#it should just go be a part of maryland at this point

[thewulf]

Not Just Pals || Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Summary: Request - Hello darling! I have a request for you if you don't mind... It's a hangman x fem! Reader pen pals to friends to lovers kind of thing. Like maybe when he was in the academy someone put his name in this program to write to college students but joke on them because he got paired with reader and they hit it off almost instantly... Read Rest Here

A/N: Whew! This one was for whatever reason really tough to write! I changed it up a little bit but I hope you guys still enjoy it. :)

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female Reader

Word Count: 3.9k +

T/W : Self-doubt

October 9th, 2014

Hi There Y/N,

I’m not sure how you’re really supposed to start one of these things? How are you supposed to go about talking to somebody you’ve literally never met before? Although the Navy/Army pen pal thing could be interesting. I’ll be honest, my buddy signed me up and I didn’t think I’d actually write anything down but then I got the email with your name on it, Cadet Y/N Y/L/N. Consider myself intrigued.

What’s it like up in New York? Is it cold? Do you get a lot of snow? It gets awfully cold down here in Maryland, so I have to imagine how cold it gets up there. I’m from Texas so I’m still adjusting to this weather… four years later. It’s not easy. I think it’s the hardest part of living in the northeast. I’d rather run a marathon with a thirty-pound pack on than sit outside in the snow for more than twenty minutes. I hope to get stationed somewhere warm when this is all set and done.

Your ‘about me’ says you’re going into the Air Defense Artillery after West Point… which is the exact opposite of what I’m doing. Consider myself doubly intrigued Cadet. What do you do? Fire missiles and rockets at jets? That can’t possibly be as much fun as firing them when you’re in the air. It’s cool just not nearly as cool as what I do, know what I mean? Maybe a close second though.

Have you even been in a jet before? I bet you’d like it. I obviously don’t know you, but I haven’t met many people who didn’t like it. There’s something so freeing about flying 1,000 miles per hour in a tiny silver tube. You should try it sometime. If this whole thing works out maybe I’ll even take you up one day, who knows?

I guess that was my attempt at 20 questions. Hopefully you didn’t find it too annoying. Hope to hear back from you soon!

Jake Seresin

November 23rd ,2014

Hello Future Lieutenant Jake Seresin,

I’m thrilled you actually decided to write. I’m glad my name was all you needed to pick up that pen. I have to admit you made me giggle a few times. You seem effortlessly funny Mr. Seresin. Even for a soon-to-be Pilot.

I find it comical you’re asking me about the weather of all things, Midshipmen. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do on an awkward first date? But to answer your question, yes it’s cold as all get out up here. But I’m from Indiana so I’m used to it. Doesn’t mean I didn’t wish West Point wasn’t in Georgia or something. Why’d they have to put all the Military schools in the north?

What was it like growing up in Texas? Did you ever see snow? One of my favorite memories from this place is watching my roommate (who’s from Florida) see and play in snow for the first time. She froze her ass off but had the day of her life. She also hates snow now. So, it looks like you warm people have that in common.

To sum it up I guess you can say we fire rockets and missiles. My professors always say, ‘If it sounds like rocket science, it is’. Basically, we need to protect the ground troops from the flying bastards aka you. Although we do love our American flying bastards. So, I guess that doesn’t knock you down too many pegs in my book. Do you think they matched us up because our jobs are the antithesis of the other? If so, somebody had a hilarious sense of humor.

I’ve never been in a jet, and I have no plans to either. I don’t think I’d enjoy it if we’re being honest. You’re talking to the girl who gets sea-sick on cruises and had to take a motion pill if we’re going to an amusement park. My lil brain can’t handle the motion. A character flaw as they say. I also have a sense that you wouldn’t go to easy on me, being Army and all. I’ll stick to my calculations and rockets.

Don’t tell anybody I wrote this, but I do think what you guys do is so badass. I work with a bunch of jealous Cadets who couldn’t make it into the Army Aviation division, they’re just bitter. When I was little my dad used to take me to the Blue Angels shows in Chicago whenever they made their way across the States. Kind of the reason why I wanted to be in the military in the first place. But only my dad knows that. And well, I guess you now too. So, keep my secret safe Mr. Seresin.

