#ik my white cat feels the same way sometimes

[real-hot-grl-shi]

rant bc I’m tired of the same few songs I see w/ readers x characters 😓

Alright so ik this is one sided and self indulgent but sometimes I wonder whenever when I read character x reader it’s always the same songs that the character listens to (rock, new jeans, k-pop, Melanie Martinez alt bands, tv girl, etc.) why can’t the reader have more options on music? There’s way more music that exists than just the same few genres/songs, (including R&B other than just SZA and hip hop other than Tyler the Creator) as a person who would literally die for R&B it’s like nobody knows other artists than just SZA and it honestly makes me feel like the talented musicians other than SZA that are in R&B/Hip-Hop never get talked about (Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, Doja Cat, Chris Brown, Jhené Aiko, PartyNextDoor, Kalid, etc) like the reader is supposed to be for everyone, not just a select group/audience. 😭 Don’t get me wrong I listen to rock and sometimes alt bands, so I’m not tryna to be hypocritical when I say this kinda stuff.

js to let you know also I’m not hating on the people who do only talk about the select few genres, you do you boo 😈 but if you are making x reader with a music tastes that varies on then just alt music or k-pop, it does exist. I just don’t feel like poc artists aren’t seen and if they are, it’s only black readers. People worldwide like poc/ R&B and Hip-Hop artists and it shouldn’t be just pushed aside with almost every fanfic including the reader liking or talking about music.

Like isnt reader supposed to be for everyone?… it’s the stereotypical white y/n all over again

(except the jjk and the atsv/itsv fandom yall got it down packed 🫶🏾)

This is why I’m boutta start writing my own stuff fr 😔

(I bet this rant didn’t make any sense.)

[stressghoul]

Copia headcanons huh?? 👀

hiii ghestie, it’s ya boi from the clock app (same name there!) you have revealed my trap card. now i am obligated to bother you-have some mixed hcs:

——

• it’s not really hard to tell that the Emeritus family is respectful (to an extent depending from one member to another) & got them good manners. and it’s no surprise Copia is the same, though he’s rather formal in his speech and actions! almost old-fashioned

of course with that comes the awkwardness he exhibits also, which ties into keeping a rather polite air about him

• a lotta people really take Copia to be this oblivious and useless no one, especially when he was still under the position of Cardinal for a while in the church. but having spent so much time unseen and looked down upon developed some rather..suspicious habits and demeanor-

if ever a rumor found its way through the abbey, or you felt you weren’t exactly alone to speak ill or openly of a fellow sibling, many fingers pointed its way to Copia. he’d neither confirm nor deny said allegations although a little white lie might be utilized if need be-, and why you shouldn’t let your guard down around him

• ik the majority of us have seen this man m o v e during rituals, both as Cardinal and Papa. Copia does get rather excited and genuinely likes performing for the most part! however, his activity is almost constant and takes little to no time to stand still or sit for very long (aside from time before, in-between and after songs to give pep talks or speeches and banter with the audience)

it is normal for the Papa to be moving and interact with those who attend a ritual, as providing that connection and welcoming presence is crucial to keep people coming. ..but Copia tries very hard to make sure he is both seen and heard, and is also a reason why he may appear a little disgruntled if a moment is taken away from him or a ghoul (even if of a playful or lighthearted nature) steals a moment from him. and imagine how exhausted and pained he is once the ritual concludes…

• ⤴️ on a more lighthearted note-this is why this man’s thighs are so ✨nice✨ 😌👌

• terrified/very wary of snakes- cats are second though is less wary with them than he is with the danger noodles 🐍

• major sweet tooth. am i projecting a little bit?? perhaps 🤔

• is quite fond of his ghouls, even if sometimes the sentiment may not always be returned or reciprocated (i personally have it hc’ed that, after Terzo was removed as Papa and the ghouls were switched out/replaced, there was clearly some resentment towards Copia and favoritism with Terzo). Copia also treats ghouls, as a whole, respectfully and is fairly knowledgeable of/about them!

——

aa das it for now! i rambled a little, but i simply adore Copia as you can see-happy to drop more anytime!! 💕🥺🖤

bestie tysm for these omg i thoroughly enjoyed reading through them ❤️ feel free to send any hc u have my way!!!! 🥰🥰

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #262

WoW will probably start to take over my life again tomorrow oof so expect surveys to slow down some.

What do you wish people wouldn't call you? The only one I don't really like is Girt calling me "kid." He doesn't mean it in a derogatory way or anything like that; he's just always called me that since I was a high school freshman and he was a senior. Now as an adult that's been through things I don't believe anyone deserves, it's kinda weird but more so frustrating as, regardless of his intentions, I somewhat feel belittled. I've never said anything directly about my discomfort, though, so it's my own fault. I just don't want to make him feel bad for doing it for years lmao. What do people say about your name upon learning it for the first time? They don't say anything; my name is very ordinary. Why did you choose the hair length you have? I have a few reasons. The biggest is because I was just bored of average, long hair, and the fact I was at the time having a very hard time with self-care. My hair would get incredibly knotted to where it was hard to even brush it sometimes. Makes me shiver thinking back on it. For my own sanity and ease, it needed to be gone. Also, with how STUPID hot I get, cutting it all off helped with the weight of my hair (it's v thick) but more importantly how hot it made me it the warm months. Zero regrets chopping it all off, omg. If your hair could be ANY color, what would you pick? At this very moment, I really want silver hair. Do you wish your hair was longer or shorter than it is now? It needs a trim. Do you think you're attractive? (It's okay to say yes =P) No; I think I wouldn't look ALL to bad if I lost some more weight (I've literally been on a weight loss plateau for two fuckin years). When I was perfectly healthy, I didn't think I was very pretty even back then, but now that I look back, I feel I was decently pretty. Not gorgeous, but. What is your favorite band? Ozzy Osbourne. :') What is your favorite movie? The Lion King. The second one is like directly behind it. Finding Nemo is also very precious to me. What is your favorite book or magazine? The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. What is your favorite song? Ugh, this is impossible. I love way way too many. I suppose maybe... "Death Inc." by Motionless In White? Idk. What is your favorite color to wear? Black, duh. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? South Africa because I want to spend time with and take pictures at the Kalahari Meerkat Project and especially pet a Whiskers meerkat. I WILL cry. Meerkats literally changed my life. So many people I wouldn't know... If you got the chance and wouldn't get caught, would you cheat on a lover? NOOOOO the guilt though. Someone drops a fifty dollar bill and doesn't notice. Will you tell them? Definitely. I'd feel awful otherwise. Would you ever pierce something on your face? I already have my lip and tongue pierced, and I did have my nostril pierced, too. I want more, particularly an undereye microdermal if I can switch to contacts... which I don't like. I think it'd look pretty dumb with glasses. Are you selfish? EVERYONE should be to a degree depending on the occasion. Doing what is best for you is not a bad thing. Are you mean to people who are different from you? Wow no. I find people "different" from me interesting. Do you make fun of obese people? By the BMI definition, I am one of those people. So take a guess? Do you eat when you're upset? I have to fight that extremely hard, because I usually do experience the impulse to comfort eat when I'm very depressed. I've gotten way better at it, though. What if you had to choose between feeding yourself or feeding your pets? I honestly don't know for sure what I'd do... but I think I would prioritize my pets, honestly. It would break me to watch them suffer and lose weight. What if you saw someone being beaten on the street? YOOOO I READ THIS AS "EATEN" FIRST. But anyway I'd call the cops ASAP. There's a possibility I'd intervene if I felt myself capable of taking on the assailant. What if it was you being beaten? According to the night terrors I've had beyond count, curse like a motherfucker and fight back while calling for help. Who's the most important person to you (related)? Mom. Who's the most important person to you (non-related)? Sara. What's more important to you, happiness or success? Happiness. What's more important to you, your happiness or someone else's? Depends on the person. List the ten most important things to you: Oh, yikes. No order: 1.) My peace of mind, health, and happiness; 2.) my family; 3.) my pets; 4.) my career future; 5.) my friends; 6.) a YouTuber I've never met lmao; 7.) my pebble from my partial hospitalization program; 8.) Teddy's ashes; 9.) the Mark mug Sara gave me sobs; 10.) and the RP site I'm on. Like if it disappeared tomorrow with all the profiles and history and stuff I would break the earth in half oof. Have you ever lived in a mobile home? No. Have you ever had your bedroom in a basement? No. How many times in the past week have you eaten fast food? Hm. I don't think once. In the house - shoes, socks, slippers or bare feet? Bare feet.\ Do you consider dogs inside or outside pets? Usually indoor, depending on the breed and the time of year. What’s your favourite piece of furniture in your house? ig my bed? Have you ever had a crush on a friend’s parent? Yikes no. Do you prefer carbonated or uncarbonated drinks? Sucker for carbonated over here. Favorite thing that you can see up in the sky? A full moon. Would you rather eat at the table or in your room? I'm so used to eating in my room. Do you like the sound of birds singing when you wake up, or is it annoying? I love it. If someone gave you a kitten, would you keep it? I'd love to, but it'd really be my mom's choice. What’s your ideal activity for a rainy day? Nap oh lawd. Favorite type of cracker? Cheez-Its. Banana sandwich... yum or yuck? Only yum with peanut butter. Animal you like to watch but sort of creeps you out: Spiders. Bagels or English Muffins? Bagels. Do you like to daydream about sex? I do it sometimes. Which of your parents do you laugh more with? My dad is really funny. Have you ever been to an open casket wake or funeral? Wake, yes. Who mows the lawn at your house? A family friend. Have you ever written a story from beginning to end? When I was little and was writing that meerkat story, yes. I started on the sequel but didn't get far. What’s a big turn on for you? Being genuinely interested in what makes me me. Actually wanting to know the littlest things about me. Just show sincere interest. Are you doing anything tomorrow? I do know I'm fuckin finally getting my laptop home. Does your car have a name? N/A Do you own clothes from any celebrity clothing lines? No, but a bitch is getting a Cloak shirt or hoodie at some point. Who was the last person you ranted about? My bitch of a cousin for being a disrespectful fuck when all my dying grandmother wants is to talk as a group with the whole family. I ranted to Mom though, not in the group chat because I'm actually mature enough to not talk shit when, again, all our grandma wants is peace and love between us at the end of her life. I was SEETHING. Know any magic tricks? I don't remember any. I LOOOOOVED those magic kits as a kid, though. Is there music in your head right now? Right now "Dirty Pretty" by In This Moment is on, so does that count as "in my head?" Would you like to become a dancer? It'd be very cool, most certainly, and due to taking dance classes so long, I tend to think of potential dances in my head when I hear like... any song, lol. I'd love to be one if I had the grace and endurance + no hyperhydrosis. Name one person of the same sex as you you wouldn't mind doing: Hunny I'm bisexual, there's a lot, lmao. Dream woman? Uhhhh. Maybe my friend Alon. She was like one of my first hints I wasn't straight, lmao. But idk, I find soooo many women to be attractive. What is the most gory film you've seen? One of the Saw movies. What a surprise, ik. Ever fallen down a hole? ZOINKS no. Do you work better in a clean or messy environment? Clean, durr. Do you know any vegans? Only online. Do you like bananas? I am VERY picky with bananas. They have to be perfect. My preferred ripeness lasts only like, two days. .-. What's a film you've seen that confused you? Oh boy, idk. I don't watch many films... especially if I'm confused and the plot isn't great, I'll stop watching. WAIT!!!!!! NO!!!!!!!! I went to see Warcraft when it came out and I was so fuckin lost just because the orcs' voices are so goddamn deep that I just sat there like "uhhhh sir come again????" I didn't play Classic, and I'm not great at remembering every aspect of the plot, so. I'm to this day p confused lmao. Do you ever wear black lipstick? I really only ever wear black. What is next to your bed? I have a white shelf to my left where I put my meds, a drink, the fan... that kind of stuff. My cat's food bowl is to the right of it on the floor. Are your fingernails dirty? Nope. Have you ever fell for someone believing you could "fix" them? Not for that reason, no. Describe a picture of yourself that you hate: LASKJDLKFJAOWJE my friend took a picture of me eating a hot dog once and joked she was putting that shit on Facebook and it was funny as shit but thank Christ she was in fact joking. Would you rather play a good or an evil character in a play? While I'd love to be the evil one, I'd probably make it too cheesy because I am a BAD actress. Has anybody ever lied to you just to impress you? Story of one of my "best" friendships. What's your favourite shade of blue? Baby blue, probs. Can you remember a world before iPods? I do indeed. On rides to school when I sat in the back, I would bring one of those portable CD players with me to play discs. Where did you go on your last date? I can't remember the place's name... Lume's? Something like that? Breakfast place in Illinois. Do people find you "cute"? It happens sometimes. Who does the best remixes? Oh idk, I don't pay much attention to this. Where do you get your news? Facebook, lmao. What social stigma does society need to get over? What DOESN'T it need to get over???? What was the last photo you took? Probably something funny on Facebook to send to Sara lmao. I will get memes to her some way. What mythical creature do you wish actually existed? As badly as I want to say dragons, I don't think it'd be a great idea, heh... Maybe dryads. What are you interested in that most people aren't? As of recently, TARANTULAS. I've fallen in LOVE with them. What's the most ridiculous thing you have bought? No clue. What sounds hit you with major nostalgia every time you hear them? The gem collecting sound from Spyro. It was my text ringtone on my last phone! I need to move it over to my current one. What was the biggest realization you have had about yourself? I was possibly the bigger villain than Jason in the breakup. But idk. What topic could you spend forever talking about? Gay rights. Which way should toilet paper hang, over or under? In the original patent, it was designed as going over. GMM knowledge. Therefore I find over as correct, BUT I ultimately don't care like... at all. I don't even really notice when I go in the bathroom. Are you usually early or late? Usually slightly early. What do you wish you knew more about? Politics so I could be a more helpful member of society alksdjfka;lw What is the most annoying question you've been asked? It's not really like, annoying I guess, but the closest would be just how frequently people see my lip ring and ask if it hurt. It's incredibly sensitive skin, and even if it wasn't, a needle went all the way through it. Like... guess. News flash: being stabbed hurts, lmao. Like I always explain that it's not awful, but duh, there is pain. What is your favorite milkshake flavor? Yummm chocolate. What was the worst phase in your life? 2020 thinks it's a bad guy, but lemme tell ya, shit's got nothing on 2016. Do you like sprinkles on your ice cream? I hate sprinkles on anything. Just an annoying texture with negligible flavor. The last time you went out to eat - what did you order? It was just a milkshake. Do you have all 32 teeth? I'm missing two wisdom teeth that just never grew in. Do you know how to do the moon walk? Never tried. What is one of your favorite comedy movies? White Chicks. Has anybody ever told you that you have a good singing voice? Yeah. I don't think I do. Onion rings or french fries? Fries. Not an onion ring fan. Who is the best cook that you know? Sara's mom is great, omgggg. She's cooked things I generally don't like yet I wound up enjoying. Can you name 3 different dinosaurs? Let's see: Spinosaurus, stegosaurus, velociraptor. I was a dino kid, man, just gettin' started. *finger guns* What's the largest amount that you can juggle at one time? I can’t juggle. What was your favorite thing to go on at the playground as a kid? I'd daaaash for the swingset. Do you know how much you weighed at birth? How much? Ummm I think 6-something pounds? 7? Where do you spend most of your time at? At home. In my bed. Exciting stuff, y'know. What noise does your favorite animal make? If my memory serves me right, they have over 40 vocalizations, but I'd say barking and chirping are the most ordinary/basic. Have you ever fallen in the toilet when you were little? lol I don't think so. What is the best kind of mac & cheese? I'm a basic-ass Velveeta bitch lmao. Who is your favorite oldies band? Boy oh BOY, you're asking a classic rock/metal addict. Of course it's Ozzy tho. But I love soooo many!! What is your favorite farm animal? Pigs! Do you like to play Monopoly? I'm not a big fan, no. What is the most fun restaurant you have ever been to? I like the vibe of Buffalo Wild Wings. Or I just have good memories there. What size bra do you wear? I'm actually not sure. I haven't bought new ones in a while and I don't think the ones I currently have are the right size anyway. Do you have a ceiling fan in your room? No. Who was your favorite Sesame Street character? I don't remember too well, but I think Cookie Monster? What about Muppet? Idr. What was going through your mind during the presidential campaign? I am sadly paying no attention. What do you think of the Duggar family ( 17+ kids )? Could you handle taking care of that many children? Ew, hell no. I don't believe the number of children warranted in a family should be legally monitored, it's much more difficult than that, BUT RATHER I'm very firm about knowing when it's more than enough. Population control is a thing. NOBODY needs that many kids imo, not even close to that. So far, what is the number one, best decision you have ever made? How has it affected your life? Letting go of Jason/accepting life without him. It has made my life much, much brighter and healthier. Have you reunited with any old friends recently? Was it awkward, or just like old times? No. When was the last time you talked to your first ex? February of 2017. Wow... been a long time. How different is your online personality from your offline personality? I am MUCH more outgoing and talkative online. What are your favorite holiday-themed movies? Jim Carrey's How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, etc... Do you listen to Christmas/winter-themed music when the season comes around? No. Is there anything that you do that’s potentially controversial? Yes. What is your most recent obsession? Most recent, whew, tarantulas. I'm really gonna try talking Mom into letting me get one when/if we move. Do you say “merry Christmas” or “happy holidays”? To you, does it really matter which one is said/you say? Do you do your best to remain politically correct? Instinctually, I say "merry Christmas;" that's what has always been said around me. I personally see zero problem in calling it whatever... Like just appreciate someone wishing you well. You get the concept, and that's all you really need imo. As for political correctness, I'm kinda... down the middle? Like I feel it's been taken way, way too far, but I see some caution in wording as wise. If you could relive one week of your life, which would it be, and why? Would you do anything differently, or keep it all the same? Ugh, my first visit at Sara's. I just loved it so, so much. I think I wouldn't change a thing. It felt perfect. Is there a part of your life you wish you could remember, but can’t? Sometimes when I take these surveys and they ask "how old were you when...", ha ha. Frustrates me. What was the last thing/event to trigger a painful memory? It was last night, actually. The Final Fantasy VII remake is out, and I started watching a YouTuber I like play it. Jason got me to play the original, playing it a lot when we spent time together, but I only got a bit beyond half-way through before my PS3 broke. Cherished memories, so it was decently triggering indeed. I loved the game though and ABSOLUTELY want to see it played out in its entirety, so I shoved past the pain and am glad I did. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the next video aljkdsjfawe Y'ALL I wanna play more FF. What do you think of people that choose not to vote? I can't say anything, seeing as I never have voted before... Are you keeping anything from the people you love? Nothing important, no. Have you ever written a suicide note, whether joking or not? Yes, and that stupid novel is one of my biggest regrets. Who the FUCK would joke about that, though. When was the last time you let something ‘go to your head’? Not even like an hour ago. This happens allllll the time. When are you most likely to show off? Maaan Guitar Hero used to be good for that shit, ha ha. I was an expert at that back in its day. I haven't played it in forever, and on the rare occasion I do, I am suuuper rusty. Which would you prefer: spectacular view of the ocean, or of the mountains? MOUNTAINS!!!!!! Do you follow any dating rules/play any dating games? No. When was the last time you felt extremely confident about something? ME????????? CONFIDENT???????????? WHAT A CONCEPT!!!!!!!!!! When was the last time you blew the seeds off of a dandelion? Wow, not a clue. Probably not since we lived at my old house and I would go on walks down the path. What was the last thing that happened that you couldn’t explain? Oh I dunno. What do you do with all of your spare change? I just keep it in my wallet. Where did you hear about your all-time favorite band? He was and still is one of my mom's favorites! How many cans of soda do you drink in a day? AHHHHHH soda is my biggest nutritional weakness. I refuse to let myself drink more than one a day now though. It's funny and disgusting, when I was HEALTHY AND SKINNY I could on a rare occasion start a fourth can in a single day. Nowadays the thought almost makes me shiver. What is the oldest thing that you own? and the newest? The oldest thing, ummm. Not sure. Probably a stuffed animal in the attic. I just got two new books today! Is there anything you wish you had never found out about? Yep. A number of things. What is something that you refuse to believe in? Astrology. What is something you wish more people believed in? Gay rights. What food is your ultimate comfort food? Ice cream. Have you ever put anything inside a time capsule? What? OMGGGG I remember doing this in elementary school as a class! I don't recall what was in it, though. Is there too much violence on tv, or are people to sensitive? Too sensitive, but also negligent. It's got a lot to do with raising, imo. Don't show kids wild shit at too young of an age, and when they are shown this kind of stuff, you make it obvious that the behavior/content is unacceptable irl. Entertainment is not responsible for someone's shitty actions made with their own volition. What is something you used to fear, but no longer do? My first huge fear was thunderstorms. Now I enjoy them lol. Do you think it’s important to know a 2nd language? Not mandatory, no. Especially depends on if you're going anywhere. Do you know anyone that’s just naturally good at almost everything? My old friend Hannia IMMEDIATELY came to mind. She was the best in class GPA-wise, first chair for flute in band, and just in general STUPID talented. Do you know anyone that’s just bad at everything? BITCH ME What is one emoticon you use often? A sarcastic :^) or <3 What is one emoticon you almost never use? A lot, particularly ones with equal signs for eyes.

[littiescorp]

So @great-hero-yellow tagged me in this, so I gotta talk about my Super Smash Bros Ultimate roster. So let's go!

MAINS

1. Corrin

I'm not gonna lie, I suck at SSB. The only reason I'm any good, is this good good (broken, some would say) boy here. And my strategy with him? Button smashing and counter spam. Deadass, that's how I rock this dude. I've even beat great-hero-yellow with a well timed counter from him, it's that good. So yeah, this guy is my main and I intend to keep it that way. His only downfall is his recovery sometimes goes in the wrong direction and you can't move after using it, so I just watch him drift to his doom

2. Marth

Have you seen his white colored alt? It's gorgeous, and the reason I started using him tbh. And I'm not that bad with him either. His only downfall for me is he has no good basic down attack. I remember his counter when I accidentally trigger it, and I don't really know how to do Dancing Blade properly, but he's probably my second best character, and again, Damn that's a nice white outfit

3. Shulk

I love this picture, it's such a mood. A few months before his release trailer, I got into Xenoblade Chronicles, so I was thrilled when he joined the roster. Alas, he's a technical fighter that requires strategy and well timed movements and attacks. I'm no good at any of that. It was a rough go at first, but I slowly (very slowly) got the hang of him. When I die its most likely by spamming backslash, and then using one too close to the edge of the stage, and down he goes. But yeah, I like using him, he's alright. The Monado's defese skill is a blessing

NON-MAINS

1. It's me, bitch! (Mii Sword Fighter)

Yeah it's kinda lame, but I'm a sucker for self inserts. Also I love making Miis. So I made myself a sword fighter cause swords are cool (also the ninja outfit looked cool). They have a lot of personalization with their attack style, so it's fun to mess around with. Mine has a good recovery, a strong down attack, and even a counter. Side-b is fun, but I'm also prone to go flying off the edge of the stage towards death with it, so there's that, but otherwise I think I've built a solid Mii. If only I was good at the game to utilize it lol

2. Bayonetta

When her trailer dropped, I was enamored with her. She's beautiful, sexy, and sassy, and I love it all. Hell, Nintendo had to change the rating just to get her in the game, and her trailer had a warning for "implied sexual themes" which kills me every time I see it. And yes, I do go back and watch it every now and then to relive that glory. But again, she's a very technical character, and unlike Shulk I didn't get too good with her. I'm not terrible, and I can get off one of those long combos every now and again, and witch time is fun when I remember to use it, but her wicked weaves are hard to trigger and miss half the time so yeah. I mostly play them just to piss great-hero-yellow off because of the sleight her trailer gave to the Kid Icarus characters

3. Pikachu

Pikachu was my main in Brawl, and I was actually fairly good with him. He has a fantastic recovery, and let's be real, thunder spam does in fact work. But for some reason, I'm not too good with him in smash 4. Maybe that'll change in Ultimate, but for now I don't use him all that much, but I love him the same. Also, the emerald headband is the cutest alt, don't test me

NEW AND RETURNING CHARACTERS TO TRY

1. Snake

I played Snake a little bit in Brawl, and honestly it's mostly because of his ass (rip snakes ass in Ultimate). I don't think I was too good, but it's been so long since I've played so who knows. I'll probably try him out in Ultimate cause why not.

2. Isabelle

Look at her, she's so precious and pure. I haven't played much of the Animal Crossing games, I'm not too big a fan of real time based games, but even so I got excited when she was introduced to Smash, and I do enjoy her. Besides, who could fight this adorable face and not feel guilt? That's how I plan to play her

3. Incineroar

My boy is here. I chose Litten as my starter in the Alola games, and I truly loved Incineroar, so when I saw him kick that Ken dudes ass, I was overjoyed. He doesn't look like he'll be the best fighter tbh, with the slowest walking speed in the game, but one of his attacks does have a large smash radius, though I can't remember which at this time. But yeah, I love my buff bara cat, and I do plan on trying to use them. Besides, slow characters means I can't get too close to the edge, right? Right?

HONORABLE MENTIONS

I do wanna try playing the Inklings, they're really cute. And Chrom, I'm so glad he's got his chance. Also, I did play a bit as Robin, but I'm not too good tbh. And I may try picking up Roy and Ike, I like their characters but they have pretty bad recoveries, so idk maybe I'll try again.

