Clara.

In 1893, Eartha moved to New York City to avoid a yellow fever outbreak. There, she attended the National Conservatory of Music, which led to a job with the Oriental American Opera Company, which is known as the first black opera company in the country. Eartha sang soprano under the direction of J. Rosamond Johnson (brother of James Weldon Johnson), and traveled extensively with the company throughout the U.S. and Europe.

When she returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Eartha, inspired by her mother's motto, began a life of philanthropy that continues today, well after her death in 1974.

She gave back to her community in many ways, as a teacher for 16 years and as an entrepreneur. She owned a taxi cab service, a steam laundry business, an employment and housekeeping bureau, and became the first woman employed at the Afro-American Life Insurance company in Jacksonville. It is estimated that from her various entrepreneurial endeavors, she amassed a net worth in excess of $1 million dollars, most of it used to fund her philanthropic efforts.

Those efforts include the establishment of an orphanage for African-American children, a home for unwed mothers, a nursery for children of working mothers, a tuberculosis rest home, the Boys' Improvement Club (1904) that worked to prevent delinquency, and helping to establish Oak Park, the first public park for African Americans in Jacksonville. Among the most notable of her efforts was the establishment of the Clara White Mission for the Indigent. Named after her mother, the mission fed the needy, and provided a variety of supportive services to Jacksonville's black community, which still exists today as the Clara White Mission.

In 1902, Eartha along with her mother established a nursing home for elderly African Americans, that later became known as Eartha M.M. White Health Care, Inc. In 2005, the assets from the health care company was sold, enabling the Community Foundation of Jacksonville to establish the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund, with a 1.4 million dollar endowment. The fund also made history, being the first fund with 1 million dollars in origin for the African community in Jacksonville.

In 1970, Eartha received a volunteerism award and was appointed to the President's National Center for Voluntary Action by President Nixon. When asked how she would spend her award money, she answered,"I've already decided I want it to serve humanity. What would I do with it? Sit around the Plaza Hotel? I'm too busy."

[ihatemyselfbuttheatrekidsloveme]

You Love Who You Love (Clyde Barrow x fem!OC) 18+

Summary - Clara and Clyde leave the woods and go to her house, Ted comes to her house and Clyde runs out the window, Clara doesn't know until she finds a note left by Clyde.

Warnings - Swearing, nicknames, mentions of slapping.

word count - 988

pt.3

——————���� ——————

The car pulled up outside of Clara's house and they walked to the door, both entangled in a passionate kiss. Clara quickly unlocked the door and kicked it closed as they walked inside.

Clyde's hands were on her waist as they walked towards the couch.

"Clara?" Clara's mother, Elizabeth, called. "Is that you?"

"Your mama's home? Why didn't you tell me she was home?" Clyde whispered.

"I'm sorry, I thought she was asleep." Clara whispered back. "Um, yeah mama it's me." Clara called back and her mother's footsteps got louder as she walked down the hall.

"What on earth are you doing up a-," Elizabeth started and stopped. "Who's this?"

"Mama, this is Clyde Barrow, he's a cousin of Louisa's."

"Pleasure to meet ya, Mrs Odell." He took his fedora off, holding it to his chest and offering his hand.

"Why is he here?" Elizabeth looked at Clara.

"He's passing through on his way to Ohio, for a job in uh, in printing." Clara said and Clyde looked at her confused.

"Not many men have jobs these days."

"Yes ma'am."

"You should feel lucky."

"I do ma'am, believe me, I do." He smiled and held Clara's hand.

"There's an extra sheet in the closet, you can stay on the sofa. I'm sorry there's no blankets or pillows." She said to Clyde.

"That's quite alright ma'am." Clyde smiled

"I'll be expecting you in bed shortly, Clara."

"Yes mama."

"Almost immediately."

"I get it mama." Clara said and Elizabeth left. "I'm sorry about her." Clara apologised.

"It's fine, sugar." Clyde smiled.

Clara grabbed the sheet and put it on the couch, before the door knocked. Clyde hid behind the sofa while Clara got the door.

"Ted? What are you doing here?"

"Following some leads on a case, two men broke out of prison, just wanted to make sure you and your mama are safe." Ted said.

"Well thanks Ted, I gotta get to bed."

Ted stepped inside despite Clara's excuses, Clara prayed he wouldn't find Clyde but when she looked behind the couch, discreetly, Clyde wasn't there, just a piece of paper. Clara folded up the paper and held it in her hand before turning back to Ted.

