#i worked too hard for too long on the first draft gdi

[southsidestory]

I'm setting myself the goal of posting the first chapter before December 21st!! I started on December 22nd last year, and I've been done with the rough draft since June. I've got the first 6 chapters polished enough to share, as well as several chapters farther on in the story. By now I should have more, but my editing focus fucked off months ago. Probably because my brain has a lot of trouble editing without a deadline. So here's my deadline to start posting: 12/21/23. Once the ball is rolling, I'll hopefully feel enough urgency to edit regularly. Thank you, ADHD, you're truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Mickey makes the Kash and Grab his go-to shoplifting spot. Mr. Lewandowski should send Kash a thank you card; that old polack has been trying to run Mickey out of his corner store for the last five years.

Ian works late shifts on Fridays, so he’s the one at the register when Mickey swings by at quarter to midnight. He picks up a can of barbecue Pringles, puts it back. A box of Twinkies, puts it back. A Kit-Kat, puts it back. 

“Where’s the king-size?” Mickey asks.

Ian stares at him flatly. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not letting you steal anything.”

“Sure, you aren’t.” Mickey plants his elbows on the counter. “You ever go home, asswipe? Every time I come in here, you’re stocking shelves or brown-nosing customers or doing some other dumb shit.”

“That’s called working. You might’ve heard of it.”

Mickey swipes his wrist over his mouth to erase his smile. “Sounds like a waste of time to me. There’s a lot easier ways to get money.”

“Oh really?” Ian asks. “Why don’t you educate me.”

Fuck, he’s hot when he smirks like that, all snarky and lopsided.

Mickey looks down so Ian won’t see the truth all over his face. He makes himself laugh and ask, “What, you a vice cop now? Officer Gallagher gonna get me to incriminate myself?”

“Screw that,” Ian says. “Couldn’t pay me a million bucks to be a pig.”

Now it’s easy to laugh for real.

“Guess you’re too good for the police academy, Mr. ROTC.” Mickey picks up a packet of Big Red and turns it between his fingers. “Saving your cherry for the U.S. Army to pop when they fuck you over?”

Ian blushes like gingers always do, pink rushing to fill the white spaces between his freckles. “That’s different. The Army protects us from foreign threats. Police are supposed to protect civilians inside our borders, but they usually go after the people who need the most help.”

“Look at that, Ian Gallagher’s swallowed the military propaganda whole.” Mickey mimes knocking back a shot. “Washed it down with some Kool-Aid, I bet.”

“Look at that, Mickey Milkovich knows the word ‘propaganda.’ That’s like sixteen points in Scrabble before bonuses.” Ian scrunches up his nose. “Course, you’d have to be able to spell it.”

Smug piece of shit.

“I’d also have to be a fucking loser who plays board games,” Mickey says. 

He rips open the Big Red packet, unwraps the foil around a slice, and pops it in his mouth. Cinnamon burns his tongue, but it’s a good heat.

“That’s ninety-five cents,” Ian says.

Mickey chews the gum with his mouth open, as loudly and obnoxiously as he can. “Your math’s off.”

“There’s no math, Mickey. The price is on the label.”

Mickey glances over the torn packet. “Fourteen pieces of gum. Ninety-five cents for all of them. I only ate one, so I owe you seven cents—that’s rounding up, so I’m being real generous here.”

Count those points, asshole.

Mickey pulls all the money out of his coat pocket—a few folded twenties and about two dollars’ worth of coins—and picks out a dime to throw on the counter. It bounces right at Ian, who barely catches it before it goes over the edge.

Mickey leaves the rest of the gum behind, says, “Keep the change,” and walks out smiling.

—

—

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peak of my Gallavich Season 1 canon-divergent fic, If You Have a Problem! My first draft is almost done, so fingers crossed I'll be able to start posting soon <3

[pacifv]

HE MEGA RP PLOTTING SHEET / MEME.

First and foremost, recall that no one is perfect, we all have witnessed some plotting once which did not went too well, be it because of us or our partner. So here have this, which may help for future plotting. It’s a lot! Yes, but perhaps give your partners some insight? Anyway BOLD what fully applies, italicize if only somewhat.

Mun Name: Mik      Age: 26      Contact: IM, discord

Character(s) I rp: Eden ( in bleach ) -- I have other ocs but that’s another story Which muse(s) inspires you the most atm?(for MM): Eden... ? Current Fandom(s): Bleach , so far Fandom(s) you have an AU for:  more fantasy esque ones?  My language(s): spanish , english  Themes I’m interested in for rp:   Fantasy / Science fiction / Horror / Western / Romance / Thriller / Mystery / Dystopia / Adventure / Modern / Erotic / Crime / Mythology / Classic / History / Renaissance / Medieval / Ancient / War / Family / Politics / Religion / School / Adulthood / Childhood / Apocalyptic / Gods / Sport / Music / Science / Fights / Angst / Smut / Drama / etc. Themes/Genres you have an AU for: fantasy , religious

Preferred Thread length: one-liner / 1 para / 2 para / 3+ / novella. Asks can be send by: Mutuals / Non-Mutuals / Personals / Anons. Can Asks be continued?:   YES / NO   only by Mutuals?:  YES / NO. Preferred thread type: crack / casual nothing too deep / serious / deep as heck. Is realism / research important for you in certain themes?:   YES / NO. Are you atm open for new plots?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS. Do you handle your draft / ask - count well?:  YES / NO / SOMEWHAT. How long do you usually take to reply?:  24h / 1 week / 2 weeks / 3+ / months / years. I’m okay with interacting: original characters / a relative of my character (an oc) / duplicates / my fandom / crossovers / multi-muses / self-inserts / people with no AU verse for my fandom / canon-divergent portrayals / au-versions (as main or only verse). Do you post more ic or occ?:  IC / OOC. Are you selective with following others?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS.  

Best ways to approach you for rp/plotting:  IM since this is pretty much new . just slap me with that and if you have some ideas , better --- if not let just brainstorm with what we have in hand . 

What expectations do you hold towards your plotting partner:  some minimal idea of the context and eden’s character . some ideas if possible . more than often I have gotten people straight up jump with no clue of what even is going on in my side character wise . 

When you notice the plotting is rather one-sided, what do you do?:  depends , most likely really stop trying or let it sink . I’m not much of a person who would pressure for ideas when they don’t even come naturally for me in these kind of situations . 

How do you usually plot with others, do you give input or leave most work towards your partner?:  First of all , ask what they particularly want and if they read the bio . and of course , have their bio as well ( if oc or any relevant hc on vague canons ) . I am honestly a bit shy on the input but if I found a ground to start letting my imagination loose ( like , something in common between characters or something that clicks well with my muse ) I can suggest several things . but in any case , I’m pretty passive and it’s a lot of gives and takes . 

When a partner drops the thread, do you wish to know?:   YES / NO / DEPENDS. - And why?: depends on the thread , the time and the interest . things that go downtown in the excitement scale are :/  and I can’t blame anyone for dropping a thread . not all the time you will have muse for them , tho , if it was a relevant thread I would ask at least . - What should your partner do when dropping a thread?:  pretty much free to tell me or not . I’m no one to judge.

What could possibly lead you to drop a thread?:  losing muse , interest , time ... pretty much the same . feeling like my muse is going too OOC for the sake of the other muse or smth .  - Will you tell your partner?:   YES / NO / DEPENDS.

