#he told my mom she's not allowed to bake for big groups anymore even though its something shes been doing for a decade and finds a lot of

[raspberryjellybrains]

every once in awhile i'll start thinking my dad isn't really THAT angry and/or controlling, then he'll just merrily prove me wrong. thanks dad.

[winryofresembool]

Things We Lost in the Fire, ch 33

aka Caleo uni au

Fic summary: Calypso starts studying at a new university, but to her annoyance her new flatmate is a loud mouthed mechanic who also likes to sneak his dog in whenever. But as she learns to know him better, she realizes they might have more in common than what she first thought. Eventually, even the darkest secrets come out…

Chapter summary: What happens after Leo returns? (At Waystation, pt 1234)

A/N:  What is this? A new chapter? I know I probably apologize too much but still, sorry for the long wait! Writer's block is not fun, you guys. It seems that I'm getting more and more insecure about where I should take this story by each chapter, but I did get a couple of encouraging comments while I was writing it and they motivated me to keep going! Extra special shoutout to my bff Cris(sy) for both recommending me the song that eventually helped this chapter to be born, and also helping me edit yesterday because I certainly wouldn't be posting this right now without you. (((((((((huug))))))))))

Disclaimer: The song New Year's Day obviously belongs to Taylor Swift and I definitely recommend listening to it while reading this chapter (specifically the scene where it's mentioned).

Words: 3300+

Genre: romance & hurt/comfort

Warnings: none

previous chapter / AO3

…

Leo stayed at the park for a while longer, but eventually he knew he had to return to Waystation. The talk with Piper had made him feel a bit better, but he was still worried about how Calypso would react to his meltdown. In his opinion, she had every right to be mad. He would have to explain his behavior, but how? That was the big question.

It was already well past noon when Leo showed up at Waystation again. The building was surprisingly quiet when he entered, hoping the others were looking for him. Usually Georgina was all over the place around this time, sugar high from the chocolate she had eaten and making a mess with her new presents. Luckily, once he had removed his coat and his hat, he started hearing some clunking from the kitchen, indicating someone was there.

Instead of just bursting into the kitchen and announcing that he had returned, he stopped to watch by the doorway. Only Calypso and Georgina were in there, the younger girl chatting enthusiastically while the older one was instructing her with baking. They were standing with their backs towards the door so they couldn’t see Leo. The smell that was coming from the oven somehow felt very familiar… something he associated with Calypso. It wasn’t until she bowed down to take something out of the oven that he realized what it was. The cookies smelled the same as the cake Calypso had baked a few times at their flat, and the shampoo she used: cinnamon-y.

“Look, Georgina!” Calypso showed her the cookies. “These ended up pretty good.” It sounded like she was hesitating a bit before she continued: “Hopefully your brother will like them as well.”

“Oh, he will, Calie! He’d probably like anything you do!” Georgina noted in the straightforward style she was used to.

“But I didn’t make these alone,” Calypso reminded her. “I had a good helper.” She put the oven pan on the table and reached to ruffle the top of Georgina’s hair a bit.

“Where do you think he went, anyway?” Georgina asked. Leo wasn’t sure if he just imagined it but to him she sounded pretty worried. “I’ve not seen him that way often…”

Calypso sounded pretty cautious when she answered. “I’m sure he will be back soon. He must be tired because he’s been working a lot lately and that’s why he’s a bit on the edge… but he wouldn’t want to miss your gingerbread cookies. Hey, what color should we use to decorate these?” She turned Georgina’s focus back to the cookies again. “Do you think pink would be cute?”

“No, I want all the different colors! Blue, red, purple, green, yellow…” Georgina started listing all the colors that she could remember.

“I don’t think we have that many food color bottles here,” Calypso pointed out with amusement. “But you know, we can try to mix some together!”

“That sounds great! Hey, is pink your favorite color?” The girl asked suddenly.

“Hah, what gives me away?” Calypso chuckled. Even the apron she was currently wearing happened to be pink, although Leo knew that was probably purely coincidental because she was using one of Emmie’s aprons.

“You’re always wearing something pink and you even wanted pink gingerbread cookies,” Georgina noted while she started mixing the sugar frosting very eagerly.

“You’re a smart one, aren’t you?” Calypso teased. “I do really like pink, though. I don’t know. Maybe it reminds me of the sunsets back in my childhood home… But lately I’ve noticed that I have quite a lot of red things in my wardrobe too. But what about you? What’s your favorite color?”

Georgina gave Calypso a long and colorful answer, which Leo only half listened to. He started thinking about Calypso’s statement. He wasn’t completely dense; he had noticed that Calypso had often picked those outfits that he may have complimented at some point. But could it be that she had even started using more red because of him? Nah, he shook his head, that was a selfish way of thinking. Her outfit choices were probably purely coincidental.

Suddenly Leo realized that he had been standing there eavesdropping the girls way too long. When he was about to leave, though, he heard Georgina say: “my moms try to hide it from me, but I know that Leo is not OK. I mean, maybe he is, sometimes… but I remember that last Christmas was a lot like this one.”

“What do you mean?” Calypso asked.

“He didn’t yell at anyone, but… when he is in a bad mood he either shuts down and avoids us or is even louder than usual. But between the jokes, he doesn’t look happy at all. Moms would probably say ‘Georgie, you’re too small to understand that stuff’, but I’m not a baby anymore. This one golden haired dude visits us sometimes and he knows a lot about health things and he’s been teaching me as well. I know sometimes people get depressed, if for example something really bad has happened to them. And I think something very bad happened to big bro before he came here.”

“Yeah… sometimes things like that happen, sadly… But you know what?” Calypso said, probably attempting to sound more cheerful. “I think your brother is really trying. He cares about you so much he puts your happiness before his. He doesn’t want you to worry about him. But he’s strong, just like you, right? He’ll pull through.”

At this point Leo felt he had heard enough. He had been expecting some talk about him; after all he had just caused a scene in the middle of the present opening. But to hear Calypso talk about him that way? So sweetly? That he hadn’t expected. He had imagined she’d be mad at him after the ‘incident’ of that morning. Maybe she was just trying to be nice simply to calm Georgina down, but that he would never know.

He slowly started backing up, so that the girls wouldn’t notice his presence. However, just when he was nearly by the stairway, his foot hit a box that someone had left on the floor, making a loud noise. Cursing himself in his head, he quickly looked up to see that the sound had piqued the girls’ interest and they both tried to see where it had come from. He hid upstairs as quickly as he could, but that didn’t change the fact that Calypso most likely knew he had been listening to them.

Great, he thought, as he closed his bedroom door behind him. As if things hadn’t already been awkward enough even before this…

… (Calypso POV)

Once she was done with baking with Georgina, Calypso withdrew into her guest room for some ‘me’ time. She had a lot to think about. Leo hadn’t been around for the lunch, which meant that the Waystation group had been unusually quiet while finishing their meals. She knew everyone must have been thinking about him, but no one dared to bring him up. After the lunch, Georgina had asked Calypso to bake with her and she had agreed, welcoming the distraction. But Leo still hadn’t returned so she had started playing with the idea that she wouldn’t listen to Jo and Emmie’s advice, instead going to look for him after cleaning the kitchen. Before she had gotten that far, though, she had heard him in the hallway, but he had disappeared from there before she had time to even properly see him. However, she knew it couldn’t have been anyone else.

While she was relieved that he had finally come back, one part of her was also kind of mad that he had been eavesdropping and hadn’t even told them that he had returned. She was pretty close to just marching into his room and letting him hear it, but eventually she decided she wasn’t quite ready for that talk yet. If only there was some machine that would allow them to exchange their thoughts without the actual confrontation… But that was a naive thought, Calypso knew.

Finally, she decided that dwelling on the issues the whole day wouldn’t help anything. Since the Waystation family would get some Christmas guests for the evening, she decided that she should probably change out of her baking attire (a simple t-shirt and sweatpants) that had gotten a bit floury despite the apron that had covered it. Thankful for having taken several outfits from her flat (see, Leo, they were useful for something after all, she thought), she was drawn between blue jeans and a white blouse and a pretty 50ies style red dress she had only recently sewn for herself. It had sleeves that reached her elbows, a ribbon around the waist and a v-shaped neckline. Calypso wondered if the dress was a bit ‘too much’ for a family dinner but she liked how it had ended up looking and felt pretty confident in it. That’s why she ended up picking it instead of the more casual option. Besides, a tiny voice said in Calypso’s head, it didn’t hurt that Leo liked that color...

Tying her hair into a small braid pun and adding a ribbon around it, she was finally happy with her look. Then her gaze fell into the silver bracelet Leo had given to her that was still around her wrist. Briefly, she wondered how he’d feel about seeing it after their earlier incident, but she decided to leave it on. She had kind of expected Leo to give her something silly, like a CD of him singing Never Gonna Give You Up or chili seeds as a joke, but the jewelry box and the bracelet had been very thoughtful. Leo really knew how to surprise her – in a good way – sometimes…

Realizing that she had already been spending over an hour in her guest room, Calypso decided it was time to go back to socialize with her hosts. She heard Georgina’s voice coming from the living room and decided to go check up on her. The young girl was sitting by the piano, singing one of those more modern Christmas songs that she herself wasn’t crazy about, but somehow it sounded a lot more bearable when Georgina performed it. But what really surprised Calypso was Georgina’s pianist. Leo was sitting there next to his adoptive sister and focusing on running his fingers on the instrument. For some reason she hadn’t expected him to be musical and especially not interested in playing Christmas songs (Calypso knew he was more of a rock ‘n roll type of guy). She wasn’t sure what to think of this discovery.

Calypso had always loved music and she had even attempted to learn to play the piano with the help of a nanny for a little while, but when her dad had discovered what they did, he had immediately told them to stop. To this day, Calypso couldn’t understand why; she just assumed that maybe her beloved father hadn’t wanted her to learn something so ‘useless’. Thankfully, her voice wasn’t something her father could take from her so she had kept singing mostly out of spite, and became pretty good. Now she began wondering if Leo would ever mind teaching her to play… that was, if they were able to have a normal conversation again.

Georgina’s song ended and Calypso stepped forward to let the others know she was there, applauding the girl.

“That sounded good!” She encouraged her. “I’m not a fan of Christmas songs but you did well.”

“Thanks, Calie!” Georgina beamed at her. “Leo has told me you can sing too. Can I hear some? Please? Leo can play!”

“I… uh… wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Calypso turned to Leo. “Since when have you been playing the piano?”

Leo ignored Calypso’s first remark and replied: “Since I was a kid. Yeah, I bet you thought I’m more like a drum person or something but it was my mom’s idea I’d try this. Well? Are you gonna sing something?” He asked when Calypso remained quiet.

“I don’t really know that many Christmas songs…” she replied hesitantly. “Georgie, do you have any suggestions?”

“I love Taylor Swift’s songs!” the 9-year-old announced. “Do you know any of them?”

Calypso nearly burst out laughing. “Of course I do! She’s one of my favorite artists. But I thought we were going to sing Christmas songs.”

“Nah, I think I’ve already had enough of them,” Georgina stated. “But TS has made some holiday themed songs as well. Like New Year’s Day. I have the piano sheet for it!” The girl showed her a book she had borrowed from the library.

“You’re a real Swiftie, huh?” Calypso couldn’t help but smile at the girl’s enthusiasm. “But fine, I actually quite like that song so I could sing it.”

Leo had been following the conversation quietly but now he took the book from Georgina and eyed the sheet.

“Let me practice a little; I haven’t even heard this song before so I have no idea how to play it.”

“Sure, take your time,” Calypso said carefully. She was relieved to see that Leo was acting that calmly now despite the morning’s incident but she couldn’t help but wonder if that was just the surface. Surely he couldn’t have just completely forgotten about it? She would have to bring it up at some point, but now was not the time. Even when she attempted to read the lyrics her thoughts kept going back to him.

She was so lost in her thoughts that Leo had to raise his voice before she noticed he had stopped playing. “Hey, did you hear me? I asked if you’re ready.”

“What?” she shook her head. “Sorry. I was just wondering something. But yes, I’m ready now.”

Calypso noticed that Georgina kept looking at them curiously, but for once she didn’t say anything.

“Good. Let’s go,” Leo said in a neutral tone.

As she started singing, the lyrics started sinking into her differently than before. Suddenly she felt like she was the narrator, singing about the aftermath of a party she had attended. Even though Calypso wasn’t big on parties, and the latest one she had been in – the Halloween one – hadn’t gone ideally, when she kept picturing herself among her friends that she had gained during her time in Indianapolis, smiling, carrying their shoes because their feet hurt from the dancing, she felt… happy. Adding to that the image of spending time with Leo cleaning up their home while he made his snarky comments and probably tried to sabotage her cleaning process, she felt warm in a way she hadn’t expected. However, she tried to stop that track of thoughts because she realized what it implied. The narrator of the song was singing about her significant other, and Calypso had decided a long time ago that she shouldn’t get one.

As Leo kept playing, Calypso tried to keep her focus on his fingers running on the keys. For a while it worked; Calypso was amazed by how fast they could move, but then again, she supposed that all those years of building things with his hands really helped him develop that skill. Calypso could spot some stains on his hands from the machines he had handled that would barely leave even with soap, and the under nail area could definitely have used some proper scrubbing, but he wouldn’t have been Leo without those things. She couldn’t imagine him not fiddling with something 24/7. That was one of the reasons she admired him; she valued hard work pretty high and couldn’t imagine being with someone who was just sitting still.

”But I stay when you're lost and I'm scared and you're turning away…”

When Calypso reached that part, she felt chills go down her spine because of how well that line described her and Leo’s current situation. He felt lost because of some past traumas. She was scared of both letting him too close and losing him and everything she had gained since that fall. He had turned away from her and his family already twice that day. But there was hope; maybe, if they managed to finally communicate properly, they’d find a way to even deal with the ‘midnights’.

“Hold on to your memories, they will hold on to you.”

Calypso stopped to think about that line. At first her thoughts went to the badmemories such as the times when she had been living with her father. But when she repeated the line, she understood the song was talking about the good memories that would carry you even in your worst moments. Before she knew it, she was filled with flashbacks. Yelling at Leo after Festus broke her desk. The weird warm feeling after she saw the fixed desk. Casually spending time together; cooking, cleaning, playing, watching shows together… That time when Leo had given her the seeds of her favorite flower… The ‘therapy’ sessions… The Halloween party and the almost kiss after that… the weird tension they’d been having ever since that moment… His smiles and laughs… No matter what would happen, she would always hold those memories close to her heart.

Suddenly, Calypso knew. This wasn’t just some infatuation that would go away with time. She had learned to appreciate Leo’s company more and more, the good and the bad sides, to the point that she was now in love with him. Back in August she had thought that they would probably never get along, but to her surprise they had more in common than she had expected and he had become a big part of her life. Lonely, unsure about their futures, past traumas… that’s what tied them together. And even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to deny that what she had been afraid of had already happened.

“And I will hold onto you.”

Those five simple words made Calypso’s voice crack. With frustration she swept the corner of her eyes quickly and attempted to clear her voice for the last lines of the song.

“Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere.”

She looked up from the lyrics with blurry eyes and glanced at the boy with the piano. Some months ago, she had told herself that she wouldn’t let anyone get too close to her. But somehow Leo and all her new friends had just snuck into it, and she couldn’t imagine her life without them. She wanted them to be a permanent part of it, but with so many uncertainties in the future, could she count on it?

“What’s the matter, Cal?” Leo asked when she very clearly had difficulties pronouncing the last few words of the song.

Calypso knew the words she was going to say were probably unfair, but she couldn’t stop herself. The frustrations of that day just demanded to get out. “What’s the matter, Cal?” she mocked him. “I don’t know, Leo. You just… freak out all of a sudden and run away and then you come back and act like nothing happened?! Don’t you understand at all how worried we all are about you?!”

“I…” Leo stammered but didn’t finish his sentence.

“Well? Are you gonna explain yourself?” Calypso asked.

“Listen, you need to understand…”

“Understand what, Leo?”

Calypso waited for a little longer, but when the answer never came, she said: “You know what? Never mind. Clearly I was a fool to think that you care about us… about me the same way I care about you.”

“Calypso…”

Calypso turned her back to him and muttered: “I’m going to see if Jo and Emmie need my help with something. Do not follow me.”

In reality, Calypso withdrew into the closest bathroom and finally let the tears come.

[dreams-of-wings]

Being a part of the Core VK's, and daughter to Hades

Relationships with the Core Four:

You and Mal are half sisters - same dad, different moms. Mal hated you for a long time, even when she had yet to meet you, she knew of you and that made her blood absolutely boil. You were the daughter Hades raised, while he just left her and her mother. You both eventually get along, and once you do, you're inseparable, as thick as thieves, partners in crime, the works.

Evie thinks you're cool. She doesn't have a problem with you- then again I don't think she has a problem with anyone really. She likes your style, she wouldn't wear it, but she likes it because you work it and make it look good. She gets to know you more when you and Mal start hanging out and she kinda becomes like your sister as well.

Jay thinks you're awesome. He witnessed your hair burst into flames one day when someone pissed you off, trying to steal something your rightfully *coughcough* found. Definitely asked you about your powers and wondered why you could still use magic. It was kinda hard to explain, but basically on the island you can only do a few things - all of which require direct contact. Lounging/parkour buddy.

Okay, but please tell me why the thought of harmless, got bullied a lot, soft boy Carlos/intimidating, protective Daughter of Hades, just makes me melt. Like, you save his ass a lot. You knew Carlos before you knew the rest of the core four - back when it was Mal and Jay, Evie did her own thing, and Carlos was just kinda left to fend for himself. It's okay though, you'll protect him.

Background:

No one knows who your mother is

Not you

Not Mal

Not even Maleficent

Hades doesn't like to talk about her

She died before you had the ability to retain memories

She wasn't the first or the last of the people that were claimed by the terrible conditions of the Island of the Lost.

Medical care wasn't exactly top notch, and no one really cared about the ones who passed the first few years.

Just ment more supplies for the rest of them

You weren't allowed to wander the isle as a child, he kept you locked away - worried Maleficent might try something (and worried that if anyone found out about you being his daughter, they would have something over his head).

It was thanks to Hades tucking you away, that Maleficent was never able to find you.

You started sneaking out when you turned 10

You proved you could handle yourself, so Hades let you run free.

Besides 10 years had passed since you were born and he figured maybe Maleficent didn't care about you anymore.

It took you and Mal a while to trust eachother.

When you trusted her enough, you told her about your dad.

She didn't say anything and just left you - she was so angry and conflicted, on one hand she wanted to hate you because you were the child Hades' stuck around for, the one he raised, and fathered, and protected from Maleficent.

After a few weeks she found you in your own little corner if the island you carved for yourself, and explained everything.

Suprise, you're sisters!

Evie knows you're sisters

To be honest, you could be leader of their group, and also could be considered one of the most problematic kids on the Island, but you're too laid back.

You could go out of your way to cause trouble and make life on the island even more miserable than it already is.

But that takes too much effort.

