#for storing newspapers etc

[oct0bra1ns]

I feel like I've sent so many requests- lmk if it's too many or anything, I swear I'll stop

But until then, I have yet another!

How about a time traveller yandere who's darling is from a totally different period of time. Ex: Victorian era, prehistoric times, etc. Choose which ever you want!

-💌

Timeless Devotion

pairing: Yandere time traveller x Victorian era reader TW: yanderes, violence against others, notes : feelings were annihilated so bad i came out of my hiatus to write LOL

reblogs and comments are appreciated

♡ Yandere time traveller who expected nothing interesting when he decided to go to some obnoxious noble's ball, he wasn't this rich back in his time period, why not enough it now?

♡ Yandere time traveller who initially went out to the balcony to get some peace and quiet from the chattering crowd only to find you bent over the railing solemnly staring out to the garden.

♡ Yandere time traveller who immediately recognised you as the noble's child the moment you turned around to greet him. He who spent the next few hours of the ball getting to know you, hearing you lament of the fact your father married you off to a stranger.

♡ Yandere time traveller who started devising a plan to bring you back to his timeline the moment he saw tears falling down your face, he'd make sure everyone who played a part in forcing you to get married would be dealt with, of course, he doesn't waste the opportunity to let you sob into his chest.

♡ Yandere time traveller who begs you to run away with him, promising he'll take care of you to his best abilities, who promises that you'll never have to lift a finger if you wish so.

♡ Yandere time traveller who wastes no time in bring you back to his time, who's eternally grateful his parents decided to buy an old victorian house before they bailed on him

♡ Yandere time traveller who slowly introduces you to technology, who hands you a phone with only his number, who makes sure to hide the app store in case you decide to explore the contents of the phone.

♡ Yandere time traveller who knows damn well you hate the clothes in his time but buying victorian era clothing is just waay out of his budget so instead he take his time sewing clothes to your life, getting to place is hands all over you is a plus point.

♡ Yandere time traveller who always holds your waist when you go out to town, he's aware your dressing style makes you stand out but god forbid anyone tries to flirt with you, he'll get rid of them and keep you in the house for a while under the guise of it being too dangerous outside.

♡ Yandere time traveller who knows you spent your entire life being served so when he comes home to a burnt meal, hE doesn't complain, he eats it, praising you, asking you if you want to be taught more recipes.

♡ Yandere time traveller who panic when you uncover an old newspaper clipping of an unsolved murder of a noble house, snatching it out of your hand, telling you that even newspapers print lies these days.

[bejeweledinterludes]

morre dean hc i dare you

anon are you living in my phone because how did you know i had a list in my notes app of my way too niche (and definitely self-indulgent) dean headcanons… anyways enjoy!

── .✦ ⌈ my headcanons for dean winchester. ⌋

『 part 6 of @bejeweledinterludes’ headcanons series. 』

consider this a little gift for y’all before i log off for finals hehe. see you soon! ily! <3

𖤐 ────────────────────────

> dean winchester has a hunting journal, just like his dad’s. he’d started one in his early twenties because of his dad, actually— mostly to store numbers, addresses, etc. and over time (along with the evolution of technology), dean wrote in it less and less— but sometimes when there was a newspaper clipping, ticket stub, or a flyer from a hunt, he slipped it between the pages; as a reminder. a memory. so he wouldn’t forget.

and on nights when he felt drunk brave enough, he flipped through the pages of both his and his dad’s journals, for the nostalgia— or maybe the fact that it used to be so simple back then.

> while dean is definitely a hardcore metalhead when it comes to music, he also is a secret avid enjoyer of yacht rock. michael mcdonald, toto, the doobie brothers, player— you name it, dean knew the songs.

and when sam had heard the tunes of christopher cross’ sailing pierce through the walls of the bunker, he raised a brow, searching the place— only to find the source was dean’s record player in the garage as he was washing baby.

> it’s canon in my head that dean still wore jewelry, even though we don’t see literally any (besides his watch) in the later seasons. yes, his watch is still there, but he still has that silver ring— and i’d also like to think that he has the samulet somewhere, too (cas got it back for him), even though he doesn’t wear it anymore.

> it’s also canon that dean is a patrick swayze fan— but what i like to believe is that his favorite movie of swayze’s when he was younger was roadhouse because dean saw himself in dalton (or just wanted to be like him too).

his favorite movie of swayze’s now, though? dirty dancing. because swayze always gets a pass (and nobody puts baby in a corner).

> we see this quite often in the show, but it has to be reiterated— dean always sits in the back of bars, diners, or offices against the wall in a corner, in view of every single exit. same thing goes for walking on the streets too. the man is always, always, always aware. because he has to be.

call it hunter’s instinct or just plain being aware of your surroundings— either way, he’s assessing every single place he walks into, hypothetical situations already rolling: along with how fast can we get out of here and scanning every head he can see as soon as he walks in the door.

> this is kinda random but it must be said: he’d totally belive ai generated stuff. and sam would just *sighs and pinches forehead in his sam way* “dean—”

> this is technically (?????) canon too, but dean has a lot of physical media. cassettes, cds, records, dvds, magazines, etc. some are from childhood and his early adult years, some are things he found at the thrift store. he also hates streaming services, and prefers watching the movies he owns (because then he knows what’s gonna happen already).

> dean likes sweet coffee drinks. yes he drinks black drip coffee most times, because it’s cheap, fast, and easily available in most places— but it’s not his favorite. he loves a white mocha most days and he’s a sucker for a pumpkin spice latte in the fall (not in front of sam though).

> and last but not least: dean winchester is as smart as a motherfucker. we’ve seen this many times throughout the show already as well, but i don’t care! i’ll shout it from the rooftops! dean is smart— street smart. because he knows how to talk to people and get what he wants out of them, knows how to read someone’s emotions / body language, and has some crazy quick critical thinking skills when it counts. which is what makes him such a good hunter.

buttttt don’t get me wrong, dean is book smart. not nearly as much as sam, but he can easily manage, because dean had to do all the research himself when sam was away at college— essentially forced to learn, and to know how to navigate old lore books and records.

now, though, dean lets that burden fall on sam (for the most part), since sam’s read all the books in the bunker (twice).

───────────────────────── 𖤐

my master taglist: @blossomingorchids @bluemerakis @ambiguous-avery @maddie0101 @titsout4jackles @deansbeer @sunsbaby @emeraldcrs @h8aaz @honeyryewhiskey @supernotnatural2005 @cowboysandcigarettes @soldiersgirl @bruisedfig @mostlymarvelgirl @amaris444 @kaz-2y5-spn @littlesoulshine @starzify @velvetparkerx @eggggggggggggggggggggsblog @fuckedupfate @liiiilsss @angelblqde @vmiina @mahi-wayy @viarasvogue @tinas111 @0ccvltism @plasticflowersinahistorycemetery @lunaleah @saintfaux @kimxwinchester @bettystonewell @honeyyxxbee @harlekin705 @megara0224 @ej13928 + if i missed anyone OR if you want to be added/taken off, please let me know! <3

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Trump’s CFPB kills data-broker rule

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me in PITTSBURGH TONIGHT (May 15) at WHITE WHALE BOOKS, and in PDX on Jun 20 at BARNES AND NOBLE with BUNNIE HUANG. More tour dates (London, Manchester) here.

Something amazing happened from 2020-2024: even as parts of the Biden administration were encouraging genocide and covering up the president's senescence, a small collection of little-regarded agencies were taking a wrecking ball to corporate power, approaching antitrust and consumer protection with a vigor not seen in generations.

One of the most effective agencies during those years was the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Under the direction of Rohit Chopra, the CFPB finally used its long-dormant powers to rein in the most egregious and abusive conduct of America's most predatory corporations, like banks, fintech, and repeat corporate offenders, with a 7-2 Supreme Court mandate to go hard:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/10/getting-things-done/#deliverism

As impressive as the whole CFPB agenda was, the standout for me was its attack on America's data brokerage industry. Data brokers are effectively totally unregulated, and they buy and sell every intimate fact of your life. The reason every device in your life – smart speaker, car, toothbrush, thermostate – spies on you all the time is because data brokers will buy any data from anyone and sell it to anyone, too.

Data brokerages put "surveillance capitalist" companies like Google and Meta to shame (indeed, Big Tech buys a lot of data from brokerages, as do agencies like the DEA, ICE and the FBI, who treat the brokerages as a warrant-free, off-the-books mass surveillance system). Data brokerages combine data about your movements, purchases, friends, medical problems, education, love life, and more, and bucket you into categories that marketers (or scammers) can buy access to. There are over 650,000 of these categories, including "seniors with dementia," "depressed teenagers" and "US military personnel with gambling problems":

https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/06/08/from-heavy-purchasers-of-pregnancy-tests-to-the-depression-prone-we-found-650000-ways-advertisers-label-you

Congress hasn't passed a new consumer privacy law since 1988's Video Privacy Protection Act. The last technological privacy issue your legislature considered important enough to address was the scourge of video-store clerks telling newspapers which VHS cassettes you took home:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/06/privacy-first/#but-not-just-privacy

Congress's massive failure created equally massive risks for the rest of us. From phishing and ransomware attacks to identity theft to stalking and SWATting, America's privacy nihilism enabled mass-scale predation upon all of us, rich and poor, old and young, rural and urban, men and women, racialized and white.

That's the void that the CFPB stepped into last summer, when they passed a new rule that would effectively shut down the entire data brokerage industry:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/16/the-second-best-time-is-now/#the-point-of-a-system-is-what-it-does

Yesterday, Trump's CFPB boss, Russell Vought, killed that rule, stating that it was "no longer necessary or appropriate":

https://www.wired.com/story/cfpb-quietly-kills-rule-to-shield-americans-from-data-brokers/

Here's the thing: Trumpism relies on the fusion of two groups of people: a tiny number of oligarchs, and millions of everyday people who are constantly victimized by those oligarchs. To get this latter group of Christmas-voting turkeys to stay in the coalition, Trump needs to delivery something that keeps them happy. Mostly, Trump delivers negative things to keep them happy – the spectacle of public cruelty to immigrants, women, trans people, academics, etc. There is a certain libidinal satisfaction that comes from watching your enemies suffer – but you can't eat schadenfreude. You can't make rent or put braces on your kids' teeth or pay your medical bills with the sadistic happiness you feel when you hear the sobs of people you've been taught to despise.

For Trump to keep the turkeys voting for Christmas, he needs to do something for them. He can't just do things to scapegoats. But America's eminently guillotineable oligarchs have found so many ways to turn working peoples' torment into riches, and they are so greedy and unwilling to give up any of those grifts, that Trump can't manage to deliver anything positive to his base. Last week, his FTC killed the "click to cancel" rule that required companies that tricked you into buying subscriptions to make it easy for you to cancel them:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/05/12/greased-slide/#greased-pole

There isn't a single person in the Trump base who isn't harmed by data brokers. Every red-hat-wearing MAGA footsoldier has been swindled with a recurring-payment scam by clicking a deceptive link. The material conditions of the lives of Trump's base – already in severe jeopardy thanks to the massive inflation the tariffs will cause, and the plummeting wages that the ensuing mass business-closures will bring about – cannot be improved in any way.

I don't think anyone knows for sure how much support Trump can win solely by torturing the people his supporters hate, even as those supporters' lives get worse and worse. The one thing I'm sure of, though, is that it's less support than Trump would get if he could do something – anything – to make their lives even a little better.

Trump owes his success to coalition-building. The Trumpist agenda – ripoffs and racism and rape – has been around forever, in festering pockets like the John Birch Society, but those feverish monsters were encysted by the body politic and kept away from power. When a group of people who've been unsuccessfully trying to do something for a long time suddenly attain success, the most likely explanation is that they have found coalition partners to join them in their push.

Every coalition is brittle, because coalition partners want different things (if you want the same thing, you're just a group – "coalitions" are, definitionally, made up of people who want different things). They have shared goals, sure, but some of the things that some of the coalition partners want are things that the other partners totally reject. When one partner wins, the other partners lose. Trump's been good at holding together his coalition, but he's running up against some hard limits.

Here's what Naomi Klein told Cerise Castle from Capital & Main/The American Prospect:

The most serious vulnerability that Trump has is that a large part of his base really hates Silicon Valley and is not interested in being replaced by machines. So it’s a monumental bait-and-switch that Trump has done with this immediate alignment with the billionaire class in Silicon Valley, and if the left can’t exploit that, then we’re doing something wrong.

https://prospect.org/culture/2025-05-13-moment-of-unparalleled-peril-interview-naomi-klein/

Killing the CFPB's data broker rule is a pure transfer from the Trump base to Silicon Valley oligarchs, whose hunger for our private data know no bounds.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/05/15/asshole-to-appetite/#ssn-for-sale

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[luremap]

I was thinking, if Stanley could become a cartoonist, being young, homeless, without money, without contacts, etc. How would he do it?

Then several things occurred to me, but the main thing is that he would do it by starting with a newspaper.

•He uses the mail to send the few copies he has of various comic strips he made to various popular newspapers that he noticed published comic strips, but he uses a false identity to send everything, and stolen stamps

•He would take advantage of drawing at the tables of fast food restaurants when he could afford it

•Drawing in a car does not sound comfortable

•His first materials would be stolen, probably from a large stationery store and no one would notice that he took a few things in his pockets

•Most newspapers did not read anything he sent, but one gives him a chance for his humor

•He may also have been lucky that the cartoonist of that newspaper did not manage to deliver that week's work and they needed to fill in with something

•His style would originally be like the one we see in Lost Legends, a combination of Garfield and Snoopy, but it would change over time

•He would also change the types of humor and narrative in the comics, experimenting with action and adding winks from his life

•The newspaper that publishes his comics They almost never manage to contact him because he changes state and they don't have his real name, so they can't send him the money from the comics published for a while.

