#geez! how did we survive our childhoods?!

[weirdgirl92]

Hey, I’ll do ya one better, I mostly got my childhood scars from THESE. 👇

How I got my scars as a kid:

How conservative parents today think kids will get their scars:

[theartofdreaming1]

Slightly paraphrased, but Peeta talking about that moment he developed his crush on Katniss is just too sweet 😊

As usual, my thoughts regarding this week’s prompts and random thoughts on chapters 22-24 are below the cut (sprinkled in some psychology thoughts again).

heart

Honestly, I think the people in Panem would perceive the whole everlark storyline the same way we perceive and react to our ships on tv (desperately wanting to reach through the screen, shoving the characters forcefully together, screaming “And now, kiss!”); especially the Capitolites who barely recognize the tributes (or people in the districts, in general) as people. The people in the districts would definitely view the whole thing more under a “reality tv” kind of lens, questioning how much of the relationship is real or not (we know that Finnick certainly thought that the entire thing was just a spiel, until Peeta hit that forcefield). The time spent in the cave must have been pretty convincing, though.

mind

I think that Katniss is still torn here - On the one hand, she kind of wants to believe that Peeta is actually into her (remember the happiness she felt when Peeta told her how his crush on her began, and it all added up and seemed so real), but on the other hand she’s terrified of that possibility because A) lingering trauma from her mom’s depression in response the Mr. Everdeen’s death, B) Katniss never even considered falling in love, so that’s a sudden unexpected thing to deal with, and C) maybe it’s just for the sake of the Games; and wouldn’t that hurt, getting your hopes up only to learn it was only for show? (How about we ask Peeta about that?)

soul

Yeah, that quote about Peeta only eating stale bread also struck me as quite sad. It just further adds to his understanding how there should be more to life than just survival, though. (One day, I’ll make that post about Peeta, Katniss, and Maslow’s pyramid of needs, I swear! I’ve already gathered some research material)

Chapter 22

My mother’s hand strokes my cheek and I don’t push it away as I would in wakefulness, never wanting her to know how much I crave that gentle touch. How much I miss her even though I still don’t trust her. - Ugh, I can’t... Katniss misses her mom, misses being cared for😢 I’m so glad we’re going to see her patch up her relationship with her mom in CF... On a different note, Katniss craving that gentle touch just perfectly illustrates why she’s so drawn to Peeta, who is generally such a gentle soul (I mean, he’s literally the person stroking her cheek here 😊)

He [Peeta] doesn’t seem angry about my tricking him, drugging him, and running off to the feast. Maybe I’m just too beat-up and I’ll hear about it later when I’m stronger. But for the moment, he’s all gentleness. - As I was saying... 😉

“I’ll go hunting soon,” I say. “Not too soon, all right?” he says. “You just let me take care of you for a while.” - I love them so much😊🥰 And then Peeta makes sure she’s well-fed and hydrated, he rubs her cold feet and tucks her into the sleeping back... and she let’s him! 💗

“He [Thresh] let you go because he didn’t want to owe you anything?” asks Peeta in disbelief. “Yes. I don’t expect you to understand it. You’ve always had enough. But if you’d lived in the Seam, I wouldn’t have to explain,” I say. “And don’t try. Obviously I’m too dim to get it,” he says. - Oof. This exchange here is interesting in many ways: 1) it highlights their different experiences, tied to their different socioeconomic backgrounds, basically, and 2)  that Katniss is very much aware of this difference, but we also see hints of her own ignorance here - because Peeta didn’t have to starve in his childhood, she thinks that he can’t possibly understand this level of hardship; but there are other ways in which one can suffer/lack fundamental needs, which brings us to 3) Peeta’s response about being “obviously too dim to get it”; I think this is a clue to his mom being also verbally abusive towards him: she called him “stupid creature” when he burnt those loaves of bread for Katniss and when he’s losing it in the attic of the Justice Building in D11 in CF he is mad that Katniss and Haymitch keep things from him “like [he’s] too inconsequential or stupid or weak to handle them”, which - to me - sounds like he’s tired of being treated that way (i.e. the way his mother treats him)

“I want to go home, Peeta,” I say plaintively, like a a small child. - God, this is a teenager in a murder-arena who feels like wanting to go home is a childish notion instead of a totally legitimate wish for anyone in that situation, regardless of age 😢

It’s not that Peeta’s soft exactly, and he’s proved he’s not a coward. But there are things you don’t question too much, I guess, when your home always smells like baking bread, whereas Gale questions everything. What would Peeta think of the irreverent banter that passes between us as we break the law each day? Would it shock him? The things we say about Panem? Gale’s tirades against the Capitol? - Geez, Katniss, give Peeta some credit here! A) It’s not like Peeta can walk around District 12 talking publicly about the injustices happening there - she and Peeta hadn’t even talked with each other before the reaping, whereas Gale is her best friend who rants to her while they are outside the confines of D12 and B) Peeta is literally the one who introduced the whole “not a piece in their Games”-idea to her; why would he be clutching his pearls over Katniss and Gale’s irreverent banter?! Just because Peeta didn’t live on the brink of starvation (she again brings up how his house smells like bread and - at this point - still thinks that the family running the bakery actually gets to eat what they produce just like that), doesn’t mean he doesn’t see how shitty life in D12 is - he can still want better conditions for those who are worse off than him!

“I did do the right thing,” I say. “No! Just don’t, Katniss!” His grip tightens, hurting my hand, and there’s real anger in his voice. “Don’t die for me. You won’t be doing me any favors. All right?” - Well, we’ll see this song and dance again in CF...

And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don’t want him to die. [...] And it’s not about what will happen back home. And it’s not just that I don’t want to be alone. It’s him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” - I wish CF Katniss would remember this moment when she is questioning her motives about saving Peeta’s life in the arena - You. Care. For. This. Boy! You. Value. Him. For. Who. He. Is!!!

This is the first kiss that we’re both fully aware of. [...] This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another. - Whoo! Is it hot in here or is it just me? 😉

I’m struck by his immediacy now. As we settle in, he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rests protectively over me even when he goes to sleep. No one has held me like this in such a long time. Since my father died and I stopped trusting my mother, no one else’s arms have made me feel this safe. - He makes her feel safe in a murder-arena!!! 😭 This is the kind of stuff that makes everlark just a top tier romance, tbh

Peeta telling Katniss about his crush starting on their first day of school 🥰😭 - and her reaction to it... For a moment, I’m almost foolishly happy - yes, because you have a crush on him, too! - and then confusion sweeps over me. Because we’re supposed to be making up this stuff [...] So, if those details are true... could it all be true? - YESSSSSSSS!!!

“You have a... remarkable memory, “ I say haltingly. - as a severely socially awkward person... I felt that lame response in my bones 😅

“You don’t have much competition anywhere.” And this time, it’s me who leans in. - God, this would be such an amazing moment if it didn’t get tainted by that immediate sponsor gift, which just serves to muddle Katniss’s feelings with her sense of survival, further complicating her relationship with Peeta... *sigh* 

Chapter 23

“What was that you were saying just before the food arrived? Something about me... no competition... best thing that ever happened to you...” “I don’t remember that last part,” I say, hoping it’s too dim in here for the cameras to pick up my blush. “Oh, that’s right. That’s what I was thinking,” he says. - Peeta is the master of being a cheeky little shit and adorable flirt at the same time

“So, since we were five, you never even noticed any other girls?” I ask him. “No, I noticed just about every girl, but none of them made a lasting impression but you,” he says. - I appreciate that while Peeta has had a crush on Katniss forever, he clearly didn’t spend the entire time pining after her, oblivious to the rest of the world - he has a life outside of Katniss Everdeen, but ultimately, it all lead back to her

A disturbing thought hits me. “But then, our only neighbor will be Haymitch!” “Ah, that’ll be nice,” says Peeta, tightening his arms around me. “You and me and Haymitch. Very cozy. Picnics, birthdays, long winter nights around the fire retelling old Hunger Games tales.” “I told you, he hates me!” I say, but I can’t help laughing at the image of Haymitch becoming my new pal. - Laugh all you want, this is going to end up being your future anyway 😄

He [Haymitch]’s at something of a disadvantage because most mentors have a partner, another victor to help them whereas Haymitch has to bready to go into action at any moment. Kind of like me when I was alone in the arena. I wonder how he’s holding up, with the drinking, the attention, and the stress of tring to keep us alive. - Katniss is already worrying about her “new pal”, I see ;)

Maybe he [Haymitch] wasn’t always a drunk. Maybe, in the beginning, he tried to help the tributes. But then it got unbearable. It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch them die. - Honestly, that sounds absolutely awful...

Poor, Katniss, when she learns of Thresh’s death :( - But no one will understand my sorrow at Thresh’s murder. - It’s horrible how compassion and basic human decency gets construed as ‘weakness’ in the world of Hunger Games (esp. the Capitol)

Then I escape into sleep, comforted by a full belly and the steady warmth of Peeta beside me. - Honestly, I think a word analysis of THG-series could be interesting; how often does Katniss mention “warmth”, “steady/steadiness” “safe/safety/security” in connection with “Peeta”?

“We make a goat cheese and apple tart at the bakery,” he says. “Bet that’s expensive,” I say. “Too expensive for my family to eat. Unless it’s gone very stale. Of course, practically everything we eat is stale,” says Peeta [...] Huh. I always assumed the shopkeepers live a soft life. And it’s true, Peeta has always had enough to eat. But there’s something kind of depressing about living your life on stale bread - Katniss is starting to realize that the lives of the merchants isn’t a cushy as she thought; also, in a way, we see a “prettier” version of how Panem treats the districts overall -> feeding the districts just enough that they can do their work (plus/minus a couple of people who’ll die of starvation, but at a small, for Capitolites insignificant margin), but not so much that they are in good shape to rebel; here, the merchants of D12 have just enough that they can live a “decent” life (they know it could be worse -> the Seam), but they don’t have enough to live a free, comfortable, self-determined life either. This also just further drives a wedge between the inhabitants of D12 (the merchants won’t want to rebel because they don’t want to get ‘demoted’ in their lifestyle, starving like the people from the Seam, and the Seam folk feel resentful towards the merchant people, while also not having the resources to rebel, due to their awful socioeconomic conditions)

What would be my life like on a daily basis? Most of it has been consumed with the acquisition of food. Take that away and I’m not really sure who I am, what my identity is. - It’s so sad who Katniss has been so consumed with ensuring that her most base needs are fulfilled that she barely has had the time to really figure out who she is and what she wants from life (If we’re talking Maslow’s pyramid of needs, Katniss would primarily be stuck on the lowest tier 😢)

At least, we’ll be friends, I think. Nothing will change the fact that we’ve saved each other’s lives in here. And beyond that, he will always be the boy with the bread. Good friends. - Honestly, Katniss counting on being good friends with Peeta after the Games is the highest honor she can bestow on him at that moment (she’s so into him, lol); of course, knowing that their relationship is going to be a bit rocky once they’ve come back makes this thought a little sad... but we also know they’ll make up (and out ;) in the future

Peeta licking his plate and blowing a kiss out to Effie is such an adorable goofball-moment 😊

I cover his mouth with my hand, but I’m laughing. “Stop! Cato could be right outside our cave.” He grabs my hand away. “What do I care? I’ve got you to protect me now,” says Peeta, pulling me to him. - This moment would be so cute (also, Peeta’s so confident in Katniss’s skills to protect him, which is adorable - toxic masculinity who?) but... Ugh, he’s just so giddy here, it kind of breaks my heart for when he learns later that (at least some) of Katniss’s reactions were just for show

“If we want food, we better head back up to my old hunting grounds,” I say. “Your call, Just tell me what you need me to do,” Peeta says. - Love how Peeta’s always ready to follow Katniss’s lead :)

Ideally, I’d dump Peeta now with some simple root-gathering chore and go hunt [...] “Katniss,” he says. “We need to split up. I know I’m chasing away the game.” [...] “Show me some plants to gather and that way we’ll both be useful.” - Teamwork! If it weren’t for Katniss worrying for Peeta’s safety, they’d be on the same page here

“What if you climbed up in a tree and acted as a lookout while I haunted?” I say, trying to make it sound like very important work. “What if you show me what’s edible around here and go get us some meat?” he says, mimicking my tone. - I really like how Peeta’s challenges Katniss here; he doesn’t just go along with everything she says, while still being quite reasonable

I feel like I’m eleven, again, tethered not to the safety of the fence but to Peeta, allowing myself twenty, maybe thirty yards of hunting space. [...] I allow myself to drift farther away, and soon have two rabbits and a fat squirrel to show for it. - I don’t know, but Katniss feeling tethered to Peeta makes me think of Mary Ainsworth’s attachment theory, according to which children with a secure attachment to their primary caregiver use  their “attachment figure as a safe base to explore the environment”... Of course, Ainsworth’s Strange Situation was conducted with young children, but attachment styles are supposed to influence the relationships we form with people in our later lives as well (including romantic relationships)... I dunno, just a random association that popped into my brain 😅

Chapter 24

Peeta’s a whiz with fires, coaxing a blaze out of the damp wood. - Heh, Peeta sure knows how to handle fire, huh, Katniss (or should I say: Girl on Fire?) 😏

I order him into the sleeping bag and set aside the rest of his food for him when he wakes. He drops off immediately. I pull the sleeping bag up to his chin and kiss his forehead, not for the audience, but for me. Because I’m so greateful that he’s still here, not dead by the stream as I’d thought.  - Aww, this is so sweet (and domestic)!

It’s funny. I feel almost as if it’s the first day of the Games again. That I’m in the same position. [...] But no, there’s the boy waiting beside me. I feel his arms wrap around me. - They are a team! Katniss doesn’t have to face the horrors of the Games alone anymore! It keeps boiling down to this.

[lorirwritesfanfic]

New Traditions

Author's note: Yes, I’m still having Christmas in January and I’m dedicating this piece to my dear friend @missameliep​ because she made a wonderful moodboard for me and I had to reciprocate the lovely gesture. Almost a month late, I know. My muse wasn’t helping 😓 [Leading characters are owned by Pixelberry Studios and original characters are creations of the author] 

Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU) Pairing: Prince Hamid x MC (Daphne) Rating: T Word count: 3196 Summary: Surprises await Daphne on her first Christmas with Hamid   Based on the music prompt: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Locked inside the master suite, Hamid and Daphne barely noticed when the waning moon rose in the horizon, embellishing the dark clouded sky. Between Christmas movies and snacks, time flew by as the couple shared stories of their childhoods and common interests.

"I can't believe your sister got you in trouble and all electronic devices at your parents' house were monitored because of butterfly peas centerpieces." The lady guffawed.

"In my defence, I was fourteen and Nesrim lied so much back then it was almost pathological. I had to see if butterfly peas did look like what she said. And may I add, that was the first and last time she tricked me," he pointed out. "But my mother still monitors all electronic devices through Wi-Fi."

"Really?"

"There's a reason why I used to pay for my own internet service when I lived with them."

"How sneaky..."

"I wasn't as sneaky as I hoped to be. Sevim found out, so I had to let her use it too. After I left home, I still paid for a while until anne¹ figured it out."

"Ooh... Was Sevim in trouble too when she got busted?"

"No. Anne blamed me for giving her a bad example actually. But Sevim managed to convince her from lecturing me while I was preparing myself for the MBA interview at Cornell."

"Whoa... Why does it feel like persuasion just runs in your family like an inherited trait?"

He cackled. "Coming from a family that has a secular tradition of raising politicians, lawyers, and diplomats, I can say this is a skill we learn to survive. Otherwise, relatives will push you to do all sorts of odd activities and you won't even know it."

"Geez... And I thought my family was intense."

"From what I heard about your stepmother and grandmother, I'd say your family is a different kind of intense."

"Agreed." She nodded. "Now tell me about your winter holiday traditions. I know you like New Year's Eve."

"Um..." He reached for his mobile, quickly looked at it briefly and put it back in his pocket. "Alright, I think we still have time for one more story."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

"Yeah, right..."

"I'm sorry, are you doubting what I just said?" He feigned shock.

"I can see right through you, mate." She gesticulated with her hand, pointing her index and middle fingers towards her eyes and his. "Tell me what you're up to."

"You'll know everything in due time." He smiled secretly.

"No no. Spill it out right now."

"Patience, little angel..." He taunted. "Besides, I still haven't told you my New Year's traditions."

"Fine..." She pursed her lips. "Nice save, by the way."

"Thank you."

Hamid winked, only to earn a playful shove in response. Once they stopped teasing each other, he began to speak.

"New Year's Eve celebrations are a big deal to almost every Turkish citizen. My mother usually hosts a huge party for friends, family, work colleagues at home or at my uncle's hotel. Lots of boring people of course, but food and beverages are superb. Plus, we have a few traditions of our own."

"Like what?"

"Like putting a generous amount of salt on the doorstep to bring peace and prosperity."

"When you say ‘a generous amount of salt’ you mean Supernatural style of spreading salt to protect the house from evil spirits?"

"Something like that... It also is applied to pomegranate kernels. We smash them and spread on the doorstep to bring luck."

"Oooh... What else?"

"We also try to do good deeds. It helps to bring good fortune for the one who gives and for the one who receives."

"That's really nice."

"I think so too. There’s also a superstition of wearing red undergarments and giving them as gifts."

"Whaaaat?" She smiled slyly.

"Get your mind out of the gutter. It's supposed to bring luck." He nudged her playfully. "And we go for a walk after midnight to ensure safe travels. I always follow that one."

"I like those superstitions. But let's be honest, you don't expect me to believe you go back to stay all night with your family, do you?"

"Guilty as charged. I usually stay for two hours at my family's party and go out with my friends."

"I knew it. You're so the type of guy who gets several invitations to spend the first night of a new year in fancy hotel parties and nightclubs."

"I cannot confirm nor deny that information," he smirked. "But I always come back around two and three in the morning to take Sevim to eat."

"Why?"

"On the following day of the first year I went out to celebrate New Year's with friends, my father told me how upset my sisters were that I wasn't there with them. So, the next year I decided to go back home, pick them up and take them anywhere they wanted, which is usually to eat and walk by the shore. Nesrim and Malak are adults now and they go out as well, but the four of us always meet at the place Sevim chooses to have late-night snacks and spend time together."

"Hamidciğim, this is adorable!"

He smiled softly then looked down at his injured ankle protected by a CAM boot. "I think this year I'm going to break my own tradition though."

"You're not breaking it on purpose." She squeezed his hand in reassurance.

"You're right," Hamid replied to the gesture by lifting their hands to his lips and kissing the back of hers.

"Hey! Maybe they could take you out this year."

"Hmm... That's an interesting idea. I'll talk to them about that. I'll even do my version of Sevim's 2012 look if they agree."

"Sure! Wait... what?" A broad smile spread on her lips. "I don't know what this is about, but tell me you have pictures."

"I do actually." He reached for his mobile once again and tapped the screen a few times before handing her the device. "Here you go."

"Aww... That is so cute!" She beamed gazing at the picture of Sevim wearing a Powerpuff Girls pyjamas and sleeping with her head resting on Hamid's lap. “I need the context of this photo. Stat.”

"Sevim had an allergic reaction earlier that day and spent most of the time in her room. When I returned to cheer her up, she was still under the effects of the medication and didn't want to change."

"So you took her out to eat even though she was on her PJs."

"Why wouldn't I? She looked as lovely as ever."

