#elections r making me anxious

[eph3merall]

"ill try not to starve myself, just because you're mad at me" hit a lil teww close to home ...

[literateowl]

I have an idea and a question!

The idea: I'm thinking about doing ficlets or terrible doodles or something for people who show me they're registered to vote or send me a pic of their sticker on election day. Kind of a voting celebration and extra fun for doing your civic duty.

The question: The only thing is do other countries do something for you as proof like the sticker? I know some countries already had elections this year too. Voting is important everywhere so I don't want to make this just US citizen based if I don't have to

Anyway, people in other countries please let me know!

[heyiwrotesomethings]

lady nagant x female reader

lady killed a target and got spotted by R who instead of calling for help starting clapping and smirking 😏. When the cops asked her who did it she just said she didn't know anyone that wOulD dO sUcH a tHiNg

then nagant tracked R down and broke into her house to ask about her actions.

friends who became lOveRs hehe byee

The Victims of Heroes

Kaina Tsutsumi (Lady Nagant) x She/Her Reader

A/N: Thank you for the excuse to try to write for Lady Nagant again. I tried two other times and both turned out bad, so I’m glad I’m finally getting a fic out for her. Warning: Brief allusion to reader’s father attempting s*icide because of the work the Hero Commission made him do. Word Count: 2,134

Kaina had to take the shot.

A very influential Hero Commission sponsored politician was running for governor of the Greater Tokyo Area. Though not public information, his plans would include creating a special task force to search for more children with outstanding quirks to begin their hero training at a criminally early age.

Kaina couldn’t allow that to happen, to have those poor, starry-eyed children’s hands be covered in blood like her own. It was difficult to move freely after killing that Hero Commission Chairman a few months ago, but she would do what had to be done.

Heroes were vigilant, searching for her to lock her up for her traitorous crime, and with the politician’s election campaign gaining traction, his security only grew tighter. Kaina became more anxious as Election Day closed in, but as fate would have it, she found her opening late one night when the self-proclaimed ‘family man’ snuck out for the company of someone other than his wife.

She watched him trail a woman on the street and when he caught up to her, he flashed her an obscene amount of cash. Kaina waited for the woman to pocket the money at least. Perhaps she could afford a therapist with it, she mused, before aiming her rifle at the man and taking the shot.

No wind, no obstacles, no moving target, she might as well have had shot him at point blank instead of the roof of a nearby convenience store. He fell into the gutter like a sack of potatoes.

Kaina expected the woman to scream, but she seemed eerily calm. She blinked, then looked up, somehow spotting Kaina right away. She was no average citizen to parse out the trajectory of a bullet that quickly. Kaina stood frozen as the woman sent her a smile accompanying with a little wave then a light golf-clap.

“You might want to make yourself scarce, Lady Nagant.” She called out, though her voice did not carry too far, “I’m going to need to put on a show here, you understand.”

Kaina slowly backed away from the edge of the roof and as the woman fell away from her line of sight, she heard a scream.

“Oh my god! Someone help! Call 119!”

Too curious for her own good, Kaina hopped a few rooftops down to continue to watch the show. She observed the once nearly empty street roar to life as police cars, ambulances and nosey neighbors flooded the street with light and sound.

“My god, it’s governor candidate Sato!” A police man gasped, “Ma’am, did you see this happen? Did you see anyone suspicious?”

The woman continued to sob as she spoke, “I-I just needed a few things at the convenience store and— and he was laying there when I came out! I just, I don’t know why anyone would do such a awful thing!” She wailed.

Kaina watched on as the officer tried to comfort the woman, her mind filled with questions. Why was this woman helping her get away with murder? They would know it was her soon enough once they found her signature bullet lodged in the politician’s head, but with this woman’s show of hysterics, the police and emergency personnel were all scatterbrained and not following any protocols.

“Let’s get you out of here ma’am. Can I drive you home?” The police officer asked.

The woman shook her head, “I live in that apartment building right there, but if you could walk me in, I would be so thankful. I’ve never been more frightened in my life.”

Kaina watched the officer lead the woman inside before making herself scarce until the chaos winded down in the early hours of the morning. She wanted answers.

It took a little snooping into the apartment records to find the right number, but she found it and climbed a couple stories up to the woman’s balcony and slipped through her unlocked sliding glass door, flinching when a lamp clicked on as soon as she slid the door behind her.

“I was starting to think you wouldn’t come.” The woman yawned, leaning further back into her cozy chair, crossing one leg over the other.

“Who are you?” Kaina demanded, “Why didn’t you tell them what really happened?”

“My name is (L/n) (Y/n),” she decided to uncross her legs and stand up for a more proper introduction, “And I didn’t give you away, because I believe you did the right thing.”

Kaina was skeptical. All the news stations could talk about was how much of a traitor she was. The Commission paid through the nose to leave no doubt in the public’s mind that she was the enemy, so how did (Y/n) come to that conclusion?

“My father was recruited by the commission when he was five years old. He did the same kind of work for them that you did, wiping out troublesome undesirables. It really messed with his head. Except, instead of taking it out on the people who raised him to do those things, he took it out on himself. I’ll never forgive the Hero Commission for what they did to him.”

“I’m sorry.” Kaina rubbed the back of her neck. That would explain it, wouldn’t it? No one truly understood the horrors of working for the Hero Commission unless they were in the trenches or reaching out to the people within.

“You have nothing to be sorry about. He survived, he’s just not all there anymore. Probably for the best, I think he’s happier this way. He smiles when I get to visit him in the hospital anyway. But that’s not what I wanted to say, I wanted to thank you. The chairman you killed a few months ago, he was the one who gave my father the ultimatum that broke him completely. You gave our family justice.”

“I’m not so heroic.” Kaina looked out to the balcony, “It’s not like I knew I was doing you any favors.���

“Justice is justice.” (Y/n) shrugged, “Anyway, I imagine being on the lamb while you do all this vigilante work has been wearing you down. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like. Visit whenever you want. Food, shower, a bed, someone to talk to, whatever you need I want to provide it for you.”

“I can’t. That’s too much.”

“Come on, Lady Nagant, where else do you have to go?” (Y/n) held out a hand to her, “Stay.”

It would be nice, wouldn’t it? Kaina had been living on the streets. No apartment and no money because she couldn’t risk the heroes finding her. She often toyed with the idea of letting herself get caught just so she could have a place to sleep. She often wondered if she had made the right decision, and now with (Y/n) standing before her, hand outstretched and offering her home to her, it was hard to think that she had ever been wrong.

“Call Me Kaina,” she said, accepting (Y/n)’s hand.

***

“Yes!” (Y/n) jumped up from her seat as the somber newscaster reported on the list of inmates who had escaped during the Tartarus Prison Siege.

There were many troubling names that preceded and followed the name she had been desperate to hear, but she hardly cared. As long as Kaina had escaped, that’s all she needed to know.

Years had passed since Kaina had been caught. She had been fed false information and went out to take care of another Commission figurehead, but it had been a trap. (Y/n) had been devastated when she saw the news. Kaina had wanted to tell her something when she got back… (Y/n) had never gotten to hear it.

When Kaina had been locked away, (Y/n) wrote her letters. It wasn’t a crime to write a letter to a criminal after all. People wrote love letters to serial killers for god’s sake. She didn’t write anything about their time together because she knew the mail would always be read by someone else before it would reach Kaina’s hands. She didn’t even use her real name when signing the letter, but she did hide a code within the words that she prayed Kaina would see through. She did.

(Y/n) had tried to get her to tell her what she had wanted to tell her that night she got caught, but Kaina was stubbornly tight-lipped, saying it was only something she wanted to say if they could meet face to face again.

While everyone else in the city was battening down the hatches, (Y/n) was making sure her balcony door was unlocked, waiting for Kaina’s return. She had accidentally fallen asleep while she waited, but was awoken by a few thumps and bumps.

“(Y/n), (Y/n), are you home?”

Oh, how long she had dreamed to hear her voice again.

“Kaina!” (Y/n) stumbled to her feet and threw herself at Kaina, arms and legs wrapping completely around her.

Kaina held her weight easily, wrapping her arms tightly around her.

“I missed you so much.” She murmured.

“I missed you too,” (Y/n) withdrew her head from Kaina’s neck and took a minute to really look at her. She ran her fingers through Kaina’s hair, noticeably shorter since they last saw each other, “I love the hair.”

“Thanks,” Kaina chuckled, then a more serious look came over her face, “Hey, um, I know this is kind of sudden since I just got here but, I really want to tell you something that’s been eating at me forever and I got a, uh, a ‘friend’ waiting outside that really shouldn’t be left alone for too long, but I wanted to tell you without any distractions.”

“Kaina, I’ve been waiting for this for years, I think we’ve waited long enough, don’t you?”

“You’re right,” Kaina sat (Y/n) down on the counter, “wait here a second… You didn’t deep clean the apartment at any point, did you?”

“What a riveting question,” (Y/n) teased, “but no, I haven’t. Thanks for exposing me.”

“Oh, you’re fine, it’s just us.” Kaina smiled, reaching up into the far back of the highest shelf and something weakly banged on the balcony door, “Ignore that, please.”

(Y/n) shook her head in disbelief, but did as she was told. Kaina worked her way back around the counter with something behind her back and came to a stop in front of (Y/n).

“What I have behind my back was a supposed to be a part two a ways down the line after I got to say what I initially wanted to say, but I’m so, so tired of waiting. (Y/n), you’re my best friend, my confidant, my home, the worst torture in that prison was not getting to hear your voice or see your face. God, what I wouldn’t have given just to smell your shampoo. I love you, and maybe I misstranslated some code, but I feel pretty confident you feel the same way.”

(Y/n) chuckled and nodded, using her legs to pull Kaina in closer to the counter, waiting impatiently for the other shoe to drop.

“I uh, don’t think we could get away with a real wedding, but will you take this ring and be my wife? Even if it’s not exactly a legal union?”

“Yes, Kaina, you sweet, beautiful woman, I’ll be your covert wife. I love you too.”

(Y/n)’s hands snuck back into Kaina’s hair, grasping at the root before pulling her in for a kiss that was long overdue.

“Should we make our way to the honeymoon?” (Y/n) breathed, when Kaina finally gave her enough space to catch her breath. Kaina winced.

“Yeah, probably gonna need a rain check on that.” She looked to the balcony door, so (Y/n) peered over too, seeing the distressed young man sitting out there for the first time. “The poor guy isn’t right. It didn’t feel right leaving him to fend for himself, so I took him with me. Is that alright?”

“Of course, let him in.”

Kaina slid the door open and Kai slowly shuffled in.

“Where’s pops?” He hiccuped, looking around the room hopefully.

“I told you, I don’t know your pops,” Kaina gently reminded, “But we’ll help you find him when it’s safe, okay?”

“Pops… I’m sorry.”

“Here, come sit.” (Y/n) lead him to the couch and helped ease him down. “Let’s make everyone a little something good to eat, hm? I’m sure you’re both tired of prison food.”

“You’re too good to me.” Kaina smiled, putting a cartoon on for Kai in hopes that it would keep him distracted while they worked in the kitchen.

“Well after you just proposed to me so nicely and kissed me so wonderfully it’s the least I can do.” (Y/n) winked, earning her another breath stealing kiss behind the wall of the kitchen nook.

[sirthisisa-wendys]

Are you comfortable writing doctor( the character as the doctor) x reader nsfw stuff?( it’s medical play basically) It’s okay if you’re not comfortable, i respect the right to accept or deny requests as per your thoughts on this topic. And if you do write for it then can you do it for ran it benkei?

YES I AM COMFY WITH THIS... hopefully I did this right? It's hella long for each one, but the plot unfolds and is worth it!

The Doctor Will See You Now: Ran Haitani / Keizo Arashi x Fem!Reader

wc: 1.8k

tw: nsfw

masterlist

Ran Haitani - The Plastic Surgeon

"You want a breast reduction?"

You clutch your hands in your lap and nod, looking at the handsome, short-haired medical professional across you. His white coat proclaims "R. Haitani" in a purple serif font that matches his hair color, but you're not amused by that. You've seen his Instagram; this is the least of your concerns. If you could even call them that.

"Why?" He taps his pen against his cheek, and you sigh, clenching your jaw. "Let me guess. Your lover said something about them being 'too big.'" You look up and catch his eyes, a knowing look lingering behind them. "I've been in this business for almost a decade. I know a forced surgery when I see one." Ran stands and adjusts his lab coat before beginning his trek over to you. He sits on the edge of the desk and faces you, his eyes roaming up and down your physique.