Uma and Harry have no beef with you other than the fact that you're Mal's friend.

They try to get you to join their crew almost daily.

"Nah, you guys are good at what you do without me."

You're welcome at Ursula's fish and chips any time.

Uma doesn't even find your rejection insulting, you're just. So chill?

Her crew has rules, training, errands to run, collecting protection fees, and helping her at her mother's restuarant.

No thanks

Too much work

You like Mal's mom's way of doing things, "When you're evil, doing less is doing more."

Mal's crew just kinda hangs out together and roams the island being cats basically - lounging and loitering where you're not supposed to, subtly stealing things, knocking things over, just chilling and having fun doing whatever you want.

Your kinda crew.

Storyline:

When they go to Auradon, they take you with them

You weren't invited because again - no one knows who your parents are.

But you guys are kinda a package deal.

Ben was all for it when they called him.

"The more the merrier!"

He thought it was just an early sign that this was a great idea and he was making a difference.

You dont get to say bye to your dad because it was a very last minute thing.

You just kinda disappear.

But to be honest he's used to you just not showing up for weeks or even months at a time.

It's the reason why you were able to keep who your father is a secret for so long.

You come out the limo looking as cool as a cucumber, with your arms crossed as you stand next to Mal.

"This is more than you said there would be!" Fairy Godmother is not so subtly whisper-yelling at Ben.

"They wouldn't come without her- it was all of them, or none of them."

"Well maybe that should have been a sign, Benny-boo!"

"You know we can still hear you," you say while purposely chewing your gum in an obnoxious manner, just to get on their nerves.

They're already getting on yours.

In all seriousness, you whisper a, "Just say the word and she's toast," to Mal.

Screw Audrey.

Of course they split you all up for the most part.

They're worried if they put all the VK's together in one class, it may be too much for the teachers to handle.

They're not wrong.

To be honest though, you're a handful all on your own.

Your teachers wonder how things managed to burst into flames for no apparent reason all through out class.

Some jerks thought it would be okay to pick on Carlos when Jay isn't around him.

For some reason they think that just because your a girl, you're weak?

Must be the stupid "princely boy needs to save the day" mentality that runs rampant in Auradon.

You set someone's hair on fire.

And someone else duffle bag.

This would probably be a good time to mention that the VK's already know you can conjure fire.

They just think that your parent/parents are witches and you just have an affinity for fire.

Carlos normally either sticks to you or Jay when he isn't practicing with Ben.

You dont see your fathers statue in the hall of villains when you guys break into the museum - mostly because he's in another hall completely.

There's a whole hall dedicated to God's and goddesses as well as Hercules story.

You dont bother to offer up your powers when you're escaping, you know Mal's got it covered.

Helping Mal bake love potion cookies.

While the others are doing this because their parents would have their necks, you're genuinely doing this for your father. You know all he wants is to get off the island.

Causing a small lawn fire when the Sleeping Beauty's family and Chad get in Mal's face.

Your bursted into blue flames when Maleficent crashed Ben's coronation.

Having Mal's back after she was announced to become a new Lady of the Court.

Honestly you dont know what the big deal is about Mal using her magic.

Of course you go with Evie, Ben, Carlos, and Jay when they go to the isle to get Mal.

When Evie goes to talk to Mal you go visit your father.

He's a bit upset with you because he's seen you on TV so he knows you left.

But he can understand you not wanting to be trapped on this island forever.

"I'll find a way to get you out, soon."

"Say 'hello' to Mal for me"

Of course you couldn't.

Harry flirting with you and trying to recruit you again when he snags Ben.

When the battle at the docks ensues, you dont need a sword to fight.

Like Hades with his Ember, and like Mal and her Mother with their eyes, you dont need magic to use your flames because they are a part of you.

Sure the island managed to hold you back, but you can bring just enough to the surface to make any sword you grab on to too hot to handle.

Your powers are useless against Uma when she crashes cotillion.

You know, being surrounded by water and all.

"See ya, Y/N."

"See ya, Uma."

Surprisingly hard for you to make enemies

Except for Audry you know.

Of course you are Mal's planned maid of honor for her wedding.

Evue already has a dress made for you, and it was super hard for her not to gush to Mal about it because that would have given away the suprise.

You pretending to be defenceless against Hades when you all go to pick up the next chosen VK's to come to Auradon.

You keep your flames concealed of course because this would be a terrible time to show that both you and Hades share the same flaming blue hair.

You honestly surprised no one put two and two together sooner.

Definitely not there for the meeting where Mal decides to close the barrier for good.

But you were there for when Mal told Evie.

You were also the first to figure out Mal was hiding something. She wouldn't tell you right out though, but you knew something was up because that pause to answer Evie was too long.

Going back to the isle with the others to get Hades ember after Audrey turn Mal old.

"Hey girls~" was the greeting you both got from Hades when Mal tried to grab his Ember.

"Long time no see, Y/N."

Mal just glares at him.

You sit on the table where the Ember was while you let Mal and Hades have their little musical number. Mal kinda let her anger come through.

"Hey!" You would not be dragged into this, thank you.

You went to stand next to Mal when she asked for the Ember one final time and looked at your father with a shit eating grin, because you know deep down he won't say no to his girls.

"The Ember won't work for you."

"Yes it will. We're blood."

"You're only half Hades."

"Well then I guess two halves make a whole, right?"

"Those are my girls~"

You, Mal, and Uma joining together to break Audrey's attempt to keep you guys trapped in the cabin.

Helping Evie be the peace keeper when you all battle the suits of armor in Ben's castle.

You chase after Uma and Harry when Mal breaks the news about the barrier.

Which means you didn't get turned to stone.

Helping Uma reignite the Ember so Mal can take on Audrey.

Telling Mal you want to go back to the Isle along with Uma, Harry, Gil, and Celiea.

She's heart broken because you're her sister and it was kinda supposed to be you both against the world.

You can't turn your back on the kids from the isle. Like Mal, so many of the younger ones look up to you. On top of that you also can't imagine not ever seeing your dad again.

She understands, and when Hades comes to wake up Audrey, you go back to the Isle with your father.

You finally agree to join Uma's crew when you return.

Shes happy but also let's you know shes sorry you had to leave your sister.

You're hanging out with your new crew at the Fish and Chips when it's almost time for Mal to announce that they will be closing the Barrier forever.

You, Uma, Gil, and Harry are huddles up together around the TV.

But when Mal announces they will be opening the barrier for good you all cheer and you run to go get your dad.

Yay big family reunion!

[bladekindeyewear]

HS^2 bloggin’ mainline 2020-08-06

♪ HS2 HS2 is baaaaack ♪

♪ HS2bloggin here we gooooo ♪

♪ Structural changes on their team but I don’t caaaaare ♪

♪ Already resooolved myself that its NOOOT gonna beee as good ♪ with inattentiveness to details characters like Terezi forgetting-what-they-used-to-know and an obsession with dwelling on traaageeeDEEE without relief-or-considering how weee’d feeeeeeel~ ♪♪♪ --so just gonna enjoy-what-i-caaaaaan about iiit~ ♪♪♪

Okay time for bankruptcy

> CHAPTER 11. History's Most Notorious Haters

Let’s see how effectively my perky new lowered-expectations attitude lets me enjoy this comic  *click*

wut

Oh.  so is this Dave drawing comics about current events or Regular Calliope doing so for our very first lanky look at her presumably-grown-up-more cherub form

> Knight: Keep it real.

HOLY SHIT IT’S DAVEBOT AND ARADIA

so we just get to SEE them?!  just like that???  no buildup or anything?  :D

Okay I’m marking out a little that’s a good sign.  Also what a nerdy cop-out to turn the roboteyes into glasses that’s barely passable which is perfect, the rest of his outfit looks pretty cool tho

DAVEBOT: and thats reason four hundred nineteen why despite my mans many accomplishments i will never acknowledge big skateboardings contrived message that tony hawk is the quintessential skater of our generation ARADIA: o_o DAVEBOT: not in these trying times

Good to see Ultimate Dave is being true to form with regards to the core of his personality

DAVEBOT: beep boop ARADIA: i have told you several times that i was a robot before and i know for a fact you dont have to say beep boop DAVEBOT: hm that sounds fake does not compute ARADIA: david DAVEBOT: mom

I was with this conversation until the last two lines what the fuck

(I’m reading into it aren’t I, Aradia was trying to be atypically proper -- even though she wouldn’t have the frame of reference to know without being specifically told that “Dave” was considered nickname shorthand for the human name David, and thus if she DID know there’s no reason she’d use it except to troll him -- and Dave’s just mocking her response.  Without any shame about his continued weirdness of calling people Mom, and by without any shame I mean he made the choice EXPLICITLY to intentionally evoke the awkwardness.  Wow I got a lot out of two lines.)

(Oh, also alt!Callie’s true Jade-body incarnation here probably prompted her to start using “David” by example.  There, various mysteries solved via a pile of assumptions probably to be disproven in the next couple lines I read.)

The Knight and the Maid stare at each other briefly, having exchanged enough meaningful glances over their time together to know when to drop it.

Would Time players have an easier time gelling this way, like this particular smoothness?  Dropping it just before it gets weird or excessively irritating?

(Overclasspecting)

ARADIA: i think we have exchanged enough meaningful glances over our time together to know when to drop this DAVEBOT: what i enjoy about our conversations is that you just say things like that

OKAY I SNRK’D AT THAT.  That was funny.

Initially.  And now I’m concerned whether Aradia is being controlled by the narrative-speak, or whether they’re both just humorously referencing the meta-text they can both see, or--

ARADIA: oh is that what you enjoy ARADIA: well we are both an infinite number of years old living countless lifetimes at once but thats no reason to waste any of our...

WHAT??!?  She’s an Ultimate Self too?!?

Um, okay!  Yeah!  So they’re BOTH just riffing on the narrative then.  But... why would Dave need a robot body to accommodate his Ultimate Psyche without getting sick but Rose not need it?  I can understand Dirk not needing it because the merging of the full breadth of his multiversal individuality gels well with him being a God of the aspect governing the power of his multiversal individuality, but Aradia?

Were the robot bodies not necessary after all, and the sickness Rose suffered and Obama thought Dave would have suffered some sort of ruse?  Are there shenanigans afoot?  (Or are we going with the “troll biology is better” cop-out?)

She knows how this will play out, having undoubtedly tried this joke on her friend in some timeline or another. Their rapport reflects a unique combination of their matching aspects but greatly differing classes. One a passive but powerful servant to time, the other wielding the aspect like a honed blade.

WH

WHAT????

PASSIVE SERVANT OF THE ASPECT?!? WHAT THE FUCK

Okay if that means anything like it sounds like I guess my class chart is finally blown up, sure, they only waited (*checks last edit date*) SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS TO BLOW THAT GUESS UP, SURE

Wow.  Okay, I feel some obligation to jump to conclusions and say the whole class chart is wrong, but let me stay strapped in to see if “passive” is as literal as one would expect alt!Callie to mean, or it just means “an active class passive compared to other classes”.  And, serving the aspect?  Oh dammit, now people are gonna come at me advocating a Maid / Page dichotomy about actively serving the aspect versus allowing the aspect to be served... or Page / Maid even, jesus

I wish I had enough energy to have those chats anymore.  I’d rather hold on and see the whole ridiculous chart scheme they have in mind... which is definitely (and hopefully) the one Andrew really drew up at the time and not made up by the staff, even if it throws away plenty of my old work...  I’ll just stop thinking about it and keep reading.

...

--no, I don’t think I can just stop thinking about it yet.  Dammit, brain.

So um.  Maids serving their aspect.  There was a whole “Maids serve” thing going on throughout the whole plot of Homestuck, but despite how prevalent it was, I wrote it off as the story riffing on the classical definition of Maid when the actual stuff Maids accomplished was something different and more specific, just like Knights constantly got riffed on for chivalry and the like.  Furthermore, service seemed like a really shitty class definition, when class definitions are the verbs one uses to interact with reality through Aspects to change the way reality unfolds, and “serving” isn’t really an action that results in change, implying a distinct deficit of agency that I wouldn’t have viewed as fair.  (Especially since you originally think “meant to serve others” and not “meant to serve the aspect”, implying even LESS agency.)  Furthermore, MOST passive classes from their descriptions seem to have a propensity to act “as if by the will of the aspect”, so even with the nuance of “serving the aspect”, devoting an entire class verb to service would just step on the territory of other active/passive class pairs’ passive sides, right?

But... IF we were to take this for granted as what it SEEMS... then concentrating on that angle of “serving the aspect” implies a whole lot more agency than a service class might sound on its surface.  The definition fits with the story better once you contextualize all the Maid-y references to service around Jane, for instance, with the additional idea of “serving Life” by baking prolifically and creating more of its symbols in food and--

--fuck.  “Serving”, like serving to others.  Serving the aspect as its attendant AND serving it out to others that need it.  Maybe this still IS part of the Additive class pair!  Whoa.  :O

Okay okay so, what I/we thought before was:

Create/Add - Maid / Sylph

Destroy/Reduce - Prince / Bard

But “additive” really isn’t an elegant verb compared to the “Destroyer” classes, so... could it be the “Servants” and the “Destroyers”?  Like Maids cleaning up and healing the broken wreckage strewn through the halls by a bratty Prince’s tantrum???

It’d certainly be weird... and it’d CERTAINLY be a wild twist where I was partially wrong in some fascinating ways but not entirely off base?

One a passive but powerful servant to time, the other wielding the aspect like a honed blade.

And yet, I can’t bet on this being the situation yet; not at all.  First, it relies on the idea that alt!Callie’s explicit narrative here is slightly misleading, which would be a pretty extreme thing to commit to, even for a technical truth like “she was saying it was passive relative to other classes even though it’s technically “active””.  Second... it would mean that Muses are even more wildly defined than the previous insinuation of hers, that the Sylph -- what we thought was the passive additive class -- was not enough like a Muse compared to a Witch.  Muses not being that Additive?  I could grudgingly understand that, but Muses not being anything like passive Servants?!  That would be EXTREMELY weird!

So... there’s not a whole lot of chance that I’m not dramatically wrong somewhere about these classes!  In a way that throws the entire chart into disarray!

I’m... oddly excited?  Huh.

That’s a pretty nice surprise that I actually feel that way.

:)

(Don’t hit me up all at once to discuss this Classpect development over Discord, I’ll still need a few days without talking about Homestuck to recharge as usual.  Like... maybe wait and come at me as a group chat? So I’m not talking about the latest developments separately with everyone?  No that wouldn’t work, how about... guh I dunno, look my outlook’s a little more positive right now but dealing with Homestuck still takes emotional energy okay?)

Okay the rest of this page...

ARADIA: ... DAVEBOT: time then make a weird face ARADIA: ........ DAVEBOT: waste time DAVEBOT: time ARADIA:............. DAVEBOT: i experience all points of time simultaneously please just say time and make a weird face

This is true.

ARADIA: .................. DAVEBOT: cmon megido youre killing me clocks ticking ARADIA: ... ARADIA: time o_o

The Maid casts a furtive glance around the empty crew quarters, as though to search for someone more sympathetic to her bit.

ARADIA: tough crowd

Dorks.

> ==>

(Lazy fruit-throwing sword-training I won’t bother to screenshot but looks fun)

(I mean, really lazy looking, these people really don’t have Andrew’s knack for action composition that would make the same amount of gif-creation effort feel like a microcosm of the event they’re depicting, unfortunately.  Again, I don’t blame them; Andrew was just too good at it.)

DAVEBOT: ok heres one DAVEBOT: how old do you think you are ARADIA: emotionally? ARADIA: that is a pretty heavy topic DAVEBOT: you know damn well thats not what i meant ARADIA: you know I have been through a lot dave DAVEBOT: ok ARADIA: its just so kind of someone DAVEBOT: ok i get it ARADIA: to finally ask how i feel ARADIA: i am beside myself with emotions ARADIA: i want to open up DAVEBOT: jesus christ ARADIA: shall i open up about my past traumas to you ARADIA: would you enjoy that ARADIA: to think even a frog like me can work through their pain with a dear friend ARADIA: you have truly blessed me on this day dave strider

Is Aradia JUST trolling here or is her Ultimate Self grappling with a ton of real unresolved trauma too that she’s bullshitting around Dave-style?

DAVEBOT: times fun when youre having flies

Okay that’s a damned good frog pun.

Alright now Davebot’s rapping

DAVEBOT: lacking tact i stay stacked while i breach contract DAVEBOT: sacred vows disavowed got divorce fever DAVEBOT: i leave her DAVEBOT: dont look back dont perceive her ARADIA: do you want to talk about it :( DAVEBOT: about what ARADIA: would you say you are hung up on leaving your wife and friends behind

Goddamnit is DAVE’S ton of real unresolved trauma leaking into his raps unintentionally Dave-style??  I knew we had to address it when we cut to Davebot but how about LESS TRAGEDY IN THIS COMIC MAYBE

DAVEBOT: arent you even a little guilty about ditching your boyfriend ARADIA: what ARADIA: oh fuck

Wh

But she knew what she was doing when she did it she explicitly did it didn’t she?  Epilogues quote:

DAVEBOT: what about your boy DAVEBOT: eyepatches ARADIA: oh sollux is in one of his moods ARADIA: this was all getting to be a bit much for him ARADIA: if i go ill probably just cut him loose DAVEBOT: good move

And then they stepped through the sky hole more or less.  Did like, distracted Ultimate Aradia not realize exactly how long she was leaving Sollux for, ie forever?  Or did she “ascend” to Ultimate status later and hadn’t thought back to the full consequences of her actions within this timeline?  Or both?  From the looks of the link we’ll probably find out on the next pa--

--Wait.  Something else I just thought of, unrelated.

If Aradia is an Ultimate Self, that’s another coincidentally Ultimate version of someone hanging around that happens to be on the prospective list of Soul-Powered Jujus that might have their creation loops closed in the coming story.  Could those two things play into each other somehow?  Like instead of their souls getting stuffed into the items, their “Ultimateness” is?  Or as if that’s a necessary component, or...  no, I’m probably overthinking things.

> (Months in the past, but not many...)

Uh huh.  Is that flashing because he’s “watching” Aradia leave?  But I thought Aradia SAID she was leaving--

> (==>)

--and that black hole portal doesn’t look as cool as it sounded in the Epilogues.  But why was Aradia acting surprised, she said “I’ll probably just cut him loose” mere MOMENTS before entering the portal, did she mean “cut him loose” as in “I’m going to talk to him before leaving” and then just IMMEDIATELY forget that she didn’t say anything to him because she cared so little???

Wait.  Waaaait wait wait.  I think.  I think maybe I missed some subtext.  Lemme do some fuller quotes here:

ARADIA: oh sollux is in one of his moods ARADIA: this was all getting to be a bit much for him ARADIA: if i go ill probably just cut him loose DAVEBOT: good move

His gaze remains fixed on her. She blinks and looks away, unsure what to say next. He’s standing perfectly still, presumably waiting for her to say something. She met him... what was it? Once, twice before? She can’t remember. But she knows this is a very different Dave. Aside from the metal skin, he seems implacably confident. But then, people go through changes. She’s been through more than her share. She cocks an eyebrow, recalling her own stint with a metal body.