"Fair point. But I have one question."

"Fire away."

"Does she know you have a picture of her in her cutesy little kid jammies that she used to wear when she was eleven on your mobile?"

"No. And you, as my girlfriend, therefore loyal to me, won't say a word about this to anyone." He gave her a knowing look.

"She really is your favourite, isn't she?"

He squinted his eyes, pretending to scold her. "No comment."

The lady doubled over.

Checking his phone once again, he placed it on the nightstand and sat up. "I believe we have spent long enough here. Let's head outside and have supper."

"Okay," she replied, getting out of the bed and helping him to stand up and leave.

As they walked into the lounge, she stopped in her tracks. The entire flat was decorated with string lights and garlands and a large Christmas tree was placed in a corner near a black piano.

"When did this happen?" Daphne looked at her boyfriend then at the place covered with Christmas decorations.

"When we were inside the bedroom. I know it's tradition for the house owners to decorate the tree, but I wanted it to be a surprise and I couldn't do it by myself."

"It makes sense. You can't stand on your feet for too long." She glanced at the corner where the tree and piano were placed and looked back at him. "How come I didn't hear people walking around to decorate and carrying a piano?"

"Oh, you're so easy to be distracted, aşkım." A mischievous grin spread on his lips.

“They were here when we—” Her mouth fell open. “Are you serious?! Oh my god, what if anyone heard me?" Her cheeks flushed crimson whilst she buried her face on his chest.

“How is it my fault?” He taunted.

Glaring at him, she elbowed his ribs.

He simply laughed then leaned in to whisper. "Don’t worry about the opinion of people you don't even know and most likely will never meet. Just tell me if you liked the surprise."

She looked up at him, still trying to seem mad, failing to hide a smile. "I do. It’s lovely."

"That's all I needed to hear.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now let's eat. Most of the dishes are best served while they're still hot."

"What are we having?" She asked as they walked to the dining table.

"You'll see."

Once they sat down, a waiter stood beside them holding a tray with two dishes and two cocktail mixers. "Good evening, Hamid bey. Lady Daphne," she bowed. "Your three-course meal will start with Cilbir and Sumakli Coban Salata as requested. To drink, the chef recommends the viscountess's favourite drink."

Caught off guard, Daphne watched the waiter pour strawberry daiquiri into a cocktail glass for her and then a mocktail for Hamid. "Thank you."

"Of course, ma'am. The main course will be ready in fifteen minutes. Enjoy your meal."

The two of them thanked the waiter, who quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

"I can't believe you remembered!" She exclaimed, taking the drink to her lips and humming in delight. "And oh, lord! It's so perfect!"

"It hasn't been that long ago when you mention your favorite drink. It just upsets me that I can’t have the same." He commented as he took a sip of his mocktail.

“We’ll have a date just to drink dairiquis when you stop taking antibiotics.”

“It’s a date then. Try the entree."

Grabbing a spoon, she added the cucumber salad to the poached eggs with yogurt then lifted a spoonful to her lips. "This is delicious!"

"I was hoping you'd like it. It's my favourite breakfast dish. Baban² likes to prepare it in the summer and we have it with toast and chai. But it also can be a great appetizer."

"That sounds amazing. Does Murat bey³ cook often?"

"When he has time, yes. Once he visited me when I was in Cambridge and prepared manti enough for twelve people. But I had no complaints about it. Baban has excellent culinary skills. Yusuf was happier than I was, though."

"Oh, is that the Turkish dumplings he mentioned once?"

"Yes. He loves it."

"Hmm... Interesting..."

"Is it?"

"Oh, yeah. I know someone who will find this information very useful."

He chuckled.

She took another spoonful and closed her eyes savouring the different textures and flavours as they mixed together in her mouth. "Ugh, why is this so good? And with the cucumber salad, it just gets better at each bite. I'll be forever disappointed whenever I have poached eggs at home because they'll never taste like this."

"I can cook for you whenever you crave cilbir in Ithaca."

"Hold up a second." She placed her glass back on the table and stared at him. "Are you telling me you know how to prepare this dish?"

"I know how to prepare many dishes. This one is actually pretty easy and it takes about a half-hour to be ready."

"Wow..."

"This is no secret. I told you I learned how to cook during my first years of uni."

"But I didn't know you could prepare posh food."

"Not all of us have the luxury of having a roommate who knows how to cook and bake almost every single homemade recipe since they were seven." He implied, drinking the last of the mocktail.

"Normally I'd be a little offended by your insinuation, but yeah. In that department, I won in the best friend and roommates lotteries," she bragged.

The couple laughed and finished their dishes by the time the waiter returned with more drinks and the main course. As she removed the food cover, her eyes sparkled with joy as she stared at the bowl of her comfort food.

"You're too quiet... Is something wrong?" He asked.

"No, it's just—" She trailed off and looked at the bowl once again. "The last time I had a nice bowl of chow mein like this was with mum."

"Well, I'll be happy to have as many bowls of chow mein with you in the future." He reached for her hand.

“I’d like that..” Her lips curled in a warm smile. Once she picked up her chopsticks and lifted some of the meal to her mouth, her eyes welled up.

"Are you okay, aşkım?" His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Yes..." She brushed away a tear. "It tastes just like mum's."

"I guess the chef will earn a larger tip tonight."

Daphne nodded in silence then stood up and took a seat on Hamid's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. "Thank you so much for this."

"You're very welcome, my little angel." He whispered, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

Leaning in, she pressed her lips to his. His arms encircled around her protectively as he deepened the kiss for a moment, but then he pulled away. "I'm afraid we'll have cold fried noodles and chicken if you stay here."

"You're right. Sorry..."

"Don't be. I'm only letting you get back to your seat because chef Özlem and her waiter are still here."

She giggled and pecked his lips once more before she returned to her seat.

As they dug into their bowls, Hamid looked at his girlfriend intently. "I wish I could have met Mrs. Wang. Do you think your mother would have liked me?"

"Yes. Mum was great with everybody. I think she would have invited you to have dinner with us a few times by now."

"Would I ever have witnessed the mother and daughter duet you mentioned earlier today?"

"Maybe..." She averted her gaze, lips curling up in a soft smile as she pictured the scenario in her head. "I'd try to get out of it, but you and mum would probably have convinced me. But I wouldn't look at you because you're too good at distracting me."

He grinned proudly and nodded.

She pursed her lips in an attempt to hide a smile. "But yes, I think you would have."

"I'm sure it would have been lovely."

"It certainly would."

A few minutes after they finished the main course, the waiter arrived with the dessert.

"I love Eton Mess!" She studied the dessert bowl beaming.

"I know. Lord Vincent told me."

"What?" Her eyes widened. "When?"

"One day when I was working with him at the Parliament in London. We started very early and by the time we could go out to lunch, we were starving. So we had a three-course meal at his favourite restaurant. He suggested the dessert and told me about the day his daughter helped him to prepare it."

"He did?"

"Yes. He mentioned her lack of ability to cook, but the way he said it sounded so endearing that it made me curious to meet this lady with awful culinary skills, but attentive to details and creative even when she's clueless."

"I didn't know that..." She trailed off, looking at the dessert. "Our cook was really ill and we had to prepare a dish that day. Everyone knows I can’t cook, he asked for my help anyway. It was the first time I felt close to him. He doesn't cook often, but we prepare salad together, sometimes tea. And late snacks, obviously."

"This is what I love about food. It always brings people together."

"Is that why you constantly attend breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings?"

"Among other reasons."

"Such as?"

"Trying new dishes and of course enduring dull and pointless discussions without losing my patience because good food makes everything better."

She cackled. "Smart."

The conversation flew easily as the two of them finished dessert and Hamid excused himself to talk with the chef. 

By herself, Daphne walked towards the lounge. Her eyes analyzed the details of decoration, the colors, the lights. She stopped near the tree to look at it, but her hand idly ran along the piano. After some time hesitating, she sat on the bench placed in front of the instrument. Her fingers slowly moved between the keys until the soothing harmony of a Christmas carol spread in the room. After searching for a sheet music on her mobile, she placed it before her and continued to play. Lost into her own thoughts, it took her a moment to realise she was no longer alone.

"I don't know if I can believe you when you say you're not so sneaky," she said, looking at the sheet music on her mobile screen.

"Well, I don't know if I should believe you either about your piano skills." He answered with a cheeky smile as he sat next to her. "Which one is this?"

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Gloria. Lady Grandmother likes this one on Mariah Carey's version."

"Your grandmother likes Mariah Carey?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Just the Christmas albums."

He chuckled then stayed in silence waiting for her to finish the Christmas carol. When the song came to an end, his arm encircled her waist. "Can I make a request?"

"Yes."

"Can you play and sing your favourite Christmas song?"

She was about to protest when he faked pouted. Shaking her head and grinning, she agreed. "Okay..."

He shifted on the seat to her space to sing and waited. Then, without searching for sheet music, she closed her eyes as her hands pressed the keys and fingers glided over them in an adagio jazz rhythm.

Hamid gazed at her singing with her eyes closed, watching her previous straight posture slouch a little, her shoulders relax, her mezzo-soprano voice grow a little more emotional as she reached a few notes. Once her eyes fluttered open as the song ended, he brushed her hair to one side and kissed her shoulder. "You are a liar."

Daphne pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh.

"That was beautiful."

"Thank you. Not just for the compliments. For tonight. For everything."

"I'll do anything for the pleasure of seeing you smile."

"Does it mean you'd celebrate Christmas with me again?"

"As many times you want, aşkım." He leaned in and kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, and her lips.

Whilst his tongue parted her lips, she straddled him. Fingers digging into his hair as his hands tugged on the back of her jumper. Her hips moved back and forth as his kisses roamed down her neck.

"Daphne?" He breathed against her skin.

"Mmm?"

"Is it bedtime already?"

"Yes..." She purred, standing up and taking his hand to help him up. "Are you ready to start another tradition with me?"

"Always." He smirked, draping an arm around her as they returned to the master suite.

___

¹ Mother

² Dad

³ Mister

[anime-lover-forever-1127]

The Sadist’s Nurse {Okita Sougo} - 1.This Is Only The First Chapter And I Can't Think Of A Title. How Am I Gonna Survive The Entire Fanfiction?!  Well Good Thing This Is A Gintama Fanfiction,  So I Can Do This

This Is Only The First Chapter And I Can't Think Of A Title. How Am I Gonna Survive The Entire Fanfiction?!

Well Good Thing This Is A Gintama Fanfiction,

So I Can Do This ^

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "Gintama", it belongs to its original creator Hideaki Sorachi - or as we may know him, the Gorilla (If you did not get that reference, then I'd like you to stop, and ask yourself - Are You A Real Gintama Fan?) . This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if my Oc isn't in them. As long as she's mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. Or maybe because it influences the story. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed my characters into the story line. Because of this, most of the dialogue/scenes will come from the original work.

I may not get all the references in the story - because I haven't watched all those anime - so sorry if I butchere those those ones. (It goes without saying that I don't own any of those as well)

*****

Warnings: Spoilers for episode 5

Today's Special

Never let your best friends get lonely...

Keep disturbing them

~ Unknown

*****

Akira watched her brother mutter to himself as he spied out the window.

"Okita wake up." Hijita said, balling up Katsura's wanted poster up and hitting the sleeping man on the head with it. The main reason he did that being that he didn't like how at home he looked sleeping on his precious baby sisters lap.

Akira stopped running her hands through the man's soft locks as he got up.

"I'm surprised that you could sleep through that explosion." Hijikata said.

"Explosion?" Sougo questioned. "Did you let the terrorists attack again?" He asked, pulling down his sleeping mask. "What's your problem, Hijikata? You need to apply yourself. Take a page out of Akira's book."

"Me! You're the one who needs to take a page out of her book and stop sleeping on the job." Hijikata shouts, grabbing his sword's hilt. "They can blow up all the Amanto for all I care. I'll let those fishes swim for a bit before I'll reel 'em up… and cut their necks." He drew his sword, pushing his palm against the flat side of the blade. "It'll be a proud moment for the shinsengumi. I'm looking forward to this fight."

"If that's settled. Then let's head back to the base and we can decide what action to take there." Akira suggests.

*****

"Oh? So we finally found them?" Kondo asks.

Hijikata nods, "Yes. Yamazaki is following them right now. It's only a matter of time before we discover their base, Kondo-san."

"Yeah. But it wouldn't be the first time we've thought that. We gotta be careful or they'll slip right through our fingers again." says Akira, as she leans against the door frame.

"That's fine. We'll just have to be careful. Goodwork, Toshi."

"It's too soon to thank me." The vice-chief says, he turns around to look at their boss. "Save it for after we've killed them!"

"That is smart. You know it's just like the saying goes. It's never a good idea to count your chickens before they hatch." Akira nods.

"That's right." Konod agrees, "The Shinsengumi only give credit after distinguished military service. We, the Shinsengumi, belong in battle. " Kondo nods.

Hijikata smirks, "You're the chief. I'm only following orders."

"I'm counting on you, Toshi." Says the older man.

"We'll in that case. I better go check the medical stock and get the room ready." Akira says. "Someone around here, and by that I mean me, has to make sure you idiots don't bleed out and kill yourselves."

*****

Akira watches from the sidelines as a Shinsengumi unit charges forward, her brother and childhood friend at the helm. Leading the attack.

"You're under arrest!" yells Hijikata, kicking the door down. "Come quietly, you terrorist scum!"

"It's the Shinsengumi!"

"Oh no! Run away!"

And other similar shouts were heard from the room.

"Kill them all!" Hijikata shouted, pointing his sword forward.

"Actually Aniki. We should take some of them alive. I highly doubt that this is the entire army." says Akira, coming up to stand beside the two commanding officers.

"She's right you know Hijikata-san." Sougo says, and never one to miss out on an opportunity to annoy the older man, he adds, "I feel bad for Akira-chan. Always having to pick up her oniisan's slack."

"Why you-" Hijikata starts to growl, only to be cut off with a slap to the head.

"Hey. Why did you do that?" He asked, rubbing his head.

"Because well you two are here, bickering like children. The enemy is getting away." Akira answers, her hands on her hips. "Now go, before I decide to hit you with something a lot harder."

"Fine. Let's go Sougo."

*****

Within minutes there were injured Shinsengumi members coming to Akira to get their injuries looked at.

"You can continue to fight." She says to a member of the 2and squad. "Oh, and well you're out there. Can you please try to capture one of the Jouishishi members alive. We could use a bit more intel on their future operations. oK."

"Of course Akira-san." The man nodded, picking his sword up and running off into the battle again.

Seeing no more people, Akira poked her head around the corner to see all the members standing outside a barricaded door.

Seeing that the fight was practically over, she walked over to the group of men.

"This again? Where do they think they're gonna go?" Akira wonders, as one of her fingers tap against her cheek.

"Who knows what's ever going on inside those terrorists' heads." A Shinsengumi member answered.

"Hey, come out. We're really going to fire this time." Sougo shouted at the door. His thumb and pointer finger holds his chin, as his arm rests on the palm of his other hand. "Hijikata-san, our evening soap rerun is going to start soon."

"Did you remember to set our VCR?" Akira asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Geez. I forgot." He answers.

"Great. Note to self. Don't give you that job again." pouts Akira. She then turns around to the men and shouts, "Come on people. Let's wrap this up. We have 45 minutes to get back to the base. So let's finish this up today ladies."

"Dam. I didn't know she could be so mean." One of the newer members mumbles.

"Yeah. I thought she was known for being nice."

"She usually is. But since you two are new here, you don't really know her and you haven't seen anything yet either. Wait till her favorite store is selling strawberry cake. Then you realise how mean she can truly be. She'll tear you the shreds and then sew you back up together again. There are a couple of unwritten rules in the Shinsengumi. Ones that you'll have to learn if you intend to survive here." Another one answers.

Getting sick of the mutters, Hijikata shouted, "You heard the women. Let's get this over with. Prepare to fire!"

Just as the explosive was about to be launched, the barricade broke open from the other side as three people jumped out.

"Wh-what are you doing?! Stop them!" shouted Akira, surprised.

A puffy silver haired man continued to charge forward, holding something round in his hand. "If you want to stop something, then stop this bomb, please!" He said.

"You have a bomb squad, don't you?"

"He's got a bomb." Someone shouted.

As the group of men in black ran away from the trio, Akira simply grabbed the vice-chief and first division captain and pulled them to the side and let the group run right past them.

"Normally i'd say that we should stick around and help them out. But I'm dying to see who killed Gyuki. If we go now, we can make it right before the opening credits finish." Akira smirked.

"Don't we need to stick around?" Toshi asks.

Raising an eyebrow, Akira fires back, "Do you wanna stick around?"

"Hell no" The two men answer in unison.

*****

Legend/translation:

Aniki - Your own older brother, not to be confused with oniisan, which means someone else's older brother.

I also feel like I need to clear up the topic of her hair colour. It's mostly black, but under certain lighting, it looks brown.

I also understand the difference between a doctor and a nurse. And, yes, she really is a doctor. But let's all be honest, 'The Sadist's Nurse' has a much better ring to it then, 'The Sadist's Doctor'. It honestly just rolls off the tongue better.

You can read the other chapters of this story (in order) on Wattpad, Quotev, Fanfiction.Net, Ao3, or Webnovel - Under the username Animeloverforever1127 (Under the same title of course). Or you could shuffle around my tumbler, (I’ll try to keep my tags constant) but I’d go with the first - just seems like a lot less work.

[ryqoshay]

Tri-Arame: A Train’s Delay

Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu Words: ~1.6k Rating: G Time Frame: During their 2nd year in high school Story Arc: Stand Alone

Author’s Note: Writing the last scene made me want to give Ayu’s perspective on the early development of things among the three.

“I’m telling you, the pose will be really cute.” Yuu insisted as she and Ayumu stepped off the train. “The fans will love it, so we should definitely work it into your choreography for the next Live.”

“I’ll think about it.” Ayumu conceded.

Yuu’s obsession with school idols had led her to performing a ton of research, so there was little doubt as to the extent of her knowledge. However, Ayumu knew she had to temper the advice with the fact that Yuu called pretty much everything about her cute. Though as embarrassing as it often was, Ayumu couldn’t say she disliked it. And she was in no hurry to tell Yuu stop anytime soon. It just meant she had to gauge things carefully and occasionally seek a second opinion. A critique from someone like…

“Setsuna-chan!” Yuu called suddenly.

Yes, Setsuna was another excellent source of school idol information. And in the newly reformed club she was learning how to be more accepting of other views on the genre. Thus… Wait, she was here?

Sure enough, Ayumu looked in the direction Yuu was already running to find their fellow second year. Having just disembarked her train, she now stood facing them, her dark hair in twin braids and her glasses donned.

A flash of excitement crossed Setsuna’s face as she saw her friends before she visibly quashed it and forcibly reigned herself in. “Please, I’m Nana right now.” She said, giving a quick and nervous glance to either side, as if expecting her parents to get off the next train and catch her in a brief moment of not being the studious and somber girl they expected her to be.

Ayumu felt something wrench at her heart. She didn’t like seeing her friend having to repress her passions, especially since it was Setsuna who had ignited passions within herself and Yuu. She enjoyed watching Yuu be open about her obsessions with school idols, not only because she was incredibly cute when excited, but also because it helped keep her inspired to continue working on becoming more open herself. It was for these reasons that she and Yuu had invited Setsuna to the mall with them the other day, to give her a few hours to be truly open and honest with her interests.