Is communication in the rpc important to you?   YES / NO. - And why?:  I am very old school and having some OOC interaction to at least know how things are going , it’s as much as I can ask here .  - Are you okay with absolute honesty, even if it may means hearing something negative about you and/or portrayal?:  I mean , I should . it can turn me off a bit but it’s just natural ? there’s no way something can be perfect or be of someone’s taste . plus I am not that smart to be fully aware of all the things around the motif and IRL information I use on my muse . I’m no book , buddy. - Do you think you can handle such situation in a mature way?  YES / NO.

Why do you rp again, is there a goal?:  development , exploring the muse , seeing what works and doesn’t work . often new blogs for me are basically prototypes , they are and will  most likely have minor or major modifications as my imagination starts working and getting excited . besides , in the basics , you can hardly manage to cover all ( if anything ) of how one’s muse would react to X situation .

Wishlist, be it plots or scenarios:  a lot of quincy lore , come up with more personal connections with other quincies , fully develop a backstory and a post war scenario . cultural exploration  --- relationships of all kinds . 

Themes I won’t ever rp / explore:  pretty much I am fine with anything as long as we don’t cross the gross line . but I’m not afraid of the dark .

What Type of Starters do you prefer / dislike, can’t work with?: absurdly basic and with no context given . not even have an idea of what is the deal between muses . I can squeeze my brain but there is as much as i can do with little information .

What type of characters catch your interest the most?:  quirky ones , conflictive ones , most likely muses with specific motifs that spark my interest -- deepness . Aesthetically interesting ones . but overall , those who have out of the normal personalities . 

What type of characters catch your interest the least?:  personalities that doesn’t work or do not harmonize with the context of their characters . that’s all I can say .

What are your strong aspects as rp partner?:  I am.... creative ? gdi I did this meme already but it’s hard to reply these two ones. I am easily excitable . if we end up in a ship , expect me to be pampering af . I really enjoy the exploration of relations between people , emotions and psychological stuff tied around it . I do like casual and also very deep things . I’m not afraid of dealing with heavy topics . I like horror ???? also I am very into the secondary character role , as in : my muse is here to help your muse to grow or insight . that stuff . not much of a protagonist role in RPs. 

What are your weak aspects as rp partner?: I’m .... very.... sporadic . My mood is annoying esp when I’m “new” blog around kind of thing . I’m shy , even if I don’t seem so --- I get pretty anxious over details . I am impatient --- with myself . I want to do so many things at the same time I end up overwhelmed . 

Do you rp smut?:  YES / NO. Do you prefer to go into detail?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS. Are you okay with black curtain?:  YES / NO. - When do you rp smut? More out of fun or character development?:  mmmmmmmmm , both. Depends on mood and context tbh . - Anything you would not want to rp there?:  nothing I can think from the top of my head.

Are ships important to you?:   YES / NO. Would you say your blog is ship-focused?:   YES / NO. Do you use read more?:  YES / NO / SOMETIMES. Are you: Multi-Ship / Single-Ship / Dual-Ship  —  Multiverse / Singleverse. - What do you love to explore the most in your ships?:  again , I’m big mood for interpersonal relationships ( romantic or not ) , the pros and cos of certain traits , ideology clash , personality clash , anything that comes in a relation that could make it come and go .  - What is your smut tag?: unholy.

Are you okay with pre-established relationships?: YES / NO. - And what kind of ones?: all are hella okay for me . pre- est is my jam bc jesus christ the awkward first encounters make me go blue screen .

► SECTION ABOUT YOUR MUSE.

- What could possibly make your Muse interesting towards others, why should they rp with this particular character of yours now, what possible plots do they offer?:  the fact she is basically a “religious fanatic” , with a quirky personality and a questionable morality , considering she has an inner conflict between the wellness of her race and her loyalty towards yhwach . At least pre war . post war , she has a flipped personality were she is mostly bitter and more angsty but will go from fanatic to straight up hater . 

- With what type of Muses do you usually struggle to rp with?:   bland personalities ? not sure myself , Eden is pretty much ready for anything since her personality is pretty laid back . I guess I would say shinigamis in general --- since she basically is stuck inside Silbern . - With what type of Muses do they usually work well with?:  Quincies , ofc . and people who are willing to put up with her crap .

- What interests your Muse(s) in general:  the prosperity of the quincy , doing a proper duty , order , tea , annoying the fuck out of people . being eerie ....  - What do they desire, is their goal?:  the ideal world as thought by Yhwach --- later on simply for her kind to survive after losing the war and being left to their luck . - What catches their interest first when meeting someone new?:  mmm , appearance  and reactions to her witty or narcisistic comments .  - What do they value in a person?:    loyalty , uniqueness . - What themes do they like talking about?:  most likely about the order of the army , tea stuff , herself (?) , but she is also a lot for debates and insight . - Which themes bore them?:  rebellious , silly thoughts . justice related topics . anything that critics her loyalty/life style . 

- Did they ever went through something traumatic?:  the first war was enough ? most likely losing comrades --- yhwach sacrificing the quincy for power later on .  - What could possibly trigger them?:  the simple sight of anyone laying a finger of the quincy for being against their views .   - What could set them off, enrage them?:  nothing. she cannot literally , physically get angry or enraged . but if we are talking bitter , that would be completely post war and it’s just the mention of yhwach’s name or those who went to god’s palace with him .  - What could lead to an instant kill?:  invasion of silbern , chaos . 

- Is there someone /-thing they hate?:  chaos , rebels , shinigami , anyone against the quincy . - Is there someone /-thing they love?:   her race , her pride , herself .

Is your Muse easy to approach?: YES / NO. - Best ways to approach them?:  just .... come to her and say hi . she is literally wandering around silbern all the time ( quincy speaking tho ) . for others , eh ... good luck . and wait post war (?) - Where are they usually to find?:  Silbern ... then Siberia . 

Something you may still want to point out about your muse?:  She is no saint , clearly . She has a questionable sense of things like loyalty and preservation of her race . she is honestly all over the place

CONGRATS!!! You managed it, now tag your mutuals! ♥

Tagged by:  honestly stole from @skyvar​  Tagging:  no one in particular.

[kaito-yuki]

Shout Out Thank Yous!

Alrighty I can already tell that this is going to be a long ass post, so I’m just going to say general things here first. I will then address each mun under the Read More (there’s 20+ of you!), so search for your blog mentioned to find my message to you! 

This Fairy Tail OC blog is my 3rd most popular blog by follower count, just under my Vegeta (DBZ) blog which is popular because of the muse itself over the RPing. Kaito is the opposite, which is why I especially find it important to address and thank each and every mun who’s interacted with me through this blog. For actual posts made it is only second to my personal, which just affirms  that this blog has earned its popularity (and bronze medal) here in my opinion. 

I put in my all and beyond to this blog especially, how it’s navigated, organizing the threads and tags as much as I can so me (and you) can read back on things whenever we want, will use it as a template for my other muses/blogs too haha. Kaito (and my other OCs) have grown as characters thanks to the interactions here, especially when it comes to ships! I also have done the most mun/muse vs muse posts here (Shiro has his own tag FFS lmao), which I’m pleased that many of you are a fan of (the posts, not Shiro!) 