I know the weather is less than desirable, but I do hope you’re finding things you love in Annapolis! There are some of the best crab cakes I’ve ever had there.

Thanks for the smiles after a long week!

Your New Friend,

Y/N Y/L/N

February 16th, 2015

Future Second Lieutenant Y/N Y/L/N,

That has a right to it doesn’t it? Your name sounds good with a Second Lieutenant in front of it. Sorry it’s been so long since I wrote. Getting busy with graduation coming up and practical’s and all. It’s a lame excuse I know, but it’s all I got. I hope you know how big I smiled reading your letter to me. I read it about fifty times before I could write a decent response to you. You have a way with words that I haven’t read in a long, long time.

Was your father in the military? None of my family was. I also loved the Blue Angels when they came down to Houston for the air shows. I’d always beg and plead and finally my mom or sister would give in and take me. They’re also the reason I’m here. So, I guess we should thank them that we got to meet. Neither you nor I would be in these academies without them. Your secret is locked away in the drawer and safe in my head too. It’s super safe with me.

I’ll be honest, the food here is so damn good. I sure do miss my Texas barbeque, but the spread is better up over here. Plus, the snacks? I didn’t know there was different brands sold across the states and you guys have better girl scout cookies! That’s just not fair. I could’ve gone my whole life knowing that there were two versions of girl scout cookies and I got the worse version. I’ve enjoyed the move far more than I’ve regretted it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It doesn’t guarantee I’ll be a pilot, but it means I’m one step closer to getting there.

What all schooling do you have to do after you graduate this spring? Are you up for deployment soon? I’ve got a lot left to go. If I get picked after I’ve got a few years of flight school ahead of me. Then I’ll really be off. Wish me luck I make it!

With Love,

Jake

March 13th, 2015

Mr. Seresin,

I was getting worried! I thought it was something I had wrote. I’m glad it’s your negligence and not mine for the lack of communication. I forgive you though. It’s been stressful up here in New York as well. I luckily don’t have any practical’s I need to worry about. Just a few nuclear engineering classes are standing in between me and graduation.

I just have a year of Officer School (if I get selected that is) after this is all set and done come June. We have to apply this April so I’m getting a little anxious about the whole thing. I don’t really have a backup plan that I’d actually like to do so I really, really hope I get selected. Enough about me though, let’s talk about you. You’re going to get picked! Don’t let any bad thoughts get in between you and your goal. I think you’ll make a fine pilot Jake. You seem to have your wits about you which is the first step a lot of people miss.

My dad was in the Navy, like you. Don’t gloat though, it’ll ruin the finely crafted image I have of you. He was a deck hand or something like that. I wish I could ask him some more about it, but he passed when I was just thirteen. I just remember he loved being in the Navy. He loved everything about it. He made it seem like anything was possible with a passion.

I’m glad you’re enjoying the food and the girl scout cookies. It took me by surprise when I got Peanut Butter Patties instead of Tagalongs when I was down south for a winter. I’m so glad I grew up where the real GSC are sold.

I hope this letter brought you as much joy as yours brought me.

With the Same Love,

Y/N

(P.S. – Here’s my number if you’d like to text instead of write. No pressure!)

It had only been a week since you sent the last letter. Sure, you hadn’t really known the guy all too well but there was something so exciting about sending written mail. You felt like a little kid on Christmas waiting for a response from him. Who knew throwing your name in something so silly for your class would bring you so much joy.

You sat down on your desk setting your computer out front of you to study. Jake was right. It was an awfully busy time of the year. Applying for your future. Studying for you exams. When you felt your phone vibrate in your pocket you truly didn’t think much of it. It was only hours later when you finally closed the laptop shut that you went to check it that your face scrunched in confusion. You didn’t recognize the area code. It was then that it clicked that it could be him.

No pressure at all text! Hi there (it’s Jake).

You grinned reading it over and over again. That was quick! Maybe you made an impression? You sure hoped so. You hardly even knew what the guy looked like. You might’ve gone digging a little when you got his name. He was cute. Handsome even. But he seemed like that type. That arrogant pilot type. But even in just the two letters you received from him you got the hint that he wasn’t that type of guy at all.