“Ne, Nana-chan,” Yuu effortlessly switched gears “wanna walk to school with us?”

“I’d like that.” Nana replied. “Good morning, Ayumu-san.” She greeted the redhead with a polite bow.

“Good morning, Nana-san.”

Though genuine, the smile Nana offered was far more reserved than those she typically displayed as Setsuna.

“You know,” Yuu continued “Ayumu and I have taken this same train every day since we started high school and we’ve never crossed paths with you. Did you take a different one today or something?”

“No, that was my normal train.” Nana shook her head. “They just had a delay at the station before me.” To prove the point, she held up the delay certificate. “Though I suppose if you two usually arrive at this time and do not suffer punctuality issues at school, I don’t really need this.” She slipped it back in her bag anyway instead of discarding it in a nearby recycling bin.

“So I guess today was just an accident.” Yuu surmised.

“It would seem so.”

Yuu shrugged. “But at happy accident at least, ‘cause we get to walk together now.”

Another reserved smile.

“Anyway, I was just telling Ayumu that she should consider using this pose at the end of her new song at the next Live.” Yuu paused to demonstrate.

Nana stopped as well to examine Yuu thoughtfully. “Ayumu-san.” She said suddenly.

“Eh?” Ayumu wasn’t expecting to be addressed.

“Would you mind taking this position? I believe I might better judge it by observing the correct subject.”

“S-sure…” Ayumu battled the rising sense of unease at the concept of making idol poses in the middle of the walkway while dressed in her school uniform, as opposed to on stage in an idol outfit.

“Hrm… Perhaps if you moved your forearm up a bit more…” Nana reached out to make the adjustment. “And your other arm like this… Turn your wrist… Maybe shift your hips… And your torso…”

Ayumu almost bit her tongue as Nana’s hands slid up her waist to the sides of her ribcage before gently guiding her to the new position.

“How about this, Yuu-san?” Nana took a step back to admire her handiwork.

“That’s amazing, Nana-chan!” Yuu marveled. “Ayumu’s pose is even cuter like that!”

Cuter? Ayumu tried, likely unsuccessfully, to swallow down a blush.

“Indeed.” Nana agreed. “Although, I cannot take all the credit. The pose is only accentuating the existing high level of cuteness.”

Oh no… It was one thing when Yuu constantly called her cute, but now Setsu… Nana was joining in as well? Ayumu felt the heat overflowing from her face, up to her ears and down her neck. Geez… if she was going to survive as an idol, she would have to get better at handling these kinds of things.

“And Yuu-san set up the base work well.” Nana continued. “It is obvious you know much about your subject.”

“Subject? Ayumu? Of course I know her and her cuteness well.” Yuu puffed out her chest as though she believed the accomplishment was worthy of great pride. “But Nana-chan, you really know your stuff when it comes to idols. I may know Ayumu's cuteness, but you were able to help me truly refine the pose to ensure it shined at its brightest. And I'm still trying to learn the other girls in the club. I may have to have you teach me your ways so I can better observe you guys during practice and give better advice after.”

Though clearly enjoying the praise, Nana continued to keep herself reserved. Ayumu felt a bittersweet emotion start to fill her, displacing the embarrassment from earlier as the conversation shifted away from her. She wanted to see her friend like she was when the three of them went to the mall together. Back when the anime-obsessed girl was practically vibrating with excitement like a puppy, so much so that Ayumu had wanted to pat her on the head and scratch under her chin. The girl walking with her now was behaving instead like a puppy being cautious in its excitement after being scolded for doing something wrong.

Except Nana hadn’t done anything wrong, at least not as far as Ayumu could tell. She was merely guilty of having hobbies unapproved by her parents. It was for this reason that Ayumu and Yuu had reached a mostly unspoken agreement to provide an outlet for Nana to be Setsuna and freely celebrate her passions. The idol club certainly helped, but idols were by no means Setsuna’s only interests.

It wasn’t the easiest of tasks. On entering high school, Ayumu had tried to mature and move on from many things of her childhood. Yuu had an easier time picking back up former interests, but it had taken the burning passion of someone like Setsuna to remind Ayumu that it was alright to hold on to some things. In that regard, Ayumu felt somewhat indebted to Setsuna, so she was repaying it by helping her indulge in her interests.

Then there was Ayumu’s jealousy. As club activities continued, she was becoming increasingly aware of such emotions as Yuu lavished her attentions on the other idols. And when Yuu and Setsuna lost themselves in something, it was difficult for Ayumu to avoid feeling left out.

However, the rewards for the task were plentiful. When Setsuna truly let loose, her smile was nothing short of contagious. And Ayumu couldn’t help wanting to see it more.

The trio continued to talk idols and make plans for practice later that afternoon as they completed their walk toward school. Nana was adamant about helping perfect Ayumu’s performance and maximize her cuteness. Yuu suggested bringing in Kasumi, their local specialist on the topic of cuteness, to which Nana agreed. All the while, Ayumu’s thoughts continued to focus on how much Nana was holding back.

“Thank you for allowing me to accompany you this morning.” Nana bowed as the three paused in the front entryway of the school.

“It was our pleasure.” Ayumu assured her.

“Yeah, that was fun.” Yuu agreed. “Maybe your train will be delayed again tomorrow?”

There it was. That was the smile Ayumu had wanted to see. Perhaps Nana felt safer within the school walls? Or perhaps it was a result of spending time with trusted friends? Or both. Ayumu quietly hoped it was at least in part due to the latter.

“See you at practice.” Nana flashed one more smile before turning away and heading toward her homeroom.

“I sent you the link so you can view them later.” Yuu said as she and Ayumu stepped off the train. “Their choreography is amazing! I think we can learn a lot from…” Something caught her attention. “Nana-chan!” She called before taking off.

Ayumu glanced ahead along Yuu’s path. Sure enough, leaning against a nearby pillar was their fellow second year.

Nana looked up from whatever study material she was reading. “Good morning Yuu-san, Ayumu-san.” She smiled and bowed politely.

“Good morning, Nana-san” Ayumu replied as she caught up to her childhood friend.

“Don’t tell me I jinxed you with your train?” a concerned expression crossed Yuu’s face.

“Oh no,” Nana assured “my train arrived on time just fine. I just…” she glanced down and hunched her shoulders a bit “I had so much fun yesterday morning I thought perhaps we might walk together again today? If… that’s alright?” She looked back up with a hopeful expression.

Yuu laughed. “Of course, it's alright, Nana-chan!”

“Yes, it’s definitely alright.” Ayumu agreed. “Let’s walk together again.”

Even in its reserved form, Nana’s smile still managed enough of its contagious nature that Ayumu was compelled to reciprocate. And with that, a new morning tradition began.

Author's Note Continued in Followup Post

[stillebesat]

In These Tangled Webs (10/11)

Sanders Sides: Patton, Logan, Roman, Virgil Blurb: It should be easy admitting to your roommates that you’re not entirely human. Only in Logan’s case it’s not. Not when he discovers that Patton is afraid of Spiders. Fic Type: Hurt/Comfort Overall Warnings: Spiders, Arachnophobia, Death Talk, Minor Character Deaths, Slightly Detailed Descriptions of Deaths, Murders, Injuries, Swords, Imprisonment, Biting, Fangs, Venom, Extra Body Parts, Blood, Manipulation, Negative Self Talk

To Catch Up: Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6  Chapter 7  Chapter 8  Chapter 9  

“HUNT!” Roman half screeched before he slapped his hand over his mouth, the first to react. 

“I picked him out specially for you, my spiderling.”

Patton swallowed as he fought to keep his hands relaxed in Logan’s, desperately hoping that he couldn’t hear how his heart rate had sped up.

Hunting.

Hunting.

Hunting.

Despite already knowing about Lo’s connection to the...the Rouge Widow as Virgil had named her…hearing him confirm it...in that particular way was--was---

YOU WERE PREY. You could have DIED.

Keep you safe. 

Prey. 

“Hush. Hush. You won’t need your momma for much longer, dear one.” 

He had been prey, only surviving because Lo had decided to let him go, had decided to help him instead of killing him like his--his mother wanted him to. 

Virgil barely appeared to be breathing as he stood stock still, staring at Lo. “The Rouge Widow---is your mom?” He asked, voice deliberately quiet. 

The blood stained woman stalked through swings, searching for him. “You can’t hide from me forever child.”

Logan hunched his shoulders, his fangs vanishing from view as he nodded. “Yes.” 

“But---” Virgil ran both his hands through his hair. “That doesn’t--HOW?!” He shook his head moving to pace in a circle around them, tugging at the strings of his hoodie. “There were no signs at all--there weren’t even rumors that she had a kid! And you’re telling me---She’s been killing people for years, decades! And not once, NOT ONCE did anyone let slip she had a kid in tow. How--”

“She kept me hidden...separate from her--” Logan dropped his voice. “--killing sprees. And if anyone found me--They died. She’s very selective on who she trusts and when it came to me...barely a handful of people know of our connection and still live.” 

Patton swallowed. Did that handful of people now include the three of them? How hard must it have been on Logan? To never have anyone stick around. To only have his mother for company. No friends---how---Patton bit his lip. ”That sounds so lonely, Lo.” No wonder he’d been so withdrawn when they’d first met. If everyone who came in contact with him died...why would he try to get to know anyone?  

Logan shrugged, looking away. “I didn’t know better.” 

“Geez and I thought my childhood was bad.” Roman said, running a hand through his rain soaked hair. “But to grow up with---with--” 

“The worst murderous Human Black Widow on record to ever walk the planet?” Virgil supplied, fiddling with his sleeves as he too studied their friend.

“That’s one way to refer to her.” Logan mumbled, fidgeting under their combined stares. 

Roman clicked his tongue. “Yah, that---” He spread his arms wide. “That sucks, big time, Spock. How in the world are you not more messed up having her as a Mom?”  

“More...messed up?” Lo repeated, raising his eyebrows, rubbing his hand against his chest. “She’s probably killed more people than half the state of Wyoming and you wonder why I’m not more messed up?” 

“Well now I’m wondering how you’ve passed as more normal.” Virgil muttered as Roman blanched.

“Right? I mean…She was teaching you to--to hunt humans, Lomageddon! That’s not a normal Mommy thing to do-- Wait!” Ro pointed between the two of them. "Pat's still alive! Did you ever pass that particular gruesome lesson with someone else or--”

I’ll feast on the newcomers. No worries, Logan. Momma will eat too.” She said, two of her hands guiding the boy’s fangs to Patton’s exposed neck as faint voices and stomping sounded overhead. “Hurry now.” She encouraged, withdrawing. “It’s fast food today.”

Pwotect you.

A gentle tug and Logan stepped back, a wad of webbing held in his hands. “See. Safe. Hod still.” His little fingers easily tore away the remaining webs from Patton, freeing him in seconds. “No eat. No die. All safe. K?” 

Patton drew in a steadying breath and took a deliberate step closer, squeezing Lo’s hands as he did so. 

Trust Me.

I’m NOT scared. Not of you. 

“What does it matter?" Patton asked, half turning to the others. “He saved my life. Lo isn’t going to hurt us.” 

With how skittish Logan had been about telling them what he was, he hardly was acting like the suave charismatic Widow they’d been taught to look out for.

“But that doesn’t answer the question.” Virgil said gesturing to Logan as he continued circling them. “Sure a three year old may not kill the first time he’s given the chance, but you grew up with her, L. You were there. Indoctrinated in her ways! How many---how---are you---” He made a face. 

Logan slowly raised his eyes to meet Virge’s. “A Killer? Or was Murderer the word you were looking for?” 

A chill went down Patton’s spine as Roman took two steps back, eyes wide. 

Logan? A killer? No. NO WAY. NO. 

Virgil stopped, setting his jaw as he looked Logan squarely in the eyes. “Yes. How far did your apple fall from her tree?” 

Little Logan frowned up at the ring as it flashed light blue. “Not s’posed to glow no--” He paled, pitch black eyes going wide. “RUN!” He yelled, frantically shoving Patton outside and slamming the door in his face. “RUN! HOOMAN RUN! “RUAAAAAAAHH---” The scream cut off abruptly, followed by a sickening thud against the door. 

Keep you safe. 

No. Patton pressed his lips together, slightly shaking his head. Logan was good. He was nothing like his mom. He had to believe that otherwise wouldn’t the three of them be dead by now? They’d been living together for the past six months and Widows--

Widows kill within four. 

The pendant didn’t glow around Lo unless he was holding it. He wasn’t a threat. 

Right? 

Logan exhaled, his eyes growing dark behind his glasses as he pulled his hand free, crossing it over his chest. “You might as well be talking apples and oranges. She tried to make me just like her. But we’re…” He rubbed his chest, looking away. “Different.” 

Patton tilted his head, watching Logan’s hand over where the Widow mark hid. 

She pressed him close to the upside down red triangle on her chest. There, there.” She soothed. 

Red. Logan’s Mom’s mark had been plain red. But Logan’s was--

Black and Red. 

Patton narrowed his eyes, before quickly smoothing his expression before Lo could notice. That coloration wasn’t normal either. Widows only had red hourglasses like their spider counterparts. Was that the ‘difference’ Logan spoke of? Why was his mark--

“Tried?” Roman repeated.

Lo nodded, looking up. “I’m not a killer, Virgil.” He shifted his gaze to meet Roman’s worried eyes. “Roman.” He half turned to Patton. “Patton. Believe me, I’ve never taken a life--killed” He exhaled, shoulders slumping as stared at his feet. “But I did drink plenty of human blood and tissue. Just not---not recently...years really--since I uh--” He gave a half shrug. “Left.” 

“Left?” Patton whispered. But Logan was so young! He was Baby compared to the rest of them and he had said he hadn’t drunk---drunk... blood in years. Which if he only had it while he’d been with his Mom...when had he left her? Did it have something to do with their marks? Or just his refusal to--to kill? 

“So you’re not secretly sneaking out to get a fix?” Roman asked. “Stealing from blood banks? Preying on students studying late at night at the Library?

Logan’s mouth twitched, his fingers going white on his jacket. “No.” 

Virgil threw his hands up in the air, pacing again. “You don’t--You’re---L. I thought--we’ve all been taught that widows have to eat human flesh or blood to live and you’re telling me--”

“I no mamma. Bad tase you. ALL bad. BLEH.”

Logan was no monster. He wasn’t Mom. “He doesn’t because...well because humans don’t taste good to you...right, Lo?” Patton asked, glancing to him uncertainly.

A lot of things could have changed since first grade.  

Logan wrinkled his nose, making the exact same face he had made as a child. “Crofters No! It’s horrible. Like being forced to drink bitter moldy yogurt mixed with motor oil.” 

“OH EW!” Roman shuddered, waving his hands in front of his face as if to ward off a Dragon Witch. “Ew. Ew. EW! SPECS! I like yogurt. Don’t go putting that image in my head!” 

“I think you’re too late to save your tender taste buds, Princey.” Virgil remarked, scuffing the wet pavement with his shoe, attention still on Lo. “Strawberry yogurt will never taste the same.” 

“Stoooop!” Roman covered his ears, ducking his head. “I caaaaan’t heeeeear yooouuuu! Lalalala.”

A soft laugh left Logan’s lips, sounding like music to Patton’s ears as he lowered his hands, spreading them apologetically. “Sorry.” 

Patton relaxed at that laugh. Almost he could pretend that it was a normal conversation between them all. Almost.

Virgil huffed, rolling his eyes, even though a small smile played on his lips as well. “So we won’t be finding bags of blood anywhere? No severed heads or pickled entrails?” 

Lo smirked, amber eyes glimmering in the faint light. “I thought the Master of Halloween would already have all that in his room?” 

Roman snorted, pulling his hands away from his ears. “He got you there, Dr. Gloom. Out of all of us here...you are the one most into that sort of stuff, we’ve seen Sherlock’s room before remember? He’s hardly got anything morbid in there.” 

“You do know that Sherlock had--” 

“Ah ba da da! NO!” Roman quickly covered Virgil’s mouth. “I’m well aware how the character Sherlock lived, don’t ruin my moment!” 

“Either way.” Logan shifted on his feet, brushing the hourglass on his chest. “Now that you--know...I--I understand if you don’t want me to---to you know---” He gestured to the van, taking a step back away from it. “Come back to the apartment--” 

“Well, of course we don’t want you to come back ther--OW!” Roman jerked his hand away from Virgil’s mouth. “HEY!”

Logan recoiled, taking another step back, looking like a puppy that had just been kicked.

Virge spat onto the road. “That’s what you get for sticking your hand and mouth where they don’t belong, Princey” 

“I was just!” 

Patton grabbed Logan’s hand before he could take off, pulling him back to the van. He knew what Ro had been trying to say, but he really could have said it just a tiny bit better. “The place is still spider-proofed, Lo.” He said gently.

Logan couldn’t return home until they figured out how to unproof Patton’s spider proofing so that he would be safe. 

“Exactly.” Virgil said, pulling out his keys. “Until we get it---liveable again for you, L, there’s no way we’re letting you back in.” 

Logan stared at them, mouth dropping open. “You still want...to live with me?” He asked, slowly.

Roman rubbed the back of his hand, glaring at Virgil. “We did say we’re not going anywhere did we not?” 

“And you said you don’t drink blood, and aren’t a murderer soo---I don’t see why you can’t stay.” Virgil shrugged. “Besides, who’s going to help me with my Chemistry if you go?”

Roman snorted. “You mean badger with endless questions about being Spliced?” 

Virge stuck his tongue out. “Yes, that too. Whatever. Still doesn’t change that we still want you with us.”

“It’s just…” Logan looked between the three of them, squeezing Patton’s hand. “Hard to believe that you’re all taking this so well.”

So well? Logan had run away from them upon his first accidental revealing because they’d taken it ‘so well’. Patton could only hope that they--he could make it up to him. Revealing yourself as Spliced had to be a hard enough thing to do in the first place, and Lo had been forced to do so before he was ready. 

Thanks to me. 

Roman huffed, eyes going soft. “We’re not going to form a Gastonian Mob and come for your head, Lo. Despite how it looked with the swords…” He spread his hands. “I am on your side. We’re all on your side.” 

“Through thick and thin, webs and fangs, stupid finals and late night celebration parties.” Virgil said with a two fingered salute. Logan licked his lips, eyes holding a careful flickering hope. “But I’m...I’m Spliced. A Widow, and you’re all okay with that? Seriously? Knowing that--that my Mom--” 

“Isn’t you, Lo.” Patton interrupted firmly. The pendant proved that. 

Keep you safe. Pwomise. 

“You aren’t your family, so I’m told.” Roman agreed, clapping Lo on the shoulder with a grin that didn’t quite meet his eyes. 

“And I mean...if you don’t mind us--”

“You mean you.” Roman interjected.

“Mind all of us.” Virgil shot him a look. “We can be your family.” He said, sharing a smile with Patton as he joined their little circle in the rain. 

Patton nodded with his own smile. There was no question there. “We promise. We’re not going anywhere.” Lo would be able to rely on them, trust them, be himself around them.

Logan drew in a slow breath, studying them each in turn before he gave a jerk of a nod, briefly touching Roman’s hand before moving to Virgil’s. “I would like that…a lot actually.” 