To all my followers, thank you for following and sticking with me, esp those from the beginning! To the other RP blogs I haven’t interacted with yet, I’d love to, especially you OCs! I want to also use this blog to advocate for other similar (OC) blogs, that they can also be great and relevant as canon ones with enough hard work!  Now onto the special thanks!

@crystaldragonslayer: Oh looks like the Queen Pixie has returned, the timing couldn’t have been better with your RP comeback! You are just one of the best RP partners out there, I am very grateful for the time and effort we combined together on our RPs/ships. Vivienne is just awesome and probably the main reason why Kaito is too, creating a OTP that deserves it’s own paragraph gdi!

+KaiVi: Kaito & Vivienne have a total of 69 threads by my count atm (I hope I miscounted lmao). I just love this OTP of ours to bits, it is a pleasure and honour working with you on them so far. I can’t wait to start exploring the next stage of their lives and beyond! You know what they say, ’First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes-”-mouth gets frozen by Kaito coz spoilers!- I’m so happy that KaVi has got at least a couple of fans too! Then there’s the AUs, and interactions with them with/and our other muses, so much to look forward to! It’s just really fun to just crossover this ship with others, with other muses ours and our RP partners! Highlights: Battle of Fairy Tail (Thread) | Song | Promo | Wedding (Art)

@starlightxveins​: I usually ship Kaito with Lucy romantically, I never would have thought they’d be the BrOTP too! Your Lucy is a delight and fun to interact with, crossing over the KaiVi, ShiroAqua, GraLu, JerZa and WendyCookies ships is just fabulous and I look forward to more of them (crack) [group] interactions lmao. Can’t wait to start on the other ships we discussed as well!

@celestial-weirdo-lucy: We may only have one thread on here, but I love it! Your Lucy is great, and it’s awesome I get to make a spin on KaiLu by having Kaito have a crush on her already lmao. Then there’s our other ships that I’m excited to develop too! Our KaiLu bodyguard AU is probably my favorite AUs which I look forward to sharing, I’m excited for our other  AUs too (like Gods and Bleach) and ships with our other muses, damn there’s lots to RP!

@celestial-keys-princess​: The Lucy that started it all, Ava you are first mun I approached in the FT RP community and became my guide to others. KaiLu is awesome and I thank you for going through plots and headcanons with me for them! Look forward to continuing their interactions when we do! 

I appreciate you also helping me expand Kaito’s Sabertooth verse with Minerva. Kaito’s ship verse with Tori is still the only one where it’s Shiro and the female teaming up against Kaito, which is so hilarious that I will keep it there lmao. Then there’s our other interactions/ships I’d be happy to get into again like Rukia/Aizen, Laxus/Tori, GraLu (with modern band AU) and Lucy/Jackal, who is atm growling at Lucy behind me because of and/or for her ear rubs lmao Highlights:  A Prayer in the Rain (Thread) | Song | KaiLu (Art/Promo)

@pitchblacksteel: Akira I just love your Gajeel, especially your ships with Lucy and Mira! I look forward to more interactions with him and muses on your multi (like Natsu and Erza!) Kaito still feels bad over the crap Shiro has dragged Gajeel (and Natsu) into lmao.

@poisonouslightslayer: Your Sting is the Sting me (and Kaito) think of whenever Sting is mentioned, you portray him with such depth, it’s really nice to read the posts I see from you! Our interactions also helped inspire me to add a Guild Master addon/verse for Kaito, would love to explore that too!

@itashiro-hitsuchiha​: Thank you for helping me expand Kaito’s Sabertooth and Kingdom Hearts verses, I look forward to continuing our threads with Harumi and Perix!

@dxvilishgrin: Our Kaiio/Mira ship started on Discord, so I’m happy we could also expand upon on it on Tumblr too! Also enjoyed the interactions with your other muses, canons and OCs alike!

@stellcrblossom: Rin I appreciate you and your OCs so much, you gave Kaito a [adoptive] daughter (Ember) and sister (Kamui), and pretty much helped extend his family and my OCs too. Also this helped me branch into going through the next generation of FT, got me working on my other ship’s children too which is appreciated! Can’t wait to RP as Issei (KaiVi’s son) when I’m done with his info! +SakuEm: Sakurai x Ember is one of my favourites and is awesome to see them upgraded to an OTP, and that we created a whole plot/saga/arc/war around Ember’s kidnapping. Can’t wait to continue that and crossover it with my other ships, it’s going to be awesome! Don’t get me started on our AUs, excited for them too! Highlights: Ember Fading (Thread) | Asterius Arc Promo & Graphic

@gureixfurubasuta: Your Gray is great, and I just love their brotherly (gay according to Shiro lmao) bond esp with their shared ties to Ul. Thank you for inspiring me to start my own Gray blog, even though it’s just so I don’t force anyone (like you) to RP Gray for Kaito, and look how that turned out haha. Your Gray (and Juvia) will always by my main for Kaito, and my Gray’s more angsty twin lmao. I’d be happy to interact more through our other muses too!

@sky-dragon-slayer-wendy: Your Wendy is so precious (and a rebel GDI lmao), I loved our thread together and would be happy to continue interactions when you’re free enough again! 

@broken-memories-and-silent-tears: Alice is great and I’m happy to crossover this with our Gralice ship, Kaito and Alice have a great sibling bond with my Gray (and Shiro) between them haha. I’d be happy to add Alice into my fan game as we discussed before way back too, esp now things are better on my end!

@imaginaryserver: Me and (my muses) miss you and your Mavis! Our Cards Against Humanity game is still a memorable time for me from way back, I’m still waiting for an artist to draw it!

@shrimps-variety-garden: I just adore your Levy and her ship with Kaito, the modern AU is especially interesting since it’s based on song lyrics haha. Looking forward to us RPing though to the endgame! Our ship also has helped me develop a more antagonistic version of my Gajeel which is awesome too.

@scythe-rps: Hiroshi is a better guy (and muse) thanks to his best friend Gyrain! it’s good that we can bring more focus onto the usually underappreciated Blue Pegasus! I look forward to when Lyon & Gyrain finally clear the air about their relationship lmao, and thanks for helping me develop Masaru more through their interactions! 

@sunaarashii: Thank you for interacting with Hiroshi, his ship with Cari is just precious with the thread we have currently, can’t wait to RP out what comes next!

@bunnysmultimuse: The thread with Sorano was fun, so I’d like to continue interactions (esp with the headcanons discussed) if you’re still up for it! That goes for Jellal with Meredy too!

@ultecr: Still have your post in my drafts, I know you said to take my time but even I know taking months is ridiculous lmao. I look forward to starting the Kaito/Ultear ship once I do reply, love your portrayal of Mavis too!

@herhorns:  I love seeing your Mira on my dash, especially her ships with Gajeel and Gray! Looking forward to interacting with Ravyn when we get to it, your art is awesome too!

@angelsoffiore: Welcome back man! Mizumi is a great OC and is why I approached you in the first place, so appreciate you still continuing our thread after so long. Hope to interact more with Mizumi, your other OCs, and your Laxus too!

[wingsporkhalo]

A Sporking of “Fate’s Flawed Design”-- an old original story by MysticDelphox97

God bless @mysticdelphox97 as usual for allowing me to go savage on her old stories. You’re the greatest. <333 Thanks also to @icykalismsts for reading this over and offering comments as well! If I only had two readers (which I probably do), I’d be glad it was you two.