Anyways, that's my Smash Roster plans. If any of you want to go ahead and do this, feel free. I don't talk to many of my mutuals here, so I'm not gonna tag anyone, sorry. But tag me if you do this, I'd love to see others players, and maybe we can trade friend codes and play together when the game comes out

[auskultu]

The Black Elvis?

Michael Lydon, The New York Times, 25 February 1968

SAN FRANCISCO —“Will he burn it tonight?” asked a neat blonde of her boyfriend, squashed in beside her on the packed floor of the Fillmore auditorium. "He did at Monterey,” the boy friend said, recalling the Pop Festival at which the guitarist, in a moment of elation, actually put a match to his guitar. The blonde and her boy friend went on watching the stage, crammed with huge silver-fronted Fender amps, a double drum set, and whispering stage hands. Mitch Mitchell, the drummer, came on first, sat down, smiled, and adjusted his cymbals. Then came bassist Noel Redding, gold glasses glinting on his fair, delicate face, and plugged into his amp.

“There he is,” said the blonde, and yes, said the applause, there he was, Jimi Hendrix, a cigarette slouched in his mouth, dressed in tight black pants draped with a silver belt, and a pale rainbow shirt half hidden by a black leather vest.

“Dig this, baby,” he mumbled into the mike. His left hand swung high over his frizz-bouffant hair making a shadow on the exploding sun light-show, then down onto his guitar and the Jimi Hendrix Experience roared into “Red House.” It was the first night of the group's second American tour. During the first tour, last summer, they were almost unknown. But this time two LP’s and eight months of legend preceded them.

The crowds in San Francisco—their three nights here were the biggest in the Fillmore’s history—were drooling for Hendrix in the flesh. They got it: this time he didn't burn his guitar ("I was feeling mild”) but, with the careless, slovenly and blatantly erotic arrogance that is his trademark, he gave them what they wanted.

He played all the favorites, “Purple Haze,” “Foxy Lady,” “Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire” and "The Wind Cries Mary.” He played flicking his gleaming white Gibson between his legs and propelling it out of his groin with a nimble grind of his hips. Bending his head over the strings, he plucked them with his teeth as if eating them, occasionally pulling away to take deep breaths. Falling back and lying almost prone, he pumped the guitar neck as it stood high on his belly.

He made sound by swinging the guitar before him and just tapping the body. He played with no hands at all, letting his wah-wah pedal bend and break the noise into madly distorted melodic lines. And all at top volume, the bass and drums building a wall of black noise heard as much by pressure on the eyeballs as with the ears.

• • •

The black Elvis? He is that in England. In America James Brown is, but only for Negroes; could Hendrix become that for American whites? The title, rich in potential imagery, is a mantle waiting to be bestowed. Within his wildness, Hendrix plays on the audience’s reaction to his sexual violence with an ironic and even gentle humor. The D.A.R. sensed what he is up to: they managed to block one appearance with the Monkees last summer, because he was “too erotic.” But if Jimi knows about his erotic appeal, he won’t admit it.

"Man, it's the music, that’s what comes first,” he said, taking a quick jerk of Johnny Walker Black in his motel room. “People who put down our performance, they’re people who can’t use their eyes and ears at the same time. They got a button on their shoulder blades that keeps only one working at a time. Look, man, we might play sometimes just standing there; sometimes we do the whole diabolical bit when we’re in the studio and there ain’t nobody to watch. It’s how we feel. How we feel and getting the music out, that’s all. As soon as people understand that, the better.” 

• • •

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, now doing a two-month tour (they will be at Hunter College on Saturday and at Stony Brook, L. I., on March 9), was formed in October, 1966, just weeks after Hendrix came to London from Greenwich Village encouraged by former Animal Chas Chandler. Mitchell, 21, came from Georgie Fame’s band, a top English rhythm and blues group, and 22-year-old Redding switched to bass from guitar, which he had played with several small-time bands. Their first job, after only a few weeks of rehearsal, was at the Paris Olympia on a bill with Johnny Hallyday.

Their first record, “Hey Joe,” got to number 4 on the English charts; a tour of England and steady dates in the in London clubs, plus a follow-up hit with “Purple Haze,” made them the hottest name around. Men’s hairdressers started featuring the “Experience style.” Paul McCartney got them invited to the Monterey Pop Festival and they were a smash hit.

But Jimi Hendrix, born James Marshall Hendrix 22 years ago in Seattle, Wash., goes a lot further back. Now hip rock’s enfant terrible, he quit high school for the paratroopers at 16 (“Anybody could be in the Army, T had to do it special, but man, was I bored”). Musically he came up the black route, learning guitar to Muddy Waters records on his back porch, playing in Negro clubs in Nashville, begging his way onto Harlem bandstands, and touring for two years, lost in the bands of rhythm and blues headliners: the Isley Brothers, Joey Dee, Little Richard, and King Curtis. He even played the Fillmore once, but that was backing Ike and Tina Turner and long before the Haight-Ashbury scene.

• • •

“I always wanted more than that,” he said, “I had these dreams that something was gonna happen, seeing the numbers 1966 in my sleep, so I was just passing time till then. I wanted my own scene, making my music, not playing the same riffs.

“Like once with Little Richard, me and another guy got fancy shirts ’cause we were tired of wearing the uniform. Richard called a meeting. ‘I am Little Richard, I am Little Richard,’ he said.‘the King, the King of Rock and Rhythm. I am the only one allowed to be pretty. Take off those shirts.’ Man, it was all like that. Bad pay, lousy living, and getting burned.”

Early in 1966 he finally got to Greenwich Village, where he played at the Cafe Wha as Jimmy James with his own hastily formed group, the Blue Flame. It was his break and the bridge to today’s Hendrix. He started to write songs—he has written hundreds—and play what he calls “my rock-blues-funky-freak sound.”

• • •

“Dylan really turned me on—not the words or his guitar, but as a way to get myself together. A cat like that can do it to you. Race, that was okay. In the Village people were more friendly than in Harlem where it’s all cold and mean. Your own people hurt you more. Anyway, I had always wanted a more open and integrated sound. Top-40 stuff is all out of gospel, so they try to get everybody up and clapping, shouting, ‘yeah, yeah.’ We don’t want to get everybody up. They should just sit there and dig it. And they must dig it, or we wouldn’t be here.”

A John Wayne movie played silently on the television in the stale and disordered room, and Hendrix started alternating slugs of scotch and Courvoisier. He stopped and turned to the window, looking out over San Francisco. “This lookslike Brussels, all built on hills. Beautiful. But no city I’ve ever seen is as pretty as Seattle, all that water and mountains. I couldn’t live there, but it was beautiful.”

Besides his music, Hendrix doesn’t do much. He wants to retire young and buy a lot of motels and real estate with his money. Sometimes he thinks of producing records or going to the Juilliard School of Music to learn theory and composition. In London he lives with his manager, but plans to buy a house in a mews; in his spare time he reads Isaac Asimov’s science fiction. His musical favorites, as he listed them, are Charlie Mingus, Roland Kirk, Bach, Muddy Waters, Bukka White, Albert Collins, Albert King, and Elmore James.

• • •

“Where do you stop? There are, oh man, so many more, all good. Sound, and being good, that’s important. Like we’re trying to find out what we really dig. We got plans for a play-type scene with people moving on stage, but everything pertaining to the song and every song a story.

“We’ll keep moving. It gets tiring doing the same tiling, coming out and saying, ‘Now we’ll play this song,’ and ‘Now we’ll play that one.’ People take us strange ways, but I don’t care how they take us. Man, we’ll be moving. ’Cause man, in this life you gotta do what you want, you gotta let your mind and fancy flow, flow, flow free.”

[mehlsbells]

My upbringing was starkly black and white, everything strictly categorised as sin and acceptable, allowed and not. The massive ‘sin: not allowed’ category swallowed everything in legalism and immutable consequences. I fell in love with noir partly because it has no such hangups.

I savoured noir’s evocative language and sexual undercurrent. I learned to believe exposing repressive authority and dirty deeds was valiant even if ultimately futile, and justice could be delivered even when corrupt systems stymied it. The hardboiled detective attracted me from every angle, and I dreamed of both being and fucking the daring mystery-solving, smoking, drinking, dame-bedding wiseass. The detective archetype is dangerously appealing; stalwart antiheroes holding to their personal code while all around them people sold their souls for a bottle of scotch, a land deed, a tempting woman or a hard man. Terribly tragic, and as such, terribly romantic.

Like a suspect in a smoky dive bar, what constitutes ‘loyalty’ in noir is hard to pin down, but while most supporting characters treat loyalty as a purchasable, expendable, flexible commodity, [anti]heroes Spade and Archer, Gittes and Dewitt, Mars and Hammer, et al. hold fiercely to their personal definitions thereof. These ideals often keep them from working with a partner, as they can’t find others who share their notions longer than a book’s opening chapters, a film’s first act. Sometimes, in a twisted blessing, their partner gets murdered before committing betrayal. (‘Committing betrayal.’ What a cruel grammatical construction.)

Fairly unique among their set, Charleses Nick and Nora manage loyalty and happiness to and with each other, but not only does their teasing openly relay insecurities in everyone outside their connubial circle, their origin story is shot through with loyalty conundrums. The crux of The Thin Man revolves around characters leveraging Nick’s allegiance to an old friend to make Nick and Nora investigate a suspicious death/disappearance, similar to the relationship between Marlowe and Terry Lennox in The Long Goodbye.

Marlowe: You didn’t have much choice, huh? So you used me. Lennox: Hell, that’s what friends are for.

Many noir tales examine murder, corruption, lost love, incest, power, grasping for companionship in sex and booze and partners. Few are so nakedly about friendship, loyalty, and the unique betrayal they set you up for as The Long Goodbye. As the game Lennox and Marlowe play in their first scene tells us, all Marlowe’s relationships are games of liar’s poker he’ll lose. The only question is: sooner, or later?

The film’s opening involves the great Philip Marlowe cajoling his hungry cat to eat first a concoction of cottage cheese and raw egg, then generic cat food. The two mewl, mumble and scratch in their understanding standoff. The film ends with Marlowe coolly justifying shooting his once-friend because Lennox indirectly killed the cat. Everything between is a meditation on loyalty.

As best exemplified in Nick and Nora Charles, noir understands relationships featuring fidelity and comfortable insults are the ones which really matter, so the snarky–sweet caring–codependent way Marlowe and hungry cat banter intentionally evokes true friendship. Altman called that opener important and Marlowe’s relation to his cat commentary on friendship: no matter how hectic his life, Marlowe is concerned the cat eats, whether the cops scare him, if he’s lost in LA’s mean streets.

Like most of his genre, Marlowe is destined to traverse the criminal underworld, continually learning the hard way he’s more loyal to friends, clients, even his constantly stoned neighbours, than they to him. He can’t bring himself to act on his cynicism until he’s burnt, and is a lost soul not because he’s dumb or drugged – he turns down even his neighbours’ hash brownie – but because he can’t find anywhere to put his trust.

Though they harass him and he blusters against their threats and handcuffs, Marlowe’s relationship with the cops is his most stable. He despises their work, they hate and stymie him, but at least he knows where he stands. Everywhere else is shifting sand and empty promises, golden and glittering by daylight, cold and dangerous at night. Under it all play morphing renditions of “The Long Goodbye,” refrains evolving and fading as quickly as relationships, adding atmosphere as Los Angeles underworld characters succour the detective and each other until betrayal becomes convenient.

As he searches for answers in mysteries and others, Marlow smokes to dull the pain – take a shot every time he strikes his match on a new surface, you’ll be drunk before the halfway point. Elliot Gould’s physicality superbly conveys Marlowe’s hurt and insecurity, shambling gait literalising existentially unsure footing.

Altman’s shots and Zsigmond’s cinematography also expose Marlowe’s mental state. The beautiful police station tracking shot puts us in Marlowe’s gumshoes, showing his strain as he attempts to sort through the mountain of information, theories, and grief he’s been buried under. The long dolly across the grounds of the clinic has a similar effect, moving first methodically, then more frenetically as Marlowe’s frustration builds. Exposition of addresses and phone numbers unroll with slow camera movements over long takes, revelling in the acting’s stillness, taking a less usual route than montages to make the viewer feel Marlowe’s tedium and loneliness.

The odyssey is wrapped in perfectly exposed beach scenes, daytime sands yellow-tinged and California to their core, nighttime painted deep blacks and grainy red with Eileen’s dress the only spot of yellow. Doubled imagery and symbols of duplicity abound, the most striking of which involve the beach. First we see Marlowe in the glare off Wades’s window, projected between quarrelling lovers as they snipe at each other. Later, in the same window, Eileen is shown two-faced as she and Marlowe talk while her husband charges suicidally into the inky sea.

The whole film is a gorgeous depiction of our ugliest impulses, and Altman is the perfect director for it. Through various lenses and genres, Altman’s work examines intimacy and pain which can be leveraged by only those closest to us. Noir’s peripheral characters are who many of Altman’s other films center: desperate, impotent men; disloyal lovers; marriages on the verge; frustrated humans performing drastic acts. The Long Goodbye digs into side stories many noirs don’t unless impacting the protagonist directly: Farewell, My Lovely is more concerned with Marlowe’s relationship to the women in his path than the women themselves; American Gigolo hardly contains a conversation Julian Kaye isn’t in; Evelyn’s relationships in Chinatown mostly evolve when Jake is around to observe, and he’s around almost every frame. Some of The Long Goodbye’s more virulent events or breakdowns happen while Marlowe is out of the picture, or listening to nothing but crashing waves.

Altman is interested in examining these stories for their own sake, and shows it by examining side characters with the reflections motif, too. Zsigmond uses Eileen’s windshield brilliantly to reflect her facade as Marlowe chases her through the streets. The stoned hippy neighbours are introduced surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, one dancing with herself in the mirrored glass. The gate-guard-slash-impression-artist is reflected in Harry’s shiny car sidepanels, a symbol of security who pretends to be many other people, then shows himself more trustworthy than people pretending to be someone they’re not.

The guard also displays The Long Goodbye’s wicked sense of humour, along with the horny lookout whose ogling of stoned half-naked neighbour women allows Marlowe to sneak away. There’s the slapstick of Harry swinging haplessly on the gate trying clamber over as he imagines a detective should. Marlowe plants a sloppy handprint on the interrogation cell two-way mirror, then paints his face with fingerprint ink, cops impotent to stop his clowning. The guard dog fetching her owner’s stick from the waves has a twisted hilarity to it.

Which brings us, as the film continually does, back to loyalty. Relationships with animals are throughout: besides his cat, Marlowe nervously banters with the guard dog and talks as cheerfully as a damned man can to strays lying in the road. Ultimately animals’ loyalty – even only to the hand that feeds and then betrays them, pictured perfectly with mounted ducks – is still stronger than that of everyone else in his life, and loyalty is important to him.

If only I’d recognised earlier how much my identifying with pulp heroes was due to my own sense of loyalty, deservedness of recipients be damned. “Their cynicism exactly stems from their compassion, [their] hardness is a scar tissue of a heart they can’t stop the world from breaking over and over.” I weirdly admired Marlowe hoping against hope, believing those he loves once, then again. You know what they say about fools.

Marlowe: Nobody cares but me. Lennox: Well that’s you, Marlowe. You’ll never learn, you’re a born loser.

The Long Goodbye is Chandler’s most personal work. “You writers have your own special way of describing, don’t you?” is the movie acknowledging this sure as Chandler’s book commented on his deep insecurities, ideals, and philosophies. (The film references the book many times, including the face-bandaged man as a nod to Book Terry’s extensive plastic surgery.) Roger Ebert said in his original review, “The private eye as a fiction device was essentially a way to open doors; the best novels of Chandler and the others are simply hooks for a cynical morality.” Like Inherent Vice, the criminal underworld is alluring backdrop and murder the smaller mystery behind the real question of whether the detective can uphold his personal code in a world where ‘a man is only as good as his word’ simply means most men are no good. The real question, the crux and heart of the matter, is Will they keep clinging to that code? Why do we keep falling for those who throw us over?

The thing about franchised noir detectives is, as characters or story properties, they can’t fundamentally change. They solve mysteries, their settings are updated from 50s to 70s to aughts to 2019, they jadedly swear they’ll never trust again, they may seem to learn their lesson. But in the end the stories reset. Sure as sunset and the next story, they get let down, used, double-crossed, stung, only to begin again when the next sultry shadow darkens their door. Once again they give their loyalties to a friend in need, a dame with legs up to there. Once again the dames and mates evaporate; or worse, explicitly sell our fallible hero upriver, relying on said hero’s tragically loyal personal code to prevent retaliation.

We’ve all had those dames and mates. We’ve all sworn to never love again, only to willingly set ourselves up for more heartbreak. People who mean what they say only so long as they feel like it. Family who love you so long as you’re meekly in line. Dames who say “I love you” in the night and “I’m leaving you” in the morning. Business partners who call you family until it’s more expedient not to be. Friends who say forever but mean for as long as you’re fun, and you’re no fun when you’re stumbling through a haze of pain or grief. Homme fatales who sell you out when a better offer comes in. Lovers who are loyal while you do exactly what they want.

In the first of two crucial scenes which start placidly before exploding into brutal violence, thug Marty gives a speech to/about his girlfriend Joanne. “Delicate and sweet . . . I love you. I do. . . . The single most important person in my life.” Ah, love, the highest form of loyalty.

Then he hits her across the face with a glass bottle.

Do we feel sorry for her? is the same question Tarantino asks in Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood when Brad Pitt’s Cliff smashes sadistic Sadie’s face with a can of dog food. The blow to Joanne’s face is lighter and unprovoked, but though her crimes are lighter, her madonna-like framing is window dressing. She blithely enjoys fruits of Marty’s torture, murder, and extortion, knowing her flippery is bought with blood money. (Her blow’s aftereffects are visually replicated by Jake’s bandages in Chinatown – directed by Polanski, who is depicted in Once Upon A Time, making these films a Möbius strip of themes, imagery, period, and settings.)

In different ways, Joanne and Sadie establish The Long Goodbye and Once Upon a Time‘s cruel worlds, where psychopaths and rich ruthless men get their way. Both center men with drinking and smoking habits, a dubious past, and a personal moral code. Marlowe and Cliff fight against the establishment, for themselves and their friends. Though they don’t believe in innocence, they want to believe people exist whose souls at least aren’t as dark as the rest of ours. Within their morality is loyalty; Cliff to Rick Dalton, Marlowe to Terry or at least the idea of him: “Terry Lenox was my friend you motherfucker . . . you don’t deserve to be alive you fuckin’ pig.” Rick and Terry don’t return the loyalty, yet Cliff and Marlowe can’t help themselves. It’s their code.

The Long Goodbye ending Ebert calls “off the wall” I see as wish fulfilment, same as Once’s. In the film Terry gets justice delivered by Marlowe, Bracket’s screenplay ‘fixing’ the book’s injustice. Altman revels in this playground where disloyalty equals death and real world consequences are momentarily suspended for a warped fairy tale ending.

The final shot is reminiscent of Holly Martins waiting on a tree-lined boulevard in The Third Man, another film featuring a man unendingly loyal to a death-faking friend who didn’t deserve such fidelity. The Long Goodbye’s last shot brings yellow in again, reminding us of Eileen’s dress, the faded sun on the beach, letters and pledges of friendship aged and brittled by time. Only here, Marlowe’s the one walking away, getting as happy an ending as one can hope for in noir.

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Lennox blindsided Marlowe, then called him a fool for expecting others to do what he would in keeping his word. Pulp detectives are thrown under the bus or off a cliff with the shrugged excuse along the lines of “I knew you were tough enough to survive” or “sorry, you were just collateral damage.” Given enough time, “I threw you under the bus to save myself” becomes “It was the best option for both of us” becomes “you survived and are better for learning this lesson, you should be thanking me!” This essay draws parallels to Marlowe and Veronica Mars’ getting run over because of their clinging to loyalty, “an anchor that binds.”

But every detective also has their breaking point, the point at which they say the rules have been violated enough to justify them taking matters into their own hands. 

Marlowe: I have two friends in the world. One is a cat. The other is a murderer.

Is loyalty its own reward? Chandler’s book seems to argue it is, but Marlowe shooting his once-friend in the film argues something else. Grown and free of the romanticised prism Younger Me viewed Marlowe through, do I believe Chandler’s ending or Brackett’s?

The teenager who first read Chandler’s book would choose idealism: be true to your code, give your loyalty, those who turn on you will get what they deserve while you can keep the moral high ground. Even with grim answers in front of me, maybe I’d make like Marlowe, clinging stubbornly to loyalty disavowed by its recipient, or keeping myself preoccupied searching for answers and other mysteries.

While I want to hold to those ideals still, what are movies for if not to show us what we really want, wish-fulfilling our basest instincts? Watching now, I can’t help but savour that moment Marlowe tosses his cigarette, reaches into his waistband, and coolly shoots the man who treated his loyalty as commodity.

For #Noirvember, I wrote about the concept of loyalty in noir in general, and "The Long Goodbye" in particular. My upbringing was starkly black and white, everything strictly categorised as sin and acceptable, allowed and not.

[co27]

dabs #1-30

oh my god i hate youif someone wanted to really understand you, what would they read, watch, and listen to?honestly? srmthfg, bmc and percy jacksonhave you ever found a writer who thinks just like you? if so, who?no lmaooo well maybe rick riordanlist your fandoms and one character from each that you identify with.uhhhh i only like one thig at a time so rn its bmc and ?? ig post squip rich and michaeldo you like your name? ya its a good name is there another name you think would fit you better?nor really ???do you think of yourself as a human being or a human doing? do you identify yourself by the things you do?mmm not really??are you religious/spiritual?no but ghosts r realdo you care about your ethnicity?sometimes?? like sometimes i realize tht im a rly common stereotype of the white trendy trans boy which makes me uncomfortable but besides that not rlywhat musical artists have you most felt connected to over your lifetime?none ?? idk, i just listen to whatever sounds goodare you an artist?yes !!!do you have a creed?what the fuck is a creeddescribe your ideal day.i lay inside all morning, my friends come over, we eat cake, watch movies, and read bad fanfictiondog person or cat person?CATinside or outdoors?dependsare you a musician?yes i play the flutefive most influential books over your lifetime.probly harry potter and pjo, choose whichever five u wantif you’d grown up in a different environment, do you think you’d have turned out the same?probably not?? like ik id be trans n gay n emotional but the way i deal with those thigs and what i like and stuff could be radically differentwould you say your tumblr is a fair representation of the “real you”?ya bc i have no filterwhat’s your patronus?i thik a russion blue catwhich Harry Potter house would you be in? or are you a muggle?mnnngh slytherin or hufflepuff tbh (i fit into each but those r the two id shoot for)would you rather be in Middle Earth, Narnia, Hogwarts, or somewhere else?probably hogwarts tbh?? or maybe camp half blooddo you love easily?yalist the top five things you spend the most time doing, in order.going on my phone, laying down or sittig, listening to music, being gay, thinking about my friendshow often would you want to see your family every year?mmm the amount i do is good tbhhave you ever felt like you had a “mind-meld” with someone?uhh nocould you live as a hermit?i can barely live as a middle schoolerhow would you describe your gender/sexuality?enby, gay ace, rly ready to smooch a boydo you feel like your outside appearance is a fair representation of the “real you”?maybe ?? like idk i feel like my voice should be deeper and my hair should be darkeron a scale from 1 to 10, how hard is it for someone to get under your skin?0three songs that you connect with right now.michael in the bathroom, waving through a window and uhhhh two player gamepick one of your favorite quotes.anything said by rich goraski or michael mell

[sdmn-edits]