"Let me see them."

Your lips part in shock, but Ran remains still, the pen in his hand now tapping against his thigh. "Go on. Take your top off."

"It's a dress," you murmur, standing to your feet shakily and unlacing it from behind. The dress falls open, and for a moment, you consider unhooking your bra.

"I'll help you." Ran walks around to unhook your bra, his fingers warm against your cold skin. The bra falls to the ground soundlessly, and you stand in the middle of the surgeon's office, bare except for your underwear. The plastic surgeon returns to look at each breast, taking your right one in his hand and cupping it lightly. You shiver at his touch, and your nipples perk up, showing off your obvious arousal. "You don't want a reduction, do you?"

"Not really," you admit, looking down at your feet.

"Then I can't perform surgery on you. It's an elective surgery, so I can't do it without your desire unless your quality of life will be impaired."

"But my boyfri--" Ran frowns, searching your face again.

"Is he in the waiting room?" You nod silently, looking the surgeon in his eyes. "I'd like him to come and speak with me. Will you go get him?"

"What will you tell him?" you wonder, redressing reluctantly.

"I'll tell him what he needs to hear. It's only right." You get your boyfriend and usher him into Ran's office, trying not to seem anxious.

"I just wanted to talk with you about care since you're her boyfriend," Ran offers politely, motioning toward a seat across from his desk. "Do you two live together?"

"Not yet," your boyfriend answers. "We'll be getting a house soon, though."

"With your money or her money?" Your boyfriend's eyes flash, but ran holds up his hands. "I'm just trying to determine who the primary payer will be for this operation."

"Her money," the man answers glibly. "She makes a ton of money with her new job." Ran nods, placing his chin on his laced-together fingers.

"Will you be able to care for her for up to four weeks post-op?"

"Like, round-the-clock care?" Ran nods slowly. "I... I have things to do, you know. Might have to hire someone." The doctor gets up from his seat and walks over to your boyfriend, just like he did to you before, sitting on the edge of his desk. But this time, he doesn't have a pen in his hands.

"You're willing to pay out of pocket for a nurse?" Before your boyfriend can answer, Ran grabs him by his shirt front, glaring at him while he hisses, "With your money?" Your boyfriend stammers a shoddy response, to which Ran responds by backing him against the office door.

"Give me her keys."

"W-what?" Slap.

"Her keys, you leech!" Shaking fingers produce your car keys, your apartment keys, and a single mailbox key. "Tell her 'thank you' for putting up with your bullshit." Your boyfriend glances at you, a plea to help him hidden behind his eyes, but you just stare at him wide-eyed.

"Say it!"

"T-thank you for putting up with my b-bullshit, y/n!"

"Tell her you'll never bother her again!"

"I'll-I'll never bother you again!"

Ran lets the man go, then returns to his desk after handing you your keys. "I'll have the front desk call you an Uber back to your place. Now get the fuck out of my sight."

"I'll... I'll sue you for this," the man barks, shaking furiously against the wall.

"Who would believe you?" With those four words, your now ex-boyfriend scrambles out of the room and leaves the two of you alone. Ran sighs loudly, pressing his fingers to his temples. "His breath reeked of booze."

"Thanks," you whisper meekly. "No one's ever--"

"Think nothing of it." Ran slides you his card, suddenly recovered from his headache. "Call me sometime. I'd love to take you out now that you're single."

You think the desk is comfortable with your legs wrapped around your white knight. "S-sorry," Ran mutters in your ear, his hips stuttering as his desk shakes. "Couldn't wait until the end of the day."

"Wanted me so bad, huh?" Ran licks down your chest, stopping to appreciate your breasts with little kisses and hickies left over your flesh. "We had dinner planned--"

"I'll have to reschedule the reservation..." Ran's eyes glance at the clock but then return to your face. "No harm, no foul, eh?"

"Just keep fucking me," you urge him, feeling his cock twitch inside you when you clench around him. "Feels so damn good."

"Glad you didn't get that breast reduction," Ran hisses, nuzzling one of them carefully. "They're so divine. Like pillows." He places your nipple between his lips, swirling his tongue over it while sucking as hard as possible. "And so sensitive..." As if to demonstrate, Ran lightly bites the nipple before licking it to ease the pain. "You're a fucking goddess."

Keizo Arashi - The General Surgeon

"Well, if it isn't my frequent flyer," Keizo Arashi muses, flipping the charts in his hand. "What brings you in here this time, missy?"

"Got a little cut here," you admit, showing the buff man your hand.

"Looks like you need some stitches," he answers, turning your hand to and fro. "How'd you get this one?"

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you." Keizo chuckles, shaking his head and writing the injuries down on the papers before turning around.

"I'll be right back. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

"No promises!" you yell after him, smirking. Being the town's local idiot wasn't so bad. You think about all the times you've stumbled into Keizo's domain with a flesh wound, only for him to sew you up and send you back into the world with an admonishment or playful remark about your tool handling.

"You need to invest in better gloves," Keizo murmurs as he wanders back into the room, holding his suture kit with both hands. All these years, you'd wondered how the giant man had such dexterity with a needle, but your question had been answered simply with "he just does." "Or invest in less dangerous glass."

"Hey," you counter, holding your uninjured hand up. "I didn't hurt both this time."

"Glad for it," Keizo quips, looking at your injured hand and holding it in his palm. "I would hate to be the one that has to wipe your ass."

"You're an asshole. You don't even come by to see what I make with my hands."

"I don't like seeing trash, is all." He applies some antiseptic, which makes you hiss. "Lords knows what you do with your hands all day."

"I'll show you what I can do with my hands," you snap. Keizo looks up at you with his ice-blue eyes and smirks.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Not like that." But you're not so sure. Keizo takes the needle out, and you turn away, trying not to pale. It's no secret that you two flirt non-stop when you're in the same area. It's been a thing for years but has yet to come to fruition. Not into a full-fledged relationship, at least.

"Still afraid of needles..." He chuckles as you tense up, squeezing your eyes shut. "You'd think after being her two-hundred-and-one out of the three-hundred-and-sixty-five days of the year, you'd get over your fear."

"Exposure therapy doesn't work on me."

"Obviously." The silence grows as Keizo continues his sewing. You're thankful you can't feel it, but part of you wants to glance at your wound anyway. "Done." You look at your hand and see it's been sewn up neatly. "Won't leave a jagged scar or anything. Now let me bandage it up and get you out of here."

"How many days until I can--"

"Not until you get those stitches out."

"But I have--"

"And I have other non-repeat offenders in my lobby. But here we are."

"Kei." The sound of his nickname makes him pause as he washes his hands. "You'll come by to help me, won't you?"

"Stained glass isn't my thing anymore, y/n." You pout as he turns around, wiping his hands with a paper towel. Keizo sighs, tossing the paper into the trashcan before putting his hands in the pockets of his mint green scrubs. "I'll come by on the weekends. But you owe me."

"Yay!" You hop down from the gurney and place your arms around him before kissing his cheek. "You're the best surgeon around."

"The only surgeon around."

"Mind if I repay you right now?" Keizo's eyes flick from the open door to you, and he exhales sharply, a smile tugging at his lips.

"What're you thinking?"

"Close the door. Let me do the honors of helping you... relax."

"No hands."

"Scout's honor." Keizo closes and locks the door before leaning against it and cooking his finger at you. He fishes his cock out from his pants and fists it, showing off his erection. You get on your knees and lick up the base of his cock, following the sound of his sighs and moans while you lick the tip repeatedly.

"That's my girl..." Keizo leans back and places a hand on your head, guiding you as you suck his cock. "So good at this. Why'd we ever stop?"

"Med school," you answer with a mouthful of his dick. Keizo grunts, lacing his fingers through your hair.

"Damn." You finally manage to get most of his cock down your throat when he grabs your head with both hands and begins to fuck your face. Saliva coats his dick liberally, and you feel tears leak out of your eyes, each one running down your pretty face. Keizo looks down at you and pants softly, listening to your gagging noise with pleasure. "Should've been a dentist so I can say I'm giving you an oral exam, huh?"

[emblazons]

Honesty Hour: I am literally never going to understand “Duffer doubt” or full abject disappointment in them as show runners…and it’s because their story makes sense.

Like. The fear for queer rep thing I understand completely, but so far, even with how little I resonated with S3 or S4-2 at first…they are solid writers with a sense of both direction and their audience, and I have no core issues with what they’ve presented.

Forewarning: pettiness, byler doubt (only mentions for context) & potential elitism idk (it’s also a little long lmao)

This idea The Duffers are gonna drop every single thing they’ve set up from the get go to accommodate the most surface level, least in-character storyline “because heteronormativity” is absolutely insane to me. The idea that, after setting up FOUR SEASONS of buildup, they’re going to kill off the primary protagonist of S1 and drop every single character lesson / core narrative to shove the YOUNGEST CHARACTERS in the gd show into a Disney fantasy marriage is crazy. I literally don’t even know how to imagine them doing that—not because it has never happened in a show, but because hearing them talk about ST makes it clear it’s BEEN mapped from the get, and they have explained clearly why certain things went the way they did in their own way.

Noah got cast on a monologue from a second season before they even have a confirmation of its existence, and character traits we are just pulling on now in characters like Mike (his insecurity especially) are written CLEAR AS DAY in the PITCH OF THE SHOW. Every single sign people on THIS LITERAL APP have pointed to for Y E A R S before S4 that Will was gay turned out to be right, and there has been, from the very first moment Netflix picked this thing up, a 25 page document where they broke down the UD lore.

Where on literal earth are people getting that they have no idea what they’re doing? Or that the lore people point to as foreshadowing is gonna get thrown out the window in the final season of the show? I get being nervous or anxious that your favorite character might not get all the time you want, or even being afraid that they won’t dig into all the things you want personally, but…the idea that two self-proclaimed film boys who were as into their inspirations as we are their show are going to undermine their own narrative integrity to pull a 180 on every theme they’ve set up from the get go and start killing off characters who are front and center in the “we tell the stories of the outcasts as a fuck you to the people who make media we think sucks” narrative? I’m gonna need you to be serious.

As a long time fan and fandom consumer of television, and someone who had to live through being invested in Game of Thrones, I am saying with my whole chest that the doubt is entirely emotional rather than based on anything objective that the duffers have said or done.

They’re not D&D from GoT, who were great ADAPTORS but who just started winging it because they didn’t have completed source material from GRRM. They aren’t the Voltron writers who had a good premise but mixed it all up because of firing their best writers and then caving to fandom nonsense. They aren’t the supernatural writers, or the Sherlock writers who set up an ongoing joke without the follow through people expected. They are the Duffers. And while their writing style is nothing like what I would do, they are telling a story that I can follow and respect until proven otherwise.

All this talk about “mistakes” and the like, even with queer rep. Like??? They released this show in 2016, and the last several years in its country of origin have been absolutely steeped in a horrifying level of bigotry both sociopolitically and in media. Stranger Things was released the same year Tr*mp was elected, and still managed to stand in abject criticism of every value on display in American conservatism ever since.

The push and pull of what was “allowed” in media because of the cultural insanity & bigotry that moved to center stage in the United States makes it clear why they didn’t bring their queer storyline to the fore at first glance and just put it in the subtext—to tell the story without being undermined by the “two seasons and cancelled” era of Netflix before it got huge (because, as we all know, Netflix and cancelling shows is a huge problem for many writers to this literal day) and to keep the bigots on main from noticing it until the train was too fast to stop. That’s what we’re dealing with now—a lot of people yelling loudly on places like Reddit, expecting to be consoled in in their homophobia and bigotry, because now Stranger Things is popular and far along enough to start saying the quiet part (that has ALWAYS been there) out loud.

Hiding the queer storyline in the subtext is something people have done in tv and film for DECADES anyway, and in literature for CENTURIES before that…but somehow the fact that it wasn’t made explicit until the fourth season invalidates it? Or makes it suddenly a reason to call into question the integrity of the entire show, or to let some random m*leven shipper undermine your sense of what makes a good story (which is also what matters most to the “we don’t listen to Reddit, and we regret focusing more on fan theories than our plot” duffers)? Once again: I’m gonna need you to be serious.

All I’m saying is that the way some people in this fandom are willing to believe and agonize over the takes of 18-19 year old actors or a random twitter account or YouTuber instead of listening to the creators of the show + looking at cultural context and how queer stories have been told for eons is crazy. It reeks of immaturity insecurity and media illiteracy, and gives two guys who have put a lot of time and (ADMITTEDLY IMPERFECT) effort into a show that remains one of the best told stories (despite network interference) in recent memory.