That's all I could think of for now, here is the full page of sketches

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

make you mine 1

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, age gap, possible abuse, alcoholism, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your father is strict but his authority is challenged by the boy in town and the man at his door.

Characters: Arvin Russell, Lee Bodecker

Note: you know what, why shouldn't I?

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Asking for more or putting ‘part 2?’ is not feedback.

Love you all. You are appreciated and your are worthy. Treat yourself with care. 💖

You keep your head down as you near the store. That group of boys is smoking at the corner again, their stained white tees and dusty old flannel jackets smell of sawdust and oil. Your daddy always tells you not to talk to strange men and except for him, they're all strange. 

"Hey, doll, where you in a rush to?" One of them flicks a cigarette away as he breathe smoke behind you. 

You hurry up as he whistles, "yeah, walk faster, girl. Wiggle them hips." 

"Quiet," another hisses and you hear the heavy thump of a slap against his shoulder, "ain't no way to talk to a lady." 

Footsteps rush after you and before you can reach the door, it opens, the bell jangling above as one of the men pulls it back. You look at his boots, grimy, laces fraying, slouching around the ankles. His other hand dangles by his side, cap folded in his grip. 

"I'm really sorry about Jethro, miss, he's got a real nasty mouth," he says, "you alright?" 

You nod and say nothing as you continue inside. 

"You're scarin' her, Arv," another man calls over, "look at her shaking in her shoes." 

He sighs and lets the door close between you as he turns back to respond. His words are muffled as you take a basket and flit into an aisle. Mr. Canavan is behind the counter, flipping through a newspaper as the radio crackles. You pick out the few staples running low in your pantry and add on a bottle of rum for your pa. 

"Afternoon, miss," Canavan greets in his piggish snort. You return the sentiment as you wait for him to tally up your order. "How's your daddy?" 

"Good, good," you answer as you peek towards the window. The men cross the street and disperse, some still walking in pairs. 

"He got a thirst?" he comments on the bottle. 

"Doesn't he always?" You count out the money and hand it to him. 

"Yeah but he usually takes care of that down at Hal's." 

"Lost too much on the table last time," you shake your head as he gives you back the change. 

He packs up a paper bag and you thank him, sliding it off the counter. It's heavy and makes your shoulders ache. You shouldn't have waited so long. 

You push the door open with your hip and turn, nearly colliding with another. The same man chuckles as he puts a hand on your elbow to keep you from toppling. You bite your lip and his eyes fall to his touch, dropping his arm guiltily. 

"Sorry, miss," he says as he sweeps back a curly lock that droops down his forehead, putting his cap over his hair to hold it back, "didn't mean to scare ya." 

"It's fine," you nearly whisper. 

"I wanted to say sorry again for my friends, if I can call them that. They don't see ladies often and they forget their manners." 

"Really, it's okay," you insist with a squeak. 

"Nah, it isn't," he counters, "but I told 'em to leave you alone." 

"Oh, thank you," you look past him. 

There's a pause. Awkward as he digs his heel into the ground. He chuckles and rubs his hands together. 

"That looks heavy, can I help ya with that?" he asks. 

You look at your armful. You don't know if you should. Would he be mad if you say no? He hasn't been mean. 

"Just halfway," he offers, "not tryna creep on ya or nothing, I'll just walk you to your corner." 

You press your lips together. Your daddy wouldn't see him at the corner.  

"I really feel bad about those other jerks," he continues, "so least I can do is carry your groceries." 

"Okay," you utter. 

You stand stupidly as he grins at you. You catch a glimpse of his dark eyes and crooked smile before your eyes return to the ground. He gently reaches to shift the bag out of your arms and lifts it easily. He steps back and you feel his gaze hanging over you. 

"Which way am I goin?" he asks. 

"Oh, uh," you point past him. 

He turns and waits for you to come up beside him before he starts off. He's shorter than the others but his shoulders are broad. He's still got a couple inches on you, though he's much trimmer. You catch up and focus on keeping pace with him. 

"I'm Arvin," he says. 

"Um," you breathe and muster your name in return. 

"I like that. It's pretty. Hope you're husband wouldn't mind me sayin' so." 

"Husband? I'm not–" 

You stop at the corner as you wait for several cars to pass before crossing. A brown and white cruiser rolls past and you watch the bumper disappear down the next street. You continue on as Arvin kicks a pebble unwittingly. 

"Not married?" he finishes for you. 

"I live with my pa," you answer. 

"Course. You must be young then." 

"I'm grown," you insist.  

You hate how your daddy teases you in the same vein, especially when he has friends over. It felt worse coming from someone nearly your own age, or looks to be. 

"Ah, just wonderin'," he assures. 

You're quiet as you carry on. You know you shouldn't still be at home. Lots of girls in Knockemstiff marry before they finish school. You haven't even had a date, not a kiss, or a look in your direction. 

"Just up here," you point to the next corner. 

He nods and carries on, stopping at the end of the street as he turns to you, "you sure I can't walk you all the way?" 

"My pa wouldn't like that." 

"He loves you, huh?" 

"He's my pa," you shrug and reach for the bag. He hands it over reluctantly. 

"I hope I see ya around. I work down at the mill. For Mr. Haroldson. Case you're wonderin' where to find me." 

"Thanks," you hug the groceries. 

He gives a tight-lipped smile. Disappointment twitches in his cheek. 

"See ya ‘round then." 

"Maybe," you answer as you turn away. 

You continue down your street. Halfway, you look back. Still watching you, he waves and slowly walks back the way you came. You spin back along the old country road, houses speckled over flat fields. You pass the rusty old brown truck at the edge of your pa's property, the sheriff's cruiser parked closer to the shed. 

You didn't expect company tonight. It must've been the same cruiser you saw at the corner. Your dread bubbles up but you quickly tamp it down. The sheriff always makes you nervous. He's talkative and you're... not. 

As you go inside, you hear your pa grumbling. You put down the groceries as the screen door clatters and take off your tweed jacket. You hang it as you step out of your boots. 

"You know we miss you down at the station," Bodecker's voice nears as his footsteps lurk, "there she is." 

Before you can retrieve your haul, he has it in his arms, "how ya doin', baby girl?" 

His usual pet name makes you squirm. Your pa says it's just him being nice. You never say anything against it. 

"I got it–" 

You try to take the bag but he holds it away from you. 

"Nah, what kinda man would I be, let alone a sheriff, if I didn't help a lady?" 

He winks and turns away from you, leading you past the doorway of the front room. You peer over at your father as he scowls and gulps from a can of beer. The sheriff likely brought the appeasing six pack to ease his presence. 

"What's for dinner tonight?" Bodecker asks as he puts the bag on the counter, peering inside. 

"I'm making a meat pie," you explain as you go to the fridge, "be more than enough for company, if you like?" 

"Now, how'd such a sweet thing like you come from that old coot?" He smirks over as you take out the beef wrapped in brown paper. 

You shrug and take the cutting board from against the wall. He doesn't move as you set up around him. You hate how his eyes follow you. Every time he's around. 

"You don't gotta work?" You ask as you reach for the bag. He pushes it towards you as he steps closer, looming over you. 

"I'm off duty for the night. Think I might indulge with your daddy," he reaches into the bag, his belly brushing your elbow as he lifts out the rum, "good brand." 

"Pa likes it," you step away as you search the cupboard. 

"You're old enough, you could join us after dinner–" 

"I don't like the taste and my pa don't want me drinking," you kneel to pull a pan out from the drawer. 

"Good habit not to take up," he clunks the bottle on the counter and rests his hand on the neck, "that boy you were walkin' with, he your friend?" 

"Boy? No, he was being helpful is all." 

"Was he, now?" He comes closer as you stand, "I know that boy, he ain't helpful." 

You glance at him. His blue eyes cling to you and you don't miss how they wander to the top of your blouse. You put the pan down and turn to grab your apron.  

He comes up behind you and takes the string, tying them tight as you wince in surprise. 

"Well, you're young. I'm sure you're fixing to find a husband soon. I'm just lookin' out for you." 

"I'm not looking for a husband," you draw away from him, "thank you, sheriff." 

"Well, your daddy won't live forever. Who's gonna take care of you, then?" 

You face him and frown, "I don't wanna think about that, sheriff, and I got dinner to make." 

"I'm sorry, baby girl, I worry about you. How long have I known you? I can't help it." 

"Thank you, sheriff, for worrying, but I'll be just fine." 

He tilts his head, bemusement sparkles in his vibrant irises, "I'm sure ya will be, baby girl… very fine." 

He sidles away and you return to the counter, pulling a knife from the block. The sooner dinner's on the table, the sooner you can go hide. 

🍽️

You clear your plate first, dinner’s made less appetizing by the sheriff and his leer. Your father doesn't help as he drinks more than he talks and you're left to entertain Lee's comments about your cooking and the same blouse he'd seen you in a dozen times. 

As you stand, the sheriff slurps from his beer and watches you. His lips shine as he puts the can down and smirks, "baby girl, you mind gettin' me the ketchup?" 

You swallow and nod, "certainly, sheriff." 

You turn and carry your plate into the kitchen, clunking it down on the counter before pulling open the fridge. You take the glass bottle of Heinz and return to the dining room to set it down.  

"Pa, you need anything?" 

"Dammit, Marcy, leave me be. I told ya… patrol's been busy," he waves his hand at you dismissively, your mother's name giving you pause. Lee hesitates as he twists off the metal lid. 

"I… pa, I…" 

"Is this what you're gon' do? Pester me?" Your daddy slurs, "'cause what? She was only being nice, ya know? I was too, I couldn't say no–" 

"Jack," Lee reaches over and pats your father's arm with his knuckles, "ain't there a game on soon? That old radio still work?" 

Your father blinks drunkenly and scowls. He shakes his head and hiccups, swearing as he tries to drink from his empty can. He tosses it so it bounces off the edge of the table. 

"Course it does," he sneers. 

"You got twenty on the home team?" Lee goads, "I should lock ya up for gambling." 

"Ah shut up," your father glowers into a dark chuckle, "it's you that's gon pay me fifty anyhow. Can't lock a man up for winning." 

"Ah sure, Jack," Lee stands and claps your father's shoulder, "come on. We’re missing the first." 

You don’t miss how the sheriff shifts his grip and lurches your father out of his chair. He gives him a nudge toward the front room and glances back at you. You should be grateful for the redirection, yet the leer in his eyes only makes you nervous. You know he’ll be wanting thanks for that for a long time to come. 

“How about you bring some of that rum out with dessert?” Lee smirks as he follows your father towards the den. 

You don’t mention that you didn’t have anything planned for dessert. He doesn’t wait for you to say so. He chuckles and teases your dad again about the wager. 

You’ll have to come up with something. You might be able to spare enough for cream puffs. Those were always ma’s specialty. 

[14dayswithyou]

Please wrap [REDACTED] in a warm blanket for me 🥺

What is Jae's job??? Every time I look at the map he's either off screen or in the ocean!! Is it Beach?

⌞♥⌝ Can't a man watch H20 and live out his dreams in peace??? If you don't want to play mermaid with him, stop pinging his location /silly

Canonically though?? Jae has multiple side jobs — mostly because nobody wants to hire him full-time — but also because I think it's funny watching his sprite move to random locations. He works at the newspaper stand by the pier on weekends, as an in-house cleaner for the elderly couple who owns the cabin he lives in (and all the others along the beach), at the local pet store, as a grocery clerk a few doors down from Olivia, etc!

But also... A little blonde birdie told me that Jae originally applied for a part-time job at the Corland Bay library!! >:3

Originally, I planned for Jae to be the newest employee at the library prior to Angel's arrival (the thought of Old Man Conan trying to do paperwork while Pro Roblox Player Jae explains DTI to him is somehow funny to me), but I scratched that idea because I felt like there were already too many people working at the library.

If I ever change my mind though, I might make it canon one day!! But until then... Jae will be Barbie hehe

[bloodyrib]

art the clown headcanons

art loves sweets and candies. he has some in his bag like werther's originals that he pulls out and eats from time to time

he's also a fan of sweet drinks like flavored milk (he prefers strawberry milk over chocolate milk) and juices. his favorite juices are apple and mango juice

he likes to try on jewelry especially yours. he's not a fan of necklaces as most don't fit (thanks to his big noggin') but he does like bracelets (his big hands somehow fit in those). he will try on rings but won't take off his gloves so he wears them on the upper parts of his fingers

even though art doesn't like getting wet you will see him sometimes stick his hand outside a window or door while it's raining to feel the rain drops. he's scared of thunder but finds lightning fascinating

art will unfortunately step on bugs he finds inside the house (unless you physically push him away and take the bug/bugs outside) but he does seem to like praying mantises, ladybugs, and dragonflies

in the spring art will spend time tending to your garden. he likes to use a watering can to water the plants and likes watching the vegetables grow. art gets excited to help you pick them once they are ripe

he doesn't like vegetables in general (he's a giant kid let's be real) but if he has to eat them he prefers homegrown over store-bought

in the summer you will find art wearing his usual outfit but with a large hat and large sunglasses. he will either be sitting underneath an umbrella or in the shade. he will watch you from time to time but will be occupied with a book, his tools, etc. good luck trying to get him to swim or sunbathe

his favorite holiday is christmas (ofc) and he loves baking christmas cookies, decorating the tree, and sitting by the fire watching movies. some christmas movies he enjoys are home alone and the polar express

art loves learning new things and has to keep his brain busy. you will find him on many occasions curled up on the coach reading your books, newspapers, and magazines

art has some books in his bag as well. he enjoys reading all types of genres but especially likes mystery, science fiction, history, and true crime

he will also read the user manuals that most people throw away and will take things apart like the remote and vacuum cleaner (he always puts them back together correctly however)

art likes watching the morning and evening news (and yes he will silently laugh at the sad stories)

if you happen to mention that you need new clothes art will go out and steal some for you even if they are the wrong size and type. he will present them to you like gifts :)

[schoolspiritsfan14]

The Lucky One

Milo Manheim x fem reader.