DAVEBOT: hey earth to whats your face ARADIA: oh ARADIA: its aradia

[...]

DAVEBOT: youre coming DAVEBOT: better decide quick i doubt that dank fuckin hell funnel is staying open for much longer ARADIA: yes i suppose so ARADIA: thats where all the action is right? DAVEBOT: all the action that matters yeah ARADIA: off we go then :) DAVEBOT: word

He holds out his hand. She looks around, and assumes he means for her to take it, so she does. She didn’t know someone could fly this fast. He nearly yanks her arm out of its socket. She considers reminding him that maybe this isn’t necessary, since she can fly too. But she doesn’t want to risk saying more embarrassing stuff around this outrageously cool dude. Besides, they’re through the wormhole before she can even finish the thought. It vanishes the moment they’ve crossed.

...this was a SHIPPING thing wasn’t it.  She’s impressed as hell with Striderbot, she SAID she’d cut things off with Sollux, and then she was so busy being swooped off her feet and into the portal that she forgot to actually say anything to him.  Is that what happened????

Ultimate Self Davebot x Ultimate Self Aradia.  Huh.  Didn’t see that coming.  (Though, again... they could make it SLIGHTLY clearer that this wasn’t just a blatant continuity error.)

Anyway, a rare-don’t-get-used-to-it [S] page...

> [S] (Gaze.)

...Okay that was kinda funny.

> (==>)

SOLLUX: h0w the fuck am i g0ing t0 get d0wn fr0m here.

HAH!  Okay, he’s taking it pretty well.  :)  --and THAT’s what she realized she forgot, giving him a flight down from the tower before leaving.

GOOD.  KEEP THINGS HUMOROUS EVEN WHEN LITERAL ABANDONMENT IS HAPPENING.  THAT’S the Homestuck I was missing.  :)  :)  :)

> Back to reality.

(Since the black hole is outside “canon” reality.)

Those are some cool poses-AHAH JESUS CHRIST ALT!JADE YOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING XD

COULD YOU MAYBE HAVE CLEANED UP THE DRIED BLOOD AT SOME POINT OR IS SOME OF THAT FRESH FROM EATING MORE RAW MEAT

(Lord English’s blood leaving permanent timeless bloodstains would be a cool new thing to squeeze into canon i admit, i wouldn’t blame them for taking the excuse even if you could find small canon counterexamples I’m not sure of but dimly think might exist)

((ALSO SHE’S GONNA BE TINY NEXT TO THEM I DUNNO IF THAT MAKES IT MORE TERRIFYING OR LESS, PROBABLY MORE))

DAVEBOT: so youre telling me you dont even feel a little bad that you ditched him to be a weird death acolyte ARADIA: no i think he found my wiles both charming and irresistible DAVEBOT: not even an ounce of guilt or self doubt huh DAVEBOT: just like that DAVEBOT: no conversations about the greater good DAVEBOT: no revelations about your feelings

Is Aradia a jerk or weird?  Can’t decide.

ARADIA: do you often find your faith in yourself shaken like this or is it a new experience now that your mortal coil has been left behind DAVEBOT: what ARADIA: do you think now that all that is left of you is a literal ghost inside of a machine you are more or less likely to embrace finality DAVEBOT: oh dope more cult of one shit DAVEBOT: immortality changed you ARADIA: could it be that you are projecting your feelings onto my situation DAVEBOT: does not compute rose jr ARADIA: ... ARADIA: we dont have to talk about it DAVEBOT: thanks

Wow, I actually can’t follow this conversation at all.  Let me stare at it for a sec...

...okay, the first part she’s talking about DAVE’s faith in HIMself being shaken, not her own.  She’s not asking if he relates to HER experience, she’s contrasting it.

Then, asking if he’d be more likely to embrace death, or... Time?  Death.  Whether his self-worth has changed because he might view himself as “less real”, something Aradia doubtless struggled with when she was a robot who already had so many excuses to devalue herself at the time?  And then Dave talks about “cult of one” shit what does that even mean-...

OH.  Like she’s a death cult.  Gooot it.  Because Aradia’s of the position that death and ending should be celebrated, and Davebot understandably isn’t entirely bought in.  This is as hard to parse down as one would EXPECT conversations between two Ultimate Selves to be hard to parse down, unlike Rose and Dirk where their insane missions and glaring flaws shine bright enough through it all that you can follow their conversation flow easily.

JADE: They sit in each other's presence, the silence between them as meaningful as any words they could exchange. DAVEBOT: its always really cool to hear how meaningful my silences are DAVEBOT: especially while DAVEBOT: CALCULATING DAVEBOT: CALCULATING DAVEBOT: especially while i am attempting to experience them

Alt!Callie pulling a narrative-text AFTER a talk-identifier like “JADE:” is really hilarious in my opinion.

JADE: i do not need your approval. the story will continue how it must. DAVEBOT: beep boop hater detected ARADIA: wow is that true JADE: i am not a hater. DAVEBOT: classic hater line DAVEBOT: i know this because i am pouring through genuine actual quadrabytes of information on historys most notorious haters JADE: no, you aren’t.

Pffffff. This is pretty fun.

DAVEBOT: you are the exact opposite of a hater ARADIA: a liker DAVEBOT: ok DAVEBOT: perfect example your tolerance for whatever is going on with DAVEBOT: all this ARADIA: i think she looks quite lovely covered in the viscera of the all-powerful enemy she consumed ARADIA: floating lifelessly in our periphery ARADIA: observing our every action and noting its relevance :) DAVEBOT: uh huh thats what i mean

I was gonna note “liker” as additive for pointless classpect purposes, but really more quoting it just because I really enjoy this conversation.  I’m starting to get sold on the chemistry of these two a lot faster than I expected.

JADE: even though I understand that it must happen, i am growing frustrated with the direction of this conversation. DAVEBOT: do you want to talk about something else stinky JADE: what would you suggest?

How long has that dried fucking blood been on her

DAVEBOT: ok hear me out DAVEBOT: kanaya DAVEBOT: but like DAVEBOT: wearing huge jorts

That explains Homestuck’s twitter earlier

> Weeks in the future, relative to the original point of interest...

Wait wait which point of interest?  This time we were just viewing? *click*

I love what must be this shitty imagination-ship they’re using to cross the substrate of reality

> ==>

Whoaaaa.  So they DIDN’T stay in those outfits for long?  It showed them in a bunk bed earlier, it showed CallieJade still going around blood-covered afterward-- dammit, I’m having a hard time gauging exactly how much time is supposed to have passed between their entry into the black portal, their earlier conversation, and this moment.  And as likely as some are to call this poor scene composition, I can’t think it’s anything but intentional, given we’re dealing with a couple of Ultimate Time players bullshitting with each other.

Moments like these are not rare, and serve a valuable function to the story. They are able to show a passage of time with the bulk of the emotional labor of a lengthy bonding process happening off screen. How did we get here? What have they been through? These questions are often better left open to individual interpretation and can give the one interpreting a sense of ownership of the story.

See?  We’re being trolled is why.  (Even if the authors are pulling the trick Alt!Callie describes maybe a little too damn often, because a cut like this where we’re supposed to fill in the emotional gaps and intervening events ourselves as readers depends on readers’ faith that sensible events and decisions for these characters would OCCUPY the gaps, as if readers don’t have faith that what intervenes WOULD make sense to their understanding of the characters the way the authors are writing them... it just seems like an excuse to do whatever you want without adequately explaining yourself, when in reality if you’d spelled out the events that led to it we’d all cry foul at the mischaracterization.)

...okay, maybe I’m a BIT bitter.  Sorry.  Where were we?

JADE: As a point of curiosity- ARADIA: oh shit!!!!

The dead Cherub possessing the body of an equally deceased Goddess of Space pauses at the interruption.

She doesn’t talk much, then?  Too busy doing whatever talking you’d do as your other possessed Jade body?  Just how temporally related is you controlling THIS Jade compared to when you were controlling the other?  When that Jade pegged you as enjoying contact with friends, are these two just not enough for you, or did you “experience” the trips entirely separately?  I don’t THINK the alt!Callie possessing either Jade is a separate entity from the other, but...

Were she to voice her opinion, it would be that --actually-- it is not unusual for those whose primary concern is The Grander Scheme to have a passing curiosity about the insignificant. So when one really thinks about it, any annoyance with the attendant’s small mindedness is both understandable and warranted.

She pissed

...also, “the attendant”.  Even if “serve” is really the verb here, that phrasing really irks me as if she’s talking down to her.  Which, I mean, makes sense for alt!Callie’s character, but doesn’t make me feel better about this new definition being foisted on us.

ARADIA: :( JADE: as a point of order, you never answered dave’s question. ARADIA: which one he is very chatty JADE: you experience time in a way that is woefully unfamiliar to me and it has... piqued my curiosity enough to learn more. ARADIA: ?_? DAVEBOT: shes asking how old you are

Wait a minute, is Alt!Callie asking a question about a dropped topic from WEEKS ago?!  And is Davebot so in touch with Time and the meta ordering of topics that he actually CAUGHT ON that fast to what she was actually wondering about?????

This is getting more disorienting by the minute.

ARADIA: in this form our bodies stop aging once we reach maturity i think ARADIA: the god tier keeps our physical form locked in a state of undying ARADIA: even in death the bodies do not decay ARADIA: only lay dormant

THAT LAST PART IS FUCKING IMPORTANT.  It’s being brought up intentionally to tell us that JOHN’S DEAD BODY can still be in the wallet Terezi’s carrying around RIGHT NOW without having decayed over the past years.  I remember remarking in SOME previous HS^2 liveblog post of mine that I was alarmed by the decay that would have happened there (can’t find my remark on short notice and don’t really care to), so this explicitly dismisses it so we won’t be surprised by the fact that she could keep it in just-dead condition.

DAVEBOT: like how long have you been alive JADE: yes, that one.

[...]

ARADIA: oh maybe a few hundred years or so DAVEBOT: what JADE: what? ARADIA: well if i had known you were going to be so judgy about it DAVEBOT: when did this happen ARADIA: oh i spent some time in other doomed realities and timelines and came back before anybody could tell i was gone

Hm!

We knew she spent a LONG time in the dream bubbles, enough to talk to “pretty much all of the Nepetas”, but she was actually able to access a universe or universes and hop between them?  That’s not something any time traveller we’ve seen has been explicitly able to do intentionally before, quite like she’s describing.

DAVEBOT: oh just out for a bit of fun then DAVEBOT: just hopped on over to a different reality DAVEBOT: real casual like DAVEBOT: oh hello dont mind me just popping in to see if it really is as doomed as they say it is DAVEBOT: did not disappoint ARADIA: yes almost exactly like that :) DAVEBOT: who did you hang out with are they cooler than me ARADIA: it is complicated to explain DAVEBOT: oh ok nevermind then DAVEBOT: all clear

Yep, he’s kinda bewildered.  Is this Pesterquest stuff she’s referring to?  Did she stop by Pesterquest?

DAVEBOT: a whole alternate universe ripe with the coolest motherfuckers imaginable ARADIA: you were there too i threw your air conditioner into the sun DAVEBOT: wow thats fucked up DAVEBOT: thats not where that goes at all JADE: these events are not-canonical. ARADIA: rude

Ah!  Yeah, almost certainly Pesterquest.  (Still haven’t played that and have little inclination to now that I’m more sure we aren’t being gaslit with intentional continuity errors, just disappointed by actual continuity errors.)  Oh!  And that makes a bit more sense because I imagine that’s Black Hole territory, and that territory outside of Canon seems pretty rich and easy for time-travellers to hop between stories and timelines willy-nilly.  As they’re apt to in fanfics, which is the most appropriate way for things to be in that realm!

DAVEBOT: is that the trope of being hundreds of years old but looking young forever patently sucks ass DAVEBOT: a plot device an asshole would write ARADIA: :( JADE: that is not what i am trying to say at all. DAVEBOT: hmm wow yeah thatd really be a sort of pot/kettle situation i guess DAVEBOT: i cant believe im the only woke one here DAVEBOT: its hard being such a visionary AND such a fine metallic specimen DAVEBOT: but im an altruist first and fucking foremost ARADIA: so selfless JADE: yes, the greater narrative is truly blessed by your beneficent presence. DAVEBOT: oh so you got jokes now huh JADE: i have always had the ‘jokes’ of which you speak, but i have heretofore exercised restraint in laying you low. JADE: i possess knowledge of many of your iterations, as the scope of my powers allows me to exist in several narrative structures at once. DAVEBOT: but can she see why kids love the sweet cinnamon taste of cinnamon toast crunch JADE: i do not know, or care, what that means. ARADIA: neither do i :)

I’m actually really enjoying this conversation

JADE: its cultural significance to you as an earthling is wasted on the two of us entirely, as we have not conflated the misguided notion of clinging to nostalgic cereal advertisement trivia with socially relevant conversation.

Pff she literally checked her meta notes just now to learn what the cereal ads were after admitting she didn’t know what it meant and pretending not to care

> ==>

Oh, closer look at Davebot.  Are those actual SHAPED shades over his robotic eye bulges?  Weird, I thought it was just a lazy line drawn between them with red sharpie at first, Sans style.  That would’ve been funny.

> ==>

Ohh, I get it.  I was gonna say that was an unwarranted reaction... but he just realized that the Time-wait puns will be coming from BOTH his shipmates from now on.  That’s gotta be a downer.  :)

> ==>

HOLY

FUCKING

SHIT

IS ALT-CALLIE LAUGHING!??!?!?!??

That’s REALLY, REALLY GOOD!!!  SHE’S ALREADY LAUGHING OCCASIONALLY THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY

“BEST NARRATOR” COFFEE CUP

SHE’S ADORABLE

> ==>

Ah, was that Jade kicking you out?  Or just the multiverse punishing you for being briefly happy :(

--oh, end of the update.  Guess that’s it for now!

...

Alright I know I’m A BIT BEHIND on covering the HS2 commentary,

But

I really would rather wait on that a bit longer if that’s alright.  Real busy and stressful week or two.  (Found out my hair is starting to thin noticeably at age 31!  Quite suddenly, too.  Blood test looks fine so it’s nothing serious... gonna see a doctor to check if anything can be safely done about that, it’s really hurting my self-esteem more than I thought it would.  Didn’t think it would hit my emotions that hard when it eventually happened, knew it was likely but not so SOON... really messing with my anxiety every time I accidentally touch my hair, now.  I’ll deal with it.)

If I sound really aimless in this post, I think it’s cause I am?  My mental and emotional energy’s REALLY drained.  I’m glad that June/July break in HS^2 happened when it did, and I’m definitely glad there’s apparently plenty in HS^2 I can really enjoy, if this update is anything to go by.  Maybe this comic can help lift me up instead of knocking me down.  :)

See y’all later!  More Patreon commentary blogging catchup after some other upd8.

[purplesurveys]

1115

survey by vintagekid

Name:  Robyn.

Happy with it? I am now, but I certainly wasn’t as a kid. Other kids were cruel and would tease me solely for my name, which made it hard for me to socialize. I got the same bad Batman jokes too many times and I also got called a boy. These seem petty now, but as a kindergartener adjusting to life in school, it had been traumatizing and made me wonder if my classmates were going to remain the way they were for the long run which no 4-year-old should be mulling about, really.

Do you wear stilettos? When I get the chance, which isn’t very often at all. But I do love stilettos.

How important are looks to you? I find this question very vague, but generally looks matter to me to a certain extent, like how I’d want to look nice and proper for a job interview or for formal occasions such as weddings. Relationship-wise, I also think I have to feel a level of physical attraction towards someone for me to consider seeing them.

How often do you download music? I don’t anymore. I stream all my music.

Can you name a philosopher? Socrates.

What would you do if two unicorns tried to whisk you off to candy mountain? I just looked this up and this is apparently in reference to an ancient viral video, like it was around before viral videos were even a universally-acknowledged concept. That said, I don’t have a clue how to respond to this lmao.

You became the deciding vote in an election, which party would you go for? I don’t base my voting decisions on parties because the party system in my country is a tragically broken shitstorm in which every single party rallies the same values and principles, just executed in their own – and usually poor and unsustainable – ways. I do my research on each candidate, see how they answer in debates, look at laws they’ve authored, see which marginalized groups they proactively support (if they do), and decide from there.

Do you have a bzoink account? I don’t but I’ve been a semi-regular visitor since like 2009.

How many phone calls do you typically make in a day? Zero. People usually call me.

What song are you listening to? Tell Me It’s Okay by, surprise surprise, Paramore.

Do you understand things others your age do not? I don’t know. Maybe. Everyone’s bound to understand some things better than others.

Do you hate people that label themselves? Why would I hate that? And why would their chosen label be my business?

How many windows do you have open? None. There’s plenty of mosquitoes at night, so even though the cold evening air would been pleasant to have we have to keep the windows closed by nighttime.

How superstitious are you? Not at all.

If you were in Harry Potter, which house would you be in? I’ve been told either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.

Which comedian can always crack you up? It’s not a habit of mine to watch comedians.

Are you nagged about being on the computer too much? Not since I was a teenager. Since college I’ve been doing most of my work, if not all of it, through my laptop, and I think my parents understand that I have to use it all the time.

Do you feel bad about anything you've done lately? Nothing comes to mind, no.

What's your texting bill typically like? My SIM is prepaid, so it works the other way around. I put load credits in it only if I know I’ll have to call/text/surf regularly.

What song did you/do you want played at your wedding? Turning Page by Sleeping At Last.

Do you have a lot or hardly any lines on your palms? Idk, a decent amount I guess? I don’t think it hits either extreme.

What's your favourite word? Poignant.

Are you allowed to swear in front of your parents? Yeah. They’ll shoot me a glare sometimes, but I’m in my 20s and...they know they can’t really do anything about it anymore lol.

Do you eat apples? No.

What are your addictions? Coffee, I suppose.

What are some words you use in daily life? I use intensifiers often, like very, really, super, absolutely, etc. I’m also big on expressions hahaha like oh my god, seriously, for real, and ugh.

Do you look things up on Google constantly? Yes.

Where do you get your music from? Spotify. Sometimes YouTube if I wanna look for a leak.

What do you think of people with afros? That they are people with afros...? I don’t really know what you’re looking for me to say, lmfao.

