#if you know you know what the derry au is

[endyr-serifi]

Sometimes the best inspiration to draw again is going back to old fandoms and having friends who are willing to participate in chaos with ya

(ft Whiteboard collab drawings from @doodle-who, @animesparkleluv96, and @skipperbunnyrabbit )

[princess-glassred]

I've always kinda secretly wanted to make a Bike/Hanbrough Princess and the frog au with Mike as Tiana and Bill as Naveen. BECAUSE IF REDDIE FANS GET TO CAPITALIZE ON RAPUNZEL I GET THIS TOO. >:(

Like an au where Mike is always busy working at the library and researching pennywise and his dad (who is still alive!!) is concerned Mike's too focused on Derry/the library and never has any time to himself. I mean, gosh, can't he just be like his comedian friend who hasn't had a proper thought or concern in ten years? Or his architect friend who spends most of his time hoping Beverly Marsh will just stroll back into town and marry him? Lighten up Mike!

Meanwhile Bill Denbrough comes to his home town of Derry for writing inspiration cause his last book was a total flop and if he doesn't get something good soon he's gonna be fucked. Pennywise shows up as Bob Grey and basically gives him all these false promises so it can turn him into a frog and let his little shitty assistant Henry take his place as part of a bigger scheme. Then upon seeing Mike dressed like a prince for one of Richies stupid costume parties Bill is all "oh shit, this is just like the frog prince.". So of course he makes him kiss him with the promise of helping him figure out whats wrong with town and... well you know the rest. Maybe instead of a gator they meet a lobster tho, cause... ya know, Maine. I'm sure Mike is gonna be fucking pissed when he finds out Bill is such an idiot he essentially made a deal with IT, but they'll grow to love each other anyways.

[sanctum-of-ramshackle]

🤡WE ALL FLOAT DOWN HERE!!!🎈

[TWST AU]: An MC/Yuu who knows how to serve a smile, and sensing everyone’s deepest fears…

[Synopsis]: In this timeline, the MC/Yuu here is more on the deranged life form that can shape-shift into anyone, cause horrific illusions and devours its feared victims.

[Gender Neutral!Pennywise the Dancing Clown!MC/Yuu]

[(A/N)]: Oh my god. This banger of a song was a great inspiration for this AU. If you’re a fan of horror and a metal head, check out Ice Nine Kills. The band creates great music retelling horror classics and novels through the lyrics.

[(A/N #2)]: I know it's not October or near Halloween, but whatever. I don't think the story was taken place during October.

[Ice Nine Kills - IT Is The End ft. Peter Wasilewski & Buddy Schaub]

"On a pouring day, Night Raven College had their classes canceled for the day due to a heavy rain storm. Kalim Al Asim, the Dorm Leader of Scarabia was rushing back to his dorm with only a yellow raincoat on him to protect himself from the fallen drops. He was rushing back because he doesn't want to worry Jamil for staying out late. As he hurries on his trail, a voice catches his attention, leading back to a sewer drain."

"Hello? Anyone? I'm stuck down here."

"Kalim had been warned by Jamil and his family to not trust the noises he encounters when being alone himself and never follow through."

"Though, he followed the eerily calm voice and he peeked down at the drain, something came to view..."

IT!MC/Yuu: *Appears in the storm drain*

Kalim: *Gasps and backs up*

IT!MC/Yuu: Please call the DWP. I’m stuck in here.

♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇ 🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇

[Headmaster Crowley's office]

IT!MC/Yuu: After 27 years of being dormant back in Derry, Maine and being defeated by adults who roasted me, I’m now stuck in a world where kids have magic. Worst of all, I'm a teen myself!

Crowley: Now now, child. There is no need to have such anger.

IT!MC/Yuu: *Shape-shifts into a grotesque spider-like creature* I’m gonna rip your limbs apart and devour your flesh!

Crowley: *Hides behind Crewel* They’re not an ordinary student.

Crewel: *Sighs* No, really? I never recall a monstrous spider clown registering for Night Raven College.

♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇ 🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇

[Cafeteria]

Ace: You can't eat regular food?

IT!MC/Yuu: I can. Just prefer a certain type of food.

Deuce: I don't think they serve that kind.

IT!MC/Yuu: It's fine. I still can drink.

Jack: Aren't you underaged?

IT!MC/Yuu: My boy, I'm way passed the drinking age limit before you were born.

♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇ 🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇

IT!MC/Yuu: Oh my god. This child…I cannot sense any fear. I can’t even taste any to begin with.

Cheka: *Giggles* You’re a funny clown. What’s your name?

IT!MC/Yuu: …MC/Yuu. You can call me Penny. Where are your parents, little child?

Cheka: I’m here to visit Ojima!

IT!MC/Yuu: Where are they?

[After hours of searching]

[Savanaclaw Dorm]

[Leona's room]

Leona: *Sleeping in his room*

IT!MC/Yuu: Leona~

Leona: Huh?

IT!MC/Yuu: *Shows him a face*

Leona: *Jumps out of bed* What was that?!

IT!MC/Yuu: Leona, your nephew was looking for you and... *Covers Cheka's ears* I'm not good with children, if you know what I mean.

Cheka: Ojima! Penny gave me an animal balloon.

♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇ 🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇

[During the Stage in Playful Land ~Dancing Puppets and the Fantastical Theme Park~]

Grim: Why do I need to wear this stupid rain jacket? It smells weird.

IT!MC/Yuu: You’re part of my show. We have to give these folks some entertainment. Just act like an innocent little kid named Georgie.

Grim: Whose Georgie-

[Then the show starts.]

IT!MC/Yuu:

Allow me to introduce myself

They call me the dancing clown

And you must be Georgie

Did you hear my circus was in town?

It seems I have your boat here

The storm blew her off track

Just reach your hands down here and take it

If you really want it back

Oh, Georgie

You can trust me, sweet child

Step right this way

I'm at your service with a smile

Believe me

IT's nothing to fear

When I feast on your flesh

You'll see that we all float down...

Here!

Pick through the past you'll see

I'm living history

Come one come all

'Cause I'm starved for the kill

Prey on the pure at heart

Feed on their body parts

I've got some big fucking shoes to fill

Follow me and I'll show you the truth

Devastation as the dead lights defuse

Follow me and I'll show you the truth

Face down in the fountain of youth

Just like Georgie

IT's all out of hand

So join me

Da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Catch me at the big top

Buried underground

You know I'm not clowning around

Even with a smile

From ear to fucking ear

IT's everything you know

IT's everything you fear

A carnival of carnage

That much you assume

But it's more than just a costume and red balloons

IT's coming back around every 27 years

IT's everything you know

IT's everything you fear

So let go

You know what makes me smile?

Devoured juveniles

Their innards tangled in my twisted grin

Chuckled so hard I choked

Call it an inside joke

They say that laughter's the best medicine

Follow me and I'll show you the truth

Face down in the fountain of youth

Just like Georgie

IT's all out of hand

So join me

Da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Catch me at the big top

Buried underground

You know I'm not clowning around

Even with a smile

From ear to fucking ear

IT's everything you know

IT's everything you fear

A carnival of carnage

That much you assume

But it's more than just a costume and red balloons

IT's coming back around every 27 years

IT's everything you know

IT's everything you fear

So let go

IT is the end

IT's come again

Believe IT or not

You'll all disappear

IT cannot be fought

We all float down here

IT is the end

IT's come again

Believe IT or not

You'll all disappear

IT cannot be fought

We all float down here

IT is the end

IT's come again

Believe IT or not

You'll all disappear

IT cannot be fought

We all float down here

We all float down here

IT's come again

Believe IT or not

You'll all disappear

IT cannot be fought

We all float down here

Fellow Honest & Gidel: *Holding each other, shaking in fear*

IT!MC/Yuu: You scared of a little clown~? *Grins sinisterly*

♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇ 🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇🤡🎈♦︎◇

Malleus: I must say, you're truly are fearful for many.

IT!MC/Yuu: And you don't find me terrifying?

Malleus: I have not.

IT!MC/Yuu: ...You know, I can sense your fear is not having to make any friends outside of your domain because they seem to be frightened by your presence. And it has something to deal with your late mother.

Malleus: *Glares at them* In what sense are you speaking of? What knowledge you have of my family?

IT!MC/Yuu: *Shrugs* All I'm saying you should speak with your guardian. I'm just a clown from another world.

[Shit. IT!MC/Yuu entered the trope of "Enemies-to-Friends".]

✨[Reblogs helps creators and creates for more content]💫

[wylldebee]

Lots of likes for my Derry Girls In Bridgerton AU, so here's a couple of ideas/scenarios I imagine would happen: —James being friends with the older Bridgerton lads. He's cute, he's awkward, and they love to tease him like he's a fourth brother. James has crushes on all of them. Penelope totally understands the Colin crush. It happens. She doesn't blame him. —If any of you think Michelle's dislike for the English and James doesn't exist in this world you are wrong. That shit burns just as hot no matter what universe she's in. —Lady Danbury is the only person who can get Colm to get straight to the point in his stories. She is practically worshipped in the Quinn household. Remember that 'swear on Dolly!' scene? Think that but with a portrait of Lady Danbury. —After Antony scares away Daphne's suitors, she threatens to marry Colm if he keeps interfering. He tries to call her bluff. Colm comes around the next day with flowers. Benedict sketches Antony's shocked, pale face and Daphne's evil smile, and it's framed pride of place in his room. Eloise wants a copy. Antony has never been more happy when Daphne marries Simon. —Violet is 100% friends with the other mothers. She has people who understand what it's like to have such dumb kids. —Erin sees Lady Whistledown as her rival. Penelope is giggling away on the inside. Erin joins Eloise on trying to unmask her. They almost get arrested. Erin tries to do her own paper. She somehow gets out of trouble with the Queen. —The only person who knows about Claire's sexuality outside the Derry Girls is Penelope. She never puts Claire in her paper. They're actually friends. They still don't understand why people say they look alike. Colin doesn't see it, either. —Orla is the most sought after in the entire group. Eloise is fascinated by her. And also a bit jealous. Mostly about how Orla can be, well, Orla and gets away with it. —Sister Michael is actually a noblewoman but people call her Sister Michael because she's scary like a nun. All the Bridgerton kids are intimidated by her. Earlier season 2 Kate was like '👀' when Antony ran tail between his legs at the sight of Sister Michael.