1-200

200: My crush’s name is: I don’t actually have a crush anymore😂😂199: I was born in: June198: I am really: weird197: My cellphone company is: Vodafone - it works where i go on holiday so it does me just fine 😂196: My eye color is: it changes - like sometimes its blue, green, grey and a mixture of blue and green - it’s weird .195: My shoe size is: 3 or 4 (5 at a push)194: My ring size is: I’ve never actually had it measured so idk 😂😂193: My height is: 5ft 5 - I’m growing lads!!!192: I am allergic to: waterproof plasters, bee/wasp stings (only mildly though - like i won’t die but just turn into a massive red ball), some soaps, most makeups, chalk and face paint.191: My 1st car was: I can’t even drive yet 😂😂190: My 1st job was: I don’t know if you would class this as a job but for my work experience, I worked at a cafe for two weeks. 189: Last book you read: Jane Eyre (one of my faves)188: My bed is: single - like me😉😂187: My pet: (s) two cats, (which my mum named) one called Mike and the other called Matt. I also have a pony called William (Billy for short)186: My best friend: @paigexxixo @sdmn-md @minibaeminter @wroetoredman @line-sidemen @mintersmini @wroetojill and a girl from irl called Catherine - i couldn’t choose one so have a few of my faves185: My favorite shampoo is: John Frieda Frizz Ease184: Xbox or ps3: PS3 cos I haven’t played XBox183: Piggy banks are: expensive bacon182: In my pockets: by Morrie (who kinda sounds like Marzia which is kinda scary?)181: On my calendar: is my exams😂180: Marriage is: okay? I haven’t had my wedding yet so I don’t know?179: Spongebob can: dance the best.178: My mom: likes to name animals weird names. 😂177: The last three songs I bought were? A candle, some chocolates and a shock absorber.176: Last YouTube video watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSAeOhCrv_s175: How many cousins do you have? About 14 give or take 😂 174: Do you have any siblings? One - my sister (she’s 17 - 2 years older than me)173: Are your parents divorced? Nope.172: Are you taller than your mom? I’m the same height maybe a lil smaller 😂 171: Do you play an instrument? Not currently, no. But I can play the drums, recorder and piano/keyboard (not perfectly but alright)170: What did you do yesterday? I played in two tournaments and had a back massage.[ I Believe In ]169: Love at first sight: Idk 😂😂 168: Luck: Yeah I guess.167: Fate: Yeah. 166: Yourself: Mm not all the time 😂😂 165: Aliens: Yeah.164: Heaven: Yeah.163: Hell: Yeah.162: God: Yeah definitely.161: Horoscopes: Some.160: Soul mates: I guess? 😂 159: Ghosts: Yeah.158: Gay Marriage: YES! UNFOLLOW ME AS I DO NOT CARE, I BELIEVE IN EVERYONE HAS RIGHTS TO MARRY WHO THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT FIGHT ME IF YOU WANT!!157: War: Definitely not! 156: Orbs: Yeah I guess?155: Magic: Some 😂 [ This or That ]154: Hugs or Kisses: Hugs153: Drunk or High: Neither - I don’t do either of them.152: Phone or Online: Depends.151: Red heads or Black haired: Both are equally as cute150: Blondes or Brunettes: Both are equally as cute149: Hot or cold: Warm.148: Summer or winter: Winter147: Autumn or Spring: AUTUMN! IT’S THE BEST SEASON EVER!!!!!!!146: Chocolate or vanilla: Both together cos I’m a weirdo like that 😂😂 145: Night or Day: Night - I love looking at the stars tho I do like to cloud watch from time to time144: Oranges or Apples: Apples.143: Curly or Straight hair: Straight142: McDonalds or Burger King: Maccy D’s all the way😂😂 141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: Not really a fan of chocolate if I’m honest 😂😂 140: Mac or PC: PC for generic stuff, Mac for editing139: Flip flops or high heals: Neither.138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: Ugly and rich so I can give money to charity etc137: Coke or Pepsi: Neither136: Hillary or Obama: Obama135: Burried or cremated: Either, I don’t care I’ll be dead 😂134: Singing or Dancing: Neither 😂😂133: Coach or Chanel: ??132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: ??131: Small town or Big city: Both130: Wal-Mart or Target: Neither 😂😂129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: Both are hilarious 😂128: Manicure or Pedicure: Neither 😂127: East Coast or West Coast: ??126: Your Birthday or Christmas: Both?125: Chocolate or Flowers: FLOWERS!!124: Disney or Six Flags: DISNEY!!123: Yankees or Red Sox: ??[ Here’s What I Think About ]122: War: shouldn’t be a thing.121: George Bush: needs to grow up.120: Gay Marriage: I FULLY SUPPORT IT - UNFOLLOW ME IF YOU WANT!119: The presidential election: irdk? I don’t watch it.118: Abortion: it’s people’s choice117: MySpace: ??116: Reality TV: don’t watch it115: Parents: some do a lot more than others to provide for the kiddas114: Back stabbers: fuck you, ain’t nobody stabbing me in the back113: Ebay: it’s cool, you literally can get anything and everything off of it112: Facebook: it’s okay?111: Work: as in job? do what you wanna do, not what your mum or dad says.110: My Neighbors: very funny. 109: Gas Prices: you make my grades jealous - going up.108: Designer Clothes: i don’t really where designer 😂😂107: College: i like the look of the one I’m intending to go106: Sports: I LOVE THEM (except netball, benchball and basketball - please don’t hate me, i’m just short and i struggle 😂😂)105: My family: they are okay, just fam really.104: The future:i don’t tend to think much of it, i just let it happen 😂😂[ Last time I ]103: Hugged someone: like 10 mins ago102: Last time you ate: like an hour ago101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: A guy called Daniel (I didn’t see him until last week but I didn’t see him since November)100: Cried in front of someone: Idk 😂 99: Went to a movie theater: Last year - to watch Finding Dory98: Took a vacation: idk 😂 97: Swam in a pool: last year 😂 96: Changed a diaper: never 😂 95: Got my nails done: last august for a wedding - never again94: Went to a wedding: the same wedding 93: Broke a bone: two years ago 92: Got a peircing: two years ago91: Broke the law: never 😂 90: Texted: half an hour ago[ MISC ]89: Who makes you laugh the most: lots of people 😂😂 88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: my bed 😂 87: The last movie I saw: Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 - Ik i’m a kid at heart, don’t judge 😂 86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: leaving school85: The thing im not looking forward to: my exams and tomorrow84: People call me: lodes of shit, I ain’t gonna name ‘em all but some people know what they say.83: The most difficult thing to do is: waking up in a morning82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: nope81: My zodiac sign is: Cancer80: The first person i talked to today was: Mike - the cat but if we talking about people - my dad 😂😂 79: First time you had a crush: 3 years ago78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: nobody, i’m very open 77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: idk 😂😂 76: Right now I am talking to: @paigexxixo  about bridge to terabithia 75: What are you going to do when you grow up: hopefully a graphics designer74: I have/will get a job: hopefully soon73: Tomorrow: school72: Today: sleep71: Next Summer: be fit70: Next Weekend: hopefully ask one of my friends from tennis their details69: I have these pets: cats and pony68: The worst sound in the world: nails dragging on chalk board, people smacking lips, people clicking pens, people shouting, people crying, people laughing, gun shots, explosions etc67: The person that makes me cry the most is: nobody 😂😂 66: People that make you happy: I could list forever65: Last time I cried: earlier - i was watching a vid of these boys crying and it just gets to me64: My friends are: lodes of people - most i have listed before63: My computer is: an acer62: My School: ??61: My Car: Audi A3 2010 model 1.6l?60: I lose all respect for people who: are homophobic, transphobic etc, people who hurt animals and people etc59: The movie I cried at was: ?? 58: Your hair color is: blonde57: TV shows you watch: that 70′s show, merlin, sherlock, heartland, doctor who, phineas and ferb, spongebob, tom and jerry, loony tunes56: Favorite web site: idk 😂😂 55: Your dream vacation: Guernsey, Jersey, Rome or Geneva54: The worst pain I was ever in was: when i either broke my arm,  or when i fell off a horse and dislocated my knee and cracked two of my ribs or when i fell off a different horse and almost broke my back53: How do you like your steak cooked: i don’t eat meat or fish 😂😂 52: My room is: 8 year old me’s bad desicion51: My favorite celebrity is: Johnny Depp50: Where would you like to be: some place else49: Do you want children: not particularly48: Ever been in love: nope47: Who’s your best friend: lodes of people46: More guy friends or girl friends: guy friends45: One thing that makes you feel great is: people44: One person that you wish you could see right now: @paigexxixo or @sdmn-md43: Do you have a 5 year plan: nope 😂 42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: nope 😂 41: Have you pre-named your children: nope😂 40: Last person I got mad at: *people: Looserpool 39: I would like to move to: either Guernsey, Jersey or Geneva38: I wish I was a professional: tennis player or sleeper 😂 [ My Favorites ]37: Candy: Caramac36: Vehicle: Car (Tesla Model S P100D)35: President: Obama34: State visited: none - I’ve never left England33: Cellphone provider: Vodafone32: Athlete: Jessica Ennis-Hill31: Actor: Johnny Depp/Leo DiCaprio/Patrick Stewart30: Actress: Emma Stone29: Singer: ??28: Band: ??27: Clothing store: ??26: Grocery store: ??25: TV show: I have lodes24: Movie: I have lodes23: Website: I have lodes22: Animal: I love them all21: Theme park: I’ve only ever been to Flamingo Land20: Holiday: Yorkshire Dales or Whitby19: Sport to watch: Football (Soccer)18: Sport to play: Tennis17: Magazine: ??16: Book: Either Jane Eyre or I Capture The Castle15: Day of the week: Saturday14: Beach: idk 😂😂 13: Concert attended: I’ve never been to one 😂 12: Thing to cook: I like to cook all sorts 😂 11: Food: I like all sorts 😂 10: Restaurant: ??9: Radio station: ??8: Yankee candle scent: idk 😂 7: Perfume: idk 😂 6: Flower: Rose, Lily or blossom5: Color: Red or black4: Talk show host: ??3: Comedian: Michael McIntyre, Jack Whitehall, Peter Kay or Russell Howard2: Dog breed: Border Collie1: Did you answer all these truthfully? Yes!!!!

[sparetimeentertainment]

To Share, A Marth/Roy Short by SpareTimeEntertainment

Written for my dear friend @ckr-the-cat!

The sugar twinkled as it caught the morning light, an enticing white glaze that shimmered in the fine sun of mid-morning. Placed there among its baked brethren, the sweet pastry scroll upon which the topping was layered sat, fresh and inviting, before it was torn from its rest by a hand and raised to meet the discerning eye of a man on a mission.

“You’ll do,” he said, before placing the treat onto a platter already occupied by other delicacies on offer around the generous dining room. The room was empty save for one or two service staff, who dutifully moved recently-used platters and cutlery from the tables. They worked around the pastry thief, whose odious work went unchallenged until a voice came from the doorway.

“Still hungry, Lord Eliwood?”

The lord in question, a dignified man of thirty-five, spun on his heel fast enough for the movement to stem from genuine surprise. He caught the sight of the elegant Altean princess, Elice, and cracked a relieved smile. The young woman giggled, a fine sound devoid of malice.

“Ah, princess. I thought for a moment you were your mother.” The redhead glanced at the sweets in hand, back to the girl. “Still, it seems I’ve been caught red-handed.”

“How do you know I’m not?” she laughed. “Father says I look more like her every day.”

“And Cornelius is right,” Eliwood snapped back good-naturedly, brazenly retrieving another sweet from the platter. “But even if you were your mother, she wouldn’t tattle, would she?” He handed the new pastry encouragingly to the girl. “Come, walk with me. I have to deliver these to my wife, and I would adore the company.”

Taking the fresh bread from the man and biting in, Elice fell in line behind him. “Is the lady Ninian feeling better?”

“Better, yes. But she’s still a few days away from full wellness.”

“Does she always get like this, your grace?”

Eliwood’s face settled on fond melancholy. “Every few months. I know the illness so well, we could set our clocks by it.” He turned to face the princess’ inquisitive eyes. “Still, it has never worsened, not even after she had Roy. I thank the Saint for that.”

“Would my healing staff help?” Elice asked sweetly. “Sometimes I can cure father of a stomach ache.”

“You’re a delight, princess,” Eliwood said, chuckling courteously. “But I’m afraid only time can help. Where is the King, anyway?”

“My father is, ah…” she consulted her memory as she took another bite of her pastry. “Meeting with the Commander, I believe.”

Letting out a low whistle, Eliwood turned the corner in the hallway. “I don’t envy him,” he said. “I’ve always found those particular mercenaries to be a little churlish. More so than most.”

“You just like Ogma’s group more because you see them more,” Elice jibed. “They aren’t too bad, honest. They’ve only been here for a few days.”

“I swear to make an effort for you, princess!” Eliwood laughed. “They are necessary for the security of the region, after all. Who else is yet to arrive, do you know? Ninian could do with something to look forward to.”

“Let’s see… there’s King Fado arriving on the weekend, bringing the twins. And Lord Sigurd’s family is coming on behalf of his father, they’re due tomorrow.”

“Goodness, Sigurd and Deirdre too? That’s quite the voyage. Last I saw them, Seliph was just a baby. If he’s grown even half as beautiful as his parents…”

“Oh yes,” Elice gasped. “They say admirers are already gathering at the port.”

“Oh, that will be wonderful,” Eliwood sighed. “Your father is good for holding these annual meetings.”

“What about you, Lord Eliwood?”

“Hm?”

“You and your family are here much more often than any of others. Several times a year, for a week or more at a time…”

“Well,” Eliwood thought out loud, scratching his clean-shaven chin with his spare hand. “Pherae is so close, Hector’s too busy, and Lycia does need to maintain ties. It’s a natural fit that I should come.”

Elice shook her head, blue locks curtaining her face. “I mean you and your family. How do you handle being away so often?”

“Well, Ninian and I…” the older man gave off a laugh to stifle his embarrassment. “We’re fine so long as we have each other, and Roy.”

“But doesn’t Roy get homesick?”

Nodding, Eliwood finally stopped outside the heavy oak door which led to the quarters currently allocated to him and his wife. “Sometimes,” he says. “Roy has a lot of friends back home. But I think he’s fine here. Because he has your brother.”

Elice’s face lit up. “Marth? He likes my brother that much?”

“Oh yes,” Eliwood confirmed with a fond laugh. “To the point their names are uttered in the same breath. They veer from the kitchen earlier on, to the library, to the barracks…”

From the gardens a loud banging noise suddenly reverberated throughout the castle, causing both lord and lady to jolt with surprise.

“In fact,” he said, “I’d put good money on that being them now.”

--

Laughter came in stops and starts of exerted breath as two boys ran, sprinting through the open doors leading to the castle interior. The taller of the two, an upright young man with a groomed head of dark blue hair, grabbed the shorter by his torso and threw them both over the back of a large plush dais. Soaring over the backrest and hitting the soft cushion below, both boys held their breath as a pursuing wave of jade magic sizzled over their heads – and impacted against a nearby vanity, knocking it and the flowers atop it to the ground with a loud bang.

The younger boy, a redhead with a kind and thoughtful face, panted as he observed the damage. “Well,” he gasped between breaths. “I didn’t plan for that.”

Untangling himself from the redhead, the young prince Marth, dusted himself off and rolled over so that he was on his back next to his friend. There the two laughed, a mix of relieved chuckles mingling in the air as their blue eyes, both warm and wide and welcoming, stared into one another’s.

“Are you okay, Roy?” Marth breathed, “Did he get you?”

Keeping his head firmly below the sightline of the dais, other boy sat up. “I don’t think so,” Roy said, patting himself down. “What about you?”

“I think I’m alright,” Marth started, before reaching around to his cape and pulling it up – a triangle of cloth had been cut out of its hem, severed clean by the cutting edge of the wind magic. The sight of this caused Roy to laugh again, the younger prince’s giggling causing Marth to start laughing in turn.

As he laughed, Roy leaned back, his hand coming to rest against the soft cloth of his own cape – where the fabric proved frictionless, sliding across the velvet of the couch without difficulty. Separated at once from his balance, Roy fell back with a yelp – but not before flinging out a grasping hand that clutched at anything for balance. Pulled forward by his shirt, Marth also stumbled forward, and after a brief moment of panic managed to stabilise himself with outstretched arms.

He then realised that he hung directly over the Pheraen prince, the blue in the younger boy’s eyes suddenly enhanced by his closeness and his surprise. Without meaning to, Marth gasped as his breath was unexpectedly taken by Roy’s visage; everything, from his crimson locks flattened against the cushions, to his pale skin – unblemished save for the flushing of his cheeks – was pure and innocent beauty.

“Umm… Marth…” Roy mumbled from beneath the azure prince. “Are you okay?”

Swallowing hard, Marth watched Roy’s lips as they parted and pursed to release the concerned sounds. The throbbing heartbeat in his chest whispered to Marth. How nice it must be to kiss them.

“Y-yes, my apologies,” Marth breathed politely as he helped the other back to a seating position. “You just took me by surprise, that’s all.”

Roy’s shade deepened as he realised he had neglected to withdraw his hand from Marth’s, their fingers momentarily flexing comfortably together before the redhead withdrew his in a hurry. “W-we’d better get going,” he stammered. “They probably saw us come in here.”

Marth murmured in agreement, and the two flustered princes rose ungracefully from their hiding place – unaware of the human mass that loomed behind them.

“Too late,” it declared.

A great python of an arm, a jointed clamp of youthful muscle, coiled its way around Marth’s neck with frightening speed. With a sudden pull, the arm’s owner jerked Marth in, pinning the boy against his torso and keeping him there. In the chaos, only Roy noticed the glint of gold as it fell to the ground – and instinctively moved as he saw the new entrant’s foot, stomping blindly as he balanced to restrain Roy’s friend, threaten to trample it.

Roy dashed in, taking aim at the lean torso of their assailant and unleashing a vicious jab with his gloved fist – only for it to produce a dull thud as it was stopped by a wall of hard muscle.

“Mistake number three,” came the other’s second interjection.

Roy was kicked off his feet as the figure swept one leg across Roy’s shins with surprising force. Hitting the floor with an ungraceful thud, Roy’s hands scrambled, fingers clasping around the object he needed and holding it close to his chest. He rose to one knee – and suddenly spluttered with difficulty as a muscled arm, identical to the first, now wrapped its way around his neck in turn. Pressed against the same torso as Marth, Roy looked up to face his captor.

He had known it immediately. The speed, the ferocity. He was only a year older than them, barely fifteen, yet his body was a honed weapon compared to theirs – a body ready for war.

He also was actually quite pleasant, when he wasn’t angry at you.

“Hey Mist, come look at this,” said Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. “I’ve caught two grubby little imps.”

Skirting around him, as always, was his little sister. The demure brunette, a usually sweet girl of seven, laughed lightly as her brother admonished the two boys he held in headlock. Roy couldn’t help but notice she had a wooden spoon in her hand, worryingly free of any signs that she had been baking.

“I gave you two rules when I arrived here,” Ike started, voice dripping with menace. “What were they?”

Marth spluttered. “Lord Ike…”

“Still not a lord, kid,” Ike squeezed tighter. “What were they?”

“L-lordlings are worms!” Marth squeaked out.

“There we go! Lordlings are worms.” Ike nodded approvingly as he turned the pressure from blue prince to red. “And the other?”

Roy groaned with difficulty as he answered. “Y-you mess with Soren…”

“…You answer to me,” Ike finished. “And imagine my surprise, you’ve messed with Soren. That was your first mistake. Second was getting caught.” Ike’s binding arm tensed further, causing Roy to splutter. “Still,” Ike said. “I expected it from Marth – the prettier the prince, the grubbier the attitude – but you, Roy? Father tells me you Pheraens are smarter than you look.”

“Ike, p-please,” Roy coughed, “we weren’t trying to-”

“Mist, whack him.”

The girl stepped forward, and, brandishing her spoon, knocked Roy cleanly on the scalp with it. Roy cried out in surprise, the pain of the light impact heightened by his gasping for air.

“Ike, please!” Marth gagged. “You’re hurting him!”

“Mist, him too.”

Now Marth yelped as Mist gave him a sharp smack across the crown of his head with the instrument.

Roy’s eyes turned from watching the girl to the doorway behind her – seeing a silent figure draped in raven cloth. There, clad in sable and with a sombre expression, was the young mage and tactician-in-training, Soren. His burning scarlet eyes glowered through at Marth and Roy with a unique contempt, pride and defiance mingling on his face to disguise hurt. Visible as always on the boy’s forehead was the sharp birthmark that indicated him as a Branded, half-caste child of two species. The odd boy, with his long dishevelled black hair and perennial expression of judgemental disdain, struck Roy as tragic. His face was weighed down by frowns. Moving for the first time since his appearance, Soren revealed his hand and the object it held: pinched by the string between forefinger and thumb, a cloth bag weighed down with soft contents.

“Think you were being funny, did you?” Ike snarled. “Think you were the first ones to think of that? I’ve dealt with gossiping princesses more daring than you two.”

“Ike, we weren’t making fun of Soren!” Marth gasped between wheezes.

“And I have a sword made of gold,” Ike growled. “You little royals are all the same.”

“Really, Ike!” Roy gagged. “It’s-”

“Enough,” Ike declared, quieting both with a firm pull of his arms. “I don’t give two figs about your excuses.” The mercenary suddenly stepped forward, dragging both princes along to bring them before the black-clad boy. “Now, I have had to do this to many little snobs across many different castles, and I’ve learned that the heads of bratty little princes don’t just pop off. They squeeze. Soren is going to open this bag you threw at him, and we’re going to smear whatever’s inside all over those prized faces. Then I’m going to squeeze some more.” Ike leaned down, whispering to both restrained princes caught in the fleshy stocks of his build. “No-one messes with my Soren.”

Hardly able to breathe, much less speak, Marth and Roy watched as Soren agonisingly loosened the drawstring on the cloth bag and reached in with a gloved hand. Feeling around grimly, Soren’s eyes never left the accused princes as he scooped up a handful of its contents and brought them up to the surface…

“What the…?”

There, crumbling away between the baffled student’s fingers, was a lump of doughy pastry.

“Hey, Soren,” Ike mumbled, loosening the grip on his captives ever so slightly, “you… didn’t have to switch the bags around. You don’t have to protect these guys.”

“I… I didn’t,” he replied softly, staring at the sweet bread in disbelief. Opening the bag with both hands, Soren gazed in to find the thing piled high with baked goods pilfered from the kitchens.

“We never see you at mealtimes,” Marth added from his headlock, causing Soren to look at him with fresh surprise. “Father says you’re always studying.”

“I read a lot too,” Roy gasped, nodding as best he could, “but not nearly that much! We were worried you weren’t eating enough.”

Silence held court over the proceedings for a long moment, the quiet of consideration broken only by the soft splutterings of Marth and Roy.

Ike released both boys with a shuffling of his strong arms. They collapsed to the ground in two piles of slumped lordling, gulping in sweet oxygen and rubbing at sore necks, soothing wounded prides.

“Well, blast,” Ike pondered, pleasant surprise finding its way onto his face in the form of a smirk. “Looks like we didn’t give you two enough credit.”

“Look alive!” Came Mist’s chirping voice, and the girl leaned over both princes with a petite trainee healing staff, the instrument flashing blue briefly as its curative powers relieved the boys of their reddened skin and throbbing heads. Then, realising she still had the spoon in her other hand, smiled by way of apology and tucked the weapon of blunt trauma into the blue ribbon wrapped around her skirt.

Ike’s great arms moved again – but this time, they stretched out in firm welcome to invite Marth and Roy above their recuperating position on all fours. Accepting gratefully, they rose to their feet, where they met with a sheepish smile from their Crimean counterpart.

“Well, I have no excuse,” Ike said. “I called it wrong this time. I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright, Lord Ike,” Marth said, recovering his princely posture instantly. “In hindsight, maybe throwing the bag wasn’t our finest idea.”

“Yeah,” Roy added, then turned to Soren. “I’m sorry if we scared you. We didn’t want to… we just thought you… we didn’t think we’d be welcome.”

The eyes of the withdrawn young man in question welled with uncertain emotion. He glanced to Ike, who smiled and nodded encouragingly, then turned to address the princes.

“Ike brings me my meals after the designated times. I eat with him,” Soren explained, a near-invisible blush entering his cheeks. “But, thank you for your concern. I will share these with the others.” He completed the sentiment with a deep bow, a strangely courtly motion for the unusual boy.

“Lordlings are still worms,” Ike said after a pause, grinning. “But you two are lords. Come by anytime.”

Marth and Roy’s faces lit up with success, looking at the Crimeans first, then to each other in the rush of accomplishment.

“We’d love to!” Roy exclaimed.

“Thank you, Lord Ike!” Marth celebrated.

“Heh,” Ike grunted. “Still not a lord, Prince Marth. Come on, Mist.” Turning around and kneeling down, the young girl eagerly jumped onto her brother’s back and clambered up, hands and limbs scaling the surface of his body. She perched herself on his shoulders, legs and arms gripping tight the laughing young man’s head.

Stabilising Mist’s legs with one arm, Ike rose and turned to Soren, who was still looking at his unexpected benefactors with curious gratitude. Ike held out his other arm, hand firm, inviting, reassuring. Soren took it without hesitation, the motion clearly something of a ritual between the two. The brooding boy’s uncharacteristic blush intensified as Ike’s fingers enclosed his own, squeezing tight and giving off warm waves of presence. Then the three walked away, boys clasped together, and Mist giggling all the way.

Blushing, the two boys that remained hadn’t realised the display had left them in awe, their hands brushing together as they had beheld the overwhelming security and devotion of the two. When at last the moment expired, Marth brushed himself down once more, rubbing at his still-aching neck and then sweeping the fringe out of his eyes. Realising the lack of a particular weight, Marth’s hands turned to his blue locks – and his eyes went wide with worry.

“Roy!” he burst out. “It’s gone! My circlet is…”

“Marth,” Roy replied, holding out a reassuring hand.

“W-where did it go?!” Marth demanded, eyes going to the floor as he spun around on his heel feverishly. Roy’s hand tugged at Marth’s sleeve until the other prince faced him. Held out in offer, in Roy’s other hand, was the shimmering golden circlet.

“I saw Ike accidentally knock it off,” Roy explained. “I knew he’d stop me and possibly step on it if I tried to grab it, so I…”

“That’s why you tried to…” Realisation dawned on Marth’s face, and with a flooding of gratitude flung his arms around the redhead. He’s warm, was the first thing to flash through Roy’s head as he felt the soft comfort of Marth’s presence surround him with thankfulness.

--

“So, it was given to you by your sister?”

The two were now in the library, Marth and Roy having pilfered cushions from the dais and piled them into a corner in the cool, dim space of learning. They leaned against the wall, Marth smiling fondly at the circlet as rubbed it down the hem of his shirt and delicately slid it into his azure hair.

“Yes, my sister and Caeda. It was when she had to go back to Talys after spending a year here,” Marth’s eyes were full of memory. “I wonder how she’s doing now.”

Roy smiled. “You have a lot of friends, huh?”

Giving off a polite chuckle. Marth leaned back and thought. “Oh, yes. Caeda and I write to each other, there’s Merric – he’s studying in Khadein – Gordin, Draug, Cain and Abel…”

“I met them at the trainee meet the other day!”

“That’s right,” Marth confirmed with a nod. “And that’s not even mentioning the friends from other Kingdoms. I have friends in Macedon, in Aurelis, Grust...”

“W-wow,” Roy stammered, suddenly feeling quite small. “That’s… a lot.”