I get being nervous. I get being suspicious. But critical consumption & media literacy is more than just theorizing about what things mean or watching what inspired The Duffers. Stop looking at social media posts and randoms for information and start paying attention to the people who MAKE the things you’re so emotionally attached to in their context. I am literally begging at this point.

[princesscolumbia]

WIP Game

If you're like me and you have a million WIPs and are anxious about updating them, play this game!

List the titles your top five priorities for WIP updates (link your fics for new readers!)

An upcoming scene, event, or detail in each fic that you're looking forward to writing

Bonus: make a poll for your followers to vote on which top 5 WIP they are most excited to see an update on!

Then tag 10 writer friends!

Top Five WIPs to update next

Fission - R.5/Sailor Moon Fukufic - Ranma and Usagi 'collide' mid-transformation for both of them, causing...a whole lot of nothing. At first.

Deviation - MLP:FiM/EQG Omegaverse - Sunset Shimmer's banishment didn't go like she planned. She's outed as 'alien' immediately thanks to her...unique presentation as an Alpha female.

Double Isekai - Ranma 1/2 Isekai - One person from two variant timelines dies in both timelines, one variant isekai's into Ranma Saotome, the other isekai's into Nodoka Saotome. Which might not be so bad but it's 1985 and the Internet won't be available to the public for 10 or so years.

Lost Little Wolf: The Minor Key - MLP:FiM Isekai/Displacement - Years before the 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration, Chrysalis hatches a queen...carrying the soul of a dead woman from our Earth...me.

⚠ And at This Point I'm Afraid to Ask ⚠ - Ranma 1/2 Smutfic 🔞 - Ranma realizes that the NWC is about to all go into college but there's one question that has never been answered for the aquatransexual...what is a 'pervert,' anyway?

Upcoming scenes I'm hype for (some spoilers ahead)

Fission

Honestly, this work is packed with MASSIVE moments all throughout that I just cannot wait for everyone to read, but one big one that's been living rent free in my head for nearly 20 years as I've had unplanned hiatus after unplanned hiatus; After Ranma's Inner Senshi receive all their transformation items via mysterious means, Ranma receives a package (along with Shampoo and Ryoga) with a 'key' in it along with a note telling him/her to trust his/her heart and she'll know who the missing Outer is for her team. When Ranma (as Sailor NeoMoon) discovers that Ryoga is NeoUranus, she's suddenly not sure at all who the new Senshi is supposed to be if guys (besides herself, being...heh...genderfluid) can be senshi, too...until she sees Haruka and Michiru exchanging a private moment and realizes exactly who it belongs to, and it might just save Ryoga's life.

Deviation

Sunset is the first Freshman elected captain of The Friendship Games in Canterlot High's history, and in this universe the final round is settled by the highest ranking Alpha for both teams facing off in the combat ring. Sunset has barely been a human for six months, but she now must defeat the star student of Crystal Prep, the genius athelete and top Alpha student of the school, Shining Armor.

Double Isekai

When Happosai summons an oni to punish Ranma, the NWC are unprepared when the demon possesses Nodoka, who's already been dealing with temper issues. Now her anger has been turned up to eleven and is being fueled by a demon, and Ranma cannot bring herself to harm her mother.

Lost Little Wolf: The Minor Key

There's, like, only five chapters left of this thing, so the next big event I can't wait for is the resolution after the climax. As much as I'm okay with spoilers...this one is just too close to the end to spoil too much! 😜

And at This Point I'm Afraid to Ask

This one is a good 13-15 chapters into the future and there's LOTS of good stuff in the second raunchiest thing I've ever written, and readers of this work will understand by this point in the narrative that it's one chapter of plot, one chapter of smut, repeat. The following happens during a non-smut chapter and makes me giggle every time I think of the planned scene:

Ranma's polycule has moved out, mostly to get away from Ranma and Akane's parents so Ranma can live her best life as a transwoman...with LOTS and lots of private, free time for sex. Ranma's also discovered that she's a submissive bottom, and when her three butch lesbian girlfriends/lovers discover this they start doing some private role-play, including dressing in business suits and having Ranma wear a sexy maid's uniform while doing chores and 'chores.' One day, Ranma's mother comes over unannounced and, not realizing who's at the door, Ranma opens it while in full maid costume.

@jaquik, @patternwelded-quill, @beedok, @burgerbecky, @mistyfdfa, @iron-kolo, @thestargayzingetherian

(I am 100% sure there's more authors on my following/follower list, I just can't remember who's PFP/Username is connected to the AO3 accounts I follow obsessively. Please sound off in a reblog or @ me in the comments if you're an author and I missed you on this!)

[ledenews]

Ward 3’s Connie Cain Ready to Make History in Wheeling

She was winning, but then she was losing. It was that close. And then, on Election Day on May 14th, it appeared she lost her bid - by just two votes! - to become the council representative for Wheeling's Ward 3. But wait! Oh! The slimmest of margins caused a recount! “I had to wait a week,” said Connie Cain, one of four candidates who ran in Wheeling’s Ward 3, “and it really did drive me nuts. It was a long week, trust me.” But then her phone rang. But, no, it wasn’t the courthouse. Nope. It was a local newspaper reporter, and that’s who informed the East Wheeling native she had WON the Ward 3 council seat representing thanks to five provisional votes that all went in her favor. The election day totals showed Jerome Henry was in the lead, 199-197, but the final-final count showed Cain with 202, Henry with 199, Chris Ham with 188, and George Greenbaum with 41. Ward 3 covers the East Wheeling, Center Wheeling, South Wheeling, and Mozart neighborhoods, and Connie Cain will become the area's newest representative on Monday at the Capitol Theatre when the six council members and new mayor Denny Magruder are sworn into office at Noon. Cain is unafraid to discuss the issues with local media outlets, including The River Network. “All I could do when I got the first call was scream,” Cain admitted. “But now I’m really excited to get started so we can do some good things for the people of the city. I’m anxious for our swearing-in ceremony and the first meeting (July 2). “I started thinking about running for council about a year ago and then decided to do it and I’m happy I did,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone and I think Denny Magruder is going to be great as mayor. He’ll get everyone working together.” The first issue she hopes to address? Homelessness, and the impacts the homeless have had on Ward 3. “It’s the elephant in the room. We have to talk about the homeless situation because I heard about it from most of the people in the ward during my campaign,” Cain said. “We have to figure out what’s happening now and what needs to be happening. The homeless people need services and we have those, but we have to figure out how it’s working and how it can be improved. “This is Wheeling and we help people here,” she said. “We have to make sense of it because I don’t think that’s the case right now when it comes to the resident in Ward 3.” Cain's campaign included a lot of door-knocking so she could talk with as many residents as possible. H-I-S-T-O-R-Y  Cain is 55 years old and her and her husband, Kendall, live along 14th Street in East Wheeling. She’s a mother of three, and grandmother to nine, and has worked for the First Judicial Circuit Public Defender Corporation for 30 years. On Monday, she will become the first black woman elected to Wheeling’s City Council. “And I love that. I love that I’m making that history, and I love that I’ll be following Clyde Thomas as the second black resident to be on Council,” Cain recounted. “Clyde was first elected back in 1971 and he served 20 years and he did a great job for everyone in the city. I want to be the same kind of council representative. “I hope seeing me on council tells other black girls that this is possible,” Cain said while smiling. “I’m surprised it took this long to have the first black woman on council, but here I am and I’m ready to work with everyone. I want all of us to work together no matter what the issue so we can help Wheeling grow. One thing I want to address is affordable housing so our kids can afford to stay here. Right now, that’s difficult for a lot of people.”  In fact, Cain will address anything and everything brought to her by her constituents. “Of course, I can’t promise that I’ll get every pothole filled and street paved, but I do promise I’ll check on everything and get back to the resident asking the question. That’s part of the job,” Cain said. “(W.Va. Delegate) Shawn Fluharty told me knocking on doors was the most important part of a campaign, so that’s exactly what I did. I knocked on all the doors, and I talked to the people of Ward 3. “The people in Mozart wanted to talk about crime, and the people in South Wheeling are concerned about all the new people from the new apartment buildings because of the new crime. The people in Center Wheeling just want attention from the city and so do the folks in East Wheeling,” she added. “The residents of Ward 3 want to be represented, and that’s what they’re going to get.” Read the full article

[corvid-corvette-coven]

emails between my and my school psychiatrist, Kat (the beloved <3) || VENT!! || long post but i vented to prove my point to her aswell

Corvid-Corvette-Coven <corvid.corvette.coven@student.school.edu>

To: Kat (the beloved <3)

Wed 25/10/2023 9:22pm

Subject: <this field has been intentionally left blank>

we had a meeting scheduled for today right? Cos i wont be at school today It's gonna be a bad day for classes for me and I honestly just pussied out of it its more likely i have an underlying buildup of anxiety thats doing that but yeah

literally me /\

Kat (the beloved <3) <the-katnapping@school.edu>

To: corvid-corvette-coven

Fri 27/10 2023 11:21am

Subject: Re. <this field has been intentionally left blank>

Hi, How are you feeling today? I hope you are at school. Cause you know the longer you avoid anxious triggers, the more difficult they may become to face…just saying….

With Gratitude, Kat (the beloved<3 | Psychologist  School Jesus School 100 School Street | PO Box 8008 | TOWN NSW 8008 ABN 17 690 720 860 P +61 6 9420 1080p E the-katnapping@school.edu W http://www.school.nsw.edu.au

Corvid-Corvette-Coven <corvid.corvette.coven@student.school.edu>

To: Kat (the beloved <3)

Fri 27/10 2023 12:24pm

Subject: This email took an hour to write lol (can you tell I used to do public speaking and debating)

I'm feeling good today, I've taken my meds (which is why this email is so long and detailed), and I plan to get work done. ('good' really means normal, and for me n o r m a l means I'm still carrying my constant emotional baggage but it's not necessarily bumming me out right now)

COUNTER ARGUMENT!!! The longer you stay in situations that stress you out the further that will continue to build, and really I am de-stressing to avoid burnout. THINGS THAT STRESS ME OUT (non exhaustive list) -Dysphoria from my friends  (appearance and social gender envy from Ara Ara)  (emotional, appearance, and social gender envy from Brisket)  (emotional, appearance, and social gender envy from Paella) -General emotional uncertainty and inability to connect with my friends as deeply as I wish I could -Particularly painful classes as a result of disruptive students  History, Christian Studies, (English + Math sometimes) (I've gotten over the initial misery I had with english) -Not having classes with ANY friends beyond my electives not only considering they can have classes together which allows them to have more developed friendships, but also the classes I do have with someone I know (that isn't an elective) I have with Shakira who is far from my first option and who I'm only really 'friends' with because of proximity and the fact she isn't too bad (even if a bit irritating, rude, and fickle) (the only nice thing about having Shakira there is she creates a barrier between me, and To Slo/ biggus (despite the fact they only sit near because she's there)) I tend to avoid recognising this in particular because it evokes the part of my thought process that thinks the state of reality now is what it will always be like (hopelessness) -Dysphoria in those classes not only from the perceived disconnect between my behaviour and the girls but from a general assumed association with the boys (the disruptive students) -The fact that dysphoria makes alot of good things more bitter than sweet for me, which can be disheartening for my friends And also that I'm so consistently upset and emotionally devastated that they have given up on trying to comfort me despite that being what I need so much in those situations -That fucking bald spot -Dysphoria from being apart of the boys sporting class and smelling horrific with sweat (even if I wear more than enough deodorant any smell is far too much) -Even food tech (one of the good classes) take some serious emotional manoeuvring to enjoy since I have to  not stress out Ara Ara too much and adapt to what she wants to do. Being funny whilst not interruptive and not a too masculine way to avoid the emotional distress of potentially not being someone she enjoys being around (and avoid more dysphoria) ALL OF THAT brings more dysphoria when its cross compared with her relationships with Brisket and Paella and MORE dysphoria comes when I see the relationship she has with Mrs F, how she's able to talk to her and joke with her and everything -The general emotional uncertainty that I feel Ara Ara and I have, it feels like they are more and less unhappy with me every other week and I can't decipher which of the thousands of possible reasons that could be, or if its real at all and I'm just entirely incorrect about that. Exams are really an afterthought because they stress my brain out too much to think about the effect they'll have (same with my future (both the good and bad possibilities)) I think it might be a defence or coping mechanism but instead of reconciling and working with that stress I somehow have both an oblivious and aggressively optimistic outlook with a glass half full sort've way. "In less than a week and a half it'll be over" is generally what I try to remember. Not thinking about it much is bad for me because I can't seize every chance I could to study; thinking about THAT too hard will stress me out so I'm trying to just think about studying more instead of how I'm studying less that I should.