[mentally-unstable-hottie13]

⭐️ 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬⭐️

Henry Bowers x fem reader

Read chapter 2 here

Summery:

You were new to the town of Derry. After some traumatic events that went down with your family, an old friend asked you to come to his town. He’d give you a place to rest while you figure things out. This town is strange and seems to be stuck in the past. What happens when you garner the attention of a boy who no one dares piss off?

A/N: this story is set in “modern” times but the town of Derry is more old fashioned. So roller rinks, arcades and record stores are still the places to go. Phones and video games as well as modern tv and music exist; it’s just more common to do “80’s activities”.

Henry’s actor when playing him was 18. so I’m saying the losers club freshman going into sophomore year while the Bowers gang is going into senior year having been 18 from being held back a year. You as a reader have an early birthday meaning you turn 18 a few weeks before school starts. The reader inserted character will be Latina coded and speaks Spanish but is never explicitly stated to be Latina . This is also a no Pennywise AU. If something is not specified in the story please feel free to fill in the gaps.

TRIGGER WARNING: this series may have;

Mention of past sexual assault

Mention of child abuse

Graphic bullying

On page child abuse

Fighting

Recreational drug use

Swearing

Shitty parents

Homophobic comments and actions (from the bowers gang)

Racist comments and actions (from the bowers gang)

This list is subject to change and at any time may be added to or things may be subtracted from.

In the end this story will be a love story but that does not mean it won’t be dark at some points.

the first few chapters will be dedicated to you and your backstory before we even touch the other characters. I made your character extremely real and flawed on purpose, but that does not mean you and Henry won’t eventually happen. Be patient, and enjoy.

Word count: 2,679

Estimated read time: 12

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Chapter one

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧

You were currently riding the bus into a small town you had never even heard of. This town was so small and isolated you weren’t sure you’d ever even seen it on a fucking map. Coming from a big town in Texas, this “Derry” place seemed so untouched to you. It was miles of trees, grass planes and old people. You hadn’t seen a major chain food place or clothes store since you entered. Oo scratch that, you just passed a McDonald’s that looks straight from a vintage photo.

This bus was disgusting. Old torn up cloth seats with mysterious stains of no conceivable origin. The man the rows ahead of you and to the left smelt like hookers and cigarettes. The woman on the parallel row to you on the right was out like a light and snoring like an old steam engine. The lights in the bus flickered. giving you a headache. You hoped you were getting off soon. All the sounds, smells, lights, as well as the gross sticky/wet feeling of the seat beneath you was making you feel sick.

It’s overcast today. It smells like rain. You loved that smell. The amazing scent of petrichor in your nostrils always soothed you. It looks as if it just rained. You hoped it will rain again today. That would make a bad day good. Even if just for a few minutes. You don’t know how long you sat on there, eyes closed inhaling the heavenly zephyr of wet air, but it must have been a while; because before you knew it the bus driver called out your stop number. Before slowing to a crawling pace.

As he started to slow the bus you gathered your things. The bus stopped and you made your way to the front. You smiled gently at the old male driver and asked him to help you get your bags out of the compartment on the outside of the bus. He happily stood and assisted you gathering all your bags. 5 to be exact. 2 were big with wheels while the other three were able to be stacked atop the wheely ones.

“You sure you can take all that to where you’re going little miss?” The old driver kindly asked.

“I’m sure. Thanks for the concern, mister. Have a good day.” You waved to the old man. And just like that. You were on your way. Your friend had texted you directions from the bus stop to his work. All you had to do was walk. Given being on what seemed to be the outer part of town, there was a very noticeable lack of sidewalks making your journey just that much harder. 20 minutes later you hit the part of town with sidewalks. No one was really out today. Which made sense. It was just raining. A total of 45 minutes of walking and you were finally at the record store.

You push the door open with a huff. You hear the bell above the door jingle with a direct succession of a man yelling,

“HOLD ON I’M IN THE BACK!”

You giggle, and set your bags to the side of the door so no one will trip over them if they come in. Once all your bags are settled you follow where you heard the voice come from. From the open doorway you see your old friend, Kevin, hunched over a box under a table, rummaging through the contents. You lean against the door frame and knock gently on it. Surprised. Kevin jumps and hits his head on the underside of the table with a loud “OW! FUCK!” Before turning to the culprit of the incident. You.

His eyes widen and he gets up and runs to hug you, you jump up and hug him. Wrapping your legs around him. He doesn't let you go for a long while.

You missed Kevin. You’d known him since you were little (about five years old). He was a good 20 years older than you. The story goes that you met his little brother Issac when their family still lived in Texas. You and Isaac had Been enrolled into the same kindergarten class and were inseparable ever since. You’d become close with Isaac’s family. It was just him, Kevin and their mom. Who you only ever knew as Momma.Momma loved you so much she let you make the spare room in their house yours for when you spent time over there. And given your family life, that was often.

When you were 12 Issac was diagnosed with leukemia.

He died shortly after he was diagnosed. You loved him so much. He was your best friend, and you were so close to Kevin and Momma, they were your family. After Isaac’s death Momma couldn’t take being in a town that reminded her so much of her son. So they moved to a different state. Even though Kevin was 32 at the time he saw you as a little sister and gave you his number so you could keep contact. With a tear filled goodby and one last kiss on the cheek from Momma they left and never came back to visit you. Kevin told you momma died 2 years ago from a brain aneurysm. It broke your heart. But you knew Kevin was suffering more. So as much as you needed to come to Derry, he needed it too. He needed his last bit of family back.

He set you down from the hug and ruffled your hair as tears dripped from your eyes. You missed him far more than words could ever describe.

“Don’t cry. I’m here. I’m not going away ever again.” He hugged you again this time not lifting you off the ground.

You laughed and punched him in the arm. “You better fuckin not loser, I’ll have’ta hunt you down and kill you”

You both laughed. He motioned out the door and you stepped aside so he could show you around. He’s owned this record store since he moved here. The previous owner was this ancient man who was pretty much giving it away. The building itself was paid off so Kevin never had to pay rent. All the furniture and merchandise from the last owner stayed so Kevin took over the very next day. Business was good. He sold record players, vinyls, cds, guitars and posters. It looked exactly like how your rooms looked in Momma's house. When Kevin told you to come to Derry he offered you a job here so you didn’t have to feel like you were only relying on him for money. He would pay you just above minimum wage and let you use your money on whatever you wanted and he would pay for your food.

You agreed and he sent you a plane ticket from Texas to Derry, then a bus ticket to get into town because the nearest airport was about 3 towns and 5 hours away. Just shows you how redneck this place is.

He looked at your bags and grabbed his keys.

“My truck is outside. Get your bags and toss em’ in the tailgate while I lock up for the day.” He said

“You got it dude.” With a quick salute you picked up the bags and walked outside. It was definitely going to rain again. You walked to the alley next to the shop and saw his beat up old red truck. Thankfully he had a tailgate cover so none of your stuff was gonna get wet. You lugged all the bags in before shutting it. Just on time Kevin came out and told you to “hop in”. You looked out the window the whole 30 minutes from the shop to his house. Occasionally looking at something special when he pointed it out. The school is a 10 minute drive and 30 minute walk to the record store. Maybe if Kev had a spare bike it could be a 20 minute ride. You drive down a dirt road where the homes are few and far between. As if Kevin could hear you wondering, he piped up.

“This is all personal farmland. That’s why there aren’t many people over here.”

You pass a specific house with a police cruiser out front.

“That there is officer Bowers land. I’m not one to tell you what to do, but I’d be smart and stay away from there. That pig is bad news.”

You nod in understanding. If Kevin warned you of anything. He meant it. It started to rain as You finally pulled up to an old gate, and Kevin tossed some keys at you and told you to get out and unlock the gate so he could drive in. Once the truck was in enough you shut the gate and locked it behind you running up to the truck and getting in again. You drove in a little before pulling up and parking in front of a smaller gate just surrounding the house.

“It’s just so no animals get in the house” Kevin grumbled,

He unlocked the tailgate then the house gate and helped you get all your things in the house quickly before shutting and locking his truck and the gate. Once inside you took off your muddy boots and looked around. It was a nice home. Kevin picked up both of your heaviest bags and nodded upstairs for you to follow him with the three smaller bags. He beats you to your room and sets your things down. As you are entering he flops down on your bed. He took care of all your furniture. You have a bed with black and purple bed sheets. 2 dressers in black and a desk with a tv. You walk up to some floor length curtains and open them only to find that you have a small balcony. He left everything else in the room pretty bare with a lot of extra room for you to decorate and make yours, you appreciate it.