“Oh?” Marth noticed the other’s hesitation. “Surely it’s the same for you?”

“A… a little,” Roy replied, head perched on his tucked knees. He thought of Lilina, and Wolt, his own friends and vassals. He also had friends scattered all around, but…

“Marth?”

“Mm?”

“Will you promise me something?”

Hesitation. “Sure.”

“You don’t even need to hear it first?”

Marth’s hand touched Roy’s encouragingly. “Go on. Say what’s on your mind.”

Roy swallowed back his nervousness, finding the other’s presence comforting. “Well… I want you to promise that we’ll always be able to see each other.”

The Altean prince cocked his head inquisitively. “Why wouldn’t we be able to?”

“Well, I just…” Roy struggled with the words. “I can’t shake the feeling that we’re not supposed to be able to do this.”

“What do you mean?”

Struggling with the words, the Pheraen toyed with the hem of his cape frustratedly. “I mean… everything is so nice. Mother and father bring me here all the time, and I love being here. But…”

“But…?”

“But I get the feeling it’s not supposed to be like this. I imagine this world, or rather this set of worlds, where Elibe and Archanea and Magvel and Tellius are all… divided. Inaccessible to one another, like a curtain has been drawn across them.” Moving forward onto his knees, Roy put his head in his hands, suddenly struggling to hold back the wavering of fear in his voice. “And in those worlds, pain and tragedy fester like wounds… and the people we love are hurt. I… I don’t even want to think about it. But I can’t help it.”

“Hey.”

Roy felt warm hands on his own, and slid them off his face – his eyes opening to see Marth, on his own knees, before him with the most serene expression of calm Roy had ever seen. Patience ruled the dashing prince’s movements as he guided Roy’s motions, keeping one hand intertwined with Roy’s while placing his other on Roy’s hip and pulling him forward, until all the boy cared to see was Marth’s eyes – which burned with purpose and patience.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be together,” Marth breathed, the words filled with precious meaning. “But since we are, I want to be part of your life.”

His eyes glassy and reddened, Roy squeezed Marth’s hand. “As in, while I’m here?”

Marth shook his head elegantly. “As in, always.”

The twin heartbeats of the two princes pounded to crescendo as Marth, no longer able to contain the emotion pounding in his heart for the redhead, leaned in, lips beckoning. Roy, for his part, watched with eyes half-lidded and surrendered to the comfort and the love the prince offered, the blush in his cheeks and the heat in his head proof enough that, no matter how strange it might have seemed…

They belonged together.

Roy gave off a soft murmur of content as their lips met, feeling naught but perfect adoration for the other prince, his gentleness and elegance suddenly filling the Pheraen with blissful images of a life to spend together. Suddenly the moment was over and Marth withdrew, looking sheepish.

“Was… was that alright?” he asked, doubts clouding his eyes.

Wordlessly, without hesitation Roy reached out and cradled Marth’s head in his hands, placing a trio of his kisses on the other boy – cheek, nose, and lips. “Y-yes,” Roy whispered with a giggle. “I’m just– I’m so happy to have you.”

Marth’s embrace now wrapped around Roy in turn, pulling the prince close as their love radiated out from their castle of cushions, in their quiet little kingdom in the corner of the library.

“And you always will,” Marth breathed.

Blinking back tears of joy, Roy nodded as they let themselves fall in love, a laugh shared with every grateful beat of their delighted hearts.

--

“M-mother, please!”

“Hush, darling! They’ll be here any moment!”

Roy glared indignantly at the ground as the lady Ninian, improved but still weary-looking, dabbed at her son’s face affectionately with a handkerchief, clearing his cheek of the remnants of the day’s morning tea. His father watched on smiling, as did Princess Elice and, more importantly, Prince Marth. The blue prince shot his new lover a glance of understanding reassurance as he endured the doting.

“There, all done!” The cerulean woman flashed a smile as she re-examined her boy’s face. “See? Much better.” She gave Roy’s pale cheek a gentle squeeze to complete his humiliation.

Eliwood caught sight of the body language Roy now shared with Marth, seeing the comfort, the confidence. “Roy,” he said in offer. “Would you like to join King Cornelius and his family in greeting our new guests?”

A smile spread across Roy’s thought at the idea, and he glanced at Marth, who nodded. “Yes, please!”

Taking his place under King Cornelius and Queen Liza – both of whom greeted him with warm smiles and a hand on the shoulder – Roy waited for the cheering of the throngs who had gathered to meet the latest arrivals to this royal conference.

What started as a murmur among those closest to the garden gates soon grew to applause as, in a blaze of royal presence, the crowds parted to reveal Sigurd and Deirdre. They were the very image of a perfect union, splendid lord and beautiful maiden, seeming to walk just above the ground, perpetually graced by flower petals and fanfare. White and blues and purples in endless regalia, they stopped before the King, and all the necessary rites were spoken.

Then, ceremony was done. “Sigurd, you look well!” Cornelius boomed, his voice carrying across the gardens. “And milady, you are as exquisite as ever.”

Deirdre nodded, and the forest maiden began to reply in turn – but her words suddenly became of lesser interest to Roy than her smaller doppelganger, a girl not much younger than he, who gazed at Marth with unbreaking eye contact.

“Marth,” Roy whispered. “Who is she?”

“Oh, her?” his lover whispered back. “I am told that her name is Julia. Seliph’s younger sister.”

“There’s two of them?” Roy asked, the slightest hint of threat in his voice. “Just my luck. All anyone ever talks about is how pretty there are.”

“Roy,” Marth laughed. “Relax. I’m not about to-”

“Sister!” a new voice hissed, interrupting their exchange. “It’s rude to stare.”

The heads of both princes turned to watch as a boy, about their age, talked to young Julia with a patient, if frustrated voice.

“But, brother,” Julia said. “He looks rather like you.”

“Be that as it may…”

From their angle, Marth and Roy could only see the boy’s strong frame, lean like his father, and sharing his crop of blue hair. Although, it struck both that he was a softer soul than Lord Sigurd, gifted great gentleness by the Lady Deirdre. Prepared for the typically Chalphian features of a handsome face, Roy felt assured –

And then Seliph turned around.

He was, quite possibly, the most beautiful boy that Roy had ever seen. He was at once effortlessly handsome and exquisitely attractive, his soft flowing locks of rich blue hair framing a face of supreme softness. His eyes conveyed generosity and nobility, and his smile was a thing of wonder. Everything about the lordling inspired reverence and adoration, and indeed Roy could not stop the heart pounding in his chest.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, turning to Marth and Roy, his voice as rich as his looks. “This is her first time on one of these expeditions. How do you do? I’m Seliph, of Chalphy. My father represents Duke Byron and wider Grannvale.”

Marth shook his hand with all the composure he could muster. “M-Marth, of Altea. Son of King Cornelius.”

Roy was next, as Seliph courteously turned to him. “A-and I’m Roy, son of Marquess Eliwood of Pherae. We represent Lycia.”

“Such fine company!” Seliph chimed with a chuckle, a harp-song that graced the air with its presence. “I wish to get to know you two very well.” He cast a glance over to his family as he heard his name called, then turned back to the two princes with a pleading smile. “I will return as soon as I am able.”

Giving a courteous bow, Seliph then left them – and both princes exhaled breaths they had kept stuffed in their lungs. Turning to face each other, both examined that the other was beet red. The lovers each felt ugly guilt blossom in their stomach, their relationship only a day old and already a source of confusion.

Marth was the one to broke the silence, as he saw Roy’s expression transition from guilt to worry.

“Hey,” he said, angling Roy’s chin to face him. “He’s out of my league.”

Roy was unable to stifle the tiny sliver of cheer that came to him, the snigger becoming a chortle, and the chortle a laugh. “I – I’m glad,” he gasped between guffaws.

Marth wrapped an arm around his shoulder and kissed him in his hair, causing Roy’s face to flush crimson.

“M-Marth, not in public yet!”

The prince chuckled. “I know, I know, just needed to prove something to myself.”

“Which was…?”

He held Roy closer. “That he can’t make you blush like I can.”

Smiling with reassured confidence, Roy’s clung to his Marth by the arm and turned back to face life – the life that was theirs to share.

[lindseyluvsdrag]

Letters From My Glass Jar Ch. 7

Warning: Writing is not fundamental. Ignore the typos.

Ch. 1

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

Ch. 5

Ch. 6

“Have a drink with me, grandson,” the man said as draped his arm over Oliver's shoulder. He led the boy to the kitchen and pulled out the Bourbon. “So, where'd you meet this girl and how is the sex?”

The boy nearly choked on dry air.

“You know those are the two most important things in a woman. Meeting her at a decent place and wanting to keep her because she performs well. You can always buy food but good sex is priceless.”

The boy groaned and quickly suppressed the horrific combination of his 'grandfather’ and 'good sex’ in the same sentence.  “We met at school. Our friend introduced us.”

“Sounds good,” the elderly man said as he grabbed two shot glasses. He opened the top and filled the crystal to the brim before handing one to Oliver. “And the sex?”

The boy quickly downed his shot and groaned at the burning in his chest. “We don't have sex, Grandpa.”

“What?! Here's another.” The man filled the glass once more. “Is she not putting out or is this your doing?”

“I'm not ready for that yet. I still have two surgeries to go.”

“Does she know?”

“Of course she does. She knew before we started dating.”

“Ahh, so she accepts you for everything even if you sometimes don't accept yourself.”

Oliver smiled. He was always amazed at how easily his family saw through him. “Yeah, she's amazing.”

The man handed him the second shot. “To amazing women.”

“To amazing women,” the boy repeated before downing the Bourbon.

---

The elderly woman pulled Ronis into her bedroom and towards her closet. “The cut of your dress is very mod but the plain red just doesn't work. Mod is about bright colors and fun geometric shapes.”

“Well, the red was for Christmas.”

“Ugh, conforming to think a color is designated for a specific date is just stupid.”

“Um...okay. I respect your opinion.”

“It's not an opinion, it's a fact.” The woman then began to pull box after box from the top shelf of her closet.

“Do you need help?”

“Duh! I'm sixty-eight years old!”

The girl quickly rushed to the woman's aid and was immediately choked up by the layer of dust that had settled on the top of the cardboard. “What is all of this?” she wheezed.

“Fashion! Not that you'd know anything about that,” she said as she popped the first box open. The woman pulled out the canary yellow boat neck midi dress with short black and white striped  sleeves causing Ronis’ jaw dropped.

“That's stunning.”

“I wore this to the Princess Margaret luncheon in 1966 a week after giving birth to David.”

“You were this tiny a week after?!”

“Of course! I didn't eat with a shovel while pregnant. David ruined my flower, he wasn't about to ruin swimsuit season too.”

Ronis laughed, slightly uncomfortable but she'd never let the woman see it.

“And this,” she said as she pulled out a short and sheer dress composed completely out of red, black and white poker chips, “was worn when I met Tina Turner. She said she liked it and I said 'your legs are nice and all but there's no way you can pull this off’. I got kicked out of the club shortly thereafter because Tina's a jealous bitch.”

“You met Tina Turner?!”

“I threw a drink on Tina Turner.”

“Oh my God. That's bonkers.”

“I caught her as she was exiting the club, threw the drink and ran before her security could catch me. I mean, I think Ike had the right idea because that bitch is evil.”

“Well, domestic violence is never okay,” the girl defended.

“Bullshit! Some people just need to be hit and other people crave being hit. Early in our relationship, my husband and I dabbled in the drug scene. We'd get high, fight over any little thing that'd escalate to goddamn boxing match, have the best sex ever, smoke a cigarette, go to bed and then do it all over again the next day. That’s the best kind of violence, but we’ve calmed down. No more cocaine and punches, just weed and a few spanks.”

The girl pursed her lips and thought about kittens to block the imagery from her mind.

“Alright, you. Open that box, let's see what we got.”

Ronis simply shock her head as she opened the box and gasped when she saw the fuschia and green checkerboard trench coat with fur lined cuffs. “This is so perfect! I love fuschia and green together if you couldn't tell,” she said as she batted her eyelashes to show off her creative makeup.

“Yeah, saw it. Hate it. Mod is black liner and or white liner, maybe a little pearlized white shadow with bold lashes. Other than that, the face was clean and free of all that extra nonsense.”

“Well, Mrs. Riddle, with all do respect, this is my style. I take inspiration from the sixties and the nineties and make it my own. I'm not trying to live in the past.”

“Well living in the past would do you some good because what you're doing now isn't working.”

“Well,” Ronis emphasized, “what works for me typically doesn't work for everyone. I can admit that my style is unique-”

“Unique is a delicate way to put it.”

“It is a very delicate way to put it and it's the only way I'll put it because I'd never conform to a set era or style. Maybe I feel like wearing all neon one day and maybe I feel like wearing a cat snuggie next. Style is subjective but a bad attitude is just toxic,” the girl ranted, doing her best to keep her tone at a respectful level.

“Ughh,” the woman groaned. “So political.”

“I was raised to stand up for what I believe in. And I don't think you have to tear other people down to validate your style.”

“My style doesn't need validation!”

“It doesn't, but you clearly do!” the girl exploded before covering her mouth, regret instantly washing over her.

“How dare you disrespect me in my own home?!”

“I'm truly sorry. Because you're Oliver's grandmother, the last thing I wanted to do was disrespect you but you've insulted me since I walked through those doors and I gritted my teeth but you're just a bit much.”

“Pfft, I know that!” The woman folded her arms. “Well nobody has ever said it to me but I know it.”

The woman's husband rushed into the room. “Is everything okay, honey?”

“Yeah, just getting put in my place by this bitch,” she sighed. “All of the other ones just kinda cried to the boys after meeting with me. But this one is feisty, I'm not sure I can handle that.”

“Well, if you want me to leave or whatever, I will,” Ronis offered.

“No, no. If you leave now you'll lose the respect that you've just earned.”

The girl grinned.

“Wipe that smirk off of your face because you only get a little respect. I'll never fully respect f that makeup.”

“And I can respect that as long as it's delivered as constructive criticism and not attacks.”

“Don't tell me not to attack! You...you...ah fuck it, where's the blunt?”

Her husband quickly lit a fresh blunt and handed it to her just as an anxious Oliver appeared in the doorway. “Is everything okay?”

“Where did you find this girl?” the woman asked. “I’m trying to give her my vintage shit and she's busting my chops in here.”

“Really?!” the girl squealed. “I'd love some of your vintage pieces! Literally nothing would make me happier, oh my Godddd-”

“Alright, alright, calm the fuck down. You're killing my buzz.” The woman took a deep inhale of the blunt. “After dinner or whatever the fuck we're doing, you can go through the boxes and take what you want. It's all too small for me and I'd rather it be in the hands of someone who'd wear it terribly than collecting dust.”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Riddle,” the girl said excitedly.

“What are you a cop? Call me Pam.”

“Grand, your name is Mary,” Oliver said, slightly concerned.

“Well, I like the name Pam!”

“Okay, fine.”

“Let's go open these motherfucking presents.”

Ronis practically jumped into her boyfriend's arms. “Did you miss me?”

“Every second that we're apart.”

“Aww.” The couple shared a kiss before their fingers were interlocked as they made their way back into the living room. As soon as they turned the corner, the boy was ambushed by three small children.

“Oli! Oli! Oli! Oli!” they chanted as they clung to his back and legs, nearly tipping him over.

“Whoa, be careful,” Ronis got out as she nervously watched the boy secure his hold around Oliver's neck with one hand and pull at his nose with the other.

“Ow, Juju that hurts!”

“Give me some candy and I'll leave you aloneeee.”

“I don't have any candy! Go ask Uncle Duke!”

“Liar!” the girl wrapped around his right leg accused. “Uncle Duke said he gave all his candy to you!”

The third child reached into his pockets and pulled out a handful of chocolates. “Found it!”

“Hey, get off of me jerks!”

Ronis quickly retrieved the remaining candy from her boyfriend's pocket and placed it in her purse. “You now have your share. This is Oliver's and I will hold onto it for him.”

“Who is this arsehole?” the youngest child demanded.

“Oh my God, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?”

“Ew, no! I kiss my girlfriend!”

The girl laughed in disbelief. “Well you put me in my place.”

“Ronis, little cousins. Little cousins, this is my girlfriend.”

“Ewwwww!” they said in unison. “Who would date you? You pee in the bed!”

“I do not! That was twelve years ago and you guys weren't even born.”

“My sister told me!” said Juju.

“My brother that if we kicked you in the bollocks that it wouldn't hurt cause you don't have any,” the girl added.

A pained expression crossed Oliver's face and Ronis fought the urge to rip the children off the boy.

“Where are your parents?” she demanded. “Would they like to know how you speak to people?”

“It's okay,” Oliver mumbled. “Guys, I'm gonna go to the bathroom really quick. Do you mind getting off?”

“Bryan said you have to sit to peeeee.”

“No I don't,” the teen practically whimpered.

“Then let us see!”

Ronis had reached her limit and pried Juju off of her boyfriend's neck.

“Stranger danger! Don't touch me!”

“Oh, you've yet to see dangerous,” she assured. “You two, get off of his legs.”

They blew raspberries at her.

“I'll give you each a chocolate ball.”

The kids quickly obliged and let go as she reached into her purse. She grabbed the sweetz and tossed them across the room causing all three of them to chase after the treats.

“Good riddance,” Ronis said with a scowl as she turned to her boyfriend. He was clearly defeated as he stared down at his shoes but she simply smoothed his hair. “Look at me.”

Oliver slowly met her eyes.

“You are perfect.”

The corners of his mouth curled but it wasn't the smile that she wanted.

“Let's play a game,” she said as she grabbed a third piece of chocolate from her bag. The girl unwrapped the foil and placed the candy in her mouth. “Want it? Come and get it.”

The boy couldn't help but grin as he pulled her into a tender kiss.

“Tossing the candy across the room was genius,” a female voice said from behind Ronis causing her to break the kiss. “I may try that sometime.”

Oliver groaned. “Go away, Alice,” he warned the sixteen year old. Before Ronis could question it, her boyfriend led her into the living room, only to freeze at the sight of the group of teenagers and young adults sprawled across the sofa.

“Well if it isn't little Oli!” Bryan shouted as he placed the blunt to his lips. “Got a dick yet?”

Ronis’ jaw dropped and before she could say anything, the boy did. “Got rid of your STDs yet?” he retorted.

The twenty year old quickly quickly pushed himself off of the couch. “Is it illegal to hit a lady?”

“Is it illegal to spray you in the eyes with Mace?” Ronis growled.

Bryan chuckled before giving her the once over. “You're pretty cute. How about I show you what a full length Riddle looks like?” he asked, tone and every inch of his body smug.

Oliver saw nothing but red as he shoved the boy back onto the couch and before Bryan could retaliate with a punch, Pam entered the room carrying an armful of presents.

“The fuck is going on in here?”

“Oliver pushed Bryan,” said Alice.

“Oliver, keep your filthy claws to yourself!”

“He said something inappropriate to Ronis!”

“Who the fuck do you think you're shouting at?”

The boy instantly composed himself. “Sorry, Grand.”

“Now if Bryan said something, this girl can handle herself. I don't need my grandkids pushing each other like sissys. You should've just punched him, I would've respected you more.”

“Yes ma'am,” he said quietly.

“Who's punching who?” David asked as he entered the room with a full turkey leg in hand.

“None of your fucking business,” his mother groaned. “Get your brothers so we can open this expensive shit that I still have the receipts for.”

David turned around and shouted back into the house. “Little bitches! Mummy wants you!”

His three younger brothers rushed into the room.

“Who are you calling a bitch, bitch?” Dylan retorted.

“You who takes it up the ass, bitch.”

“You smell like ass, bitch!” Duke randomly added to whoever would fight him for the statement. Daniel quickly pulled him into a headlock while David twisted Dylan's arm behind his back just because.

“Hey, you little shits! Stop it now!” Pam said in a tone they'd feared since childhood. They immediately obeyed. “You're killing my goddamn buzz!” Her husband handed her the blunt from earlier and she took a deep puff. “Each of you, go sit by your motherfucking spawns so it can make this gift giving easier. Although none of you motherfuckers deserve anything. Goddamn pussy mouth motherfuckers.”

Ronis covered her mouth to suppress the laughter at the way her new militant friend ran her household.

David wrapped his arm around Oliver and kissed the top of the boy's head. “How are you?”

“I'm fine.”

The man froze. “Who did it?”

The boy tried to pull away but the man's hold was unbreakable. “Did what?” he groaned.

“If anyone's fucking with you, you need to let me know because I'll drop any of these motherfuckers. Except Grand, she terrifies me.”

“Nobody is bothering me, Dad,” he sighed in exasperation.

“Except someone who needs to learn that what's in someone else's pants isn't any of their business,” Ronis grumbled. Oliver nudged her side.

“What was that?” David pressed.

“Nothing,” Oliver rushed. “And no, Ronis didn't do anything either.”

The man gave the girl a look before turning his attention to his brothers who tried to squeeze onto the couch with their children. While Dylan stood in the corner with his new lover sharing a blunt as they blew smoke into each other's mouths.

“There he is blowing shit again,” David joked to which he simply got a middle finger.

Daniel squished himself between two of Oliver's older cousins, Alice and one of the boy's Ronis  had gotten rid of earlier while Duke was buried in Juju and his three other young children while his older sets of teens and young adults stood brooding in the background.

“How many fucking grandkids do we have?” Pam asked her husband.

The man quickly did the math. “Fourteen and they're all here besides Jackie.”

“Well, did you call her?”

“Yes! She said she'd come a bit later.”

“You guys invited Jackie without telling me?” David asked.

“Duh! She's my granddaughter and just because you don't get along with her doesn't mean I don't.”

“I get along with her but ugh, Mum, it's just complicated. She's a bigot.”

“Bigot or not, she's your daughter and you'll deal with it!”

“Not when she's being cold to my son!”

The woman responded by slapping her son across the face. “Don't you dare raise your voice at me!”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Now my grandchild was invited to my house and when she gets here, you and Oliver will be nice to her.”

David gritted his teeth but didn't protest any further.

The woman placed the blunt between her lips. “Okay I got whore dolls for the girls and bebe guns for the boys. If you're under twelve, come and get it.”

The small group of children charged the woman as she handed out the sloppily wrapped gift boxes.

“Grand, why don't we have a tree?” JuJu asked.

“Because I smoked them all, sweetheart. Next! I have wine flavoured blunt wrappers and tequila samples for everyone between twelve and eighteen.”

“She can't be serious,” Ronis whispered in her boyfriend's ear.

Clearly embarrassed, the boy nodded. “She is.”

“Which one of you wanted the Xanax?!” Pam hollered.

“Me,” Bryan said before the woman tossed him the pills. “Thanks, Grand.”

“You're welcome, you little shit. Um, who needed spray paint?” Another of them raised their hand and quickly accepted the can. “Don't use it in my house and don't be huffing that shit.”

Oliver and Ronis were handed blunt wrappers and three small bottles of tequila.

“I really can't accept thi-” the girl got out before her boyfriend frantically pressed their lips together to silence her.

“Excuse me?” Pam asked, glaring down her nose at the couple.

“Nothing, Grand,” Oliver assured.   

“Alright you little shits, start exchanging gifts.”

“Did you get your kids anything?” Duke asked.

“Yeah, I gave you the gift of life, motherfucker. Be grateful.”

Moments later, the room grew louder as the family began to exchange gifts that Oliver practically had to shout so that his girlfriend could hear him. “Telling her that you didn't want the gifts would've opened up an entire new can of worms.”

“But Oli I can't pretend to like something that I don't. Whatever it results in, I'm honest.”

“I know, babe, I know. But I want you guys to like each other. I'm stuck with her and I'm obsessed with you so I really need to make this work.”

The girl grinned as she kissed him. “So I have your first gift with me, but you have to promise not to be upset with me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “It depends.” She frowned and handed him the gift bag. The boy reached inside and pulled out the card first and began to read aloud. “To my boyfriend who likes handing out candy like he's the goddamn Easter Bunny. Love Ronis.” Oliver made a face as he retrieved the bunny ears and pale pink bucket.

“I'm sorryyyy,” Ronis offered. “I was still really pissed at you when I bought it. Your other gift is at the dorm.”

The boy chuckled before placing the ears on his head. “You could've at least gotten me candy or carrots or something.”

The girl giggled.

“And the only person I'll be giving my candy to is you.”

“Promise?”

Oliver extended his pinky and Ronis grinned as she wrapped her finger around his. “Oh!” he gasped as if he'd remembered something. The boy pulled a few loose papers from his coat pocket and handed them to the girl. “Merry Christmas.”

The girl scanned over the information, lists of names and phone numbers but she couldn't make sense of it. “What's this?”

“I took it upon myself to call Jaylen and get the name, address and phone number of every stadium he plays at and every club in the area. I called one and told them that we're an awesome, London based band and the guy said the next time we're in America, he'd love to meet with us.”

“Oh my God, really?! Babe, that's amazing!” Ronis squealed in excitement as she threw her arms around his neck.

“Roli is gonna be so real.”

“Roli is already real! They'll write fanfiction about us one day.”

The boy chuckled and kissed the girl, only to freeze when his grandmother shouted across the room. “Hey, Jackie!”

“Hi, Grand!”

“Hi, Grand!” three little voices clamored.

“Ah, damn, honey why didn't you remind me that we had three great-grandshits?!”

Oliver's blood turned to ice. “Oh God.”

“What's wrong?”

“I haven't seen Jackie in person in nearly three years...and I've never met her kids,” he whispered in a blind panic. “Oh God, I can't breathe.”