--

survey by charey-chas

Do you like getting your picture taken? Not for the most part. My body instantly gets all frozen and awkward when a camera’s placed in front of me, which I hate because I do wish I could have more photos of myself around. Is your phone anywhere near you? It is not, actually. It feels great and I really should start making it a habit to keep it away from me entirely on weekends. Do you ever enjoy going to school? In my first school, I enjoyed going mainly (and probably only) for my friends; but Catholic school was predominantly a torturous experience. The rigidity isn’t something I look back fondly on, and it felt like being kept on a tight leash for 14 years. College was a lot more enjoyable in every way possible. I liked going to (most of) my classes and learning as much as I loved the vibrant org culture and the general freedom that comes with university life. Have you ever gone on a road trip? Lots. The Philippines is a relatively small country and unless you want to jump to a different island altogether, there are many provinces you can readily travel to by car.  Who do you get along with best in your family?  Nina, my sister. Then my dad. I clash a lot with my mom and I don’t talk to my brother. Based on your personality, what animal do you think you'd be? Cats and I don’t get along very well hahaha but I think I’m similar to them. Would you ever buy anything from an infomercial? Maybe once, just to be able to say that I have. Have you ever made a snow angel? No, because I’ve never seen snow before. Have you stayed in a hotel in the last month? No. We had a brief getaway in Tagaytay but we switched things up and went to rent a condo, instead of book a hotel room, for a weekend. What's your most comfortable outfit? If I want to go for comfortable, I usually go for my rompers or jumpsuits. Do you text or IM more? IM these days. Would you rather listen to music or play it? Listen. I have no music-playing skills whatsoever. Have you ever been in a hot tub? Sure. Do you like pizza? LOVE IT Are you sleeping in your own bed tonight? Yes. If not here, the couch. But most likely it will my bed tonight. Are any of your friends having a sleepover right now? I doubt it. Angela and Hans had an overnight stay in Batangas a few days ago for their Valentine’s shenanigans though, which I guess kinda counts as a sleepover. Have you ever been to a house party? I don’t think so. That’s something I missed out on in my college days, but I don’t mind. Do you listen to your iPod or the radio when you're in the car? I think I keep a good balance. If my phone’s battery is not very high I’ll rely on the radio; and sometimes I’ll sync my phone’s Spotify to the car as well.

--

survey by charey-chas

What song is stuck in your head at the moment? RAVI’s BUM. What's your fathers' middle name? He doesn’t have a second name, but I’m not sharing his legal middle name on here either. How many hours a day do you spend on the computer? On work days, I’d say 8-10 hours. On weekends, maybe a little slightly less than that since I do like getting off the laptop sometimes to rest my eyes. Could you live without the internet? People from the past managed to live without it, so I know I can. It would just be extremely inconvenient; and having been dependent on it for such a long time now, I would likely be clueless on how to navigate most activities. What's something you're really into? Learning about cultural differences!! That’s why reading survey answers has always been fascinating to me. I would love a website that dives into the various everyday behavior people observe in other countries, but the ones that do exist use like 20- or 30-year-old sources, so they aren’t even relevant at all anymore. What's the last movie you saw in theaters? Knives Out. Have you ever seen a movie in 3D or in an IMAX theater? Just once. It was Denise and Leigh’s 18th birthday treat and they brought us to watch Doctor Strange in 3D. Do you prefer skirts, shorts, or skorts? Shorts. Have you ever vandalized? Just a few school chairs in grade school, but otherwise I’m too paranoid for vandalism lol. What's the longest you've stayed up? Maybe a little longer than 24 hours. Who'd you have a sleepover with last? Gabie. When's the last time you baked something? Nearly a decade ago. Our oven was new at the time and I wanted to try baking cookies. Do you like to dance? When I’m alone. Do you scratch mosquito bites, even though you're not supposed to? Yup. Are you afaid of spiders or do you like them? I mean I’m not fond of them, but I also don’t scream and run away when I see them. I just don’t care for them for the most part. What's a pet you've always wanted? I’ve only ever wanted dogs, and now I’ve got two of them. Do you like mice? Not really. Would you ever get a tattoo? Sure. I’ve been considering it for a while now; it’s just a matter of being able to save up for one. Do you prefer to walk in the street or on the sidewalk? Street, if it’s bare and safe enough. Otherwise if I’m in a busy city with regulations and all I’d obviously rather be on the sidewalk. What's your favorite t-shirt? My CM Punk Best in the World merch. Who did you last think about? I remembered Deina when I was thinking about the tattoo question. She got a pawprint tattoo on her wrist shortly before her senior dog passed away and ever since learning about it I’ve also been thinking about getting the same tattoo. Do you like giving hugs? I love giving hugs and it’s an automatic response for me whenever I see someone I love, which is why Covid is such a torture for me. Do you prefer hardwood flooring or carpeting? Hardwood. Did you/will you get a car for your 16th birthday? No. I got a car when I was 17, around six months before I started college. Have you ever eaten a worm? No but I’d be willing to try.

[popcrone818]

The Other Swan Part 4

Skylah P.O.V

I had taken notice that Seth and Leah were part of the group in Jake’s garage earlier today and I realised they mustn’t be all bad if they were all like Seth and Jake. Seth even helped me clean up after dinner, much to the surprise of Sue. We talked quietly to each other as we washed and dried the dishes getting to know each other a bit more. I told him a bit about my life and friends in Arizona and he told me about his life living on the rez. He spoke highly of his dad; Harry and I could tell he still missed him. Must have been good to live with both parents. He told me all about his friends; Jake, Embry, Quil and Jared.

“You’ll meet them all soon, and I'm sure you will even love Emily. She’s my first cousin but she’s more like a second mother to me and the rest of the boys.” He placed a hand on my arm and lent back on the counter. I felt my body flinch away from his touch, we were having such a nice conversation before he had to touch me. I wiped my hands off on the tea towel.

“I'm sorry Seth, I'm getting a bit tired, ill see you around.” I could see the hurt in his eyes, and something made me reach out to touch his hand that he had sitting on the counter after he had taken it away from my arm. My touch was feather light, but I knew he felt it. I quickly took off upstairs where I changed and hid myself under the cover of my bed. Shortly after I heard the howl of a wolf and Bella bounded up the stairs and into my room.

“What happened? Seth said you completely froze and then ran away.” She asked placing a hand on the covers over my body.

“We were having such a great time, getting to know each other and stuff,” I pulled my head out of the covers and allowed her to sit on my bed beside me. “Then he touched me, it was light and I know he didn’t mean me any harm, but after the abuse I took from Zach I flinched, I don’t know why but it looked almost like it hurt him when I flinched. Its hard to explain. And now I've blown my only shot at having a friend my own age.” My body wracked with sobs, Bella didn’t even try to console me as she got up off my bed and walked out. She turned around before completely exiting my room though.

“You haven’t blown it Skye; it will all take time. Jake is coming tomorrow to take you to meet the rest of the boys.” She turned and left shutting my door.

That night my dreams were plagued with the day and months of what I had called a relationship with Zach, I woke up more times than I care to admit, sweating a breathing heavily. At around 4 am I pulled myself from my bed and padded over to the bay window overlooking the forest. I saw something move off to the left of my vision and I was strangely comforted but the mysterious presence. I knew Zach couldn’t come to hurt me here. I knew that if things went sour and he did find me Jake would do anything in his power to protect me.

I decided then that I wasn’t going to let my past define me. What happened to me back in Arizona should have never happened to a 15-year-old girl, but it did. I still have the rest of my life to be the person I was destined to be. Not all boys were Zach, but I also knew not all boys were as sweet as Seth. I promised myself I would no longer be defenceless. I had taken self defence while I was growing up, but when it all happened my life turned upside down. I had to become the girl I always knew I was but feared for I thought no one would like a head strong girl. That because that is what Zach had told me. Told me that I was worthless and that all I was good for was a trophy wife, an accessory. Not as my own person.

I straightened my back as I sifted through my overnight bag looking for something suitable to wear for the day. I pulled out my black leggings and a tight fitted sweater, and pulled them on before I grabbed my headphones and sneakers and raced out the front door. My run was good, it was refreshing, the beat of the music making sure I was keeping pace while my feet thudded on the ground in the forest. I found myself on the river bank by the Olympic Suites Inn on the Calawah river before I needed to take a breather and rest before heading back to Charlie’s. No doubt he and Bella would be up by now. The run back to Charlie’s was much faster and I felt like I was being followed the whole time.

I noticed that Jake’s two-tone pick up was parked in the driveway and realised I had been gone far longer than I thought I had. I walked in through the back door and was greeted to the scent of waffles.

“Good run?” Jake asked around his large stack of waffles piled high on his plate.

“Fantastic, couldn’t sleep, so I left earlier than normal, but I took a long run. All the way to the Calawah River.” I plopped down at the counter next to Jake and pulled two waffles from his stack. Charlie had already left for work, and Bella was still asleep, so I assumed Jake had let himself in and helped himself to the food. “So, what are we doing today?” I asked him as we both finished our food and washed up.

“I'm taking you onto the rez to meet the rest of the boys. And Emily.” I nod and race upstairs to have a short hot shower and pull on my ripped skinny jeans and loose blue sweater. It didn’t take Jake and I long to get to Sam Uley’s place. It was a small cottage on the out skirts of the rez, it was made of wood and was two stories. It had large windows from what I could see, and the house just screamed homey, I love it and I felt instantly at ease. I could hear howling laughter coming from within as I followed Jake onto the patio that stretched the perimeter of the house. Jake pushed open the large wooden door and let himself in like he owned the place. Must be a Jacob thing. I shrugged and followed him. The laughter died down when I walked in and all I could smell was freshly baked muffins. Everyone sitting around the large dinning table stopped to stare at me. I felt uncomfortable but remembered the promise that I had made myself this morning.

“Hi.” I waved shyly, just because I wasn’t going to let the past get me down anymore doesn’t mean I wasn’t still shy. Everyone went around and introduced themselves to me. Sitting at the table looking at me was Embry, Quil, Jared, Paul, Sam, Leah and lastly Seth. I felt myself smile slightly when my eyes landed on Seth, even though I had met him last night he still introduced himself.

“Hi I'm Emily, its so good to have another girl here, you have no idea how mad it can get around here sometimes.” She walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. I noticed the scars running down the right side of her face that drooped her mouth down slightly. I felt bad for her but she still looked beautiful.

“Were not that bad Emily!” I heard one of the boys protest as I watched Sam throw a muffin at his head.

“Quit it Embry, you know Emily love having other girls around.” Embry grumbled and bit into the muffin that he had caught after it hit him. I smiled shyly at Sam and sat down next to Seth who passed me a blueberry muffin before digging into his own. “So, there’s a bonfire tonight Skylah, thought you might want to come and sit in on some of the tribe’s stories and history. Its always a big thing with lots of food and stories, we even break out the marshmallows from time to time.” I looked over to see both Jake and Seth watching me closely as I nodded and swallowed my mouthful.

“Of course, I’d love to come.” Same nodded at Embry, Quil and Jake and they took off leaving me with Seth, Paul, Jared, Sam and Leah. Not long after Leah left too. Seth Paul and Jared moved to the lounge and started playing a shooting game leaving me with Sam and Emily. And soon even Sam left leaving a kiss to Emily’s mouth and disappearing.

“So, how are you liking Forks so far Skylah?” Emily asked me as she and I moved into the kitchen.

“Its not as bad as I once thought it may have been, but I still miss Arizona, although I'm not sure if I’ll be able to leave here. It just feels like something is holding me here I'm just not too sure what.” Emily nodded as she started to pull things out of the cupboard and fridge. I moved to help her, and she allowed me to do things while she flittered around the kitchen.

“Yeah I know what you mean, I'm originally from Portland and I was visiting Seth and Leah when I met Sam, put it this way; I never left, and I couldn’t be happier.” I nodded and helped her cook meals for tonight’s bonfire. Sue stopped by for a while to help Emily out as well and smiled fondly at me when she saw me. Once Embry, Quil and Jake came back, Paul and Jared left in their place. The boys started to rough house with Seth, and I watched closely in case it was to get out of hand. “Don’t worry this happens all the time. No one ever gets hurt I promise.” Emily told me placing a hand on my shoulder in comfort. I shook my head and looked away from the boys. All too soon the bonfire came around. Sam, Paul and Jared all made their presence known before all the boys went outside to start the fire. Billy Black showed up with Sue not too far behind. There were a few older members of the tribe that I didn’t know but I was sure I would meet them eventually and so I just help Emily bring out tray after tray of food for everyone.

I looked at how much food we had and wondered how many people were supposed to be showing up. Around the fire that the boys had lit were large logs of driftwood displayed around in a sort of circle around the fire. I could feel the heat of the fire from where I stood, a good couple yards away.

I felt Seth before I saw him, he walked up to me and his arm touched mine for a split second before he took a small step away from me.

“So, are you excited for tonight? Your first Quileute bonfire.” He bounced slightly on the balls of his feet. “To be honest with you this is my first one too. Mom would never let us come as kids. She has taken over dad’s spot on the council though and she thought it would be time we learnt our heritage.” I nodded at Seth and moved closer to him, it had gotten dark quickly and everyone had decided to get some food. I had noticed some other girls show up and they seemed to be paired off with the boys. Seth and I hung back as everyone else got their meals before us. As Seth and I sat down on a log together Jake showed up but this time he brought Bella as well. It was unknown to me why he would bring her, but I shrugged and continued to eat. Watching in amazement as the boys almost devoured the whole spread of food Emily and I had organised.

Jake called Seth over to him and Bella, I couldn’t hear the conversation they had but I watched as Jake pulled Seth into a headlock while Seth tried to get out of it.

Seth jogged back over to me where he sat down before Billy started with the council meeting. Or bonfire as I was told it was.

“The Quileute have been a small tribe from the beginning. And we’ve always had magic in our blood. We were great spirit warriors, shapeshifters that transformed to the powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe. One day our warriors came across a creature that looked like man but was hard like stone and cold as ice.” As Billy spoke images flashed through my mind how they would if I was reading a book. Playing out as if a movie was being played in my head.

 “Our warrior’s sharp teeth finally tore it apart, but only fire would completely destroy it. They lived in fear the cold man was not alone. They were right. She took her vengeance out on the village. Our elder chief, Taha Aki, was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe after his son was killed. Taha Aki’s third wife would see that we would lose. The third wife was no magical being, no special powers but one. Courage. The third wife’s sacrifice distracted the cold woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe. Over time our enemies have disappeared, but one remains. The cold ones. Our magic awakens when they’re near and we sense it now, we feel the threat in our blood. Something terrible is coming and we must all be ready. All of us.” I listened to him intently, unaware that I had taken Seth’s hand and grasped it gently laying it in my lap. Seth turned his face to me and took a deep breath before swallowing.

 “Skylah, the legends are true. We are shapeshifters, me, Leah, Embry, Jared, Quil, Paul, Jake and Sam is our alpha. I'm telling you this because when I first met you, I imprinted on you. And all imprintees need to know about us and what we can do. The cold ones-.”

“Vampires?” I asked him interrupting as he placed his hand over my own. I flinched away from his touch and his warm brown eyes were filled with sorrow.

 “Yes vampires, we are werewolves, its why were so hot all the time. Its why we eat so much, its why everything about us seems a little off. Emily is Sam’s imprint, Kim is Jared’s, Quil has just imprinted on Emily’s niece Claire, and Paul has imprinted on jakes sister Rachel. You are my imprint.”

 “What does imprint mean?” I asked him as I stood up starting to back away from him. I noticed the hurt in his eyes.

 “that we are bound to that person for life, to be whatever they want us to be as a friend, a brother or a lover. We will do anything to protect our imprints. Technically it’s a soulmate but if you don’t want that with me, I will be anything you want me to be, even if it’s just a protector.”

 “Seth this is all too much for me. I don’t know what to say, I'm not even sure I believe you.” I held up my hands and took a few more steps away from Seth. I noticed that everyone’s eyes were now on Seth and I as I slowly backed away from him as he tried to reach out for me.

 “Skye, just listen to him, he’s telling the truth.” I heard Jake say in the background.

 “No! you don’t get to say anything either! You kept this from me as well!” I spun around on my heel and ran into the forest. I could feel one of the boys following me and I hoped it wasn’t Jake or Seth. They both lied to me.

I kept running until I tripped on tree root and fell catching myself with my hands scraping them up and then backing up until my head hit the tree I tripped on. I must have hit it harder than I thought, because the last thing I saw before blackness clouded my vision was a black, brown and grey wolf bounding over to me.

[oh-theatre]

Sycamore High: There are Things... (Chapter 33)

A/N: Hey write other characters, ok but consider I write Ted and Tommy, fair enough. ALSO, YES IM SETTING UP A SEQUEL IT WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THEIR SENIOR YEAR... that just means we won't be seeing them do Starship, but it will be mentioned

summary: Tommy's parents are home...

words: 4,459

warnings: homophobia, swearing, kissing, negative thoughts, mentions of death, crying,

Ao3 Link

“What?!” The class cried in unison. Chad held up his hands defensively, shushing them.

“They can't just cancel the musicals!” Ted called, Chad eyed him, he sank back into the chair feeling the heat rise in his face. Paul giggled patting his shoulder.

“They aren't...canceling them perse” Chad explains, “they are just spreading them out between the next two years. So...we will do Starship next year and Falsettos the year after that” He informs, the class groans once more. “Sorry guys” He finished just as the bell rings. “Don't forget the musical ends soon so if you haven't seen it!” He shouts. Ted waves goodbye before leaning into Paul.

“I haven't seen the musical, we should go see it” He whispers, Pauls smirks before nodding “I heard the lead sucks” Charlotte swats his arm glaring.

“I heard that the one guy who plays his brother is awful!” Emma mimics Charlotte's actions, dummies. “But yes we should see it, when are you free?” Paul says pulling out his phone, he opens his calendar. Emma rolls her eyes, Bill starts walking faster now.

“Oh, not until next month, you?” Ted responds as they make their way into the halls. Paul checks his calendar once more ignoring the groans coming from the girls.

“Shame, me too” Paul shrugs “Well squiddy doo! Guess we won't be seeing the musical”

“Indubiously” Ted replies, Bill turns eyeing him. He grins wildly at his smaller friend, a look of pride. Bill purses his lips, afraid his answer won't satisfy.

“Nope, still not the correct usage” Bill responds, Ted snaps his fingers before sighing. “You'll get it one day” Bill assures, Ted fakes a sullen look before laughing. “Anyway, can you believe it's closing soon? And then its winter break” Bill exclaims. They sit at their lunch table, Tommy joins soon after, receiving a quick kiss from Ted.

“I know!” Tommy smiles, he opens his lunch munching down quite quickly “I'm excited for Christmas! And snow! And cookies! And presents!” Ted laughs, Bill nods, Tommy smiles at the rest of the group.

“We don't celebrate Christmas but I am excited for snow” Bill adds, Tommy smiles politely, he covers his mouth speaking through his food.

“Do you celebrate anything?” He shakes his head “Sorry that sounded rude-

“No you're fine, it's a fair question,” Bill interjects, Ted and Paul listen as they eat their own food. “I don't, my dad and I just enjoy the time off” Tommy smiles, clearly content with the answer. He turns to Emma who raises an eyebrow before sighing.

“Christmas T” Emma says, she smiles at him. She can’t be annoyed, not at his sweet curious face. He giggles before turning to Paul, he thinks for a moment.

“Same” He responds, Tommy looks expectantly to Charlotte, she smiles. He might know a lot about each of his friends, but there's still more he can learn.