“Oh good!” Ro said, giving a huge exaggerated sigh of relief as he pulled away. “Now can we get in the van and to that hotel? I would like to get dry at some point.” He jerked his head to the car. “Pleeease, my hair is already looking as sad and dingy as Doom and Gloom over there.” 

“Oh please.” Virgil rolled his eyes. “With how much gel you put on your head, I doubt a geyser could flatten it...but I am with Sir Sparkles here. Getting dry sounds good to me too.” 

“Same.” Patton agreed fervently, taking initiative and ducking into the backseat of the van. The sooner he got out of these clothes and tossed them in the trash, the better. 

Logan huffed a laugh and nodded, hesitating only half a second before he too followed Patton into the back. “I’m not the one with the keys Virge. That’s all on you.” He said, pulling the door shut with a quick glance to Patton for reassurance as he settled in next to him

“Yah yah...I’m on it! Hold onto your fangs.” Virgil called darting around to the driver’s side.  

Roman half turned in his seat, making a show of feeling his teeth with his tongue. “Don’t have fangs to hold onto, Emo Nightmare, but I will cover your favorite hoodie in purple glitter if you don’t start this rust bucket soon.”

“Don’t you dare! I worked hard on that!” “Then get-a-drivin!” 

Lo shook a head, a small smile on his face as he relaxed back against the seat. “It’s like nothing’s changed.” He mumbled to Patton as the van chugged into life. 

Keep you safe. 

Patton leaned into him, resting his head on Logan’s shoulder. “Because nothing really has, Lo.” He said softly, winding their fingers together as Virgil pulled out of the lot. “You’re still you, and that’s all that matters.”

To Be Continued Epilogue

Taglist in Reblog

[cocoisbestgirl]

Fanfic I can’t think of  a name for pt 6

Magda looked around the frozen garden, she didn’t see anybody. She wasn’t sure if she even wanted to. She just savored the alone time like the finest wine, which she had also had today. She thought it was just fruit juice until her head started to fuzz up. Apparently, she could hold her alcohol at least fairly well according to noble standards. She quickly got over the thought and continued to walk. She didn’t even notice how frozen it was outside. 

She sat down on the side of a fountain that wasn’t running due to the freezing cold.  She took a deep breath before finally relaxing her back. If only she could take the corset off, even for a minute. She could barely breathe much less move with the stupid thing on. The earrings Magda wore made her ears itch from being so cold. They almost felt like they were burning. 

She didn’t even care anymore, she grabbed the earrings and took them out. She didn’t know where to put them so she sat them down beside her. She massaged her earlobes with her index and thumb for a few seconds before standing up.

She wanted to go back to the ball, she really did. She just ...couldn't for some reason. Something was holding her back. So, she just sat back down. She looked down at the snow-covered earth. She used to hate winters. It was always...so...so cold. She always had to huddle up with other children, and sometimes Orens for warmth. Now she was willingly sitting in the cold. But this time around she had a full belly, clothes, jewelry. What was she to be upset about? She got her wish. She had a job...kinda.. and a nice home. She didn’t know what she was missing so much.

What about her childhood did she forget? Why was she so selfish? She had NOTHING and now she had more than most people could ever dream. Yet, she still was missing something. Magda’s thoughts raced and a few tears came to her eyes. 

Her tears had no reason to be there. She wasn’t sad, frustrated, or even happy. She just...was. Magda took off her glove and wiped at her eyes. She had no makeup on, so she had nothing to worry about. 

Magda came out of her trance when something snapped, she whipped her head around.

“Ah! Sorry sorry! I didn’t mean to sneak up on you!”

Magda sighed in relief it was just Alan, who had put his hands up at she looked at him. 

“Oh! Please, don’t worry. I’m fine.” Magda felt another warm tear go down her face but didn’t want to wipe it and bring more attention to herself than needed.

“Err...were you-?”

“Yeah, It’s just a lot to take in.” Magda interrupted.

Alan gestured next to Magda, “Is it okay if I- Ah! Sorry! What’s wrong?”

“I-I,” Magda stuttered to get her words out, “I have no idea. I’m sorry. I’m a mess.”

“No! Don’t worry you’re fine. I’m sure finding out your whole life has been a lie has been difficult! I have to say I really admire you..”

“Hmm?” Magda looked at the boy sitting beside her.

“Well... I’m from the slums too... and I grew up even better off than you did. Ah! I didn’t mean it like that! Sorry...”

“Don’t worry. It’s fine. you’re completely right I didn’t grow up with much.”

“And yet...you turned out so well. You’re amazing, Magda!” He smiled brightly at Magda, making her blush slightly.’

“I only did what I had to do to survive. I have some regrets of course..”

 Alan smiled, “I’m kind of sad we didn't know each other as kids. You’d have probably been my friend.”

Magda slumped down a bit, he really didn’t remember her.

“Wh-why did you come to look for me?”

“Well, I wa...I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Magda felt a smile creep up her lips for a second.

“People noticed you not being there, so they came to me. ”

The smile went away.

“Oh.. I should be getting back, It’s getting late..” Magda stood up, “Goodbye.”

Alan tried to get another sentence out to her, but all he could muster was a small-

“Goodbye…”

The blonde boy looked at the earrings laying abandoned on the fountain.

“It feels weird. It tingles.”

“Yeah, it does that. Means it’s cleaning your pores.” Felicity said as she applied another layer of the face mask onto Magda, “This stuff is not cheap.”

Magda’s face was covered in a pink mud-like substance, which she had never seen before. Mud masks were fairly common in the slums, but pink masks? She had never heard of them even once. 

“If it starts to burn, tell me immediately. I don’t want you getting hives.”

“When are we gonna get rid of my scars?”

“Ah...yeah...about that..” Felicity started as she put down the container that held the mask in it down on her vanity, “You’re...keeping them.”

“W-what? But you said-”

“Magda, I know what I said, I’m sorry. Scar stuff is super expensive. Like.. a lot of nobles can’t afford it. We barely can, We’ve had one container for around 10 years. Mother said that unless it's disfiguring we can’t, and shouldn’t, do anything. In her own words, we need your scars to make the story sound more realistic.”

“B-but that’s not fair..”

“Life isn’t fair. I know how you feel.”

“You don’t though…” Magda whispered to herself.

“Uh...um... So..”

“Yeah…”

“Miss! Miss!” A maid knocked on the door and came in, “Miss Magda! You have a letter!”

“Oh...thank you,” Magda said as the took the letter out of its envelope.

The maid quickly left and Felicity looked over Magda’s shoulder. 

Felicity barely had to even look at the letter to recognize what it was for. The stamp was from a lower noble family that had nearly fallen off of the radar but somehow kept its place in the social circle despite almost nothing being spoken of the family. When it came to nobility even bad gossip was more likely to keep your family high in the social circle than no gossip at all. 

‘If you want to be important be memorable.’ Felicity thought to herself as she leaned over Magda’s shoulders.

“Geez Magda, already a proposal?”

“That’s how nobles propose? Sending letters?”

“Sometimes yes sometimes no, it may be a love letter,” Felicity shrugged her shoulders, “Come on read it!”

Magda laughed a little bit and covered her mouth.

“Oh, now you have to tell me!” Felicity tried to snatch the letter away from Magda, but Magda avoided it.

“Well,” Magda started.

She dramatically cleared her throat and stood up.

“Dear Magda Ellenstein!” Magda spoke in a male impersonation that was meant to make fun of the letter’s sender, “I humbly offer you my love and devotion! When I saw you at the ball today I couldn’t help but fall for your grace and beauty!”

“Beauty, yeah sure I guess. Grace?! What is that man thinking!” Felicity chuckled.

“Felicity, be quiet! I’m getting to the good part!”

Magda continued reading the letter, it was filled with some of the most cringe-worthy...well they were probably supposed to be compliments anyway. Half the things in the letter made no sense. It was also filled with little doodles of hearts, and a bird...for some reason.

“Wow, So can I start called you the slum noble now?” Felicity mocked the letter.

“Absolutely not! You are to call me the noble in the shadows from now on!”

The girls burst into laughter in near unison.

“This can’t be real! It has to be a joke! There is no way!” Felicity laughed loudly and stood up from her seat, “Man, Magda. Thanks for the laugh. It’s getting pretty late though.”

The girls looked out the window and saw the dark sky dotted with stars.

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

Felicity handed Magda a rag to wash her face off with.

“Yeah make sure to bundle up tonight!” Felicity said giving Magda a wink.

Magda tilted her yeah and nodded before heading back to her room. She had never felt so happy to get rid of clothes before. She grabbed some of the thickest sleepwear she had and slipped right into bed.

The cold night seeped in through her window, but she knew that it wouldn’t help if she closed the curtains. She liked the sight of the moon, anyway.

“Magda. Maaagda. Magda!”

“Ah!” Magda shot up in bed before rubbing her eyes.

“I didn’t mean actually go to bed. Just pretend.”

“It’s,” Magda looked over at her window, “It’s late Felicity.”

They both whispered to each other to not wake up Eliza.

“We are gonna sneak out.”

“W-what? Won’t Mis...Mother get mad?”

“Worst she can do is ground me, she won’t do anything to you. Yet. At least right now you're her star child.”

“What would we even do? It’s too late for most things. I’m sure all nobles are sleeping.”

“We don’t really have to do anything. Just sneak out. Do our thing. Everybody does it. Besides the civilians in the slums are some of the best!”

Before Magda could respond Felicity pulled her out of bed, and picked her up.

“Wow you’re light,” Felicity blushed a little “A-anyway. I hope you like gardens.”

Magda had to admit the gardens were quite pretty at nighttime. Sure it was winter, but the trees themselves were very nice. The girls had snuck into the Ellenstein Garden. It wasn’t really even sneaking out, but it was a bit of an adventure.

“So! See anybody important making googly eyes at you, hm?”

“A-ah...no. Not as far as I know.”

“Do you have googly eyes for somebody?”

Magda blushed slightly and looked down. 

“He...doesn’t care for me. I’m sure he wants to befriend me but nothing more..”

“Who is he? I’ll beat ‘em up if you want!” Felicity joked, only to look at Magda’s face and realize. Magda was...definitely not in the joking mood.

“No, he’s nice and all. It’s just...he doesn’t seem... he doesn’t seem to... Well, it’s just a feeling.”

“Magda, girl-code! You can’t not tell me!”

“Girl-code? Is that a book?”

“Uh...um...no..yes? It’s unspoken rules basically. Like if a girl had lipstick on their teeth you tell them.”

“Well if you want to know that bad, who do you have a crush on?”

“I asked you first!”

“I asked second!”

Felicity grumbled for a few seconds, “Barris...happy?”

“Barris Sakan?”

“Yeah, yeah I know-”

“I hope you have good luck with him! You two would be cute together!”

“N-nobody's ...thank you Magda. Anyway, I have your love interests narrowed down by now.”

“What?”

“It’s either Alan,Ivan, Balfey, or Xavier.”

“I only know one..” Magda admitted.

Felicity stopped in her tracks as they were walking,and did a little squeal.

“I knew it, Magda! I knew it!”

Felicity ran to Magda and jumped up and down.

“I planned a date for you, Magda! That’s the real reason I snuck you out!”

[chibikinesis]

OC INTERVIEW

Thanks for the tag, @life-is-no-sugarlicking ♥

Tagging: WHOEVER SEES THIS AND THINKS “THAT LOOKS FUN!” Consider yourself tagged.

What is your name?

"Name’s Marty... uh, Nunes.”

How old are you?

"Aww, geez, that’s... not actually somethin’ I think about much these days. I wanna’ say... 32? Give or take a few years? Damn, how does a person forget their own age?”

What do you look like?

"Like a poor bastard that needs a five-year nap, probably. But I guess that describes half the commonwealth, huh? Well, I’m kinda’ hard to miss with these big ears an’ this robotic leg.”

Where are you from? Where do you live now?

"Somewhere here in the Commonwealth, I assume. I honestly don’t remember much from my younger years. Roger’s always told me he found me wanderin’ around near CIT, though.”

What was your childhood like?

"Like I said, I don’t remember a lot of that. I do remember Roger bein’ a grump, but doin’ his best to keep me safe and happy.” 

What groups are you friendly with? Are you allied with any factions?

“Can’t really say I’m allied with anyone. I know anytime I hear about the Institute, I get the willies, and I could give or take the Brotherhood. I do like what I���ve heard about the Railroad and the Minutemen, though.”

Tell me about your best friend.

"Guess that’d be Roger. The guy’s always been rough around the edges, but deep down he’s got a heart a’ gold. He’s kind of... emotionally constipated, as Kimmy would put it, but he has his own ways of showin’ he cares. Guy’s been through a lot, and he still managed to take care of us. We wouldn’t have ‘im any other way.”

Do you have a family? Tell me about them!

"I... kinda’ just did. Well, at least Roger. Kimmy’s like a little sister to me; in some ironic twist, I found her rummaging through our salvage piles, and we ended up takin’ her in kinda’ like Roger took me in before. We ain’t blood, but we sure have turned into our own little family anyway. *heh* Guess Roger’s just the reluctant, tired dad.” What about a partner or partners?

"Yeah, that’s... not really my thing... sorry.”

Who are your enemies, and why?

"Aside from people who happen upon our place and try to take advantage... I hope nobody.”

Have you ever heard of The Brotherhood of Steel? What do you think about them?

"Like I said, I could take ‘em or leave ‘em.” *shrug*

What about The Enclave?

"Roger’s talked a bit about ‘em, but... I dont think they’ve actually got much of a presence around here?”

How do you feel about Super Mutants?

“Most of ‘em are scary. I’ve met a handful that still seem to have their wits about ‘em, but for the most part... they just really need to chill.”

What’s the craziest fight you’ve ever been in?

“I’ve assisted Roger in a few pretty crazy ones. The worst one was probably when we had to clear our place out before we moved in. Damned Deathclaws...”

Have you ever fought a Deathclaw?

"Yeah, I just said tha-... sorry. Besides helpin’ Roger take ‘em out, I’ve taken out a few of my own. With a good rifle, from a safe distance, and definitely inside a building they can’t get in.”

Do you like fighting?

"Not really.”

What’s your weapon of choice?

"I usually carry my heavily-modded pipe rifle. People talk crap on pipe weapons, but if you put the right mods on them, they kinda’ kick ass.”

How do you survive? Your wits, your charm, your skills, brute force, some combination? (a.k.a. what’s your S.P.E.C.I.A.L?)

"Usually by mindin’ my own damn business, especially now that I’ve got a handicap. I can’t give specifics, but one thing I know it ain’t is luck.”

Have you ever been in a vault? What do you think about them?

“We’ve been in 81 a few times to do some trading. I think they’re really neat. Well, I mean, the concept is really neat, and 81 is a shining example of that, but Vault-Tec’s execution... hnn yeah, I guess that’s why there aren’t many of ‘em still functionin’.”

How do you beat all the radiation around here? Has it affected you?

"So much goddamn radaway. Holy shit.”

What’s your favorite wasteland critter?

“We used to keep chickens, and I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘em.”

What’s your least favorite wasteland critter?

"’Lurks! God, I can even hear their creepy legs an’ the squishy... click-clack noises, ugh!”

How do you feel about robots?

“As long as they’re friendlies, I think they’re pretty neat.”

How many caps do you have on you right now?

"A few hundred, probably. Just sold a few of my wares.”

Nuka Cola or Sunset Sarsaparilla?

"Quantum, of course. I’ve heard of that Sunset stuff, though. Haven’t tried it yet. Isn’t it from out west?”

Do you do chems?

“Aside from stuff like stimpaks and radaway, I guess...once in a while, in a pickle, I’ll take some buffout, but that’s  ... very, very sparingly.”

Do you ever think about the Pre-War world?

"It’s fun to imagine what it might’ve been like, all the bright colors and working appliances and whatnot, but when I think about it, but... I guess it wasn’t as picture-perfect as it tried to make people think it was, huh? Else we wouldn’t be living in ruins.”

What’s your deepest regret? What would you do differently?

"Not listenin’ to Kimmy when she told me I needed to see a doctor about my leg.”

What’s your biggest achievement? Or what do you hope to achieve?

"I’m happy just bein’ around for the people who need me, really. It’s not very ambitious, I know, but it’s all I need.”

What do you want for the future? For yourself? Your friends? The world?

"I just wanna’ be able to make a comfortable living selling my stuff, with minimal conflict.”

[loraagrs]

Little Star with the night

Chapter 11: One touch, is all it takes.

@fan-child-creation @kyaharalight

Emiko and Orikimaria head over to the arcade room as the girls were already there. The shy girl quickly got over excited seeing the machines and games. Something completely new to her, she may know what they are but never has played any of the games before. Emiko smiled seeing how she was walking around fast exploring the whole room. The twins notice Emiko as they tried not to laugh. Approaching her they put their arms around her shoulders. Emiko wasn't sure what they were up to but it seemed like they had something under their sleeves as she glares at them sighing, her smiling quickly faded away.

"What do you want now?" - said the freckled her feeling annoyed by their approach to her.

"Seems like someone has a interest for the new girl?" - said the young fox chuckling smirking at her.

"So you did took my advice huh Emiko?" - said the other twin giggling as the three of them looked at Orikimaria who was talking with Artoria and Daliyah about the machine games.

"I am not interest in her, I am just looking out for her since my old man brought her here. It's the least I can do right?" - explained Emiko avoiding any reason the twins gives to her.

"I don't know. You could of just let her be but seeing how you are trying so hard to impress her." - said Cherry as she wandered through her thoughtd about all this.

"I am not trying to impress her!" - said Emiko starting to feel more annoyed about all this.

"Oh c'mon Emiko! Out of all the places we could of gone we went to our favorite hang out. You ordered food for her, accompanied her to the bathroom and each time you see her happy you smile! I'm starting to think you are starting to have interest in her. Even if you don't understand what love and lust is." -explained Luciana as both her and Emiko saw Cherry laughing at what her twin sister said. Glaring at her, she rolled her eyes.

Emiko was about to say something against what the twins were saying but decided to stay quiet. She was trying to understand the conversations and interactions she had with Orikimaria. Did it seemed like she was interested in her? She was only being polite and try not to make her hate her nor think any badly of her. But why her out of everyone? Of course she wanted to understand all this but it seemed like a lost cause. Groaning she went ahead where Artoria and Daliyah was sitting. She started to see Orikimaria playing DDR, eyes widen she realize she was playing the difficulty mode hitting every step just right.

"What the actual fuck!?" - said Emiko very loudly shocked as the girls started laughing at her reaction.

"She's incredible! I wish I could do that!" - said Artoria excited cheering for Orikimaria.

"Is that so?" - said Emiko impressed by her skills. Guess she is the type of fast learner if being taught something. Once she refigures something out, the rest is easy.

Once Orikimaria was finished with the game she kinda wanted to play more. The girls decided to join her as each one took a turn on the machine. Emiko also decided to play difficulty as Orikimaria was machine. Pretty soon both of them began to compete with one another, even on each game machine. Emiko has never so dead serious as to one point move her long side bangs out of the way to try and breat Orikimaria. Everyone was having fun, mostly the twins were just enjoying the girls interactions with one another as the day go by.

The day has passed as dusk meet the twilight sky. It was getting a bit late, the girls head to the car. Artoria wanted to stay at Daliyah's house for a sleep over. So Emiko took them home first as she head over to the twins house. Returning the car, it was just her and Orikimaria. Holding hands once again crossing the neighborhood street walking towards home. Arriving, they pass through the kitchen as they saw a note on the table. Emiko took the note and read it.