A/N: this was actually I dream that I had about Milo Manheim (yes, I am that fan girl that has dreams about their celeb crushes and then eventually they fall in love with you) and got the idea to make it into a story and I’ll add some other details to make it into a story, but it’s based on my dream. I’ll replace my name with Y/N so you all can live out my dream LOL. Also, I’m Australian so it will be based on you being Australian for the story, so G’Day Mate! 

Warnings: mentions of gambling, reader says joke ‘going to find a hole and die’, swearing.

Summary: you win the lottery, so you and your two friends fly to New York, the start of the ultimate girls trip. You then meet Milo Manheim and leave quite the impression on him. 

You were at the mall with your friends when you passed the newsagency (a store where you can get the newspaper, magazines, the lottery etc.) with big posters advertising the big 3-million-dollar lottery that caught your attention. 

“How insane would it be if I won this?” You asked your friends -Alison and Isabella- pointing at the posters. 

“It would be amazing. Since when did you care about the lottery Y/N?” Isabella frowned, a puzzled look across her face. 

“Not normally.” You replied. “Just thought it would be fun for once to get a ticket or two. I mean how else would I be able to go to my dream holiday destination.”

“I’m down to get a couple,” Alison added. 

Ever since you were a little girl, you have dreamed of travelling to New York City. Seeing the city in movies and tv shows you were captivated, and you wished that one day you would be able to afford to go. 

“Let’s get some tickets and if we lose, it’s just a couple of bucks and it will be fun.” You exclaim pulling out your phone to check your bank app. 

“Fuck it. Let’s do it.” Isabella says.

Five minutes later between the three of you, you had thirty tickets. “Now we just have to wait until Thursday night to see if we won.” You stated putting your tickets in your purse. 

The rest of the week flew by and before you knew it, it was Thursday night. You, Alison, and Isabelle gathered the tickets they had, and you made your way over to your couch in your shared apartment and turned the TV on to wait for the announcement.

The TV glared with the sound of the lottery balls moving around the machine as the announcer begins reading of the numbers. Alison quickly copied down the numbers before it finished to give you all time to found out which ticket could possibly be the winner. 

Looking over your tickets you had no luck, you were at the last one and quickly scanned over the ticket not expecting much. You look at the ticket and look at the numbers Alison scribbled down. “7 19 26 33 57 3 14” your eyes opened with shook. 

Alison and Isabella study your face, curiosity filling them. “What Y/N.?” they ask in unison.

“I think I won.” You whisper still looking at the ticket in your hand.

“WHAT?!” they scream again in unison.

Alison grabs the ticket from your hand and looks at the paper she wrote the numbers on. “Fuck, you won Y/N!”

“Holy shit, I just won the lottery!” You scream as Isabella and Alice grab your arms and begin jumping up and down. 

“Pack your bags babes, we are heading to New York City.” You squeal still in shock.

“Ooooo you can go see your celeb crush, Milo Manheim in Little Shop of Horrors!” Isabella teased, mocking you. 

“Tease me all you want Bella, we are seeing it, fuck it, we can see all the Broadway shows.” You laugh. 

Three days later, you Isabella and Alice were at the airport about to embark on your thirty-hour flight.

You get on the plane and head to first class; sure, your first flight was only two hours, but you had planned to be comfortable for the whole trip. 

Landing in Sydney after your flight you raced to your next gate for your next flight. You arrive at the first-class lounge in time and wait for the flight to begin boarding. 

You, Alison, and Isabella board the plane and you grab out your phone to inform your parents that you are on your long flight and will be offline for a bit. You then grab the headphones and place them on your head, picking a movie to watch and adjusting your seat to get comfortable. 

Twenty-eight hours later, you were finally in New York. You look out the plane window as it approaches the ground, and you can see the skyline of New York outside your window. You quickly grab your phone out and snap a photo of the skyline as the sun rose. 

Thirty minutes later and you, Alison and Isabella were waiting for your uber to arrive to pick you up to get to the hotel. 

“I can’t believe I’m finally here, it’s so surreal.” You say as you and the girls settle in to the uber.

“Excuse me, sir. Would it be really cliché if we were to ask you to play ‘Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift’?” Alison asks as the uber leaves the airport queue and begins driving. 

“You girls aren’t the first to ask that, it’s already in the queue that’s connected on my phone.” The uber driver replied. 

As soon as he said that the song began to play, filling the car. You, Isabella, and Alison begin singing the lyrics to the song and even the uber driver joined in. 

An hour later you were pulling up to your hotel, The Westin New York at Times Square. Getting out of the car and looking up at the big building standing in front of you as people walked along the sidewalk. 

“Holy shit.” Alison gulped taking in full view of the height of the building. 

“That’s the last of your bag’s girls, enjoy your time in New York” the uber driver said. You gave him a quick thank you and grabbed your phone out to give him a tip, and five stars.

You grabbed your luggage and head into the hotel to check in. Grabbing your room card at the receptionist desk you, Alison, and Isabella head to the elevators to the penthouse suite. As soon as the doors of the elevator fling open you are greeted with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the New York skyline. 

“Wow” you gasp as you enter the room. “That is a stunning view.”

“I’ll say.” Isabella adds as she as Alison enters the penthouse. 

You make your way up the stairs to the bedroom and begin to unpack your things. Looking at your stuff you realise you may have overpacked for a two-week trip. 

Heading back downstairs, Isabella is already at the bar making drinks. “Bella it’s 10 o’clock in the morning.” You exclaimed, walking to the bar. 

“Don’t judge and its mimosa, they are allowed this time of day.” She giggled finishing up her drink. 

“What should we do guys? I don’t know about you, but I slept great in the plane.” Alison said, grabbing an apple of the counter. 

“Ooo, I want to check out an American target! From all the Tik Toks I’ve seen, it looks way better than the Target back at home.” (Yes, the American target is way cooler than the target we have in Australia and yes, I do badly want to go to one) You beamed grabbing your phone to find the nearest store. “There’s one about ten minutes away.”

The rest of the day was spent shopping and exploring your surroundings before you decide to grab some dinner. 

“We have to try the ‘famous New York pizza’ it would be crime if we don’t.” Alison beamed, walking into the pizza shop. 

Grabbing some pizza, you find a seat in Central Park and look around taking in the sights. “I still can’t believe we are really here.” You expressed, your eyes wondering around you. 

“What are we doing tomorrow besides seeing Little Shop of Horrors?” Alison asked before taking another bite of her pizza.

“I was thinking doing the touristy things, like catch a ferry to the statue of liberty and walk around Times Square.” You replied finishing of your slice of pizza. 

“Admit it Y/N you don’t really care about that stuff yet, all you can think about is meeting Milo tomorrow.” Isabella teased you once again.

“Okay fine, you got me. I really only care about that, at the moment but after tomorrow I swear, I’ll be 100% invested in the rest of the trip.” You mumble taking a sip from your bottle.

Alison and Isabella look at each other and laugh. “Hun, we know you. You still be talking about it the rest of the trip.” Alison teased.

“Well, you shouldn’t be so surprised then.” You giggle. “I know I’m the fan amongst us but trust me when you see this show tomorrow you will become hard core fans just like me.” 

It was the next morning as the sun peered through the curtains that you forgot to close all the way. Looking over to your phone it was already 12pm, jet lag must have hit you hard. Stumbling out of bed and into the kitchen you notice you are the last one up. 

“Why didn’t you wake me up? We’re in New York, no time for sleeping in.” you whined pouring yourself a cup of coffee. 

“Y/N we have been living together for three years, we know better than to wake you up.” Isabella laughs taking a seat on the seat near the island bench. 

“Okay that maybe true, but we only have thirteen days left here, I want to make the most of it.” you huffed taking a sip of your coffee. 

“And we will. We figured now that its later in the day, that we just stay here and get organised for tonight.” Alison said taking a seat next to Isabella. 

After coffee and some lunch, you head upstairs have a shower, and look through your clothes for an outfit for tonight. You start doing your makeup and realise you forgot to pack foundation. You quickly grab your phone and open the group chat. 

The iconic trio

Y/N: I forgot to pack foundation FML

Alison: Girl how? That’s the first step in your makeup routine!

Isabella: It’s okay I forgot some things too.

Y/N: I saw a Sephora yesterday we could go there quickly?

Alison: I’ll finish getting changed, met you girls downstairs.

Isabella: Sounds good.

You and the girls head to Sephora and you quickly grab what you need and a little more than you actually needed before heading back to the hotel. It was already 5:30 and the show begins at 7pm so you needed to hurry. The girls got room service for dinner as you quickly finished applying your makeup before heading out the door to head to the Westside Theatre. 

As you expected there was a huge crowd and being in New York you should be used to it by now, but you’re not. Alison notices your tense in the crowd of people, and she takes your hand giving it a reassuring squeeze. 

“Stop stressing Hun, you got this.” She whispers in your ear as you make your way through the crowd. You quickly whisper a “thank you” as you approach the doors, showing your phone with the tickets on the screen. 

You, Isabella, and Alison find your seats in the front row and you quicky take out your phone to take a photo of the stage and a couple of selfies before the curtain lifted up for the show to begin. 

Isabella nudges your side when Milo enters on the stage. At this point you are internally screaming being so close to the stage and to him. His co-star Liz Gilles takes to the stage as well, making you also internally scream since you have loved her in Victorious.

Throughout the first act, you notice that Milo has been making a lot of eye contact with you. Butterflies swarm in your stomach but you brush it off thinking that you are sitting in the seat he always looks at to ground himself on stage. 

Throughout the whole show you and your friends laughed a lot, you even laughed so hard tears streamed down your face. As the show wrapped up, you stood up clapping for the cast as they bowed and walked off the stage. Milo came towards the front of the stage and quickly gave high fives to people in the front row. He stopped and you and him quickly embrace in a hug (it was in this moment I the author is screaming haha) before heading backstage. 

“Did I just hug him?” You turn to Alison and Isabella in shook. 

“Yeah babes, I even took a photo of you.” Alison says showing you, her phone.

“Fuck so I didn’t dream it, you guys saw it too.” You mumble, slightly slurring your words.

“Okay, I knew you would be bad but not this bad.” Isabella laughs turning to the aisle to exit the building. 

“I really enjoyed the show. Milo, Liz, and the whole cast were phenomenal.” Alison gushes walking out onto the sidewalk. 

“I loved it more than I thought I would.” Isabella chimed in putting on her jacket in the crisp night. “I thought its spring in America right now, why the fuck is it so cold?” she mumbles.

“Y/N you haven’t said anything I a bit, you good girl?” Alison asks. 

“Uh yeah. I’m good.” You utter, taking out your phone looking through the photos. 

“She’s properly still reeling that she got to hug her celeb crush.” Isabella giggles bumping into you. 

Before you could respond the stage door opened. Milo and Liz waved to the crowd of screaming fans and make their way down the line of fans waiting for their autograph. 

Before long, Liz Gillies was in front of you. You hand her your Playbill for her to sign and you tell how incredible she was before taking a quick selfie. 

Then Milo appeared in front of you. “Oh, hey it’s you. You have a great laugh.” He says handing back the Playbill of the girl next to you.

“That’s a first someone saying my laugh is great, I normally get hyena or something. You reply handing him your playbill. He laughs and you quickly take a selfie. 

“I loved your work in School Spirits, I can’t wait for the next season!” You gushed.

“Thank you. Sorry you had to see my butt.” He scoffs with a light laugh.

Without thinking you say, “It’s all good, it was a great butt.” Your brain finally caught with your mouth as your eyes widen. 

“What?” he asks still signing playbills and other things. 

“I’m gonna go crawl into a hole and die now, bye” you muttered. You quickly spun around, grabbed Isabella and Alison by the arm and begin speed walking away. 

“Did I really just fucking tell him he has a great butt?” you grumbled, still speed walking away from the crowd of people.

“Uh yeah you did.” Alison says trying to slow you down.

“Great, now he thinks I’m a fucking weirdo thinking his butt looks great.” You mumble, entering the uber Isabella arranged.

“But you do think he has a good butt.” Isabella jokes nudging your side.

“I DIDN’T WANT HIM TO KNOW!” you yell, and you look in the review mirror of the uber drivers eyes open in shock when you said that.

Arriving back at the hotel you head straight to your room, head upstairs to your room, not talking to Alison or Isabella and you lock yourself in your room. 

“I can’t believe I said that to him, Fuck!” you exclaim taking of your makeup then burying yourself on your bed until morning. 

“Y/N get your ass out of bed; we got a lot to do today.” Alison snapped, barging into your room.

“Ugh can’t you just let me drown in all these blankets in peace.” You grumble not even lifting your head up to acknowledge her. 

“If you don’t get up in the next five minutes, I’m getting Isabella to help me drag you out of that bed.” Alison sassed. “You promised us a great New York holiday, and we can’t do that if you’re in bed!”

“Nope, I can’t. I’m properly plastered all over the gossip websites ‘Crazy fan tells Milo Manheim he has a great butt’. You girls have fun, I’ll just stay here and rot.” You snarked grabbing a pillow and putting it on your head.