It's not something I can always feel buildup consciously, even if I'm feeling good in the morning I know when a day is going to be bad for me, so anxiety is the hypothesis. (I can also tell what days I'm going to be the most prone to dysphoria) that was most of the points I can remember at this time, though I know there's more stresses and arguments I could make but that summarises my current state fairly accurately.  that being said, I am at home today and my excuse is it's actually better to have the whole day to study (even if I just spent the first few hours rotting)

[mackjlee9]

Oh, shit, Lee- Tell me you’re joking…you should…talk to someone…you can talk to me…my god- that isn’t okay…Um, That’s okay, tumblers taking enough of a beating with my constant re-blogging, must’ve just been my mistake. Actually? I always kinda thought me sleeping with a stuffed animal was babyish, but thanks! Also- I’M SO SORRY I WROTE SO MUCH YOU DON’T HAVE TO READ IT I’M SO SORRY!

Sun: Uh, my eyes? And uh, I like my freckles…OH! I think I have like pretty good looking feet, so all the people that have like a ✨thing ✨for it, I think I can show them a good time 😏. I like how I pay attention to little things, but sometimes it can hurt me and I’ll end up overthinking things.

Uranus: Hmmm…where to begin…I live in The United States right now where we value guns over female rights sooo…but yea, our entire government is fucked up, that’s right, I CUSSED, which is R-A-R-E. I feel like we should change it not only because of how it is now, but because we made it during like the 1700s I think? And it’s what 2023 now? Things have changed! Our entire world is different! It just needs a little update, and oh my god I hate the fact that they don’t listen to anyone when making decisions over our daily lives like it’s no big deal, they see the protests, they see over social media our opinions and people from other nations are criticizing our government, but N-O-P-E don’t change a thing. Also, when we elect a president we have to deal with him for 4 years, I think we should have a system where people can vote them out each year is they don’t like the progress they are doing and if it reaches a certain number of votes they’re out of office, because wtf?! The government lies all the time, especially the leader of the United States, so we have to put trust into them, then most of them take it for granted and fuck yo our lives even more! Also, the DUCKING WILLOW PROEJECT?! WTF. Biden said he’d help our climate change but he approves of a project solely based on polluting our earth, especially the air we breathe, the place I grew up and will continue to live will forever change , which I knew it eventually would, but not so quickly and in a bad way!

Descendent: like people the exact opposite of me, but we have enough in common to get along really well. Mars, Mercury, and MC.

- Tommy (Here’s a Cookie cuz I feel bad that you may or may not have read all that 🍪)

It's okay, everyone in my family can sort of see spirits too, but we don't talk about ✨trauma✨

I read it all, don't worry ☺ but I will take the cookie hehe~!

Mars; are you the type to approach others first or do you like others to do that instead?

Hm~ im very socially anxious, so either one makes me a little scared, but! If I like your vibe and you approach me first I will be very, very comfortable talking to you ☺

Mercury; are you a talkative person?

When I feel comfortable yeah, maybe a little bit much 😅😅

Even more so when I speak Spanish I can ramble on and on about something without breathing lol

MC; what kind of reputation do you think you have?

Huh? Idk...?

Maybe a pushover irl, but online I feel like im the intimidating-looking teddy bear, a lot of people get scared when they wanna talk to me (or so they've told me) but they feel comfortable when they realize im just a silly guy

I legit forgot what reputation even was in the first place 😑 so I might've fucked up that answer lol

I'll say; Jupiter, Neptune and Aries 😁😁

[almondmilks-posts]

Schlatt- executed pt2

*I am so proud of part 1

pls go show some love

Maybe a SERIES?? Maybe pt3??? Maybe some more angst?? Maybe some cute fluff with glatt?? Maybe idk if you would like to see more uwu

This took so long omg... I'm sorry

Context: in part 1 you became ghost!y/n much like Ghostbur  you forgot most of your memories including your death...

Life after death was weird. You had very vague memories of each member of the sever but other than that you completely forgot about your past life including how you died. You never expected that you would become a sentiant ghost on the server after death you also never expected Wilbur to become one either so here we are. You took a great liking to Ghostbur as he did to you, you both hanging out became a regular occurrence on the SMP you mainly liked hanging around quackity he had these homely vibes to him that made you want to be around him but you were not quite sure why although he had been seeing you less and less and when you did meet he seemed on edge always looking behind him, shaking his head off to the distance when you turn around, nothing.

You didn't know why Ghostbusr was obsessed with the colour blue, always handing out lapis lazuli to saddened goes by with a "here have some blue" but he always did. You guys can't mine down in the caves something about bedrock pressure?  but he always had stacks of blue on him at all times.

You- hey bur where do you get the blue from?

Ghostbur- oh uhhh umm I just have it sometimes I get it from Phill

You- oh cool. I want something I'm not sure I've decided on what...

Ghostbur- hmmmmm y/n how about

You- I know red mushrooms because they look so cool like lil toadstools.

Ghostbur- yes that's such a good idea

You- I need to ask Phil to see if he has any spare mushrooms adiós bur I'll see you later.

You began to float your way over the the snowy tundra that Phil resides in. You passed many different landmarks on your way only knowing by the names you and ghostbur had given them. Home home also known as the community House although in ruins after it was exploded by puffy. You did try to stop her however your attempts were unsuccessful. 

You- omg I'm so sorry I wasn't looking where I was going here look I have some seeds take this as a sorry

You were in your thoughts so much that you had phased into a body. As a ghost you are able to phase through people However you phased into the body meaning whoever you walked into was not alive. You reached your arms into your pockets to see what you have as a sorry before the mushrooms which you still haven't been managed to find any. Thecno needing them for potions ofc knowing the butcher army was coming for him he planicked stealing so many resources including some of blue from Wilbur accidentally. You found three seeds in your pockets your had picked up from when you were hanging around Callahan (he's my fav on the SMP omg) and punz this one time just giving while punz went on a nether mission for ghast tears. You extended your arm out to the person, lifting your head up to look the person in the eyes.

Glatt- y/n?

He had Horns. Deep black horns protruding out the side of his head. His skin a pale grey ash colour, contrasting his flaming red eyeballs which looked down upon you due to the height difference. His suit a very dark grey almost black but not quite,  You looked at him than back at the seeds. He seemed like he didn't take any interest in taking the seeds from you as a sorry, you furrowed your eye brows at his sort of question? You really didn't remember your past life, thecno told you that most ghosts don't when they die the ones that do are 'poor damned souls of wrong doers' comforting you that you did some good when you were living.

You- uhh sorry I don't know a y/n?? Im ghosty/n! Well it would make sense that I'm y/n well was y/n hahahaha I don't remember much from my past life unfortunately

Glatt- you don't- you don't remember how you died do you?

You- uhhh no? Should I? I ask quackity you know quackity right? Small guy, blue beanie anyway he wouldn't tell me how I died he said it was a too long to explain anyway I gotta go bye uhhhh...

Glatt- oh it's glatt

You- well nice to meet you glatt if you see Phill tell him I need some red mushrooms

And with that you floated off on your mission to find some red mushrooms. Glatt stood there face slashed red. He felt embarrassed? Sick to his stomach? He wasn't quite sure what he felt, quackity had told him of your ghost life when he was pestering quackity this one time however he was scared. He was once a ruthless tryrant president drinking all day and all night because he couldn't handle the power and disappointment of his peers knowing he was struggling being president so he turned to alcohol. He was so plastered when he stabbed you he didn't even know what he did until quackity and Niki Walked out on him with some fruitful words.

Schlatt thought back to when quackity had confronted him, carrying your enchanted diamond boots Phil brought on your wedding day and never took them off since. Quackity looked so hopeless his eyes filled with tears, trembling hands as he screamed at schlatt so hard his vocal cords never recovered even after all this time and everything he's been through. Despite this he carried on trying to ruin quackity's life. Even after death the fucker never lost his need for power and bullying quackity is all he knew how. The issue was he could not find the small mexican, he floated all through what manburg was, he floated past the church, the target, the community house but no sign of quackity. He was searching through the community house for anything he could steal just because 'he was glatt he could do what he wants'; as a ghost he really didn't change. A fit of giggles rung through his ears, he hadn't heard that noise in years. Glatt knew that it was you of course you were married for several years before the incident. He caught himself smiling as he once did to see your face (which could easily fit between his larger hands.) He floated across towards where the noise would come from. To see you, a blue sheep with a wonkey eye and Wilbur? He felt anxious, his ghost heart started beating faster, if he wasn't dead he would be having another heart attack right now that would actually kill him. He wasn't sure of it was because you look so happy contracting the last time him saw your glum face as the XP dropped or knowing Wilbur might still be bitter about the election or what happened as a result of it.

You toyed with the blue sheep known as friend. Friend was the first thing ghostbur saw when he woke up as a ghost so there was a major bond between the two,.you would argue it was a closer bond than what tied you with Wilbur but nothing could compare to that. You both had years and years of history some even before Tommy was born but you both just didn't know that. (maybe pt3 y/n becomes human??) Friend was very entertaining for a blue sheep fried could make you and ghostbur cry with laughter but just standing there. ( Ok this is my HC so it's not cannon but I think it should be) The blue sheep had a lazy eye, so for long enough if the sheep did nothing the eyes would travel opposite directions as per usual you and ghostbur were dying over this. You bent down to pick at a blade if grass to feed to friend when a glum feeling came over you. Were you being watched? You wanted to cry, so you turned your head to Look at the assailant to see glatt standing there just looking at you or through you it was unclear.

You-oh hey uhhh glatt? Ah yes I'm right would you like to come hang out with friend, ghostbur and I would love it if you joined us and I'm sure friend doesn't mind you do you? No you don't because you are a cute sheep boopboop

Glatt- I'm not so sure

You- oh come on don't be such a killer it would be fun friend is very well friendly haha come on.

You grasped his cold wrist with your much warmer hands. The size difference between the two contrasted immensely. You blushed, a warm feeling coming over you almost as if you had known him for years. Which y/n did but you didn't know that.  Schlatt frowned at you calling him a killer, did you know? Did Wilbur tell you? A lot happened to manburg after you had died, stuff you missed that you could and would have stopped. You dragged schlatt closer to where friend was excited Wilbur could meet your 'new' friend glatt.

You- hahah bur meet glatt

Ghostbur- oh uh hey glatt nice to meet you, your a friend of n/n's huh?

Glatt- uhh yea something like that

Ghostbur- oh crap! I have to meet with Callahan (he's my fave member) I'm helping him build a forest, well you guys have fun with friend. And glatt? Its nice to see you again.

And with that he floated away from the pair riend looked at schlatt than back at you, than back at schlatt. Its pink tounge slipping out of its mouth. Glatt looked down at you sitting cross legged on the grass petting friend. He thought you looked beautiful with the sun on your ghostlike form, he felt shame wash over him he really ruined you.

You- sit next to me glatt, the sun isn't that bright down here

Glatt- no I don't want to get my suit dirty!

You sighed, why was he so cold? Was it that he didn't like you, was it the fact that he didn't like friend no that's not true everyone loves friend. You frowned over thinking lots of things glatt noticed your frown after he yelled at you; he felt worse that he yelled. Many nights after your death did he think about you and his actions. He numbed the feeling penultimately resulting in further alcoholism and finally his death. He kept your diamond boots in his desk draw so they could be next to him at all times he even picked up some of your XP but that stuff didn't matter to him. Nothing mattered to him. Expect you. He never was good at expressing his feelings to you, and you never pushed him to do that.

Glatt- do you seriously not remember your past life?

You- hmmmm not much

Glatt- what do you know tell me?

You- well, I don't really remember memories it's more feelings and smells towards something? Like Niki I feel very calm and peaceful around her she smells like bread, Wilbur it's like he feels like a brother to me and he smells like gunpowder almost, ummmm who else? Oh Tecno smells like potatoes I'll tell you about that some other time

Glatt- what about me? What do I smell like ( Father Fragrance??)

You- ummmmm it's a weird metallic smell? At first I was like iron smell but I'm not so sure. I was super anxious when I first saw you almost hmmm anger? Fear? But I also wanted to give you a hug it's weird what about me... Your a ghost I'm sure it's the same for you it is for wilbur... What do I smell like glatt?