He gives a loud, ugly groan that reminds you of growing up. Life is almost exactly how it used to be. With Kevin you picked up where you left off. You take off your coat and flop down on the bed beside him and give that same ugly, over dramatic groan, then you look at each other. You want to cry again. You didn’t think you’d see him again. But a series of unfortunate events led you to a better living situation with a man you loved too much. Your only friend. The almost 38 year old that still acts 19. You think that’s why y’all get along so well. He moves his eyes to your arm. The arm where a tattoo from the back of your shoulder to just above your wrist sits. It is a tattoo of Thorny vines cascading down your flesh. They aren’t big or obnoxious. The reference was a photo you took of you holding real thorn vines onto your arm. Its beautifully realistic and that’s just what you wanted. It would be much easier to hide here than in Texas. You could wear long sleeves because of the colder weather. Whereas in Texas if you wore anything other that a tee shirt you would overheat and die. The last feeling you ever want to experience again is being gross and sweaty in a long sleeve. Feeling the moist fabric against your arms would make you want to cut and peel your own skin off with the dullest rustiest spoon you could find in a prison cell.

“When did you get that?” He points to the tattoo.

“After Momma died. I felt like I needed something for her.” You replied.

“What’s it mean?”

“It means how I saw her. She was beautiful like vines crawling up a building but scary as thorns. I wanted to be just like her. I thought that if I get thorns on me I wouldn’t feel so scared.” You looked up at the ceiling as you spoke.

“I bet you and I are the only people alive to call that fuckin women beautiful” he chuckled.

He was right. Momma was not an objectively attractive woman… well at least not after Kevin was about 2. She had given birth to him when she was like.. 17 or so. She died in her early to mid 50’s. The boy that got her pregnant bailed after he found out, Leaving her alone to raise Kevin. After it got out around town that she was knocked up her parents kicked her out. She was a good student. All A’s with a scholarship to her dream school. She was working at a hotel where the manager was letting her live in one of the rooms, and she finished her last year of high school. A few days into summer that year she gave birth. Only 2 months into having Kevin the hotel fired her because of all the noise complaints of the baby crying. She had nowhere else to go and showed up at her parents' doorstep. She stayed with them for a year after all the begging she did. Near the end of that year she heard her parents talk about taking custody of the baby and she fled. Walking alone in the streets that night with a one year old baby it began to rain. In a panic to keep her baby warm she ran into the nearest building.

A bar.

All eyes were on her. A young girl with brown hair and bright blue eyes holding a baby had just walked into the roughest bar in town. Her makeup was smeared from crying and she was soaked to the bone from trying to keep her baby dry. She walked past all the men and sat down at the bar. The old kind bartender looked at her with wide eyes. Partly because she was wet and looked like she was crying, but mostly because who the fuck brings baby into a bar like this?

She and the bartender had got to talking and he gave her a job and told her she could stay in the room above the bar. He’d help her sound proof it and she would be allowed to keep a baby monitor while she works so she can go up anytime she wants. After a year of working there. Kevin turned 2 and Momma realized she was done looking like her parents' daughter. She shaved her head into a bright purple Mohawk and got tattooed anywhere that was possible. Growing up Kevin got to see his Momma as a rough at tough, tattoo having, fight winning, bar maid, who took no one’s shit. She had more muscles than most men at that bar did. And she worked there for as long as she could. Including All throughout her pregnancy with Issac and all the way up until they moved. They eventually moved out of that above bar room when Kevin was about 12. But that’s pretty much the story.

Momma was a wild woman who was tough as nails and scarier than any man. You’d never seen any other woman who looked as wild as her and you loved it. No one could beat Momma. Not even after she died.

You and Kev would always only see that woman as beautiful and tough. And no matter how unconventional their upbringing was. They all agreed that theirs was perfect compared to yours.

While you were deep in thought Kev stood up from the bed. He said your name shaking you from your thoughts.

“Immm booreddd.” He whined. “How about we order some pizza and watch some nasty ass gore movie while we talk about which characters we’d smash?”

You smiled so big your eyes squinted.

“UHH FUCK YEAH DUDE!!” You yelled and jumped up from the bed. You’d unpack and explore the town tomorrow. It was only Friday night. Why not relax with your best friend in the world? Forget about your parents, forget about school, forget about being the new kid. Who the fuck cares? Not you. Especially not when you were about to slam down a whole pizza.

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Thank you for reading. Please tell me if you liked it!

[reddieweek]

Welcome to the fifth annual Reddie Week!

Rules | F.A.Q. | AO3 Collection

Posting period: 04 June 2023 - 10 June 2023

This year we've decided to give Reddie Week a theme using a tried and true trope we all know and love. This year's theme is Alternate Universe!

Prompts:

04 June: Mythical Creatures: witches/wizards/warlocks, werewolves/werecreatures, vampires, dragons, etc.

05 June: Occupation Swap: tattoo artist, flower shop, mechanic, barista, doctor, musician, baker, etc.

06 June: Meet-Cutes: online, speed-dating, looking for a roommate, boarding school classmates, etc.

07 June: Soulmates: red string of fate, seeing in black and white until you meet them, feeling each other's emotions, etc.

08 June: Books/Games/Movies/TV: star wars, twilight, the uglies, percy jackson, bones, skyrim, zelda, etc.

09 June: (Post-)Apocalypse: natural disasters, solar flare, nuclear war, zombies, etc.

10 June: Canon Divergence: eddie in the deadlights, richie doesn't want to return to Derry so eddie has to come get him, eddie did the carving in the kissing bridge, pennywise was a figment of their imagination, etc.

Although there are suggested AUs for each day, any alternate universe work is acceptable! Just be clear about what type of AU it is in your tags or author's notes!

Additionally, this year we will be accepting works that are inspired by any past Reddie Week prompt. Please make it clear which prompt you are using. Here is a list of possible, related tags you might use for past and present prompts. Specific past prompts can be found in each year's sub-collection on AO3.

You can share your work by tagging it with #reddieweek or tagging @reddieweek in your post.

Any questions? Concerns? Ideas you want to share? Send this blog an ask or message the mods: @eddieeatsass and @frankchaudhary

[darkcrowprincess]

reddie thoughts:

*Eddie and Myra are about to be married. Myra is a famous soap opera actress(lol just stretch your imagination for me here for this au) and Eddie is a doctor. Richie and other losers are watching this interview at home*

News lady: I'm here interviewing the lucky engaged soon to be husband Dr Eddie Kaspbrak.

Eddie in a dull sad tone: Hello

News lady: Dr Kaspbrak whats it like knowing that soon you'll be wed to the Ms Myra Chase. Famous soap opera actress of the hit TV show Derry?

Eddie looking sad at first, but than snaps in anger: it's, it's, it's... Fuck! I can't take it anymore!! *grabs the mic from the lady in anger* I don't love her ok! I'm not going to marry her! You hear that Richie! I'm not going to marry her and I love you! I love you Richie!

******

Meanwhile back at Richie's house with all the the other losers and Richie watching this live news interview.

From the tv: I don't love her ok! I'm not going to marry her! You hear that Richie! I'm not going to marry her and I love you! I love you Richie!

All the other losers on the couch gasps and than as one turn there heads to Richie on the other end of the couch.

Richie surprised: What? Eddie?

Richie stands up, happy and laughing: Really!!

Stan: Richie?

Richie reaching for Stan who has the remote: Give me the remote Stan!

Stan confused: What?

Richie jumping on Stan: Give me the remote control!!

Stan freaking out: Here here take it.

Richie grabs the remote, points it at the tv, and rewinds Eddie's confession.

Eddie on tv: I don't love her ok! I'm not going to marry her! You hear that Richie! I'm not going to marry her and I love you! I love you Richie!

Richie rewinds the tv again.

Eddie on tv: I love you! I love you Richie!

Richie for the next several minutes rewinds the tv to have Eddie say "I love you! I love you Richie!" Several times

Stan getting annoyed now as all the other losers watch on with smiles and laughter.

Stan: Richie you're going to break the tv!

Richie leaning on the floor on his stomach. His feet kicking playfully in the air. Richie staring at Eddie on the TV in love.

Richie leaning his face on one hand, with hearts in his eyes and goofy smile on his face: I don't care 😍🥰!

Eddie on tv: I love you! I love you Richie!

[stilesgrace159]

Reddie Roleplay Ideas

These are my RP ideas for Reddie. Please feel free to ask for more info. These are just general ideas. If you’re really interested in a concept, I’ll go into more detail. If you want to add onto a concept or tweak it a bit, feel free to let me know. I prefer to play them in their 20s or at least 18 for teenage stuff. And obviously in their early 40s for any chapter 2 related stuff. Mostly because of smut reasons. I also frequently like to do crossover with other fandoms, so feel free to ask about that as well. My Discord is Olliegee21.

Medieval Royalty AU

This can just be normal, or incorporate Vampires and Werewolves

Maybe a Knight and a Prince

Rival Kingdom/Romeo and Juliet AU

Arranged Marriage/Enemies to Lovers AU

Pirate!Richie x Siren!Eddie - Richie is a pirate on a ship and Eddie is just a little siren who tries to crash ships and eat pirates. A sweet little enemies to lovers AU.

Prince!Eddie x Pirate!Richie - Richie kidnaps a prince for ransom, but Eddie starts falling in love with the freedom of the open seas… as well as his captain.