“You are being so ridiculous. Get up we are leaving; I found a cute bakery for breakfast and coffee.” Alison said as you sank deeper into the bed. “Fine. I’m getting Bella, and you know how cranky she is before she has her coffee!”

“Okay fine. Give me twenty minutes to get ready.” You snapped getting out of bed shutting the door as Alison walks out. 

Twenty minutes later you were downstairs, and Isabella and Alison were sitting on the couch watching the TV. 

“About time, I was getting cranky.” Isabella snarled, turning off the TV. “Now let’s go! I’m hungry and I need coffee.”

Heading out of the hotel, you follow Alison’s direction to the bakery she mentioned that was only five minutes away. You smelt the smell of fresh pastries and coffee before you even saw the sign for the bakery. 

“This is the place here, Poseidon Bakery.” Alison grinned pushing the door open to the bakery. “You guys grab a table; I can order for us”

Five minutes later, Alison returns with your order, and you begin eating. The bell above the door chimed and in walks the last person you’d never thought you would see again. It was Milo Manheim. 

“I see you didn’t crawl in a hole and die.” Milo said with a soft laugh.

Your eyes grew. Waves of emotions washed over you. Shit, he’s still standing there. “Oh, you know thought I would do some touristy things and then I was going to find that hole.” You blurted out. 

He just laughs at you. “You’re really funny. I got to go to the theatre. Bye girls.” He says waving at you and the girls. 

“What are the fucking odds of that happening?” you ask, whispering not wanting to get his attention at the counter which was right behind you. 

“Um, low odds. But you know what? Let’s just go. I can order an uber and we can drive all around New York today.” Isabella said as she began picking up her things off the table. You all exit the bakery not daring looking back. Milo turns around and watches you leave. A smile plastered over his face.

In the uber that Isabella ordered she tells the driver to drive to Coney Island. You Alison, and Isabella spent the whole day at Coney Island on all the rides, eating new foods until you couldn’t walk anymore.

“Okay wow, I didn’t realise how much Coney Island was going to be, I would have prepared more.” Isabella huffed as she sat down on a bench dropping all the stuff she collected throughout the day. 

“I’m so tired, I don’t think I can move from here. This is our new home.” Alison yawned taking a seat next to Isabella. 

“How about I organise an uber to take us back to the hotel and we can order room service and binge some Netflix for the rest of the night?” you ask taking out your phone from your pocket.

“Sounds amazing!” Alison and Isabella said in unison. 

Over an hour in the uber, stuck in traffic, you grow more tired the longer you are stuck in traffic. 

“Sorry ladies about the traffic. I can try to get as close as I can to the hotel, but the traffic isn’t moving as there’s been reports of a traffic collision ahead.” The driver said turning his head to you in the back seat. 

“You know what, it’s okay. Its right there we can walk the rest of the way.” You replied. Alison and Isabella nodded their heads, and you exit the car. You gave the driver a quick ‘thank you” as you closed the door behind you. 

On the sidewalk you begin dodging in between people to make it too your hotel. You were so focused on walking and trying not to bump into anyone you look up and see Milo Manheim once again. 

“Twice in one day.” He says as you make eye contact with him. 

Shit. Out of all the people in New York I run into him again. 

You quickly turn to Alison and Isabella at your side mouthing ‘what the actual fuck?’. You turn back to him and say, “Yeah lucky us.”

“He laughs softly and says, “Must be fate or something.”

“Yeah, must be.” Isabella chimes in and you quickly give her a nudge into her side.

“I have a day off tomorrow, how about I take you out, show you around a bit?” he asks not breaking eye contact with you (author is internally screaming)

“I-“

“She would love too.” Alison interrupts.

“Great, I’ll send you a DM on Instagram, what’s your username?” he added taking his phone out of his pocket. 

“It’s @YOURUSERNAME” Isabella chimes in.

“Got it. I got to go back to the theatre, but I’ll see you tomorrow Y/N” he said with a soft smile on his face walking away. 

 Alison and Isabella squeal in delight, grabbing each other and jumping up and down. 

You turn to them, still in shock and say “What the fuck just happened. Am I really going out with a celebrity?” 

“Not just any celebrity, a hot, sexy one who happens to be your biggest crush.” Alison teases.

Your mind begins to race, a million thoughts flood through your head as you begin waking to the hotel.

“I can’t believe it, my best friend dating a celebrity! Ooo, see if you can get him to introduce me too Blake Draper, he’s fine as fuck.” Isabella suggested as you entered the penthouse. 

“No, because I’m not going tomorrow. There’s no way he would go out with a random person.” You huffed, settling into the couch. “And besides, he wont DM me. I’m just a-“your phone dings interrupting you, it’s an Instagram notification a DM from Milo.

“Hey Y/N I’m excited for tomorrow. I’m about to head on stage but ill message you after for details about tomorrow x” you read the message aloud.

“Huh, guess he really did mean it. That means… Holy fuck. I have a date with Milo Manheim!” you express as a thousand thoughts flood your mind. “Girls, help me find something cute to wear tomorrow!”

It’s the next day and you didn’t sleep at all, an hour max of sleep because you were so nervous and excited that he actually asked you out. You head downstairs and start the coffee maker, trying but failing at waking the others up.

“Todays the big day! You nervous?” Isabella asks going through the kitchen cupboards for food that you brought on your first day. 

“I am so fucking nervous I think I only got an hour of sleep last night because I was going over everything in my head. Like why would he ask me out? I mean really, I’m just a random girl that some how caught his attention.” You ramble taking a sip of coffee.

“It doesn’t matter why he asked you out, the thing is he did! And it’s just going to be something fun that you can one day tell the grandkids about, how you went on a date with a heartthrob!” Alison gushed taking a seat next to Isabella. 

“But what about you guys? I’m the one that brought you guys here, I feel guilty leaving you to go on a date.” You muttered finishing of your first of many coffees.

“Don’t be. We will be fine. We were actually going to catch the latest horror movie since we know you don’t like horror movies.” Isabella said finishing off her bowl of cereal.

“But what if-“

“It will be okay. Just go have fun!” Alison interrupts.

Your phone dings with an Instagram message from Milo.

“Hey Y/N. I’ll be in the lobby of your hotel in thirty minutes, then I could give you the grand tour of the city. See you soon x” you finish reading the message aloud. 

“Fuck. He will be here in thirty minutes I need to get ready.” You said grabbing a blueberry muffin for your breakfast and ran upstairs to your room. 

Twenty-five minutes later you were ready and quickly checking your outfit in the full-length mirror. You wore your signature blue denim jacket with a simple pink cami underneath with a skirt, thick tights, and your white converse. You did your makeup simple and styled with some accessories you borrowed from Isabella. 

“Y/N you look hot. Now quite checking yourself out and get your butt in that elevator and we expect details later even if you come home past midnight. We want to know everything!” Isabella teased as she gave you a hug.

“I won’t be staying out late guys.” You reply grabbing out your phone and you have another message from Milo.  “I’m in the lobby x”

“Okay here goes nothing.” You say walking to the door, giving your friends one final wave goodbye as you headed down to the lobby. 

Butterflies swirl in your stomach as the elevator gets closer to the lobby. The elevator dings and the doors open, standing in front is Milo holding a bouquet of Pink Peonies. 

“Hey.” Something so simple has him saying ‘hey’ is making you scream on the inside. “I got these for you.” he says handing you the flowers. 

“How did you know peonies were my favourite?” you ask holding them under your nose and giving them a light sniff. 

“I may or may not have stalked your Insta a bit last night.” He says sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Thank you, that’s so sweet.” You smiled as his gesture. “No one has ever gotten me flowers before.”

“Well, I’m honoured to be the first.” He laughs.

You give the flowers to the receptionist and tell them to take them to the penthouse. Milo takes your hand and escorts you out the hotel.

“I have to warn you about something.” He says looking over at you as he walks you across the street to his awaiting car. “There is a high chance that there will be paparazzi following us today.”

“I mean yeah, you are a celebrity, that’s a given.” You respond as Milo opens the passenger side door for you. 

“Right. Just thought I should say something.” He scoffs. “So, I thought I would take you around Central Park, you said you only went briefly the other day. Then I thought we could go to the top of the Empire State Building.”

“I have to ask you something.” You confess as you begin to fumble with the bottom of your skirt. “Why am I here. Like why did you ask me out? I’m literary no one while you are this huge celebrity.”

He doesn’t even take time to think and imminently says “I’m not going to lie, this is a first for me, asking out a fan. But when I saw you in the audience when I was on stage something clicked for me. When the fist act was done, I talked to Liz backstage, and she encouraged me to ask you out. And I thought why not and here we are.” He admitted quickly looking into your eyes and back to the road. 

Your mind went blank. “Really?” you mumbled looking at him. “I thought you thought I was a crazy person for saying you have a great butt.”

He lets out a laugh. “You’re not the first person to say that. But you are the only one that has made me think about the interaction over in my head. Glad you didn’t find a hole and crawled into and died otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to take you out.”

“Oh yeah I thought it would be best to do some traveling first around the world then crawl in a hole later.” You say sarcastically. 

He laughs as he pulls into a parking spot and gets out the car and holds the door open for you. 

“Why thank you. Such a gentleman.” You say mockingly while you fan yourself slightly laughing. 

“What can I say, my mom raised me right.” he professed giving you a wink. 

He takes your hand again and walks you over to Central Park Lake. He hires a paddle boat and helps you in as he pushes it into the water. He begins rowing and you take in the sights all around you.

“Wow, you never see anything like this in Australia. All the skyscrapers and in the middle the most beautiful park.” You expressed, eyes wide taking in the view. Your eyes the land on Milo who is just staring at you.

“Okay season 2 Xavier.” You mocked him which snaps him out of his trance. 

“I’m sorry what?” he replies.

“You’re staring. Is everything okay?” you ask. 

“Yeah. It’s just you are saying how beautiful everything around you is but all I can see is the beautiful thing before me.” He replies sheepishly. (Again, author is screaming)

“Oooo, do you see some ducks or dogs on the sidewalk.” You say whipping your head around. 

“No. I mean you.” he makes eye contact with you making you imminently blush. “So, what are your plans after New York?” he says changing the subject quickly. 

“We were going to go to LA for a couple of days then head to Europe. This is actually my first time overseas, so I want to make the most of it.” you reply. 

“Ah so you’re going to be exploring my hometown of LA. I can tell you all the great places to go.” He says as he continues to row the boat across the water. 

“I would really like that.” You say as. You can feel the blush rise to your cheeks. 

The rest of the boat ride was incredible. He pointed out so many great places you and your friends have to visit before leaving. He docks the boat with the others and helps you out. Suddenly a horse drawn carriage pulls up and before you can even say anything he pulls you on. 

“First a boat ride and now a horse drawn carriage, you surely know how to make a girl swoon.” You tease lightly nudging his arm.

He laughs “Like I said, my mom raised me right.”

The carriage came to a stop, Milo helped you out before tipping the driver. He directs you back to his car and he drives to the Empire State Building. Once you arrive, he once again opens the car door for you, take your hand in his and you make your way into the building. You take the elevator straight to the top. The door dings and you a greeted with the whole New York skyline. 

“Holy shit, we are so high up.” You say nervously, without thinking you grip onto Milo. 

“Sorry I should have asked if you are scared of heights. Are you okay?” he asks concern in his voice. 

You take a few deep breaths, normally you would be panicking but strangely you weren’t. “Yeah, I’m okay.” You mumble not daring loosening the grip you had on him. 

He slowly walks you over to the edge of the building and you look over at the skyline. How high you were up suddenly wasn’t the problem. Your mind finally clicked that you had a strong grip on him. 

“Fuck. I’m sorry I didn’t even realise I had such a grip on you.” you gasped loosening your grip on him. You fumble back, adjusting your clothes. You can feel the blush intensify on your face, realizing how embarrassed you were. 

He doesn’t even hesitate when he responds “It’s okay sweetheart. C’mon let’s get off this roof and explore the rest of the building.” He takes your hand again and leads you to the elevators.

You and him explore the rest of the building, bumping into a few fans for autographs and photos which you let him, stepping to the side to give them a moment. Ten minutes later he found you admiring some of the artwork hung around the room. 

An idea comes in his head, “Have you checked out the MET?” 

“Uh isn’t that a sporting team?” you reply turning your attention to him. 

“No, well yeah the Mets are a team. I’m talking about the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” he laughed. 

“I totally knew that.” You said with a soft laugh behind your voice. 

He walks you to his car and starts the car, driving to the museum. You sit in his car, your mind swirled with a million thoughts. This was the best date you’d ever been on, but you know it will not go anywhere. You were in two different worlds. He was an actor, constantly travelling, on set or backstage of theatre shows. While you lived on the other side of the world as an interior designer. 

You were so in your thoughts you didn’t even notice what Milo was saying. “Y/N, you, okay? I said we are here.” 

Fuck. You thought. How long were you zoned out for? “Sorry, got lost in my thoughts.” 

He nods his head and gets out of the car and again makes his way over to the passenger side to open your door leading you into the museum. He walks you around the museum, telling you all about the art that he knew of and before long you were back at the front of the museum when you stomach growls. Loud. 

“Shit, I forgot about lunch and its almost 6pm!” he confessed running his hand through his hair. “C’mon there’s a great place not far from here that have the best burgers in New York.”

Before you could respond, he takes your hand again, leading you out the door and down the street to a small diner tucked in between tall buildings. 