Glatt- uhh well, it's metallic aswell

You-oh heyy look it's ranboo, Ran heyy look down here? Ranboo? Oh no he's enderwalking again ok well this conversation isn't over glatt

You followed the half enderman who appears to be on his enderwalking state. You don't say much to him as you know he won't hear or respond to you. You follow him past twitch prime, past the portal near to the prison? Confused you stood behind him a little, why was he going to the prison? To see Sam you hope...

But no. He didn't.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Saturday 24 September 1836

7 ½

12 ¾

No kiss ready in ¾ hour - John Booth took my note to Mr. Gratrix (vid. last night) - out - about had Mr. Husband - breakfast at 9 ½ in ½ hour then went with Mr. Husband and Mallinson to the Lodge to order about the table sink and cupboards - then to H-x by the Godley road - to the Bank - met Sugden - will go off to Howden fair by tonight’s mail - said he knew what I wanted (explained the other day) - should not like to give more than £40 a piece for the 2 horses - S- had no money - called him into the bank, they counted out £50 for myself and for S- £80 and S- also counted it over - to be back on Wednesday or Thursday - said he would get what would suit me, or nothing - somehow this struck me - I shall be glad to see him back with a pair of horses - returned upon the old bank direct to the wheel-race then to Mytholm Hannah Green with message from A- about bread - then to the meer-head - loitering about - musing and planning - and returned by the walk - sometime with Booth + 3 masons and lads in the hall cellar - making the cells (paved - flagged yesterday) - then saw A- off to Cliff Hill about 3 pm - all the joint stock banks began to charge 5p.c. interest from the 1st of next month - Mr. Mackean was in Edinburgh when away - the bank England consulted the Royal bank of Scotland (Joint Stock in Edinburgh) who advised the present bank of England measure - to raise rate of interest to 5p.c. to prevent gold going out of the country to America - 3 bills presented in one day for £250,000 and two for £50,000 all to be paid in gold - too much - it is thought this 5 pc rate of interest will last for a year - the Royal bank  of Scotland has deposits to the amount of nine millions - from about 5 ½ or later to 6 40 wrote 3pp. and 2 lines of one end to ‘the honourable Lady Stuart, Whitehall, London’ - to go tonight to announce 2 brace of fine fresh moorgame to go by the Hope coach at 6 am tomorrow  ‘where are you, dearest Lady Stuart, and where have you been, and how have you been, during 3 weeks since I heard from you? I always grieve over your being so feeble; and it makes me anxious to hear of you often, if you write me but one line - you know I never mind postage, tho’ I do begrudge making you pay it, as I myself am quite well, and can have nothing very interesting to tell you from this out-of-the-way place; but I am indeed as you say tied by the leg  - one thing brings on another; and I have too many things in hand just now; yet I hope the tyranny will pass by ere very long - In the event of my poor aunt’s death, I shall make all the haste I can to arrange matters, so that I can leave home - you do not know the pleasure it will give me to see you - I hardly think you will be with Vere; for if you do not spend more than a few weeks with her, you will be returned before I can get off from here - I cannot set off to Rotterdam this year, whatever I may do another - what news have you from the travellers? I am sure they will write very often - I could not imagine why the courier recommended by Lady Stuart de Rotheasy, and whom I really meant to engage, did not write to me, as I requested he might be told to do, to give me his address, and terms - it seems he did write on the 3rd of August, but his letter not containing his address, and having been mislaid by Lady S- de R- so that I did not receive it till the 6th of this month when she herself was beyond my reach of inquiry - I have not been able to take any notice of the man, and only know that his name is Antono Balletti, and that he seems very likely to suit me - However, I do not think very much about it - my head and hands are full, and, when time of absolute need comes, I have no doubt of managing very well  at any rate, I hope to see dear Lady Stuart at Whitehall - I always like to have your opinion and your advice - you must be very much more deaf than when I saw you last, or you will hear me without any difficulty -it will delight me to hear that you are a little stronger and better - that you have no longer my anxiety about Captain Stuart, and that you are either comfortable with Vere, or expecting the Cannings, or somebody you are very much interested about - you would think how glad I should be of Mr. Canning’s election - But, how is Vere? - I have been hoping and expecting to hear from her for so long, that I almost begin to be alarmed - Surely she has not had a relapse! - if she is well, do not tell her of my thinking about her - if she is not well, it will make me less anxious to hear it than to fancy it - she ought to tell me of you, as well as of herself - I am delighted at your liking moorgame - I am just sending you 2 brace of very fine birds, quite fresh - I shall direct them as before, to Whitehall - when I want to write to you again, who is there I can direct my letter to, undercover? I think of you very often - I am always anxious about you, and always, dearest Lady Stuart, very affectionately yours AL’ - had just written the above at 7pm dinner at 7 ¼ - coffee upstairs - A- did her French - with my aunt very poorly from 9 40 to 10 ¼ then with A- looking over genealogical maps till 11 40 - letter from M- (Lawton) - 3 pp. and one end - fine day till about 3 pm then rain [and] towards evening fine till soon after 3pm then rainy afternoon and evening with high wind towards evening

£50 to myself + £80 to Sugden a/c for a pair of horses

[kirishwima]

For scenarios... could I request rfa accidentally meeting MC before the party? no drama like "there's a bomb so I gotta run to your place" they just accidentally meet somewhere and MC recognises them from the pictures in the chatrooms and goes to greet them. Rika's apartment can't be far away from where the others live so it should be impossible. (if you can find a way to squeeze in V that's okay but you don't have to)

i really liked this idea! hope i executed it well ^^

YOOSUNG:

MC and he were actually studying at the same university, but different subjects!

They had a common elective course of modern history though, one that Yoosung’s friends convinced him to take with them since they could share notes, and MC simply had an interest in it, and well, needed the extra credits

Neither of them really noticed each other at first-it’s a big classroom and it’s in the afternoons, so oftentimes Yoosung just skipped lmao

Once though Yoosung’s friends couldn’t make it to the class so he offered to go and take notes for the day, and rushed into the class a little late, so he took the first seat available-right next to MC

He struggled to both write and listen to the professor at the same time, and eventually he got a little behind with his notes. MC noticed his cute frustrated face and shared their notes with him, tapping him on the shoulder as they quietly pushed their papers to him

Yoosung’s happy face was stuck in MC’s mind-he wore his feelings on his sleeve and it was so refreshing to see someone this innocent at this day and age.

They became fast friends afterwards-exchanging facebook accounts and talking via messenger often, sometimes about the class, sometimes about anything and everything else

They even had study sessions to help each other study!

Near the end of the semester, and right when this extra class ended, is when MC stumbled upon the RFA messenger-and one look at Yoosung’s name along with his shooting star emoji got them excited to realise there’s a familiar face amongst this strangeness

The rest of the members found their friendship cute, and Zen constantly tried to play match-maker for the two, telling Yoosung that ‘he should’ve told the RFA he has such a cute girlfriend’ lmao

(*cue Yoosung flushing redder than Seven’s hair*)

ZEN:

No, contrary to what you might think, MC wasn’t his fan-they did however hear about Zen through friends interested in musicals, and agreed he was handsome

No, instead, they met him whilst helping out a friend who was working backstage at one of Zen’s shows-they needed help finishing up painting of some background sets, and MC offered to help them in their free time, and as a return their friend offered MC tickets to the show

Zen met MC whilst rehearsing-he knew MC’s friend and went over to say hi, and met MC, who he of course instantly tried to flirt with, even though he was half-kidding about it

Well, flirtatious nature aside, the two really hit it off, and became good friends-not that they were super close or anything, but Zen would stop and chat with MC after rehearsals, and he invited MC out along with the rest of the crew after the first successful run of the show

He didn’t exchange any social media accounts with MC, because quite frankly, he doesn’t have any lmao, and MC’s phone was broken so they couldn’t give him their number either

Zen insisted that if they leave it up to fate, they’ll meet again, and well-he was right

Lo and behold, MC joined the RFA, and whose face is the first they see in an oh-so-modest selfie?

Yup, Zen the Knight it is

His first words when he realised who MC was were ’See? I told you fate would find a way!’

Sure Zen,,,sure lol

JUMIN:

MC actually scored an interview as Jumin’s executive secretary!

They were so thrilled about it, and did their best to calm their nerves before the interview, knowing that being jittery and anxious would lead them nowhere

Well, they were more than shocked at Jumin’s cold behaviour, but they did their best to match his pace, answering each of his questions without missing a beat, mentioning their credentials without bragging about them

Honestly, Jumin was very pleased-he saw a perfect candidate across him, albeit a little inexperienced due to age, but that didn’t really matter to him-with a little training they’d be perfect for the job

Well, eventually though a better candidate came along, so MC was left with the rejection e-mail in their inbox, disappointed but ready to move on

They had all but forgotten about Jumin Han until stumbling onto the RFA and meeting him again, confused and surprised at the difference of his character in the chatrooms

They didn’t mention the interview at all, but Jumin has the memory of an elephant-one look at MC’s name reminded him of how he met them, and he reassured them that they were incredibly good at the interview and left an impression on him

It takes some getting used to his different attitude, but it’s refreshing to see a man they thought of as cold and calculated be a complete cat-loving goof-and it’s honestly one of the things that makes MC fall for Jumin

And vice-versa, Jumin remembers MC’s serious confident attitude at the interview, and is pleasantly surprised to learn what a gentle, kind person they are in the messenger

When they meet Jaehee though….boy are they glad they didn’t get the job lmao

*pat pat* it’s okay Jaehee…hang in there baby

JAEHEE:

MC was working part-time as a barista at a coffee shop near C&R!

It was a small independent shop, hidden in-between bigger franchises, but their coffee was great, and if there’s one person that loves good coffee, well, it’s Jaehee

The first time she visited the shop she was at a loss of what to order, the possibilities endless with all these brews of coffee they offered, and MC found Jahee’s flustered face adorable

They chatted her up to see what kind of flavours she likes and dislikes, and ended up making her a delicious cold brew with vanilla cream-just sweet enough to give her that sugar rush she needed, but not enough to hide the flavour of the coffee itself

Well, Jaehee was more than thrilled both at the taste, and at the cute cashier *wink wonk*, so she quickly became a regular at the shop

Yes this is your good ol’ cliche coffee AU DON’T JUDGE ME

She’d always stop for a cup of coffee before work, and would secretly be happy on the days she ended up meeting MC during their shift-she’d try and visit during her breaks too, when time would allow it, and would sit and sometimes chat with MC when the cafe wasn’t too busy

MC eventually learnt some stuff about Jaehee, that she works as a secretary to some annoying cat-loving rich dude (lmao sorry Jumin), that she loves coffee, and that her dream is to eventually open her own cafe, if circumstances allow it

One day, Jaehee went to the shop, knowing that MC had a shift at that time, but they were nowhere to be found-their co-workers said MC called in that they can’t make it today because something urgent came up, so Jahee nodded along, wondering if MC was okay

….well, she didn’t have to worry for too long, as not soon after she got her coffee and headed back to the office, a familiar name popped up on the RFA chatroom

Yup, this is a coffee shop au alright-just with some hacker and cat-loving twists lol

SEVEN:

You can never convince me that this boy is not an active reddit user, and you most definitely can Not convince me he isn’t in any and all paranormal and horror forums either

So he’s scrolling around on reddit one day, posting memes and trolling people, when he stumbles upon a really interesting thread someone made about the origins of mothman and possible sightings outside the USA

He’s hooked and spends a lot of time reading through the thread, intrigued by the sophisticated way the OP wrote their points and how well-thought of their evidences were

He started commenting on the thread and talking with the OP, who he soon became online friends with-he loved to chat with them about spooky stuff, cryptids, conspiracy theories and so forth

He didn’t talk much about himself, and would sometimes even make up some lies because he didn’t want to seem like a creep that won’t even share his name, but he couldn’t give out his info that easily; he did however tell them his code name, 707

Eventually they started talking outside of reddit too, through facebook messenger (i mean…we already know this dude has a facebook account and posts his cars there lmao), and is thrilled to find out more about his new online friend, MC, and to even find out they live far closer than he thought!

Well, he gets used to talking with MC almost everyday, and it’s actually one of the few highlights of his day-he’s never really had someone care for him the way this person, someone he hasn’t actually ever met in real life does. He wonders if they’d change their mind about him if they ever met him in real life, but shakes the thoughts away-it’s not as if this could ever develop into something more than an online friendship anyway

Well…or so you thought, Seven lol

When a stranger comes barging into the RFA messenger, he’s instantly tracing their steps and finding out all their internet activities, and lo and behold-whose facebook account is this that he ended up finding? Why, it’s none other than MC!