"Me and your father went to spend some quality time together. We will be back once we are done with dinner. Don't do anything reckless please." -said Emiko reading the note as she rolled her eyes. "So mom and the old hag went out, guess it's just you and me now." - said Emiko looking at Orikimaria who had a worried look.

"So, what are we going to do now?" - asked the shy girl feeling a bit stiffed knowing she is alone with Emiko tonight.

"You can do whatever you want, I will just be in my room. Unless your gonna follow me around." - chuckled the freckled girl as she put her hands on the shy girls head.

"No, I think I'm going to sleep....I just don't want to sleep alone..." - said Orikimaria as her voice got lowered not wanting to say it so loud.

"What? Why?" - asked Emiko in curiosity.

"I just don't, ok!" - a bit upset by it, Orikimaria moved the hand of Emiko off her head as she went to Artoria's room to change.

Seemed like Orikimaria doesn't like sleeping alone. Emiko sighed as she followed. She knocked on the door as she wanted for a answer yet Orikimaria opened the door as she was wearing a cute green and yellow owl tank top and short pants pajamas. Emiko snort seeing her in does as Orikimaria got mad and punches her arm hard.

"Ah! Geez, for a tiny cute girl, you sure are a tough one!" - joked Emiko chuckling.

"I'm not that small! I can pretty soon reach your height you know!" - said Orikimaria crossing her arms glaring at her.

"Sure you will" - teased Emiko as she got hit again but in the back, laughing at Orikimaria's responds to her comment.

"What do you want Miss- Wait, correction. What do you want Emo Prince since apparently female terms makes you feel pathethic" - said Orikimaria has she was losing her patients.

"Let me correct you again, I'm fine being called she. I just prefer more to be called he because as you can see I rather be acting like a guy than a girl." - said Emiko putting her hand againts the wall leaning towards Orikimaria.

"Does it matter which pronounce you want to be called? I don't even care if they tell any pronounce to me. You're still a girl" - said Orikimaria as she poked the chest area of Emiko.

Emiko quickly covered up the chest area as she slapped away the hand of Orikimaria "Excuse me!? Be respectful! Don't poke my boobs! And no, I hate being called a girl!" - she said as she got mad yet saw Orikimaria covering her mouth as she was trying not to laugh hiding the smile she hide.

Groaning she fixed her hoodie. "Look if you don't want to sleep alone you can just sleep with me for tonight, ok?" - suggested Emiko as she head over to her room seeing how Orikimaria followed.

Orikimaria explored the room of Emiko as she was near her closet and drawer changing herself. Wasn't too long before Orikimaria looked to her direction. She realize that even Emiko had a few scars, but she wasn't sure were did they come from. She could recognize a few. Knifes and bullets, but why? Wanting to ask about it she just stayed quiet for it felt like it wasn't her place to even ask. At least, now it wasn't the time to ask about it. Emiko stayed in her usual sport bra and boxers as she went to bed turning of the lights. Orikimaria joined as Emiko wrapped her in her bed sheets.

It was the first time Emiko had someone else sleeping in her bed for she usually had her friends and sister join her in her room. But someone new like Orikimaria was different. Shs tried to sleep yet she was still away for the sensation of Orikimaria being next to her kept her awake. Even if she had her back facing her she could still hear her breathing and the warmness of her body. The curiosity took over as Emiko was facing up seeing her ceiling in the darkness.

"So, you survived the war with the old hag huh? What ever happened to your home?" -asked Emiko as she quickly saw Orikimaria giving her a death glare, she turned around and grabbed her pony tail pulling it as Orikimaria got close to her.

"You should seriously respect your father. Miss Akali didn't just felt because she wanted to as she was obligated, force to go so that does things never reached where all of you guys were living as my home got destroyed and a lot of people died! Maybe she wasn't there to raise you but at least try because she came back home and all this time she was speaking about Miss Evelynn and her family, especially her friends and still kept a smile on her face even if she had to see everyone die in the battle field!" - said Orikimaria as her voice started to crack, she took a deep breath and continued "You are very rude and selfish! At least you guys have a family I dont!"

"You do now" - said Emiko holding her hand of Orikimaria that was pulling her hair as she pulled her closer to her seeing how Orikimaria forgot about the other hand being behind her. "Even so, it would seem like you can just kiss me right now" - grinned as she chuckled evilly as Orkimaria's eyes got widen, her cheeks being red and let go of Emiko's pony tail.

"Thank you! Ugh! Now I gotta fix it, thanks a lot!" - said Emiko groaning taking her rubber band off trying to fix her pony tail again.

Orikimaria never thought about all of them being her new family. Sure, she wasn't alone anymore and finally had somewhere to seek help and settle down. But even Emiko considering her as someone important was something she wasn't sure if it was true or not. Maybe it meant something else? She sighs as she tried to just wrap herself in the blanket and bed sheet but was still facing Emiko as she layed her head on the pillow. She never saw her with her hair lose before, as she started to stroke her hair, Emiko looked at her confused.

"What are you doing?" - said Emiko questioning her actions as she finally fixex her pony tail.

Orikimaria shrugged "You just look really beautiful that's all." - she said looking at her calmly.

"Um..." - Emiko blushed as she wasn't sure how to even respond to that.

"Wait correction, handsome" - said Orikimaria giggling as Emiko began to laugh.

"Most of my childhood was always me trying to survive. I forgot what sleeping in a bed felt like, how certain foods are so new to me. I never even played in a arcade before. I know certain things but I just never experience them...used to running from does monsters, hiding, trying to find food and water, sometimes even medicine. I usually sleep in a cave or up in the trees where they don't find me. I mostly don't sleep because at night they were active, and even people went chasing after me." - she pause for a moment as she moved facing up to the ceiling staring at it. "No I don't know how kissing someone feels like either yet I doubt you deserve a kiss from me anyways" - said chuckling as she looked at her.

"Ha, ha very funny. Besides, I'm pretty sure you would enjoy it if I kissed you" - teased Emiko smirking at her.

"Prove it" - said Orikimaria looking at her serious.

"What?" - said Emiko quickly confused as she didn't realize she would respond that serious to her.

"Prove me wrong. Are you gonna bite or bark all day?" - smiled evilly at Emiko as Orikimaria chuckled.

Emiko wasn't gonna stay quiet about it and even if it would seem to fast she wasn't going to waste a opportunity for this. She stood up a bit as she leaned over to Orikimaria and kissed her lips. It felt soft and warm as both of them had a few more minutes of a touch as Emiko pulled away. Orikimaria had her eyes that looked like the light was shining again as she chuckled smiling. Emiko pulled her close hugging her, letting her rest on her chest. It felt right kissing her, it felt like she wanted more.

To just have her company all day everyday, her heart was beating fast as she tried to calm down by stroking the short hair of Orikimaria. Just one kiss it took to make her want to have Orikimaria stay with her by her said. There are certain things she still needed to figure out. What was she for her now? What now that they kissed? Did it meant something? For sure, her relationship with her father is something she will deal with on her own. She rather keep a few information about what she does at night and about Orikimaria's parents stays with her. She can't know about them, at least not until she is ready. Closing her eyes, feeling how relaxed and at ease Orikimaria was sleeping with her, she fell asleep. For tomorrow was gonna be a day she wasn't gonna forget.

Next Chapter 12

[mugsywrites]

Fic Update

Friends I’ve been out of town the past week because my uncle died and I had to drive my dad (who’s in terrible health himself) back to our home town for the funeral. I haven’t spoken to my uncle in over 10 years and we were never close but I’m still heartbroken for my dad. Plus I fucking hate being in my hometown (the locals aren’t quirky, they’re racist and the town is so small every time I go out I’m at risk of running into my fucking ex).  So I haven’t gotten around to writing much. But here, have a taste of something I started because I was in a negative frame of mind: (eventual Jaaryl)

The Unquiet Grave

Over thirty years after Daryl Dixon was murdered a small fleet of construction trucks show up on the ridge just above his grave. He isn’t sure of the exact date until one day while drifting through the site he sees an open newspaper—September 21, 2010. Boyd Guthrie and the rest of the Savage Sons had beaten Daryl to death behind Willie’s bar on October 5, 1979.

Daryl keeps waiting for the construction crew to uncover his bones but much to his relief they never do. When he first died he’d been trapped in his body—one minute the world was slowly fading out as Boyd stomped the back of his head again and again the next things snapped into focus. “Oh geez Boyd,” Ashley Morrow was saying as he stared into Daryl’s dead face, “You killed him.”

“Fucking queer deserved it,” Boyd replied.

“Merle ain’t gonna be happy.”

“He’ll get over it,” Boyd said easily.

They wrapped his body in a tarp and threw it in the back of Ash’s pickup truck where Daryl spent several terrifying hours in blackness before hearing Merle’s voice screaming, “I want to see him! I want to fucking see him!” The tarp vanished and Daryl was looking up into his brother’s tear-streaked face. “Oh my sweet Jesus,” Merle whispered. He laid a shaky hand on Daryl’s cheek and Daryl realized he could feel it. Could feel the whiskery kiss that Merle pressed against his forehead. Boyd was jabbering away, saying he was sorry but what did Merle expect him to do when his queer brother tried sucking his dick? What the fuck was any man supposed to do?

Daryl could see Merle’s eyes, could see that Merle didn’t believe the bullshit coming out of Boyd’s mouth and that even though he said, “I understand. Tried beatin’ it out of ‘im myself since he was little,” that Boyd was not forgiven. Merle kissed him again and tenderly replaced the tarp over Daryl’s face.

After that was hours of driving over bumpy back country roads. They stopped and he could hear the scraping of earth, then he was dragged out of the truck and thrown into the ground. Daryl had calmed down a bit but started panicking again at the first feeling of the weight of earth thrown on his remains. The men burying him said nothing but Daryl still knew one of them was Merle.

No Bubba don’t let them, he screamed internally as the weight of earth grew greater, in his panic reverting to his childhood word for his big brother. More weight, the noises from the outside world fading until he could hear nothing. He was imprisoned in darkness and silence and could do nothing but scream helplessly and pray for madness oh god this was hell, worse than any fire or demons or—

The world shifted and Daryl was standing outside in a dark woods at night. Merle was kneeling down at Daryl’s feet, palm flat against the disturbed earth and breathing raggedly.

“Merle?” Boyd’s voice, “We best be on our way.”

“Need a minute,” Merle said in a thick voice, “He was my brother even if he was a queer.”

“Fine,” Boyd muttered, “I’ll be in the truck.”

Daryl was too relieved to be free from the earth to be angry. He could move, he could turn around, and when he looked down he saw he was dressed in the simple black t-shirt and jeans he’d worn to Willie’s that evening.

“Thank you fucking Jesus,” Daryl muttered. He heard the door to the truck slam shut, “If that prick didn’t want to waste his evenin’ up here he shouldn’t’ve bashed my head in.”

Merle let out a choked sob, hand going to his face. Daryl reached down and squeezed his shoulder, surprised that he could do it, surprised that he could feel the leather of Merle’s jacket beneath his hand. It didn’t go both ways; Merle took no notice of his brother’s comforting gesture. Merle’s fists balled up into the earth and he growled out, “Fuckers will pay for this, baby brother. I swear to you on everything.” Then he was getting to his feet and walking back to the truck.

Daryl never saw him again.

He watched the truck as it faded off into the distance. The woods were black but Daryl could still see, and he drifted over to his grave. There was a bit of metal flashing in the moonlight, and Daryl bent down to examine it. He saw it was the Zippo lighter Merle’d brought back from ‘Nam; on the side a hand-engraved skull and the words, 15 KILLS IF YOU ARE RECOVERING MY BODY FUCK YOU. He’d laid it on Daryl’s grave as a miniature tombstone, and later Daryl would wonder if that simple act had been what had freed him from the ground.

He supposed he’d never know.

Three decades later he watches the construction crew trample over his grave again and a-fucking-gain he wonders what would happen if his bones were ever discovered and given a “proper burial”. Wonders if he’d pass over into the Great Beyond or start haunting whatever pauper’s grave is his new resting place. Neither option is particularly appealing—he knows where he’s going if it’s the former and it isn’t the place with the harps and angels floating on fluffy clouds. If it’s the latter he’s not interested in hanging around for eternity in the graveyard of Mountain View Baptist next to his Daddy. He doesn’t know if graveyards are full of ghosts or if he’d have to actually talk to Will Dixon and isn’t interested in finding out.

Daryl is perfectly content to stay where he is. He’s not exactly happy, but he’s at peace. The area around his grave is a beautiful spot, and Daryl can think of worst places to spend eternity.Daryl spends his days wandering through the woods cataloging the flora and fauna and marveling at the endless variety of life teaming in this corner of the Southern Appalachians. He finds everything from black bears to blue ghost fireflies; the latter flickering to life for only a few weeks in wet summers.

On the rare occasions he feels lonely he goes to the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that is just inside the boundary of his haunt. It can get fairly lively depending on the time of year, there’s an overnight shelter in Daryl’s range. Solitary hikers stop and sometimes read and Daryl can look over their shoulders. He only gets a chapter or a two at a time this way, random glimpses at a larger story he’s cut off from. Still it’s something. Whenever he gets bored or depressed he just switches off for a bit and when he returns to the world days or years later he’s refreshed.

Daryl would like to switch off for the duration of construction but he can’t, much to his annoyance. There’s too many people for too much of the day. He’s not sure exactly what causes him to come back to the world after switching off—there’s no rhyme or reason to it—but having people around seems to have something to do with it. He’s never had this many people around, never had them this close to his fucking grave. Heavy workmen’s boots tromping everywhere as they tear down his trees and scare off his animals.

Daryl can affect the physical world. It requires a great deal of sustained concentration and effort for not a lot of results but since he can’t fucking switch off he has nothing better to do. Workers lose their keys, are startled by loud bangs, equipment breaks down, wood piles are toppled over. He follows the construction foreman around, placing his hand on the back of the man’s neck. This is the hardest thing to do and he doesn’t always succeed but when he does the foreman stops dead in his tracks and shivers all over.

“Tobin?” says one of the crew, “You alright, boss?”

“Something just walked over my grave is all,” the guy replies, looking spooked.

“Motherfucker you’ve been tromping over my grave all fucking month,” Daryl snarls, “Let’s see how you like it.” He places his hands on the back of Tobin’s neck and pours every ounce of concentration and anger he has into it. He breaks out the big guns, remembering the night he was murdered, every thrown punch and desperate attempt to survive before he was overwhelmed.

“Boss!” the worker says, and lunges forward to catch Tobin before he can collapse. The beefy guy is pale and his eyes are glassy and he looks on the verge of passing out. Daryl feels savagely triumphant, but only for a moment. It’s replaced by guilt so intense he’d give anything to be able to just switch off and not have to deal with his thoughts or the bright lights of the world any longer. Wants these people gone so he doesn’t feel the pull of his grave so strongly and can leave. Wants to just be able to fucking rest. It’s not this fucker’s fault, he’s just doing his job.

“Sorry,” Daryl mutters, even though the guy doesn’t know he’s there and can’t hear him even if he did, “I’m bein’ a dick.” He decides to leave them alone from that point on, wandering among the fringes of the site, following what animals haven’t been scared off. Watches the building come together—it’s a log cabin with enormous picture windows looking out over the valley.

In the end it turns out to be a good thing he can’t switch off. He might have missed when Aaron showed up for the first time if he had been.

[ghostmartyr]

Pokémon FireRed Nuzlocke [Part 4]

Still on attempt number one of beating this game with standard Nuzlocke rules + no fighting outside of Trainer battles. A death has occurred, but all in all, it’s been more optimistic than expected.

Barring some unfortunate experiences in a cave.

But it’s time for a new cave now!

Tunnel. Whatever.

Though I lied for the sake of convenient narrative pacing. Before we go inside Rock Tunnel and explore all it has to offer, there’s a trainer outside who is in need of some battling.

Picknicker Heidi wants to battle. She has two pokemon, and the first is a level 20 Pikachu. tfw you miss having a Ground pokemon, but this challenge is made for grief and I shan’t shed tears. Clefairy follows the Pikachu. With, appropriately, Follow Me as its first move. Hee.

Anyway, Allenby handles both.

Back into the tunnel. Where we have a catch waiting for us.

Also Zubat.

Many, many Zubat.

There we go. A not-Zubat.

Caught! I dub you Athrun. I’m never going to do anything with you, probably, but you can stay in the party. In case something goes desperately wrong.

Now, with the power of Flash, let’s explore the part of the game I always hated most as a child. I don’t know if I understood Flash or how it worked or that I would be happier if I had it, but I have very distinct memories of grabbing a flashlight and shining it on my gameboy in an attempt to stomp my way through the cave.

I didn’t figure out until years later that light outside the game was not going to help.

Many of my childhood trials were self-inflicted.

Pokemaniac Ashton is our first contestant of the tunnel. He opens with a level 23 Cubone. I make the decision to switch Noin in, then immediately want to strangle myself because Noin is part Poison. But it works out, and she’s in to deal with the following Slowpoke.

Noin advances to level 25, and that’s the first fight.

A level down, Pokemaniac Winston wants to battle. He has one pokemon. It is a level 25 Slowpoke. Delightful. By which I mean slightly intimidating. Noin switches in, and I start reconsidering Allenby’s position as first in the party.

Shit.

That was a critical hit from Confusion.

...How do critical hits work in this gen?

2x a normal hit. So it normally does 24 damage. So to survive, Noin has to--ugh, screw it, I’ll spend a turn on a Super Potion.

(Normally it does 23 damage. So noted.)

Okay, this is fine.

Noin is also going to move to the front, since Pokemaniacs seem to trump Hikers in this area of the Tunnel.

...It was fine, then Slowpoke used Disable. Yay, okay, still fine.

We continue down the tunnel. Next opponent appears to be a Picnicker, so Allenby goes back in front. I feel like this is going to be a lot of switching things around. For real this time, since those Slowpokes are scary.

Thanks Martha.

Heero can fight the level 22 Oddish. As well as the Bulbasaur.

Another Pokemaniac moves Noin back to the front, and I’m already tired of putting this much thought into what I’m doing.

I dearly love these games so much.

His name is Steve, and he has a level 22 Charmander. Ah. Uh. Heeeeeero. ;-; Heeeeeelp. Then it’s another Cubone, and that one can go to Noin.

My party isn’t too battered from all of this, but the thing that I really dislike about caves is that they make me unwilling to go back to the Pokemon Center even when my extreme caution wants me to. I want to embrace the hover parent. My children must live.

But I really hate walking through caves, so I prefer all of my walking through caves to go forward. Alas.

And of course with the level 20 Machop. Ugh. This is why Noin doesn’t get to be up front for these things. Even if everything else Hikers have is of interest to Noin’s dietary needs.

Allenby will eat that, but the critical hit she also eats means Noin is in for the Onix. Noin hits level 26 and we’re all very proud of her.

Post-fight, Allenby gets a Super Potion and moves up front to fight the other Hiker in this room.

Local man bullies small child.

This one’s name is Allen. He has one pokemon, which is instantly scary. It is a Geodude, and fears are instantly assuaged. ...While Magnitude 7 is going to mean another Super Potion for Allenby. Who has just gone and hit level 27. Yay.