"I haven't been here since your grandma's funeral." Ted said. "That was the first time I'd ever seen a dead body."

"Me too... I hated seeing her like that." She said.

"I remember we both hid in the backyard.."

"Eating a slice of apple pie."

"Yeah, and playing cards." Ted laughed softly and so did Clara. He cleared his throat and turned to her. "So, I'll pick you up Saturday?"

"Um, Ted-."

"And keep this door locked, okay?" Ted smiled and walked to the door, walking out.

Clara let out a big sigh and opened the piece of paper in her hand.

It was Clyde's handwriting. 'Meet me tomorrow morning, eight o'clock. 145 Oak Grove in Harrison, whistle or throw something at the second floor window on the corner.'

When Clara woke up she put a dress on and got in her car to drive to the house where Clyde told her to meet.

She stood on the street and whistled, seeing Clyde's face in the window with a wide grin and he rushed down to her.

"Hey, sugar." He smiled and kissed her. "You came."

"Of course I did." Clara smiled. "Where did you go last night? You left without saying anything."

"I had to get out of there, not with the laws bein' there."

"The laws? Oh, Ted? He's harmless."

"Harmless to you, he won't be the same to me, I'm a wanted man."

"You are?"

"You didn't see the newspaper headlines?"

"Yeah I did, I'm just teasing." She smirked.

"You're cruel sugar." He put his hands on her waist. "C'mon, there's people I want ya to meet."

Clyde took her hand and they walked to Blanche and Buck's apartment.

"Clara, this is my brother, Buck Barrow." He said.

"Pleasure to meet you." She shook Buck's hand.

"Buck, this is Clara Odell." Clyde said.

"Nice to meet you." Buck shook her hand.

Clyde put his hand on Clara's waist and turned her to kiss her.

Blanche, Buck's wife, cleared her throat loudly and Clyde pulled away, letting out a groan. "And this is my sister-in-law, Blanche."

"Pleasure." Blanche said.

"All mine." Clara smiled.

Clyde and Buck talked and Blanche sat on the arm of a chair. "Buck. Buck. BUCK!"

"What is your problem, woman?" Clyde asked and Clara stood with her arms wrapped around Clyde's waist.

"Tell him." Blanche said.

"Tell me what?" Clyde asked.

"Well, um, I, I'm um, I'm going back to pri..son." Buck said, not saying the last part loud enough.

"What was that? It sounded like you said.."

"Buck's going back to finish his sentence, if you had any sense you'd do the same." Blanche interrupted Clyde.

"Buck, is what she's sayin' true?" Clyde looked at Buck.

"Blanche decided." He started but Blanche shot him a look. "And me- both of us- decided that the best thing would be for me to go back and finish my sentence, wipe the slate clean."

Clyde scoffed and took Clara's hand. "Lets go sugar."

"Maybe you should go back too baby."

"Goin' back ain't an option, Clyde Barrow ain't ever settin' foot in a prison again."

"Well then maybe we can go somewhere else, we want to leave West Dallas anyway. You could find a job, start fresh. I want you to be a man, honey, not a thug." Clara said and Clyde slapped her in the face, causing her to fall down slightly.

"Don't you ever talk to me that way again, sugar." He said, pointing his finger at her with a growl in his voice.

Clara got back on her feet and slapped Clyde in the face. "Don't ever, raise a hand to me, baby." She said, her voice breaking slightly and walking out to her car.

[straightbaittournament]

📣 round 1 results

i will be posting results in reverse chronological order. unless some of them are slightly out of order then i never said that. they are as follows:

tobias funke and debrie bardeux vs SAM WINCHESTER AND EILEEN LEAHY

valkyrie and thor vs ALEXA, LIANA, JEREMY, AND IAN

grace blackthorn and christopher lightwood vs ANGEL AND CORDELIA CHASE

entrapta and hordak vs BUFFY AND SPIKE

SYLVIA AND WILL vs spada and raptor 283

kaname date and hitomi sagan vs JEAN-LUC PICARD AND DOCTOR BEVERLY CRUSHER

sosuke esumi and miu suto vs NOREA DU NOC AND EL5N

shin and noi vs NATHALIE SANCOEUR AND GABRIEL AGRESTE

jason grace and piper mclean vs PEGGY CARTER AND DANIEL SOUSA

BRIENNE OF TARTH AND JAIME LANNISTER vs merlin and morgana

livvy blackthorn and kit herondale vs TIM DRAKE AND STEPHANIE BROWN

bellamy blake and clarke griffin vs KATHRYN JANEWAY AND CHAKOTAY

sam winchester and rowena macleod vs SELINA KYLE AND BRUCE WAYNE

the twelfth doctor and missy vs ROMAN ROY AND GERRI KELLMAN

ted lasso and rebecca welton vs LUKE SKYWALKER AND LEIA ORGANA

KIPO OAK AND BENSON MEKLER vs chrissie cunningham and eddie munson

AVA SILVA AND MICHAEL SALVIUS vs nina zenik and matthias helvar

matthew and mary crawley vs WILLOW PARK AND HUNTER

ASH KETCHUM AND MISTY vs hikaru hitachiin and haruhi fujioka

ALEC HARDY AND ELLIE MILLER vs oscar francois de jarjayes and andre grenadier

EVA GARVEY AND GABRIEL vs tyler rake and nik khan

tatiana slozhno and curt mega vs ASAMI, BOLIN, KORRA, AND MAKO (originally just mako, korra, and asami; mod decided to change it to all four)

FOX MULDER AND DANA SCULLY vs clara oswald and the twelfth doctor

robin buckley and steve harrington vs ROY MUSTANG AND RIZA HAWKEYE

cali and flynn vs AKKO AND ANDREW

edward elric and winry rockbell vs MAKA ALBARN AND SOUL EVANS

keiichi maebara and rena ryugu vs HARDWON SUREFOOT AND MOONSHINE CYBIN

bow and glimmer vs GALO AND AINA

asuka tenjoin and yuki judai vs MAKO MORI AND RALEIGH BECKET

JEFF WINGER AND BRITTA PERRY vs izuku midoriya and ochako uraraka

himmel and frieren vs ABBIE MILLS AND ICHABOD CRANE

and last but not least:

KUROSAKI ICHIGO AND KUCHIKI RUKIA vs lisa cuddy and gregory house

once again i am so so fucking sorry for how i matched up the contestants except i'm also not because it was very funny, even though twelveclara and twissy both getting eliminated in round 1 will be my roman empire.

A FINAL AUF BREEDERSEHEN TO...

TOBIAS FUNKE AND DEBRIE BARDEUX

VALKYRIE AND THOR

GRACE BLACKTHORN AND CHRISTOPHER LIGHTWOOD

ENTRAPTA AND HORDAK

SPADA AND RAPTOR 283

KANAME DATE AND HITOMI SAGAN

MIU SUTO AND SOSUKE ESUMI

SHIN AND NOI

JASON GRACE AND PIPER MCLEAN

MERLIN AND MORGANA

LIVVY BLACKTHORN AND KIT HERONDALE

BELLAMY BLAKE AND CLARKE GRIFFIN

SAM WINCHESTER AND ROWENA MACLEOD

THE TWELFTH DOCTOR AND MISSY

TED LASSO AND REBECCA WELTON

CHRISSIE CUNNINGHAM AND EDDIE MUNSON

NINA ZENIK AND MATTHIAS HELVAR

MATTHEW AND MARY CRAWLEY

HIKARU HITACHIIN AND HARUHI FUJIOKA

OSCAR FRANCOIS DE JARJAYES AND ANDRE GRENADIER

TYLER RAKE AND NIK KHAN

TATIANA SLOZHNO AND CURT MEGA

CLARA OSWALD AND THE TWELFTH DOCTOR

ROBIN BUCKLEY AND STEVE HARRINGTON

CALI AND FLYNN

EDWARD ELRIC AND WINRY ROCKBELL

KEIICHI MAEBARA AND RENA RYUGU

BOW AND GLIMMER

ASUKA TENJOIN AND YUKI JUDAI

IZUKU MIDORIYA AND OCHAKO URARAKA

HIMMEL AND FRIEREN

LISA CUDDY AND GREGORY HOUSE

my deepest condolences to the fallen and congratustraightions to all the winners <3 straight you soon, see you baiter, etc etc. rejoice! round 2 is imminent. if YOU want me to publicly endorse your straightbait candidate (translation: draw propaganda for you) follow the instructions here

as always, if you have any questions about the definition of straightbait within this tournament,

read the FAQ

and as a final notice, we will be taking a short hiatus from all tourney/poll activity from the 16th-the 22nd aka the entirety of next week starting sunday, in observance of the strike for gaza and to give me some time to set up round 2. for more ways to participate click here. i know that the uscpr also tends to have lists of local protests by location on their site. and here is a post about writing letters to the editor