What I’ll be snarking about today is an old story of Mystic’s called Fate’s Flawed Design, about a boring and awful OC and her possibly even more awful “friends,” as well as some kind of bullshit backstory about a curse and a famous ancestor?? Idk man. It kind of gets lost in all the angsty song lyrics. It was, of course, never finished. But I hope you will enjoy the nonsense that it has to offer, dear reader, assuming you exist.

Excerpt below; the rest beneath the cut!

Fate’s Flawed Design

Tell me I’m frozen, but what can I do?

Can’t tell the reasons, I did it for you!

When lies turn into truth, I’ll sacrifice for you.

You say that I am frozen…

But what can I do?

~Lyrics from Frozen, by Within Temptation

Wing: At least they're not from the movie Frozen.

Chapter 1: Overview

Friday, May 16, 2025

Wing: THE DISTANT FUTURE!

“Okay, students. I hope you know your assignment for the weekend; figure out a plot for your Creative Writing project. For next week, we'll start writing our story—remember, though, it's only the beginning, so we don't want to start directly into it. Do we all understand?” Mrs. Llaydeu addressed her English class.

Wing: Mrs. Who now?

Every head in the room nodded.

Wing: Including the disembodied one in the back, which floated above an empty desk: a glowing, semi-transparent head of a teenage boy with scraggly hair and sunken eyes.  He went by Fred. Everyone had gotten so used to Fred that they hardly paid him any mind anymore.

“Alrighty, then! You're free to head outside,” she concluded.

Everyone cheered and scampered out the classroom door, which lead onto a hill that overlooked the grassy field known as our playscape. I sat atop the hill, looking upon all the kids filing out of one of the three school houses that made up the establishment. Each building taught three to four grades, which shared a playground. I'm currently in the eighth grade, who happens to be some of the best groups of children the school has ever worked with.

Wing: I'm sure they tell that to every group.

The weather today is very hot, almost to the point where it’s extremely uncomfortable.

Wing: So...it's ALMOST extremely uncomfortable...meaning it's...moderately uncomfortable?

I prefer autumn over the insanely warm summer, because you get to wear pretty jackets and long sleeved clothes. And fall is a beautiful season, with all the brown, orange, and yellow hues, although it’s also the same time when school starts. It’s a worthy sacrifice, however.

Wing: ??? What are you sacrificing

Kali: I think the narrator means that having to go to school is a hardship they'll endure for the sake of enjoying fall? I guess? Otherwise it means they'll sacrifice the other schoolchildren to an eldritch being.

Wing: I like that one better.

“Whew! I can't wait until my mom finally opens the pool,” Kyle exclaimed, wiping the back of his hand on his tan forehead. His brunette locks were dripping a bit from sweat, and that was just from the heat.

Wing: Holy crap, the main character isn't alone? Suddenly this dude named Kyle is just there dripping everywhere like something out of Turnabout Matrimony.

That goodness it wasn't humid today—humidity and Kyle don't mix too well.

Wing: THAT goodness it wasn't humid today. But also THIS goodness.

Mystic: ppfffff xD

Wing: And humidity and Kyle don't mix too well because they are of differing states of matter. Also Humidity never gave back Kyle's sweater and he's still salty about it

Mystic: I feel like first three chapters of this story is like, venting my feelings about... whatever I was feeling at the time.

Wing: Also, calling a guy a brunette...myeeeeh...LOL

Kali: Duh, Wing, Mystic's not calling him a brunette, but his LOCKS brunette. He has little anthropomorphized padlocks with brown hair who are sweating profusely.

Mystic: oh you only call women brunettes right? Mystic: or, something like that?

Wing: Yup! It has "ette" in it basically LOL Wing: Calling a dude a blonde or a redhead is fine, but "brunette" is gendered for some weird reason

Mystic: ahhh ok! Mystic: Eighth grader me probably didn't know that xD

He sat down beside me. I let out an exhausted sigh.

“So, what are you doing for your writing draft?” I asked, brushing back my own chocolate-brown bangs.

He pondered a bit before answering me. “Honestly, I do have an idea… but now that I think about it, it sounds pretty stupid.”

“How can anything you write be stupid?” I inquired, laughing. “I mean, you're one of the most creative people I know!”

Wing: "Uh, I have a severe problem with dyslexia, remember? GOD, Main Character, you are SO INSENSITIVE!" the male brunette sobbed, running away to drip somewhere else.

Mystic: PFFFF BAHAHAHHAHAHA

“Well … it's about this race of humans, and they take control of these odd species of animals which they use as weapons against another intelligent race.

Wing: ...Pokemon

Mystic: OH MY GOD Mystic: IT'S POKEMON

Wing: LOL

Mystic: Iluminati theme song starts playing

Wing: ROFL

I haven't figured out exactly what the animals are, or what the opposing race is. It still needs some work,” Kyle told me, with an embarrassed smile on his visage.

“Ooh,” I complimented. “That sounds really interesting. I can't wait to see how it turns out.”

Wing: I like how "Ooh" is considered a compliment. Maybe among monkeys it is, but...

“Me too,” he agreed. “What about you? What are you going to write?”

I blinked. I never actually thought of what story I was to create until Kyle just asked me. The characters are all sorted out, since we worked on that last week, and themes were this week. The only problem was the issue now being addressed.

“Uh…” I started to say, “probably something horror-themed. I'd like to include some romance in it too, though. But, it's hard to incorporate the two themes,” I finally responded.

Wing: Oh really?? Then why do all stereotypical horror movies have makeout scenes??

“Romance? From you? Now that's something, Remy,” he remarked.

Wing: Remy?? Is this a boy or a girl?? Both? Neither?? I'M SO CONFUSED

Mystic: It's a girl, not very well clarified ill admit ^^'

Wing: I've decided to headcanon them as a girl strangely named Remington after the kind of rifle. Her dad wanted her to be a boy Wing: (or a gun, whichever) Wing: Oh, okay! So at least I got the girl part right! LOL

Mystic: full name is Remeleen, I don't know where the fuck I got it from but I liked it because it looks like my name: Rosaleen

Wing: Remeleen?? Doesn't that evolve into Octillereen

Mystic: yes Mystic: and then it Mega Evolves into Mega Octillereen

Wing: Rofl, yes, exactly

Mystic: my god I'm on the second chapter and it just got so dark all of a sudden what the heck

I rolled my eyes at my nickname. “Well, expanding one's horizons is never a bad thing, is it?”

“Never said it was.”

I lifted myself to my feet, and stretched my arms. Kyle did the same, before running off to play soccer with several other boys. Just then, a crushing weight pounced on my back, causing me to stagger forwards a bit.

“Remy! I missed you, girl!” a familiar voice squealed.

Mystic: Okay also apparently Remeleen means 'white antelope'... which is somehow significant to this story. I don't know why, but. I guess I thought it was cool. gdi

Wing: That's okay. The main characters in my story I was writing in early high school were Apollan, Candella, Leandor, Hakaisha, and Aralyn. HOWEVER the fact that they are a phoenix, unicorn, gryphon, dragon, and...human(?) may explain that a little, idk. LOL

“Leaf! Ge' off me!” I choked, because a pair of white extremities had wrapped themselves around my neck.

Wing: Leaf?? What are you doing here. Get back to Gen 3! Wing: Secondly, who the hell says “Ge' off”? Wing: And lastly, “white extremities”? What the heck? Does Leaf have albino tentacles? D:

She finally let go. I turned around, confronted by a jumping, overly-hyper strawberry-blonde girl that wouldn’t be quiet.