Hiker Lenny is up next. He’s got a level 19 Geodude, and a team count that promises more. Noin is going to handles the others to keep the damage risk at a minimum.

Oh, but then there’s a Machop, and Allenby can have that.

Geez, but Allenby is taking way too many critical hits for comfort. I’m basically using some kind of Potion after every fight. I can’t remember how long this tunnel is, but. I would prefer it to be ending faster than it seems to be going.

Real player characters have maps.

He has a level 20 Onix. And a name I wasn’t looking at when it showed up on the screen. Noin gets the level 20 Geodude so Allenby can please stop losing health. ...Same with the next Onix.

Oliver, that’s the dude’s name.

Hiker Lucas is next, bringing the level 21 Geodude.

...Aaaand a Graveler. For Noin.

Oliver doesn’t.

Picnicker Sofia! With a level 21 Jigglypuff! And a Pidgey?

...Zaft. Let’s... give you a try. Heero might be rescuing you, but let’s give you a shot. You won! You can’t fight anything else until we get you some medical attention, but look at that! A whole fight! All by yourself!

Now get out so Allenby can murder the Meowth.

Realistically, I think Zaft is going to have the same problem Ismail had. The training demands before Zaft can carry weight could kill our little Voltorb buddy. But I love Electrode. I’d like to use one. What I ultimately end up with is likely a question of whether or not I can get the Exp. Share, but still. Something needs to kill my rival’s eventual Gyarados, right?

Hey!

Naisu.

No, you can’t learn Rage.

Hiker Dudley says hello with a level 21 Geodude. I grant the next to Noin. As well as the Graveler.

And there’s a move tutor down here that teaches Rock Slide. That sounds like an Allenby move. Bye, Scratch. You had your time.

A Pokemaniac’s up next, so Noin goes in the front. Hi Cooper-san. Hi level 20 Slowpoke. Hiiiiiiii-oh fuck.

I clicked something.

The window closed.

Okay, let’s try to salvage this. I think Lucas was last. I’ll just... do what it says I did up above and hope I wind up in the same place. One moment that you won’t feel at all, please.

And back. Zaft escaped the Pidgey with slightly more HP left, but everything else is exactly the same, and we’re on the second Slowpoke with Noin.

And done. Nice.

Though when I was checking my team during my replay, there was. a thing.

What. Did. Did I give it that accidentally?

...Pickup can give you TMs? I guess? I don’t even want to look that up, in case it disrupts the magic, but that’s bizarre. Or not, since TMs are one and done in this gen. Still. What.

Okay, now to go up the ladder and figure out if Noin’s 2 Absorbs left will make it until Lavender, or if we’re spending a precious Ether on her.

Picnicker Leah blocks the way. Allenby looks at her level 22 Bellsprout with disdain. Her Clefairy receives similar attention.

Picnicker Ariana has more pokemon. Like a level 19 Pidgey. And a Rattata... is this worth giving Zaft some experience, or should I accept that Zaft is too far behind to catch up.

Let me think. I have three team members that aren’t leaving unless death takes them. The guaranteed encounters are Snorlax and an Eevee in Celadon. Vaporeon was going to be my choice for the Eevee, and I would be delighted to have a Snorlax, but I don’t know how realistic it is that I’ll be able to catch it.

Electrode’s only amazing stat is Speed. But Electro Ball could do some serious murder. So... I could have a glass cannon. Not a safe choice for this type of run, but I said I was expecting to have to do this several times. Fuck it, I want an Electrode. Zaft, you’re fighting a Rattata.

Hoo boy.

Switch training for the next Rattata. Heero can have it. Heero will also stay in for the Bellsprout.

Picnicker Dana has a level 20 Meowth. And a Pidgey for switch training. Heero will take care of it and stay in for the Oddish.

SUNLIGHT.

And battles I will be avoiding until I hit the Pokemon Center.

Aaaah, sweet, sweet healing.

Oh, and the Name Rater’s here! We can finally fix Ren the Pidgey’s name! Making Ren legal! If I ever feel in the mood to train up a level 3 Pidgey!

Back up to the Picnicker and Hiker.

And the walking Pokemaniac I sort of remembered was a Trainer, but got complacent about. I’m not sure I want Allenby up front for this one. Sigh. Pokemaniac Herman. Level 20 Cubone. Okay, that’s fine. Slowpoke goes to Noin.

Now we deal with the people outside the cave.

Aw.

Sorry in advance, Carol.

Level 21 Pidgey. A Pidgeotto follows, so it’s time to play Zaft chicken again. Heero, save our little buddy from the big bird. Yay, Zaft lives to see level 17.

Hiker Clark. Wassup. Hello level 21 Geodude. Noin gets the Onix.

Lastly, Hiker Trent is up. Level 19 Onix to start. Noin takes the Graveler.

Phew. Okay! We’re in the Lavender Town stages of the plot. I don’t think I want to go to the Tower until after the Rockets in Celadon. I might also be buying Zaft Carbos in Celadon. Undecided. I can’t remember how much my money means in this. Really, the current mission is just beating down every nearby Trainer until I am forced to find more by following the plot. The only question is if I go down first or left.

I will flip a coin.

Heads. I’m going down to play with the fishes. Noin, take your place in first position.

Goldeen, level 22. Noin, level 29. Poliwag gives Speed, so Zaft comes out to play briefly. Allenby takes the next Goldeen.

Fisherman Chip is next. Ooh, our first Tentacool. Level 24. Goldeen is Allenby’s again.

Then comes Fisherman Hank. With one level 27 Goldeen. And Noin drank the exp, and saw that it was good.

Fisherman Elliot might be the fisherman I’ve been waiting for. Four pokemon. Could it be...? ...A level 21 Poliwag. Followed by Shellder. A Goldeen for Allenby. The Horsea can be Zaft’s.

Sigh. So many Water trainers. So few Magikarp.

Last fight South of Lavender until I deal with plot stuff. Lesgo. Noin and Heero vs. two level 24 Nidoran. All goes well except for Heero ending up poisoned. Ugh. There’s an Antidote for that.

Back to Route 8, and back to Allenby being in front.

Lass Julia has a level 22 Clefairy in need of punching. The second one is deserving as well.

Gamer Rich has a level 24 Growlithe in a similar state. Heero can have Vulpix so she has something to do. The Vulpix Roars out Zaft. I know better than to leave Zaft in, so Heero gets switched back to save her young one. Then Zaft gets Roared back out and Sonicbooms ftw.

Oh. I thought you were a scientist and switched to Heero in hopes of Magnemite. tfw only level 22 Grimer. And Muk. And another Grimer.

Hmmm. I think I’m going to try to see if I can make it to Celadon without fighting anyone else. I want that Eevee. For reasons of want. And the superMart there has lots of nice vitamins, and knowing how much that all costs will be useful.

Success!

One male Eevee for my first encounter for Celadon. Aiming for a Water type. Hmmmmmmmmm. Ribbons!

Naive, huh? +Speed, -Sp. Def.

Workable.

Look, you’re stuck being a Vaporeon. I’ll make it work, but that’s what I want, and I don’t have much room for choice in this Nuzlocke. Arguably that makes using you against the spirit of everything, but I care not.

Now the important things. Eevee learns Bite at level 30. Vaporeon learns it at the same level. There’s no reason to hold off evolving Ribbons. Now we go to the store and make a lot of decisions that leave my virtual wallet crying.

HA. Um. Yeah, okay, this can’t happen. Cute thought, very optimistic, but I am not spending all my money on drugging my pokemon that might die in the very next fight. I’m going to have to continue doing all the EV management the old fashioned way.

Reflect TM earned on the roof by giving a drink to a little girl. Giving people drinks is very important in this game.

Great, Water Stone and Leaf Stone bought.

Max adorbs.

There’s no reason to delay Noin receiving her Leaf Stone, either, which. is sort of depressing because yikes that moveset, but hey, let’s appreciate the added bulk and not poke holes in it.

Hooray!

Now we return to finding random trainers to fight.

Aw fuck.

A level 29 Rapidash and Ninetales. I am here too early. I put Ribbons in the second slot in the hopes of exp, but that decision might really bite me here. Allenby needs to swoop in and save the day. Hopefully she can.

Yes, she can. Her improbably good aim with Rock Slide continues, delaying its inevitable betrayal.

Yikes, that was scary. I just wanted the Fly HM.

Which I now have.

I’m going to leave Route 16 alone because I think the Snorlax blocking Cycling Road technically belongs to it, and I want as many chances at Snorlax as I can squeeze out. I will also grab the TEA before I head back to beating up Trainers.

As well as whatever my Route 7 pokemon is.

It’s Growlithe!

Hi Growlithe! Imma name you Duo!

And I can now go through the... guard thingies. They aren’t blockades... gates? Those.

Anyway, back to the Trainers on Route 8. Super Nerd Aidan sends out a level 20 Voltorb. Opportunity! Zaft and Heero do the switcheroo to make magic happen. Same with the next. And the Magnemite. Allenby gets the Koffing.

-gasp- A level 22 Poliwag! Zaft, look!

Hypnosis hits and Zaft falls asleep.

That’s honestly fine. You weren’t going to do anything.

Look Zaft, another Poliwag for you to do nothing against. And a Poliwhirl, even!

Every fight I let Zaft participate in, all I can think is how it would probably be way more useful if the teammate helping Zaft just took all the exp. Yet I persist. Because I want a dang Electrode.

Biker Richard wants to battle! Dick. He has a level 22 Koffing. Allenby can eat the second one. The Grimer is clear Ribbons food. Kill it, Ribbons. Kill it with your Quick Attack. Your wonderful Quick Attack that dodges Disables just as well as Minimize dodges everything.

And then Ribbons’ only attack was Disabled. Repeatedly.

Ribbons, let’s let one of the other party members handle this.

Welp.

Nothing can hit the Grimer thanks to all the Minimizes from waiting for Ribbons to get in a final Quick Attack. Sludge also keeps poisoning everything.

Noin finally steps in and kills the wicked Grimer.

Sheesh.

Biker Jaren, please don’t have a Grimer.

Biker Jaren has a level 24 Grimer.

Biker Jaren has a second level 24 Grimer.

Heero burns it.

Heero is a good girl.

Now we’ve got these people I don’t really remember.

I mean.

Hi Lass Megan.

Level 19 Pidgey for Zaft to share with Heero. Given the number of pokemon she has, this feels like a statement I will use multiple times. ...Fine, sometimes there’s a Rattata. Or a Nidoran. Or a Meowth. Or a Pikachu.

Bye Lass Megan.

I’m going to take a brief detour to go get my bike. I never traded in the voucher.

Now I have a bike.

Back to fighting. Lass Andrea is up next opening with a level 24 Meowth. Followed by another. And another. Win get.

Lass Paige is next on accident, because I was running along the side where glasses dude wasn’t looking. Oh well. Order isn’t that important, right? Level 23 female Nidoran, Ribbons, would you like to play? With Heero’s help, sure. Ooh, and followed up by a level 23 Nidorina. Allenby can help Ribbons with that.

Now glasses dude to finish off the row.

One level 26 Koffing.

Heero murders it.

Huh, and then I run into Twins Eli and Anne by accident. Sensing a theme, here. Heero and Ribbons versus level 22 Jigglypuff and Clefairy. No contest.

I think I’m going to give Ribbons Water Pulse so he has the chance to do something when I’m training him. Using TMs in gens where you don’t get them back is scary and blah, but he really needs something besides Quick Attack.

This is probably where I want to go face Erika. Before then, though, I don’t have a Route 8 pokemon.

-quick search-

Oh. Because I already have the ones I can get here.

Alrighty then. Time for Erika. AKA the Heero show.

Time to shine.

Lass Kay up first. She has a level 23 Bellsprout. Had. Allenby can take the level 23 Weepinbell. And we continue. Beauty Bridget up next. She opens with a level 21 Oddish. Allenby goes in for the Bellsprout. Heero back in for another Oddish. Allenby back in for another Bellsprout.

There’s going to be a lot of that.

Picnicker Tina next with a level 24 Bulbasaur. Then a level 24 Ivysaur.

Delete a Grass starter for Flamethrower?

Beauty Tamia is next. Level 24 Bellsprout. Allenby handles the second one.

Cooltrainer Mary almost has a full team. Leading with a level 22 Bellsprout. Level 22 Oddish is next. Weepinbell goes to Allenby. Gloom heads back to Heero. The Ivysaur is similarly nommed.

Two more before Erika.

Lass Lisa with the level 23 Oddish. And Gloom.

Beauty Lori with just one. Level 24 Exeggcute.

Now. One Trainer left in the Gym.

...Is it a popular theory that Erika is just blazed 24/7?

If it isn’t, it should be.

Good grief, and right out the gate we jump to a level 29 Victreebell. One Flamethrower is enough, but that’s still quite the jump, and I wasn’t expecting it. Level 24 Tangela feels more in line with what I was expecting. It meets a similar fate.

Last but certainly not least, a level 29 Vileplume.

And we’re done here. GG.

(Erika also hands out the Rainbowbadge and explicitly only has women in her Gym. Erika is the stoner lesbian leader we deserve.)

Wait, one more thing!

Only hey, we’re not done! We have the Giga Drain TM for Noin!

Best Gym so far for the squad. That seems like a good spot to pause at.

[kanasmusings]

[Translation] SQP Bonus Drama Track 2

And, here’s the 2nd track~! I have the rest of the translations on queue so it’ll be regularly updated! I said I won’t be sharing the tracks but mutuals who I’ve been constantly interacting with are free to ask me for them ^^

Track 2: (SolidS) [はじまりの場所] “The place where it all started”

Under the cut for length, enjoy~

Track 2: (SolidS) [はじまりの場所] “The place where it all started”

  (footsteps)

TSUBASA: We’ve arrived~! Come on, let’s go in.

RIKKA: This shop… This is where we first met…!

(they walk inside)

RIKKA: So, it’s a café in the morning, huh? I didn’t know that.

TSUBASA: Yep, yep~ Of course I love this place’s alcohol but I love their pork cutlet sandwich, too! Ah~ I’m so hungry!

TSUBASA: Thanks for the food~ (he starts eating) Hm~

RIKKA: (chuckles) You’ve been energetically talking for a while now. Thanks for your hard work.

TSUBASA: You, too! Wait—Does this mean that you were listening to the radio show I’m in?

RIKKA: Yes, of course~

TSUBASA: Uwah, that makes me so happy!

RIKKA: I am Okui Tsubasa’s fan after all~

TSUBASA: Oh, which reminds me, you kept articles from magazines with us in it neatly filed, huh?

RIKKA: I don’t have them all, though. But, I remember quite well what you all said for a particular interview.

TSUBASA: Uwah~ I sorta feel like you can see through me now~!

RIKKA: (chuckles) Tsubasa’s a man of his word so you have nothing to worry about.

TSUBASA: Guess so~

RIKKA: Shiki said, ‘I’ll try to sleep early as much as possible from here on.’ or something. It’s all just lies, though.

TSUBASA: There’s that, too~ Ah but, you surprisingly got up early today, huh?

RIKKA: It seems like the next deadline’s coming close.

RIKKA: They (the staff) took a short nap late in the evening and it seems like they had to get up early the next day.

TSUBASA: Uwah, that pattern of doing things repeatedly in a short interval… Are you sure they’re not at their wits’ end…?

RIKKA: Probably…

TSUBASA: Guess they’re trying to learn from their troubles, aren’t they?

TSUBASA: Ah, no. I think it’s more appropriate to say that they’re doing as much work as they can until the last minute, huh?

TSUBASA: And yet you still manage to sleep and wake up earlier than me, and still eat breakfast. Really, how do you manage all that by yourself?

RIKKA: I wouldn’t call it that though… I’m not as busy like Shiki is every day and I’m quite used to moving my body around a lot.

RIKKA: Plus, if I don’t eat breakfast I won’t be able to function properly.

TSUBASA: You sure know how to manage your work and life balance, huh~

TSUBASA: That’s why you were completely fine with filming the next day after the live.

RIKKA: It was a building that had wonderful sunlight and everything was already prepared so it only took about 2 hours or so.

RIKKA: I think talking so early in the morning for a radio show is much more tiring.

TSUBASA: Really? Well, I was worried about getting hungry during a live broadcast.

RIKKA: (chuckles) But, I feel like you can manage to make an interesting topic out of that~

TSUBASA: I think so, too! But— (laughs)

RIKKA: Hm? What’s wrong?

TSUBASA: I just find it funny how we’re all still the same as we usually are after a live. Rikka and Shiki are a given but Dai-chan sleeping in afterwards is kinda funny.

RIKKA: It’s true. (chuckles) We really are acting like usual.

RIKKA: Everything started in this café, didn’t it?

RIKKA: That day, if I hadn’t met Shiki or you and Dai, I’d probably still be a common person.

TSUBASA: (chuckles) I can’t imagine it! You’re speaking lightly of it.

RIKKA: (chuckles) I understand why you’d react that way now but back then I was really anxious and uneasy.

RIKKA: I felt like I couldn’t just continue on like that.

TSUBASA: Ah, I feel like I can sorta understand.

TSUBASA: “Right now I’m still no-good. But, I don’t know what I should do,” or something like that.

RIKKA: Yes, exactly. That’s right.

TSUBASA: Me, too. If I hadn’t met you or Shiki I’d probably manage to graduate university after barely surviving and be working in a foreign company or something.

RIKKA: It’s you we’re talking about so I’m sure you’ll be able to do anything with great energy~

TSUBASA: Thank you~

TSUBASA: But, if I had ended up that way I’d feel like something was missing constantly.

TSUBASA: And I might have been listening to Shiki’s songs as a stranger. In a way, I feel like he’d manage to still be in a unit with other people.

RIKKA: That’s… I wouldn’t like that…

TSUBASA: Me, too. Just thinking about it irks me.

TSUBASA: Also, I don’t know what would’ve happened to Dai. Though I know that he won’t just be spacing about.

RIKKA: To think that me spilling water as I passed Dai would’ve lead to this.

TSUBASA: Totally.

(Tsubasa’s phone rings)

TSUBASA: Hm? I wonder who it is.

TSUBASA: Woah, what awesome timing…!

(Tsubasa answers the phone)

TSUBASA: Hello~?

DAI: (over the phone) You. What are you grinning about?

TSUBASA: Eh~ Where are you watching from, you pervert~?

DAI: Stupid. I can tell [that you’re grinning] just by listening to your voice.

TSUBASA: Oh~ As expected from my childhood friend.

DAI: (over the phone) Where are you right now?

TSUBASA: I’m having tea with Rikka in Shibuya! Are you jealous~?

DAI: (over the phone) Not really.

TSUBASA: Aww~ You should just be honest and say that you are~

DAI: I really am not. Never mind. I get the gist anyway. (Dai hangs up, Tsubasa’s phone beeps)

TSUBASA: Wha--?? Hey, wait! What do you mean ‘you get the gist’?

TSUBASA: Huh? Dai? Dai-chan!?

RIKKA: Oh… Did he hang up?

TSUBASA: Yeah… Geez… What did he even call for?

RIKKA: I think Dai’s supposed to be off today. Maybe he was just lonely.

TSUBASA: Definitely not. He’s never called me whenever he’s bored, ya know?

TSUBASA: Even though I tell him to call me anytime.

RIKKA: (forced laughter)

TSUBASA: Really, he won’t gossip with me. Dai-chan’s such a bully!