Vampire & Werewolf AUs

Werewolf!Richie AU - The werewolf turns Richie

1800s British Vampire Period Drama (ft Vampire Eddie or Richie)

80’s Teen Wolf Movie AU - More Werewolf Richie

Vampire!Eddie x Werewolf!Richie - Monster AU/Enemies to Lovers? (Or vice versa) Could be in the 80s, could be modern, could be in any other time period.

A vampire slayer AU - could be modern, could be 80s, could be mixed with the period drama au. Who knows?

The Medieval AUs mentioned before

Other AUs

Reddie/Byler AU - Mike and Richie are cousins (or twins) and Will and Mike go on a trip to Derry to visit. Just 4 boys getting jealous and talking about their feelings.

Ghosts TV Series AU - Richie has had so many brushes with death, he can see ghosts, so he is able to see ghost Eddie.

Neibolt AU - very violent and gory au. Basically, they're just evil and in love. Kind of rough with each other, but it's what they like. They care about each other deep down. They’d murder for each other. They probably have. Maggots and goo.

Beetlejuice AU - In which Eddie is Lydia and Richie is Beetlejuice

Eddie Lives AU - Eddie makes it out. Either we can do this where it’s angsty and fluffy. Or, it can always be a slow turning zombie kind of thing too.

Band AU - Richie in a band. Like Finn in Calpurnia or The Aubreys.

Just a cute 80s high school au.

Norman Bates AU - Eddie is like Norman. I mean, it works. He has mommy issues.

Christine AU - Richie buys a fancy new car to work on but the car has a dark secret. Eddie is worried about how attached his best friend is getting to the car.

Clown AU - Crazy little psycho clown boys. Idk. I saw fanart and loved it.

Losers 7 Deadly Sins - In which the losers are the 7 deadly sins.

Superhero AU - Richie is an evil supervillain and Eddie is an adorable but mouthy superhero. Lots of unresolved sexy tension.

Lisa Frankenstein AU - Eddie has mommy issues and wants to get away but accidentally brings the cute boy from the cemetery back from the dead and there's lots of killing.

Angel Eddie x Demon Richie - cute antics, very good omens

Addams Family AU - It's like the Addams Family Values movie. Eddie is like Wednesday and Richie is like Joel and they meet at summer camp.

Greaser Richie x Prep Eddie - it's the 50s. Ignore time period homophobia for the most part. Think or Grease or The Outsiders. Also… maybe even a touch of Christine?

Another Villain au - basically, my brain likes evil people. Evil scientist Richie, evil sidekick with powers Eddie. Lots of fighting lots of sex.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KKxPAQkg4Uv0qSY8RLX3sABHWND4dp_Nll1hzEcs1Nw/edit?usp=drivesdk

[sunatsubu]

Get to Know Me (Tag Game)

Rules: answer + tag 9 people you want to get to know better and/or catch up with

thanks for tagging @mystical-salamander @hayesflints! Favorite color: blue and green Last song: Because the Night by Patti Smith Currently reading: I'm deep in so many dungeon meshi fics and SO many different Laios pairings but current active fav is a really cute modern AU Chilaios fic What Keeps You Here by @avoidcrow and @every-captain. It has EXTREMELY autistic Laios and grumpy Chil set in the 90s and I love it so much Currently watching: in the middle of a class actually supposed to be watching the lecture but i'm slackin' LOL Currently craving: some kind of cake. Maybe matcha flavored. I haven't had sweet things in so long Coffee or Tea: both! A hobby you would like to try: Been wanting to try archery foreverrrr but the range near me is always SO crowded I chicken out every time An AU you're working on/thought of: I've been wanting to expand more on my kalluzeb railroad kiss fanart (...still need to finish that lol) where Kallus is some aristocrat/upper crust type and he encounters blue collar worker Zeb, clashing at first and going through classic enemies-to-lovers. All in fun period clothes of course. Maybe something Titanic-inspired, just for the aesthetics NOT the storyline cuz I am absolutely not strong enough to have one of them die lmao

While brainstorming on that, I also thought it could be fun switching their roles, so Zeb is actually upper class (royal Honor Guard and all that) and Kallus is the one who's lower class (insp. the popular headcanon of him coming from Coruscant slums) who for whatever story reasons is trying to pass himself off as upper class. He is of course very good at it but by sheer dumb luck Zeb happens to catch him in the lie and Plot ensues.

I'm fried right now so can't think of 9 whole ppl but @lost-in-derry @mayawakening @solsilverpine @heart-0f-a-rebel16 gooooo (if you haven't already/no pressure!)

[mystical-salamander]

@lost-in-derry Thank you for the ask! For some reason tumblr keeps eating this post, but I'm trying again–

Okay, okay so... this au came along while I was scrolling on Pinterest for drawing poses to practice with and I came across several poses of aerial performers. So being the very normal person that I am, my thoughts went to "oh hey, this but with Lasats.... ZEB! :D" And the thought to make it into a kalluzeb au was immediately born.

First the wips:

So I'm definitely going to be changing the perspective on this first one, its just too boring to me but ooooooh do I love the expressions I drew here.

And here are some of the other poses I wanted to explore with Zeb:

And now the idea/backstory for the au:

I think it would be an au where the Empire never rose to power. Kallus is someone trying to blend in with upper society after climbing his way to the top, and one day is invited to go to the annual Lasat aerial performerance that was happening on Coruscant by some of his companions. Accepting the invitation, Kallus had no real expectations on what he's about to experience even though it was claimed to be "a truly life-changing experience." And boy was it!

The moment the curtain raises, Zeb immediately catches his eye and he's smitten. And he just has to go see that gorgeous Lasat performer again. He ends up going to several more performances, enchanted by Zeb every single time. He doesn't have any intentions of going up to Zeb at all, being fine with just watching him in his element, out of reach, with Zeb not knowing he exists at all. Until one day he

And honestly that's all I got 😔😔 I have no idea how they'll end up meeting properly or fall in love. But I definitely know that the heartbreak will come from the fact that Zeb has to return to Lasan eventually. Maybe I'll make it into a fic one day, but it definitely won't be soon since I have other writing wips I want to focus on 😔

[endyr-serifi]

A WIP for that one Eldritch AU my friends and I are doing!! (Derry/Eldritch Au by @animesparkleluv96 )

For context: This lovely living doll, Jamie, actively doesn't stop crying, have some whiteboard doodles leading up to how Jamie fled Derry, Maine. (A hot spot for eldritch, supernatural, and more now a days...)

[antisociallilbrat]

Scream Au

OKAY I keep seeing edits of this on Tiktok and it makes me write a fic so bad but I am forcing myself to not start another project so here are some headcannons instead:

So first and foremost who would be Ghostface is Stan and Richie

Stan's the 'mastermind' and Richie is the 'accomplice'

Okay so Stan has a crush on Bill but Bill is dating Beverly and Stan settles for dating a shitty guy who is driving him nuts

So him and Richie devise a plan to get rid of said boyfriend, Richie does the murdering

Stan LOVES the sympathy and attention he gets from Bill afterwards bc Bill is like 'oh no your bf was murdered! :(('

But no ofc Stan and Richie don't stop there bc they realize they can start taking out everyone who wronged the Losers

Like Greta, Patrick, Belch, you know the drill

So there's a murder spree in Derry, Richie does most of the actual killing and Stan plans them

He has to reason with Richie to not kill Sonia only because he worries about what would happen to Eddie after, like would the city ship off to a foster home out of Derry?

Speaking of Eddie he is very nervous about all the killing going around and Richie has to reassure him that no one is going to hurt him. He almost blows his cover.

Back Beverly real quick, she is the one to slowly catch on to Stan but NOT Richie and it's bad for her because Stan realizes she's catching on

Richie has to make Stan promise not kill her because duh, she's one of their best friends but Stan is nervous about getting caught

"My parents are going to kill me!"

Anyway's I'm not sure how this fic ends but I want a scene where Richie is asking Beverly 'Why would Stan kill his boyfriend?'. I want that scene so bad

[princess-glassred]

I have a really weird reddie au idea i thought of last night, so uhh bear with me:

Au where Richie Tozier is a kid with a terrible heart condition that restrics him from doing most physical things like skateboarding, riding bikes, ect. He's relatively new to Derry, he only came here because Maine is said to have a very good hospital and he's at the top of the donor list for a heart. He quickly gets wooed by Eddie Kaspbrak because Eddie is also coddled by his mother and restricted from physical activity, so they can relate to each other. Connor Bowers shows up though and also gets a crush a major crush on Richie, and Richie reciprocates because of his more adventurous personality and rebellious attitude from being part of a gang. The rivalry reaches a boiling point when Connor gets hit by a car and dies, and suddenly Richie's mom informs him they found him a new heart.

Eddie didn't like Connor, but it's a deeply sad thing for any kid to die so young, and he feels sorry for Richie because he really did like him. He takes some solace in knowing Connor kinda lives on in Richie, and now he has every opportunity to pursue him. Something weird starts happening though, even weirder than your average Derry, Maine weird. Eddie expected Richie to get a new lease on life now that he had a functional heart, but he's saying some of the same things connor used to, doing some of his favorite activities, and even dressing a little bit like him! He thinks it's a possesion thing at first, but Richie's very clearly Richie, he's just... acting different. But that's not the really weird thing, the really weird thing is that, everytime Eddie kisses richie or hold his hand or tries to do literally anything romantic with him, Richie's heart starts to hurt. Really really hurt, and it only stops when there's a decent amount of space between them. So basically, Richie can't even kiss his boyfriend now or else his dead ex's heart will start breaking.