I didn’t think you’d actually text me. It’s good to hear from you.

The messages between the two of you were infrequent at best as the semester ended. But he never failed to put a smile on your face. When you needed a pick me up you went through and read the messages that popped up.

On your graduation day you sent him a picture of you and a few friends in a cap and gown with the text: Beat you! You’re also looking at your newest Officer Candidate too!

You didn’t have to wait long for a reply. Your face only grew with glee seeing his response: Congrats Second Lieutenant. And future Captain. Knew you’d do it. You look beautiful as always.

Typing a quick reply, you hid your smile away just knowing your friends would make a stupid comment about the mystery man that always had you so smiley: You’re making me blush all the way up here in New York. I better get a picture next weekend when you do the same, future Lieutenant.

He came through on your request. When you got the text you could only smile. You spotted him in the picture immediately, your eyes drawn to him. He was so damned handsome. How lucky were you to get paired with a guy like that? Your smile grew further when you read the message: Lieutenant (and future pilot) Jake Seresin reporting for picture duty.

The messages occurred naturally between through the years as you were deployed, and he was in school. Some months you texted more and some you didn’t hear from him at all. It never bothered you. The silly little thing called life happened for both of you.

Still, the two of you often made time for phone calls when the time was right. The first time you talked on the phone you thought you were going to quite literally throw up you were so nervous. But in typical Jake Seresin fashion he made you feel cool as a cucumber. You talked and talked and talked into the morning. It felt so normal. Like you were catching up with an old friend. Jake Seresin. Who was this man that was making it hard to date? He was quite literally everything you wanted and needed in a partner. The universe had a funny way of working sometimes.

It had been six long years since you received that first letter from him. He was off on a mission now. A dangerous one he couldn’t tell you much about. But he wanted you at his arrival back home in San Diego and you promised him you’d be there. Assured him. That’s how you ended up in here pacing in the hotel room contemplating whether you should really go or not. It felt too intimate, like you were intruding. But he did say none of his family would be there, they had other things going on as the mission was a bit of a surprise to everybody. The pilots were all instructed to keep it as quiet as possible.

Your hands were shaking as you parked your car in the overcrowded lot. Gripping the steering wheel, you took a long breath in. You could do this. You had to do this. For him, for you. You stepped out of the car and made you way to the dock. The aircraft carrier was already docked by the time you got to the meeting site. You stood back and waited. Watched and waited. It felt like an eternity then finally the men and women started pouring out in their Navy Whites. You’d always thought they looked the sharpest of the bunch, but you’d never tell Jake that. He’d make fun of your Army uniforms or something like that.

It felt like both an eternity and seconds later that you spotted him amongst the crowd of sailors exiting the ship searching high and low for you. You promised you’d be there. And here you were. He either felt your eyes on him or had an uncanny sense of timing as his eyes locked with your own. His smile had melted you right there on the spot. You felt helpless as you willed your brain to move but it wouldn’t. You only began to panic a little as he moved with ease through the crowd making his way right to you.

He stood in front of you. Jake Seresin stood in front of you, much taller than you thought, “I knew I recognized you. First Lieutenant Y/L/N.” His eyebrows raised as you gaped at him with wide eyes as if he wasn’t really there. Closing your mouth, you knew you needed to pull it together but that sounded much easier said than done. Jake freaking Seresin, your pen pal was really standing in front of you in real life. He was more of enigma in your mind at this point. Somebody you could have deep life conversations with so easily but never having actually met the man it was hard for you to grasp he was really real. And standing in front of you.

“Jake.” You smiled hoping it sounded somewhat normal. He was so much more handsome than the photos he sent through the years. How was that possible? Wasn’t it supposed to go the other way? You continued once your head finally could form coherent sentences, “Well it’s actually Captain now. Got promoted a couple weeks ago.”

He turned his head to the side just slightly, “You didn’t tell me that.” Almost looking offended you hadn’t told him.

“Never felt like the right time to divulge. With this mission and all. Had to keep you locked in.” You looked up to him now studying his face as you gained more courage talking to him. He was something your dreams couldn’t make up.