“This is one of my favourite places in all of New York. They have the best food and has that classic 50s diner feel.” He says as he holds the door open for the diner. 

The rest of the night flew. You completely forgot that he was this huge celebrity. He was just a regular guy who you were on a date with. He insists on paying the check refusing your suggestion of a split bill. He walks you back to your car. 

“I had a really amazing day with you. As much as I would love to continue this into the night, I have to be at the theatre early in the morning.” He expressed giving your hand a tight squeeze. 

You felt a pang in your heart -weird- you thought you knew it was only meant to be for a day, so why are you feeling this way. “Yeah, me too. I’ve loved exploring New York with you.”

He directs you back to his car and drives you back to the hotel. Then he asks you something you’d never thought he would say to you.

“I want to see you again before you go to LA. I can get you and your friends backstage passes any night you want, I... just have to see you again.” He utters eyes locking with yours. 

You are left speechless. You never thought that in a million years that he would ask that of you. He continues to look into your eyes waiting for you to say something, anything. You finally get your words out. “I would really like that. DM me on Insta?”

 “I will.” He says pulling you into a hug. You get out of the car and wave at him as he drives off down the road.

You head into the hotel and make your way into the elevator. When the elevator dings, Isabella and Alison are there waiting for you, eager looks plastered on their faces with glasses of wine in their hands. 

“TELL US EVERYTHING AND SPARE NO DETAILS!” Alison basically screams at you. 

Isabella covers her left ear and mocks “Fuck, Alison that was right in my ear.” Alison gives her a quick sorry before quickly ushering you to the couch, putting the glass of wine in your hand. 

You begin telling your friends about the date. How he flirted with you, the boat ride, the horse drawn carriage ride, how you had a freak out on top of the Empire State building, taking you to the MET and dinner at his favourite place. You finish of by telling them that he wants to see you again and that he will give you backstage passes.

“Oh my god, my bestie is dating a celebrity. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me ever!” Alison squeals almost knocking her wine all over the white shaggy rug. 

“I’m not dating him. It was one date. And we literary live on the other sides of the world. It was only meant to be for here not something that is meant to last.” You added, placing your wine glass on the table in front of you. 

“If that were true, why would he want to see you again?” Isabella asks pouring herself more wine. 

“I don’t know. Anyways I just want to take a shower and get in my PJs. I have a big day planned for us tomorrow.” You say getting off the couch and heading upstairs. 

The rest of your trip in New York flew by and before you knew it you were packing your bags to head to LA the next day. Milo kept his promise and DMed you on Insta when he could and you kept messaging back, having countless hours of messages between you. It was your last night in New York and you and your friends were getting ready to head to the Westside theatre. Milo said he’s left your name with two guests at the stage door so you could head backstage. 

Heading through the stage door felt surreal. Hung along the walls were faces of famous actors that have graced the theatre leading to the backstage area. Milo was finishing up in makeup when he spotted you walking in.  

“Hey Y/N” he says extending his arms out to embrace you in a hug. 

“Milo, hey. Uh these are my best friends, Alison and Isabella.” You expressed. 

“I remember. The ones that didn’t say that I had a great butt.” He laughs and Alison and Isabella join. 

“I’m never going to live that down, am I?” you ask.

“Nah, not anytime soon. I got to go. Enjoy the show girls.” He says walking back quickly behind the stage. 

You take your seats in the front row. The show begins and Milo’s eyes find yours imminently. You feel Alison give you nudge to your side, noticing your eye contact. The show continues and throughout just like the first time you and your friends saw the show, Milo constantly made eye contact with you, making you blush, and butterflies fill your stomach. 

After the show was over and the cast did their final bow of the night, Milo did his signature hive fives to the front row. He stops in front of you and gives you a hug. He quickly whispers in your ear, “You look so beautiful tonight.” Before heading backstage. 

“What did he whisper to you?” Alison says as you walk to the exit. 

“He said that I look beautiful tonight.” You reply in a whisper, not wanting people around you to hear.

“HE SAID WHAT?” Alison basically screamed and you nudged her when she did. 

“Could you say that any louder Alison? I don’t think my parents in Australia heard you?” you sassed her while Isabella just laughed. 

“I’m sorry, it’s just so exciting I can’t help myself.” She replied.

You, Isabella, and Alison were waiting in the crowded lobby, waiting for the exit to clear when a strong voice from behind you said. “Excuse me ladies, I need you to come with me.” You turn around and see a tall man in uniform that read ‘security’ on his shirt. 

“Is there something wrong?” Isabella asks, concern filled her voice. 

“No, but I was asked by a certain someone that he wants to see a young woman named Y/N and her friends. He gave me your description so here I am. If you could follow me, please.” The man demands. There is only one person that would want to see you and that was Milo. 

The man ushers you backstage and you are greeted with Milo.

“Did you really think you could leave without saying goodbye Y/N?” he asks with a smirk on his face. 

“Well, no, I thought we were going to do that outside.” You responded

“If we did it outside, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” He says as he pulls you forward and kisses you hard on the lips. (Once again, the author is crashing out over this LOL)

You hear Alison squeal and Isabella nudges her to turn around to give you a moment. 

“I… Wasn’t expecting that.” You stutter still reeling in what just happened. 

“I’ve been dying to do that since our date.” He expressed with a smile plastered on his face. “I wanted to say goodbye, before you head off to LA, and I didn’t want to do it in front of others or over the phone.”

“Uh-huh” is all you can muster out at that point, still head spinning. 

“I really liked getting to know you, Y/N” he grinned. “I’ve got to get to the stage door. Bye gorgeous.”

“Bye Milo” you finally say as he leaves the room.

“Did that just happen or am I dreaming, or worse am I dead and I’m in heaven? ‘Cos there is aint no way that really happened.” You blurted out.

“No, it really happened. That one hell of a kiss.” Isabella joked, while Alison was still beaming.

“My bestie just kissed a celebrity!” she said practically squealing.

 

Two weeks later, you Alison and Isabella enjoyed your long week in LA. Going to all the famous beaches, the Hollywood walk of fame, Disneyland and practically every other touristy thing you can do, you did. You were at the airport about to fly to Paris; you begin scrolling through your phone on Instagram when you get a message from Milo.

Milo: Have a safe flight today, it’s my final night doing little shop. Feels bittersweet.

You: You remembered? That’s so sweet. And wow final night already? Break a leg (not really tho LOL)

Milo: Of course, I did. And ha-ha thank you. Message when you get there.

You: I will.

“Ooo what’s got you smiling like that, is it Milo? Alison asks with a silly tone in her voice. 

“Yeah, he said to have a safe flight and that tonight’s his last night doing little shop.” You replied putting your phone in your pocket. 

“Ooooo! He’s acting all like-“

“Flight 2913 to Paris is now boarding first class passengers.” The overhead announcement cut Alison off from what she was saying. You, Alison, and Isabella boarded the plane and found you seats in first class. You settled into your seat and found a movie to watch one that you won’t admit to your friends (especially Alison) that Milo recommended for you. 

Ten hours later, you arrived in Paris and greeting you at on the curb of the airport was a taxi service you arranged to take you to the hotel. The flight was long, and you were sleepy, but you didn’t care. You sat in the back seat of the Taxi, taking in all the sights of the city around you. Arriving at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, you checked in, found your room, and fell imminently to sleep. 

“Y/N get your butt out of bed; we are hungry, and we want a full French breakfast. We haven’t eaten since the plane.” Isabella shouted at you from the living room of the hotel. 

You grumbled ignoring them and fell back to sleep. Five minutes later, Alison and Isabella barged into your room.

“Get up now!” Isabella said grabbing your arm and pulling you out from under the covers. 

“Okay I’m up.” You mumble wiping your eyes. “I need a shower first.”

“You have twenty minutes, or we are leaving without you.” Alison demanded, leaving your room.

Fifteen minutes you were finally ready. “And I still have five minutes to spare before you murder me.” You mock meeting Alison and Isabella who were waiting on the sofa scrolling through the TV. 

“And I’m glad I don’t since you’re the one paying for the trip.” Isabella laughs as she stands up from the couch and opens the door of the hotel.

After the full French breakfast Isabella insisted on having, you book an uber and head for the Louvre. Ten minutes later you were at the word famous museum. There were people everywhere waiting to get into the museum.

“Okay I get it, it’s a famous museum but why is there so many people here? I swear there was less people in New York.” You sassed getting overwhelmed with the amount of people crowding your personal space. 

“We’re next in line, just breath. Okay.” Alison says reassuring you and placing her hand on your arm. 

Finally entering the museum and exploring all the famous artwork such as the Mona Lisa. “Its smaller than what I thought.” You stated as you finally made it close enough to actually view it. 

“She really should have smiled.” Isabella joked. 

“We’ve been here for three hours, and I need some coffee to keep me going for the rest of the day.” Alison said, scrolling through her phone for the nearest coffee shop.

You and Isabella looked at each other “But you just had coffee… you know what? Never mind. Let’s get some coffee.” Isabella quickly changes her tone when she sees Alison death stare at her. 

Thirty minutes waiting to exit the museum, Alison tells you about the coffee shop she found not far, and you begin walking. Alison and Isabella have been talking about the next horror movie they want to see so you just tune them out, scrolling through your phone looking at the photos you had taken. Suddenly, you hear your name being called out. You shoot up your head from your phone, and lock eyes with someone you never thought you would see again. It was Milo.

“Milo? How did…. Why are you…” you stutter out shocked at seeing him standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

“I saw on your Instagram that you were in Paris, and I took the next flight out. I had to see you.” he says. Filling in the gap between the two of you.

“You did why?” you ask, mind completely blank. 

“To do this.” He said, locking eyes with you and then embracing you in a kiss. You melt under his touch, and you can hear Alison squealing again and Isabella trying to calm her.

“I don’t know how this is going to work, but I want it too, if you do as well?” he asks after he breaks apart your kiss. 

“Yeah, I do want too.” You reply back, giving him a hug and you can feel him plant a kiss on your hairline. 

                                                   

The End.

[asksaken]

Relationship Headcanons for Mr. and Mrs. Doe? Like, Mr. Doe buying a bouquet for Jane, but then like Jane bought a MILLION BIG FLOWERS for John! I think it's silly to imagine them all bashful giving each other valentine's every year (/nx of course! :-D ), Their love is Thriving and I wonder what characters would hate to see them so happy? Feel free to reply or not, I <3 u (/p!)

YAY!!! im a d1 janejohn shipper so im so happy HI WYNNI!!!!!

john is more on the architecture and building side of things, jane is on the design and aesthetics side of things. john would build a house and jane would decorate inside and out type stuff (pre forsaken)

john isnt able to speak (during and post forsaken), but jane would be his best interpreter just because she knew him for so long

john’s first words to her post forsaken were “jane do you want a cup of coffee”. pretty much all of the hcs after this one are post forsaken

theyre just an old married couple in my head. they quip and have arguments sometimes but always manage to make up really quickly after. usually its john doing the most apologizing though

“i dont argue with my wife she tells me to shut up and i do” (reference)

ofc they both had their own lives they miss before being forsaken’d. i think jane would have a great time with a shop (maybe flowers) and crocheting/knitting though! john loves to hover over her and watch because he thinks crocheting is impressive

jane loves to garden and got back into gardening when john came back. he cant do much since he lost a lot of his dexterity but hes really good at digging holes

john would immediately try jumping back into architecture and building stuff. long hours at work, jane gets to hang out and be on her own devices for a while. always happy when john comes back home though :)

they both have their own respective lazyboy chairs except they frequently either steal eachother’s chairs or just sit in the same one together. a lot of their fights relate to the chairs

jane’s favorite food is cinnamon rolls, so john makes sure to keep the house stocked on them. he never forgot the recipe he used to bake them for her

jane isnt as affectionate as john is but she still has her own ways of showing love. mostly hanging out wherever john is and watching him work, or just talking to him whenever she can about something or other. new parks being built that she read in the newspaper, how her favorite store recently had a restock on flower seeds, etc

i could yap forever about them both together and individually. i lov jane doe and john doe <3 this was so long LOL

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

Random Cleaning management

You will need to occasionally run a cleaning cycle for your washing machine. Most shops have some kind of powder for it.

Otherwise your clothes will start smelling musty and the machine itself can get cloggedup and gross.

Also, you will need to use drain cleaner on your kitchen and bathroom sinks, shower drain, laundry sink.

Apparently you also need to do it for dishwashers, if youre lucky to have a robot for that odious little task.

And check the lint catcher in your dryer to avoid fires.

Mirrors, you can use your glass cleaner and s scrunkled newspaper

Wipe the top of fans of dust. And the top of the fridge. And the furniture.

Make peace with the reality that there will always be dust and you one day will also be dust.

Wipe the taps. They can get gunky.

Spray on cleaners for the bathroom are great but you're going to have to actually clean it eventually.

Get a mop if you have tiles or laminate flooring. It makes a difference.

Wipe the cupboards. Esp if you have pets.

Not sure if this works for all walling but like, diluted sugar soap cleans most stuff. Thats the stuff that worked when i was a kid.

You can get leather wipes or a spray and some chux for armchairs and shit.

If you have little demons who take out your table cloths, most cheap stores have these little table weights in a four pack. It can stop them annihilating your table.

Dont auto assume furniture polish needs to go on any wood you got. But it also doesnt hurt to try the test patch thing in a small spot.

Wash your fucking curtains at some point in the year. They collect dust and cat hair. If you cant vacuum it or whatever, shake em outside and wash it.

If your vacuum isnt that strong, nothing wrong with a lint roller or a little brush to get stubborn fluff from carpet or rugs.

Move the furniture once every so often for a clean. So much. Dust and fluff can get under there.