The moment Seven found out, he got suspicious; was MC just pretending to be online friends with him to hack into the RFA? Were they stealing information without him knowing?

It hurt to have to think this way, but how else could they be linked?

When he slowly found out MC was actually innocent, he was more than relieved-he secretly happy that he could now chat with them both online and on the RFA app, that he could share parts of himself with MC that he couldn’t before

to say he fell for them is the understatement of the century lmao

V/JIHYUN:

When he first started with photography, he took some classes at a local university to learn more about professional photography, photoshop e.t.c

And MC happened to be taking the same classes as him!

They often sat next to each other, not talking at first, but then their professors would sometimes ask them to pair up to work on assignments, and MC ended up paring up with Jihyun more than once

They became fast friends-Jihyun was a little distant, but always friendly in a cold, aloof way, and always polite, and he found MC to be so warm and gentle, he was naturally drawn to them

He did feel attracted to them, but never made a move-he was still struggling with so many things himself, he didn’t want to drag anyone else into his mess. He just wanted to focus on photography and that’s that

So whilst they talked a lot during university, as soon as they graduated, V drifted away, and when he even changed his phone number all communication was lost between the two

Well, time went on, and MC slowly began to forgot about the mint-coloured man they met, until they stumbled into the RFA chatroom

They didn’t realise it was Jihyun at first-he did change his name after all, and everyone in the char referred to him as V, but the way he texted was very familiar, even though MC couldn’t quite understand why

When he finally introduced himself, they were stunned. They didn’t want to ask him if he remembers them though-it’d be too embarrassing if he said he didn’t

But of course V did remember them-the moment Seven told him their name after his background check, all the memories came flooding back, opening up a Pandora’s box in his chest where he locked all those feelings away

Even if they’re back within arms’ reach, and even if they seem interested in him though…it’s useless. He’s far beyond repair, and if he didn’t want to drag MC into his mess then, he most certainly doesn’t want to drag them into it now

So he becomes distant again, more so than ever before but MC isn’t having it-they call him out on his bullshit, and tell him to square up and be honest otherwise they’re leaving

So V reluctantly admits to it all-to remembering MC, to his feelings towards them, and to his own cowardliness back then, and how it’s now too late to change anything; even if he wants to. God, he wants to.

hi I’m soph and i love to torture my favs lol

-send me a mystic messenger scenario/prompt for character reactions!-

[unaccomplishedwriter]

- s a v i o r -

. Nicholas Scratch x Reader .

Prologue | Part One | Part Two |

{PART THREE}

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t pleasantly surprised.

Actually, you’d still be lying. You were downright gratified.

For the first time, you stepped foot in your very own star domain. It may be unluckier than most others, but it was yours to save, and no one else could take that from you.

And thus, it just had to be Fate that the first face you see when you step foot in Greendale was the very first soul you saved from endless doom.

Unable to keep the wide smile from spreading across your face, you admittedly hasten your steps the second the familiar face across the field settles in your mind. He was just as beautiful as ever, and just as sad it seemed. You felt the strings of your heart tug at the dark miasma drifting around him, but at least it’s not the same as it had been.

You were sure that you’d never see a darker soul than that of Nicholas Scratch when he was possessed by the Devil.

“Nick,” you greeted, your goofy smile falling into a softer, more natural grin. By habit, your hands quickly found their way to his face, a luminescent glow lighting up the features you’ve had ingrained in your mind for months. His smile mirrored your own, along with something else - something curious hidden just beneath the layers of mirth reflecting in his eyes.

“Angel,” he exclaimed shakily, softly. Nick could feel his own heart stuttering in his chest as he tried to come to terms that you were currently in front of him, as real as could be. He brought his hands up to settle comfortably around your wrists, the position as natural to him as the sound of his own name. He briefly thought about the implications of your arrival, but then tossed the thought aside in favor of just relishing in your presence.

Though he hasn’t exactly been in the loop lately, Nick knew his coven wasn’t in the best position. After betraying the Dark Lord, their powers had long since started waning, and with the abrupt arrival of the pagans, the coven is facing actual danger for the first time in who knows how long. The witches were desperately seeking a new source of power - through tricks, a new religion, or otherwise - but Nick...

He honestly didn’t need nor care about it all.

In his time of need, you were the one who appeared and brought him salvation. He hadn’t mentioned you to Sabrina, Prudence, Zelda, or anyone. No one needed to nor deserved to glimpse the intense feelings of devotion he felt for the angel who’d saved him; who only he knew was meant to save all of them. So while the coven panicked and tried everything under the sun to save themselves, Nick was simply anticipating your return to him. 

He’d already seen his Fate, was blessed by her, and knew that with her, everything would be okay.

No one questioned the fact that he disappeared at night, making his way to the same open field to search the stars for a sign. And on the night of the Hare Moon, something told him that the sky would finally reveal what he’d been looking for.

Eyes as wide as they could possibly be, he thought he was seeing things when the sky distorted, and suddenly what seemed like a shooting star shot straight towards the other end of the field. After processing what he was seeing, the blood rushed to his scalp, his chest clenched tightly, and his words got caught in his throat.

He had already known. He had known, but he was still blown away by your arrival.

You were finally here.

And now, with your hands still holding his face and the stars shining above reflecting brightly in your eyes, the peace that he’d been craving ever since he was freed from the demon in his head washed upon him once again.

With your very real presence, his faith in you grew even stronger.

For a long moment, you two just studied each other, smiling like idiots. You, happy to see him safe, and he, happy to see you exist. The moment was so intimate and precious that you could feel tears starting to prick at the back of your eyes, overwhelmed at the pure emotion of the anticipated meeting. You weren’t sure why you had such a strong reaction to this boy, so you told yourself that he was just your very first lost soul worth saving.

Or maybe you just didn’t want to admit any different.

Regardless, Nick didn’t seem to be faring any better as his tears finally broke, and you didn’t hesitate to wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer. The two of you stayed like that for what seemed like forever, gently bathing in the moonlight and intoxicating scent of wildflowers.

After some time, you finally separated yourselves and instead settled on the grass below. The moon was exceptionally bright that night, and each flower looked especially pretty as if celebrating alongside it. The field gave off a quiet, serendipitous beauty that seemed suspended in time - a treasured secret between the two of you.

“You’re here to stay?”

Nick finally speaks, eyes, framed under dark lashes, glancing over your face.

You hum in thought, your own eyes squinting in trepidation. To be honest, you weren’t sure how to answer the question. Greendale’s problems certainly couldn’t be fixed in a day, but you also had to leave eventually. 

But only after your work was done.

“Yes,” you breathed, hesitant. “For now.”

You had explained your purpose to the dark-haired male before, so he understood that in the end your presence would only be temporary. Choosing to ignore the throbbing that was most certainly his heart but he felt like came from his very soul - he elected to just hold your hand instead. A comfortable silence settled amongst you once again, before a sudden thought intruded your senses and prompt unnerving, biting guilt washed over you.

“How have you been since...” trailing off, you turned your gaze to bore holes into his face, in the hopes of finding any traces of lingering fear or emotion there. You take note of the way his shoulders tense up, before ultimately releasing with a heavy sigh pouring from his throat as he leaned back into the grass.

You had always deeply regretted they you weren’t strong enough to just pull him directly out of the hellscape he had been suffering in. To you, the reprieve you provided every now and then couldn’t have possibly been enough. No one, or at least definitely not Nick, deserved what he has been put through.

But you were a new Fate after all, and there are few stelas powerful enough to pull off that particular feat alone.

“I’ve been...handling it,” he starts. His eyebrows furrow for a second, before he takes a quick gimpse at your intertwined hands.

“Better now.” He finishes.

You watch him for a moment in thoughtful silence, before asking another question that had been gnawing at you since the first one sprung into your mind.

“And Sabrina?”

Now, there was no way you could have known what happened between him and Sabrina, and there was no way anyone but him could have known your rather large part in it. Even so, Nick still couldn’t keep his face from twitching in slight panic when you of all people actually confronted him about it.

It had taken him a while to understand just how deeply he felt toward you and Sabrina to begin with. Sabrina was connected to his, or rather what used to be, his deity. He prayed to the Dark Lord, sold his soul to the Dark Lord, put his faith in the Dark Lord. He knows that he loved Sabrina, the child of the Dark Lord.

But, as they say, there’s a thin line between love and hate.

Sabrina’s role in his damnation and her connection to the man who tortured him for what felt like eternity wasn’t something he could just ignore, no matter how hard he tried. And when you showed up and challenged what he knew to be actual faith and true trust, he couldn’t help but compare the two relationships to what he had with you.

On one hand was Sabrina and her father, who he gave his very life to and was harmed for it in return.

And on the other hand, was you. An angel-like existence who helped him when you had every reason not to, and even continued to do so. You had to have known that helping him would just piss Lucifer off and make him harder to deal with, but you did it anyway. For the first time in his life, Nick felt truly touched, and learnt what it meant to have someone he could rely on even in his darkest hour.

Lucifer normally shows up at the brink of despair, demanding your soul and eternal servitude in exchange for his help.

You showed up and granted him salvation that he couldn’t have even hoped to have asked for, not even from the false God who had long forsaken someone like him.

And the more deeply he felt towards you, subconsciously the lines blurred even more between his image of Sabrina and the Dark Lord. These feelings finally came to light thanks to the prodding of the satanic remnants left behind in his body, and he said something he couldn't take back to the girl he once loved.

As he felt the warmth continuously spreading across the rest his body from your connected joints, Nick realized that if he were being frank, he was glad he was able to admit how he really felt after it all happened. Before he knew it, he found himself letting out a sheepish laugh, unable to meet your eyes.

“Me and Sabrina broke up.”

Your mind blanked.

Before you could even process, let alone respond to the abrupt statement, the sky suddenly dimmed.

Looking up in alarm, you felt your body humming with anxious energy, a feeling you should only get when the stars in your domain began remapping themselves on a major level.

Something was going wrong.

In the night sky overhead, there was an entire chunk suddenly taken out of the moon. Then another, then another. Nick quickly stood to his feet next to you, before grabbing a hold of your shoulder.

“My coven! They- they were doing a ritual by the moonlight. The pagans...something must of happened!” He exclaimed in a rush, grasping your hand once again and pulling you to your feet.

And as you ran through the forest towards the sound of panicked voices, one thought strayed into your head.

Greendale really seemed like it would be trouble.

Author’s note: I’M SO SORRY! I was wondering why I wasn’t getting any notes for Part 3 and nil I got a little salty and then realized I only posted Part Two publicly and never took Part Three off of private, which it was on for editing. Im an idiot. Pls leave feedback to encourage me guyssss 🥺 I plan on making the chapters longer but I prefer natural endings so some might be shorter than others.