“I don't celebrate anything either but me and my mom have our own holiday! We just bake and make crafts” Charlotte explains, Emma nods. Tommy squeals, he looks to Ted finally who shies away from answering. Tommy kept staring, Ted slumps his shoulders pouting.

“I don't know,” he admitted, Tommy softened, he slid his hand into Teds under the table “I would usually hang out at Paul or Bills, my parents never did anything. I think I'm supposed to celebrate Christmas, but I don't know what my dads are going to do” He finishes, Tommy squeezes his hand reassuringly, he felt a sense of pride at the ease of the word ‘dads’ sliding so easily off his boyfriend's tongue. “No, it's ok” Ted glances over at Paul and Bill “I have a lot of fond memories with these two losers” They chuckled. Tommy buzzed kissing him softly on the cheek. He felt a light buzz in his pocket, excusing himself from the group.

Mama

Mama: Tommy, we are returning home tonight. We hope to see you readily dressed, homework complete and ready for dinner.

Tommy bounced, his parents were coming home. And they wanted to have dinner out with him! He glanced back at the group, his eyes landing on Ted. Should he invite Ted? His Grammy would be there, it wouldn't be so bad...would it? Maybe they could see his play!

Tommy: Grammy and I will be ready! Could I invite a friend?

Though he hated writing it like such, but over text was really not how he’d like to reveal anything.

Mama: I suppose so, I have a meeting, do not text me anymore.

Love you too Mom, He sighed, he shoved the phone back into his pocket, making his way back to the group. Ted smiled at him, he took this as an invitation to lean on Ted's shoulder, Ted did not mind.

“You alright gumdrop?” Ted whispers into Tommy's hair. Tommy feels a chill run down his spine, he nods.

“Wanna have dinner with me tonight?” Tommy asks, Ted furrows his brows “Its with my parents and Grammy” He informs, Ted sucks in a sharp breath.

“Your parents…?” Ted cautions, from what he knew and heard they were not Ted's favorite people at the moment. But...who doesn't like Raina Sweet? Tommy nods, yawning suddenly. “Alright, but only because I like your grandma” Tommy sat up slapping Ted's arm playfully

“Hey! What about me?” He pouts. Ted strokes his chin for a moment, before shrugging.

“What about you?” He teases, Tommy gasped, he leans in kissing Ted.

“How dare you” He whispers up against his lips. Ted kisses back but pulls away soon after much to Tommy's disappointment, he looks to his food. Examining the remains of the packed lunch his fathers had packed for him. An apple, some veggie chips, and a salad. An idea lit up in Ted's mind and he turned back to Tommy, inspiration glazing his eyes.

“Really? Right in front of my salad?” He whines, Tommy laughs. They pull away as Ted rejoins the conversation picking at his last bits of food. Dinner, with my parents, and grandma, He looks over at Ted smiling and laughing along with the group, and my boyfriend. And it's going to be Christmas soon!

~~~

“I don't know” Tommy admits, Paul and Bill share a glance.

“Well it has to be a surprise,” Paul says, Bill nods. Tommy goes to speak but they are on a roll now. “Ice cream cake”

“Salty foods, lots of chips” Bill adds, Paul snaps his fingers. Tommy backs further into the corner. “Karaoke maybe? Or bowling” Bill wonders

“Maybe we c-”

“There has to be some kind of live music” Paul notes, Tommy huddles further. He doesn't like being interrupted but he hates confrontation. And honestly? He felt a little out of his league, the pair continued to spout ideas off of each other. They were aware that Tommy was there, but they weren't talking at or with him. The ideas piled on, one after another. Color schemes, foods, things that had worked in the past. Tommy felt overwhelmed, he barely understood most of their suggestions in context. His neck hurt from furiously trying to keep up until finally, he couldn't take the incessant back and forth.

“Stop! If you two are so adamant about what ted wants” he glares at them, it's their turn to remain silent, to watch the be-speckled boy fearful “Then you plan his birthday party!” his voice hitches, he feels heat rise throughout him, as his eyes threaten soft tears. “Because clearly, I don't know anything.” They stare, eyes softening “Excuse me” he mumbles, pushing past them, disappearing back into the halls. Paul and Bill watch him go before turning to each other

“I think that went pretty well” Paul chirped, Bill thought for a moment but ultimately agreed. “I was thinking, a night out bowling, but we rent out the entire place” Paul suggests, Bill lights up.

“That’s wonderful! The entire cast can be there, except Sam probably” Bill decides, Paul nods eyes wide. They continue talking down the hall suggesting idea after idea.

~~~

“And then he just gave us total control!” Paul chimes, Emma stops as they walk home. Bill and Charlotte following behind. Much to Paul’s disappointment, Emma let’s go of his hand, Charlotte joins her. “What..?”

“You guys! That was not nice” she chides, they share a confused glance, Charlotte folds her arms “You have to include him”

“But he let us, he told us that we could do it” Paul argues, Emma sighs rubbing the beige of her nose. Bill, though being incredibly smart, was being incredibly clueless.

“Yeah, and we know what to do. We’ve been planning each other’s parties for years” Bill adds, Emma understood this. Charlotte and she had always done the same, but things change.

“So I’m not allowed to help Bill and Ted plan your birthday?” She asks, Paul furrows his brows confused once more. “Look, I know that it’s always been the three amigos but things change. You have to accept that Tommy is a big part of Ted’s life now.” She pokes Paul’s chest “You have to include him because he might not know small things here and there, but neither do I! There’s loads I still don’t know about you, Matthews. But Ted loves Tommy, vice versa, and he should be apart of the process” Emma explains, Charlotte's nods approvingly. “Plus this way he gets to learn more about Ted, and isn’t that a fun idea. It sounds stupid but I would give anything to spend two hours with Bill and Ted and learn more about you from and friends perspective” Bill sighs, he has a lot he would say.

“You make some excellent points” Paul notes, he extends his hand out to her, she hesitates before taking it. “kiss?” He asks softly

“Only if you call Tommy and apologize,” Emma says, she perks up “You can call him when we get to my house,” Paul nods. The group was spending the evening at Emma’s for studying, but also just to be there. Charlotte and Paul wouldn’t tell them why, but she needed people right now. ”Or since he’s coming over you can tell him in person, either one, no kisses until you do” she decides, Bill and Charlotte chuckle behind them as Paul pouts. “Come on, it's getting cold and I'm not wearing the right clothes for that” She drags him along, followed briskly by Bill and Charlotte. The walk isn't too long and they reach Emma’s house quickly. She opens the door calling out for her mother or father, none of which reply.

“House to yourself?” Charlotte inquires, placing the jackets neatly on the rack. She had been here many a time, it was practically her second home. Emma nods turning on the lights “Do we wanna set up here, or up in your room?” Charlotte asks, putting her bag down. Emma looks around deciding her room might be too cramped.

“Here is fine” So they gather around the coffee table setting up on the couches, floor, and chairs. Emma grabs some chips and cut up fruit and brings it. She grabs everyone a drink before taking her place on the couch, next to Bill. “Hey B, what time do the terrible T’s get here?” Emma asks, Charlotte smiles, Paul snickers. Bill puts down the notebook he was working on checking his watch.

“Should be here soon” He responds “Slight traffic, oh! And they have to leave early, dinner with Tommy's parents or something” Bil adds, Paul, nods curious. Emma scrunches her eyebrows, pursing her lips. She doesn't want to say anything but alas.

“Tommy's parents? As in the parents who didn't come to the play? As in the ones who, from what Ted has told us, isn't Tommys biggest supporter?”

“Those are the ones!” Ted swings the door open followed by a shy Tommy. He throws his bag down joining the group, Charlotte gives him a small wave. Emma darts her eyes away from Tommy, feeling her face heat up. Ted sits on the floor next to Paul, setting his things up on the coffee table. Tommy joins soon after, sitting politely in the chair behind him. “What are we studying?” Ted asks, Paul shows him the notebook and they continue on their own. Emma glances at Tommy. He sits tensely in the chair, staring the ground.

“I didn't mean anything, Tommy...I'm sorry” She mumbles, Tommy perks up, a smile crossing his face.

“Oh don't worry! I understand they aren't that bad though” He explains, Emma smiles before nodding. They return to their work a group conversation beginning, Tommy kicks Ted softly getting his attention. Ted turns looking up.

“Yes?” He asks forcing  smile, Tommy giggles back.

“Whatcha working on?” Ted looks back at his work showing him the notebook. Tommy nods writing something down “Ok when you're done with that, want to work on our ceramics project?” Ted nods turning back to his work. Charlotte and Tommy start-up an enthusiastic conversation, Emma focuses on Paul now. She follows Tommy's lead, balling up a small piece of paper aiming for him. He jumps, confusion riddling his face, he looks towards Emma. She gestures her head towards Tommy, he sighs mouthing the word ‘now?’. Emma nods, he grumbles.

“Heeeeeey Tommy” Paul starts, everyone pauses looking at him. That doesn't make his task any easier “I was wondering If I could talk to you…in private?” His voice is slow and forced. Ted glances between them before smirking.

“Please don't make out with my boyfriend Paul, I really like him” Ted mocks, Emma and Charlotte laugh. Tommy flicks the back of his head, as Paul flushes bright red.

“Yeah, Paul don’t do that, I like you too, it’d be a shame to have to find another boyfriend” Emma comments barely looking up from her paper. Paul groans, Emma and Ted share an air high five.

“Why do you assume I want to make out with him? What if he wants to make out with me?” Paul asks defensively, Ted purses his lips, but it doesn't help. The group erupts into laughter, knocking over supplies and school stuff.

“You're a riot Paul” Ted recovers shaking his head. He continues writing in his notebook, looking over his material. Paul pleads at Tommy who nods resolved, he leans forward kissing Ted on the forehead before following Paul out of the room. After a swift kick from Charlotte, Bill bounces up following them. Ted eyes the girls, who just smile. “Um...ok?” He says, he looks between them but nothing comes of it. The three of them continue working, Ted occasionally glances up at where the three boys had gone. After a while they return, their faces unreadable.

“Wow you were not wrong, Tommy is a good kisser” Paul teases, taking his place next to Ted. He clutches his pencil tightly, glaring at his friend. Emma snickers, but a pit of fear does form in the very bottom of her stomach.

“Not funneh!” He mocks, Paul smirks. Tommy and Bill roll their eyes returning to their own work. Emma and Paul have one of their famous telekinetic conversations.

“How did it go?” Emma asks raising her brows at him

“Mac and Cheese” He smiles back. Emma groans, ok so not so famous. The group continues working, trading works, grouping up, getting slightly off-topic sometimes. It started getting dark and the energy of the room had slowed, Charlotte had finished most of her work and was helping Paul. Bill and Emma were working on their Health homework. Tommy was doing his best to help a very tired Ted with his own homework. The doorbell rang causing them to jump. Tommy begins packing up his stuff, Ted follows.