Wether Connor is a ghost or not, or even aware of what he's doing, is rather debatable, but Eddie suspects he's squeezing Richie's heart and giving him palpatations so he never moves on. He doesn't give a fuck if Richie wants to be with Eddie or not, his heart is keeping him alive so he's HIS. Either way, Eddie sure has one hell of an obstacle he has to face going forward. He's definetly not giving up on Richie, but he's uhh... kinda unsure of what to do. I mean it's one thing if your boyfriends dog or kid doesn't like you, what the fuck do you even do when their organs hate you though?

I have no idea how this au would be resolved, but I think it could be really cute if Richie's heart gets depossesed or whatever because he carves the r+e heart into the bridge. Because yeah, Connor might have given Richie his heart, but Richie's heart has Eddie in it. :>

[cariantha]

Anytime I Want

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x F!MC; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Rating: General Warning: None Category: Angsty Fluff, AU Word count: 1.5K Summary: A rewrite of the final scenes from the movie Sweet Home Alabama. A/N: Submitted for the @choicesprompts Rewrite Challenge. Borrowed dialogue has been bolded.

“There is something special about a wedding in a place like this. The romance is…undeniable,” Ethan observed.

Walking back to the hotel hand in hand, they passed the spot where Ines and Angie exchanged vows earlier in the day. 

“If we ever got married, I’d want something like this. Small and intimate. Just our closest friends and family,” Ethan shared.

Sawyer looked at him in shock. “Since when do you want to get married?” 

“I said ‘if,’” Ethan clarified, squeezing her hand. “Suppose I was coming around to the idea…is marriage something you see in our future? Is that something you want?”

“I know your opinions on the matter, so I would never force it…but, honestly? Yes. That would make me very happy,” she looped her arm through his and leaned into him. 

Ethan gazed contemplatively out at the ocean.

With a kiss to his arm, she continued, “You want to know why?”

"Why?" he asked, genuinely curious, as he looked into her eyes.

“So I can kiss you anytime I want. No more hiding. No more pretending. No more sneaking off.” 

One year later…

Naveen made his way to the end of the fishing dock, where Ethan was sitting in an Adirondack chair, nursing a beer and staring out at the water. Dark clouds formed on the horizon, turning the sky above them gray. 

“Are you sure you won’t change your mind, Ethan?” he asked.

“I won’t.”

Frustrated, Naveen sighed. “You know, Ethan, you’re like a son to me and I love you, but sometimes I just want to smack you upside the head.”

“She made her decision, Naveen. She’s moved on. She’s happy now. That’s all I ever wanted for her,” Ethan said in response.

Giving his shoulder a fatherly squeeze, Naveen countered, “For someone who’s been holding on so hard, you’re pretty quick to let it go.”

“Dammit, Naveen! You are the one who taught me to ‘control what I can control.’ I can’t control her any more than I can control the weather,” Ethan retorted as lightning flashed in the distance.

“You’re right, son. She controls her own destiny. But don’t you think she deserves all the facts? The truth?”

Ethan took a swig from the bottle and looked back out at the choppy lake water, having nothing more to say.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sawyer gazed vacantly into the full-length mirror as her maid of honor fastened the last of the delicate pearl buttons on the back of her wedding dress.

“It’s just nerves, you’re doing the right thing,” Sienna spoke softly.

Sawyer swallowed hard. “Am I?”  

“Sawyer, Raf adores you. He will make you happy,” she assured her friend with a hug from behind.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Popping her head in, Jackie held out a small package. 

“Sawyer? This was just delivered for you. And Sienna? Do you know where the shoes for the bridesmaids are? We can’t find them anywhere.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. “I’ll be back in a little bit to check on you.”

Alone for the first time in hours, Sawyer carefully inspected the package, finding a small jewelry box and a handwritten note inside. Opening the velvet box revealed a pair of exquisite sapphire earrings, ones that she recognized immediately. Sawyer had stopped many times to admire the set in the window of the jewelry store next door to Derry's. The jewels were a unique shade of icy blue, the same color as Ethan's eyes.

Unfolding the note, tears welled up in her eyes when she recognized the familiar handwriting.

A short while later, Sawyer walked arm in arm with her father down the aisle. When she saw her beaming groom, her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears. The tears were not of joy or happiness, as one might expect, but rather of fear and regret.

At the altar, her father kissed her cheek and Sienna reached for her bouquet. Rafael took her hands into his and gave them a gentle squeeze. But his smile faded as he felt how badly they were trembling.

The minister started to speak, and Sawyer looked up at Rafael. Her eyes filled with sorrow as she shook her head.

“I’m sorry,” she uttered, barely above a whisper. 

He tilted his head in concern.

“Raf? You don’t want to marry me.”

“I don’t?” his face twisted in confusion as the minister paused his remarks.

“No. No, you don’t. Not really. See, the truth is, I gave my heart away a long time ago. My whole heart. And I never really got it back. I don’t even know what else to say, but I’m sorry. I can’t marry you. And you shouldn’t want to marry me,” Sawyer cried.

Rafael let go of her hands and took a step back. “Wow,” he looked at her incredulously.

“Raf, we’ve been through so much together…something life-changing that connected us forever. And I love you. I always will. But I’m still in love with someone else. I-I’m so sorry,” she confessed. 

Rafael had no words, so he just nodded his head as his grandmother hurried to his side.

“Como você ousa tirar vantagem do meu neto... você... você…” she pointed her finger and yelled.

“Vovo, stop. Let’s just go,” Rafael took her arm and escorted her through the chapel to a side door.

Casting dirty looks and whispering unkindly, Rafael’s family and neighborhood friends left through the back doors. Meanwhile, Sawyer’s family lingered and looked at each other in disbelief. 

Her friends rushed to her side, offering hugs and words of encouragement. Sienna gave Sawyer a handkerchief to wipe her tears, and as her vision cleared, Sawyer saw Naveen. She apologized as she pushed past several family members to get to him.

Naveen saw her coming, determination evident in her eyes.

“Do you know wh-?” 

Before she could finish asking her question, Naveen took her hand and folded his car keys into it. 

“The cabin.”

Sawyer pecked him on the cheek before dashing off to the parking lot.

<><><><><><><><><><>

A few more empty bottles were scattered around Ethan's chair as he sat in the same spot at the end of the old dock. The storm clouds had dispersed, and the setting sun now cast a warm orange hue across the lake.

Sawyer took off her high heels, gathered up the hem of her wedding gown, and walked barefoot towards him. A creak of aged wood beneath her feet caused him to turn and look.

He had been right. She was absolutely stunning, a vision in all white, save for the light blue gems that sparkled in the remaining light of day. 

“Nice dress. Where’s your husband?” Ethan stood to ask.

“I’m looking at him,” she said, taking a hesitant step forward, “...or my partner, boyfriend, lover…you can be whatever you want to be, as long as you’ll be mine.” 

Nearly closing the gap between them, Ethan searched her eyes. “You’d want to marry me? Even after everything I’ve put you through? Why?” 

“I’ve told you before…so I can kiss you anytime I want.” Sawyer lunged forward and grabbed the back of his head, pulling him into a deep and passionate kiss. She giggled as Ethan lifted her off the ground and spun her around, punctuating their reunion with another fervent kiss.

Two weeks later…

The sign on the front door of Donahue’s said they were closed for a special event. Close friends and family who gathered inside hung the last of the decorations. Streamers, balloons and honeycomb paper bells hung from walls and light fixtures. Bowls that were normally filled with pretzels, now filled with pastel-colored Jordan almonds. A couple fresh floral arrangements sat at either end of the bar top, and in the back corner, a 3-tiered cake sat in the middle of a pool table draped with a linen tablecloth.

The front door burst open, and the startled crowd turned to see Ethan carrying Sawyer bridal style over the threshold.

Cupping his hands around his mouth, Bryce announced the happy couple. “Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. and Mr. Ethan Ramsey!”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @openheartforeverinmyheart @doriopenheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog @rookiemartin @headoverheelsforramsey

[homelygrantaire]

IT AU

Summary: It's the One Piece characters in the setting of Derry. They go through what the loser club goes through. Basically the events of IT - but the characters of One Piece. I am adding more scenes but this is the preview for the fic.

FAN ART: The wonderful KK drew and made art for this fic. I will link to it here and here.

I'll post the first chapter when it's done.

PREVIEW OF FIC

October 1988

The rain is coming down hard – fat drops of condensation falling onto the concrete. The steady drops against the window are calming, and could lull someone to sleep. It’s the weekend, it’s raining – it’s the perfect time for a nap. He would be taking one - If only there wasn’t another noise that wasn’t interrupting his valuable nap time. 

“Zorrrro.” A high voice calls out, and the accompanying foot falls follow. “You said you would make me a boat.” He lets out a soft sigh, lifting his head from the comfort of his pillow. He was attempting to doze off – it was the perfect time for it. Although, Zoro was of the opinion that when it came to naps – anytime was a good time to take one. Unfortunately, his little sister didn’t share his opinion. She had always had more energy than he did – waking up earlier than him, and fighting sleep at night. He always had to bribe her to go to bed with a story or two – his parents used to chide him about that, but they stopped bothering a few years ago. 