“Remy, Remy! Guess what, guess what, guess what?” she exclaimed, waving her hands in front of her tomato-red face.

Wing: "Tomato red face"?? Holy shit, she's having an allergic reaction!!

I couldn't tell if that was from being in the sun or from the exercise she was getting at this very moment.

“What?” I asked, laughing at her display. Leaf eventually calmed down, taking deep breaths.

“You ready yet, Spaz?” I inquired, a smile playing on my lips. It was starting to hurt my cheeks though.

She took one more breath before answering me. “I just, JUST found out that I'm going to be moving into your homeroom class on Monday!” she cried.

Wing: Idk why, but when "Leafie" says she's going to be "moving into your homeroom," I pictured her actually MOVING IN to the homeroom. Like, "I live here now."

Mystic: pffffffffffff omg

“Oh my gosh, Leafie! That's amazing!” I cheered. We both grabbed our hands and began launching ourselves up multiple times.

Wing: One climbed on the other's shoulders and then the one on the bottom FLUNG the other up into the sky à la Catastropika Mystic: "launched ourselves into the air" why didn't I just say they jumped a lot xD Wing: I don't know. That wouldn't have given me the Catastropika image, had it been worded like that, LOL Mystic: pffffffff xD

“So, how come you moved?” I said after we stopped our antic.

“Um,” she started, brushing some of her hair out of the way,

Wing: Oh come on. She's obviously in love with the main character. What? What do you mean, that's not it? SHHHH. YES IT IS. I SAY SO

“well, as you know, I was in a class with all the jocks and the female athletes -- you know, the ones who are very competitive and rather stuck-up? I had a break-down about it yesterday, in front of Ms. Zhanei –thank god her and no one else— and she admitted that it was a bad idea to have put me in that class. So, she emailed my mom about a possible switch-over for rooms, and she replied agreeing to it. Now my classes are arranged so I can be with you and Kyle and everyone else! Tada!” Leaf ended her speech with a pose.

Wing: Was it this one?

Mystic: BAHAHAHHA FJKDNSHMLFKJEJFNB

Wing: I have to admit I am still giggling roflllll

I clapped. “Bravo, Master Spaghetti!” I complimented her with her spy name, for when we play our detective games that started when we were in the first grade together.

Wing: Master Spaghetti has to be the most disappointing Spy Name ever conceived. Missed opportunity to make it "Master Spyghetti" for one thing

Mystic: yeeahhhh, I felt The Cringe hard when I saw that

We basically create our own crime-scene and them we try to solve it. I assumed my White Antelope gesture, which is stroking my fake handlebar mustache.

Kali: This is the White Antelope gesture... why...?

Wing: obviously because white antelopes have mustaches, Kali

“Now that we have solved that crime,

Wing: What crime? The crime of a spy being named Master Spaghetti?

how about we try to spill the beans from our current suspect to the hangover case?”

Leaf placed her hands on her hips. Her voice assumed the “Popular” clique tune.

Wing: Is that in the key of E? Hum a few bars for me; I'm not familiar

Mystic: coulda described it better as shrill and dramatic I guess?

Wing: No, it was the fact that it said "tune" instead of "tone"

“Like, totally! I would, like, so want to annoy the shizzles out of Bernie Bergetti!” She mimicked pulling the lip on her invisible black baseball cap.

I roared with laughter, ignoring the few glances that it received from some of the higher status students.

Wing: So like, that group of Duchesses over there, I guess

Kali: No comment on "annoy the shizzles out of?" =_=

Wing: I...I honestly don't remember that phrase being in there LOL

Kali: “Like, totally! I would, like, so want to annoy the shizzles out of Bernie Bergetti!” She mimicked pulling the lip on her invisible black baseball cap. I died a little inside reading that line I think XD

Wing: OH THAT'S RIGHT also how is the invisible baseball cap black how do you determine the color of a fuckin invisible hat

“But I'm really happy,” she smiled. “I'd rather be in your classes than in the Popular class.”

“Hey, Emmerson! Ryder!” Well, speak of the devil, shall we?

Wing: We shan't.

Mystic: obviously middle schoolers call each other by their last names. of course.

Our eyes traveled to the source of the voice, which led us to the snobbiest group of chicks you've never seen before.

Wing: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/images/chics.jpg But...they're so cute...

They were strutting our way. Oh, and this clique was made up of the few sporty girls.

Wing: ............ http://www.punjabigraphics.com/images/11/tennis-balls.jpg okay....

Most of which were in Leaf's previous homeroom.

“Whadaya want, Sullivan?” I shouted at their leader.

Wing: I'm just thinking of Sully from Monsters, Inc.

Mystic: gdi now I'm thinking of that too

Audrey Sullivan. She has brown hair (which the color looks awful because it looks like it’s been dyed),

Wing: UGH! HOW DARE SHE WANT A COLOR OTHER THAN THE ONE SHE WAS BORN WITH!! But no I know what you mean. What kind of person dyes their hair brown though? Isn't blonde the popular choice, if not fire engine red? Like I'm sure people DO dye their hair brown but I never saw it in middle school.

very tan skin, and an unpleasant face to look at. Mostly because it's not exactly attractive, and it screams for a nose-job.

Wing: Good god, the Girl Hate in this story

Mystic: there's a shit ton of girl hate in this story I'm afraid Mystic: mostly towards "popular" girls

And that sultry voice—oh, my god it's disgusting; too much sweet and not enough of it in her soul.

Wing: "Sultry"? Sounds like this is more than just a clash of cliques... ;D Wing: My first thought was this though https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f_6w_bVKM4

Mystic: PPFFFF HOLY SHIT YES Mystic: Y E S

Wing: The Glinda x Elphie is real

Mystic: tbh sultry wasn't a good word choice ^^'

Wing: And nope. It absolutely wasn't. LOL

Mystic: oh my god I'm reading the third chapter now and I just Mystic: I hate it so much Mystic: nothing in it makes any sense Mystic: all this drama from KIDS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL Mystic: WHY

It's a wonder how she maintained her popular status.

When their group was face-to-face to us, I nearly died from the waft of perfume that hit me.

Wing: Thinking of the scene where SpongeBob has to go through... the Perfume Department.

Mystic: NOT THE PERFUME DEPARTMENT Mystic: and I like body spray now so pfft this is incredibly outdated xD

Leaf's body seemed to shrink as she cowered behind me.

Wing: So like...why is her name Leaf, though

Mystic: it's literally because of the female protag for FRLG lol

Wing: oh my god Wing: rofllllllllllll

Mystic: i did say this was a very old story xD

She had terrible experiences with them in the past, and trust me, it's not a pretty subject. They target her because she has mental disorders, which separates her from them, and they pick on anything that she does. I bet you anything that that's what this is about.

“Nothing bad about you,” Audrey stated. I had to grit my teeth and ball up my fists to stop myself from hitting her.

“We'd like to talk to your friend, if that's okay,” one of her sidekicks explained.

Wing: They sure are polite for bullies

Mystic: my question is WHERE ARE THE ADULTS

Although there really was no need to do that. I have no problem with dealing with these girls; it's Leaf that needs the support right now.

“If you got something to say to her, you say it to me,” I retorted. I could feel Leaf trembling behind my back.

“What are you, her mother?” A rather fat student sassed.