[skgway]

1823 July, Fri. 18

7 55/60

12 50/60

1/2 hour in the stable (look after the horses, giving Hotspur oat-cake) and just walked a little down the lane to see that the hay-makers were at work – At breakfast at 9 1/2 from 10 to 11 10/60, sauntered with my aunt into the Allan-car to see the hay-makers there – And weeded the quick-wood hedge planted there in the winter – Making dye and blacking for the gig after M– [Mariana]’s receipt –

At 11 40/60 took George in the gig, and drove the black mare outside Skircoat moor – In returning called at Mr. Wiglesworth’s and brought back Baines’s Yorkshire Directory etc. 2 volumes which Mr. W– [Wigglesworth] yesterday promised to lend us –

Got home at 1 10/60 – Went into the hayfield (the Pearson Ing) with my aunt and did not come in till 1 3/4 – Curled my hair, had it pinched ready for evening – Note from Miss Pickford, a line or 2 to say her nephew Sir Joseph Radcliffe was come to Savile hill, and she could not walk with me this afternoon – We were to have met at Whitley���s at 4 1/4 – Sent the servant back with my compliments no answer required –

Mean to write her a little note relative to her question when she last drank tea here about the funeral rites of the Scythians – Looking over Larcher’s notes on the subject; turned according to his reference, to libro iv. capitulo 1. Ælian – Hustled over Plutarch’s lives at the name Theodosus; but of course could not find what I wanted, not having Plutarch’s libro αὐταρϰῪϛ Ὑ ϰακία etc. An vitiositas ad infelicitatiene sufficiat vide Ælian as above, and Larcher volume iii. page 491 –

Wrote the last 9 lines of today, dressed and went down to dinner at 4 55/60. At 5 3/4 down the old bank to Well-head, got there at 6 by the church – Only the family – Mr. and Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] and their 3 oldest daughters – Speaking of parliamentary elections said there was no subject on which I felt more warmly – Wished for another contested election, and that we might be able to bring in 2 ministerial members –

Mr. Wortley we all observed was likely to have a seat with the pews – When should we get in his place – Lord Harewood had not a son fit for it – We did not know whom to mention – But so far from 2 blue members Mr. W– [Wortley] feared we should not have one – I maintained Mr. Lascelles had lost his contested election thro’ want of better management and the rascality of his York attorney, not Woolley, who kept letters (respecting votes) in his pocket unopened till it was too late for them to be of use –

But the other party always outwitted us – We were always too late, or too supine – Coupled Mr. W– [Wortley] on his good judgement in not voting at all at the election of a law – Against to the navigation company – He said it was neither forgotten nor forgiven by some of the party (of course) Mr. and Mrs. James Stansfield) who said Mr. W– [Wortley] acted thus on account of religion – and “the election was lost for righteousness sake” – (Mr. James S– [Stansfield] is a unitarian) – This led me to remark that Mr. W– [Wortley]’s vote could not have gained the election: as it was 2 gents voted who had no votes; and, to say nothing of this, my uncle as chairman would have had the casting vote, and thus must have given the election to Mr. James Norris –

I then observed pretty severely upon the means the Messieurs Rawson and Briggs had taken in favour of Mr. James S– [Stansfield] their instigating Mrs. Christopher Saltmarshe’s note to me (of Tuesday 27 May 1823) begging me to use my influence with my uncle “that in case” (to use Mrs. S– [Saltmarshe]’s own written words) “Mr. L– [Lascelle] had promised has vote to Mr. N– [Norris] and at the same time, did not feel interest in his obtaining the appointment: but had given his vote, as many do – to the first applicant and not from wishing him to succeed. And if it would not be taking too great a liberty to ask such a favour – that he would have the goodness not to present himself, at all, at the election but preserve a neutrality”  –

I observed that a note to ask me to ask my uncle to break his word if given, was an insult; that, if almost any one else had ventured to do such a thing to me, I should never have spoken to them again, but then I excused Emma; it must be her ignorance – Her yielding to her brother Mr. Stansfield Rawson; I knew, I felt assured, she did not mean an insult; she had even so excused herself and so apologized in her note that I would not take any serious notice of it, but, being out when the note arrived, I had never written any answer to it but merely called, and turned it off in joke – Adding that they little thought how much I was the last person in the world to whom such a note could be addressed with impunity, and that, so far from influencing my uncle as they wished, I had done just the contrary; –

For, in fact, my uncle’s vote was not promised – He was at liberty to stay at home if he chose he had made no promises, he had merely said to Mr. N– [Norris]’s oldest brother when he called, that he “thought he should not be his enemy” – But I told my uncle the easiest way would be to say at once, he had promised his vote – And if it was possible that he should be determined to go to vote for Mr. N– [Norris]. Thus, said I, they absolutely defeated their own ends –

Said I had merely laughed to Emma, saying her note was far too late – She ought to have written a week before – I mentioned too, to the W– [Waterhouse]s having drank tea at Lightcliffe some time before this, and that what Mr. P– [Priestley] said had put me a little on my guard, for he, Mr. P– [Priestley], was anxious not to have Mr. N– [Norris] elected, but tho’ I did not then agree with him (knew nothing of Mr. N– [Norris]’s alleged setting himself up – Being too meddling – Too blabbing – Likely to injure the navigation – Concerns by too much influence, his older brother being clerk to the company) yet I had merely laughed and said Bless me, we must think of all this –

We have all been gulled into thinking Mr. N– [Norris] a very proper person and said if we had a hundred votes we should give him them all – But I would tell my uncle what he (Mr. P– [Priestley]) said, and we must think of it – Determined then to advise my uncle to give Mr. N– [Norris] his vote, tho’ it was quite unnecessary to tell the P– [Priestley]s this –

It appeared that Mr. and Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] had gone to the Saltmarshes about 1/4 hour after Mrs. Saltmarshe had sent the note – They condemned it at the time, so did Mrs. Rawson of Stony-Royde; and Mr. Saltmarshe declared, if he had been at home, Emma should not have sent it – But said I, the matter did not rest here; for afterwards there came a note (I believed in Mr. Stansfield R– [Rawson]’s hand-writing) written in the names of the bank-firm to my uncle himself, making the same request Emma had done; and still, not satisfied with this, Mr. Briggs, bringing with him Mr. William Priestley (of Lightcliffe) had after this called on my uncle; and Mr. B– [Briggs] had the effrontery or ignorance to make the same proposal to my uncle of staying at home – Of breaking his word if given –

I believed my uncle was a little agitated (he looked so when he returned to us in the breakfast room) that any man should make him such a proposal – But he calculated on the ignorance of the person – Knew he could not mean to insult him – Kept his temper, and calmly said –  “He could not do it – He must be consistent with himself” – Mr. W[illiam] P[riestley] knew too well what he was about to say a word of such a thing – He said nothing but simply that he thought if his uncle had been alive (the late John Walker Esquire of Crownest) he would have given his vote to Mr. Stansfield –

Both Mr. & Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] quite agreed in the justice of my remarks – Mr. W– [Waterhouse] quite surprised that Mr. Stansfield R– [Rawson] – Should have written such a note – He never knew of this near of Mr. Briggs’s calling – He knew they had done this to a Mr. Crossley (at or near Rochdale) whom they had persuaded to stay away, after he promised to give Mr. N– [Norris] his vote; – He knew they had tried to persuade Mr. Thomas Dyson of Willow-edge to do the same; but he had never thought they would make such an attempt with my uncle – Broadly insinuated, he did not think they durst – It was an insult to a gentleman –

The subject turned for a minute or 2 to Mrs. Empson – Mrs. Waterhouse had heard something I had said of her (Mrs. W– [Waterhouse]) and she had “long meant to give me a wipe” – I saw Mr. W– [Waterhouse] was a check upon her – He did not wish her to name it – At last I succeeded in learning that I “was very cool”, but I had said “I never saw Mrs. Empson so like Mrs. Waterhouse” that is as she (Mrs. E– [Empson]) was when she was telling her mind – I replied I had no recollection of making such a speech: it was very unlike me to do so: nor did I believe I had made it – But I perhaps I might  

Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] must be aware the similitude might be good in 2 points – I had seen Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] out of temper and she had once behaved to me in a very unintelligible way: but I had forgotten or rather overlooked it, and it was very unlike me to revert to it in such a many –

If I had said it at all, it must have been merely to my uncle and aunt at home; but certainly if I really had said it elsewhere it was in confidence to Mrs. Rawson of Stony Royde or more probably to Mrs. Saltmarshe (which however I did not could not believe to be the case unless one of them should assert it); and I should know better how to say things in confidence in future –

However; I begged Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] to understand that said or unsaid I was very happy to make her any and every apology in my power, laughing and adding I knew her to be really good at heart – I would not quarrel with her – She was now a privileged person, and might say what she liked – As for Mrs. E– [Empson] “Love rashly formed too often ends in hate”, and I dared say she how hated me as much as she had ever done the contrary –  “No! No! You are mistaken she does not do that” – “Then”, said I, “I have done her unjustice but it is too late now to say anything about it – It is a dead cut between us – I may speak to her at other places or how I did so in York – But here perhaps I may take no notice of her at all” –

Mrs. W– [Waterhouse] and I parted very good friends and I came away at 8 55/60 – Mr. W– [Waterhouse] set off to walk a part of the way home with me, came all the way, I persuaded him to come in to see my uncle and aunt, and he sat with us till 10 55/60 – As we walked along, I asked if he did not think this business of the Greenups a rascally thing: of course, he did not like to say yes, at once but certainly did not contradict it, quite the contrary –

He said no attorney in the town would have done for them for Mr. James Norris has unless it was a young man, and had a character to lose – But he had gone thro’ a great deal – He had been kicked out of the room, and buffeted about, and abused – Ashewed, very worthy man (a creditor of the G– [Greenups]) had said to Mr. W– [Waterhouse] that they ought to be very much obliged to Mr. N– [Norris] they ought to make him a very handsome present, but perhaps he had done himself more harm than any good the G– [Greenups] could do him – 

I said, had my uncle known all this before the election, he would have staid at home – For he had too much the feeling of a gentleman and the principle of an honest man to countenance, or appear to countenance such conduct in any one – I thought the G– [Greenups] would make £20,000 by this business – Mr. W– [Waterhouse] thought they would make half thin debt – That if they owe as was said fifty-thousand pounds according to Mr. W– [Waterhouse] they will clear £25,000 – I thought such things ought not not to be overlooked – such people ought not to be noticed – Mr. W– [Waterhouse] agreed; but, said he, “these things get over, and in a few years are forgotten” –

Sat up talking to my uncle and aunt till 11 50/60. Spiriting up my uncle about the pride of the family about Shibden etc.  Having Pontey or Mickle improving the place which I always take every opportunity of urging and I think I shall succeed at last –

After coming upstairs began thinking of a contested election and a plan for bringing two blue members. Thought of writing anonymous from Bradford (but to be dire[c]ted to me here) to ask the chancellor of the exchequer whom we should choose if Wortley is made a peer. Began building castles about the result of my success, the notoriety it would gain me, an introduction at court perhaps, a barony etc. etc.

A glass of hot red wine neguss taken with Mr W[aterhouse] (I never take any) heated me. I thought of myself how slight the partition between sanity and not. The blood seemed in my head. I was not likely to sleep. I tried to compose myself by thinking [of] that almighty being who had created me. I had already said my prayers fervently and on getting into bed began repeating the lord’s prayer aloud again and again for ten minutes till the tears trickled down my face and at a little after it struck one fell asleep –

No rain today except a slight shower about 2 o’clock which could not do much harm to the hay – Yet a dull day – No sun – No drought – Yet got in nine loads – Very soft, and damp, too much so I fear –

[squeeneyart]

Breathe in the Salt - Chapter 3

AO3

Martin tells the researchers about his experience with the lighthouse.

Sound travels far.

Martin managed to convince the others that perhaps waiting until the rain let up a bit would be best before taking them to the other side of town. They might want to take notes, he had suggested, and maybe it would be better to wait until the end of their work day, since they would have to head to the local inn, anyway?

They conceded, though Sasha seemed antsy after her apparent discovery. Martin couldn’t deny that the questions she had had about the windows bothered him in the same way, but talking about it with no expertise seemed like it would invite something unpleasant. Instead, he led the way back down. Tim kept to the side from the beginning this time, firmly holding the handrail, and when the vertigo hit, he asked the group to stop for a moment before continuing down to the ground floor. At the back of the group, Jon was a different sort of quiet from before. Was he more irritated than before, Martin wondered, or was he taking this as seriously as Sasha? Maybe both. The guy seemed like he could hold a lot of irritation in him. Okay, that was mean, Martin thought. It wasn’t as if there wasn’t at least one thing to be rightfully irritated by.

When they reached the bottom, Martin shook off the thought and went back to his desk in the corner to gather his things. He would be ready the moment it was time to leave. The rain was still pounding against the outer walls of the lighthouse, so he was, for the moment, stuck. Once he finished packing up, he headed toward the kitchen to wait the rest of the day out.

Before he could make it there, Sasha said, “Martin, can you bring your chair over here? We have some more questions for you.” Martin shut his eyes tight, opened them, and turned right back around, plastering a sheepish smile to his face.

“Oh, sure. Don’t think I have much else to say, though?”

“That’s fine,” Tim said, taking his own seat. “At this point we’re just killing time.” Sasha shushed him halfheartedly and motioned at the small open space between Tim and Jon. Catching Martin’s concerned look, Jon rolled his eyes and scooted his chair over to make room, causing the knot in Martin’s stomach to tighten. Martin carried his chair over and willed himself to be just a bit smaller to no avail.

“So, Martin, how long have you lived in the area?” Sasha asked, settling her notebook in front of her, tapping the open page with her pen.

“Gosh, since I was born? Never really been anywhere else unless you count the town over, and only a few times,” he replied, picking at the sleeve of his shirt, holding himself back from looking at any of them. All those years all spent in this dreary town, they must’ve been thinking, what a bunch of nothing. He wouldn’t disagree.