He nodded not daring to take his eyes off you. He too thought you were even prettier than he could have envisioned. You’d sent pictures and he’d followed your social media, but nothing could’ve prepared him. Especially in your civilian clothes, he was a sucker already. Deep down Jake knew you were the reason he was so non-committal before. He was looking for somebody just like you and couldn’t find her. Yet here you stood in front of him. You were so funny and witty and smart, and yet he couldn’t put it all into words. You are the whole package and so much more.

“You still could’ve told me. We talked enough before I left.” He grinned seeing that the tension was already easing from your shoulders.

You shook your head, “Wasn’t about me Seresin. I just wanted you to stay focused and safe. And thank goodness you did.” You admitted a little more than you wanted, but he just made you feel so gushy. Like you were a sweeter version of yourself you could hardly recognize. And the words just kept flowing out when he gave you that look with those green eyes.

“Oh yeah?” He challenged you a bit sensing that you were starting to feel a bit more comfortable with him already, “Didn’t think you’d be so relieved darlin’.”

Ignoring the sweet term of endearment you shook your head, “And waste six years of my life on nothing? Jake that’s so inefficient. Of course, I want you safe.” The words came fast, and they were snarkier than you intended. But you truly couldn’t help it.  He had you relaxed within the first five minutes of talking to him. You felt like you could just be you.

He threw his head back in laughter. That same weight had lifted right off his shoulders when you snapped back at him like he was waiting on it, “There she is. My favorite mouthy girl.”

He said it so nonchalantly you thought your heart was going to combust on the spot. Your cheeks surely gave way to your reaction to his words. His favorite mouthy girl? Christ. He was trying to send you into a coma or something! Your brain quite literally short circuited as it failed to form any coherent sentence. He only chuckled in response seeing your cheeks heat up in a blazing blush.

“It’s so nice to actually see you in person. You know I’ve always told you this, but it rings even truer even now. You’re quite a stunner, Captain.” His eyes met yours before you looked away quickly feeling as though you were going to faint at those words. You weren’t sure how this interaction was going to go initially. But you really didn’t think he’d come right out and say that he found you stunning. The occasional letter and texts in between had grown flirtier the longer you had known him, but it never crossed your mind he’d be so outright with it.

You turned away out of sheer bashfulness. Never had a man been so bold with you before. It was foreign. Not uncomfortable, no. Nothing could be with him. He made it easier than seemed possible.

“You flatter me Jake.” You grinned up at him hoping your makeup would hide the darkening of your cheeks, “I should say the same for you. Handsome as ever.”

“Now you’re making me blush, Cap.” Sure as hell the faintest pink dusted his cheek, but he seemed much stronger than you. He kept the eye contact going.

You shook your head trying to bite back the big smile you had on your face, but it showed through anyway. How was he doing this? Making you feel so giddy just by looking at him. You knew this man but for the first time it actually felt like you might actually love him. You’d had the deepest conversations with him. When you needed a laugh you texted him. When you craved advice you called him. He was the guy you turned to. And it dawned on you that he never failed to answer you. He wanted to take your calls and answer your texts. He looked forward to it. He too had fallen for a woman he’d never met before.

You needed the change the subject and fast or more words would be tumbling out, “How was the mission? Everyone make it out okay?” You asked having no idea what you were getting yourself into. Jake hadn’t told you much about what they were doing, couldn’t tell you much. But now that it was over he couldn’t wait to tell you every nitty gritty little detail.

“I’ll tell you if you let me buy you a drink?” He gave you a smirk that sent nerves racing throughout your body. Jesus. This man was something else.

Giving him a curious once over you nodded, “Shouldn’t I be the one buying you a drink sailor? You coming home and all?”

“Absolutely not. I’ll never let you buy me a drink darlin’.”

Gosh, Jake was actually going to be the death of you. He was so good making his words come off so easily. You felt terribly high strung next to him, “And why not?”