Keep your cleaning shit all together in a closable location. Lockable as needed if you have kids. So they dont chug a potion of uh oh.

Hang shirts on coathangers if you have limited line space. If its long sleeved or thick, you may need to still hang them.

Oh and you save space/pegs if you get one of the specialised holders. Undies, socks, headbands etc. It'll fit and dry quick.

Most shops and camping stores have easily collapsible washing lines and things. Great for if you need extra space, or if its pissing rain and it has to dry inside, or you need to just spread something out weird.

You will never win against a fitted sheet.the gods abandoned us aeons ago.

If you wash thick things like blankets or bath mats, getting some heavier duty metal pegs van be a game changer. Esp if the wind tunnel by your place can blast shit off the line with the most mininmal provocation.

Chair leg protectors... the stick on ones will slide off and they hate you personally.

If you have messy animal eaters in the house,there are like silicone mats and even towel ones although to make your own, you can even cut out of old towels and put a hem or whatevs. Under the bowls? Saves the floor and easily washed.

Flip the mattress. Get a mattress protector too. There will be a day someone spills a drink or jas an accident, or a pet throws up. Just do it. Also wash the mattress protector. Please.

If you have a small bedroom and a big vacuum? For a deep clean, push the mattress off the bed and pick up the slats. Takes extra effort but it gets that deep clean.

Glen20 is a friend but like, you do need to wipe surfaces. Eventually. Wipe the bottom of the bin. Hot water. Bin juice gets sticky and no stink pretty spray fixes it.

Smelly shoes needs to sit in the sun, you can also put newspaper in there to sop up extra.

If clothes or blankets smell off after storage, wash em.

Fabric softner. Not necessary. Can fuck up things like towels and period panties and some delicate items.

Clothes and things have labels on them for a reason. If you love the item, read them.

Cant fit a full ass ironing board? You can get a mini one. I gound mine at an op shop. But you can also get a mat from stores like bunnings and big w.

Litter boxes. Give the thing a wipe over regulalrly. Especially if you dont use the tray bag things. I use a puppy pad under a litter tray liner thing. Only because i have frantic diggers who will try to hide it in china. Wash the litter box and any floor protector mats.

Speaking of the dunny, you can get little cubes to put in the cistern to clean on flush, if you dsilike cage cleaners. But, you still have to scrub the thunderbox in some way, and use the little toilet cleaner and spray up under the rim. It gets evil up there.

Have some containers for your hobbies and crafts, helps to cycle them in and out easier.

Do not. Use cleaners with the abandon of a drunk wizard hurling everything in a cauldron. Be in a ventilated room, door open if you can. Use one product at a time and pay attention to whats in it so you dont gas yourself by accident.

Shopping list magnet on the fridge can help are u gonna forget it on occasion? Sure. Take a photo of it on shopping day.

Wipe out your fridge. Defrost the freezer. Check the brand type and see if theres any instructions for it.

Wash your Toys. Please. Dont give yourself an infection internally or externally. But if you do, remember that your dr is there to help not judge you. Dont delay out of embarrsssment.

Change your loofa. Change your toothbrush. Change your washing up slonge regulalry.

Steel wool is your friend for anti rust mess. Lovely knife sets sometimes get moisture and need a scrub. Also needs to be sharpened. You can get a device for it or see a professional (have never fogotten the post about the knife truck that circled a neighbourhood like an ice cream truck).

Occasionally pull out all your co tainers and lids. Check who is a single, double check for missing pair, and either repurpose or toss.

Any wooden items in your kitchen really look at them at least a few times a year. Moldy? Toss it. Been submerged in water and never quite dried? Sorry, has to go.

Especially a cutting board with sus looking colours in the grooves. Gotta go. And plastic ones that are all hacked up? Repurpose it or toss it.

Wipe the splashback tiles around the sinks. Theres more than you think on there.

Wipe the windows. Promise theyre dirtier than you think.

Clean. Your. Fucking microwave. And. Oven.

For like recyclable items like water bottles and cans, a garden bag in a 60L bin tucked in a corner is a helpful solution. Resdy to go right to containers for change when full.

You do not need 3ven 1/10th of the must haves on tiktok or snap or insta. You just need shit that works for you.

Listen, my house gets messy regularly for like, the fact theres only so much time in a day. But occasionaly remembering one of these things and doing it can help unfuck your head and environment.

Theres probs more, you accumulate adulting and cleaning stuff. Add more as you think of it.

[adachimoe]

p4 novel chapter where adachi messes around the dojima house

to recap: "your affection" is an officially licensed p4 novel from 2009. idk if it's canon or not. each chapter is a side story about the characters besides the protagonist, each from a different month in game. adachi appears in the october chapter. this is a summary of the events of the chapter, which i totally read at 5am when i couldn't sleep.

tl;dr = adachi can't fold laundry

nanako returns home from school one day and suspiciously finds her dad's shoes lopsided in the entryway, the laundry has been taken down from the backyard and sloppily thrown onto the couch, a letter in the mailbox with no sender (the 1st threat letter), etc. she knows that its not the protag who did this because he would've properly folded the laundry and whatnot, and she wasn't expecting him home afterschool cause he had to go to a club that day. nanako thinks someone might have broken into the house OR MAYBE IT'S A GHOST???, so she goes back outside.

naoto is roaming around and ends up near the dojima residence, seemingly driven by a desire to see the cats that hang around outside the house lol, and she comes across nanako outside. nanako explains, and naoto takes her back inside to investigate. as they go found the house, they find more oddities: nanako sees the newspaper rolled up and assumes her dad hasn't come home yet (as he would've unfolded/read it), the bread she was going to use as toast for breakfast is gone, the mokoi doll in the protagonist's room was knocked off the shelf, there's a futon laying around...

eventually, dojima comes home, and he's like "?" because naoto is there. naoto explains nanako's concerns, and dojima realizes what happened but doesn't explain to either of them. he serves naoto coffee, which she finds really bitter so nanako brings her some cream and sugar. dojima mentions the protag sometimes takes his with cream and sugar too. they start talking about protag, and dojima asks some prying questions, like, "what do you talk to my nephew about huh". naoto knows she cant say "uhh we talk about murders", so she says like, "well i tell him about my childhood and he tells me about you and nanako!" dojima replies about how naoto should live a normal school life and not get involved in anything weird, and naoto thinks that he's kinda like kanji.

suddenly, the doorbell rings, and nanako gets the door. adachi is there. he dropped by to find dojima as he wasn't at the station. it turns out that they got some kind of forensics report back about a theft at a hardware store. dojima yells at adachi b/c he could've just called. he knows it's more like... adachi came over to the house to tell dojima in person because he wanted to waste time / slack off lol. naoto hears the word "theft", and is reminded of the curious case earlier, which dojima knew the truth about but didn't share. so naoto asks, "wait, who did it?" and dojima goes, "this guy", referring to adachi.

what really happened was adachi asked dojima if he wanted to go drinking after they got off duty. dojima got absolutely shit faced drunk. after nanako and protag had left for school, adachi brought dojima back to the house and dumped him on a futon. adachi himself was hung over, so he napped on the couch. adachi woke up after noon and had some time to spare before he had to go back on the clock, so he went back to his place.

before he left, though, he noticed it was windy, so he very shittily folded the laundry and threw it on the couch. something from the laundry blew away to the 2nd floor of the house, and adachi wound up in the protag's room to get it back, and he knocked over the mokoi doll in the process. he also got thirsty so helped himself to a drink except he also broke/dropped the glass. and he ate nanako's bread at some point. he claims that he asked dojima for permission to eat it and dojima said okay, but like, dojima was also hung over, so uh... adachi... lol...

btw, while he narrates the part about his Very Shittily Folded laundry, he's like, "wow nanako is such a hard worker who is always doing all of the household chores! i wanted to help her out! nanako, you should be really thankful to me!" and nanako is, in response to this, described as "having an odd look to her face" lmao.

naoto then scolds both dojima and adachi since dojima made nanako worry (dojima never read the newspaper that day, but nanako thought it being folded meant he never came home and someone broke in) and adachi was doing whatever the fuck adachi does. dojima gets a call about another case, and him and adachi have to take off. dojima asks naoto to stay with nanako for a bit, and the chapter ends with naoto taking nanako grocery shopping.

pretty cute overall.

adachi inviting dojima out drinking, knowing he'd have to take dojima back to the house, thus giving him an excuse to be there and leave the threat letter in the mailbox, almost sounds too smart for adachi haha. also, thank you to this author for the mental image of adachi folding the protag's pants (very shittily) and rummaging thru his room. (❁´◡`❁)

[crescenthistory]

Request: please a.5 w/ lee, halloween au?

Prompt: A.5 "How delightful"

Words: 1.8k

Warnings: not proofread, gn!reader (apart from one use of princess), established relationship, bones & all typical content (homelessness, financial instability, cannibalism, etc.), banter, tickling, super fluff, just silly really

Note: received this request ages ago, but it's still october so i don't count it as too late lmao. just a silly little drabble with reader and lee being menaces at a haunted house:)

When you left home, never to return, you had quite a few expectations of what life would have in store for you, none of them good.

Yet somehow, a few years later, you found yourself crammed into a beaten blue pick-up truck, the third car you have kindly borrowed so far this year, with your faded-pink haired boyfriend in the passenger seat with his converse dirtying the dashboard – and you had to admit life was not all that bad.

“No fucking way!” Lee exclaimed as he looked through the newspaper he had snagged at the last gas station you stopped at.

You made a sound as if to ask what is it, keeping your eyes on the road. Already, though, Lee’s full-body reaction to whatever he read tugged at the corner of your lips.

“Babe, check this out.” He turned the newspaper to you and you spared a brief glance, just enough to catch the bolded headline in the bottom right corner.

Haunted House – Scare Actors Needed

No way, indeed.

“How delightful,” you said in a teasing tone. “What do you want us to do about that?”

“What do I want to do about that?” Lee repeated your question back to you incredulously. “What do I not want to do about that – this is exactly the kind of gig for us!”

Though neither of you shied away from thieving, both from warm and cold bodies, you had been attempting to pick up on odd jobs here and there. For the thrill of it you would joke to Lee, and despite his eyerolls at your antics, you both knew it did you good to get in some regular labour. Feel human. Anything from dogsitting to festival workers was underneath your belt buckles by now, and you kept going for weirder and weirder things the further into the US you drove.

This had to be the weirdest though. Not to mention, ironic.

“Are you in a spooky mood, Lee?” You didn’t look at him, but could feel his lovesick gaze on you as his body was – dangerously, as per usual – angled fully towards you in his seat.

“Oh, you know I am.” He laughed that too-pitchy silly laughter of his that always brought a smile to your lips. “Imagine it, you and I, two young cannibals, all dressed up as ghosts and scaring the living daylights out of a bunch of snotty kids.”

“I’m imagining it,” you laughed. “Where is it?”

He tells you, pointing it out on the map you always had between you. It was close and lined up perfectly with the general direction you two were going in at the moment – not that you were incredibly picky about that these days.

“That honestly would work out well,” you say, with a you win tone, even though you were never really opposed to it anyway. “So if you want–”

“Fuck yes,” Lee mutters to himself before giving a small cheer. “We are so going to make some shithead piss himself, I’m telling you right now.”

“We don’t even have the job yet, Lee. Better yet, we haven’t even applied.”

“Oh, that’s not gonna be an issue,” he says matter-of-factly, before pulling up the newspaper to read from the notice. “They say please twice, very thrice and use a bunch of exclamation marks. It’s in this kind of intersection between a bunch of small towns. They’re practically desperate for someone like us.”

“Someone who has no other commitments or passions, you mean?” You tease, odd emotional twinge in your heart at how that sentiment is now something that frees you instead of shackles you. Something that makes you smile, makes you love.

“Precisely.” Lee’s grin is huge as you glance at him sideways. “So hit the gas pedal, princess, we’re going to the town of Halloween.”

By the time you arrive in the designated town, the sun is a fat, orange pumpkin hanging low in the sky. Like any worn down area not worth its money, you find ample places to park your truck for overnight stays. Technically you read about a motel just a few blocks over, but you had grown too comfortable sleeping in seats and pickup truck beds with Lee.

You feel Lee’s foot tapping on the dashboard as you pull up and shut the engine.

“I think they’re gonna love us, baby,” he says, and you almost think his excitement is a bit just because of how giddy he was. 

“I think we’re gonna make ‘em regret those exclamation marks.”

Lee laughs heartily at that, pulling you over the console between you and into his lap, now that you no longer have your driver responsibilities. He circles his arms around your waist and breathes you in sweetly, until his tune changes on a dime and he attacks your neck with kisses, pretending to bite you. You squirm in his arms as it tickles, fighting for your dignity by holding back the squeals that bubble in your throat.

“Lee! Quit practising your scare tactics on me!” you exclaim, trying to catch his lips with yours to disarm him.

“This scare you, pretty girl?” His words would almost be seductive, if it wasn’t for his chin digging into your shoulder.

You finally get a hand around his jaw, bringing his face up for a kiss. You kiss him much harder than necessary, just to make sure you’ve got him locked in a safe position. He just laughs against your lips.

“Rude,” you murmur against him, making him only laugh harder. “Don’t do this in front of the haunted house people.”

“No?” There is a teasing lift of his brow as he pulls away from you. “You don’t think that would secure us the position?”

“I don’t think even they are that desperate.”