“That would be us” Ted informs, He zips up his bag standing. “Dad is picking us up and dropping us off at the restaurant..” Tommy nods. Charlotte gives them both quick hugs, and after a chorus of farewells, the pair leaves. The rest of the night goes smoothly, with everyone leaving one by one. Bill goes first, promptly followed by Paul and finally Charlotte.

~~~

“Is it hot in here, am I sweating? Feel my forehead” Ted rushes shoving his hot face into Tommy's eyesight. Tommy chuckles pushing him back slightly. He frantically wipes his head, watching droplets of sweat flying through the car. Tommy shoves down a gag, before taking his admittedly sweaty hands.

“Dearest, I am not feeling your head,” He tells him, Ted nods.

“Fair enough,” He says understandably. Tommy smiles, squeezing his boyfriends hands gently.

“You'll be ok, they're not that mean” Tommy reassures, the car stops. Tommy looks to the front seat, Chad smiles politely waving goodbye as the boys get out of the car. Tommy forgot how extravagant his parents could be. The restaurant looked like a palace from the outside, shining with life, music flooding through the doors. A red carpet placed neatly in front of the main entrance, two guards stood on either the golden cord. Ted took Tommy's hand, leading him up to them. Once they assured them they had reservations they walked in, if you thought the outside was beautiful. Tommy could see Ted's jaw drop as they stepped into the ballroom. High ceilings decorated with various religious paintings, chandeliers hung from everywhere they could fit. Tables were placed neatly around, people buzzing with life in the golden room. The carpet was soft, detailed with small flowers. Waiters dances left and right serving everyone, people laughed and cheered. Tommy sighed, grabbing Ted's hand leading him over to where his parents were. Ted marveled as Tommy dragged him along, his eyes glazing over with every new detail he noticed.

“Tommy dear!” Raina squealed standing from her chair embracing the young boy. Ted returned his attention to the situation. Raina hugged him as well before taking her seat. Tommy's parents didn't stand, in fact, they made no notice of him until he sat down and they looked up from their phones.

“Oh, I thought you were the waiter, hello son” Tommy's father greeted, he shut off his phone pacing it delicately on the desk. Ted sat in the middle of Raina and Tommy, he felt Tommy grab his hand hidden under the table. He looked up to find Tommy forcing a polite smile, he sighed sadly, tonight was going to be rough. Who Ted presumed was Tommy's mother looked up, following her husband's example. Tommy smiled at them.

“You look ridiculous, stop slouching and adjust your glasses” His mother commented, Tommy did just that, his smile disappearing. Ted squeezed harder, releasing after receiving a quick pained glance from Tommy. He didn't mean to, but everything coming out of their mouths was not helping Ted's previous judgments about them. Raina cleared her throat, smiling sweetly at Ted. “Who is this?” His mother asked, eyeing Ted finally. His father did the same, Ted squirmed in his chair as their intent eyes examined him. Tommy began picking at his chair, avoiding their gaze. Ted took a breath before sitting up.

“I'm his friend” He stated, Tommy looked down ashamed. “Ted Hidgens” he introduced, reaching his hand across the table. Tommy's mother shook it, followed by his father. Their expressions remained the same.

“I'm Teagen and this is Tommy's father Eric” His mother greeted, he nodded giving a polite smile. Maybe I'm making progress…

“Oh Teagan dear, Tommy was just wonderful in the show” Raina burts, Teagan looked to her mother, her face questionable. “Oh and Ted here is in it too! They were both wonderful, they still have a few shows left you should go seem them” She suggested, the boys look gratefully at her. Teagan shook her head.

“I already told you and Tommy that I wasn't available” Eric nodded, looking over his menu. “How is school going?” She asked turning back towards Tommy. He swallowed, looking up slightly. His mouth moved, as he went over his grades and classes in his head.

“I have all A’s in my studies” He informed, hoping his answer proved satisfactory. Ted smiled at him, he felt a sense of pride wash over him, Tommy was really smart. Eric let out a small breath, Ted waited for their congratulations or celebration but they simply sat. Tommy himself looked almost hopeful, but he knew better.

“No girlfriend yet?” Eric moved on, Ted blinked wondering if he really just heard that. Tommy slumped, the wishfulness draining out of him. His father looked up and gestured “What? Am I not allowed to ask? We were hoping you would bring your girlfriend tonight…” He looked over at Ted “Not some friend”. Tommy swore he could feel himself shrink. Ted was fuming now, he grabbed onto the menu hoping for a distraction.

“Dad, I've told you a million times” Tommy began, his words were tired “I dont...like girls in that way” He glanced awkwardly at Ted. Ted gave him a loving smile from behind the menu, if that's what the night needed to be successful, hidden glances and stolen smiles, then so be it. Teagan scoffed, sipping her water. Ted looked over at Raina who might be fuming harder then he was.

“So Ted, what about you?” Eric asked he lowered his menu folding his arms out in front of him. Ted folded his own menu, staring awkwardly at him. “How is your school life? Any girlfriends?”

“Uh...I'm doing ok…” He admitted, he wasn't the best student but he managed “An A, mostly B’s, maybe one C” He recounted, Teagan set her cup down looking as though she had seen a ghost. Eric shook his head, biting his lips. He carried on, he had a lot to say, Tommy waited. No sir, I have no girlfriends…” I mean, I'm not lying. Ted wished he had bitten his tongue, just stopped talking, but alas the boy was stubborn all the same. “I do have a boyfriend though” Tommy's eyes grew wide, Eric choked back his drink.

“What kind of parents let you fail so miserably,” Eric asked, his question wasn't malicious (In that sense, it was absolutely cruel) But it was a genuine question. Ted tried his hardest not to yell, Tommy met his hand once more under the table rubbing his comfortingly. “Your mother is clearly a failure, and your father is clearly not strict enough” He was plenty strict, Ted thought. Tommy let out a soft gasp.

“Dad stop!” He whispered over the table. Eric shrugged, but he wasn't done. Though afraid by Ted's revelation, and relieved he hadn't mentioned Tommy's name, he wasn't going to play along.  

“I guess your parents just let you do whatever you want huh? Your mom buys you ice cream’ Stop “Gives you hugs whenever you do something even slightly right” Stop...Ted kept his eyes fixated on Eric, Tommy looked fearful “Does she hold you when you're sad?” Ted shut his eyes, Eric chuckled clearly victorious. “What a failure of a mother” Teagan nodded in agreement.

“Stop it!” Tommy burst, Ted looked up at him. “You are monsters!” His voice was still quiet but he was angry, Ted felt Raina put a comforting arm around him. “Ted's mother died! And she was a wonderful woman, who supported her son no matter what!” Eric and Teagan watched him horrified “And you knew this because I told you but because you refuse to listen to a word that comes out of my mouth…” He trails off, small tears fall from his face. Ted takes his hand squeezing it, Tommy nods gratefully, and so so sorry. “And Ted is wonderful, he's being raised by two amazing men-” Teagan gasps slightly as if the information could kill her. “That's right mom, surprise two men can be a relationship! Oh but you know what, maybe you were right” He says pondering mockingly, he feels overwhelmed by everything crashing down on him, Ted watches fearfully. “I mean maybe parents who are gay will turn their kids gay” Ted couldn't help but snicker, he clasps a hand over his mouth knowing exactly where this was going. “Ted's bisexual mom! Oh and fun fact, I'm the boyfriend, ooo! Plot twist” Teagans eyes grew wide, her face reaching a new level of pale, as though she might faint “Or maybe your wrong because I like boys mom and you aren't gay are you? So if anyone has failed as parents here it's you two” he accuses, Eric's eyes release an uncontrollable amount of fury. Raina claps her hands together smiling proudly at her grandson.

Or at least that's what Tommy wishes he would have said. But instead he watched as Ted suffered silently, too scared to move and all he did was hold his hand.

“Guys, can we stop please?” He asked softly, Ted remained still, it hurt Tommy the most. He wasn't expecting Tommy to say anything or do anything. Ted was willing to sit there and be torn apart, bit by bit, in the hopes of preserving any slimmer of a relationship between Tommy and his parents. And Tommy was letting him, all he did was cowardly ask them to stop.

“You will absolutely stop” Raina seethed, the group turned to her, she had her eyes fixated on Eric and Teage, a fit of familiar anger burning through her. “You haven't seen your son in months, you don't see his show, you don't recognize his intelligence, you tear down his lovely friend, insulting his mother who has passed away and has the nerve to insult him without giving him a chance to respond?” Ted feels his stomach seize as the parents look at him. He thinks he almost sees them soften. “I have had it, you will either learn to behave like proper adults and parents or I am walking out of this restaurant, taking these two with me and we will get some ice cream” She proposes, Tommy and Ted hope she can their grateful looks. Teagan and Eric stay silent, shocked by her outburst but too stubborn to even try.

“Fine take them, what do I care?” Teagan waved them off.

“Yes, I don't think I want to eat dinner with…” He eyed Ted, as though he were an infectious disease “That” That was correct, Tommy had enough. He slammed down his menu standing up, Raina followed, Ted did the same. They began to make their way out but Tommy couldn't do it, not yet. He walked back over, looked at his parents in their eyes.

“Teds my boyfriend,” He told them, he turned without giving them a chance to respond. Proudly taking Ted's hand, they walked out of the restaurant. Instantly, regret and shame and fear-filled Tommy.

What have I done?

[pbandjesse]

Today didn't go exactly as planned but it was a really good day. This was a nice little vacation. I didn't spend to much money and i feel really happy. Im sitting in my hotel relaxing and enjoying my night. Im really looking forward to going home though. I miss my cat and my apartment and my boyfriend.

I slept really well last night. I woke up with the sun and I was so cozy with my feather pillows abd blankets. I stayed in bed until 830. Playing on my phone. Being comfy. It was really nice.

I got up and got washed. My makeup looked great. I felt really cute. It was a bit colder today but it was still beautiful. I had breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. I listened to my podcast and just wanted a chill morning.

I got my backpack and headed out into the world. I tried to walk out of the parking lot from the back side and i got turned around and while the veiws were beautiful I was annoyed with myself for going the wrong way.

I walked up to a local park that has a small museum on the property. But it was closed. Thats okay. I kept walking. Then I decided I would go to the Garden of the World. A private park that is set up to emulate different cultural landscapes. Cool.

I walked up to a 711 to make it easier for a lyft to find me. And I got there in less then 15 minutes. California is funny. It would have taken me 2 hours to walk to this place but it was a less then 15 minute drive. Everywhere has been like that. Its bizzare.

But we get out there and its closed. Until 1. Okay im bummed but its fine. Not a huge deal. I walked around that area and found a neat little store and got myself a hair clip that I have had on my wish list for a while. And I got Jess a present. I still had like a half hour until I needed to be at the meeting thing. So I walked.

I ended up finding a really awesome Portuguese cafe and I got their signature pastry which was essentially a warm baked pudding. Almost like a creme brullee. It was great. When I was done I called a car and headed to the meeting.

The gps got confused and me and my driver had some trouble finding the building. But we did it and I was on time. The lady at the front desk wasnt very nice to me. I told her what I was there for. Who I was supposed to meet. And she just said. I dont know what that is is who that is. And i tried to show her my itinerary and she snapped at me. And I was about to get upset but someone leaned over the wall and figured out what was going on and solved the problem. Thank you nice lady.

The meeting was funny. When they asked me to do it they said it would be about 10 to 15 people. And that was fine. But when I got there today it was only one person. Well the one person and the person running the meeting. I don't know what happened but it was funny to me. Like I still had a good time and it was nice to talk to them both butt they spent $300 a night for this hotel for me. And they flew me across the country. And it was only one person. We could have done this over Skype guys. Like I'm not going to turn down what has been a really nice couple days but it was just pretty funny.

I told you my story. I told him about my art and my history. Medication and trials and errors. Insurance issues and finding a doctor. All the scary parts that go around being a patient. Even though it was only the one person I was talking to I really hope that my story can be impactful enough that she will really understand when she's out trying to get doctors to carry this medication and to prescribe it to people that it's a big deal. And financially it's a lot. That just because it works doesn't mean that everyone can take it. It's not just about filling a prescription with this kind of thing. There's a lot that goes into it.

But it was a really nice hour. I was there until about 1 and then I went to call the car and head to my next thing. It was funny while I was sitting outside waiting for the car a guy walked past me and told me it was too cold for me to be sitting out there. And I'm not going to deny it wasn't chilly. But it was still about 55°. It was funny people were walking around and basically winter coats. And I had a sweater and a jacket on. I didn't even have double tights on! It was beautiful. Californians art week.

I took the lift up to the Thousand Oaks Mall. According to the internet there is a branch of the California Art Museum there. Cool. I decided to just wander the mall for a while first. It's a nice small. Have an indoor and outdoor apart. Lots of pretty fountains. I walked around the Disney Store and I'll look for new shoes. Because the shoes I wore are killing my feet. They will not be travel shoes ever again. I didn't have any luck with shoes but I was enjoying just walking around. And then finally I found the branch of the museum. Was to galleries. Except they were closed for a private event. Awesome. I was pretty dejected. This was now the third thing I had been to today that was closed. I went and sat down and called James. I just needed to talk out my feelings because I was feeling stupid.

He made me feel better though. I think I was starting to feel like other people were going to think I wasted my trip. Like I didn't go to the beach and I didn't see a ton of things. But I don't actually feel bad. I had a great time. I walked around. I cried at mountains. I bought little Trinkets and got to see a bunch of antique stores. I decided while we we're talkin that I would go back to the gardens of the world. It said it would be open to the public again at 1. And it was about 2:30. So that's what I did.

First though I decided to buy myself a present. I know it's just a couple days after my birthday and I said I would stop by myself things but I was a little upset and I bought myself a stuffed lion from the Japanese store. And I love him so much. He's so soft and he's slightly under-filled. He's just perfect. So I don't feel bad about my purchase at all. He's great. His name is Daniel.

Once I bought my lion I wandered out of the mall in search of the Goodwill that I read was on the other side of the mom. I did find it. It was a pretty good Goodwill but I didn't find anything I wanted. I was mostly looking at shoes anyway. There was a very cute bear shaped rocking horse and a small Hello Kitty car for toddlers. But I wanted to get to the gardens. And they were only open till 5. I didn't know how big they were and I didn't want to feel rushed so I called a car.

This is the first time ever I had that was chatty. He was really nice and asked me all about my life story. And we talked all the way until we got to the gardens and then dropped me off. It was nice.

The gardens were beautiful. Free to the public. Privately owned by an elderly couple. They had apparently owned a travel agency and when they sold it they decided to take their millions of dollars and open this 44-acre public garden. It was amazing. Completely privately funded.

I wasn't sure if I was allowed to take pictures. There are a couple signs that said stuff about like photographers and that you need a permit but I wasn't sure if they were talking about like pictures of people like wedding photos and then I saw one sign that said something about cell phones but I was confused so I only took a couple pictures on the down low. Just in case. It was mostly empty. A couple small groups besides me. I walked the whole ground and it was beautiful. There was a section that look like an English garden and one that looks like an Italian Villa with Italian cypresses in a fountain. Lots of fountains. Each little cultural section had a water feature. The Japanese pagoda was really pretty and it was just so nice. I walked it twice. The first time around just kind of sneaking pictures of my Furby and enjoying the quiet. It was a little cooler and clouds were rolling in but it was still very nice. I got to see a lemon growing on a tree for the first time in my entire life. That was really cool. And then I found a volunteer. He was a really nice guy. I asked him to tell me all about the gardens and he did and then I told him where I was from and got to tell him about ships and he turned out to be a volunteer at the Reagan Library. So that was cool meeting another Museum professional. And so I walked it one more time and really enjoyed myself. And then I headed out. I wanted to see what else I could do with my day.

When I had left from the gardens the first time I had made a left. So this time I made a right I walked and walked and then I was just too tired to walk anymore. And I really lucked out because as soon as I call the car it started to drizzle. And then it started to rain. Thankfully I was right next to a Starbucks and they had an umbrella outside so I didn't get all wet. And my driver was very fast. But I got in the car and it started pouring.

I have the car take me up to the Target. And the rain had started to Peter out by then. But it went into Target and I found some sneakers. They have memory foam insoles. And they're very comfy. I also got a juice that is fine but kind of grassy tasting. And then we just walked around the shopping center. I went and all the little stores. Enjoyed the scenery. I was kind of on the top of a hill and I could see the mountains on all the sides and it was just so pretty. I don't know what it is about the mountains here but they make me want to cry when I stare at them for too long. I just find them so beautiful. It's different than the ocean which causes a different reaction in me. If I had another day I would probably try to get out to one of the mountains again like I did last time I was here. But It's okay that I didn't do that this time. I'm a little too sore from all the other walking I did to get lost in the mountains where I can't call a car when I run out of steam.

I just had to get something to eat and was a little frustrated because I couldn't find just like a grilled cheese sandwich anywhere. But I ended up at a brewery in the shopping center that was really cool on the inside. I liked the big silver Brewing machine things. And the food was good. My waitress was really nice. And I just listen to my podcast and enjoyed myself.

It was really running out of steam though. I thought the food would help but it didn't pick me up as much as I was hoping. I was a little disappointed in myself because I had tried to find the postcards or something to give as gifts to people. And I just completely failed. I couldn't find anywhere that sold anything like that. Thousand Oaks isn't really a tourist destinations they only have anyting. And so I kind of wandered around the shops longer to try to see if I can find anything similar to that. But I didn't have any luck. I'm hoping maybe tomorrow at the airport I can find a couple things but I'm not holding out hope. Because I have assumed it's going to be incredibly expensive if I can find anything at all. We'll see. I was trying not to be too hard on myself though. No one's going to be mad at me. Even though I'm afraid that they will be.

But like I said I was getting really tired. I went back to the Target one more time just to see if I can maybe find any California type stuff there but like I said Thousand Oaks isn't really a tourist place so no luck. I tried on a sweater and then I just decided it was time to go back to the hotel. I caught a car and then I got back and I was very happy to be here.

I ran a bath and I'm packed my bag. Started packing my actual suitcase bag. I might have to use both backpacks. I haven't exactly figured out that part yet. But I'm not that concerned. My bath was really nice. I got a bloody nose while I was in there but it wasn't too bad. Mostly just surprised me. Put away things and put my outfit out for tomorrow. I packed what I could. Put all my receipts in one bag. And now I'm just kind of sitting here and watching videos. I'm going to go to sleep soon though. I'm really tired and I got to wake up early to get the ride to the airport. They're coming to pick me up at I think 8:15. My flight is in two parts. I think I'm flying to Chicago and then from Chicago to Baltimore. I'm not positive it's Chicago though. Wherever it is I have an hour and a half there so I get to at least get a snack if not dinner. It's going to be a long day though. I don't get back to Baltimore until about 10 p.m. and then I work Friday morning at 9 at ships. So that's like a whole thing. Pussy town Much sleep I can get on the airplane but I'm not holding out hope. I hope you guys all have a great night. Wish me luck tomorrow. It's going to be a long travel day. I'm really excited to be in the same city as my boyfriend and my cat. Though I am a little sad I missed the snow storm today I'm glad that it's not going to affect my flight tomorrow. I hope it's just a really nice day. Sleep well everyone.

[nancythebisexualslutwheeler]

Byler prompt: Will and Mike like to hold hands underneath the table while playing DnD. It began as a platonic comfort but now they're starting to realize that it might be a bit more than that...

I am straight up the most extra person I know. Also background stoncy cause I couldn’t not.

They used to do it all the time. It was like a part of the game to them. Every night when the gang would gather to play Dungeons and Dragons, everyone would take their assigned seats, and Mike would take Will’s hand in his.

He’d expected it to be sweaty or awkward, but it just wasn’t. It was nice. He loved it, and it was part of his routine.

He knew better than to try it after the upside down. Will was extremely sensitive to people babying him or worrying about him too much, Mike included. Mrs. Byers worried enough for all of them, but Mike didn’t blame her. He’d seen the way his sister moped around sometimes, or how she woke up in the middle of the night screaming Barb’s name. He knows it’s happened to Will and he just wants to help.

But Will won’t let him. He’d learned his lesson the first time after Will had come back. They’d been playing in the basement and at first it was awkward, but they got back into the swing of things right away, especially when Nancy dropped off their pizza and two liter of coke. So Mike had reached over for Will’s hand, fingertips still greasy and Will had pulled away so hard that he shook his chair and the old card table chair had fallen to the ground.

Everyone was around Will in an instant, except Mike, who stayed in his own seat, cheeks red and chest tight with the hurt of rejection. When Will got up, with the help of Dustin and Lucas, the look he shot Mike was murderous.

“I’m going home,” he stated, eyes locked on Mike.

“Why? Do you need a band aid?” Asks El.