“Because I’m trying to woo you sweetheart. When I get you to go on a date with me I have to impress you. Inevitably that’ll work and you’ll become my girlfriend. And I can’t have my girlfriend paying for my drinks, no. And it’ll only get worse when I get the pleasure of marrying you. If my wife thinks she’ll pay for a thing she had another thing coming.” He gleamed at you as if he didn’t just say all of that.

You gulped before a stupid smile grew on your face. Of course, you knew he was forward but again, he just took you on an entirely new adventure with that statement, “That’s quite a bold statement Jake.”

He shrugged, “I thought I should make my intentions perfectly clear. I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. And you’re perfectly you. Sharp as tack. Funnier than ever. You’re you. And I really like you.”

You let out a breath not sure if you really believed all of that, “So not just pals, huh?” It was all you could think of quickly but that did it for him. Sealed the deal. He knew he was going to marry you right then and there. You’d complete him in every way he needed you and vice versa.

He shook his head taking his arm in yours, “Not just pals.” Leaning into his gentle embrace you led him to your car where he would not let you drive. He insisted that it was a gentleman’s job even if he was only running off four hours of sleep. You’d appeased the man who was on his very best behavior. Not that you minded. Nope, not at all. You were thrilled that Jake was exactly who he seemed to be. Your Jake. Not just pals indeed.

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[stone-stars]

Transcript:

Murph: And then of course we've got Caldwell Tanner. Caldwell: Beverly Toegold V, a purposeful lad who's the dad of a turdis. [The others laugh] Emily: A turdis?? Jake: What the hell's a turdis, man? Caldwell: It's a turdis! Emily, laughing: What the fuck is a turdis?? Murph: I thought you were changing it to make it rhyme, but I'm… Jake: You-- it didn't rhyme and you made up a word. Caldwell: What do you mean? It's a turdis. What's wrong? Haven't you ever seen a turdis on the side of the road? Emily: Turdis is truly the most uncomfortable word! [Everyone laughs.] Emily: Why is it T-U-R-D-I-S. Caldwell: They got a big shill. There's a shill on your turdis. Jake: Oh go-- oh you have an accent. Oh, we forgot that Caldwell's from Maryland. Emily: You do sound like-- I had a teacher once who said "robit". And it sounds like whoever says "robit" would also say turdis. Murph: Yeah. Jake, laughing: Robit! Caldwell: It was either-- listen, it was either tortoise and porpoise or turdis and purpose, so, you know, you take your pick. Jake: Oh, I see. Murph: Did you say-- Emily: So you went for the one with turd in it. Murph: Yeah, okay. I'm still-- Jake: I didn't hear purpose. I don't remember, like-- Murph: I didn't hear purpose, I'm still absolutely baffled. [Emily laughs] Jake: I'm still-- yeah, I'm processing it. Murph: I-- Caldwell: Should I do it again? Murph: Uh, could you? Caldwell: Yeah. Murph: I'm-- I'm confused. Emily: I'd like you to do it again, but I think I'd like you to keep it the same, because I am into you committing to this Jake: Don't change anything! Caldwell: Here we go, here we go. Murph: Alright, let's try it, one more time, ready? Jake: I love this for you. Murph: And of course, Caldwell Tanner. Caldwell: Beverly Toegold V, a purposeful lad who's the dad of a turdis. [Emily laughs.] Jake: So you-- I mean you didn't-- Murph: Dude. What? Jake: Turdis dad. That's what you should've said to make it-- Murph: No. No wait. So-- Y-- Just because purpose-- what? Emily: Is turdis the new crabster? I think turdis is the new crabster? Jake: Absolutely! Absolutely yes. It totally is. Caldwell: No way. Emily: Wait, actually the second I heard Jake's voice I remembered crabster, and that shit was funny. Jake: Hey, at least I did that shit on a short rest I think, like-- Murph: Crabster is an inside joke from the short rest. Jake: This is a main campaign flub. [Murph: Yes.] And I think that's-- Caldwell: I meant to say "a lad of purpose", can I say-- can I actually take it again? [Emily laughs.] Murph: THERE you go. Now I underst-- Jake: There it is. Murph: Now I understand what you were doing. Caldwell: Please let me take it again. Murph: Good lord, Caldwell. That makes sense. Okay. One more time. Guys, this is really-- the absolute last time. And Caldwell Tanner. Caldwell: Beverly Toegold V, a lad of purpose who's the dad of a turdis. [Jake and Emily laugh.] Murph: THERE you go. Okay. Now-- Jake: It was really-- It was worth the wait, too. Murph: I… Emily: I'm so. What a privilege to witness that process. To just be part of that process. To watch you workshop that. Caldwell: You'll just cut everything before that Murph, right? Murph: Yeah. This is gonna be a real clean intro. Caldwell: Great. Great, cool. Murph: Really straight to the point. Caldwell: Cool, I-- I wanna keep things serious. I know that this is-- we've got big stuff ahead of us. Murph: Right on. Jake: End of the campaign.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Shoot Your Shot Part 1