“Babe, it's okay,” Ronis cooed. “Let's go to the terrace.” As the girl led the boy towards the back of the flat she glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of the hazel eyed brunette whose beauty nearly took her breath away.

Making it onto the balcony, Oliver snatched off his bunny ears as he continued to gasp for air and David was seconds behind him.

“Oli, Oli, it's okay buddy,” the man rushed as he pulled an inhaler from his pocket and handed it to the boy. Oliver placed the pump to his lips, taking two deep inhales as he pumped.

“Better?” David asked.

The boy nodded as he returned the inhaler.

“If you don't wanna see Jackie, you don't have to.”

“Dad, it's not me that doesn't back out of plans or rushes off of the phone when we speak,” he wheezed.

“I know, I know. She's a bitch. So just stay out here and take a Xanax or something. I'll be right back. Ronis, take care of my boy.”

“I will,” she promised.

David smiled, the sincere most sincere gesture  she'd ever seen on the man since they met, before returning into the flat. Oliver covered his face into his hands and without a word his girlfriend wrapped his arms around him and pressed her cheek against the warmth that emanated from his chest.

“Your heart is pounding,” Ronis sighed before kissing his neck, allowing her to finally hear the sobbing that he was doing his best to conceal.

“Babe, it’ll be okay,” Ronis cooed but was taken aback when the boy snatched away from her.

“Stop saying it'll be okay because it won't! It hasn't been okay for fourteen years, what makes you think it'll all of a sudden, magically, be okay?!”

The girl had never seen the boy so upset but his shouting made her defensive. “I don't know, Oliver! Maybe a fucking Christmas miracle! I'm only trying to help make you feel better!”

“Nothing's going to make me feel better, Ronis! It fucking sucks! It sucks to have memories of your sister being nice to you and then her hating your guts all of a sudden! I haven't even met my nieces and nephew! I'm not a murderer or a child molester but I can't be around them. I see all this shit on social media and they're so beautiful and I can't even be around them,” he choked out before breaking down again; sobbing into his hands.

“Babyyy,” Ronis said helplessly as she wrapped her arms around the boy. The girl didn't know what to say so she remained silent as she figured the best thing she could do for him is to just be there.

Despite the icy frost searing his tears to face and his girlfriend's comforting hugs, Oliver continued to weep uncontrollably and it brought up all the vulnerability that he hated. The boy felt sick to his stomach and lightheaded. “I c-c-can't br-breathe.”

“Oh my God, babe no, please calm down.” When the boy continued to wheeze the girl did her best not to panic as his face grew paler. “Oli! Where's that inhaler thing?”

“Da-Da-”

The girl quickly rushed back into the flat in search of the boy's father.

---

After leaving his son in Ronis’ care, David made his way through the flat to the living room. When he made eye contact with Jackie, he smiled without showing his teeth. Before either could speak, the man was ambushed by his grandchildren.

“Grandpa! Grandpa!” they squealed.

“Hey, guys! And what did I tell you about calling me Grandpa? It's Big Daddy D to you.”

“Mum said that we can't call you that,” the boy informed.

David exaggerated a gasp. “Why not?”

The smallest of the children urged him to lean down so that she could whisper in his ear. “Because it sounds in-sa-ppropriate.”

The man gasped even louder. “Oh no! Not in-sa-ppropriate!”

“It's pronounced, 'inappropriate’. Josie just has a speech impediment,” the oldest retorted.

“Hey, there's nothing wrong with speech impediment, Jaz. I've been known to slur my S’sss,” he said in an over lisp that made the kids giggle. “So I guess you can call me Super Dragon Emperor of the World. Is that appropriate?”

“Yes!” they cheered in unison.

“Awesome! How about you guys see what your cousins are doing? I heard that Great Uncle Duke gave them candy.”

“Candy!” The kids all rushed off in different directions.

“Hi, Dad,” Jackie sighed.

“Hi,” David replied as he wrapped his arms around his daughter. Whenever the man got the chance to hug her, he was taken back to a time to when she was still his little girl. “How are you?”

“Besides Grand’s threats for me to come, I'm good. And yourself?”

“I'd be better if I could celebrate Christmas with both of my children.”

“Well, isn't J-”

“His name is Oliver,” he aggressively corrected.

The woman took a deep breath. “Well, isn't...Oliver...here?”

“He's on the terrace.”

“Then there you have it. Both your children are here.”

“Jackie, I'm not going to play these games with you. You know exactly what I mean.”

“I don't know what you want from me, Dad.”

“I want you to talk to your brother!”

“I don't have a brother!”

David quickly pursed his lips to prevent himself from saying something that he knew he'd regret. “Jackie,” he said quietly. “I-”

“David!” Ronis panted as she sprinted towards the man. “Oli needs that inhaler! He can't breathe and he's pale in the face and-”

Before she could get another word out, David was practically knocking the girl over to get to the terrace. Ronis turned on her heel to follow him but was stopped by Jackie's inquiry.

“Um, excuse me?” she politely began. “What's going on with...Oliver?”

“He's having a panic attack. He's upset that no matter how hard he tries, some people just won't accept him. Even people who should love him unconditionally,” Ronis said underhandedly.

Jackie raised an eyebrow. “And how do you know J- Oliver?”

“I'm his girlfriend,” she chirped proudly.

The woman immediately wrinkled her nose in disgust. “You do know that 'he’ was born a she, right?”

“Oh, I'm well aware of what Oli is. And more importantly, I'm aware of who Oli is. And that's the most amazing person that I've ever met in my entire life. You don't even deserve to have the same blood in your veins as he does because you're simply despicable. I don't know how you live with yourself, with all that goddamn venom swirling about inside of you and I literally hope and pray that none of your children have to go through what my boyfriend's going through right now because of you. Ugh,” Ronis groaned. Sick of looking at the woman, she turned on her heel ignoring Jackie's shouting behind her.

“Who do you think you are?! Don't you dare mention my children ever again, bitch! Jaz, Onyx, Josie let's go!”

“Aww, Mum! We're playing with our cousins!”

“And we just got here! Why do we have to leave?”

“Who's leaving?!” Pam demanded as she rushed back into the living room. “Not before we eat and shit or whatever’s left!”

“Grand, that stupid bitch, that lesbian!” she screeched in hopes that Ronis would hear, “practically called me a terrible mother! She doesn't know me and I won't tolerate this sort of disrespect!”

The elderly woman kept a calm tone as she spoke. “Jackie...you have two seconds to compose yourself and stop yelling in my goddamn face. You're killing my fucking buzz.”

Her husband rushed to her side and placed the blunt between his wife's lips. She took a deep inhale, held it in her lungs for ten seconds before blowing the smoke into her husband's mouth.

“I love you,” he slurred before rushing away just as quickly as he'd appeared.

The woman exhaled loudly. “Sorry, Grand

But she's a goddamn stranger and has no busy speaking on my children.”

“When was the last time that you called or stopped by to see me?”

“What?”

“You have no place calling someone a stranger when I don't think I've seen you since the little one was in shitty diapers.”

“Grand, I'm busy.”

“Busy doing what? Sitting on dicks that aren't attached to your husband?”

“Whoa, no, I-”

“You have three children by two different men and you're on your second husband who's such a fucking loser who can't see right through your bullshit.”

“Grand, I don't have bullshit.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up. I know a whore when I see one. And there's nothing wrong with that, you're my granddaughter and I love you. I just wished you'd visit more often.”

“As I said earlier, I'm busy and if you think I'm such a whore then why would I wanna be in your home?”

“Because no matter who or what you are, you're still my goddamn family! Just like your brother. He's my family and I'd never turn my back on him! Do you not understand that concept?!”

Jackie pursed her lips as she stared down at her leather boots.

“You know what, if you wanna leave, go ahead. I don't want that shit in my house. I'm happy. I just got off probation, I have an amazing buzz and all of my family that wants to be here is here, but I don't need that bigot shit in my house. I went to Woodstock for a reason. You get that nasty shit from your mother and I never liked that fucking bitch. So gather up your little shits and get the fuck out.” Pam turned and made her way towards the kitchen. “I'm gonna cut the ham and shit, anyone who's hungry follow me! Happy birthday little baby Jesus!”

“Kids get over here, now!” Jackie shouted, ignoring their overlapping protests. “Hush.”

“Mum, why can't we stay? We love our cousins and we never get to see them,” Jaz whined.

“Because they're crazy. And bound to be unhappy,” she ranted as she tightened the scarves around their necks.

“Everyone here is having so much fun,” her son retorted.

“We're the only ones who are unhappy,” Josie sniffled.

Jackie paused. “Really?”

“Yes!” the three of them said in unison.

“We have Peter and Julie, but do you know how weird it is to have an aunt and uncle in your age group?” Jaz asked.

“Yeah, they try and boss us around,” the boy added.

“Well-”

“And since they're always out of town, we hardly see them either. The only kids we're around are the ones at school, but nothing compares to family.”

“Where are the glasses?” Jackie heard Ronis ask from the kitchen. “Oli needs water.”

Jackie sighed. “Um...hang your coats. We aren't leaving yet.”

“Yayyy!” the three of them squealed as they tossed their jackets to the floor before taking off.

“Hey, I said hang, ugh, nevermind...have fun.” The woman hesitantly hung her own coat on an available hook by the door before slowly making her way through the place.

“Niece!” Duke shouted as he pulled her into a tight bear hug. “I'm either super fucked up or you're actually here.”

“No... I'm...here,” she gasped. “You're...squeezing... too...tight.”

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he said as he released her. “How long has it been?”

“Oh, I don't know, Uncle Duke. A few years? But you Skype me all the time!”

“I shouldn't have to Skype you when we live in the same city,” he said as he finished off his fifth beer.

“Yeah... I guess you're right.”

“So what's up? Did you just come to pick up your presents and leave?”

Jackie frowned. “The fact you think that about me is pretty upsetting.”

“You've yet to show otherwise.”

“Well, this year is different. It's about family.”

“All of your family or the family that fits into what you think is socially acceptable?”

“All of my family.”

The man smiled. “Good to hear. Wanna do a line  with me?”

“Um...no thanks,” she said before making her way further into the flat.

“Whatttt? I thought Christmas was about family!”

Jackie chuckled as she shook her head. When she arrived at the patio door, she hesitated, took a deep breath and even contemplated running before she stood her ground and knocked.

---

Oliver clung to the icy metal railing of the terrace as he did his best to breath when his father rushed out to his side.

“Buddy, sit down,” David ordered as he helped the boy into the frost covered patio furniture. The man handed his son the emergency inhaler and the boy took the usual two puffs but it wasn't enough so he took a second and a third. “Damn, Oli I may have to get you more than an emergency one. You aren't even asthmatic but this shit happening more often. That panic shit is no joke.”

After a fifth puff, the boy was finally able to accept oxygen into his lungs. He took an appreciative deep breath.

“Are you okay?”

The boy nodded.

“Let's go inside.”

“I don't want to.”

“You're gonna die of frostbite.”

“Seems fitting,” he sighed.

“Please don't say shit like that son. I know this is tough, but at the end of the day, you gotta stay tough.”

The boy's insides felt like they'd burst into flames as he suppressed his tears. He hated crying in front of his father more than anything in the world. Dad’s given you everything, why are you bitching like it isn't enough? he thought. And just before a tear could spill onto his already frost whipped cheeks, to his extreme relief, his girlfriend returned. He was instantly comforted by her presence.

“Ugh, what a bitch,” she grumbled.

“What's wrong?” Oliver asked in attempt to distract himself.

“Nothing, baby. Are you okay? Do you need water or something?”

The boy nodded and the girl rushed back into the flat to return moments later with a glass. She handed it to him and Oliver took a sip before placing it on the table.

“Better?” she asked as she knelt by the boy's chair.

“Yeah, I'm okay.” He grabbed the girl's hand and guided her into his lap.

Ronis affectionately wiped the boy's cheeks to free him from his tear stains before running her fingers through his hair. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he replied before risking his life to rustle the girl's hair.

“Babeeee,” she groaned unleashing a barrage of pinches onto his arms and belly.

“Ow! Owww!” the boy giggled. “Okay, okay you win!”

“Of course I win! Don't touch my hair, jerk!”

“I won't,” he said mischievously.

“I'm going to slaughter you,” she warned.

Oliver grinned before kissing her twice.

“I hate to admit it but you guys really do look great together,” David said with a light chuckle.

“Oh my God, Dad,” the boy gasped in complete embarrassment. “I totally forgot that you were out here.”

“So did I,” Ronis sheepishly admitted. “Sometimes when I see him it's like everyone else around us disappears.”

“I appreciate it,” the boy's father said. “I have to get used to the idea that someone may love my son just as much as I do.”

The girl's cheeks turned a rosy hue.

“Oh, you have a lot of work to do, woman. That position comes with tons of responsibilities. You have to do his laundry, take care of him when he's sick, blow on his soup if it's too hot-”

“Dad,” the boy protested.

“No, no, I fully accept the 'loving Oliver’ package and everything that comes with it,” Ronis assured.

“You have to make a blood oath! I have a scalpel in my car and-”

“Dad!”

“I'm just sayinggg. It's gonna be hard relinquishing control.”

“You have plenty of time to adjust. I'll be around for awhile,” she promised. “And I make really good chicken parmesan.”

David smiled. “I will hold you to that.”

The girl turned to her boyfriend and winked. Oliver wrapped his arms around her, laying his head on her chest.

Ronis laughed. “Such a cozy spot right?”

“Mhm. You're warm.”

“Thanks, babe.”

“Oh! I have to get your gifts.”

“Aww, David you didn't have to get me anything.”

“Ugh, I know,” he groaned, “but Oli insisted.”

“What?” the boy interjected. “No I didn't.”

“I'm jokingggggg,” the man cackled just as a knock sounded at the patio door. “Who the fuck knocks to come outside? Who is it?!”

“Jackie,” the woman replied.

Oliver became stiff in his seat as he glanced over his shoulder at the edge of the balcony; the only exit.

David and Ronis scowled. “What do you want?” the man asked.

“I’d like to talk to Oliver... if that's okay.”

The man turned to his son who was visibly uncomfortable. “You don't have to speak to her if you don't want to, Buddy.”

“Um... I-I-I-” the boy stammered.

“Whatever you decide, I'll be by your side. I'd never leave you alone with her,” he practically snarled.

Oliver gulped and nodded. “Okay.”

“Come on out, Jackie.”

The boy's heart pounded against his chest as he anxiously watched the doorknob turn.

Ronis kissed the top of his head, reminding the boy of her presence and he quickly took advantage of it by grabbing her hand. “Do I look okay?” he whispered.

“Is that a serious question? You're way too perfect for that word,” she said, repeating what he'd told her earlier.

Oliver smiled and stole a kiss before his stomach went into a frenzy at the sight of his sister.

“Hi, everyone...hi Oliver,” she said quietly.

“H-H-Hi, Ja-Jackie,” he stammered as he peaked around his girlfriend's chest like a small timid child. Ronis gave his hand a firm squeeze.

“Can I have a hug?”

“Jackie, let's not push it,” David growled.

“It's okay, Dad,” the boy exhaled as he eased the girl out of his lap. After standing, Oliver quickly smoothed the wrinkles out of his slacks.

“Oh my God, you're so tall now!”

Oliver instantly turned bright crimson. “Yeah,” he said bashfully. “I get my height from Dad.”

“Six foot two baby,” David said proudly.

Jackie extended her arms. “Get over here.”

He slowly approached the woman and she met the boy halfway. After she wrapped her arms around her brother, Jackie immediately began to cry. “You're so handsome, Oliver. You have a mustache and a goatee. My husband doesn't even have hair on his chin.”

The boy chuckled. “Thank you.”

Jackie broke the hug and wiped her eyes only to break down again. “I missed you.”

If Oliver was being honest with himself, the spectacle made him uncomfortable and confused. “Really?”

She nodded. “I've been thinking a lot and I just really have so much to get off of my chest.”

“Um, okay,” he said nervously, wiping his hands on the sides of his trousers to keep the sweat at bay.

“And I was wondering if we could speak alone.”

“No fucking way,” David protested. “That's not going to happen.”

“Dad, I'm not going to do anything,” Jackie said defensively. “I won't hurt your precious baby.”

“Nothing has stopped you before,” he retorted.

“Dad, it's okay,” Oliver said quietly, barely believing the statement himself.

“Are you sure?”

The boy hesitated but nodded.

David went to protest but quickly obliged, making his son suspicious. “I'll be...right inside...if you need me,” he said before entering the flat and immediately pressing his ear against the door.

Oliver turned to his girlfriend. “Do you wanna go inside too?”

Ronis folded her arms. “No.”

“Babe-”

“No, I'm just not buying this shit. A minute ago she was calling me a lesbian and now all of a sudden she wants to be all in your face like she's sincere.”

“This is a family matter and it doesn't concern you,” Jackie growled.

“Ronis has been more family to me than you've ever been,” Oliver defended and a pained expression instantly took over his sister's face.

“I'm sorry,” she sniffled. “I'm embarrassed enough as it is and I'd like to tell you how I feel without additional judgement from a third party.”

The boy looked at Ronis.

“Please,” Jackie pleaded.

“Two minutes,” Oliver said sternly.

“Okay.”

Ronis sighed before they shared an extra tender kiss. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

The girl then made her way towards the flat, shooting Jackie a scowl as she passed the woman. When she opened the door, David was conveniently tying his shoe. Ronis chuckled to herself as she entered and closed the door behind her.

“Hey, that's my spot!” Oliver heard his father say.

“Well, scoot over,” Ronis groaned.

“Diana Ross, your hair is in my way. Tame that shit!”

“Never.”

David gagged. “Oh God, a piece just went in my mouth.”

“Maybe if you'd stop talking it wouldn't! And ew, I totally have to bleach my hair now.”

“Sssh, they'll hear you!”

“Pfft, you're the loud mouth,” Ronis retorted.

“True.”

Oliver suppressed his laughter. “That's as alone as we'll get.”

“I guess I'll have to take it.”

“Do you want to sit?”

Jackie shook her head. “I'm sure standing is way warmer than sitting on a frost chair,” she said through chattering teeth.

The boy frowned. “Where's your coat?”

“Hanging up at the front.”

“Take mine,” the boy offered as he removed his jacket.

“Oh...are you sure?”

“Yeah, I insist.”

Jackie pursed her lips as she accepted the coat and slid it on. “Thank you, Oliver.”

“You're welcome. I have to admit that you calling me Oliver is kinda strange.”

“Yeah?”

He nodded. “Versus 'kid’ or 'hey you’. Definitely.”

“And I'm really sorry about that. I just...there isn't a really good excuse but growing up, it was just Mum and I.”

Oliver cringed at how easily she could refer to the woman.

“As a young doctor, Dad was always working and for years I'd only see him for like ten minutes a day. So Mum and I-”

“Could you please not call her that?”

“Sorry...um, Jennifer and I developed such a strong bond. Just like the one you and Dad have. So when they started to argue more and more over you and inevitably the divorce came about, it was like I was forced to choose between them. And I had to side with the person who was always there for me, ya know?”

“I guess,” he sighed.

“And at the time I was like 'no, this child can't even read, how is she gonna demand that we accept an entire new identity?’ We figured that it was a phase, you know kids put on an Elsa costume and suddenly they have ice powers for a few days. But when a few days turned into weeks then months, Jennifer started to get annoyed. She wanted her little girl back but Dad would practically tell her 'our child is transgender. Deal with it.’ And Jen's just like, ‘no, this child isn't going to tell me what to do. I'm the parent’ and Dad would come back with 'we want him to be happy’ and then the 'she’s four! Tons of things make her happy! She got excited over finding a lego the other day!’ And it got worse and worse and they'd just blow up on each other all the time. It was tough.”

“I'm sorry,” Oliver said quietly.

“Oh, please don't apologize. It wasn't your fault.”

The boy wanted to object to the statement but he remained silent.

“When the divorce happened, Dad essentially said that if I didn't accept you as my brother then he wanted nothing to do with my bigotry and that really hurt me. Just because I didn't accept or hell, even understand this trans thing, doesn't mean I didn't love you. Oliver, I love you,” she sniffled. “I've always loved you. Over the years I did make attempts to see you in person when I wasn't busy with school but did you know that each time I tried, Dad would pull that overly protective shit and tell me that I didn't deserve to see you and would hover over me as I played with you? On top of that Jen would say 'oh, you wanna be over there with him? Fine.’ And even she'd stop talking to me for weeks on end. So it just really sucked. And as you got older and lost interest in toys, I grew more uncomfortable with just trying to talk to you while Dad was scowling at me. So I gradually decreased it to just phone calls and even then I could hear him in the background scoffing. He's just not the easiest to deal with sometimes.”

“Trust me, I know. And Jackie, I had no idea that it was like that for you...but I have a question.”

“I'll answer any questions you have.”

“How come you never let me meet the kids?” he asked, trying to mask his trembling voice.

“To be honest, I didn't want them to be confused. I still don't understand the trans thing myself and how would I explain to them your baby photos to you being their uncle now, ya know? I showed them our pictures from when we were younger and the next time they saw Jen they asked about you and she was like 'yeah, I had another daughter once.’ and then whenever Dad comes around and he talks about you alllll the time and I really don't think they'd get that you're the same person... I don't know what they're little minds are capable of. They actually just told me off before I came out here so,” she chuckled. “I think it's time that you met them… if you want.”

The boy froze. “Um, I-I-I don't know. Wh-What if they get confused and th-their little heads start to hurt? I-I-I don't think they'd li-like me-, um-”

“Well, if they get confused, we'll do our best to explain to them what's going on. It's about time we all become more educated on this.

Although I never thought of you as my brother, I always loved you as my little sibling. I'm really sorry for that. You deserve an identity.”

“It's okay, Jackie. I'm really glad we could have this conversation.”

“Me too,” she said with a smile so genuine that for the first time the boy was comfortable around her. Oliver extended his arms and without a word or awkwardness, the siblings shared a hug. “Come on. I want you to meet the kids.”

The boy took a deep breath and allowed the girl to lead him to the door. As soon as she opened it, Ronis and David spilled out onto the terrace but to their surprise, the man was gagged with a Christmas stocking and practically hog-tied as Ronis restrained him further by sitting on his legs.

“What the-”

“He tried to interrupt your beautiful moment! I mean, I still don't like you for being a bitch to me but it was only fair that Oli got to hear your side of things and every time you said something remotely negative about this one, he was ready to break down the door,” she panted.

“Babe, you can take my dad?” Oliver asked, clearly impressed.

“Yeah,” she said bashfully. “Krav Maga, the official self-defense system of the Israeli army. Maybe I'll show you sometime...if you think you can handle it.”

The boy gulped. “Sure.”

“Crazy thing is, so many people walked by as I was sitting on him and they didn't say a thing. Pam even laughed,” she said as she finally released the man and helped him up.

David spat the stocking at her. “You goddamn lunatic! I'll with you later,” he turned to Jackie, “but you! How dare you tell my son all these lies about me?!”

“Cut the bullshit, Dad! You practically cut Mum and I out of Oliver's life after we wouldn't accept the trans thing! We tried to still be there but you literally wouldn't answer the door!”

“Why would I want you bigots to be around my child?!”

“Dad, I'm not a bigot! No, I don't understand this stuff but it doesn't mean I'm not willing to learn! You just told us 'his name is Oliver and he's a boy’ without any explanations, how else were we supposed to take that?!”

“Just accept it!” David exploded, vein in his neck  ready to self destruct.

“Dad,” Oliver intervened. “Calm down.”

The man looked at his son with rage filled eyes before punching the patio door, missing Ronis by a few inches and effectively putting a massive dent in the lumber.

“Oh my God,” the girl gasped as she made her way out of the path of any future blows.

The boy quickly grabbed his father by the lapels of his coat and slammed him against the stone walling of the side of the flat. “You almost hit her!” he growled.

The duo had never put their hands on each other before and David did his best to suppress his demolished feelings. “You're gonna attack me

.. over some girl?”

“She's not just some girl! And if you would've hit her, I would've never forgiven you!”

“Oh, but she can hog-tie me?! Fuck that bullshit, Oliver!” David wanted to leave, but couldn't bring himself to push the boy away.

“You seriously need to calm down! Why are you so defensive?! Because what Jackie said is true, isn't it?”

“Yeah, it's true that I protected you from people who wanted to force you to be something that you're not!”

“But Dad, they probably would've understood it more over time if you would've given them the chance! You can't just cut people out of their family's lives because of a misunderstanding! My mum wanted to see me and you wouldn't let her!”

“At the end of the day, she still abandoned you, Oliver! Do you not understand that?! Someone could lock me in a cage and I'd saw off my own fucking limbs if that's what I had to do to escape to see you again!”

“But-”

“But she doesn't give a damn about you! They had ample opportunities to see you over the years and they didn't. I've been there since day one and now this bigot comes outta nowhere and you wanna just take her side!  That fucking hurts, Oli!”

“Dad, I...I don't know.”

“Clearly!”

Without another word, the boy released his father and grabbed his girlfriend's hand before storming into the flat.

David instantly regretted the entire altercation and quickly chased after the boy. “Oli, wait.”

Oliver stared at the floor as he spoke through gritted teeth in hopes that his tears wouldn't spill over. “Dad, I really think that things are a little tense right now, um,” he got out before his voice got caught on the lump in his throat. “We've never

...fought before…and I-I-” The boy shook his head before tightening his hold on his girlfriend's hand as he rushed towards the flat's exit.

“Whoa, where are you going?!” Pam shouted. “Why are you cryin- hey don't walk away when I'm talking to you!”