“No, but my elbows kinda messed up,” he lies.

“Come on man, no! Please stay,” Dustin says.

“I’m leaving,” Will snaps harshly, and the other five kids look at each other, he never acts like this.

“Well you don’t have to be a jerk!” Max says, going back to her seat and sitting down.

“Whatever. Bye.”

“How are you gonna get home?” Mike demands, “You told your mom you were spending the night!”

“Jonathan will take me.” Will says fiercely, crossing his arms over his chest.

“He’s upstairs with Nancy! It’s their date night!” And Mike knows this because she made it very clear they were not to be bothered.

“Well then tell your sister to quit macking on my brother so he can bring me the hell home!” And with that he stomps up the stairs.

The rest of the kids just stare at each other,

“What the hell was that?” Dustin asks.

“He needs a time out,” El says, taking a drink of her soda.

“He needs his ass kicked!” Says Max.

“He’s still messed up from the upside down,” Mike defends, even though he feels sick to his stomach.

“But that’s not like him,” Lucas argues.

“I know. But what can we do?”

The rest of them take their seats, but no one really feels like playing anymore. It’s only a short while later that Lucas says he’s going home. Dustin, El and Max quickly follow them, and soon Mike is left alone, with the extra food and trash, game pieces scattered.

He sighs, chest still tight, and gathers the paper cups, plates and used napkins to bring them upstairs. Their parents still aren’t home and Nancy is still on the couch in a bathrobe, presumably waiting for Jonathan to get back. (Or Steve to get off work) he’s not really sure what’s going on with that whole situation.

“Everyone rushed out early,” she says, turning to look at him.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I told Will to leave you guys alone.”

She shrugs,

“It’s fine. Mom called and said they’re going to stay in the city anyway, and Jonathan can pick up Steve from work on his way back so no big deal. Plus we were actually studying at that point anyway.”

Mike makes a gagging noise and Nancy flips him off. He laughs and she turns around so she’s kneeling on the couch, braced against the back on it, facing him,

“So what happened? Will seemed pretty pissed.”

Mike’s face drops,

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Hold the phone, what was that? What just happened? Did Will do something to you?”

“No! No of course not.”

“Well then why are you looking like that?!”

“God Nancy, you’re so nosy. Nothing.” Mike turns away to walk to his room. He doesn’t wanna talk about it. He just wants to cry.

“I’m nosy?! We were having a conversation! God you’re such a baby!”

“And you’re a bitch!” He turns and runs upstairs.

He’ll have to apologize tomorrow. It usually takes much more for him to call her a bitch. Usually around the same time she calls him an annoying asshole, or slams the door in his face for no reason. She didn’t deserve it. She wasn’t even prying like she usually does.

He’s just. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know why he’s so upset. It’s not like Will is. Eleven or something. Or Max. But Will is Will. He’s his best friend. And funny. And cute. And sweet. Will who had baked him a cake for his birthday and made Jonathan drive him over at seven am before school to give it to him. The last two years.

Will who had almost died. Will who didn’t want to hold his hand anymore, because he’d almost died. Mike didn’t know what to do. He didn’t think he was showing his feelings. But who could fault him if he wanted to hug Will all the time or see him smile, or watch him dance to his favorite song even though he truly couldn’t dance. Or hold Will’s hand, or even kiss him, maybe. (The jury was still out on that one. Kissing seemed gross. Even though everyone loved it, especially his mom and Dad. Ew! And Nancy and Jonathan (also maybe Steve?)). But the point was, he wanted to hold Will’s hand. And be around him. But Will didn’t want that. He was apparently creeped out by Mike and no longer wanted his weird, queer self around, especially not touching him.

The thought makes tears rush to his eyes and he buries his face is his pillow. This is too much. First Will almost died and this. He probably didn’t even want to be Mike’s friend anymore. And if he didn’t want to be his friend anymore then what was he going to do? And the whole rest of the group would find out and think Mike was a freak. Oh god. He sobs harder.

There’s a knock on his door a few minutes later,

“Go away!” He croaks.

Instead he hears the hinges of his door opening and he curses himself for not locking it. He hastily scrubs at his face with his sleeve and turns,

“Seriously Nancy! I’m not in the mood!”

She doesn’t say anything but he feels the pressure on the edge of the bed and she sits down and he breaks into tears again.

“Oh Mikey,” he hears her set something on his nightstand and then she wraps her arms around him, “What’s wrong honey?”

It takes him a few minutes to choke out, “Will doesn’t want to hold my hand!”

He watches a chunk of spit hit her in the chest, and she doesn’t flinch or move to wipe it off, just pulls back slightly to stare down at him,

“What do you mean?” She asks softly.

And Mike spills the whole story, as she brushes his hair away from his face and rubs his back, fingers tracing in different patterns.

“Well the first thing I want to tell you is you’re not a freak. You’re allowed to like anyone you want to like. Maybe Will was just scared because he likes you too.”

“You really think so?” He asks.

“He could. Or maybe he just didn’t want you to pity him because of the upside down. Or maybe he doesn’t like boys and he decided he doesn’t want to hold your hand. I think that’s unlikely, but it’s true. You have to remember he’s also my obligated to hold your hand.”

“I know, I know. Don’t go all psych major on me.”

“Wannabe psych major and shut up! I’m sure it’s one of the first two, but still.”

He sighs,

“You think he really likes me?”

She smiles,

“There’s only one way to find out .”

“But what if he doesn’t? That’s embarrassing.”

“You have to take a chance! You can end up in a great relationship, with someone you really like.”

Mike snorts, reaching for the pint of ice cream she had set on the nightstand. It’s rocky road, his favorite. He takes an enormous spoonful and hands it to her. She takes a more respectful size one and sucks on the spoon,

“Easy for you to say.”

“What?” She asks.

“Don’t you have two boyfriends?”

She splutters and blushes,

“Shut up. Fine. Ask Jonathan about how he asked Steve out then. He should be on his way back.”

“Ask him about Will?!”

“Not about Will goofball, just ask without mentioning him. Now give me some of that,” she makes grabby hands towards the pint and he hands it back.

That’s how Jonathan and Steve find them, forty five minutes later, an empty pint of ice cream between them. Steve intimidated him in general, so he timidly asks if he can speak to Jonathan alone, to which Nancy hops up and grabs Steve’s hand, tugging him to the door, before he can even say anything.

Jonathan is easier, and he’s honest. He tells Mike about being scared because his dad was always calling him a faggot and a queer. And that he is bisexual, which means boys and girls, which is a lot and Mike didn’t even know you could do that. And he tells Mike that he’s so happy now and that Steve and Nancy are great, and he has to stop him a few times because he’s getting gross and that is his sister but he is clearly so in love and he can hold their hands and even kiss them any time he wants. Mike thanks him eagerly, and Jonathan gives him a hug, and promises that if things don’t go as intended, they will kick the guy’s ass. He appreciates the sentiment.

He doesn’t sleep very well, but he knows he can’t do anything until morning. He feels a new found confidence when he wakes up, and ducks out of the house, careful to not wake his sister or her guests, makes sure to leave a note, and rides his bike to the Byers.

It’s still pretty early and he realizes that he hasn’t eaten breakfast, mostly because Joyce opens the door, hair frizzy and pancake batter on her cheek. Hopper and Eleven are there of course, and Will looks up from the table, shocked to see him.

“Well good morning Mike, honey, let me get you a plate.”

“Thank you so much Mrs.Byers, but I was hoping I could take to Will for a second.”

She looks between them,

“Um, of course.”

So Will slowly stands up and leads Mike to his bedroom. Mike feels weird now. Will’s just staring at him and his fingers itch to pull him in for a hug.

“I like boys.” Mike blurts out.

Will stares.

“Like like boys.”

Will just stares at him, unmoving.

“I like you.”

Will’s jaw drops a bit.

“I understand if you don’t like me but, I just wanted you to know. I wanna hold your hand because I like you. Not because I pity you or feel bad, but just because I want to. And I hope that’s okay. And I hope you like me too. But if you don’t-“

Will shakes his head and Mike cuts himself off, stomach churning.

“Of course I like you, you idiot! I just thought you felt bad or thought you had to be my friend and hold my hand because of the upside down or something. I didn’t know you actually wanted to.”

“Of course I want to!” Mike says eagerly.

Will smiles, “Really?”

“Really.”

Mike crosses the room and throws his arms around Will. Will hugs back tightly, before pulling back,

“I didn’t think this was how this was going to go.”

Mike chuckles,

“Me either.”

“I’m glad.”

“Me too.” Mike kisses Will’s cheek softly, and cheeks flaming, Will grabs Mike’s hand and leads him back out to the kitchen table.

Joyce is standing at the stove, Hopper is buttering his pancake and El is shoving an Eggo in her mouth. There’s no dramatic moment, no big reveal. Joyce turns around, spatula in hand and catches sight of their hands,

“Sweetie your plate is,” she pauses but for only a half a second, “right there. Feel free to move my plate so you can sit by Will.”

Hopper watches, before picking up the syrup and dumping it on his pancake,

“I hope your parents know where you are son, it’s my one day off and I don’t wanna have to make any phone calls.”

“Yes sir,” Mike nods, dunking his knife in the butter.

“Pass the syrup,” Eleven demands, a smile on her face.

Will reaches across his body with his free hand to grab it, before passing it to her. Shoves a bite of his own food in his mouth. Grins.

Mike stops by the store on his way home to get a thank you card. He addresses it to Steve, Nancy and Jonathan and pushes it under Nancy’s door because it’s still not open, but Jonathan’s car is still in their driveway and their parents still aren’t home.

It says: thank you to Jonathan, for all the advice, even though you’re sappy and your face gets all gooey when you talk about them. Steve thank you for being so wonderful to Jonathan that he literally cannot shut up about you. My sister too. Nancy, thank you for the advice and cuddles and the ice cream. PS: you’re not a bitch PPS: only sometimes

[therealmaggiemedia]

The Maggie Simpson Show E1813 Season 18 Finale I am Autistic and  proud of it

FADE IN

INT, THE KINDERGARTEN-DAY

Maggie and her class are wearing aprons as they are painting pictures Maggie is sitting next to Skye at the table.

MAGGIE

I love painting its something I love doing!

SKYE

Painting is funnest pretty colors ohhh!

LILLY

Is she okay?

MAGGIE

Yeah she;s just obsessing about what she likes!

JUDITH

( SARCASTIC) Oh please!

MAGGIE

Shut up Judith!

JUDITH

I really hate people with autism!

Maggie gets really mad with Judith she gets off her chair and walks over to Judith

MAGGIE

(ANGRY) you got something to say about people with autism say it my face!

JUDITH

Okay if that’s what you want, I hate people with autism!

Maggie picks up a pot of blue paint and pours it all over judith Then Judith picks up some red paint and pours it all over Maggie then they start fighting in the class room

IN PRINCIPAL SKINNER’S OFFICE

Both Maggie and Judith are standing facing him at his desk  still covered in paint.

SKINNER

Mr Johnson tells me you were fighting in class!

MAGGIE

Well yes we did sir and poured paint on each other but she started it she said she hates people with autism!

SKINNER

What!, there is one thing I don’t allow in this school and that’s discrimination Judith I want to see you in my office after school now both of you take a shower  and get that paint off!

IN THE GIRLS CHANGING ROOM

Maggie and Judith are taking a shower but they still hate each other.

JUDITH

Here’s the soap!

She throws soap at Maggie.

Then they start pushing each other.

EXT, THE PLAYGROUND-DAY

Maggie has had her shower and she is wearing clean clothes as her clothes have been washed Skye walks up to Maggie to ask her something.

SKYE

What is her problem?

MAGGIE

Skye! Don’t take it personally but she hates both of us because have autism and that’s not our fault!

SKYE

No Maggie!, we was born with this!

Then Lilly comes up them

LILLY

Hi Maggie!, Skye! Want a candy!

She offers them both a sweet and they both take one.

MAGGIE

Thank you!

SKYE

Thank you Lilly its nice mmm!

MAGGIE

Lilly! I’m sorry you had to see me fight with Judith but she just got on my nerves!

LILLY

Oh don’t worry Judith is just in a bad mood because her Daddy’s business is bankrupt!

MAGGIE

How do you know Lilly!

LILLY

Simple my Dad use to deliver jars of Jelly for Mr Robertson but not anymore he no longer does it bankrupt andmy Dad now delivers for Mr Kensington better money for us!. Well see you in class!

Lilly walks away singing to herself.

SKYE

Could that be the real reason?

MAGGIE

Well could be Skye! but who knows!

INT, THE CORRIDOR

Maggie and Skye are walking to class Cooking with Mrs Crabtree then afre stopped by some forth graders.

BIG BOY

I heard you two are autistic does that mean you tics?

MAGGIE

Look let us through stupid!

BIG BOY

And what if we don’t?

Skye sees Maggie is in trouble so she sets herself up for a meltdown the big boys look at Skye who is red in the face and trying very hard not to lose it Skye has a big meltdown in front of everyone.

SKYE

(SCREAMS)  You are so stupid, stupid, stupid , stupid, Skye gets on the floor and cries Then she gets up and kicks the trashcan the big boys stand back and run away.

Maggie walks over to Skye and tries to calm her down.

Skye calms herself down.

SKYE

I’m sorry Maggie!

Skye hugs Maggie and cries.

MAGGIE

Its okay on the plus side those big boys ran away!

IN THE COOKING CLASS

Maggie and Skye are late and Mrs Crabtree is not very pleased.

CRABTREE

(ANGRY) Maggie Simpson!, and Skye McDonald! You are very late for class!

MAGGIE

Skye was having a meltdown and I was calming her!

CRABTREE

I don’t know what you two are talking about what is this Meltdown?

SKYE

We are Autism people and I was having a meltdown we’re sorry we are late!

Skye goes in her pocket and gives her a dollar.

SKYE

This is to pay for mine and Maggie’s baking!

CRABTREE

Well okay I’ll let you make something!

She takes the Money from Skye Maggie walks up to Skye and asks her a question.

MAGGIE

Skye!, why did you do that?

SKYE

Its simples really!, I wanted to thank you for helping me with my Meltdown!

MAGGIE

That’s okay Skye!, anything to help!

They both hug right there in the classroom.

JUDITH

Yuck!, someone get me a bucket because I’m going to be sick!

LILLY

Judith I am getting pretty sick of you being mean to Maggie and Skye!, they both have autism but who cares they are our friends Judith!

JUDITH

Not mine there not!

LILLY

Fine be like that!, not my fault your Dad’s business went down the toilet!

Judith hits Lilly across the face.

LILLY

Ow!

JUDITH

you promised you wouldn’t tell!

Judith goes out of the room crying.

CRABTREE

Everyone back to baking please!

IN THE CORRIDOR

Judith is sitting on the floor crying then Lilly Maggie and Skye walk up to her with baking boxes of stuff they have made.

JUDITH

Go away!

LILLY

I’m sorry I told!, if you don’t want to my friend anymore I’ll (SNIFFS) I’ll understand!

MAGGIE

I’m sorry too!

SKYE

I don’t know what I’m sorry for but what the hey!

JUDITH

Guys its fine, its just one of those things I just got so mean to Maggie and Skye that I can’t even forgive myself!

SKYE

You can Judith!, its fine!

MAGGIE

Yeah its okay!

They all hug in the Corridor

SKYE

Group Hugs are the bestest!

LILLY

Why don’t I buy you all lunch!

JUDITH

Yeah Okay!

MAGGIE

Lilly!, are you sure you want to do this?

LILLY

Of course!, if I can’t treat my friends once in a while then what’s the point in having friends?

SKYE

She has a good point!

They all follow Lilly to the dining room.

IN THE DINING ROOM

Maggie Skye and Judith are sitting at a table near the window waiting for Lilly then she comes with a tray of food and puts it on the table.

LILLY

Here we are guys!, tuck in and I got us all drinks too!

They all take a plate and a drink and eat

SKYE

Thank you Lilly!

Lilly smiles at Skye!

INT, THE SIMPSONS DINING ROOM-EVENING

The Simpsons are having Dinner at the table Maggie has invited Skye for Dinner.

HOMER

Oh so you’re Skye!

SKYE

Yes, Mr Simpson!

MAGGIE

I hope its okay if I invited her to dinner she is my friend after all!

HOMER

Be a bit rude to ask her to leave wouldn’t it?

SKYE

I’ll be no trouble I’ll be with Maggie!

LISA

Hi Skye!, I’m Lisa!, Maggie’s sister!

SKYE

Hi! we met when Maggie!, was in the hospital!

LISA

Yes, we did!

BART

What the hell is this?, a reunion of hospital patents?

MAGGIE

Shut up Bart!

IN MAGGIE’S BEDROOM

Maggie and Skye are playing blocks Maggie’s Kiddie Table Skye is almost at the top of the tower then Maggie sneezes and makes Skye knock her tower over Skye looks angry at Maggie!

MAGGIE

Sorry Skye!

SKYE

Its alright!, I’ll make another one!

Maggie walks over to her window and sees Homer shouting at the dog.

HOMER

(YELLING) My Hotdog, Mine, don’t look that way at me!

Maggie starts laughing at Homer this Skye looks over at Maggie

SKYE

Maggie!, what’s funny?

MAGGIE

My Dad yelling at the dog!

Skye gets up knocks over the table and Maggie’s old cup that she has had for years it falls from the shelf and smashes on the floor.

SKYE

Maggie!, I am so, so, so, Sorry!, if you never want to see me again I’ll understand!

MAGGIE

(ANGRY) You broke something I have had for years and cannot be replaced now get the hell out!

Skye leaves Maggie’s Bedroom crying, on the landing Lisa sees Skye crying and wonders why.

LISA

Skye! What’s the problem?

SKYE

(CRYING)  Maggie!, yelled at me and told me to get out of her room (SOBS)

LISA

I’ll sort it why don’t you go downstairs and talk to my Mom and Dad!, well maybe just my Mom!

Skye goes downstairs still crying Lisa walks up to Maggie’s Bedroom door and knocks on the door.

LISA

Maggie!, I want to talk to you!

Maggie opens the door with her eyes full of tears.

LISA

Maggie!, is there a problem with you and Skye!

MAGGIE

Damn right there is a problem with me asnd Skye!, look what the hell she did, she broke my happy little elves cup that I have had for years and you can;’t even get them anymore!

LISA

Maggie! Calm down please!

Maggie sits on her bed and tries to calm herself by doing hand flapping because of her autism.

LISA

Maggie! I really think you and Skye should talk about what happened I know she broke your cup but I’m sure Skye is very sorry!

MAGGIE

Okay!, I’ll talk to her!, where is she?

LISA

She’s in the living room with Mom and Dad!

MAGGIE

Oh my god!, I hope Dad isn’t telling her about the time he caused a meltdown and the plant!

IN THE LIVING ROOM

Skye Marge and Homer are sitting on the couch and sure enough Homer is telling Skye about the meltdown at the nuclear plant.

HOMER

And then I got this plaque for saving the day even though it was me that caused it!

SKYE

Mr Simpson!, that’s a good story but do you expect me to believe it?

HOMER

(ANNOYED GRUNT)

then Maggie enters the room she walks towards Skye and tells her she wants to talk to her.

MAGGIE

Skye!, can we talk about what happened upstairs?

SKYE

Yes, of course Maggie!

Skye stands up and and Maggie and Skye stand in the middle of the room facing each other.

MAGGIE

Skye!, I’m sorry I yelled at you its just that I have had the cup you broke for years and I’m kind of sentimental about it!

SKYE

I understand I feel the same way about a teddy bear I have!

MAGGIE

So can we be friends again?

SKYE

Of course!

They both hug in the middle of the room.

SKYE

Maggie! I’m really sorry I broke your cup!

MAGGIE

Its okay, not like I ever use it anyway!

SKYE

Its a bit late for me to be going back home my Dad will be in bed and my Mom works nights so would be okay if I stay here tonight?

MAGGIE

Its fine with me but ask my Mom and Dad!

Skye walks up to Homer and Marge

SKYE

Can I sleep here tonight?

MARGE

Of course Skye!

HOMER

I guess so!

SKYE

Thank you both!, but I do have another problem I don’t have Pajamas!

MAGGIE

Not a problem you can borrow a pair of mine!

IN MAGGIE’S BEDROOM

Skye is having a problem getting Maggie’s Pjama  top over her head so Maggie helps her.

SKYE

Maggie!, can you help me please!

MAGGIE

I can yes!

Maggie walks up to Skye and helps her with the Pajama top she gets it over her head with Maggie’s help.

MAGGIE

there you go!

SKYE

Thanks Maggie!

MAGGIE

Do you want the floor or the bed?

SKYE

I prefer a bed!

MAGGIE

So do I!, hey why don’t we share the bed no harm in that!

SKYE

No, no harm at all!

They both get in bed together.

SKYE

Lets go to sleep!

They both go sleep, the next morning Maggie and Skye are still in bed they are cuddling each other they both wake up.

SKYE

Good Morning Maggie!

MAGGIE

Morning Skye!

SKYE

Since you like helping me you can help me in the shower!

In the Simpsons kitchen Skye and Maggie have each had a shower and are wearing their normal clothes they are sitting next to each other at the table.

MAGGIE

I have one thing to say!, I’m autistic and proud of it!

SKYE

I agree with Maggie!, everyone else who hates us people to heck with them!

PAN TO A SHOT OF THE SIMPSONS HOUSE

THE END

DELETED SCENE

Maggie is in the family room listening to Otis Reading on the dock of the bay when Skye comes in

SKYE

Maggie!, I’m Sorry!

They both stand up and hug

END OF SCENE

[shirlleycoyle]

Not Even the NYT Wants to Be a Part of Its Cooking Facebook Group Anymore

Last week, the New York Times announced that it would be handing over the 70,000-member New York Times Cooking Community Facebook group over to the members itself to moderate. Members of the group describe it as being a toxic place with rampant bullying.

The New York Times Cooking Community is no stranger to drama, much like any other big Facebook group. Last year, the group made the news because users were protesting the longstanding "no politics" rule in the group, resorting to spelling "vote" in their food pictures to remind others to go to the polls. Now, the Times has told members that it will no longer be in charge of the group, will be passing on control of the group, and will give moderation duties to the members. It will also change the name of the group.

"As [the group] continues to grow and change, it should be run by people who are an engaged and informed part of the community," a spokesperson for the Times wrote in the group. "And so it is time to hand the group over to you, its members."

A spokesperson for the Times told Motherboard that it made the decision to concede leadership of its cooking group because, "the interest in the group is about much more than recipes or The New York Times." Times assistant managing editor Sam Sifton told Times media columnist Ben Smith that "It's a lot of people who want to post pictures of their dogs next to their soufflé" and "not a place where we were going to March people toward NYT Cooking." He also said that it was "a Times employee moderating comments for fb rather than working for the Times." Smith tweeted: "Sorry, I was hoping it was about peas and guacamole too," referring to a 2015 NYTimes recipe controversy.

These answers, though, do not really pass muster. It makes sense that the Times might think an employee’s time could be better spent doing something other than moderating comments on Facebook. But it’s not true that the group was without controversy and that there’s Nothing to See Here. Internet communities are rarely "about" the thing they say they're about, and moderating (even small) communities can be incredibly time consuming, difficult, and psychologically taxing work. The Times is effectively washing its hands of the responsibility after its own community turned toxic.

Multiple former and current members of the New York Times cooking community told Motherboard that the group was particularly toxic. One described browsing the group as a "spectator sport."