He rubbed his eyes, yawning. “A boat.” He deadpanned, trying to gather his wits. His sister crawled onto the bed beside him and shook his arm. The whole bed shook as she did so – his bed was older, and rickety – he probably should have stopped her but he usually indulged Kuina’s wants. 

“Yeah,” She said, “A pirate ship.” 

“A what?” He said, finally waking up enough to process her request. “And how am I going to do that?” 

The exasperated sigh that follows is expected. Kuina is made up of 90% sass, at least Zoro thinks so. Sometimes he can’t believe that the two of them are related. Now, however, he knows they are. 

“You just make a regular boat – and then you say it’s a pirate ship.” Kuina rolls her eyes, looking over at her big brother. “That’s all.”

“Oh, is that all.” Zoro flops backwards back onto his bed, and puts his arms behind his head. His bed was as comfortable as he remembered. He really did want to take a nap. He was so close before – if he just closed his eyes - “Sounds easy enough.” 

“Yea –“

“You might as well do it, then.” He says, with a smirk. “If it’s that easy.” He closes his eyes, and waits. There is silence for a few moments before he feels a shove. 

“You’re such a jerk.” Kuina says, continuing to shove him. “You said – you said that you’d make me a boat. You promised!” There’s genuine outrage in her voice. 

Zoro can’t stop himself from laughing, and he holds his arms up in defense as she hits his forearms. Even though she’s much smaller than him, and much weaker than him she would never let that stop her – and Zoro would never admit it, but he’s proud that she keeps trying. “Alright, alright – I’ll make you the damn boat. Stop hitting me already.” She pummels him a few more times before backing off, a truly impressive pout on her face. He hadn’t seen her this annoyed in awhile. He didn’t know why the boat meant so much to her – but he could make one. 

“You know that I’m not allowed to use the wax.” She says, sniffing. “And it’s all the way in the basement.”

Zoro hums in acknowledgement. Kuina has always been scared of the basement – it was dark, damp, and the perfect place to make up stories about. It was probably mostly his fault that she was scared of it – he used it as a setting to tell scary stories about terrifying shadow creatures, or lurking marsh men – but that’s what older brothers did. It was his job to scare her out of her mind, and then when she had nightmares, to comfort her that they weren’t real. That’s just how siblings worked. 

“All right.” He acquiesces,” and watches as her face lights up. He sits up, and looks around under his bed while he speaks, “But you have to go fetch the wax for me if you want me to make it.” Her face instantly crumples when he says that. She’s scared, and he knows it – but she won’t tell him that she is. 

Kuina furrows her brow and frowns as intensely as she can. She doesn’t speak for a long time, but Zoro can play that game. He is used to their parents' frosty silences – he can play the waiting game. He knows that he will win. 

Finally, Kuina cracks. “Fine.” She says, looking annoyed. “I’ll get the stupid wax.” She turns as if she is going to march from the room but he stops her. 

“Hey,” Zoro says, raising the flashlight that he retrieved from under his bed. “You’ll probably need this.” 

-

Zoro watches his sister from the doorway as she hesitates. She needs to go to the cellar to grab wax, and he isn’t accompanying her this time. He ought to – but he really really doesn’t want to. It’s cold, and dark down there – and Kuina needs to learn how to do things on her own. 

Kuina rocks back on her feet, eyeing her older brother. “Are you sure I won’t get in trouble?” She says, looking unsure. Zoro holds back a sigh. Kuina wasn’t a coward, far from it – but she did get scared from the cellar. It was annoying sometimes having to do stuff for her – but he understood that it was his job. Usually. 

Zoro rolls his eyes. “Don’t be a wuss. I’d come with you if I weren’t dying.”

“You’re not dying.” She says immediately, insistently, a little edge in her voice. “You’re too annoying to die.” 

“Thanks,” Zoro says dryly, “I’ll keep that in mind.” He rufflesher hair. “Go get the wax.”

She still hesitates. “In the cellar?”

“You want it to float, don’t you?”

She hesitates, before nodding. 

“Then you need to be brave and go get the wax.” Zoro says, shooing her away. “I'll be right here if anything bad happens.” 

-

Once she has retrieved the wax, Zoro sets to work. Kuina sits pensively beside him, and watches him quietly. It’s a little nerve wracking having her watch his every move, but he’s mostly used to it. Kuina has always been there – ever since she was born she was following his every movement. It would be stranger if she wasn’t there – she was like his shadow. Even when he didn’t want her to be there, she was. 

“Okay,” He says, handing it to her. “All done. What’re you gonna do with the boat? Can’t be much to do right now, what with the rain.”

“Pirate ship.” She clarifies, and takes it into her hands, looking at it reverently. “I’m going to take it outside, and watch it sail.”

“Pirate ship. Right.” Zoro ruffles her hair, and she shoves at his hand. “It’s her.”

“Huh?” 

“Ships are called her. Not it. Her.”

Kuina makes a face, before looking thoughtful. “Why?”

“Dunno. I think cause girls are so scary.”

She shoves at him, laughing. Both laugh, and as the rain falls outside it’s a peaceful moment. 

[weshallc]

HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY NHS

Call the Midwife Special AU FIC

HAPPYBIRTHDAY @ilovemushystuff I know you aren't 75! but I hope you enjoy this. Like the NHS you are so loved, appreciated, valued and vital to this community. But in a much better state than the NHS. ❤💌🎈🎁🎂

Thank you @fourteen-teacups for being the most patient person in the world. It felt like 75years since we started writing this. 🥰@roguesnitch yes you can adopt a donkey.

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to TV presenters living or dead are completely coincidental. Absoloutley. 😬

July 5th 2023, Aylward Care Home, Poplar.

“Come on Jack, do you want to have a wee sit in the garden? It's a lovely morning. Let’s fetch your cardi.” 

The tall man is stooped, no longer able to carry his previous imposing six foot stature. Bent by age and years of working his failing muscles and bones are always tired. He turns his head to look at the young fresh faced girl at his side. He likes this one. They are all nice, pleasant, some a little kinder than others. But they are busy, they have mouths to feed, medicines to dispense and bums to wash. This one she seems to have more time than others. Maybe it is because she has the gift of youth. She has time to play with. Jack’s time is running out. Time has started to tease him. Started to play cruel games. Time does not play fair. Time plays by its own rules.

A loud noise alerts Jack and he clings to the girl. She doesn't panic but steadies her friend. For a split second he is back in Derry, but only for a second.

“It’s only the telly Jack. In the day room, don’t worry. Someone’s put the sound up.”

An older woman appears in the corridor, older, but not as old as Jack. He thinks she has a  beautiful smile and a hint of a foreign accent. This one always makes him laugh. He asked her where she was from once and she said Hackney and then she roared with laughter. Jack laughed too; he didn't know why, it just feels good to laugh. But he never asked again.

“Who’s in the day room?”

“I’m not sure, I thought there was just one lady, but it can’t be. You take our Jack the Lad, here, into the garden while I go check it out, Amy.”

Amy. That's her name, sweet Amy. They wear name badges but the writing is too small.

“Thanks Flora.”

Ah yes, Flirty Flora. Now he remembers.

Amy returns to the day room, the telly is still too loud for her own comfort, but bearable. Flora is fiddling with the hearing aids in the ears of the only other occupant. She is being brushed away. Flora doesn't notice or if she does it doesn’t bother her,

“You want to hear, don't you? I’m too big to be a fly, you know. Can’t swat me away so easily.”

Amy smiles and sees what she thinks is a hint of what might be one in the resident resisting Flora’s ministrations.

“Who turned the sound up?” Amy asks as she looks around the otherwise empty room.

“No idea, I don’t think, my lady here, could reach the remote or figure out which button to press. It took me five minutes to guess how to turn it down again."

“Maybe Dangerous Dave is playing pranks again.”

“That’s what I thought but his daughter has taken him out today. It's Wednesday. If you ask me, that TV set is spooked. It’s always doing it.”

Flora completed her challenge of securing and tuning in the hearing aids, She gently takes hold of the arm that was flying into her face and asks if all is now comfortable and clear. She receives a slight nod in response, perceivable only because Flora knows what to look out for.

“Is this the right channel?” asks Amy.

“Yes, It’s 9 o'clock time for Lorraine.”

“I hope it isn’t that footballer’s missus again, right annoying she is.”

“You’re just jealous.”

“What give up this life of luxury for some sweaty millionaire, as if? The residents would miss me. You’d miss me.”

Flora smiles at Amy's protestations and thinks she may have detected another slight nod elsewhere.

A squeaky non descriptive tune pours out of the television and the screen is a vibrant mix of pink and white.

Three people sigh as Lorraine appears before them on screen.

Lorraine, a jolly looking white woman with dark shoulder length hair, who looks to be in her late fifties, fills the screen. She begins to talk to the camera. A Scottish lilt in her voice.

 “Good Morning everyone, how are you today? I hope you are all well. And if you are feeling well this morning, it might be in part to do with the focus of our show. That’s right we moved out of our cosy wee West London studio to venture east into Tower Hamlets.”

It becomes clear Lorraine is standing in front of an old building probably dated back to the late 1800s.

“The reason we find ourselves in Poplar this morning is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of the National Health Service. And what better way to do that, than in the Patrick Turner Health Hub that has provided primary care predating the formation of the NHS. In all that time it has been the working home of one family.”