The boy would deal with his grandmother's wrath at another time but he couldn't get out of that house fast enough.

Ronis wanted to say some comforting words, but based on the Oliver's expression, she decided to remain quiet as he led her through the parking lot to the curb. When the combination of tears and the icy winds that made them freeze-dry to his cheeks became too much, the boy sank to the curb.

“Babe, get up, it's cold and don't have your coat. I don't want you to get sick.” Bordering on hysterical, the boy didn't care what happened to him but he didn't protest when Ronis grabbed his arm and used all her weight to pull him to his feet. “Let's go to my dorm. I'll make you cocoa stuffed with marshmallows.”

---

“David!” Pam shouted. “What's wrong with Oliver?!”

“We got into a misunderstanding,” he grumbled.

“Misunderstanding?” Jackie scoffed. “More like Oliver found out that Dad's been portraying me and Mum as the face of evil when really we've been trying to be in that kid's life since the beginning.”

“What?!” the woman shouting before slapping her son. “Why the fuck would you do that?!”

“I was only trying to protect him!”

Pam slapped the boy again. “Watch your motherfucking tone!” David accepted the blows allowing the physical pain to match the way he felt on the inside. “You motherfuckers are killing my buzz. Go find him and make it right!”

“Yes ma'am,” he mumbled weakly before making his way towards the exit.

The man made it to his car and immediately called his fiancee. When it went to voicemail, he called again. Then again.

Hi, you've reached Lisa, I'm sorry I missed your call. Feel free to leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!

“Babe, please call me back,” David sniffled. “I just got into a fight with Oli and I just-” his voice hung on the lump in his throat. “I just really need your voice telling me it'll be okay right now. I love you,” he got out before breaking down completely.

---

“Sonique is spending the night at her parents house for Christmas so we have the place to ourselves,” Ronis said as she led her boyfriend into her dorm room. “Hell, I think the entire campus is empty right now but we'd never get away with cuddling at my house,” the girl giggled as she removed her coat. She turned to her boyfriend who had pressed his back against the door. The tears were long gone, but the boy  hadn't uttered a single word since they'd left his grandparents home. Ronis sighed as she dug through her drawer to find her favorite pug mug before heating water and making a mix of hot chocolate. She stuffed it to the brim with tiny marshmallows and walked it over to the boy. He accepted it but didn't take a sip. “You don't want it?”

“Um, yeah,” he said quietly. “Thanks.”

Hearing the boy's voice made her smile. “Sit, sit so that I can give you your gifts.”

Oliver took a deep breath and made his way to the girl's bed. He sat on the edge and took a  miniscule sip before Ronis handed him a small box.

“For me?” he asked dryly.

“Yeah I think you'll like it.”

The boy popped the lid of the box open to what he thought was a stapler.

“It's a pick punch,” Ronis chirped. “Like a hole punch but for things like old credit cards and stuff to make picks for your guitar.”

Oliver smiled without showing his teeth. “Thanks, babe. I love it.”

“Yayyy.”

He kissed the girl before she reached underneath the bed. “I have something else for you.” Ronis pulled the wrapped box from its hiding place and handed it to Oliver. “Open that and I'll be right back,” she said, doing her best to contain her excitement. The girl pushed herself off of the bed, grabbed a bag from the closet and quickly rushed into the bathroom.

The boy sighed and slowly ripped into the winter wonderland themed gift wrap to reveal a plain white box. Oliver undid the flap at one end of the box only to find it stuffed with a gift bag.

“What the hell,” he mumbled to himself. The boy pulled the red gift bag out of the box before yanking the white tissue paper off of the top, revealing the even smaller gift bag underneath. Oliver smiled as he shook his head and dumped the contents of the second bag onto the bed; a small wrapped box. “You're killing me!” he chuckled loud enough for the girl to hear.

“It's the build up to something amazinggggg,” Ronis replied.

“What are you up to, woman?”

“You'll see in a secondddd. Are you feeling any better?”

“Yeah... I just don't wanna think about it.”

“Well, I hope that this gift offers enough of a distraction,” she practically purred.

“I'm sure it will,” he said as he tore into the small wrapped box. It was a small plain white box. Oliver quickly snatched open one end only to find yet another wrapped package. “Ronis!”

“Whatttt?” she asked innocently.

“What is this?”

“Did you open it yet?”

“I'm trying but you have a million packages, boxes and bags!”

“Patience is virtue, my love.”

Oliver took a deep breath. When he ripped into the wrapping he'd lost count of and saw the plastic, the boy grinned. “Finally!” He tossed the paper over his shoulder before turning his attention to the casing in his hand, raising an eyebrow at the small pink device inside. “What the-” the boy said as he read the label. “Frisky Fingers Vibrating Sleeve…”

At that moment, his girlfriend emerged from the bathroom.

“Babe, what the hell is-” The boy's eyebrows shot up when he saw Ronis leaning against the door frame dressed in nothing but a sheer red negligee trimmed in white fur and cinched under the bust with a thin strap that resembled Santa Claus’s classic black belt. Her wild curls framed her face had been washed of all her holiday makeup, allowing the natural glow of her mocha skin to shine through.

“Ho, ho, ho,” she said seductively.

“Whoa,” was all Oliver could manage to say, eliciting a giggle from the girl as she sauntered towards him.

“You like it?”

“Like is a fucking understatement,” the boy exhaled. “But what the hell is this?” he asked as he held up the sex toy.

Ronis settled onto the spot next to him. “It's a vibrating finger cozy.”

“And you want me to...use this on you?”

“That was the plan,” she bashfully admitted.

“So this was literally just a gift for yourself,” Oliver said teasingly.

“No, I bought it for you...to use on me. I mean, it's not like you'd let me use it on you.”

The boy quickly changed the subject. “I really liked my pick punch. It'll come in handy if I ever lose a pick or if I wanna make a collection of picks made out of random materials. I really think a pick made out of titanium would be really cool, although-”

Ronis silenced him with her lips. “I'm sorry,” she whispered. “I didn't mean to make uncomfortable. I just want to make you feel as good as you make me feel.”

“Seeing you feel good makes me happy. That's all I need.”

The girl smiled as she slid onto the boy's lap, straddling him before she wrapped her arms around his neck. Oliver gently cradled her ass in his hands as their lips connected.

“Grab it harder,” she demanded, prompting the boy to give her cheeks a firm squeeze as they continued to make out.

Oliver's hands eventually moved to girl's chest and he let out a low groan. “Your boobs are softer than Clair de Lune and Moonlight Sonata’s first movement put together.”

Ronis cackled. “I love it when you speak music to me.”

The boy laughed before he kissing her and rolling her onto her back against the cool teal satin sheets of her small bed.

“I don't want a lot for Christmasss,” Ronis sang in a low, sensual voice. “There's just one thing I needdd.”

Oliver smiled. “You're giving me goosebumps.”

“That's not all I'm gonna give you,” she growled as she pulled the boy down into a kiss.

“Herpes?” he mumbled against her lips.

“Fuck all the way off!” she laughed, giving his chest a shift shove while he laughed at his own joke.

“I'm kidding.”

“I don't forgive you.”

The boy raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?” he asked, taking the statement as a personal challenge.

“Nope.”

Oliver kissed the spot on the girl's neck that he knew drove her crazy. “Do you forgive me now?”

“No,” she exhaled.

The boy moved to her chest, gently kissing each of her boobs. “What about now?”

“Nuh uh.”

He raised an eyebrow before he kissed her jawline while his left hand traveled to smooth, sheer red fabric of her panties. The boy allowed his fingers to slowly dance around her sensitive spot and he smiled as the girl wriggled beneath beneath him. “Do you forgive me now?”

“Yesss. Just fuck me,” she pleaded.

“Not so fastttt,” her boyfriend teased. “You stepped your game up tonight and I'll try to do the same.” Oliver walked his fingers up from between the girl's legs to the fur bow that was holding the negligee closed across the girl's chest. He slowly tugged at one end of the bow and each half of the fabric to fall to girl's sides, exposing her perfect supple breasts.

The boy placed his hands over each boob and gave them a gentle massage.

“Mmm, that feels nice,” she exhaled.

Oliver kissed each soft mound before kissing her lips, then jaw, then neck; moving further and further down, leaving a trail of kisses until he reached the top of her underwear. He hooked his fingers into the sides of the thong and waited for the girl to lift her hips, allowing him to pull the small piece of fabric down her smooth legs and off completely. The boy pretended to tuck them into his pocket.

“What the- oh my God you're such a dork,” his girlfriend giggled. “That's your real Christmas present.”

“The best gift ever,” he growled before kissing her ankles, then calves, then inner thighs as he made his way up to the tender spot between the girl's legs, stopping a few centimeters shy of her bundle of nerves.

Ronis let out a feeble groan as the yearning to be touched grew stronger and stronger.

“You okay?” the boy teasingly asked, knowing exactly what the source of her strain was.

“You're driving me insaneee.”

“Am I?” he asked innocently as he moved agonizingly slow, gently tracing the perimeter of her box with his fingertips.

“Fuck me, babe. Pleaseeee.”

Oliver flashed a devilish smirk and continued to tease the girl.

“You know what-” Ronis growled as she sat up and snatched the boy's vest off. She tossed it to the floor then swiftly ripped into his red dress shirt, sending buttons flying about the room in every direction.

“Hey, this is Egyptian cotton! “I'll buy you another,” she panted as she stripped him of the fabric, throwing it over her head prior to grabbing the boy's belt buckle. Ronis managed to undo the latch before Oliver grabbed her wrists and pinned her back onto the bed. Surprisingly, the boy didn't find himself upset that she'd attempted to get into his trousers, but more so that she was impatient and hijacked control of the situation. He frowned as he held her into place. “I'm only going to say this once,” he said in a low, commanding voice. “Patience is a motherfucking virtue, my love. Don't leave this bed again.” “Yes, sir,” she said innocently. “I've been a very naughty girl and I deserve to be punished.” “You do,” Oliver said as he bit his lip and daringly rustled the girl's hair with both hands. “Ugh!” Ronis snarled as she pounced on her boyfriend but he quickly overpowered her and pinned her again. “Something wrong?” the boy teased. “I'm gonna kick your ass.” “Ooo, so violent. That's kinda sexy though.” “Babeeee,” she whined as she wiggled against her restraints. “Whatttt?” “I'm horny as fuck and you're driving me crazy in the wrong way!” Oliver released one of her wrists and moved his grande to her boob, giving her nipple a small pinch. “The wrong way?” Stubborn as ever, the girl bit her lip as she nodded encouraging Oliver to take the other sensitive nub between his fingers; giving them gentle twists and pulls. “Mm, oh fuckkk.” “The wrong way?” the boy asked again. “No, that feels really gooddd.” Oliver's grin was smug as he kissed her. “But I need moreee.” He chuckled as he pushed himself off of the bed. “Where are you goingggg?” “Stop whining,” he ordered. Ronis pouted. “I touched your hair so I have to wash my hands before I proceed with anything else.” “Are you trying to say that my hair is nasty?” “Yes, Ronis,” he said sarcastically. “Your hair is a dirt motel with germs and lice living there.” She scowled. “Oh, you can fuck all the way off for that.” “You don't mean that.” “Yes, I do. You're an arsehole.” Oliver raised the sex toy that the girl had gifted him and displayed it with a cheesy smile as if he was in an infomercial. “Okay, okay,” she whimpered. “I didn't mean it.” “That's what I thought. Besides we came in from outside and got right to business, I needed to wash my hands anyway.” He entered the bathroom and opened the device before washing his hands. “Plus your hair smells like weed.” “Oh my God, ew! That’s not attractive! Why didn't you say something?” “It's oddly comforting,” he laughed as he emerged from the bathroom. “Okay, let's figure this thing out. It's not gonna chop my finger off or anything, right?” Ronis giggled. “No, you just slide it on your index finger and turn it on.” “Is this for the outside...or inside?” he asked barely above a whisper. “Both I suppose. But you've never penetrated me befo-” “Okay, okay,” the boy rushed to avoid the embarrassment. “Babe, we should be able to talk about our bodies to each other. Especially since you've seen every inch of mine.” His cheeks flushed bright crimson. “True.” “Would you prefer to say penetrate or finger?” “Oh, God,” he sighed. “Um, finger. No, penetrate- ugh-” “Let’s put it this way, bear Oli hasn't entered the Ronis cave yet.” The boy's skin could've been comparable to a barrel of hot coals. “That works…” “And I'm not opposed to bear Oli exploring said cave today.” “Will it hurt?” “Maybe. But we won't know unless we try.” The boy frowned. “Please, Oli. Just try.” He nodded and she quickly pulled him into a kiss. The couple made out for several minutes before Oliver moved to her neck then breasts gently kissing each one to show his appreciation. The boy then took his time making his way down the girl's stomach until he reached her waistline, he gave Ronis a smug look that made her giggle. “I love you,” she said softly. The boy replied by kissing her inner thigh, causing a shiver to trickle down her spine before gently touching the girl's love button. Ronis gasped at the contact and prepared herself to get used to the feeling of his fingers when the boy wrapped his mouth around her sensitive lady parts. “Oh my God,” the girl moaned as she arched her back. Oliver pressed his forearm over the her hips to hold the girl in place as he began to build up a rhythm as he worked his tongue on and around her love button. “Holy shit, babe, that feels amazinggggg. Ah!” she squealed when he started to do something new that she couldn't pinpoint. “Fuckkk, oh my God.” The boy pulled away. “Told you I'd try and step my game up,” he chuckled before returning his mouth to her aching mound. Ronis tangled her fingers into the boy's brown tresses as she continued to moan and before long she could feel the tingling brewing from the pit of her stomach. “Oli, I'm gonna come.” Oliver began to work with new vigor and soon after, his mouth was flooded with the sweet and tangy taste of his girlfriend's cum. The boy lapped up every drop before grinning. “Still just as good as candy.” “Dork,” she panted, still too lost in the ecstasy to respond further.

The boy grinned but soon his heart began to race. “Um, I guess I can try the...cave thing now.” “Okay,” Ronis said excitedly. Oliver gulped and gently pressed his index finger at the girl's small opening. He paused. “It's okay,” she assured. The boy slowly pushed his finger inside the girl and made a face at the hot, wet flesh that surrounded it. “What?” Ronis asked, quickly growing self conscious. “It feels like warm mush or lumpy pudding.” The girl gasped. “Thanks,” was her dry response. “Well not in a bad way! You know that slime putty that kids play with to make fart noises? It's like that but warm.” “That description makes me feel real sexy,” Ronis said, sarcasm evident.   He frowned. “Why are you upset?” “Because your descriptions suck!” “Well, have you felt it? It's kinda hard to pinpoint exactly what it feels like. Help me out here.” “I want my vagina to be described as crushed velvet, not lumpy pudding.” “Crushed velvet works! But ya know...moist.” Ronis rolled her eyes. “No matter how you describe it babe, it still feels awesome.” She sighed in exasperation. “Thank you, Oliver.”

“You're welcome,” he chirped before turning his attention back to the matter at hand by slowing pulling his finger out of the girl then gently pushing back in. He did this several more times prior to picking up the pace. Ronis exhaled. “That feels kinda nice.” “Just kinda?” “Yeah...like I feel the movement but it's not necessarily bringing me pleasure.” “So what should I do?” “Try curving your finger up, maybe you can find my G-spot.” “Your what?” “Oh my God, how are you so innocent?” she practically cooed. The boy blushed. “I have my finger in your vagina. I'm not innocent.” “If you say so, babe. But a G-spot is just like a sensitive bundle of nerves at the roof of the vagina I think. And if it's stimulated, the orgasms are said to be amazing.” “Okay,” the boy said simply as he processed the information. He curled his finger upward while he continued to slowly move it and out. Ronis' reaction was nearly instantaneous. “Ohhh,” she moaned lightly. Oliver sighed in relief and picked up the pace. “No, no. Go slowwww.” “Okay,” he said, slightly embarrassed. “It's like a deep tissue massage...you don't wanna rush that.” The boy cracked a smile. “Good to know.” He kept his strokes slow and sensual, growing more smug as he sat up and watched the girl's face as she deprived so much pleasure from his touch. When Ronis felt eyes on her, her lids flew open. “Whatttt?” she bashfully asked. “Nothingggg. My face is usually between your thighs. I just never get to see you from this angle.” The girl covered her face with her hands. “Stoppp, you're so beautiful.” “Then take a picture,” she joked. “Seriously?” he gasped as he clawed for his phone. Ronis cackled. “Nooo! Just imagine if that got in the wrong hands.” “Like mine,” he chuckled. “Knowing something like that is on my phone...I wouldn't be able to focus on anything else.” “You're silly.” “I'm in love.” A rosy hue took over her cheeks as Oliver leaned down to kiss her. The new angle of his hand allowed more pressure to be applied to the girl's sweet spot. “Oh my God,” she moaned out, wrapping her arms around his neck as she stared into his bright hazel eyes. It was the most intimate they'd ever been and Ronis felt like this was true love making. To avoid crying, she kissed him but it didn't stop her from tearing up. “I'm gonna come,” she whimpered against his lips. There was something in the girl's tone that tugged at Oliver's heart strings and as the muscles of her sugar walls tightened around his finger, he knew that this Christmas had been a milestone in their relationship and he wanted to do something special for her. “Fuck,” she panted weakly. “It doesn't look like it, but that was probably the most intense orgasm I've ever had.” “Really?” The girl nodded. “It was like a ray of heated unicorn sparkles brewed in the pit of my stomach and slowly spread throughout my either body.” “Wow, that sounds magically.” “It was,” Ronis exhaled before tenderly kissing him. “Do you want me to use frisky fingers now?” She shook her head. “Maybe next time. I just want you to hold me.” “Okay...um, do you think I can take a quick shower first?” “You don't have any clothes here.” “I know…” Ronis raised an eyebrow. “Of course…don’t take too long.” He pressed his lips against hers before pushing himself off of the bed and into the bathroom, locking the door as his heart raced at the thought of what he was about to do.

Despite the snowy winter weather, Oliver turned the shower nozzle to cold. The boy quickly disrobed and stepped into the path of the icy spray. He shivered at the initial contact but swiftly welcomed the chilly fall as it calmed his senses. “It’ll be okay,” he mumbled to himself. “Ronis loves you.” Oliver splashed his face one last time, turned off the water and exited the shower. After patting himself dry with a towel, he wrapped the fluffy cotton around his waist. The boy glanced at his pale reflection in the mirror and before the chagrin could set in, he made his way to the door. With a shaking hand, Oliver slowly turned the knob and exited the bathroom. His heart pounded against his chest as Ronis watched him through heavily lidded eyes. “Hi,” she said softly. The girl must've gotten cold while her boyfriend was away because she had pulled on his red dress shirt. Two sizes too big, the fabric draped over her breasts and thighs in that perfect way that guys liked when girls wore their clothing. Oliver swore that he'd go into cardiac arrest at any moment. “H-Hi,” he stammered. The girl seductively beckoned him over with her index finger. “Okay...but um, first. I have something to say.” Ronis sat up on her forearms. Oliver cleared his throat. “Um, since you always tease me about my songwriting skills, I wanted to say something really poetic but I'm just drawing a blank. So I'll just...do it,” he practically whimpered as his nerves began to overwhelm him. But the boy bravely dropped the towel, subjecting himself to the most vulnerable position he'd ever been in since informing the girl that he was transgender. Ronis’s eyes were wide and curious as she took in every inch of her lover's body. Although only a few seconds had gone by, it felt like an eternity to the boy. He fixed his mouth to say something but Ronis bet him to the punch. “You're perfect, Oliver David.” The words seemingly lifted the weight of the world off of the boy's shoulder as he relaxed for the first time since entering the bathroom. “Can I see your bum?” Ronis asked with sheer excitement underlining her tone. Oliver blushed. “I don't have one of those,” he sighed as he turned around. Although on the flat side of the spectrum, the boy's cheeks were still firm and desirable enough for any butf lover to grab on frisky nights.

“Babe, you have a great ass!”

Made even more bashfully by the compliments, the boy grabbed the towel and returned it to his waist. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

“Get your sexy self over here.”

The boy smiled as he made his way over to the bed. He climbed in next to the girl and wrapped his arms around her.

She kissed the back of his hand. “You know, there's an invention that's been out for a few centuries called a razor. I'm not sure if you've heard of it buttt,” she teased before the boy laughed.

“I'm only hairy on my face, pits and lower body, jerk.”

“I knowww. It's so hot…although, I'm going to convince you to shave your legs one day.”

The boy gasped. “Why?”

“Because I wanna see what it'd look likeeee.”

“How about you shave your head then? I wanna see what it'd look like.”

Ronis quickly pushed the boy away. “That's not even the same thing! Your leg hair would grow back in a week!”

“Probably,” the boy said with a shrug.

“So why would you even say something like that? The fact that you even uttered the words ‘shave my head’ is so asinine, just-”

The boy silenced her with a kiss and then she exploded in giggles when he boldly licked her cheek.

“Eww!”

“You want me to do it again?” he threatened.

“No!”

“Then calm your ass down.”

“Yes, Sir,” the girl said as she returned his arm around her. “Just tread lightly when you talk about my hair.”

“Pfft, don't tell me how to tread.”

Ronis found herself being turned on all over again as the boy continued to assert himself. “Yes, Sir...but ugh, don't lick my cheek again, pig.”

“Fine.”

The girl frowned. “You're not gonna...chastise me?”

“Nah. You've put up with enough tonight. I'm... I'm just happy that seeing me naked didn't make things like...uncomfortable between us.”

Ronis sat up. “Why would it make things uncomfortable?”

“You know…”

“No, I don't know. But if you're thinking what I think you're thinking, then you need to snap out of it. Nothing physical about you could never deter me. You could get acne, you could turn green, you could grow a third eye...wait no, not-”

“Nope! You said it, you can't take it back,” he said be with a playful chuckle.

“Fineee. I'll even love you with a third eye.”

“Thank you, baby.” The boy pulled the girl into a kiss.

“You are such physical perfection...that if you'd let me... I'd fuck the shit out of you right now,” she whispered against his lips.

Oliver gulped as the blood began to flow throughout his entire body, warming particularly in his groin. “I-I-I-I need to shower.”

Ronis kept her hold on the boy's arms tight. “Babe, it's okay,” she cooed. “It's okay to feel things. I know it's strange but it's natural.”

“I’m not ready,” he whimpered.

“Oliver, I'm not pressing you to do anything, I just don't want you to ever feel disgusted in your own skin. Never. Okay?”

He nodded.

Ronis comforted him with a tender, loving kiss. “Alright, booger. Go have your shower.”

The boy quickly pushed himself off of the bed and entered the bathroom, pressing his back against the door as soon as it was closed. After turning on the shower, the boy took a deep breath and opened the door. “Um...do you wa-wanna j-join me?”

“Absofuckinglutely! But are you sure?”

“Do you really want to give me time to change my mind?” he chuckled.

“No!” Ronis squealed as she jumped off of the bed and into the boy's arms. “As long as I get to touch your ass while we're in there.”

“Sure...as long as it doesn't get weird.”

“I promise it won't. I'll just play them like bongos.”

The boy laughed. “We'll take this thing day by day.”

“Day by day,” she repeated before Oliver blindly walked them backwards into the bathroom while Ronis kicked the door shut, leaving them in the privacy of the steamy room to enjoy the remainder of their Christmas.

---

Jason sighed as he climbed into the back of the limo. “So where is this house?” he asked Lucian.

“Upstate.”

“Okay.”

“Yeah, the owner wants to meet you before he lets you rent it.”

“Ugh, why?”

“Maybe because he doesn't want some teenagers destroying his mansion.”

“It's not ‘some teenagers’. It'll just be Matt and I for two nights.”

“How romantic,” the man said dryly. “So what do you have planned anyway?”

He scoffed. “What do you think?”

Lucian rolled his eyes and stayed silent for the remainder of the ride.

“Oh my God, this looks like a fucking castle,” the brunette gasped as they pulled up the winding driveway to the massive estate.

“It kinda is. It has fifty bedrooms and seventy-two bathrooms.”

“What the fuck! That's insane.”

“Yeah, I'll let the owner tell you the rest if the details.”

“What? Why? I thought this was just a 'hi, nice to meet you. I won't destroy your house’ type of meeting?”

“Just come on,” the man groaned in exasperation as he climbed out of the limo. “And fix your hair.”

Jason rolled his eyes and followed Lucian’s lead, quickly hopping out of the vehicle to rush through the frigid air.

“Come on in,” a vaguely familiar voice offered.

The brunette looked up and met the brown eyes of Mark Diller. Stunned, confused and speechless, the boy had no idea what to think.

“Hi, Jason! You seem a little shocked.”

“Um…yeah. I didn't realize that this was your home.”

“Oh, yes, this is one of my childhood homes actually. So take really good care of it,” he said light heartedly.

“Well, I'm not really sure if I'd be comfortable staying here…”

Mark frowned. “How come?”

“You proposed to me,” he reminded. “And I'm looking for a house to celebrate my anniversary...a little awkward, ain't it?”

Lucian quickly intervened. “What he means is that he can't fully make a decision until he sees the entire estate.”

“Um, no,” the boy hissed. “I meant what I said.”

“And so did I,” Mark replied. “My offer still stands. But in the meantime, if you like the house then I can definitely be professional.” The man extended his arm. “May you do me the honor?”

Jason thought for a minute before sighing. “Well, it is an exquisite home...and pretty much exactly what I'm looking for.” He reluctantly wrapped his arm around the man's before Mark began to lead him through the foyer and down a long corridor. When they passed a large Versailles style mirror, Jason regretted not fixing his hair when his manager had told him to. He self consciously smoothed the wild waves.