The Haunted House itself was something straight out of a local horror legend. A crumbling, Gothic-inspired mansion with peeling paint and slanted walls. Creeping vines clung to the stone, as though even the plants themselves wanted to pull it back into the ground. You and Lee parked out front, taking in the scene with a kind of bemused wonder, both of you grinning at each other as if you had just found a buried treasure. The whole setup was covered in plastic cobwebs and had one too many cheap fog machines wheezing out mist in cloudy bursts.

“Welcome to the House of Horrors,” Lee read aloud from a bloody sign out front. “We’ve got the right place, at least.”

“Think so?”

Lee turned with a gleam in his eye to quip back at you when a man exited the building right before your eyes. He had a clip board in his hands, frazzled hair and looked like he wanted to be a thousand places at once.

Probably the right guy to ask for a job.

Before you could open your mouth to introduce yourselves, he caught eye of the two of you. He didn’t give you more than a one-second look over before asking, “Are you guys here for the scare actor positions?”

“That obvious, huh?” Lee snickered, drawing an embarrassed chuckle from the man, before extending his hand and introducing himself politely. 

You did the same and learned that this was Derek, an undergraduate student with a lot on his plate right now you guys who was currently also managing the haunted house during the season.

To no one’s surprise, it didn’t take long before he agreed to let you guys on the team and brought you inside.

“So Yusra will go over the program with you two, and then you’ll just try it out for the night, and if it’s a match you’re on board until the end of October, that good?” Derek spoke a mile a minute, but it was somehow easy for you to stay on. Lee would either say one word an hour or a thousand per second, so you had grown used to it.

You and Lee both nodded, letting him take you through the different systems quickly before showing you to a costume section, where he let you “go crazy” while he ran off to do other managing tasks, probably.

"How do you think we’ll look?" Lee asked, slipping on a particularly lopsided werewolf mask over his head. His voice is muffled, his eyes wide and hopeful through the eye holes.

"Like roadkill with a complex,” you answer sweetly, and he laughs, tossing the mask down and leaning over to smear a line of fake blood across your cheek.

“C’mon, keep up. You’re the one who wanted odd jobs.”

“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a pretty nice odd job for October.”

You hold up your hands as if in surrender, but then fake out by smearing a gob of goopy red – that you found sitting open and half-dried on a table – down his nose in revenge. He wrinkles it, but his eyes stay fixed on you with that glint of mischief.

"Think we should get in character?" you ask, as you walk away from him, further down from the costume section to the get-ready stations connected to it by a dimly lit hallway. 

"What do y'mean, I’ve been in character since we got here.” Lee waggles his fingers with a dramatic flair that has you stifling a snort.

Derek and Yusra gets you situated for the night, and you spend many beautifully horrific hours listening to high schoolers shriek. The two of you spend the first half of the night lurking and leaping out at the packs of screaming kids and too-cool teens that wander through. Lee's got his wild-eyed grin on – which alone is scary enough for most of the visitors, and it doesn’t take long before he’s practically out there taking bows after each jump-scare he nails.

You're breathless and happy when you finally go on break.

“If you don't calm down, people are going to think you’re an actual monster,” you say through a grin.

“People should be so lucky,” Lee drawls, leaning closer until his nose bumps against yours, eyes flickering as his voice drops to a whisper. "You think I’d make a good monster?"

"Oh, I don’t know,” you hum. "I think you’re a little soft for it.”

And before he can toss anything back at you, you grab the front of his shirt and give him a kiss, just a brush of your lips to his, like a secret held between the two of you. You feel his breath hitch before he melts into it, one hand resting on the small of your back as if to hold you steady in the dark.

He leans back, eyes glinting. “I might think so too.”

[phoebejaysims]

Social Clubs Mod - DOWNLOAD

Tired of your sims walking aimlessly through town? No friends, no hobbies, no purpose? Put an end to their lack of a fulfilling social life by creating a million and one clubs for them to join and/or get kicked out of! 

With 50+ activities for you to push, including activities from over 10 different mods, and 4 specialised club types, you can create almost any club you can think of: book clubs, invite-only hangouts, afterschool clubs and more! Grow memberships, take part in tournaments and ship cute little subscription gifts straight to your sim’s door.

Note: This mod is very extensive, so please thoroughly read the documentation in the download that I’ve painstakingly written up.

Compatibility: Should be base game compatible however expansion packs, store content and mods add more content.

7 New Objects: Credit to @aroundthesims who has generously allowed me to use her items as well as @twinsimming who converted 2 items for me. Full credit in the documentation.

Testers: @desiree-uk who not only tested the mod, but contributed ideas for club activities, the banking system and the subscription gift system. @simsdeogloria who kindly offered to test the mod and caught some bugs that I had completely missed.

Credits: Full credit in documentation. However, thank you to @olomayasims​, IcarusAllsorts, Arsil, Buzzler & @zoeoe-sims​, @anitmb​, @greenplumbboblover​, @flotheory​ as I push some of their mods as activities.

Club Types

Custom Club: Push specific activities (or no activity at all) and watch your active and inactive club members congregate and do said activities. Push bowling, swimming, rumba, nectar drinking, collecting, studying, music lessons, among many other things. 

Subscription-Only Club: While members won’t meet up, force them to pay a subscription fee to the club owner for your own purposes. Consider: food subscription service, council-tax payments, school fees.

Book Club: Choose a book for the book club. Your sims will sit together, have discussions, and read said book.

Formal Gathering Club: Set musicians and/or a speaker (podium or pulpit). Have your club members sit down and act like they’re listening to said musicians and speaker. Choose a skill to increase while the club is in operation.

Club Vibes

Clubs can have different vibes depending on the cost and activities, attracting or repelling different types of sims. There are sports, games, intellectual, low-brow and high class clubs. Some personalities will be more inclined to join than others.

Customising Clubs

Set different open days, open hours, required club outfits, subscription fees, gender, age, career and trait requirements/restrictions, forbidden actions etc.

Autonomy

Allow or restrict autonomy in different ways. Make clubs open or closed invite, allowing or disallowing sims to join, leave, or be kicked out of clubs with or without your own input. Put club boards around town and let sims browse. Impress observers by having a great club session and watch them beg to join!

Tournaments

Win tournaments and gain club acclaim. Get cash prizes, find yourself in the newspaper, and find out if any of your fellow club members are playing for the opposing team. Your own sim isn’t exempt from the repercussions of being a club traitor!

Banking

Create Bronzo accounts for your sims. You can link these accounts to schedulers and have the club fee delivered straight into the account. Take out loans, find the best interest rates online and stay out of your overdraft. Try not to get your account details stolen at the all new ATMs that you can place around town and don’t leave your debit card laying around near strangers!

Download MTS: http://www.modthesims.info/d/677428

Conflicts: None.

If you would like to donate to say thank you, you can do that at my Ko-fi, here.

It’s been a long 8 months getting this mod done; thank you all for your patience and enjoy! @ me if you post any pictures of your clubs—I’d love to see your pictures.

[foldingfittedsheets]

I want to try wax play but I'm unsure about safety. What kind of candle should I use? Is there any ingredient that could be dangerous? I'm also worried about making a mess, any suggestion?

I actually do have a recommendation! I’m familiar with some massage oil candles that we sold at the store. The melting point was very low and essentially turned into massage oil when heated.

You should absolutely look up safety guides which others might chime in with before using but a massage candle is a relatively safe entry into wax play. Read up on it first because burns are a very real concern.

As for clean up the massage oil stuff wasn’t too bad. In the past I have cleaned up candle wax from carpet etc by putting newspaper over it and ironing it up. Wildly effective.

[of-love-and-loyalty]

Strays - Part 1

TW: Blood, visible wounds in the art

So, I wrote this first part with the help of my dear friend @babyzuma and then I drew sort of a comic page to go along with it. This first part of the story tells how Rocky and Zuma met when they were puppies.

Hope you'll enjoy it! I'm really nervous posting this, due to personal bad experiences I had in the past, but I'm trying to move past them. The future parts for this story will vary between "oneshot", art with some descriptions or narratives and a few dialogues, etc. I'm figuring I can't focus on only one format forever so I'll just use whatever fits best for each part.

Anyway, let's go, I guess 😅

A couple walked down the sidewalk. They had just left the grocery store and were carrying bags to a nearby car. They were so distracted from talking amongst themselves and searching for their car keys that they nearly stepped on the small gray puppy running past them in a hurry.

“Hey! Watch out, mutt!” the man yelled angrily. The puppy barely avoided being stepped on.

“Sorry!” the puppy shouted back, barely sparing a backwards glance as he kept running.

“I don’t know how they still allow these dogs to run around freely,” the man groaned as he picked up the bags that had fallen to the ground. “All they do is cause trouble everywhere they go.”

***************

The puppy had been exploring one side of the city that day and had gotten distracted by a nap in a park. Unfortunately, he had woken up to the smell of rain approaching. 

Now he was running back to the place where he had been staying, where he took shelter inside a broken wooden crate near restaurant dumpsters with lots of leftover food. Rocky had just found that back alley next to a big busy avenue only a few days ago. It was like heaven for the stray puppy to find so much food in one place. 

He desperately wanted to get back there before the rain started. He didn’t want to get too wet because then he would be uncomfortable and shivering from the cold. Not to mention that wet dog smell was awful, even for him, and he was used to going through the trash for food.

It had just never occurred to him why he had never seen other dogs around that place. 

Soon it was dark. The rain started pouring. He was almost there. 

Just one more block! 

He waited under the shelter of a bus stop for a few minutes. Once the initial pour was down to a light rain, he once again took off running towards his alley, to his crate covered with plastic bags on the top and newspapers and pizza boxes on the inside. He would be safe from the rain and he would be warm. Or at least, away from the cold, wet ground.

To his surprise, he saw five other dogs in the alley when he arrived. They were bigger than him, sniffing at his hideout, and they seemed irritated.

Suddenly, they began to dismantle his little home, ripping the cardboard, pulling off the planks, and stepping all over it.

“H-hey!” Rocky barked as he charged over there, ignoring the small alarm of his instincts telling him to just turn around and run away. “That’s my home! You’re destroying it!”

“Excuse me?” The dogs turned to look at him, snickering in amusement. A dog with white fur decorated with brown patches stepped ahead to face the smaller gray puppy. Rocky shrank at the sight, suddenly feeling very frightened.

“Th-that’s my home,” Rocky tried to explain. The other dogs circled around him, staring him down in a predatory manner.

“And who said you could get a place in my territory just like that?” a black dog sneered from behind Rocky. He was muscular and had a large muzzle. Fierce growls escaped his mouth. Rocky’s limbs began to tremble.

“And didn't even pay rent!” another dog snickered, white fur covered with light black spots.

“I- I didn’t know-”

“Well, looks like we found who’s been eating our food, boys!”

Every fiber in Rocky’s little body told him to run. 

And that was exactly what he tried to do.

But he didn’t get far enough to even leave the alley. The black dog caught him by his scruff and threw him all the way back into the alley like he weighed absolutely nothing. 

Rocky tried to get up, but the impact from hitting the ground, from rolling and skidding against the asphalt, had hurt him tremendously. He watched in pure terror, shrinking against a wall, as the five dogs surrounded him, growling, baring their teeth at him, menacing grins pulled around their teeth as they cornered him.

“Nowhere to run, mutt.”

Only a few minutes passed by, but for the small puppy, each second felt like a painful and agonizing eternity. 

It didn’t matter how loudly he cried for help. The rain picked up into a storm, drowning out his desperate pleas. 

No one came to save him.

***************

Rocky laid on his side in the dark alley, gasping for breath, trying to pull himself up and crawl away, but he was so deeply wounded that he was rendered unable to do so. The taste of blood filled his mouth as he weakly coughed it out. The rain drenched his blood soaked fur, and he was covered head to tail in bites and scratches. 

The dogs watched as Rocky tried to breathe through pitiful whimpers, still struggling to get up, only to fall back down. 

“We should just put an end to this already,” he heard one of them say. “Put him out of his misery.”

“Too easy,” another responded. “He should be an example to remind the other mutts in this area to stay away from our alleys.”

“And what do you suggest?” a third dog questioned.

“Throw him off the bridge. They’ll probably find his body up ahead and get the message.”

“Probably?”

“I mean, the waterway might carry him too far anyway. But honestly? Who cares! He’ll be done for anyway.”

“P-please…” Rocky whimpered with the little strength he still had left. “No…”

“Should’ve stayed out of our turf, brat.” The black dog, who Rocky now clearly identified as their leader, lowered his head next to Rocky’s. His sharp canines dangerously brushed against Rocky’s cheek, hot breath huffing out with each word, making the poor puppy shake and push himself against the asphalt, trying to distance himself as much as possible. “But now… now it’s too late for you. Time to go. You’ll become fish food.”

Rocky could only cry out in pain as the black dog mercilessly bit his scruff and carried him out of the alley. His sharp teeth pierced through Rocky’s skin, drawing blood, and the puppy whimpered as he was taken away. The other four dogs followed their leader, scoffing and mocking Rocky all the way.

Soon, Rocky saw himself dangling from a bridge crossing the city’s waterway. The water was rushing by dangerously fast due to the storm, darkened by the night and all the pollution it carried away. A clap of thunder crashed loudly, but even that was not louder than the sound of Rocky’s own panicked heart, pounding into his ears.

The dogs laughed as Rocky tried to look up at their leader, who was still holding him in his teeth.

“Please! Let me go!” he pleaded, unable to stop his hysterical cries. “I- I’ll never go back there! I’ll leave you alone! P-please! Anything- I’ll do anything!”

“Aww! So cute,” the white and brown dog mocked. “He’s begging for his insignificant life.”

The others laughed viciously again.

“Any last words, mongrel?”