Wing: Ooh, fatshaming, too. What's next, slutshaming? They're in middle school so I'm guessing there will be lots of accusations that so-and-so kissed x many boys

Mystic: ...yeah, there's slutshaming.... Mystic: my god i hated so many things Mystic: yeesh

“That's right, bitch. And if you say anything to anyone else I'll be their mother, too, because at least mothers have feelings for others! And I don't mean that wishy-washy, one-sided crushes or dates, either,” I told them.

Wing: Literally the worst and most nonsensical comeback I have ever seen

The looks on their visages amused me, because they're of shock and bewilderment.

Wing: The tenses in here amused me, because they're suddenly in the present tense. Also LOOKS ON THEIR VISAGES LOOKS ON THEIR VISAGES

I stumped them for a good minute before one piped up:

Wing: Yeah I don't blame them. I'm pretty stumped and bewildered myself about that response

“Well, then, can you answer us as to why she switched homeroom classes?”

“Yeah,” I said, “I can. She felt miserable in the athletic classroom, so she changed it to ease the pressure. And unlike you guys, she's horribly shy and has trouble socializing.

Wing: Gee Remy, don't hold back or nothin'

This is understandable, at least from someone who does understand, as to why she did what she did.”

Wing: Uh...what?

Mystic: i ah Mystic: i got nothin

Wing: Also I like how it's "the athletic classroom" Hell yeah. That classroom is ripped. 2 hours on the treadmill every morning, yo

Mystic: i head that classroom has an 8-pack, that classroom is shredded

Wing: ROFL

“Well, yeah, we know that. But, I want to hear from her, not you,” Audrey said. I got up real close to her face and sneered.

“You don't trust my word then, Sullivan?” I spat. She wiped her face from the saliva droppings.

Wing: "saliva droppings"??? What the fuck, that's awful and gross Also, these bullies are being pretty tolerant, considering this girl is being actually really rude, shouting about her friend's shortcomings, and getting all up in their grill and spitting at them

Mystic: plot twist: the MC is the bully

“No—but I hate being biased.”

I scoffed. “Sure. Like in those drama episodes you construct with your friends to get sympathy from your mom and the teachers?”

“You know, I don't like you're tone, Emmerson,” Audrey pointed out.

Wing: At least she isn't tune

“Neither I to yours.”

Wing: oh my god I hate this main character ROFLLLLL Wing: THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE, REMY

Mystic: GDI Remy

Wing: "Neither I don't like you are tone to yours" is what she's saying basically

Mystic: oh my god that is literally shit

Wing: "Nor I yours" is, I think, what she was going for Wing: that is, "Nor do I like the tone that is yours"

Mystic: oh yeah that makes MUCH more sense Mystic: or, wait, way more sense Mystic: fuck

Wing: Much more sense is fine!

There was a dead silence amongst us. The sounds of the other kids playing were ignored as we stared each other down. It went on for what seemed like an hour, but I knew better than that.

Wing: Did you, Remy? I'm beginning to doubt anything you say you know.

Then, with a final scoff, and a disgusted look on her, she flipped her hair and turned around, her posse close at hand.

Wing: On her. Just...all of her. Covered in that disgusted look. It was everywhere. Also, the bully is again being pretty gracious. She basically said "Hey I wanna hear it from her why she switched classes" "FIGHT ME BITCH RRRRAAWWWWRRR" "Whooooaaa okay sorry didn't realize Mama Bear was here to protect the little cub" "RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAWWWRRR SOMETHING ABOUT BEING EVERYONE'S MOTHERS AND POSSIBLY A REFERENCE TO HOW MANY DATES YOU GO ON(??)!! [SPITS!!!]" "Uh...ew. Anyway, yeah, why can't your friend speak for herself?" "SILENCE, FOOL!! DON'T YOU KNOW HOW SOCIALLY AWKWARD MY FRIEND IS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO BE SOCIALLY AWKWARD????" "Allllrighty then. Just wanted to hear it from her." "U CALLIN ME A LIAR, DOLLFACE???" "No, I kinda just wanted the whole story." "RRRRRRRRAWRRRRR YOU'RE AN ATTENTION WHORE!! NOTHING ABOUT YOU IS REAL, NOT EVEN YOUR UGLY HAAAAAAAAAAIR!!" "Dude, harsh. I don't like those things you're saying." "I DON'T LIKE WHAT YOOOOOOOOUUU'RRREEEEE SAYINGGGGGGG! ALSO MINE GRAMMAR ARE GOODISH!!" "....A'ight, I'm out. Let's go, guys."

Mystic: basically that's what happens once you take my hypocritical storytelling out of the picture xD

Wing: Basically. LOL

Mystic: jesus why did i think this was any good back in the day, this is terrible xD

Wing: Even if you just have the dialogue by itself it comes off like Remy's a crazy person. LOL

Mystic: i think she becomes a schizophrenic later in the story soo, yeah, kinda messed up in the head a bit

Wing: Jfc. [holds head in hands]

Mystic: y-yeeahhhhhhhhhh Mystic: tbh if this story doesn't give you cancer by the end id be surprised

I turned to face Leaf, whose face was redder than usual. I couldn't tell if she had cried or not, but her body language clearly spoke to me: she definitely was not okay right now.

“Thanks, Remeleen,” Leaf smiled, now relieving herself from the stress those Populars gave her.

“Anytime, Leafie,” I grinned.

The vibrant look faded,

Wing: What vibrant look? It said she smiled, but like, it didn't say she suddenly looked Okay or All Better or anything

and when she spoke, it was rather choked. “You know … I wish I could be brave like you, Remy.”

“Brave? Leaf, I'm not--” I began, but then she cut me off.

“Well, at least you have the courage to stand up to the popular clique! I can't even do that! I cower at even the slightest glimpse of them!” she yelled. I was taken aback-- why was she mad at me?

Wing: Uh, maybe she's just frustrated at her own weakness? NOT EVERYTHING'S ABOUT YOU, REMY

Mystic: ohhhhh boy you're coming to the really angsty part of the story Mystic: buckle up it's gonna be baaaad

“Leaf--” I stuttered.

“I know you'll usually be there to stand up for me, but there's gonna be a day where you're not here and they're gonna target me. And what'll I do then? Cry? Run away in shame? I hate doing that, Remeleen! And I can't defend myself anyway, because of my damned disorders, and being so fucking socially awkward!

Wing: Okay, like, as someone with disorders also, can I just say how ridiculous this is She's basically saying "I am a little baby who can't speak for myself." If her anxiety was THAT crippling she'd probably be in special ed or homeschooling. And also, I was plenty capable of defending myself usually. I was bullied a LOT, but I had my ways of handling it

So no matter what you say, or what you do, IT’S NOT GONNA FUCKING HAPPEN!

Wing: Uh, okay, but...what isn't?

Mystic: i honestly can't exactly explain the purpose of that dialogue tbh. maybe i was venting again? in a very unclear way apparently xP

Wing: LOL Maybe.

It's not like you can write in a book or whatever and whatever you write down will come true!