(café bell rings)

DAI: I knew you’d be here.

TSUBASA: Eh?!

RIKKA: Dai?!

DAI: What was that about me, Tsubasa?

TSUBASA: Ah… Dai-chan, I love you~

DAI: Stupid. (he hits Tsubasa jokingly)

TSUBASA: Ow…!

DAI: Ah, excuse me. Can you take my order? Some iced tea please.

(Dai sits down)

RIKKA: (chuckles) You’re truly one in mind and soul, aren’t you~

RIKKA: I’m amazed that you figured out we’re here.

DAI: I saw this. (Dai shows Rikka his phone)

RIKKA: (reading from the phone) “I’m on a lunch date with Rikka right now~”

RIKKA: Tsubasa, since when did you tweet this?

DAI: I saw the pork cutlet sandwich on the picture and I remembered it suddenly.

TSUBASA: Uwah~ Dai-chan, that’s amazing! You can totally become a detective specialized in finding me!

DAI: That doesn’t make me happy.

TSUBASA: Anyway, did you need something around this area? I thought that you’d be loitering around in the dorms today.

DAI: That was my plan but it seems like Eichi got a fever.

RIKKA: Eh? Is that true?

TSUBASA: Ah, he was totally doing his best helping before the concert, wasn’t he? I heard he’s been managing the twins lately, too.

DAI: Seems like it.

RIKKA: Then we’ll have to postpone tonight’s drinking party, huh?

TSUBASA: Yeah. So, did you help with nursing him, Dai?

DAI: Ichiru said he was gonna buy medicine so I went with him.

DAI: Shu’s been busy with work all morning and he’s been doing work that Eichi was supposed to do as well.

TSUBASA: Both units’ leaders sure love working, huh~

RIKKA: Then what about the hospital? Is he not going?

DAI: There wasn’t anyone available in the agency so they couldn’t go.

RIKKA: Ah… That’s a little disheartening…

TSUBASA: So, where’s Ichiru? Wasn’t he with you?

DAI: He seemed super worried so I let him go on ahead.

DAI: Tsubasa, are you free after this?

TSUBASA: Unfortunately, no. I have to go to the agency after this. We have to discuss the schedule for the outdoor filming.

RIKKA: I’m free after this and I was thinking of heading straight back to the dorm.

DAI: I see. That’d be a great help. Issei and Ichiru were thinking of cooking something for Eichi so I think they’d be happy if someone helped them out.

RIKKA: That would be no problem.

TSUBASA: Exactly! Chef Rikka’s Cooking Class~ How about filming it?

TSUBASA: Won’t that make Shu and Eichi happy, too~?

DAI: Will it really…?

RIKKA: I think it will. Shu showed me a picture of them during their trip and he looked so happy about it.

TSUBASA: Oh! He showed it to me, too! Somehow, image of Izumi Shu is changing a little, huh~

RIKKA: Mine, too. Although his calm and gentle image is still there, lately he’s been showing more excitement.

RIKKA: I feel like QUELL is slowly making his feelings change and his dreams come true.

DAI: Didn’t Shu scout the rest of QUELL by himself?

DAI: Shu’s songs are so unique and tranquil and when they sing it live it’s very wonderful.

TSUBASA: Right?! The three of them say they’re nervous but they can deliver!

RIKKA: They were so nervous and anxious backstage and I was so surprised when they were suddenly so calm on stage.

TSUBASA: Well, our leader’s no joke, too~ I’m surprised he can sing such fast-paced songs with so much energy!

DAI: Yeah. I felt like I was gonna get absorbed by it.

RIKKA: At first we really weren’t sure what to do and just followed him.

TSUBASA: Yep, yep~ He totally didn’t hold back even though we had no prior experience!

TSUBASA: Well, he didn’t have to. I’d just be irritated.

DAI: Those two might be a little too similar.

TSUBASA: Plus, they love working a lot, right~?

RIKKA: (chuckles) That’s so true.

  ==END==

※ Please don’t re-post these translations without permission.

[wr12jk]

Chasing Ghosts

Emerson’s P.O.V.

My name is Emerson Wichley. I’m an eighteen year old girl in my senior year at Indiana High, a boring old school in a boring old town. If you couldn’t tell from this boring intro, or the amount of times I’ve used the word ‘boring’ in the last sentence, this small little town is exactly like every other small little town – boring. But that’s ok, I actually rather like it this way. I mean, I figure it’s better to be a town in which nothing ever happens than being a big old city with its constant barrage of crime sprees and terrors. Then again, I’ve never been to a big city so my only source of information is from the town drunkards at the pub, shouting “back in my day!” while chugging down a barrel full of beer. But anyway, what was my point with this? Oh right, you can’t miss what you’ve never known. Just like it’s kind of hard to miss what you’ve always known. Especially when ‘it’ is constantly up in your face.

Now, you must be wondering what this ‘it’ is. Well the ‘it’ I’m talking about is ghosts. Not the cartoon sheet blobs that go around shouting Boo!, I’m talking about the real deal. You know, the remnants of a human being who remains on earth to resolve their biggest regret. So yeah, in short, I can see ghosts. Bam! There it is, the unholiest of holy gods, my deepest, darkest secret. I know, I should have used this as my hook instead of yapping about a boring old little town in the middle of nowhere but hey, priorities. And it is my number one priority to keep anyone, dead or alive from finding out about this… little “gift” of mine. Now that is something I don’t want to deal with again. Why, you ask? Well why don’t I show you instead? It all happened when I was 5 years old…

~~~5 year old me~~~

“Hi scary girl with red eyes! Do you want to play with me? I have a pink teddy bear!” I said, grinning up a gap-toothed smile  at the scary girl in front of me.

“No. Go away.” She replied, glaring at me. My  lower lip trembled and my eyes became moist.

“W-why are you being so m-m-mean to me? I only asked y-you to play!” I whimpered, fully prepared to turn on the waterworks.

“You’re just another dead brat, so go scram you rug rat and go bother someone else!” The girl snapped, and her eye twitched in annoyance. I took in a deep breath.

“WAHHHHHHH!” I wailed at the top of my lungs, dropping my favourite pink teddy bear into the mud. I raised my chubby little hands to my eyes and screamed as loud as I could. My mom, a countryside blueberry farmer came running out into the yard at my shrieks.

“Darling! What’s the matter now?” she asked in an exasperated tone. “This is the third tantrum you’ve thrown today!” I quieted down and started sniffling.

“She won’t play with me!”

“Who won’t dear? There’s no one here but us and daddy, but you know daddy is busy with his work-“

“NO!” I cried, getting frustrated.  “She’s right here, she’s right here!”

“Honey!  Calm down sweetheart, I can’t understand you when you’re crying like this,” my mother said with a tired voice.

“NO!” I stomped my feet. “NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!”

“Sweetheart-“

“Why can’t you see her mommy? Is mommy going blind?” I started crying harder at that thought.

“No no darling, I can see well, but there really is no one here.” She said pulling me into an embrace.

“Wait.” The girl whispered. My head spun around. She was talking now! Maybe mommy could hear her!

“Mommy! Look she’s talking! Can you hear her now?” I asked.

“Hey! You!” The girl yelled suddenly.

“Sweetheart there really is no one here right now.”

“You’re a human? But how? You can clearly see me?!” The girl’s red eyes shone with glee.

“Mommy she’s scaring me…” I whimpered, and hugged my mom closer.

“…You’re a human...” The girl murmured, eyes moving around wildly, unfocused and clouded.

“What’s going on sweetheart, who’s scaring you?” My mom had a deep frown on her face, starting to worry about what was going on.

“...Who can see ghosts…” The girl’s head snapped up, her mouth widening jerkily into a twisted grin. She started walking towards me, slowly.

“Mommy I’m scared-“ I turned away from her to watch the red-eyed girl.

“Why don’t we play together? C’mon, it will be…fun.” The girl walked faster suddenly sprinting straight towards me with that creepy grin on her face. Terrified, I screamed and shut my eyes.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-HA AHA HA HA HA!” My scream turned into laughter. Horrified, I tried to shut my mouth, but my body refused to listen to me. My head rotated slowly to face my mom at an unnatural angle. Her fearful brown eyes locked in with the red eyes occupying my body.

~~~Back to Present~~~

               So uh… yeah, that’s why I try to hide my little “gift”. We were both totally fine, my mom and I. She locked me up in my room, called over a medium and exorcised the ghost inside of me, no biggie really. She’s got nerves of steel I tell you. That’s the only way she survived with me as her child. It was a bit traumatizing, being possessed by a ghost and all at the tender age of five… my poor, poor childhood… although the ghost girl was probably more traumatized than me. And although from that point on I actively tried to ignore these ghosts, shades, wraiths, phantoms, whatever you want to call them, they didn’t make it easy for me. Why, you ask?

Because they looked like regular humans.

And that, my dear reader, is why I met Jonathan. The ghost boy. I’ll let him tell his story to you.

Jonathan’s P.O.V.

               Thanks Em. For some reason I feel like I’m taking part in a relay race… Anyways, I’ll try to remember what happened on that fateful night.

I didn’t know what was happening.  One moment I was walking down the street, and the next I was standing next to my slumped body in a pool of dark, red blood. I knew I was dead for sure; there was no question about that. But I didn’t know how I died. I was shell shocked. It felt surreal, as if I was watching someone else die, not myself. I remember thinking to myself, Is this the afterlife? I don’t know how long I stood, wide-eyed and silent, staring at my dead body as if that would somehow revive it. I just stood, staring at the growing pool of blood until the faint sound of sirens could be heard.

               Soon enough a rusty makeshift ambulance and a police car pulled up to the scene. I- no, my body was carried onto a stretcher and transported into the ambulance while the police sanctioned off the area. I watched from afar, listening in to their conversation, hoping to find out what happened.

               “Officer Brown, have you identified the victim yet?” A dark haired man with a crew-cut asked.

“Yes sir! The victim’s name is Jonathan Morten, he was an 18 year old student at Indiana High. Your typical popular high school jock.” A tall and lean man answered.

“Such a pity,” The dark haired man shook his head. “He was so young… What was the cause of death?”

“Only an autopsy will prove it for sure, but Mr. Morten is presumed to be a victim of a hit-and-run.”

               Ah, so that’s what it was, I thought. I didn’t feel anything, not sadness, remorse, annoyance, just numbness. I just stood there, not feeling the sharp bite of the wind against my skin. Until *someone* walked straight into me.

Emerson’s P.O.V.

               I rubbed my hands together, trying to generate some heat against the stinging wind. I buried my face into my warm, soft scarf and-

-walked into someone. Someone named Jonathan Morten. Geez, I thought to myself. Great job you’re doing there, not watching where you’re going…

“Hey uh Jonathan? Sorry for walking into you…” I trailed off at his shocked expression. I wonder what happened, I mean I couldn’t have scared him that much right?

“Hey is there something wrong?” I asked. He just stared at me with wide eyes. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a few police officers milling around a giant bloodstain on the ground. My heart sank. Oh no the poor boy, did he see someone die? I opened my mouth to ask him what had happened when two policemen walked up to us, interrupting me.

“I’m sorry miss, but this is a crime scene area, and we would greatly appreciate it if you could step back from the yellow tape…” said a tall, lean officer.

               “Oh sorry sir, we’ll be on our way.” I replied, cheeks burning in embarrassment.

               “…We?” he asked, confused.

I froze, the familiar feeling of dread creeping up on me. I turned my head slowly until I was facing Jonathan Morten. It made sense, why he looked so shocked when I spoke to him, why the officers couldn’t see him. My eyes widened. Oh no.

               “You can see me?” he asked.

[strugglingfairy]

Home // Carl Grimes Imagine

Requested by Anon, hope you like it! <3

PROMPT: The reader got separated from the group years ago when she was a child. When she returns unexpectedly, She's not a weak little girl anymore. Reader and Carl were best friends, & when she arrives back, she realises her best friend never forgot about her.

REQUEST HERE!

This is v long lol, but I'm proud of it! remember my asks and messages are always open if anyone wants to chat!

-Mads<3

C A R L // P R I S O N // 2 2 7 0 //

MASTERLIST

I came to rest in an old house, and after checking it thoroughly for walkers, I went upstairs to bed. It had been a long day, hell, it had been a long day every day for the last 3 years. It wasn't easy on your own, scavenging and fighting for your life all the damn time. Whenever I did come across people, it was usually big hairy men who thought finding a lonesome teenage girl was the best thing to ever happen to them. I usually get away, but I had been... used... a few times.

I plopped down on the small bed. It was filthy and smelled like sweat and mould, and was itchy as hell. To me though, it felt like heaven -which is probably why I feel asleep instantly, without locking the doors.

I was so exhausted, I slept through most of the day, only to be awoken by groaning coming from downstairs, I immediately jumped up, cursing myself for being so careless. There were at least 3 walkers downstairs, but I managed to fight them off... just.

I ran into some bushes to hide from the small heard that was approaching. I squatted there for a bit, and when I figured it was safe, I jumped up and made a dash for it. Only just making it away with my life.. and a huge gash on my leg.

Life was getting tougher. I wasn't going to last much longer out here on my own.

Eventually, I ended up here, in this tree. My heart beat eventually slowed down, I tended to my wound, pulling out the bit of wood that I'd cut myself on during my escape attempt, before bandaging it up. Looking around, I realised that I had no idea what I was going to do next. I looked around at the landscape, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow on the barren land. It was almost, peaceful. I relaxed against the tree a little longer, the scene reminding me of happier times.

"C'mon Carl, before your dad realises we're gone!" I giggled dragging him towards the huge oak tree that I had been staring at from my window ever since we arrived at Woodbury.

"Geez y/n, slow down, it's just a damn  tree!" Carl rolled his eyes, but jogged to catch up with me.

I ran on ahead of him again, and he tried to catch up until it turned into a full-on race. When we arrived at the tree we were panting and laughing so hard we could barely stand.

***

"Y/n, no. it's not happening. Carl huffed from below me.

"Don't be such a wimp, just start climbing, it's easier than it looks I swear!" Carl was refusing to climb the tree with me, I was already half way up when I looked down to realise he hasn't followed. Eventually, after a lot of nagging from me, he shakily began to climb up after me.

***

"I remember the Simpsons, it was my favourite show!"

"What? Those weird yellow cartoon people? No! I was obsessed with Scooby-doo, now that was a proper show with an intelligent plotline."

Carl and I were currently in the tree, discussing the things we missed about our old life, our life before the walkers and the scavenging and the crazy people. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow on our surroundings. I sighed as I leant my head on my best friend's shoulder.

"You know what? I don't know what I'd do without you y/n."

"Me neither Carl, me neither."

That was all a long, long time ago. Since then, I've lost everything. Everyone I loved; my family, my friends, Carl. It was my fault really, I just had to sneak out to that stupid tree, even when Carl told me not to. There was a group of men there, bad, bad men. They took me, a scared little 13-year-old. They raped and tortured me for months, until one night, when they were all so drunk they could hardly talk, I saw my chance. I killed them. All of them. They were my first kills.

I've always felt like I died a little too on that night. After that, there was no more cute little y/n, y/n who just wants to laugh and hug people and spread joy. No. The new y/n did whatever it took to survive, and didn't just scream and cry when some big scary man threatened her. No, that little girl was dead.

I shook those thoughts out of my dead. No point crying over the past. Those people never came to rescue me, they left me. I had to rescue my own damn self.

I squinted my eyes at the horizon, there was a big hill just a day's walk away, and on it was.. a building. A huge building, with high stone walls and barbed wire. It must be some kind of warehouse, or a military base or a... a prison?

// N E X T  D A Y //

I didn't know why I was so nervous, I was just going to check the place out, see if there are any supplies, maybe sleep here for a couple of days.

What if it's full of the evil man, like the last time?

What if it's full of a loving community, who would look after me?

I was actually more scared of the second possibility. I didn't want to get attached to people, just to get dumped by them again.

Nevertheless, I continued on towards the building. I tried to relax and just focus on getting there as quickly as possible, but no matter what I did, I just couldn't push down that small glimmer of hope inside of me.

I was shaking as I reached the gates, I had to stab countless walkers which surrounded the area to get here, but now, all that stood in the way of my possible better future, was a huge gate.

I reached up to knock, but hesitated. I shook my head, getting my shit together, before knocking 3 times.

There was no answer at first, so I loosened my grip my on my dagger a bit, thinking the place was abandoned.

Suddenly the huge gate creaked open, revealing a huge man, who was holding a crossbow at me.

"Who are you? Don't even try anything because I will, I-I will... Y/n?"

My eyes widened when the man said my name and my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach.

"D-Daryl? Daryl! oh my god, i-it's you! It's- it's- oh my god I-" I stuttered, too shocked to realise that my dagger had clattered to the ground.

Daryl was here? Where the rest of them here? Was- was Carl here?

My heart skipped a beat when I thought about it, but I didn't have time to ask questions, because Daryl pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

It's been so long since I've had a hug.

I was almost in a daze as Daryl practically dragged me to where everyone else apparently was.

He dragged me into a huge hall with people sitting at tables eating. I recognised most of them, some were new faces and some faces...were nowhere to be found.

"Guys lo-look who's not dead! Ater al this time-" Everyone turned to me, mouths agape. Daryl had hardly finished speaking when Maggie leapt up from her table, launching at me. I buried my head into her shoulder, Maggie was practically my mother before I was taken.

As I stood there in her shaking arms, I felt a warm feeling inside me, a feeling I hadn't felt in ears.

I felt.. loved.

After a while longer of being reunited with everyone, I was exhausted, but couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face. I realised that the one person my heart ached for the most was nowhere to be seen.

"Um, Rick? Where's Carl?" I looked up at him, his arm was around my shoulders and he looked like he still couldn't quite believe I was really here, frankly neither could I.

'He's in his cell, I can't believe you're both still so in love that even after being separated for yes." I rolled my eyes at him, it had always been a joke between the adults that Carl and I were bound to get married one day.

"Both of us?" I raised my eyebrow at him. Surely Carl didn't still care about his childhood friend?

"You kidding me? He talks about you every damn day y/n!" I blushed at Carol's comment, making a quick exit after she told me the directions to his cell.

My heart began to beat faster and faster as I approached his cell, but for once it wasn't because I was scared, but because I was excited.

I opened his cell door quietly, holding my breath. I couldn't help letting out a gasp as I saw him. He had been leaning against his bed, looking invested in reading his comic.

But now, his eyes were on me.

"H-hey Carl, remember me?" I looked at him with hopeful eyes, he just blinked at me with his mouth open. my smile faltered a bit. Maybe he didn't remember me after all...

"Y/n? y/n holy shit it's you, y-you're alive, I missed you so much you've no ide-idea" Carl said after he snapped back to reality. I was shocked when he wrapped his arms around me, so I stood rigid for a moment, but eventually, his warmth overcame me, and I hugged back.

Oh how I missed this, being in his arms, I forgot what it felt like to feel this loved, after so, so many years. It made me feel warm and fuzzy, and I blushed as I noticed how built up his arms were now. Carl sure isn't a scrawny little kid anymore, that's for sure.

I was shocked as I heard sniffling, so I pulled away. To my surprise, Carl's eyes were red and teary. Carl never cried. I opened my mouth to say something but he beat me to it.

"Before you call me a wimp, you're crying too if you hadn't noticed."He said, smiling slightly.