Rocky just shut his eyes tight, whimpering. “P-please…”

“Mmm… nah.”

The black dog moved slightly back to apply extra force before he launched the poor puppy over the edge. The last sound Rocky heard before he disappeared under the water was their laughter and mockery. The water dragged him down, struggling to find the surface, until he finally gasped for air several feet ahead, crying out for help into the darkness.

“No one will hear you in this storm!” one of the dogs sneered.

“Yeah, no one’s out there on the streets now! You’re outta luck, idiot!”

“See ya on the other side!”

Their laughter followed them as they left the bridge, heading back to their favorite alleys to claim their food, leaving the injured puppy to be dragged down the waterway, helplessly crying to the empty streets.

***************

Rocky paddled as hard as he could, desperately trying to keep his head above the surface. But the more he tried, the more exhausted he felt.

His whole body seared with pain; it was almost unbearable. The fresh bite wounds stung in the dirty, icy cold water, almost like he was swimming through a thorn bush. Soaked to the bone, hurting, freezing… he felt so heavy. So weak, so tired… 

Despite this, he still tried to cry out for help through gritted teeth. 

But no one came.

He could barely see anything around him. The strong current kept pulling him under. The more it dragged him down, the more he struggled to swim up again. Trash bags hit him. Empty cans scraped his already wounded skin. As he was dragged under once more, his right hind paw was cut on a broken glass bottle at the bottom of the waterway.

Rocky found it difficult to breathe and keep calling for help, even as his head came up for air. His lungs ached like never before. There was not a single human around in this heavy storm. Why would anyone care now anyway? He was just a small, ugly puppy. Alone, disgusting, always getting in the way. A mutt. A mongrel. Shooed and kicked away from one place to another. 

No one had ever cared about him before. 

His nose was just barely staying above the surface; he had swallowed so much water now. It tasted terrible, even worse than the previous taste of blood he had coughed up.

This invisible force that pulled him down, the one that seemed so intent on taking him away. It promised him rest. It promised him relief from his pain. 

Rocky wanted so badly to give in to this force. He was just so tired. He didn’t want to keep fighting anymore. There was no point.

“Hang on, dude! I’m coming!”

He barely registered the voice, could barely hear it over the rush of water in his ears. He thought it was probably just his delirious imagination, stubbornly wishing for someone to save his life. 

But he couldn’t believe that. No one was coming for him. No one ever cared.

Rocky gasped one last time before he stopped fighting. His head disappeared under the water, and everything went black.

***************

The next thing he knew, he was choking and coughing up dirty water, laying on his right side against a cold, hard surface. His chest was hurting so bad, aching with each heavy breath he inhaled. It felt like he had… oh yeah. He had breathed in a lot of water. All he could feel now was the searing pain running up his lungs through his throat and nose.

“Oh, thank…” a young voice spoke by his side, barely heard in a quiet, trembling whisper. “For a moment I… I thought I was too late.”

Rocky slowly opened his eyes, finding the source of the voice that belonged to another puppy.

“Hey,” the puppy greeted in a concerned tone. “How are you feeling?”

“Ran over,” Rocky rasped out, voice hoarse and barely audible. His eyes squeezed shut as he coughed up more water. “Wh-Who…?”

“My name is Zuma.”

Rocky looked up at him again without moving his head.

Zuma. He was a brown puppy with large, floppy ears. He appeared slightly younger than Rocky, a little smaller in stature, and he sounded younger too. How that smaller puppy got him out of that dangerous waterway, Rocky may never know.

“I’m… Rocky.”

“Nice to meet you, Rocky,” said Zuma with a smile and a slow wag of his tail. “I mean, it could be in a better circumstance, I guess… but still.”

“Yeah.”

Rocky finally managed to lift his head and take a look around. He could still hear the storm, but he realized the rain was not hitting him anymore.

“We’re under a bus stop,” Zuma explained. “Across the street from the waterway. You’re safe here.”

“Ah.”

Silence.

Rocky laid back down, shivering, fur completely soaked through. His whole body ached again. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on breathing. He was alive. And boy, did it hurt.

Zuma watched him for a moment and wished he could do more to help. He had just saved this puppy from drowning in the waterway, and only after he had successfully pulled him out of the water did he notice just how hurt Rocky actually was. 

Actually, hurt was an understatement. Rocky was covered in horrible looking injuries. Zuma was pretty sure he would get some nasty infections after being submerged in all that sewage. Most of the wounds were still bleeding, and Zuma knew those were teeth marks. Rocky had been attacked by bigger animals, possibly other dogs. It made him shudder just thinking about it.

The brown puppy walked around and laid down next to the other freezing puppy. He curled his body up against Rocky, hoping he could help soothe the pain and maybe warm him up. Rocky startled at first, but didn’t protest or do anything to stop Zuma. On the contrary, he turned his face towards him, instinctively seeking the warmth.

“Rocky… what happened to you? How did you…?”

Rocky did not react for a long while. Zuma thought maybe he had fallen asleep and averted his gaze, but then he heard the other puppy murmur a response.

“I didn’t know I was in their territory. They… didn’t like it.”

Zuma grimaced as Rocky shivered. He winced in pain and let out a sharp sigh.

“They threw me in the water… to - to die.”

“Dude…” Zuma placed one paw gently over Rocky's paw. “That's so messed up.”

Rocky opened his eyes again and glanced at the paw on top of his, then back up to meet Zuma’s concerned eyes.

“Why did you save me? No one ever cared before.”

“Why not?” 

That answer caught Rocky off guard. His ears perked up slightly towards him.

“I mean,” Zuma continued. “There was no one else around, and I couldn’t just turn around and walk away, could I? If I’d need help, I wouldn’t like to be ignored and… and abandoned.”

Rocky pondered for a moment over Zuma’s words. He was right. Rocky hated being ignored, being treated like he was insignificant, like he could just die and no one would ever miss him.

This train of thought made his throat close up. He bit back a sob and turned his face away.

“Thanks for saving me,” he murmured in a choked voice.

“No problem.”

“Why were you here out in the storm?”

“I like the rain,” Zuma stated with a shrug.

Now that made Rocky reel back. He turned his head back to stare at Zuma, eyes wide and incredulous.

“You what?”

“I… like the rain?” Zuma raised an eyebrow at him. “I like water. Playing around in the rain is fun!”

“No it’s not!” It was Rocky’s turn to grimace at him, mouth curling in disgust, but he was so tired it only made his face look funny. Zuma snorted at his expression. “I’m serious! Wet dog smell is like… horrible! And the sensation of wet fur clinging to your skin? And feeling heavy? And…  and… it’s just bad, okay?”

“I don’t get as wet as you think.” Zuma got up to show him. Rocky frowned curiously as he studied Zuma’s fur. While Rocky was still soaked, dripping water, with his fur glued to his skin, Zuma merely appeared damp, his brown coat shining under the street lamps. “Someone once said I’m like this because of my breed. Labradors don’t get soaked as easily.”

“Easily? You literally got me out of the city equivalent of an angry river!”

“I didn’t spend that long in the water anyway! I’m a really good swimmer.”

Rocky continued to stare at him in disbelief for a few more seconds. “You’re weird.”

“I’ve been called worse,” Zuma replied with a laugh.

The mixed-breed rolled his eyes and laid back down. “Shouldn’t you go home now? Your owner must be worried and wondering what’s taking you so long.”

Zuma fell silent. Rocky could sense the immediate shift in his mood, prompting him to look up again. Zuma had turned away, looking out into the empty street as someone rushed past holding an umbrella, cursing at the storm.

“What?” Rocky questioned curiously. “Don’t tell me your owner is alright with you being out in the storm for so long.”

“If I had any, that is.” Zuma shrugged, still looking away. “I’m a stray, just like you.”

“No way!” Rocky exclaimed. His brow furrowed in confusion. “Didn’t you say you're a Labrador? What do you mean you’re a stray? People literally pay money to have puppies like you!”

“Not this puppy,” the brown Labrador replied with a sad smile. “But it’s okay! I get to play all I want out there. No fences, no walls, no barriers. Just me and the world. I like it.”

Rocky continued staring at him. Now that the panic of near death had disappeared and he was thinking more clearly, he was able to pay more attention to Zuma. He studied him carefully, and noticed how skinny he was. His ribs were visible under his shiny damp fur, and his limbs were thin with joints protruding.

“How old are you, Zuma?”

The lab’s ears perked up. He turned to look at Rocky as he said, “Uh… I don’t know. Four months, give or take?”

Rocky’s ears fell. He was right. Zuma was indeed younger than him.

“How old are you?” Zuma repeated the question curiously.

“Six months.”

“Oh. Cool. How long have you been around?”

“I was born a stray.”

It was Zuma’s turn to blink at him. He tilted his head, looking rather puzzled. “You were born on the streets?”

“Yeah.”

They fell silent again. A bus passed by and rolled to a stop. They watched as a couple people stepped out, each going their own way, completely ignoring the two dirty puppies taking shelter under the bus stop. The bus drove away, splashing water from puddles on the road to the sidewalk. Rocky recoiled from the water.

Rocky looked intently at Zuma. The Lab was distracted staring after a woman who was walking quickly away and disappearing to the right.

“You’re not doing too well on the streets, are you?” Rocky asked.

Zuma frowned slightly, lowering his sight back to the sidewalk, lightly scratching at the concrete.

“No,” Zuma answered with some hesitation. “Not really.”

“You could come with me.”

Zuma glanced sideways at the other puppy, who was pulling himself onto his stomach, face grimacing from the effort to get up.

“Hey! Hey, don’t move yet!” Zuma got up, startled, and tried to convince Rocky to lay back down, but Rocky was stubborn and stayed up.

“I’m good,” he groaned, lifting his cut paw off the ground to take the weight off. “But I’m serious. When was the last time you ate anything?”

Zuma opened his mouth to protest, but shut it, before rolling his eyes. “Couple days ago.”

“What?!” Rocky’s eyes widened. “That’s too long, even for a stray! Come on, I know some places.”

“I’m not going to beg!”

“Eww, no! That’s humiliating.”

“Glad we agree then.”

They looked at each other for a couple seconds before they both broke out into laughter.

“I bet you could look very convincing,” said Rocky with a teasing smirk.

“I bet I could convince you,” Zuma replied daringly.

“Don’t even try.”

“Aww, come on!”

Zuma turned his head down, a bit to the side, looking sideways up to Rocky, making his eyes as big as he could, a tiny smile playing at his lips. He shyly shuffled his front paws and wagged just the tip of his tail, hanging down almost between his legs.

Rocky looked away and had to hold back the urge to cover his face with his paw.

“No! Stop that! Geez, don’t do that to yourself!”

“But it worked, didn’t it?” Zuma laughed, his tail moving back up to a cheerful wag.

“I refuse to answer that.” Rocky rolled his eyes with an amused head shake and limped out into the storm. He went down the sidewalk, but he stayed close to the buildings. Zuma trailed closely behind him. “Come on, let’s find something to eat. This near death experience left me starving.”

[cards-of-rose]

°• study tip: arranging your desk •°

your desk is the most important place in your house/dorm (besides your bed ofc)! this is where all your studying happens, so why not make it pretty and focused? no matter what your aesthetic is, it's extremely motivating to set it up in a way that makes it fun to study <3

> decluttering your desk <

clean out trash. post-its, old assignments (put these in a folder - we'll come back to them), anything on the surface of your desk that can be thrown away!

test old pens. next you'll want to try out your pens! throw away any that don't work! you'll replace these eventually :)

desk surface. clear the surface of your desk of anything that makes it look cluttered. notebooks, things like that. put them in a drawer!

drawers. now that you've cleaned the top of your desk, pick a drawer and pull out everything in that drawer and pile it on the top. go through it! throw away papers, stack notebooks. declutter! do this with all of your drawers. (basically go through steps 1-3.)

shelves. clear your shelves of any textbooks you aren't using right now. this way you won't have to stack your books around your desk and it'll look neater :)

> organizing your desk <

notebooks. the first step is to organize your notebooks! put away or throw out any notebooks you don't use anymore. any notebooks you do use, stack them neatly in your drawers in a way that's easy to get to.

papers. next is papers. you always want to keep assignments and old tests! these will help you study later. get a folder or binder for your papers and organize them by subject and weight (homework, quizzes, etc). this way they'll all be in one place! put this in your drawers.

textbooks. pull out your textbooks and arrange them. if you have shelves, stack them neatly by size. if you don't have shelves, line them against your desk or the wall. just arrange them in whatever way looks the best and doesn't distract you!

> arranging your desk <

pens. get pens that actually work! find some pretty ones that fit your aesthetic - flowing black ones for dark academia, cute and pink for coquette, etc! this'll help make studying fun <3

planner. find a planner that fits your aesthetic. you'll put this on your desk for easy access to keep track of your assignments! try to get one with a calendar. (ex- for dark academia, get a leather-bound notebook.)

decorations. it doesn't have to be expensive! thrift stores have a lot of really cool things, and sometimes antique stores will have a vintage analog clock or a cute coquettish vase. fake flowers, a mug for pens, just look around! a lot of times you can even improvise with stuff around the house.

examples!! a dark academic desk might include a ticking clock, a wall of newspaper clippings and book quotes, fountain pens, leather notebooks, maybe a greek-style bust.

a coquettish desk might have some pretty pink flowers, a flowered mug for tea, pink pens, a little jar for candy.

a light academic desk might have pressed flowers and a collage of book pages on the wall, tea bags, a favorite book, baby's breath in a little jar.

you get the point!! look around and have fun with it! if your desk fits your ideal of studying, you'll be much more motivated to actually sit there and do the work. i hope this helps <3