Mark smiled. “So, the house, or chateau if you will, was built in 1919 and it was originally a hotel exclusively for the rich and famous. But my great great grandfather bought it and turned it into a single family home. Summers here were always amazing and I hope you and Matt have just as much fun as I did.”

Jason paused. “I'm sorry, I just can't do it. This is way too weird. Besides your house is probably way out of my budget.”

“Lucian didn't tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“I'm letting you stay here for free, of course.”

“But... I- why?”

“I could never make you pay for anything, let only what my family typically charges to rent this place out.”

“Oh...um-”

“I mean, you could still say no and find some place that's the same price and half the size with owners not even half as friendly or cute as me,” he chuckled.

“That's true,” he sighed.

Mark grinned.

“I meant the pricing and size thing, not the cute and friendly thing. Well, no, it's not that you aren't friendly- I, ugh.”

The man laughed. “Well, the house is yours if you want it.”

Jason pursed his lips as he weighed his options.

“There's a theater, four pools: two inside, two outside. There's a race track, stables and a helicopter pad with a pilot on speed dial to take you on tours of the cityyy.”

The corners of the brunette's mouth curled upwards but he fought it.

“Staff will wait on you hand in foottttt,” Mark added.

“Mark, I-”

“There's also the music room.”

“Music room?” he asked, curiosity obviously peaked.

“Allow me to show you.”

Jason obliged as he followed the man to the nearest elevator. He sequestered himself in one corner of the lift while Mark occupied the other. To avoid the awkwardness, the man spoke.

“So how have the fan interactions been on your tour thus far?”

“Pretty interesting. Although, nothing has topped a marriage proposal,” he chuckled.

Mark laughed. “So how did Matt take that? I hope you didn't get into trouble.”

“He doesn't know.”

“Whatttttt, I thought-”

“Well, it wasn't something I thought was a big deal.”

“Hmm I was the most interesting fan interaction and yet you didn't tell him?”

The brunette scowled. “What I do and don't do with my boyfriend is none of your business.”

“Fair enough,” he chuckled.

Jason huffed out a stiff exhale.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.”

“I'm not upset,” he snapped back before sighing. “I just don't like being grilled about stuff, ya know? Especially when it pertains to Matt who does have his issues, but I deal with it because I love him.”

Mark pursed his lips.

“What?”

“Nothing,” he chirped just as the elevator doors slid open.

Jason rolled his eyes and followed him down another corridor, admiring each ornate detail carved into the crown molding and wainscoting along with every expensive piece of art.

“The music room is this door coming up on the right. I'll let you do the honors.”

The brunette excitedly opened turned the knob and his eyes honed right in on the massive piano in the corner. “Oh my God,” he gasped as he rushed over. “This is a Steinway & Sons Rococo Model D Victorian Grand! What year? 1880?”

“1871,” Mark informed as he approached. “With carved Brazilian rosewood.”

“She's beautiful. I never thought I'd ever seen one in person,” the boy exhaled, hands hovering over keys. “May I?”

“It may be out of tune. But I'd be honored to have Jason Dardo play the piano in my house.”

The boy eagerly sat at the leather stool before his fingers danced across the antique keys producing a rich yet hollow sound. “Yeah, she could definitely use a tuning but, ugh, you almost want to leave it like that because she's seen so much and you just have to respect it.”

Mark smiled admiringly. “The way you speak about the piano, like it's a person, is so eloquent.”

He blushed. “I just love this instrument so much.”

“May I?” he asked as he gestured towards the spot next to the boy.

“Sure.” Mark sat down and moved his fingers across the piano in a lighting fast flourish that made Jason's jaw dropped. “I didn't know you could play. And really well at that.”

“Of course not. You don't know me,” he said as he slowed the melody down to a soft sensuous number. “And you didn't never called to get to know me.”

“No I didn't,” Jason admitted. “But your Wikipedia said that your hobbies included 'attempting’ to play the piano.”

Mark grinned. “You looked up my Wiki?”

“No, no,” he said defensively. “Lucian did.”

“Hmm,” the man hummed before singing one of boy's hit singles in a pitch perfect voice that shocked Jason even more. “If I could turn back the hands of time, oh you ,my darling, would've always been mine,” he sang, tweaking the words to match how he felt. “You'd never have to be scared or cryyy. You'd never have to scream or wonder why, if I could turn back the hands of time.”

Jason was immensely moved by the rendition that he barely noticed when the man began to lean in. And when he realized, the mesmerized boy closed his eyes as he felt Mark's slow breathing against his lips.

“Strictly professional,” the man whispered before quickly pushing himself off of the stool. “Like I said earlier, if you want the house for the weekend, it's your. I just...I just can't do this,” he rushed with a lump in his throat before exiting the room.  

Extremely embarrassed, Jason took a deep breath and shook off the tense interaction before pushing him off of the stool and out of exit. He retraced his steps down the corridor and up the elevator until he found Lucian in the living room. “Yo, what the fuck did you do to Mark?”

“Nothing,” he said, questioning in his tone. “Wh-What did he, um, what did he say?”

“He gave me the keys and said that he was going to catch a flight to Barcelona because it's warm there. But he looked a little upset so I asked him what was wrong and he said that he didn't want to be the source of your regrets.”

“Oh,” Jason said quietly.

“What does that meannn?” Lucian pressed.

“Nothing,” he snapped. “Let's get this house ready for tomorrow. I need a ride arranged for Matt, chocolate covered strawberries, alcohol free champagne and like ten thousand roses. Go to every florist in New York if you have to.”

“News flash, I manage your career. I'm not your assistant.”

“Then hire me an assistant and get this shit done!”

Lucian smirked. “Aww, poor baby. Are you sexually frustrated? Displacing your tension with Mark onto me. Classic.”

The boy scowled. “I don't have tension with Mark.”

“Well after he turned down my advances, I truly began to see the undeniable chemistry between you two. It's kinda hot to watch.”

“You're disgusting,” the boy said as he stormed out of the house.

“I know that!” Lucian chuckled. “I'll get right on making this place a sex dungeon for you!”

---

Despite being the disaster that happened the last time she'd seen her son, Lisa was extremely excited to see Matt that Christmas for dinner. The duo was joined by Josh, Lace and even one year old Anais.

“Her being here doesn't make you uncomfortable, does it, Mom?” Josh asked. “As I was leaving Dad's, she didn't want me to put her down so I just brought her along.”

“Oh, no it's fine,” Lisa assured. “She's a innocent little angel.”

“Angel,” the toddler repeated.

“Yes! You areee,” Matt cooed as he fed his sister more peas.

“So, I wanted to talk to you guys about something,” the matriarch began. “David and I being engaged.”

Matt acted like he didn't hear the statement as he continued to coddle and feed the girl.

“What about it, Mom?” Josh asked.

“What do you think? Am I rushing-”

“Yes,” her younger son quietly interjected. “You got divorced two seconds ago and now you want to subject yourself to all of that vulnerability again? I just don't get it.”

“But David and I have a connection. If you know you want to be with someone for the rest of your life, why wait? Especially at my age.”

“Especially at your age, you should know better,” he retorted.

The woman frowned.

“All I'm saying is think about it,” the boy said, tone uncharacteristically understanding. “You wouldn't be asking us if we think it's too soon if you didn't have concerns of your own.”

Lisa's expression slowly morphed into defeat. “Yeah... I do.”

“Like what, Mom?” Josh asked.

“A few things. I have no idea where we'll live, he has his practice in London and I have my office here and we haven't discussed it, but I'm not sure if either of us is ready to move across the world.”

“But can't you open a office in London or vice versa?” her son continued. “I just think that if you don't have small kids in the house and you're so in love, distance isn't a problem.” His wife gave him a gentle nudge in the side and they shared a kiss.

“But she hasn't even known this guy that long,” Matt retorted. “What if you move and discover that you hate it there? Or his family is crazy as fuck.”

“Matty, don't say fuck at the table.”

“Sorry, but it's true.”

“But if that's what Mom wants to do, even if it all fails, we'll be there for her because we're her kids Matt,” Josh said. “We don't agree with some things you do but we support you because we love you.”

“I guess,” the boy mumbled.

“Although, I'd prefer if you got David to move here. I don't think I can live without your beef wellington Wednesdays.”

“I've gotten all of his favorite meals mastered  except for that one!” Lace exclaimed. “It's so difficult. You just have to to share your secret with me.”

Lisa giggled. “Well according to Josh, if I tell you my secret, I won't be useful anymore.”

“Mom, that's not true. We'll need you for a lot of things.”

“Like?” the woman pressed.

“Cooking...telling us how great we are...um,-”

“We'd really miss you,” Lace added.

“Thank you, Lace,” the woman said, clearly unconvinced.

“How about we open presents?” Josh asked in attempt to ease the awkwardness.

“Yes!” Matt cheered as he grabbed his little sister. “I got the coolest stuff for you Anais.”

He rushed to the living room followed by the other three adults.

“Did you miss being on the Christmas card this year?” Josh asked his mother.

“The Christmas card thing is a Lent tradition. I'm no longer a Lent, therefore, no. Besides, I think it's such a lame thing to do. 'Oh let's all put on goofy sweaters to take pictures to send to everyone, meh’,” she mocked.

Matt cackled. “That's amazing.”

“Yeah we just weren't feeling it without you being included,” Josh admitted.

“Well that's sweet of you but because I'm no longer associated, doesn't mean you need to cut that side of your family out.”

“We won't,” he assured.

The group quickly went through the gifts underneath the tree, sharing 'thank yous’ and hugs until Josh grabbed the last box from underneath the tree and handed it to Lisa.

“Aw, what's this?”

“Just open ittttt.”

The woman obliged, lifted the lid and began to read the card inside. “Thank you for always being there for us, we'll always support each other. We need your help now more than ever because you're about to be a grandmother!” she read, barely getting through the last line without bursting into tears. “A grandmother!” the woman wept as she threw her arms around the couple.

“Yeahhhh, I totally almost ruined the surprise at the table,” the man chuckled. “We'll need your help with everything.”

“I don't know how to change a diaper,” Lace whimpered in embarrassment.

“Oh, sweetheart, you'll learn! I'll teach you everything I know. Oh my God, I'm going to be a grandmother!”

“I'm going to be an uncle,” Matt pondered. “Cool.”

“How far along are you? Do we know the gender yet? Can I be in the room when you deliver? Oh! The nursery! What color scheme-”

“Mom, mom, you have to give us time to answer the question before you ask another,” Josh chuckled.

“Sorry, sweetheart! I'm just sooooo excited.”

“I’m 13 weeks. We don't know the gender yet but we'll find out soon. I'm not sure if you'd want to be in the room when I deliver, my bum isn't the prettiest sight and the nursery, well, I was hoping that you'd help me fix it up. I know nothing about interior design.”

Lisa squealed. “Yes! Do you want to wait before or after you find out the gender? You know, we can always go gender neutral.”

“I'd like that,” Lace sighed.

“Babe, sit d-”

“Yes, Lace sit down and rest,” Lisa rushed as she lead the girl to the couch. “There's no such thing as too much rest for a pregnant woman.”

Lace shot her husband a wide eyed look but Josh smiled, assuring her that it was okay.

“Mom, your phone's ringing,” Matt announced.

“Oh, it's probably just David. I'll call him back later,” she said dismissively as she sat next to her daughter-in-law. “So have you thought of any names? What hospital will you be delivering at?”

Matt shook his head as he approached his brother. “Are you really going to let her hijack your wife's womb?”

Josh laughed. “I think all grandmothers do.”

“I guess. Congrats, bro.” They shared a hug before Matt checked his watch. “Jason should be here any minute.”

“Oh, yeah. Have fun. Happy anniversary.”

No less than five minutes later, there was a loud horn that sounded from outside.

“So is Jason too big of a star to come in and say hello now?”

“Mom, just stop,” Matt sighed as he opened the door. Instead of his boyfriend's Honda, there was a sleek white Rolls Royce waiting in the driveway. A massive grin spread across the boy's face until a stranger climbed out of driver's side.

“You Matt?”

“Yeah.”

“I was sent to take you…” he checked his script, “‘on a night of magical events that you'll never forget’,” he recited dryly before opening the door to the back seat.

The boy cleared his throat and made his way to the vehicle, thanking the man as he climbed inside.

Matt rubbed the smooth leather seats that he would've appreciated much more had Jason been there with him. “So where are we going?”

The man checked his script. “'To a magical place...far...far...away’.”

“Nice…” the boy sighed as he pulled out his phone to send his boyfriend a message.

Matt: What are you up to?

Jason: I can't wait to see you ;)

Matt: Babeee

Jason: ❤

Matt tucked his phone into his pocket and subjected his attention out of the window. Watching the snow covered evergreens pass by over the next twenty minutes as his medicine kicked in made the boy drowsy. After they pulled up the winding driveway of the Diller mansion, the man opened Matt's door, offer him a helping hand so that he could exit with ease.

“Holy fucking shit,” Matt drawled as he approached the house, leaving the driver to mumble about how he was cheap for not tipping. The man quickly sped off before he had to recite another cheesy line from the script Jason had prepared for him.

Matt rang the doorbell to the estate and he was greeted by Jason's voice. “Come on in, daddy. And follow the rose petals,” he said seductively.

The boy turned the antique doorknob, entered the mansion and was instantly greeted by the aroma of fresh rose petals emanating from the bright red path that led as far as his eyes could see. The petals were lined with gold candelabras varying in heights that offered a soft, luminous glow which reflected off of any glass or metallic surface, turning the luxurious mansion into a palace of romance. Matt did as Jason was told, following the petals until he reached the foot of the large curving staircase where he saw the sparkling blue gift box with his name on the tag. He picked it up and opened it.

“Wow, a rolex.” The boy immediately slid the expensive accessory onto his wrist before continuing his journey up the stairs when he came across yet another present. Yawning as he opened it, Matt chuckled when he saw the riding crop, ball gag and handcuffs. He entered the corridor and had to admit that the large, empty mansion was slightly eerie but he made his way atop the petals until they ended at a door towards the end of the hall.

Matt opened the door and the sight of his nude boyfriend covered in rose petals and illuminated by soft candlelight was heavenly.

“Happy anniversary,” Jason said softly.

“Happy anniversary,” the boy chuckled in disbelief. “This is incredible.”

“I'm glad you like it because it's all for you.”

Matt grinned.

“Get over here.”

The boy approached, placed his stuff on the nightstand and after kicking off his shoes, climbed into bed with the brunette. “So whose house is this? I know you wouldn't buy anything like this without telling me.”

“That's not important,” Jason said as he straddled him. “The important thing is making this a magical night to remember.”

“I swear if I hear the word 'magical’ again, I'll die,” he chuckled.

Jason's face fell a little. “Well, I just want everything to be special.”

“It is, babe. You look incredible.”

“Thank you, baby,” the brunette said before kissing him so passionately that he became even more turned on by the smooth texture of his Matt's mouth. “I have something for you,” he whispered against his lips.

“Jason, I don't need anything else. This Rolex is just incredible.”

“You like it? It has black diamonds.”

“It's fucking amazing. And speaking of bling,” he said as he dug into his pocket and pulled out the gold band with three small diamonds set into it. “Give me your hand.”

“Matt..” Jason sighed, slightly uncomfortable with the situation.

“You don't want it?”

“Of course I do. It's beautiful...but I'm just not ready for what comes with it.”

“Well, it's a promise ring. I just want you to let you know that I'm doing my best to stay good and I want us to continue working on us. I love you and I wanna be with you. Forever.”

“Forever is definitely a goal I can work towards,” he giggled.

“Then give me your hand, dork.”

Jason held out his right hand and Matt slid the gold onto the boy's ring finger.

“It's so beautiful.”

“Yeah? I did good?”

“You did amazing, baby. I love it.”

“Good,” he said, stifling a yawn. “It'll only cost me ninety-nine bucks per month until it's paid off.”

“Aww, babe, how much is it?”

“None of your business.”

“But I don't want you wasting your money that could be going to your school stuff for on a ring for me.”

Matt shrugged. “That's my choice.”

“Babe, how much? Let's just pay it off now.”

“I don't have the money to pay it off now and I refuse to let you pay for your own gift. That's ridiculous.”

Jason sighed. “I'll get the information eventually and-”

“Babe, I really don't have the energy for this,” he yawned as he slid the boy off of his lap.

“No, no, no please,” the brunette whimpered, wrapping his arms around the boy's neck. “I'm sorry.”

Matt cracked a soft smile.

“I love you so much,” Jason said before pulling him into a steamy make out, unbuttoning the boy's shirt while his tongue fought for dominance. “You've been a very naughty boy this year. But inside of a lump of coal, I have something else for you.” He popped the remainder of the buttons open and went right to the boy's trousers, quickly undoing the belt and tugging at the hem. Matt lifted his hips to make for a seamless removal.

Jason bit his bottom lip in anticipation only to have his face fall when the usually ready boy was still soft. He sighed, gently took the member into his hand and began to stroke.

Matt closed his eyes as his head fell back onto the pillow. With the brunette's touch, the boy became hard within seconds.

Jason grinned. “So you just needed a jumpstart,” he whispered before kissing the tip of his boyfriend's dick. Matt shuddered at the pleasure and relaxed into the bed as his boyfriend worked his mouth along him.

“That feels amazing, baby,” he mumbled.

The brunette pulled out all of his best tricks, taking the cock completely into his mouth and getting as much as he could pass the threshold of his throat before adding a hand to massage the base while his teeth gently grazed the shaft which added an entirely new sensation. This was usually a surefire way to get Matt moaning and groaning, but when the boy remained silent, Jason continued to stroke him as he pulled his mouth away. “Babe?” When Matt responded with a light snore, Jason scowled. “Matt!”

“Hmm?”

“I'm giving you a fucking amazing blowjob and you fall asleep?!”

“I'm not asleep,” the boy slurred. “I was just resting my eyes. It feels so good, baby,” he exhaled before snoring again.

“Matttttt,” the boy whined as he shook him.

“What?” he snapped.

“Wake up!”

“I'm up!”

“No you aren'tttt. It's our anniversary and I wanna fuck.”

Matt groaned as he stretched and kissed the boy before pulling the boy on top of him. Jason quickly grabbed the condom and chocolate flavored lube that he'd tucked underneath the pillow, ripped it open and slid it onto his boyfriend's dick. The brunette cracked half a smile as he placed his hands on Jason's waist, helping the boy balance as he slathered his cock with the sweet lube before lowering himself.

Jason's breathing was labored and he winced as he adjusted to the invasion.

“Told you I was up,” Matt chuckled weakly.

“You weren't at first, asshole,” the brunette groaned as he began to rock his hips.

“I wassss,” he sighed as his eyes rolled back in pleasure.

Jason lifted himself up and then back down, repeating the motion as he worked up a rhythm. “Fuck,” he moaned. The boy was able to get about five minutes of pleasure before Matt's hands fell from his waist to the bed and the familiar snore sounded. “Matt!”

“Hm?”

“Wake up!”

The boy nodded but didn't open his eyes, forcing Jason to think of the ethical code that came along with fucking someone in their sleep. Matt would've wanted me to get off, he thought as he picked up the pace. But it's not as fun without him enjoying it too. Well, it's only fair. I put all this shit together for him. The boy didn't have to debate much longer as he felt Matt's cock soften inside of him.

“Ughhhh,” the brunette whimpered. He slapped the boy across the chest.

“The fuck,” Matt groaned.

“I hate you,” Jason sniffled as he dismounted the boy.

He mumbled something unintelligible as he turned on his side. Self confidence virtually demolished, Jason wiped his eyes from their brewing tears and grabbed his robe from the floor. He snatched the promise ring from his finger and threw it across the room before exiting the chamber of romance altogether.

The boy made his way back down the corridor and blew out all the candles just as the estate's phone began to ring. Unsure if he should answer, he cleared his throat and did so anyway.

“Hello?” he answered, voice more shaky than he anticipated.

“Jason? It's Mark. I'm not sure if they told you, but you don't have to worry about any of the alarms. I have my guys at the north and south security gates so just lock the front door and you'll be fine. If you need them just dial nine on any of the phones.”

“Okay..thank you.”

“Are you okay?”

“Um, yeah. Just, um, a little tired.”

“Oh, shit I'm so sorry for interrupting. Merry Christmas,” he rushed before hanging up.

“No wait- ugh,” the boy sighed as he returned the phone to the receiver.

Jason made his way to the first bedroom that he found, a sophisticated cream and mahogany themed room that offered the calming effect he so desperately needed. He flopped onto the bed and immediately melted into the cloud like mattress. Still semi hard, the boy exhaled as he removed his robe and wrapped his hand around cock. Filling his mind with what he had hoped his anniversary night would've been like, Jason began to stroke himself as he imagined his boyfriend's mouth around him; clear blue eyes looking up into his.

“Matt,” he panted softly before picking up the pace. The boy's strokes matched the timing of the dick he pictured slamming in and out of his ass. “Fuckkk,” Jason moaned right before coming, sending his hot cum onto his stomach and down his hand. He revelled in the orgasmic feeling for a few minutes prior to entering the ensuite to shower.

Afterwards he returned to his bed and began to scroll through Instagram. He liked a few of Oliver's music quotes and a picture of the boy dressed as the Easter bunny on Ronis’s page.

@roniselizabeth You guys are so dumb lol, he commented before intense curiosity suddenly struck him. The boy scrolled to the search bar and typed: Mark Diller.

Jason clicked on the man's account and as he swiped through, he quickly came across a picture of himself with the caption: Can't wait to meet this amazing artist! @jasondardo

“He tagged me?” the boy asked himself before remembering that his notifications were turned off due to the high volume of likes and comments he received. Jason liked the photo and continued to scroll through the man's page. Despite being a billionaire, there was nothing overly flashy about his current home, the clothes he wore or the cars he drove. The thing that did catch the brunette’s eye was the fact that the man was a thrill seeker who traveled to the far corners of the world in search of crazy and unique things to do. A photo posted just days earlier depicted the man bungee jumping at the Grand Canyon. “Oh God, I'd neverrrr.” And when he came across the man's underwater selfie with a shark. The boy was quick to comment: @markdiller you're insane!

The man's reply was swift. @jasondardo you call it insane, I call it living life to the fullest

@markdiller well at the way you put your life at risk, I'd hope so

@jasondardo yeah. I think the most dangerous stunt I've ever pulled was proposing to someone who I knew would say no

The brunette sighed in exasperation.

@markdiller foolish, yes. Dangerous? No.

Jason anxiously waited for a response but when the small notification popped up, he clicked on it on to realize that it was Ronis replying to him.

@jasondardo takes a dummy to know one :P

The boy did his best to convince himself that he wasn't disappointed as he returned to Mark's page. He noticed that the man had posted something new only minutes ago; a photo of the empty space on the bed next to him captioned: I wish you were here so that I could tell you how I really feel

Jason had no idea what to think but he was extremely grateful when he saw Ronis’s number flash across his screen.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Hi, my love! Merry Christmas/Anniversaryyyy!”

“Thank you, Ro Roooo. Merry Christmas to you too.”

“I debated calling because I knew you'd be like knee deep in ass,” she giggled.

“Oh my God, I wish! Matt fell asleep and I had to jerk off just to stay sane,” he admitted to his best friend without embarrassment.

“Oh nooo.”

“Yeah, I had this house all set up with candles and roses and then he comes in, gives me a promise ring, I go down on him and he falls asleep. And he's like 'what?! Nooo I'm just resting my eyesss’,” Jason mocked in a lazy drawl.

Ronis cackled. “He did not!”

“He did! So I'm like fuck it, I need to get off before he falls asleep again. I start riding him and he starts snoring again and believe it or not, I kept going.”

The girl gasped. “How does that even work?”

“Well it didn't for long because he went soft after a few minutes. I was so pissed that I threw that stupid promise ring across the room and just left him there.”

“Aww, come on JJ don't be like that. Matt loves you.”

“If he loves me so much then why am I having to masterbate on my anniversary? Ugh, I wanted to slap him.”

The girl laughed.

“You're so evillll. It's not funny,” he said, chuckling himself. “Probably because you already got some tonight.”

“I did,” Ronis admitted, trying not to sound braggy.

“How was it?”

“Jason!” the girl gasped. “It's so unlike you to want to talk about sex.”

“I couldn't give two shits right now. I'm so horny!”

“I love it! Okay so Oli’s in the shower so I have to make it quick because he's too bashful to talk about sex but I saw him naked for the first time today and O-M-G his body is amazing. He has a perfect ass and I probably shouldn't even be telling you about my man while you're horny but I'll let it slide this time because he's just so perfect.”

“Okay, okay. Speaking of guys with nice bodies, you know how I told you about that billionaire guy?”

“Yes! How could I forget?!”

“I know right. But yeah, I go to rent out this house and he's the owner!”

“Oh my God, crazyyy. That's a sign, JJ.”

“A sign of what?”

“A sign of something that needs to chill the fuck out because I ship you and Matt.”

The boy laughed. “Fair enough. But he's really nice and he knows music!”

“Oh God,” Ronis groaned. “That's the fastest way into your panties.”

“Is not! Well…”

“JJ,” she said sternly. “What did you do?”

“I didn't do anythingggg but I may or may not have leaned in for a kiss as he played the piano.”

“Did you kiss?!’

“Nooo. Like you could tell he wanted to but I guess he has amazing self control and left quickly thereafter.”

“Good!”

“Well yeah. It would've been a mistake but, like I said, he's really nice and is staying here for free.”