Wing: http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/82e8563ff1b434c4aec200497f0fef6c/http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy135/RowennaandPittie/the_Death_Note.jpg

Mystic: OH FUN FACT: original plot of the story is actually similar to death note

Wing: …Oiy... Wing: So basically, her friend is like "Thanks for helping out, friend! :D" "Oh yeah sure no prob" "OH MY GOD YOU NEVER LET ME DO ANYTHING FOR MYSELF!! YOU'RE NOT MY REAL DAD!! I HATE YOU!! [runs off crying]" "...wtf"

Life doesn't work that way--instead, it throws shit into your face until you crack and start to shut down. That's what's gonna happen to me someday, Remeleen. Just you wait.” After her rant, she left, stomping with every step.

I stood at my spot, stunned, feeling my own tears bubble up inside me.

Wing: yo, if she feels tears bubbling inside her, I think she should see a doctor

Mystic: everyone in this story needs doctors tbh Mystic: they're all insane i swear

Wing: like, actually insane, not fictional insane, which is "cool" and "edgy" Wing: (It irks me when people write about mental disorders just to make things interesting or portray mental illness like it's hip or cool. > >)

Mystic: Yeah, that portrayal irritates me as well.

Wing: It's like Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way cutting her wrists all the time. She doesn't actually want to die. She doesn't even want someone to help her. She just wants to look edgy. Shit or get off the pot, Enoby

Mystic: although apparently that's what happened somehow in this story [shudders] Mystic: oh good lord

Leaf had always poured her fears and beliefs onto me,

Wing: Sounds messy

Mystic: BEEP BEEP HERE COMES THE CRINGE TRAIN

but not with this much emotion. I knew what she had to deal with for her whole life: a mom with two of Leaf’s younger half-sisters,

Wing: Leaf's a mom with her two younger half-sisters??

Mystic: Leaf has a mom and two younger half sisters ^^' coulda been worded better

Wing: Ohhh ok Wing: I was like "isn't she too young to be taking care of orphans" Wing: Suddenly, Leaf's entire history

Mystic: yup, all condensed into a paragraph summary Mystic: which i thought was somehow necessary

who believes that Leaf isn't trying hard enough, even though she knows about the disabilities she has; a stepfather who is kind on the outside, but has a quick temper and a stern voice on the inside; and a real father who has slept with every woman imaginable and treats Leaf like crap every time she visits him. Good god, she nearly got raped by him six years ago when she was seven years old, which got him into jail and she never saw him again. Even though he apologized, because that night he was drunk and all, she absolutely refused to see his, and I quote, “dirty, disgusting face again.” Leaf told me about almost everything that happened to her in her lifetime; and I listened. And most times, I couldn't get a word of advice to her because of how awful or sad or horrible her experience was. All I really could do was hug and cry with her. The only happy moments Leaf ever had were when we had our sleepovers, or when I invited her for a family vacation if my parents allowed it (which, they have always done).

Wing: Jfc

I really do want Leaf to be my sister, because when she's not depressed or angry, she's the best friend a friend could be--maybe even more.

Wing: More than a friend? :D

She's funny, supportive, a great team player, amazing with younger children, and really creative. If she was my sibling, we could be twins, and have so much fun together. We could play with Amy, my little sister, and our Akita/Husky mix, Rocky, all the time. Amy absolutely adores Leaf, and even calls her 'sister' when she sees her. My parents love Leaf too. They know as much about Leaf as I do and they see her as another daughter. They just about love her almost as much as me.

“Oy, Remy!” I heard Kyle's voice. He ran up to me, his forehead even more drenched with sweat. It must have been from playing soccer with his friends. “Hey, what happened to Leafsters?

Wing: “Leafsters”

She looked awful upset running into the building,” he said.

I was about to answer when the bell for the end of school rang.

“I'll tell you when I get home,” I told him. He nodded as we raced into our classroom.

I got to my locker and began putting my materials inside. I had only gotten three needed subjects in when the loudspeaker clicked on, announcing for the pick-ups to head to the school's front entrance. Five more minutes until the first bus wave is called.

I thrust my English folder into my backpack and then reentered my homeroom. I left it on my desk to search for Leaf.

Wing: She left her entire homeroom on that desk. That must have been a huge desk

I slipped between the classrooms, hoping to find my best friend. I have to catch her before she departs for the first-wave buses … because she needs to know. She just has to know that I'll always be her person to cry to, to laugh with, and to always buddy up with when doing team-projects. That she'll never be alone, as long as she's got me, even when I'm not there. Leaf may not have a cell phone, and neither do I, but there's a kind of telepathy link between us that acts like an instant messenger, so we can tell what we're thinking most of the time.

Wing: ..................Sure, honey

But this is something that has to be communicated though words.

I spent almost the entire five minutes looking in all three of them when the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Leaf would've gone to the Resource Room. It's considered the “safe haven” for special needs students … like Leaf.

I was just about to head out from Mr. Gorgon's room,

Wing: Mr. Gorgon?? That poor man. I wonder if people are afraid to look at him

which is just across the hallway from it, when the announcement that I've been dreading clicks on:

“PLEASE DISMISS FIRST-WAVE STUDENTS RIDING BUSES ONE, THREE, FIVE, AND SEVEN!” the woman's voice projected, sounding like a sonic boom.

Wing: I highly doubt her voice broke the sound barrier LOL

Mystic: definitely broke my ear drums plenty of times hahaha xD

I hit myself mentally in the head. Idiot! Leaf’s on the first wave! Now what? I cursed in my mind.

Wing: Okay, you said "bitch" earlier and Leaf said "fucking." What part of your thoughts right there were curses??

Mystic: very good question Mystic: and i have no answer thank god

I began to search frantically through the crowd of seventh and eighth graders, now filing out of the rooms and out to the bus pick-up circle. I caught Leaf’s fluorescent-blue tee shirt emerging from the Resource Room,

Wing: What the hell is fluorescent blue

Mystic: uhhh, very bright blue? i guess? pfft Mystic: course i coulda just said bright blue

Kali: Maybe it's literally a shirt made of fluorescent lights...?

Wing: Holy shit that sounds uncomfortable and also capable of causing burns

Kali: Appropriate for this story.

Wing: PFFFF

and I knew that I had to get her attention. But with all the kids talking, my own voice was drowned out.

“Leaf!” I shouted anyway, clapping and jumping. Her face found mine.

Wing: I knew they were gay!!/kidding

I then pointed to myself, made a heart with my hands, and pointed back to her. I knew I had succeeded because she smiled brightly and laughed as she disappeared through the glass double-doors.

Wing: That was easy.

I did a small fist-pump when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and found one of my other friends, Marybeth. She’s half African American, but she has straight black hair with brown natural highlights. Not like Audrey’s fake dye.

“Heya, Mary,” I greeted her as we slapped our hands together. She smiled me a picture-perfect white smile with colorful braces.

“Remy, my friend, you are so going to love me,” Marybeth replied.

“What for?” I asked.

“I,” she takes a dramatic pause, “got both of our names in for volunteering at the Northern Vet Clinic!”

I was stunned. “…Seriously?” I gasped in delight. “Marybeth… you ARE AMAZING!” I cried.

Wing: Apparently, Remy and I have different definitions of the word “amazing.”

Marybeth shrugged, the bright grin on her visage never ceasing. “I know,” was all she could say.

“Hey, mind if I join in?” Kyle approached us.

“Well, look who’s tardy to the party,” Marybeth mocked, rolling her eyes.

Kyle chuckled and rubbed his forehead. “Sorry, babe, didn’t mean to be late.” Oh, I think I forgot to mention the fact that Marybeth and Kyle are girlfriend and boyfriend.