The camera now pans out to reveal a Victorian building that has been extended and modernised over the centuries. Some additions are more historically sympathetic than others. Lorraine continues.

“There has been a Turner working here since the end of the Second World War. Including our very own medical expert and friend of the show, Dr Teddy Turner.”

A man of similar age to the presenter pops into view. He is tall, but doesn’t overshadow our host. His hair is dark but the light grey that highlights his unruly tresses may once have been blonde. He is smartly dressed in a dark tailored three piece suit, pink shirt and tie haphazardly adorned in medical equipment such as thermometers, stethoscopes and those things for looking in your eyes and ear.

 “Good Morning, Dr Turner.” 

“Good morning, Lorraine and welcome to Poplar.”

They chat in the tone of two old friends surprised to have bumped into each other at the doctor’s that morning.

“Well, it’s lovely to be here and the staff have made us very welcome. I’m sure the last thing they wanted on a busy Wednesday morning is a TV crew to contend with, but they've been really lovely.” 

“I think like everybody else involved in patient care we are only too glad to have the opportunity to celebrate 75 years of the National Health Service. And share a little bit of our part in that incredible history.”

“Well, shall we do just that very thing? After the break we will be venturing inside the Patrick Turner Health Hub. Where we will be meeting more Turners talking about the last 75 years of working within the NHS. We’ll be looking at some of the most significant changes over that time, with a family that has always been at the cutting edge, if you will please pardon my pun.”

Those who went to brew a cup of YorkshireTea during the intermission miss the NHS75 anniversary retro adverts for Radio Rentals, pink wafers and playtex girdles.

“Welcome back. As you can see we’ve moved into a sort of conference room. Is that right, Dr Teddy?”

“Yes, it's where we hold training days for our staff and the wider district. We also run information sessions for newly diagnosed diabetics, dementia support, mental health, stopping smoking, drug and alcohol advice. And of course women’s health, which here at Patrick Turner’s we specialise in.”

“Well, we are going to come on to that, but I see over here some lovely people. I would like you very much to introduce us to.”

The camera moves towards a group of people sat around a functional table with mugs in front of them of various sizes and designs.

“This is my big sister, Angela. She was a full time GP here for over thirty years and now runs a lot of our education programmes and Well Woman clinics. Her daughter Jools has taken over her mantle and also her office and is currently one of our full time GPs.”

A slim blonde woman who appears to be in her late 50s or early 60s becomes the camera operator's focus. Her hair is tied back from her face, which is thin and angular, but her blue eyes have a gleam and her lips are failing to hide a smirk. She carefully clutches a blue mug and seems to be holding it quite tensely at a deliberate angle. A few letters are revealed between her fingers UK, THE, IES.

“So she’s your niece. We might be able to catch a word with Dr Jools later, but she’s busy seeing patients right now. Is that right, Dr Teddy?”

“Yes, she is my niece. No-one does nepotism quite like the Turners.”

“Moving on.” Lorraine is starting to sound as if she is wondering who is running this show? “And who is this distinguished looking gentleman next to your lovely sister?”

“This gentleman also celebrates his 75th birthday this year. He's actually slightly older than the NHS. This is Sir Timothy Turner, Lorraine. Or as I refer to him Lord Buggerlugs.”

“That seems very unkind, but having a sibling myself it's relatable. I must also apologise to anyone offended by any inappropriate use of language so early in the morning. Regular viewers will know this is to be expected when Dr Teddy is my special guest.”

“I’m seeing a disapproving glance from the lady next to Sir Timothy and the main reason we are here today. Dr Teddy’s, Sir Timothy’s and Dr Angela’s mum is also here. Dr Teddy, please introduce us to this remarkable lady.”

“Lorraine and viewers this is Sister Shelagh Turner, my, sorry, our mum. She came to Poplar in July 1948. It was the inception of the National Health Service. She arrived as a nurse and newly qualified midwife to work on the district with the nuns at Nonnatus House.” 

“I wonder if I could ask Sir Timothy to explain a wee bit of the history of Nonnatus House and its relevance in the East End of London.”

The camera focuses on a tall gentleman looking a good ten years older than his siblings. (They definitely appear to have been a good ten years). He is also dressed as smartly as his younger brother, but minus the novelty tie. Anyone who studied medicine in Edinburgh would recognise this tie’s pattern. He clears his throat and looks directly into the camera.

“Only if you cease referring to me as Sir Timothy. I accepted my knighthood from the late Queen in recognition of my rewarding career as a GP and as an advocate of the NHS and Public Health. I am now retired from medicine. I do continue to campaign for justice for those who through negligence contracted Hepatitis C and the HIV virus as a result of blood transfusions. Compensation has still not been fully distributed and no UK public body has ever admitted responsibility. Therefore, my job is not yet done. So therefore, I’m just Tim.”

“That’s so well said, Sir Tim. And that seems to be a thread that runs through the Turner family. Generation after generation. Your father, the late Dr Patrick Turner who this medical practice is named in memory of, was an early advocate for the families affected by Thalidomide. As you have so rightly reminded us, you have spoken up for all those affected by the 20th century Factor 8 scandal. Your sister, Dr Angela Turner is a voice many will be familiar with on Women’s Hour on Radio 4 sharing her wealth of knowledge on the menopause and postnatal trauma. And of course our own Dr Teddy brought clarity and evidence based truths to our viewers during the recent Covid pandemic.”

For the first time they all look less assured, even Dr Teddy is lost for words. He and Angela both look towards their older brother.

“We’ve all been inspired by our parents. Dad was a great believer in medicine's ability to heal after witnessing the return of the injured as a child in Liverpool from 1914. He was able to compare those times to the wider use of antibiotics which he witnessed as an army medic during WWII. As a GP working through the 60s he saw, thanks to vaccination, the demise of TB and Polio both of which had previously left their scars on our family. The Thalidomide scandal was a heavy blow to recover from, for a GP who only wanted to prevent and ease suffering. Fortunately he  married Shelagh, who loved and believed in him completely." He nods towards the lady sat next to him.

"Through her religious background she understood the way ahead isn’t always clear or certain, She always used to quote St. Julian of Norwich to us as children, ‘He did not say you would not be assailed, you will not be laboured, you will not be disquieted, but he did say you will not be overcome.’ My father was not a religious man, but I believe he drew strength through my mothers steadfast faith in God, and even more so from her faith in him.”

“Thank you Sir...Tim. Well, I think that’s given us all a lot to think about as we go to another wee break.” 

Viewers who want to adopt a donkey are infuriated by adverts for Babysham, tinned spam and a Tiny Tears doll. 

 “Welcome back to Lorraine in Poplar.”    

“So here I am, sitting next to the mother of these fine boys and the gorgeous Dr Angela, Sister Shelagh Turner.”

 “Greetings”

A small woman with steel grey hair pulled into a tidy bun sits between Tim and Angela. She wears a tailored navy jacket with a delicate gold pearl and ruby brooch on the lapel. She holds her mug less furtively than her daughter and viewers can clearly read the words If In Doubt Just Ask Mum.

“From what I’ve been told by your son you qualified as a midwife in 1948.”

 “I did.”

“Dr Teddy, your mother is Scottish!” Lorraine cries in surprise, because obviously she hadn’t introduced herself to her guest before the show. “I can see we are going to get along quite famously. Can you tell me the changes you have seen over the last 75 years?”

“Oh my dear, you may have to cancel one of those shows that follows this one, about relocating abroad or selling something you found in an attic, for me to tell my story.”

Viewers are frantically trying to work out how old Shelagh Turner is as this indomitable lady cooly answers every question. She brings a sense of calm to the temporary studio, in a building she has been familiar with most of her life. If at that moment anyone asked Alexa or Siri to show them the meaning of professional they would instantly produce a picture of Shelagh Turner. 

“My mother died when I was young. I nursed her through her affliction, as I would my father too. I didn’t want to be a greengrocer, like my family before me. All I had ever done since being a small child was nurse. I knew no other life. So after my father died at the end of the war I headed to London. They were crying out for nurses and that is who I am.”

“The greatest change I’ve seen besides the obvious advances in technology, is the reliance on single use plastic. Nothing was disposable in my day, including syringes and enema tubes. Everything had to be autoclaved and reused. But technology has to be the most significant advancement in the day-to-day practice of nursing care. We didn't have machines to do the work for us. If someone was receiving blood or intravenous fluids, through a drip you understand, we had to calculate the drip-rate in our heads or on paper. Then we had to count the drips in the reservoir every 15 minutes to ensure it wasn’t going too fast or too slow. There weren't any machines beeping to alert us to problems.”

Angela, who had been quiet up until this point,just watching the whole shebang with the same amusement of someone not at the top table observing a bridesmaid with a nosebleed, chose this moment to interject.

“I think a lot of current nurses would be happy to get rid of those infernal bleeps.”

“I’m sure you are right, dearest. When I first qualified, the only machinery I was familiar with was the iron lung used to treat Polio patients..."

Below the lens two hands brush against each other.

“I remember it well.....” He says.

“Too true, dearest. It may now be antiquated and look barbaric but we were glad of it during the Christmas of 1958.”

“Did you have Polio as a child, S...Tim?” 

“I did, Lorraine. As Mum said, I ended up in hospital over Christmas when I was ten-years-old. My parents had to cancel their wedding.”

“Oh no! Deary me.”