“Okay, the house is free but what do you think he'll want in return? Ass?”

“Honestly, if he wanted ass he could have it right now.”

“Oh my God, shut upppp. You don't mean that.”

“My mouth doesn't but my hole does.”

Ronis cackled. “You're terrible! No, but you're just really cranky cause I know how much tonight meant to you and how much planning went into it. So it's okay to be pissed but don't do anything that you'll regret, okay?”

The boy sighed. “I won't. I'll probably just watch some teacher student porn and call it a night.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Alright. I love youuuu.”

“I love you more, JJ.”

“Not even,” he chuckled. “Bye.”

Just to tease, the boy went to Mark's page, took a screenshot of one of the man's shirtless photos and sent it to Ronis.

Ronis: Noooo! Well... I mean...maybe- No! Just no!

Jason cackled and then sighed. He watched the first porn video he could find and went for rounds two and three before passing out.

---

The next morning, Matt awoke with an extremely dry mouth, something that he'd gotten used to as a side effect of his medicine. The boy stretched and winced at the long scrape on his chest that was tugged when he moved. “How did that get there?” he rasped before simply shrugging. He sat up to retrieve his trousers. “Jason?” the boy called as he pulled on his pants. When there was no answer, Matt walked towards the exit of the room. On his way out, a glint of something shiny caught his attention. The boy knelt down to pick it up and discovered his promise ring was now missing one of its diamonds. “What the fuck,” he gasped.

Matt clutched the gold band in his hand and quickly stormed out of the room. “Jason!” he shouted, retracing his steps down the path of roses to the living area and then kitchen where he smelled bacon emanating from it. He found the boy seated at a breakfast nook, eating fresh fruit as he scrolled through his phone while a man dressed in full chef attire worked diligently at the stove. “Good morning,” Matt said to the man.

“Bonjour,” he chirped.

The boy made his way next to Jason and without a word placed the promise ring on the table. Before either could say anything, the chef handed Matt a menu.

“Oh, um, mercy.”

“It's merci,” Jason corrected under his breath.

“No, it's why did I find this ring on the floor and missing a diamond?” he asked through gritted teeth, doing his best not to raise his voice.

The brunette looked up from his phone. “I didn't know that a diamond popped out.”

“Popped out? What the hell did you do to it?”

“I threw it across the room,” he calmly admitted.

Matt felt as if someone had spat in his face. “Why?”

“Because I was pissed. I set up this either nice scenery and you fell asleep during sex. Like, I really felt like shit, Matt.”

“Well, I'll admit to being fucking exhausted but I can't help it. My meds make me drowsy.”

At that moment it all clicked for the brunette. He hadn't been around a steadily medicated Matt and the drug's effects were completely unknown to him.

“I mean, I'm trying my best here,” the boy continued. “I mean I could ask my doctor for a lesser dose b-”

He was silenced by Jason's lips against his. “I'm sorry. I totally forgot about your meds and the libido thing... I've unknowingly been an bratty asshole and I'm really sorry.”

“It's okay, babe. So...you destroy things when you don't get sex?” he asked, suppressing his chuckle.

Jason turned bright red. “Well, I get upsetttt. I mean it's becoming a grave need of mine. Almost like an addiction. And if I don't get it, I get hostile,” he bashfully admitted.

“That's so fucking hot.”

The brunette turned even more crimson before Matt kissed him. “Don't worry... I'll make every...thrust... up to you,” he whispered against his lips.

“Promise?” Jason exhaled.

The boy nodded.

He bit his bottom lip in anticipation. “And I promise to get my ring fixed. I'll go crawl on my hands and knees around that room to find the missing diamond.”

“Crawl on your hands and knees and you'll definitely find more than a diamond,” the boy joked.

“Show and tell?” the brunette giggled.

The couple shared a kiss before the chef approached. “Avez-vous choisi?” he asked as he gestured towards the menu.

“Umm,” Matt hummed as he quickly flipped through the booklet. “Strawberry crepes.”

“Crepes?”

“Sí.”

“Babe, it's ‘oui’,” Jason giggled. “'Sí’ is Spanish.”

“My badddd. What'd you order?”

“An omelette. Although I didn't see the crepessss.”

“We can share.”

The brunette raised an eyebrow. “So, what's yours is mine?”

“Mhm and what's yours is also yours.”

“Pfft, you know if I make it, you make it, babe. If you ever need or want anything, it's yours.”

“Nah, I'm fine. Working at the bookstore is enough for me.But I do love seeing how far you've come and I'm so proud of your success. From eating in the back of the lunchroom together to eating crepes in a goddamn mansion.”

“From being chased by bullies with fists to being chased by bullies with cameras,” he giggled.

“Right! This past year has really been something...and you deserve every minute of it the love and success.”

“Thank you, baby.”

They kissed and soon after, they received their food. As they ate and shared samples, Matt finally noticed how often the boy's phone was buzzing. “Is that work?”

“Um, no, it's the owner of the house.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. He's just checking in and making sure the staff is okay and stuff.”

“And it takes more than like two messages to accomplish that? Do you know them.”

“I do actually. We met at one of my fan meet and greets and um, he was really nice,” he informed, omitting the fact that the man was open about his crush on him and his distaste for Matt. “And Lucian told me later on that his name was Mark Diller.”

“The CEO guy?”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “How'd you know?”

“We talked about his grandfather a little in marketing. How he came to America with like eighty dollars and a dream that he turned into a multi billion dollar company. I googled a little and saw their wikis awhile back. It's crazy that you know him, they're beyond loaded.”

The boy chuckled. “That's one way to put it. He actually let us stay at this place free of charge.”

“Holy shit, that was generous.”

“Yeah, he said that he just couldn't make Jason Dardo pay.”

“Aw, look at you being influential.”

“Mhm. So, he's just a rich guy who's a big fan so I'm trying to be nice.”

“Nothing wrong with that. You have to be nice to the fans. I mean, as long as they don't cross any lines, I'm cool. That guy who changed his name to Matt was fucking crazy though. If I ever see him out and about, I'm going to beat the shit out of him.”

“Matt,” the brunette went to protest but he grabbed the boy's wrist and began to examine the fading, yellow remains of the bruise the man had left.

“Too far. You are not to be touched. Your security really fucked up. The second he started to act weird, they should've gotten him out of there.”

“Well it was the first time, baby. We learned a lot since.”

“I think they all need to be fired. I could do their goddamn job myself.”

Jason smiled at the boy's protective rant. “You probably could but I'd rather you not be in harm's way like that.”

Matt scoffed. “But it's okay for you to be?”

“Yes because this is the career path I've chosen and I knew it'd be a little crazy.”

The boy groaned. “I knew I'd have to share you with the world eventually, but can I cover you in bubble wrap first?”

Jason giggled and kissed the boy just as his phone went off again. When he saw the message, his face instantly lit up.

“Is that guy still talking about the house because the way you're smiling, like someone told you that you just won the lottery, is-”

“This is Ronis,” the boy said defensively.

“Oh... sorry.”

The brunette rolled his eyes.

“Don't roll your eyes at me.”

“What are you gonna do about it?” he challenged.

Without another word, Matt grabbed the boy's hand and pulled him along to the first room that he saw, the same room the brunette had christened the night before. He pushed Jason onto the bed and the boy landed in a seductive pose. “I had to resort to fucking myself in here last night.” Matt straddled the boy and kissed his neck. “I'm sorry, baby. For what it's worth, I dreamt about you all night.” “It's not worth much if you can prove your love in reality.” “Ooo, you got a smart ass mouth,” Matt growled as he gripped the boy's jaw in his hand. He kissed him. “A pretty mouth.” “I know that.” Matt tightened his gripped on his boyfriend's jaw. “Did I tell you to speak?” “No.” “You'll speak when spoken to and you'll obey my orders.” “Yes, sir.” “Take that fucking robe off.” Jason immediately obliged and untied the fluffy material and let the robe slide off of his shoulders. “You're so fucking beautiful. But you're a slut aren't you?” “Yes,” the boy panted, growing more and more turned on by the second. He didn't know if Matt's dilated eyes were from the medicine or the intense enjoyment he was receiving from dominating him, but as long as he continued without issue, the brunette didn't mind. Matt shoved Jason's torso onto the bed before wrapping his arms around his thighs, aggressively pulling him to the edge of the bed. “You're mine. Don't you ever forget that shit.” “Yes, sir. Show me how much you own this ass.” The boy quickly gripped Jason's fragile throat. “Did I tell you to speak?!” “No,” he rasped. “Then why are you talking, let alone telling me what to do?!” “Cause I'm tired of waiting. Fuck me!” Matt applied more pressure to his grip. “You disobedient little shit! I'm-” “Yamaha,” Jason faintly gasped as he grabbed his boyfriend's wrist to pull it away. He quickly dropped his hand. “Baby, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?” The brunette sat up and rubbed his neck as he nodded. “It just started to hurt and I couldn't breath for a second. I'm fine though.” Matt shook his head. “The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you...but I'm always fucking up,” he mumbled. “Jason, I'm so sorry.” “Shit happens. That's why we have a safe word. Now, come on little bitch,” he said in attempt to antagonize the boy, “fuck me.” Matt placed a gentle kiss on his boyfriend's lips as he returned the robe to his shoulders. “What are you doing?” “I hurt you... I just-” “Nooo, Matt please don't do this. I'm fine!” “No, Jason you aren't fine! It'll probably bruise and people will ask questions and take pictures and it'll be on the tabloids and it'll be this big issue for you and it's all my fault and-” he took a deep breath. “I'm gonna take my other pill.” Matt turned and exited the room, leaving Jason to weep into his pillow. >>>

[not-you-30]

1. Who was the last person you held hands with?

My best friend to not get lost on a concert.

 2. Are you outgoing or shy?

Depends – normally pretty outgoing but if I like somebody or I should be in the centre of attention I can be shy as well.

3. Who are you looking forward to seeing?

People? My best friend, who’s living in London.

Artists? Slipknot, BTS (weird mix ik) & One Ok Rock

4. Are you easy to get along with?

Yes! Most people tend to like me easily. But when people get to know me better they realize I can be pretty complicated as well.

5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?

I don’t drink any alcohol. But of course all of my friends would.

6. What kind of people are you attracted to?

Funny ones

7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?

No. Im pretty complicated when it comes to realitionship.

8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?

Jimin.

9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Depends whom I talk with and what’s the topic. But normally not.

10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My best friend.

11. What does the most recent text that you sent say?

To my best friend about studying.

12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now?

Life Cycles – The Word Alive (forever one of my top5)

Doomsday – Architects (same as above)

This is war – 30 seconds to mars (again…as above)

It never ends – Bring me the horizon (classic)

Spring Day – BTS (pretty recent)

13. Do you like it when people play with your hair?

Yes yes YES

14. Do you believe in luck and miracles?

Sometimes

15. What good thing happened this summer?

Nova rock (as every year)

16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

No.

17. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Yes can’t believe we are the only one.

18. Do you still talk to your first crush?

No. I don’t really see him anymore.

19. Do you like bubble baths?

Yes

20. Do you like your neighbors?

Yes

21. What are you bad habits?

I am lazy and overthinking everything – that’s a really stressful combination.

22. Where would you like to travel?

Right now to asia – Japan or Korea.

23. Do you have trust issues?

No.

24. Favorite part of your daily routine?

Sleeping xD

25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with?

My back and arms

26. What do you do when you wake up?

Look at my phone

27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker?

Maybe a little bit darker but Im good the way it is.

28. Who are you most comfortable around?

My family and best friend

29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up?

I broke up so no.

30. Do you ever want to get married?

Yes

31. If your hair long enough for a pony tail?

Yes

32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with?

I would have a 8-some with a special band xD

33. Spell your name with your chin.

Naaaaaaw

34. Do you play sports? What sports?

Horse-riding and normal fitness stuff

35. Would you rather live without TV or music?

TV!

36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them?

I can’t remember so probably no.

37. What do you say during awkward silences?

Some smalltalk stuff

38. Describe your dream girl/guy?

Guy 😊 From the look: Either heavily tattooed or pretty feminine. Slim, not too muscular, I like long hair and beautiful eyes.

From the inside: Nice, tolerating (I hate racism and discrimination), he has to have humour, likes to have and give freedom and…well I like a little dark dominant side as well 😉  

39. What are your favorite stores to shop in?

Music/Movie stores or equestrian ones

40. What do you want to do after high school?

I am already in university and have a bachelor’s degree

41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

Yes

42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean?

I am tired or upset

43. Do you smile at strangers? Yes

 44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean?

               Outer space – I love the space

45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

Music

46. What are you paranoid about?

Disease

47. Have you ever been high?

No

48. Have you ever been drunk?

No

49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about?

Yeah but wont post it here obviously

50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore?

Black

51. Ever wished you were someone else?

Yeah

52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself?

My laziness

53. Favourite makeup brand?

Im not really into makeup – as long as it does its job

54. Favourite store?

Drop Dead

55. Favourite blog?

Wow idk too many

56. Favourite colour?

Black and turquoise

 57. Favourite food?

Curry

58. Last thing you ate?

Salad

59. First thing you ate this morning?

Soup xD

60. Ever won a competition? For what?

Can’t remember

61. Been suspended/expelled? For what?

No

62. Been arrested? For what?

Hell no

63. Ever been in love?

I am honestly not sure.

64. Tell us the story of your first kiss?

It was at a party – not too spectacular xD The guy was a dick.

65. Are you hungry right now?

Yes ☹

66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends?

No

67. Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook

68. Twitter or Tumblr?

Tumblr

69. Are you watching tv right now?

Yes

70. Names of your bestfriends?

Steffi

71. Craving something? What?

Sweets ☹

72. What colour are your towels?

Mostly orange

72. How many pillows do you sleep with?

One

73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?

They are in my bed but I don’t cuddle (anymore) :D

74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have?

Twenty – Thirty

75. Favourite animal?

Lion

76. What colour is your underwear?

White and blue

77. Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate

78. Favourite ice cream flavour?

hazelnut

79. What colour shirt are you wearing?

black

80. What colour pants?

Black xD

81. Favourite tv show?

RN? A few Korean shows :D

82. Favourite movie?

Lord of the rings

83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2?

Haven’t watched either ☹

84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street?

21 Jump streets.

85. Favourite character from Mean Girls?

Well as I said….haven’t seen it.

86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo?

Dory :D

87. First person you talked to today?

My mum.

88. Last person you talked to today?

My dad.

89. Name a person you hate?

Nobody tbh

90. Name a person you love?

My mum 😊

91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now?

No

92. In a fight with someone?

My ex-best friend…it’s not really a fight we just don’t talk anymore. I wish we still would ☹

93. How many sweatpants do you have?

4 or 5

94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have?

Oh God…maybe 10

95. Last movie you watched?

Uhm somethings with last summer on Netflix

96. Favourite actress?

Saoirse Ronan

97. Favourite actor?

Timothée Chalamet

98. Do you tan a lot?

No

99. Have any pets?

Yes a cat and a bunny 😊

100. How are you feeling?

Good…a little bit stressed due to many exams.

101. Do you type fast?

Yeah pretty much

102. Do you regret anything from your past?

Not in a long term point of view

103. Can you spell well?

Well there are surly better

104. Do you miss anyone from your past?

Yeah…my ex-best friend

105. Ever been to a bonfire party?

Yes 😊

 106. Ever broken someone’s heart?

Yeah…

107. Have you ever been on a horse?

Every week multiple times 😊 I have to foster horses 😊

108. What should you be doing?

Maybe studying but I did it all day so I guess Im good.

109. Is something irritating you right now?

University xD

110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt?

Yes…

111. Do you have trust issues?

No

112. Who was the last person you cried in front of?

My best friend

113. What was your childhood nickname?

The same as today 😉

114. Have you ever been out of your province/state?

Of course – multiple times 😊

115. Do you play the Wii?

Yes

116. Are you listening to music right now?

No

117. Do you like chicken noodle soup?

Yes 😊 Especially when Im sick

118. Do you like Chinese food?

Yeah

119. Favourite book?

Uhm…some historical novels 😊 And the captive prince novel 😉

120. Are you afraid of the dark?

Yes when it’s completely dark

121. Are you mean?

Normally not

122. Is cheating ever okay?

I’d say no but I think I would still excuse it.

123. Can you keep white shoes clean?

No but I never plan to xD

124. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes

125. Do you believe in true love?

Yes

126. Are you currently bored?

No

127. What makes you happy?

Music, concerts, horse riding

128. Would you change your name?

No

129. What your zodiac sign?

Leo

130. Do you like subway?

Yes 😊

131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

Happened to me – we worked it out 😊

132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My best friend

133. Favourite lyrics right now?

I’ll get architects “Souls don’t break the bend” tattooed in two days so yeah…

134. Can you count to one million?

I could but it would take some time xD

135. Dumbest lie you ever told?

I can’t remember tbh

136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed?

Depends if my cat sleeps in my bed or not. If he does, they are open 😊

137. How tall are you?

1.68m

138. Curly or Straight hair?

straight

139. Brunette or Blonde?

Brunette

140. Summer or Winter?

Spring :P

141. Night or Day?

Night

142. Favourite month?

December (Advent, Christmas & New Years Eve 😊)

143. Are you a vegetarian?

Not yet but I don’t really eat much meat.

144. Dark, milk or white chocolate?

Milk chocolate

145. Tea or Coffee?

tea

146. Was today a good day?

It was okay 😊

147. Mars or Snickers?

Snickers

148. What’s your favourite quote?

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything

  149. Do you believe in ghosts?

No 😊

150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line on that page? 

“…considerable power and a warrior of long experience.”

[supelee179-blog]

email@6@<merrychristmas>

=> From M:  But, not only rock: funky too www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWThIcafSX0

=> From M: Sorry this video it´s not avalable. Ok, but you can write: youtube Jestofunk - The Ghetto   and  youtube Jestofunk Say It Again: two dancing songsOK?

=> From G: OMG!! I enjoyed when it played in 10 seconds, yeah it's so funky. I will enjoy it when I wake up. Now it's 21h35pm in Vietnam and I'm enjoying this song http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Let-It-Be-The-Beatles/ZWZ967C8.html

=> From M: OMG I have found a person who feels passion with my music like me. My soul feel a lot hearing good music. The following song is fantastic. www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb-B3IsgEfA

=> From G: i'm sorry <emotion>

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=fbf98dd203&view=att&th=1584dc7be6e6a457&attid=0.1&disp=safe&realattid=f_ivc7o0pa0&zw

=> From G: Hi manule! can you send to me your youtube's link again? I coudn't watch it...

=> From M: OK  <emotion> www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HNtsdtnBfkVùng tệp đính kèmXem trước video trên YouTube Orbital BelfastOrbital Belfast

=> From M: Hi Ly. Little by little Christmas is about to arrive, but, I´m only thinking in my next visit in Vietnam. I´m very curious when I drink my cane: What do you want to put in my glass. At the moment I send a new song: enjoy and dance. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGBhQbmPwH8Vùng tệp đính kèmXem trước video trên YouTube Daft Punk - One More TimeDaft Punk - One More Time

=> From G: Manuel dear ! What do you want i put in your glass? Calm down and enjoy this Vietnamese music. It was written by Trịnh Công Sơn musician and Vietnamese people call that's Trịnh music for any song which were witten by him.Lyrics was translated into English: Sand and dustWhich grain of dust has been turned into my bodySo as one day it has awaken and grownOn the marvelouse dustWhich noise has relentlesslyHow many years have past since being comdemned to be humanOne evening the air turns white as limeLike dead leaves falling down on top of a thick jungleAfter hundred years would died one dayWhich sun shines on my heart for my love to turn into stoneMy face in my hands, despairingDay and nights waiting for good newsWhich woodland tattered dead leaves from abyss hear massy stone callDestiny of sand wich ink stroke will erase my nameWhich sand

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Cat-Bui-Hong-Nhung-Quang-Dung/ZWZ968UF.html

=> From G: How was your today, manuel ? 

 => From M: Hi ly. Excuse me l have been a little busy. You sent me a song with the leter:it's nice but at the same time sad. My friend the time spent fastly: enjoy.Old african song:When Dendid created everything, Created the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, The Sun, the Moon and the Starts are born and die, But they are born again, Dendid created the man too, The man is born and dies, But the man isn't born never more

Take care my friend

=> From G: <emotion>    take care my friend !

=> From M:  Today is a nice day: it's sunny and l can look at clearly a fantastic landscape. I work in a beautiful place, in front of my job there is a range of mountains. Sometimes l can see a  breathtaking rainbow while it's raining. A day l'll leave this center and then l'll miss this place. My friend l'm still problems to sleep: it's hard, but l have to resist. I need to save up because l would like to visit Hanoi. The last summer l enjoyed a lot drinking my coffee in a new coffeeshop whose name is Hippy land: young and nice atmosphere hearing music in the street. I met with friendly vietnamese in Hoan Kiem and Little Hanoi. But l remember my night friendly meetings with the vietnamese receptionist and new english traveller in the new backpackers. I'm looking forward enjoing again good times and moments in Hanoi. I like seeing to blow up electric storm in Hoan kiem, walking around Big Lake and botanical garden. I remember too friendly backpackers. Sorry today l feel nostalgy. Take care and enjoy my friend

=> From G: Thanks for your sharing about the days you had stayed in Vietnam, met friends in Ha Noi and the memories you had,.. you made me remember Ha Noi too. Ha noi is also my mother's village, but I rarely come back there because I have to work for live in da nang.The nearest time I had came back ha noi in the last days of February this year to take part in volunteer travel in mountains northwest of Viet Nam.That organization's name is:V.E.O (Volunteer for education organization). You know? My mission was taughting English for the kids of the highland. Sounds so silly while my English was not good. <emotion>

When I had waited for that trip in Da Nang railway station and met a girl, she was from Germany, her name was Carolyn,then sudenly we have found our name same with "ly" letter ,same car, seats closer together,.. :)..and some interesting sharing from her, and met 2 backpackers, they were Gemanies,too. Yeah I remember them all but I had neither their number phones nor emails, This thing make me regret alot <emotion> .If you have any their emails or Skypes,..i think you should contact to them, they would be happy.If not you should come back again and one more time enjoying your beautiful days with friendly friends in Ha Noi, and you would be have a different completely passion.

Can you tell me why you will leave your job, a beautiful place?

These days the weather in Ha Noi is freezing,

To day it's fairly cold in Da Nang, sometimes it rains and sunny but their isn't apearence of rainbow in the sky. The Christmas atmosphere is approaching, Christmas trees, snow globes,purls, rock caves.. are being decorated everywhere..super markets, bookshops, coffee shops, clothes shops, some places,..

I had ever face to sleeping, closed my eyes and played counting sheeps: one sheep, two sheeps, three sheeps.. but everything was not better then i had got up , drank a cup of warm water, moving some light actions, everything had became alright after that, untill now i usually have a nice sleep after a hard working day, what's a facility!

 Everything will be okay, friend!

 OMG! my letter so long 

=> From G: Have you ever listened this song?

 Click these links and enjoy:)https://youtu.be/bQYxOUIAHnEhttps://youtu.be/j9VLOXdx9VQhttps://youtu.be/uJ-t9PM4nbs => From M: Thanks a lot for your songs: I have enjoyed listening them. But I like sending this impressive native song of United States of America. I wish you could imagine you are flying in the sky, communicating  with the birds.<emotion> www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQrQY3WxG5Q&t=87s

=> From M: My friend Hearing your vietnamese songs I feel nostalgy for Vietnam, but, specially I love Hanoi, but the last summer I realized Da Nang is my second house in Vietnam: thanks for the songs.

=> From G: No lyric ?! ok if I was a bird, I whish i could be a white dove :) <dove emotion>

=> From M: Ok my friend, don´t worry, if you want to be a dove, I´ll get a gun and I´ll shoot you in the ass, after grilled or made a soup. Don´t angry: kidding my friend in a funy way: OK?

Take care

=> From G: OK, just for fun <emotion> but,I think if you took only one second to lift your gun and shoot forwards, the poor dove would took a shit on your face before you could even finish <emotion> <emotion>

=> From M: Ok my friend: it's funy too. I have laughed reading your story tale. You are dangerous and a little crazy. By the way l'm looking forward to visiting your country again the next summer, l need to practice my vietnamese.

=> From M: It's true my friend. I'm impressive you always chat wise words.

=> From G: Thanks, my friend :)

=> From G: I read this quote by chance, it's also true <emotion>

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=fbf98dd203&view=att&th=1591708ee9dc290e&attid=0.1&disp=safe&realattid=f_iww1uwwz0&zw

=> From M: I send you a nice video clip about Barcelona: it´s nice. I wish you enjoyed seeing this nice city. BARCELONA During the Christmas season www.youtube,com/watch?v=1DGFZ3Vs1EE

Sorry I have mistaken www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DGFZ3Vs1EEVùng tệp đính kèmXem trước video trên YouTube Barcelona - During the Christmas seasonBarcelona - During the Christmas season

=> From G: Yea,<crying emotion> <crying emotion> I desiring a trip right now,A fantastic Barcelona!! I wish I would touch your soil one day and say Hello Erope! Hello Spain! Hello Barcelona!  Agradecer <emotion> => From G: Manuel dear! Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things work and love makes all things beautiful. May you have all the three for this Christmas. Merry Christmas !!🎄🎄🎄 Take care my crazy friend 😄

=> From M: Thanks a lot for your Merry Christmas. I'm very hapy because you think about me l'm a little crazy, but you mistake l'm very crazy. Take care

  => From G: No you're a crazy man and a little handsome. Haha I'm kidding <emotion>

__continoue__