"It had a lot of the same issues endemic to online food media we saw play out last year—'This is my food bible' people shouting over 'This is a cuisine from my culture'", a member of the Facebook Group who goes by Giltcomplex on Twitter said. "It's like if the Bon Appétit meltdown had involved a fan base that was less like people horny for Test Kitchen personalities and more moms."

Another former member said the group was not all that more toxic than other large Facebook groups, but toxic nonetheless.

"I belong to several large Facebook groups and the general political contentiousness that permeates society has carried over to some of them," Michele DeAngelo Carrera, who belongs to the New York Times Cooking Community, said. Carrera said that in a lot of cooking groups, fighting often originates along those political lines.

Finding evidence of past conflicts in the group is not difficult; vague tweets refer to something called "the McRib controversy;” others mention an argument about a maid who scratched a baking sheet. The New York Times Cooking Community even earned itself an extremely similarly named offshoot group, created in December 2019, called The NYT Cooking Community for People With Compassion. A Facebook user who goes by Jennifer, who asked to be quoted without her last name because she was worried about harassment, told Motherboard that she made the group because of the rampant bullying in the Times's group. Since the announcement, Jennifer said that they've had an influx of new members.

"We had roughly 750 members that accumulated from December 2019 through mid March 2021," Jennifer said. "In the past 4-5 days we've had roughly 150 new members and probably 175-200 requests."

The NYT Cooking Community for People with Compassion is a fraction of the size of the original group, and Jennifer said that as such, she does not do much moderation and has only had to remove one member. She still makes conscious choices about who can join the group.

"I weed out requests pretty stringently. I will admit that I don't allow Trumpians to join," she said. "Conservatives are fine, but if someone is a Trumpian, that automatically limits them from being a person with compassion. Having said that, I'm very aware that Democrats are often bullies (worse than Trumpians), so I have had to remind people that this is a compassionate group, but only a couple of times. "

Now that news of the changes to the original group has spread, members of the NYT Cooking Community for People with Compassion have started talking about the reasons why they left.

"In all honesty, I’m here fleeing the bad actors," one person wrote.

"I left the NYT group in October when the racism, baiting, and all-out screaming matches simply became too much," said another.

"Am glad NYT dumped the group. It was a very toxic group with tons of bullying and pulling race cards into any disagreement," said a third person. "So glad I left it."

Carrera said that in more than one of the other cooking groups she belongs to, people are bemoaning the new Stanley Tucci documentary series about Italy and its food simply because it's airing on CNN, and thus is "fake news."

"At least the Times group is mostly Times readers!" Carrera said. "There are so many posts on the Times group that I sometimes miss the drama. It’s not necessary to comment every time you see something that rankles. Sometimes it’s better to roll your eyes and keep scrolling."

Not Even the NYT Wants to Be a Part of Its Cooking Facebook Group Anymore syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/

[mbtizone]

Cheryl Blossom (Riverdale): ESTJ

Dominant Extroverted Thinking [Te]: It’s important for Cheryl to be in charge of her external environment and have power at Riverdale High, whether that comes in the form of being captain of the River Vixens, or by plotting against against her enemies. She’s domineering, barks orders with ease, and tends to come on quite strong and doesn’t hesitate to put people in their place. Cheryl doesn’t seem to spend much time tuning in to the emotions of the people around her. Cheryl is quite intelligent and, in addition to her position on the cheerleading squad and the various activities she participates in, she also maintains a 4.0 GPA. She’s a leader who wants to organize and implement her plans. She can easily take control of any situation and doesn’t back down when she has a goal. Cheryl is blunt, direct, and knows how to work within the system. Cheryl tells it like it is and doesn’t sugarcoat anything for anybody. “I think she’s crazier than a serial killer on bath-salts, but so what? She’s carrying Jason’s baby. That trumps everything.” The facts are important to Cheryl and she tends to need indisputable evidence in order to believe something. She doesn’t believe that Jason would’ve had anything to do with a playbook based on her prior experiences with him (Si), and it isn’t until she sees the book with her own two eyes that she begins to think that she might not have known her brother as well as she thought she did. Cheryl believes she must keep her emotions in check and wants to present a strong image. Cheryl is quick to take action in situations. When she comes to the conclusion that Polly killed Jason, she tweets the news to her followers in an attempt to get the residents of Riverdale to make Polly pay for what Cheryl believes she has done.

Auxiliary Introverted Sensing [Si]: Cheryl’s past experiences shape all of her opinions. The playbook doesn’t exist. It’s just a stupid “suburban legend.” She knows her brother, and he never would’ve stood for anything like that. And even if such a book existed, Jason would’ve told her about it. Tradition and hierarchy matter very much to Cheryl and she takes a great deal of pride in being captain of the River Vixens. The maple tapping ritual was something she and Jason participated in every year and she didn’t know how to face the annual event without him by her side. Cheryl cares about her status at Riverdale High and is extremely threatened by Veronica, who could usurp her as Queen Bee. She wants to keep Veronica in check and make sure she knows her place in Riverdale’s social hierarcy. Cheryl tends to hold grudges and loathes Polly because of what happened between her and Jason, and treats Betty poorly because she’s Polly’s sister. She judges people based on their past. She warns Hermione to put all of the money in the register because “Lodges are known to have sticky fingers.” Cheryl likes a sense of consistency in her life. She wears the same broach frequently, dresses mostly in reds, and her material possessions mean a lot to her, which is why giving her HBIC shirt and position as captain to Veronica and making amends with Jughead by giving him her broach were such strong indicators of what she was planning to do. At Jason’s memorial, Cheryl decides to wear the dress she wore the last time she saw him alive. Cheryl clings to Archie because he reminds her of Jason, and seeing him at the pep really in Jason’s jersey caused her to run off the stage and have a private breakdown (Si-Fi).

Tertiary Extroverted Intuition [Ne]: When Cheryl discovers that Polly escaped from the Sisters of Quiet Mercy on the same night that Jason’s car was set on fire, she “does the math” and incorrectly believes that Polly killed Jason. Though, there are times when her intuition is spot on. She thinks that one or both of her parents could’ve been involved in Jason’s death and theorizes that if Clifford wasn’t mad at Jason about Polly, he must’ve been angry with him for a different reason, telling her mother that it “must have been about the business.” Although she can be quite rigid, Cheryl is open to adjusting her beliefs and opinions as new information presents itself and is able to adapt when necessary. Cheryl is able to think quickly and improvise in the moment. She lies to her parents about having flushed the ring and makes up a story about Polly charging at her to get to it, but in actuality, she keeps it hidden because she has grown suspicious of her mom and dad.

Inferior Introverted Feeling [Fi]: Cheryl refuses to dwell on her emotions. She deals with her feelings by taking action. She doesn’t want the dance to be canceled after Jason’s body is found. Rather, she wants to use it to allow people to heal from the tragedy. When she’s feeling particularly emotional, she goes off on her own to deal with her feelings in private. Cheryl often lacks empathy and has a hard time relating to people, which is why her plan to get information out of Betty by being kind to her fails. Cheryl doesn’t like to be vulnerable and tries to present a tough exterior, but when her emotions do come to the surface, she’s usually quite volatile, as evidenced by her suicide attempt at Sweetwater River, the place she was last with Jason, and the place where his body was discovered (Si-Fi). Cheryl is much better at helping others by donating her time and her money (buying Archie a guitar, getting money for Polly) than she is at supporting them emotionally.

Enneagram: 3w4 8w7 6w5 So/Sp

Quotes:

Cheryl: Will this beautiful, exotic, hothouse flower drown under the town’s scrutiny, or be swamped by her emotions? The answer, ladies, is “no” and “no.”

Ethel: I already tried. Weatherbee said that he didn’t find anything. Betty: Okay, we need undeniable proof. Cheryl: Proof of what, Nancy Drew? That boys will be boys? And that playbook reeks of suburban legend. Betty: How would you know, Cheryl? Cheryl: Because, Frida Shallow, before he died, my brother was co-captain of the football team with Chuck, and Jason never mentioned it, and he never would’ve allowed it.

Kevin: Cheryl just tweeted #PollyCooperKilledMyBrother, NowhereToHide, SharpenYourPitchforks.

Cheryl: Speaking of breaks, what’s a big one worth to you, Mother? Letting me be a River Vixen again? Penelope: What on earth are you talking about, Cheryl? Cheryl: I have information you… Both of you, would find interesting vis-a-vis my brother’s case. But first, the Vixens are mine. And I want your permission to reclaim them. Penelope: Good Lord, fine. Cheryl: So, Ginger texted me while I was in the ladies’ room. It seems that crazy bitch, Polly Cooper, escaped from some looney bin, the same night Jason’s car was torched. So let me do the math for you. Polly escaping plus Polly torching Jason’s car equals she’s Jason’s killer. Covering her tracks, trying to go underground, like the vicious, cold-hearted murdering mean girl that she is.

Cheryl: As a maj thank-you for coming to the maple banquet with me tomorrow, I wanted to give you this. An ’84 Les Paul. In our signature color. You’re welcome. Okay. That’s all. I’m going now. My claustrophobia acts up in small houses. See you tomorrow.

Cheryl: What did my dad say to you? That everyone thinks I’m a train wreck? Jason was the golden boy, but me… People hate me, Archie. And at school, that’s fine, whatever. But this is my family.

Cheryl: You catatonic bimbos didn’t even vote. So you stuttering sapheads are too dim to exercise your own rights, and you’ve got the combined vocabulary of a baked potato. Consider this your last practice as River Vixens, and your last week as my social handmaidens. You’re fired on all fronts. That’s all. Shoo, bitches.

Penelope: One more thing before you go to the dance. Nana Blossom’s ring… It’s not in my jewelry box, it’s not with Polly. Where is it? Cheryl: It wasn’t my fault, it was Polly’s. She lunged at me, trying to get it, I didn’t know what to do. I panicked. I thought it would be better for everyone if the ring were just gone. Down the drain. That way, if Polly ever said anything to anyone, there’d be no proof. Just her word against ours. Did I do something wrong? Clifford: No… It’s quite right what you did.

Cheryl: I think something happened, Mommy. Penelope: Whatever do you mean? Cheryl: If Daddy wasn’t mad at Jason about Polly, it must have been about the business. I don’t know if he heard something he shouldn’t have, or he saw something he didn’t like- Penelope: You don’t know what you’re saying. Cheryl: What was Jay-Jay running away from? The business? Daddy? You? Ow!

Cheryl: Your room’s so sweet. Betty: It’s too pink. It doesn’t feel right anymore. Cheryl: No, I like how girly it is. Mine is, too. You should come over and see it sometime. But, just you, not Veronica. I mean, she must be evil incarnate if even you won’t have her as a friend. And on the subject of being friends, Betty, I’m sorry I’ve been such a witchy-witch to you. After Polly and Jason’s epic demise, I was angry… At everyone. But I took it out on you which was super unfair. Especially since, in a way, it’s kinda like we both lost siblings. How, uh, how is Polly? Is she still in that group home? Do you think she knows what happened to Jason, that he was murdered? Betty: I-I’m not sure. Cheryl: What do you think went down between them? Betty: I don’t know- Cheryl: What do your parents say? About Jason and Polly? Betty: Not a lot. Cheryl: Same. I keep thinking that maybe Jason said something to her or she said something to him. I mean, didn’t they have a big fight this summer, or- Betty: Why are you asking me so many questions about Polly, Cheryl? Cheryl: Because, you dumb cow, someone shot my brother and I think it was your crazy, tweaked-out sister.

Cheryl Blossom (Riverdale): ESTJ was originally published on MBTI Zone

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When you were a kid...

Were you happy or sad when you found out your babysitter was coming? I didn’t have a babysitter. My grandparents took care of me and my siblings and cousins when we were growing up; and if they were both busy I was usually the one expected to care for everyone. Which was okay with me, since I was the most ~motherly~ one in our little group anyway.

Did you have a boyfriend in kindergarten? I studied in an all-girls school from kinder to high school. Outside of school, also no boyfriends. The boys at my neighborhood were super rowdy and hated girls, so I didn’t like hanging out with them.

Did you ever play hopscotch at school? For sure. I was a little mischievous - I would steal a bunch of chalk from the classroom so I can doodle a hopscotch court on school grounds for me and my friends to play on. I definitely wasn’t the most goody-two-shoes kid in the beginning, lol.

Did you refuse to eat your vegetables? Yeah, hated them. We have this local brand of instant noodles that have pieces of carrot in it, and I remember grouping all the tiny carrot bits at the edge of my plate. I didn’t learn to feed myself until I was around 8 or 9 though, so prior to that my elders would just include vegetables in all my meals and I’d have no choice.

What did you usually dress up as on Halloween? Some basic costume like a witch or pirate. My mom wasn’t super into Halloween and would just get us costume packs from the toy store. I wanna be the complete opposite for my kids.

What was your favorite television show? As a much younger kid I was into Hi-5. When I got a bit older I liked Pokemon, SpongeBob, The Fairly OddParents, My Life as a Teenage Robot, etc. Then when I got slightly older I started watching the real-life shows too, so like That’s So Raven, Suite Life, Drake and Josh, Zoey 101, Hannah Montana. Did you have D.E.A.R. time in school? (Drop Everything and Read) Yes, a few times each year. When I was still a bookworm it had been one of my favorite segments in school because I got to see other kids reading, which was my favorite hobby then. But by the time I was in high school and stopped reading, I remember always struggling to find a book to bring because I didn’t read anything anymore D: If I remember correctly, I think Athenna lent me most of the books I brought for DEAR time since at the time she was into John Green and YA in general. Did you ever read the 'Magic Treehouse' series? No. I googled it to see the cover, and I know as a kid it wouldn’t have interested me enough to pull it out of its shelf. How about the 'Bailey School Kids' series? Nope. Kids my age were into the Geronimo Stilton and Mr Men/Little Miss series. Do you remember the first movie you ever saw in theaters? Yes, it was a Stuart Little movie when I was maybe 3 or 4. I’m guessing it’s Stuart Little 2, because Google says it came out in 2002 and I was 4 years old then, so it checks out. Who was your best friend in elementary school? Angela was my best friend in some grades, but you know how kids are...once they vibe with someone else, they’ll hang out with them 24/7. Angela was a way more sociable kid so she got close with everyone, while I remained terrible at making friends. If she wasn’t my best friend at the time, I had no one. Did they continue to be your best friend in middle school? We don’t have middle school but I’ll guess that this is like Grade 6 and 7 for us? Anyway, no. ~Middle school~ was worse for me because this was when cliques started to form and material trends became the basis for being visible, e.g. owning a Blackberry, wearing Nike Roshes, getting side bangs lol, etc. I had none of those, so I was left behind both in terms of visibility and having friends. I only had a best friend again by the time I entered Grade 7, in which time I met Gabie and the ball started rolling from there. Did you ever watch 'The Land Before Time' movies? No, I didn’t. Did you ever watch the show 'Arthur'? I don’t think it aired here, so no. I did read Arthur books though; they were one of my favorites. Did the tooth fairy give you a lot of money? I honestly thought the tooth fairy was real. I never told my parents whenever a tooth would come out because I thought it was none of their business. That said, they just genuinely never knew to put money under my pillow because my dumbass never told them hahaha. I’ll never forget how crestfallen I was when I woke up to no money though. How often did you visit your nearest grandparents? I lived with them until I was 10. I only visited my other set of grandparents whenever my dad would come home from abroad, so I didn’t and haven’t ended up being close to them. Did you ever play with 'Little People' toys? Never heard of them but when I looked it up the toys looked familiar, so we probably did. How about Polly Pockets? Yes. Did you collect anything when you were a kid? Pokemon cards and pogs, heh. I also had my fair share of notebooks. Did you get an allowance? No, my parents didn’t teach me how money worked early on. I was a packed lunch kid until high school, and when I did ask for money I – and I’m not kidding – would only get a ₱20 bill, which was only enough to get me a tiny snack. What was your favorite sport to play? What is it now? Track, but then it shifted to table tennis when I joined the table tennis club initially out of peer pressure. What foods did you not like then that you do like now? Chicken curry, definitely. Were you into American Girl dolls? No. What was your first pet and what did you name it? It was a goldfish but I don’t remember whether I named it Goldie or Fishy, lol. Did you ever read the 'Junie B. Jones' books? No. What did you want to be when you were a kid? All the things I wante to be were astronaut, firefighter, veterinarian, and writer. What was your first word? Your first sentence? (If you remember) My parents didn’t keep track of either...I definitely would with my own kids. Have you moved into a new house since you were a kid? Yes, several times. When I was an infant we briefly lived with my dad’s parents in Manila. My mom couldn’t take the poverty and pollution there so we moved to a city in Rizal, where my mom’s parents + some extended family live in a duplex. At one point we switched houses in that duplex, and the unit that we switched to was where I lived for most of my childhood until we moved to our present house by the time I was 10. Were you friends with your neighbors? As a child, yeah. I was mostly friends with the girls though because like I said, the boys were super rowdy and sexist in that they never let us play basketball with them and stuff. Did you enjoy exploring your backyard? We didn’t have a backyard. Did you bake cookies with your grandparents? Sometimes! I would mix the dough and turn them into balls. :) What was your biggest fear when you were a kid? Flying cockroaches, because we had a lot of them in our old duplex unit. I also had an irrational fear of catching TV ads at night because I found them too loud and too vibrant. Who did you look up to most? My dad because I barely saw him as a kid. When he was lower down the ladder at his job he’d be gone six months and only stay with us for one. It wasn’t until I got to high school and he had a much higher position that he was away for only four months and home for one and a half.   Did you ever play the 'Reader Rabbit' computer games? I don’t think I’ve heard of that. Did you have a swing set in your backyard? No but we had a relative who had a playground at their place, and we’d go over there often. I spent a good amount of my childhood going as high as I can on their swings. How about a sandbox? Same relative had a sandbox too! It’s my favorite part of a playground and even during playtime in school I would usually be found alone in the sandbox. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike? I’m 22 and still don’t know how... Did you ever spy on your neighbors through the window? Sometimes. Our houses were very close to each other and their open window is right across the part of our house that also has an open window, so sometimes we’ll fool around and peek. Were you a teacher's pet in kindergarten? No, but I gave my teachers a reason to remember me because I was the kid that peed their underwear everyday and had to go home in shorts. I’ve always been shy and even as a kid I was unable to ask permission to go to the washroom. Did you ever build a treehouse or a fort in your yard? No, ours was too small to build anything like that. Did you ever find anything interesting in your yard? No, just different types of bugs and caterpillars. Did you ever have 'themed birthdays'? Kinda? My 7th birthday party was mostly a plain, theme-less birthday party, but so much of the decorations and giveaways were Bratz-themed because I was into Bratz at the time. Did your parents let you drink soda? They would have let me but I personally never liked it. Did you ever watch 'The Powerpuff Girls' or 'Dexter's Laboratory'? I watched Powerpuff Girls but not Dexter’s Laboratory. Did you sleep with a blanket or stuffed animal? For the most part I preferred cuddling with a pillow. Did you ever have a night light? For some points in my childhood, yeah. Ultimately, I preferred lights out though. Did you watch 'Winnie the Pooh'? Nope, just read Winnie the Pooh books. Did you ever have an imaginary friend? What was their name? I named them Katrina but I wasn’t imaginative/creative enough, so when seven minutes passed after I created her and she still wasn’t talking back to me, I gave it up haha. What kinds of games did you play with your friends during Recess? Dodgeball was a favorite. We had a big field just right outside our classroom so we’d all go out, pick our teams, and play for the whole 30 minutes. We’d do it for lunch, too. Fortunately our teachers never barred us from playing, because I guess they knew it counts as exercise for us too. Did you dream of being a princess or did you not really care about that? Not really. I wanted to be an astronaut more haha. The only princess-y things I did were to wear my blanket around my neck like a cape, and to wear a tiara on my 7th birthday party. Did you have a special name for your pacifier? What was it? No. Did you watch 'Blues Clues'? Yesssssss. I grew up with Steve and Joe. It was such a fun show to watch. What kind of car did your parents have? I don’t remember the make anymore but we had a black sedan until I was around five. It was mostly broken-down and had no aircon, but it was my dad’s first car so it was his absolute baby and I never had the heart to complain about the car’s flaws to him. He eventually sold it and we had a blue Mitsubishi Lancer after. Did you ever flush anything down the toilet by mistake? I don’t remember ever doing that, thankfully lol. Were you afraid to sleep by yourself? No, I think I was excited to start doing it. Growing up in a cramped duplex, I shared one bedroom with my entire family until I was around 9; so when we moved to our own home, I was the first one to call dibs on a bedroom. What was your favorite subject in elementary school? Language, which is a class where we were just taught basic English grammar. I loved reading as a kid and got fluent in English early on, so I was always a top student in that subject. How often did you go to the park? We don’t have parks. What was your favorite kind of cake as a kid? Chocolate cake from Red Ribbon. Did you ever want to grow up? I never actively ‘wanted’ it because I was already kinda forced to grow up early, what with all the issues happening at home and me having to shield my siblings and cousins from whatever screaming match was happening inside.