The presenter appears to be lost for words. This part was obviously not rehearsed. Guest co-presenter Dr Teddy is of no help as he has the countenance of the youngest child, who is always in bother, becoming aware that his big brother is finally going to get it.

“I suppose that wouldn’t be considered very shocking or unusual these days. But just for the sake of propriety, Timothy’s father, Patrick, was a widower. Timothy sadly lost his mother to cancer a couple of years earlier. Another dreadful disease we have made great strides in treating in the last 75 years.”

“You and Dr Turner worked with the Nonnatus nuns, I'm led to believe. They may not be known to our wider audience, but are still very much remembered with affection and gratitude in Poplar, am I right?”

“I hope so, I would like to believe so. The Order of St Raymond Nonnatus trained as nurses and midwives in Euston, arriving in Poplar in 1899. Once the NHS formed, the nuns worked alongside state trained nurses and pupil midwives, most of whom lived in the convent originally based in Leyland Street. They moved to Wick Street in 1959, where they stayed until the late 70s. The Turner practice was always closely linked to Nonnatus. Patrick, my husband, unusually for the time, had a special interest in women’s health. It wasn’t like today, women were just expected ‘to shut up and put up’ as Sister Evangelina used to say. She was a rather bold nun who was always a little ahead of her time and not afraid of telling it like it is, or was.” 

Shelagh pauses for a moment as if she is recalling something she chooses not to share. Angela, sensing her mother’s brief loss in concentration, picks up the thread.

“There were more home births in those days. Mum and Dad ran what we would now call a mother and baby unit, but they were known as maternity homes. We are actually sitting in what was once a four bedded ward. The rest of the rooms were divided up to house our phlebotomy service and provide extra clinic space. One of the labour rooms we still use for minor surgery. Most health centres provide a particular service these days so there isn’t a doubling up of specialities. Patients will know they may be sent to a different centre than their own GPs surgery for let’s say, diabetic advice, heart monitoring, eye checks and podiatry. At Patrick Turner’s Health Hub we have continued my parents’ work. Focusing primarily on women’s health, neonatal care and respiratory conditions, something my parents as ex-smokers were very keen to learn more about and educate their patients.” 

“Sister Shelagh, you were a smoker? I am shocked to hear this.” Lorraine looks horrified, she appears so wholesome.

“Oh, everyone smoked during the war years and into the 60s. It was even thought to be good for you at one time, or so the tobacco companies wanted us to believe.”

Dr Teddy suddenly realises he hasn’t spoken in over ten minutes and is getting paid for this.

“You didn’t smoke when you were a nun though, did you Mum? I blame Dad, he was a bad influence. Tim told me he remembers him smoking in clinic." Before his mother's glare alone ruins his blossoming media career, Lorraine interupts.

“A nun!? You were one of the sisters, Shelagh?”

“Yes, I was, when I first arrived at Nonnatus in 1948, but not when I left in 1958. Obviously.”

“Obviously.” Lorraine is looking at all Shelagh's children seated around her. “Your children are giving all your secrets away today, Shelagh. I think Dr Teddy might end up on the naughty step when he gets home.”

“It was a long time ago and I learned everything I know working with the Order, especially from my dearest friend, Sister Julienne. But the last sixty years have been the happiest and most fulfilling of my life. And the majority of  them have been spent working within and for the NHS. And that’s why I’m here with you today.”

“Nice deflection back to our main topic today, Shelagh. Are you after my job? The producer in my ear has just asked me to not let you leave before I book you in for another show... on your own without your lovely family. Oh! I see.. before the Daily Mail gets to you first for your story, he‘s added. Don’t think that will be happening anytime soon, looking at the expression on Shelagh’s face.”

“We are off for another break now, viewers.”

Viewers wanting to take out an over 55s life insurance policy securing themselves a free pen are now on the phone to the TV regulator Ofcom in protest to advertisements for Brylcreem, old Spice and the Dandy and Beano.

“Welcome back. So, we are going to end today’s NHS75 special with a lovely gift for the Turner family. It’s the least we can do after all this family has done for us over the last 75 years. This is a complete surprise for the Turners. Not all of the Turner children are here today. Tim, Anglela and Teddy’s sister, May, is also in the family firm. She chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps. No! She is not a nun. But the Chief Nursing Officer in a hospital based in Hong Kong. When did you last see May, Shelagh?”

“Oh, it was before Covid, she was due to come home Christmas 2020 and couldn’t and she's been so busy she hasn’t been able to reschedule. She’s so dedicated.”

“Wonder where she gets that from?” Tim and Ted say in unison.

“I don’t like flying now at my age. Angela went out there last year, didn’t you, dear? They’ve always been very close.”

“Look up at the big screen on the wall, Shelagh.You won’t see a video about vaccination or what to do if you are having a stroke. But, who is this?”

The numbers for the surgery disappear from the screen and are replaced by the bright smile of a Chinese woman wearing a white silk blouse, giggling and shouting “now” repeatedly.

“Hello Mum, Hello Fam! How are you all? And how is dear old Poplar?”

The East London room is full of forcefully expired air and cries of “May”.

“I'm going to leave you all to chat privately, in a moment. But can I just ask, May? You grew up in Poplar, do you have good memories?”

“Oh, yes. I came from Hong Kong in 1963 and couldn’t speak a word of English. Patrick and Shelagh fostered me and eventually my birth mum gave permission for them to adopt me. Mother Mildred brought me and some other children, who were orphaned or estranged from their parents, to start new lives. But I remember Poplar with so much love; the sisters, Fred, Vi and Reggie who ran the corner shop. Darling Aunt Trixie and Jonty, my friend Colette and her mother, Nancy. Then there was Pastor Robinson. Too many to name.. Nurse Crane and Miss Higgins mustn't forget them. And lots of girls called Alison. I actually thought all English girls were called Alison for a while. I even thought about changing my name to Alison. Everyone was so welcoming and helped me feel right at home. It was just a shame about Teddy really.”

“Oh! That Turner sense of humour. I see it is intact over the miles. Angela is nodding her head in agreement with your remarks about your younger brother. I need to maybe have a few minutes chat with her in the Green Room after the show. You returned to Hong Kong, May, as a nurse. Can you tell us a wee bit about that?”

“Of course. As much as London will always be my home. I wanted to give something back to my place of birth. The reason Mother Mildred brought me to England was because there wasn’t provision for someone in my situation over here in the 1960s. I wanted to return and see what changes had been made and if I could contribute in any way. It also gave me a chance to meet my Chinese mother again and thank her for giving me the opportunities I had because of her sacrifices.”

“Did you get to spend much time with her, May?”

“Yes, I did. She passed away a few years ago. I got a chance to say goodbye and to be with her at the end of her life as she was at the beginning of mine.”

“That’s lovely May. I’m going to let you catch up with your family now. I’m sure your mum has a lot of questions for you to answer. Probably starting with when are you coming home? Thank you, May Turner.”

“And thank you to all my guests on this NHS 75th anniversary special. Thanks to all the Turners: Shelagh, Tim, Angela, May and our own Dr Teddy. I will be back tomorrow with more inane guests to chat with. Won’t be anywhere near as much fun as this, I promise you.”

The camera focuses on Dr Teddy Turner who is rubbing his right forefinger against his thumb.

"We will leave you with the words of the Health Secretary in 1948, Mr Nye Bevan."

"No society can call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means."

As the credits roll the camera moves to on an outside wall. It focuses a well polished brass plaque on which three lines are written.

KENILWORTH ROW MATERNITY HOME AND SURGERY DR. P. TURNER

"Here, here!" Is followed by cheers and clapping.

“Well that was the best episode of Lorraine I've ever skived off to, with a cuppa, in all my working days.”

“Flora, we are not skiving, we are socialising with the residents and attending to their recreational and creative needs.”

“You do have a way with words, our Ames. You applied to tech to do those exams you need, yet? You know the ones to get into Uni to do your nursing.”

“No, I haven’t. Stop nagging me. I’m not good with exams, Flo, you know that.”

“You’re very good with people though, Amy. More than good. And the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

“Counts for nothing Flora, you have to be one of those clever buggers to be a nurse these days. I’m happy here with my Grans until Aldi or some other supermarket makes me a better offer I can’t refuse.”

“Well. I’m going to keep nagging. But in the meantime, I Wouldn’t say no to Dr Teddy checking out my auld ticker with his stethoscope, one day.”

“Oh Flora, you are crude. His niece is my doctor. She’s brilliant, she really helped me out with that little problem I had.”

“Well, I could have helped you out with that, Amy. Change your washing powder or tell that man of yours to dip it in Domestos bleach before he comes near you next time.”

“Flora, you're shocking......are you alright, love?”

Amy notices tears streaming down their companion’s face, but her eyes remain bright and clear.

The young carer dabs those tears, “Magic hankie cures all. As my gran used to say.”

“Poor old love, probably brought back memories. Talking about them Nonnatuns,” Flora added. “You alright Sister? I know where there is a nice piece of Victoria Sponge with your name on it. Amy here will put the kettle on.”

“How old do you think she is?”

“Dunno. No one seems to know. No one knows how long she’s been here. Dangerous Dave says she made a deal with God to look after the people of Poplar for all eternity.

“You know Dangerous Dave talks bollocks, right?”

“I’m just saying what I heard. So about Dr Teddy, do you think he's on Tinder?”

“He’s sixty-years-old, Flora. Get a grip.”

As they leave to put the kettle on and cut the cake. The sound coming from the televison set suddenly increases.