Wing: I literally do not care.

Suddenly, the room comm. beeped on again:

“PLEASE DISMISS SECOND-WAVE STUDENTS ON BUSES TWO, FOUR, SIX, AND EIGHT.”

Kyle, Marybeth and I raced back to our rooms to collect our backpacks (or in Mary’s case, her book bag),

Wing: ????? What??? is the difference????

then we made a mad dash out the double doors. As we arrived into the bus pick-up area, we were greeted by four long, yellow, revving engines.

Wing: So wait, not only were the engines yellow, but it was JUST the engines waiting out there? I'm no expert on car mechanics, but I don't think that would work very well.

Kyle parted from us and went to bus 2 as Marybeth and I turned tail and headed for bus 8.

Marybeth and I claimed a backseat and settled down as the other kids began to board onto the bus.

“So, when do we start volunteering?” I inquired to Marybeth. She took out her iPhone and started looking at some songs.

“Well, we have to shadow a vet first to get the feel of the environment.” As she said this, she handed me a sheet. Obviously a permission slip to shadow a veterinarian. “After that, the vets will select a few people to volunteer once for one day. Before you do, you have to take a test of basic veterinarian knowledge. And then after the volunteering, they make you take another survey about what you saw and what you liked and disliked. And then, poof—you’re selected based off the surveys,” Marybeth finished explaining. Then she popped her ear-buds into her ears and began to blast music.

I took out my own MP3 Player and began to play my own media. As I listened to the random selection of soundtracks, I dosed off,

Wing: What no, don't mess with the dosage of your medicine, Remy

the warmth of the day soothing my nerves. The mighty vehicle rattled as the bus driver put it into drive and began to pull out of the bus-circle.

Wing: "THE MIGHTY VEHICLE" THO OMG

Mystic: AYE Mystic: THE MIGHTY VEHICHLE Mystic: AS FORETOLD BY THE PROPHECY

Kali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmmLtPEsRZw

Wing: oh my god

The music that lulled my brain slowly ticked away the time, since it took the bus a near hour to drop me off at home. I woke up as it hit the familiar bump that came ten minutes before my stop. I looked over at Marybeth, who moved to another seat and was lying on the cheap leather, asleep.

The bus finally came to a stop near my house. When I leapt off the final stair, the doors closed behind me with a hiss. As it pulled away, I caught a glimpse of Marybeth waving to me,

Wing: I guess Mary's waving in her sleep

which I returned. I only stopped when the vehicle rolled out of sight, the acid stench streaming from the exhaust pipe.

I began to hum a made-up tune as I skipped to the door, catching the blue color of my mom’s Subaru Forester. I let myself into the house, throwing my bag on the floor nearby. Immediately, the scent of cleaner perfumes hit me full force.

Wing: I don't think that's a thing.

Clearly, the cleaning lady had just left.

“Mom, I’m home!” I called. My mom had always been a stay-at-home person, because she has this thing about the house being robbed if she wasn’t there to look after it. She could get a job, having got her Bachelor’s Degree in college, but her OCD of the house is so bad she refuses to get one—which, as of late, has led to my parents arguing often. My mom also has it over Rocky, because she’s afraid he’ll make an accident indoors,

Wing: “Look at this accident! I made it all by myself!! :D”

even though he’s very good with using the doggy-door my dad installed for him so he could go into the backyard and do his business.

“Remeleen?” my mom responded. She came from the corner of the kitchen door frame and approached me. “Oh, there you are—the bus came later than usual, I was worried there had been something wrong,” she said. Another example of one of my mom’s many obsessive thoughts.

“Mom, I’m fine. Stop being such a worry wart,” I joked.

She sighed, although a nervous smile still played on her face. “Well… what can I say? After Charlie had that accident…” Her voice choked and she stopped, a saddened expression taking over.

Charlie is my big brother, who’s in his second year of high school. Three weeks ago, some drunken bastard decided to t-bone his bus at a cross-light.

Wing: Must've been a pretty tall car.

The outcome was really bad—almost all of the people on the bus were injured, but Charlie got the worst since the car t-boned the side where his seat was. He got cracked ribs, an open fraction in his leg, and several breaks in both of his arms.

Wing: Not really sure what an "open fraction" is, or how Charlie's leg had one

Mystic: oh I've almost had one of those. it's basically when the bone breaks thorugh the skin

Wing: Wouldn't that be "open fracture" then?

Mystic: if it's a closed fracture it's when the bone breaks but the skin is still intact Mystic: wait Mystic: did i spell it as fraction

Wing: You did, my dear.

Mystic: whoops

Charlie is still in the hospital, and for how much longer I don’t know. They have to keep him there to keep a close eye on his wounds, perform rehabilitation therapy, and reapply the bandages and casts. I hope he comes back soon, though.

“Mom, Charlie is still alive, isn’t he? The doctors and nurses are taking good care of him, and he’s a natural fighter. Don’t you remember when he was little—you have to because you told me this story—when he was only four years old? He drank the Orange Glow in the bowl that the previous housekeeper left on the ground, thinking it was some kind of juice. The people at Poison Control thought he wouldn’t make it… and guess what?” I left that for her to answer.

“I know…I just worry a lot, that’s all,” Mom defended.

Wing: Charlie: I'm gonna become a mathematician!! There's math inside me! Remy: That's great! Charlie: It's in my soul! It's in my blood! Remy: Go for it, bro! Charlie: It's in my bones!! Remy: That's the spirit!! Charlie: No!! I mean really!!! It's iN MY FUCKING BONES AAAAAH I NEED AN AMBULANCE Remy: FUCK

Mystic: PFFFFFFFF BAHAHAHAA OH MY GOD

“Well, I’m still alive, and you don’t have to worry about me all the time. Things in life always happen when you’re not looking, whether for better or for worse,” I reassured her.

Suddenly, Leaf’s rant came back to me:

“…No matter what you say, or what you do, ITS NOT GONNA FUCKING HAPPEN! It's not like you can write in a book or whatever and whatever you write down will come true! Life doesn't work that way—instead, it throws shit into your face until you crack and start to shut down.”

Will that really happen to you, Leaf? The last thing I want to see is for you to just vanish off the face of the Earth, not knowing what to do or how to react.

Wing: Well, in fairness, at least if she vanishes off the face of the earth, you won't have to see her reaction.

“Oh, speaking of which—where’s Amy?” I asked.

“She’s sleeping over Tanya’s house today, because, you know, it’s a Friday,” she responded.

Wing: Sleeping over her house. Like, in a giant hammock above the roof.

“Oh, alright. Well, I’m gonna work on weekend homework—fun, right?—up in my room. I’ll take Rocky for his walk after supper,” I said, grabbing my backpack and marching up the steps.

“Okay, honey.” My mom’s voice sounded tired, and sad. For one moment, I felt like I should’ve done something. But the feeling fled as my air-conditioned room called to me, and I obliged.

I just want to feel alright.

The times you don’t want to wake up,

cause when you sleep it’s never over when you give up.

The sun is always gonna rise up.

You need to get up, gotta keep your head up.

Look at the people all around you.

The way you feel is something everybody goes through.

Dark out, but you still gotta light up.

You need to wake up, gotta keep your face up.

~Lyrics from Face Up, by Lightsa

I deeply apologize for how long that was! Maybe I should have split it up, huh?...Well, in any case, I hope you enjoyed it! More to come soon!