I quickly wiped my eyes, embarrassed. I hadn't cried in years, I didn't cry once, not even when those horrible men were beating me, but now, now I'm crying tears of happiness... the kind of tears I never thought I deserved.

"I'm sorry we left you." I was still wiping at my eyes furiously when those words came out of his mouth. I sighed.

"its ok Carl, really, I'm here no-"

"No y/n, it's anything but ok! I hate myself every fucking day for letting you out there on your own. You were taken away from me, just because I didn't want to climb a fucking tree. We left you, a weak little girl, out there on your own. I looked for for for almost 2 months, we all did. One day, we found a- we found a bracelet, in a house, your bracelet y/n, the one I gave you. The one you never took off. We knew for certain then that we lost you. It broke me y/n, it broke me, and I'm still fucking broken!" He shouted, he was panting and looked mad, I could tell he had been dying after he let that all out.

I put my hand on his cheek, turning his face to look at me. His blue eyes were as blue as ever, and they still looked into mine like I was the only girl in the world. His eyes were swimming with regret, anger, and sadness. I didn't want him to be sad.

"Carl, yes, I did think you all abandoned me. I was, um, taken, by some men who, beat me an-and r-raped me a-and-" I thought I could hold it together, but I was quickly falling apart. Carl's eyes filled with even more sadness than what they already contained, and he began to pull me in for a hug, but I refused. I needed to say this.

"But, I got away. I saved myself from them and began to scavenge on my own. I saved myself countless times, sometimes, only just. I fed myself, I tended my own injuries, I defended myself. I learned to get by just fine, and I didn't need anyone to help me. So no, Carl, you didn't leave a weak little girl out there, you left a broken girl, yes, but a broken girl who learned to do whatever it took to survive, who learned to save her own fucking ass." I ranted. I had never said most of that out loud before and goddamn it felt good.

Carl just stared at me, and I stared back. we stood there, in each other's arms, just... looking at each other. I took in his features; he was definitely a lot more built, I could feel his abs under his shirt. His hair had definitely grown, it suited him. His jawline was way more prominent too. Carl looked...hot.

"Ya know, there's a nice tree outside, every time I walk past I thought of you. Wanna go climb it?" He whispered before grinning at me, expectantly.

"I'd love that, but I thought you were scared of climbing?" I grinned cheekily right back, before grabbing his hand and leading him out the door.

"I wasn't scared, I just didn't feel like it. and y/n? for the record, I always knew you were a little badass at heart. Oh, and I believe this is yours." I smiled broadly as he pulled my tattered gold chain bracelet from his pocket, clasping it onto my wrist carefully. He kept it all these years.

I sighed as we walked toward the tree, hand in hand as the sun set.

I felt safe, I felt loved,

I felt... home.

taglist: @rainbow-unicorn-pony @squirels-angels-and-moose

[beyondthetemples-ooc]

MUSIC QUESTIONS

Found here: http://beyondthetemples-ooc.tumblr.com/post/183365664552/music-asks-these-are-actually-pretty-fucking-hard

Song names are linked to videos that play them. (The meme said “these are hard”, but I decided to make it even HARDER for some reason, and decided I wouldn’t use two selections from the same band! Which made this take me literally two hours, but it was Fun. I like a good musical challenge~ So anyways.)

1:A song you like with a color in the title Blue Eyes - Within Temptation

2:A song you like with a number in the title Fixed At Zero - VersaEmerge

3:A song that reminds you of summertime Elvenpath - Nightwish this might be for Spiritual Reasons, heh. “In the sheltering shade of the forest, calling, calming silence. Accompanied only by the full moon, and the howling of the night wolf, and the path under my bare feet... The elven path.” 

5:A song that needs to be played LOUD Reality Fringe - Alex Dalliance / Vulture Culture “By right, I’m STILL ALIVE! Bad blood, I WILL SURVIVE! By truth, my eyes can SEE! The broken EDGE of REALITY!”

6:A song that makes you want to dance damnit, i already used Alex Dalliance, Nightwish, AND Xandria! How about..... ~*Diamond Shuffle - Next Level*~ (we dance HARD to this at the org functions sometimes, and i absolutely LOVE IT.) Based on the Cupid Shuffle! "To the right, to the right, to the right, to the right! To the left, to the left, to the left, to the left. Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick. Now put your diamonds up, now put your diamonds up. Do the diamond shuffle.... We’re going Diamond, D-I-A-M-O-N-D! We’re the BEST, you can bet! Not another, can’t be beat! Do your diamond dance, diamond dance"~

7:A song to drive to ( (( ??? I don't drive, so I wouldn't know. Whatever I'm in the mood for, though. )) )

8:A song about drugs or alcohol Someday - Crossfade "Can't put this bottle down as Iiiii, watch this day fade into night...."

9:A song that makes you happy Samhain - Magica [Lyrics: x] that took Depressingly long to figure out. geez But: any time I listen to that piano? My spirit absolutely SOARS.

10:A song that makes you sad oh, that's too many. hold on; I need a minute... particularly because i don't want to Repeat Bands on this, for some reason. How about one that almost always Draws Tears? Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots “I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink, but now I’m insecure and I care what people think...Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days. When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we’re stressed out...Used to dream of outer space, but now they’re laughing at our face, saying ‘Wake up, you need to make money!’ ”

11:A song that you never get tired of Believer - Imagine Dragons “I’m fired up, and tired of the way that things have been, oh!...Don’t you tell me what to think that I can be. I’m the one at the sail, I’m the master of my sea...Seeing the beauty, though the... PAIN! You make me a, you make me a believer...All the hate that you’ve heard has turned your spirit to a dove, oh, your spirit up above...”

12:A song from your preteen years Tokyo Nights - Puffy AmiYumi (Always one of my favorites by them.~) “Utaru, Tokyo Nights! Anno kutokete, Tokyo nights! Yoru ni hohoemu. I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love...~”

13:One of your favorite 80’s songs Have I talked about ~Under Pressure~ enough yet? “It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about. Watching some good friends screaming, Let me out!...Keep coming up with love, but it’s so slashed and torn! Why? Can’t we give ourselves one more chance? Why can’t we give love one more chance?...'Cause love's such an old fashioned word, and love dares you to care for, the people on the edge of, the night, and, love dares you to, change our way of caring about ourselves...”

14:A song that you would love played at your wedding {{ N/A - I don't want to be married. ^^'; Handfasted, maybe. But none, really. Also, if I did, I'd want to pick our music Together. }}

15:A song that is a cover by another artist Supremacy - Tarja (Muse cover) “Wake to see, your true emancipation is a fantasy. Policies have risen up and overcome the brave. Greatness dies, unsung and lost, invisible to history...You don't have long; I am on to you. The time, it has come, to destroy: Your suuu-premacyyyyy!”

16:One of your favorite classical songs Greensleeves - (???) (I know it's not "baroque", but it's certainly a bit of a classic.)

17:A song that would sing a duet with on karaoke Broken - Seether ft. Amy Lee “The worst is over now, and we can breathe again. I wanna hold you high, and steal my pain, away. There’s so much left to learn, and no one left to fight! I wanna hold you high and steal your pain...”

18:A song from the year that you were born Addams Family (WHOOMP!) - Tag Team

19:A song that makes you think about life We Are the Others - Delain "As simple as air in your lungs, as simple as words on your lips: No one could take it away, no one should argue this! Now with our heads up high, we’ll carry on, and carry out: That we won’t let them, GET us down, or WEAR us out! Cuz we are not alone. We are the others, we are the cast-outs! We’re the outsiders, but you can’t hide us...If you feel mistreated, torn and cheated: You are not alone! We are the others. Normal is not the norm. It’s just a uniform. Forget about the norm, take off your uniform. We are all beautiful!”

20:A song that has many meanings to you The Worlds Forgotten, The Words Forbidden - Sonata Arctica Every. Single. Aspect. of the Nexus has feels in this song! “What is a man to do? No light, only suffocating dark. Deep, burning pain. I’m losing everything I am, remember nothing of my past. Now it’s all gone, and I fear the game is over. Save me...This isn’t my home. I follow moon to find a path away from the scorching sun, I follow the stars to my abode...I seize the moment to hear a story no one’s telling anymore. The worlds forgotten, the words forbidden.”

21:A favorite song with a person’s name in the title Song For Jolee - Kamelot (I have no idea what the Other Jolene Song everyone talks about is, but ^this^ is the one I think of whenever someone says "Jolene", and it catches me off guard Every Time I Remember, "that's not the same song, they mean the Fabled Meme one, right. Right..." I heard it's a country song though, and look, that's not my style, so I don't care to be informed. The contrast+realization is kinda amusing, anyways. 8FF)

22:A song that moves you forward Higher - Edenbridge “Time and tide wait for no man ever, and your eyes are agleam, like you’re in a dream, getting out from under. Give a little try, give a little more try! Never fall in line, for a fleeting moment! Be and end all, I am aiming HIGH. Reach a little higher!...Lay it on the line, and run the mile. Reach a little HIGHER!”

23:A song that you think everybody should listen to ????? (I make recommendations based on personal taste; I can't Generalize like that! ;; )

24:A song by a band you wish were still together The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance (Y’all should know how this goes. And if you don’t: can I make THIS my recommendation? Besides being Iconic of my “emo” generation, it’s legitimately a great musical composition with dramatic buildup and a seriously empowering message.)

25:A song by an artist no longer living Hands Held High - Linkin Park

26:A song that makes you want to fall in love (All over again, you mean?) Something Just Like This - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay “I’m not looking for somebody with some superhuman gifts; some superhero, some fairy tale bliss. Just something I can turn to, somebody I can kiss. I want something just like this. Oh, I want something just like this!”~

27:A song that breaks your heart Wanderer's Lullaby - Adriana Figueroa “Do you know, just, how much you’re worth?...You are the dawn of a new day that’s waking, a masterpiece still in the making, the blue in an ocean of gray. You are: right where you need to be, poised to inspire and to succeed! You’ll look back, and you’ll realize one day. In your eyes there is doubt, as you try to figure it out... Though the world may try to define you, it can’t take the light that’s inside you! So don’t you dare try to hide, let yours fade away...” (It’s... for someone very particular that this song breaks my heart all over again. Ugh, I could quote this whole song for her. When I’m in a very specific shift? This song absolutely DESTROYS me. And even when I’m not? It’s an absolutely gorgeous and reassuring song, but... you know. Depressed Brain likes to say “that isn’t true at all”, and I’m likely to tear up anyways.)

28:A song by an artist with a voice that you love Tides of Time - Epica (Simone Simons... ~<333 She sounds every bit as amazing LIVE as she does on the albums! But this VERSE... actually strike that, this entire SONG is so gorgeously rendered.)

29:A song that you remember from your childhood Bring Me to Life - Evanescence (The Song that Started It All. Ordinarily I would link to the Bliss Mix, or the SiriusXM performance. Hell, a demo! You know, the version they actually WANTED to make, without the production misogyny. But this WAS, after all, the version from my childhood. =w=;; I’m not even gonna do lyrics, you all know how it goes.)

30:A song that reminds you of yourself (oh my stars, there are SO many... I can say “Every song I’ve linked to so far”, honestly.) I told myself I wouldn't repeat bands, so I had to do some digging for this one, since I already used all of my Favorites.... Wait, DUH. The song that's named after the very same word I named my Entire Identity and Life Experience after: The Nexus - Amaranth “I hide, empower our remedy. Step up, get your game on, get your fight back, never BACK DOWN!...I have the will inside my mind. There is a voice I can’t deny! Break, with the PAST. Set the nexus free at least! As the future will be there to save us. Trapped, in my SKIN, see the nexus in my dreams. But will you bury me within?...And as the darkness reveals, I see no reason for me to reach for the cure. I’m my own demon. I kept the secrets in my mind, there is a voice I can’t DENY!...Face it down, I’m the spine in the flame. Just let it out of me, break it out of the core - to help me, BREATHE...”

Actually, okay, it’s the whole song. It’s kind of perfect.~

[crossfit416]

New Post has been published on CrossFit 416

March 2017 Athlete of the Month: Jax Mattioli

First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself—where are you from, what do you do outside of the time you spend here, hobbies, fun facts, etc. anything goes! The more the better! What would you like people to know about you?

I grew up in Dundas, Ontario and still consider myself to be a small-town girl living in the city. I am fortunate to be able to spend most weekends at the cottage on Georgian Bay to keep me balanced with the chaos of city life. I love a new challenge, and spending time outdoors – I generally look for new sports to try, but prefer team/social sports to individual. I also love checking out the local dining scene in whichever city I am in, and love finding the hidden gems. I literally have a notepad in my iPhone with a list full of my favourite restaurants and those I still want to try across North America. Otherwise, you can find me playing ball on the beach with our dog Oban, Sailing or Cycling.

Life is extra busy right now as I am counting down the days (and $$$ L) until my wedding, this June, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. I’m grateful for the support of all the coaches, especially Rachel, as I try to keep focused on regaining my pre-travel body and lifestyle habits, and to look good in my wedding dress of course J.

Tell us a little bit about your fitness history. What were you doing before you joined CrossFit 416? How did you find out about us? How was your first class here? How long have you been coming here? What has been the biggest factor in keeping you hooked at CF 416?

I played competitive softball for over 20 years at a provincial, national, and varsity level. I used to train and play 3-5 days a week, plus up to 8 tournament weekends. It was my life for a long time!!! Until I tore my shoulder playing for McMaster University. I trained and played one more season before deciding it was time to retire. After a year of physiotherapy, it was clear weightlifting was no longer an option, it was going to be a critical part of keeping my shoulder strong and pain free. So I replaced my 3-5 days of softball training with 3-5 days in the gym, obsessively reading about training. I added Cycling, Golf and Yoga and actually came to a place where I was the fittest I’d been since I was a kid.

Things all got complicated when I was promoted to a national role that had me travelling 3-4 weeks out of a month. That’s when I discovered CrossFit. I met a man in a hotel gym training a client; turns out he owned a box in Alberta. After I told him CrossFit wasn’t for me, he invited me to come to his box for a WOD, I declined, but accepted his dare to find a Box in Toronto and give it a shot.

My first class was BRUTAL—thanks, Luke!. Lol. I will never forget the 20 minute AMRAP: Push Ups, Sit Ups, and Air Squats. I remember leaving the class and texting a note back saying: “Thanks, but no thanks.” The next day, when I woke up, and EVERYTHING hurt – I wrote back and said “I think I’m in love…” That was it for me. That was before I fell head over heels in love with the amazing coaches and people I’ve met – of course now I could never leave.

If you could go back to that first class and give yourself some advice based on what you know and understand now, what would it be?

The only person you are ever competing against is yourself. I think any athlete would agree it can be difficult not to feel the nerves and pressure as barbells are smashing down around you and people are moving so fast. Also – mobility. I think I always went through the motions with softball warm ups, but really learned the importance of it in CrossFit – this sport will take your ego down a few levels and highlights every weakness you have!!! Lastly, leverage the coaches. Whether you are new to CrossFit or a veteran, CrossFit 416 is stacked with some amazing people who can quickly assess your form and help you work with your body to get the most out of your workouts and improve faster than you will on your own. Even when you think you’ve mastered it, bad habits are easy to build. Ask for a form check from time to time, you won’t regret it!

What is your favourite movement in CrossFit? Why?

I actually have a love/hate for Wallballs. LOL I hate them while I am doing them, but honestly, I can’t get enough of the pain in my butt and legs the next day. I know they work! Also, I love lunges and have come to enjoy rowing. Did I actually just say that?

Aaaand your least favourite movement and why?

I would trade Thrusters for just about anything else. They are my sore spot for sure. Barbells, dumbbells, doesn’t matter, I have a big time hate-on for Thrusters. Showing up on a Thruster day is hard.

If we could create a Hero WOD named “Jax”, what would it be? Movements, rep schemes, rounds, length of time, etc. all variables are yours to unleash your programming creativity here!

Let’s Tabata all my favourites!!!

8 Rounds of each :20 on :10 off

Overhead Plate Lunges

Ball Slams

Rowing

Toes to Bar/Post

Wall Balls

Ring Rows

Ring Dips

  Is that too much? J What is the favourite place you’ve travelled to? Why? Where are you planning on going next?

Gosh, I have travelled a lot but will say there are still so many places I want to see! One of my favourite places, however, is a little barrier Island outside of Charleston, South Carolina called Kiawah Island. It is part of what they call “Lowcountry” and rich with history, architecture, and some of the most amazing food in North America. There is something about Southern Hospitality and charm that makes you feel worlds away, or as if you have stepped back in time.

Kiawah Island itself sits on the Atlantic Ocean, it is a private residential island about with a beach strip 10 miles long. Once you arrive, you can literally park your car and move about the island on bicycle. One of my favourite things to do is ride through the streets admiring the multi-million dollar plantation style homes on the way up to the Ocean Course Golf Club, enjoy a bottle of our favourite wine and some lunch on the patio before letting the wind push us all the way back down the beach on our bicycles.

We love it so much we will be heading back in just a few short months for our own low-country intimate seaside wedding in June. After that I will go back to my bucket list and pick another spot.

How do you like your toast?

I like my toast thick and crusty, golden brown like it’s been meticulously torched by a fine dining pastry chef, topped with crunchy peanut butter and a thick layer of creamed local honey. YUM!

Tell us something about yourself no one might ever guess about you.

I am bizarrely shy and hate being the center of attention unless it’s part of a team, and I’m not big on surprises, hahaha. Yep, my nooners can attest I would kill myself in a WOD just not to end up having a crowd around me cheering me on. I once followed the office crowd into the office they planned to surprise me in for my birthday, and yelled surprise before they even knew I was in the room. The only surprise I liked was when my fiancé proposed, because he kept it simple and private on the beach at our cottage. Trust me, I was still awkward!!!

What are three things we would always find in your fridge?

Multiple Nut Butters, Eggs, Maple Syrup

Who inspires you?

My fiancé Cameron. I met him as he was training for an Ironman Race. A gruelling 140.6 miles of Swimming, Cycling and Running. He encouraged me to run a 13.1 mile half marathon, I don’t think I ever did a single training run I didn’t complain about. I don’t know how he ran a 26.2 mile marathon after 7 hours of swimming and cycling. He never complained when training, just just got up and got it done. It definitely hurt, and it wasn’t easy, so he either has the pain tolerance of a god or the focus and determination of a first class athlete. That is inspiring.

Otherwise, it’s the members at CF 416 who push themselves every day. I would probably take the slacker way out if Coach Derya wasn’t watching and pushing me on my weight selection each day.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far in life?

Realizing I can survive just about anything and that I can find gratitude even in the worst times. I would have to say I’m also pretty proud of my people collecting skills – I am surrounded by some of the most diverse and amazing people who have been a greater part of my journey than they will ever personally know. I have learned a lot about life, the ups and downs, the ins and outs, but mostly – the importance of people. You never know how you will touch someone’s life, what they struggle with, or how you might affect their journey, be kind, be true, be open. We are all in this together.

What is your most embarrassing childhood/teenage infatuation/trend/fad, etc. that you wholeheartedly prescribed to?

Geez, that’s a tough one. I generally hate fads. I am plain Jane and could probably pull something out of the closet from 15 years ago that wouldn’t truly show its age. LOL But I will admit, I was a boy band kind of girl and sucker for a love song. Still am, hahaha