“Okay, great,” Sasha said. “How long have you worked in this building? And how did you come to work for Mr. Lukas?”

“Just a few months now. I had been working some smaller jobs when an opening came up here and Peter picked me. He’s supplied the town with a lot of work the last few years since the fishing’s been not so great. Don’t tell anyone I said that, though!” He added the last bit quickly and then coughed. “People get defensive about it? Like-”

Jon interjected, “Yes, I’m sure there are many opinions on the subject of the local economy, but these details are unnecessary.” Martin flinched.

“Right, sorry. Um, yeah, I applied for the job and I guess it was a good fit. Kept me on this long, right?”

“Right,” Sasha said, her mouth twitching a bit as she gave Jon a look. Martin felt very much like there was a silent conversation happening that he was not privy to. “All right, next. Martin, if we could get an official statement regarding the… strange attributes of the lighthouse, that would be very helpful. Just something quick so we can get an outside description.”

“Yeah, yeah, I can do that.” Martin adjusted himself in his chair as Jon dug out an old tape recorder. “Wow, that’s-”

“Very old, yes, we know,” Jon said, his tired voice echoing a sentiment they must’ve received a thousand times. “Speak into this part here. Statement of Martin Blackwood, regarding the old lighthouse where he works. Statement taken by Jonathan Sims, further questions by Sasha James. Statement begins.”

“R-Right okay, well. The first time I noticed it, I was still quite young, maybe nine or ten? Somewhere around there. Anyway, I had walked up to grab something for- yeah, it was when I started grabbing groceries for my mum. I had walked up the hill and made it to the top, at which point I see, as usual, the big old lighthouse on the other side of town. A really easy landmark for me to follow. I walked down the street as usual, but this time around, I watched the lighthouse as I went. And just like I told you before, as I walked, it began to get bigger somehow. Not like a normal amount, but as if the thing was growing with my steps, and before I could even make it to the shop, I suddenly got hit with this dizziness, and next thing I know, I’m on the ground, being roused by the local florist.”

“And this had never happened before?”

Martin shook his head. “No, not that I remember.”

“And it’s happened ever since?”

“Yeah, though after a while I learned to just… stop looking? I knew it would make me sick, so why look?”

“And the weather discrepancy at the top of the building, was this something you’d ever noticed?”

“No, not really. I was always busy with work and for the most part the view tended to be pretty much the same. Staring out to sea loses its charm pretty quick, especially since by the time I get up there, the dizziness would set in hard.” Martin looked at Tim who nodded sympathetically. “But it’s weird, yeah, once you pointed it out.”

“Okay, great. One more thing: Are there any other strange occurrences, related or not to this building, that you know of in this town?” Sasha stared at him hard. The hairs on the back of his neck begin to prickle at the intensity.

“Not personally, no,” he said easily. “Lots of the older folks around town could probably be helpful, though, with stories they like to tell. There are some I could point you towards if you’d like.”

“That would be great, yeah.” Sasha looked at her notebook, tapped the pen twice on the page, and then closed it. “That’s all the questions I have. Jon, Tim?” Tim shrugged and Jon shook his head. “Okay then. Statement ends.” Sasha nodded at Jon who clicked off the recorder and left it on the table. “Now we wait for either the weather or the day to end, I suppose.” Martin nodded and stood up, finally able to escape to the kitchen.

He had barely managed to get the kettle back on the stove before he heard what seemed to be Sasha’s attempt at a whisper in a place that wouldn’t allow for it.

“Are you really going to pout about an accident this whole week? It’s not like we’ll have to work with him that long.” Martin, who had been about to tell the others about how easily sound traveled, froze.

“We’ve been here less than a day and he’s made it very clear that he’ll be of little help to us,” Jon whispered back, though not as quiet as Sasha was trying to be. “I’ll go along with him leading us to nothing to get it out of the way, but I think it’ll be best if we leave him out of the work otherwise.”

“Elias clearly wants us to check out this place or else he wouldn’t have wanted us working here. Sure, the guy seems pretty simple, but that’s no reason to be rude. Besides, he’s worked here for months. There may be other things he’s forgotten.”

“Yes, ‘forgotten’. He seems to do that a lot, like when I asked him to print something off earlier and he just ‘forgot’. It’s not my fault he’s either forgetful or just plain lazy. I don’t believe for a minute he managed to finish all of his work so early. He might even be making up this extra thing to seem important. We’ve seen the type before.”

Martin didn’t make a sound, electing to pick his nails and keep his eyes on the stove. He knew he had missed something, hadn’t he? Of course it was something Jon had asked for.

“It’s not like he’s our office assistant,” Tim said pointedly. “He seems nice enough. Not his fault we came in here and took the place over.”

“Either way,” Sasha said, “just cool it a bit? He helps us out when he can, we collect some information, and then we’ll be done. We might even get the go-ahead to leave by next Friday if we work at it, and after that you can get back to whatever it is you’re so anxious to get back to. But honestly, I’m going to enjoy doing field research without Elias breathing down my neck.” There was a grumble.

“Fine. But this still feels like a waste of time. All of it.” Footsteps echoed and Jon appeared in the kitchen, making a beeline for his jacket without making eye contact. Martin acted as if he were considering the different tea options and didn’t let up the charade until he heard the front entrance open and shut. He breathed out and then jumped as the kettle brought his full attention back to itself.

He could try harder, really. It’s the least he could do.

-

Martin knew the nerves were plain on his face as he reached the end of the road. Tim whistled.

“So, that climb doesn’t do anything to you?” Tim asked, hands in his pockets, staring down the steep path leading home.

“Never. Just makes the mornings a little harder than they need to be,” Martin said in a tone he hoped was lighter than he felt. Sasha and Jon had their gazes set on the lighthouse.

“Okay, I’ve got the camera running,” Sasha said, holding up an old camcorder. They really didn’t have the latest tech, wherever it was they worked. Not that Martin judged too harshly. He wondered if the recording would feel like a home movie when they finished. “Let’s see for ourselves, shall we?” She said, and began to walk with Jon and Tim close behind and Martin waiting at the start.

“I definitely don’t feel anything,” Jon said, his tone curt and arms crossed. Martin’s stomach churned as he waited for the three to turn and look at him in disappointment. He had wasted their time, of course, with his own stupid-

“Oh,” Tim said, beginning to wobble. “Oh that’s fucking weird.” Sasha and Jon looked at him in confusion and annoyance respectively. Tim stopped, walked himself back a few steps, and then walked forward again, doing his best to consistently look at the lighthouse. “You weren’t lying, Martin, that thing is growing.” Jon snorted disparagingly.

“Tim, please don’t make jokes-”

“I’m not! It’s the same as before, on the stairs! My head feels like it’s, I dunno-”

“Full of fog?” Martin said weakly, still standing back where the others had left him. Tim turned to nod at him in encouragement, and Martin continued, turning his eyes up to the lighthouse briefly before flitting them between the ground and Tim for support. “You stare up at it, but your head can’t make sense of what’s going on, and then you can’t focus at all, and it’s like your stomach is dropping out of you. At least, if you do it for too long.” Sasha and Jon looked at the two of them, and Sasha stopped recording to look back at the video.

“Oh, shit,” she whispered, pressing a few buttons before handing it to Jon.

“You’re kidding,” Jon said quietly. All Martin could tell from a distance was that, when Jon pressed play and turned the volume up, the only thing coming from the camcorder was a horrible static.

[misslisterkeepsajournal]

1831 Friday 30 September

8 20/.. 11 40/..

Breakfast at 10 1/2 - at which hour Fahrenheit 68°. and fine morning - awakened twice last night by a band of music - the bed seemed damp, and, tho' got up and put on my greatcoat, felt my limbs stiffish this morning - meant to have staid quietly here today, but having ordered horses last night, must pay for them at all rates, so glad to have them and be off, or, in consequence of the contested county election between Lord Ashley and Mr. Ponsonby, might be kept here some time -

Off from the red lion Wareham at 11 36/.. and alighted at the Old Antelope Poole at 1 - wind high and right against going to Brownsea island so determined to go tomorrow having my cousin made me not anxious to stir much or to be at Highcliff wrote 3 pp. [pages] to Lady Stuart de R- [Rothesay] to say that the wind was too high for Brownsea today so meant to take the whole of tomorrow for this and Studland bay if the weather fine enough - would go to church here on Sunday morning and be at Highcliff about 3, and dine at Lymington on monday - Knew the post was cross but hoped she would get my letter tomorrow in time to prevent her being prevented going to Lady Londonderry or anyone else in the evening - said that Corfe and Wareham were for Ashley, and Poole for Ponsonby - all the unemployed labourers and in addition to them all the scamps of Wareham hired to go and shew hands for Ponsonby today at Dorchester - mentioned having walked as she said perhaps I should, from Corfe to Lulworth Castle -

At 2 1/4 sent off by George my letter to 'The Lady Stuart de Rothesay Highcliff, Christchurch Hants' then wrote and sent at 3 1/4 by George 2 1/2 pp. [pages] to 'Mrs. Lawton 1 Regent street London' mentioning my little tour to Swanage, and my returning to Highcliffe on Sunday, dining at Lymington on Monday - and from there or Southampton, Isle of Wight for 3 or 4 days, and then by Portsmouth and Chichester back to London - should call at Richmond Park in passing and should then probably be able to fix my plans for the winter for after all Miss H- [Hobart] and I would probably spend the winter together somewhere - C- [Charles Lawton] so little to be counted on, hoped they might have staid longer away (in Paris) than intended and that I might still find M- [Mariana] in London on my return - at all rates, bid her not mind as we should probably meet again sooner than she expected - gave no hint of Hastings and a winter in England - bade her let me find a note in Dover street telling me where to direct to her, and promising to write as soon as I could tell her what I should be about-

Then took off and gave out things for the wash and made myself comfortable - then at 4 wrote small and close the latter 1/2 page 2 and the ends and finished my letter begun on Wednesday evening at Swanage to old Lady S- [Stuart] mentioned the electioneering bustle and my plan of seeing Brownsea tomorrow and Highcliff on Sunday and 'Lymington on Monday, and thence or from Southampton to the Isle of Wight - I think, I shall call on you in passing on monday-week, the 10th. - if you are not at home, do let me find a note - But I shall certainly write to Vere in the meantime - I long for a good account of you both' - .....not another hint about Nice - no further recurrence to the subject - mentioned Cameron's walking with me from Corfe to Lulworth -

Then wrote 3 pp. [pages] and 1/2 of one end pretty small and close to my aunt giving an amusing enough account of myself from the time of my writing to her from Richmond Park to my arrival here - will write again as soon as my plans for the winter are fixed - Miss H- [Hobart] and I will probably spend the winter together somewhere, but no hint more than to M- [Mariana] of anything further - speak of Highcliff as a charming place 4 miles from Xst.chch. [Christchurch] Hants - account of my tour - Swanage Lulworth etc. etc. - to dine and sleep at Highcliff on Sunday - monday Lymington - Isle of W- [Wight] from Lymington or Southampton uncertain which - and back by Portsmouth probably on monday week the 10th. - Miss H- [Hobart] had asked till the 20th. and, not liking to dawdle away so long at the Lodge or in London, had accepted Lady S- de R-'s [Stuart de Rothesay's] kind invitation, and determined on the little tour made and to make which I had so far enjoyed exceedingly -

Had the waiter up - Ponsonby may be choused out of everything - he has accepted the chiltern hundreds so if not elected for the county, may lose here too, tho' the burgesses have put off the election for the town (Poole) for 7 days i.e. as long as they can - the Mayor of Anglesy sent down to his tenants here to say they must vote for Ponsonby, or quit their farms - all replied they would vote for Ashley, and rather quit their farms than not vote as they chose - many of them if let alone, intended voting for Ponsonby - Ashley has in fact a very good chance, 10 to 1 in his favour -

Dinner at 7 - good mutton broth with rice in it - cauliflower and potatos and boiled bread pudding and bottle of soda water - well cooked good dinner - then read today's globe - and the wrote so far of today till 8 35/.. then till ten wrote the last 2 pp. [pages] of my 1/2 sheet begun to Lady G- [Gordon] at Highcliff on monday morning and wrote 2 pp. [pages] of another 1/2 sheet and thus finished my letter to her ready to go tomorrow - heavy rain about 5 for above an hour - fine day till then and tolerably fine and fair, I believe, afterwards - Fahrenheit 68°. now at 10 p.m. Came to my room at 10 1/2 -   [Margin notes] L L

Reference: SH:7/ML/E/14/0124