Bayou Barbie Meets the Hometown Hero

Synopsis: When you are playing a game in Louisville a certain person in the audience couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. Not wanting the opportunity to pass him by, he quickly makes it his goal to grab your attention before the night is over

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Basketball Player!Reader

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

A sigh of relief finally escaped you as you lifted your arms in order to shoot a three pointer and successfully scored making your team win the game. You were currently in Louisville going against the Cardinals and as good as a team that they were, tonight you had proved to be better.

Currently, you played for LSU in the position of point guard on a full scholarship and you were in your sophomore year. Even though you grew up in Maryland, this was the only school that you had your eyes set on for as long as you could remember. 

Your teammates quickly crowded around you and embraced you as the buzzer went off signaling the end of the game. 

As you walked off the court, different people were congratulating all of you, but all you wanted to do was get food, go back to your hotel and sleep all weekend until you boarded a plane to go back to Louisiana.

Studying for your midterms would also be thrown in there somewhere.

But it was Friday night and more than likely your teammates were not about to let that happen.

You quickly showered and got dressed, but as you were putting on your shoes, one of your best friends, Kelsey, sat down next to you and simply eyed you.

She played center and towered over you at 6’4 even though you were 6 feet yourself. 

“Why are you just staring at me you little weirdo?” You asked when she finally caught your eye.

“Uhh did you see your boyfriend staring at you tonight?”

“Who?!? Me and Tristan broke up so what in the world is your ass talking about? Was he here?!”

“Not him! Jack Harlow!”

“Girl, what?! Now, I know you’ve lost your mind.”

The entire team knew how big of a crush you had on him and would tease you about it all the time, and you would constantly be fighting for your life in the group chat. Kelsey had actually gotten you tickets for your birthday to see him in concert before.

Multiple times.

“He was staring at you the entire time!”

“Uh, because he was watching us play?” You responded as you put your curly hair up in a bun on top of your head.

“Nah, not us, YOU!”

“I second that!” Screamed Ebony from across the room, but you just looked at the both of them dumbfounded.

“If you two say so, now I’m hungry so where are we about to go and eat?”

“Zombie taco, I think we should be able to walk to it from here. I looked it up before we even got here."

The restaurant wasn’t far from the arena and you and a few of your teammates walked a few streets over. As you were all standing in line, your other best friend Briana pinched you and told you to look to your left.

“Ow! What the hell Bree?!”

“Your husband is over there and so is his fine ass best friend Urban. I’d do anything to kiss those lips of his.”

“First, he’s my boyfriend and now he’s my husband? I’m going to need for the two of you to make up your mind!”

“He obviously wants you since he keeps staring at you.”

“Everyone stares at me. I’m used to it. I’m tall.” You replied while shrugging. 

“Bitch, we’re all tall! You’re actually one of the shortest ones on the team!” Kelsey quickly said and all you did was roll your eyes and playfully push her.

You were the last to order and as you went to take out your card to pay, the girl at the cash register quickly shook her head.

“No need, someone already paid for your food for you.”

Kelsey and Briana heard this and you quickly looked over at them to see them both smirking.

“It wasn’t us. We’re broke college students, bitch.” Briana said while taking a swig of water from her courtesy cup that she had gotten and all you could do was laugh.

“I got you when I make it to the WNBA.” Kelsey added and you just smiled at the cashier.

“Do you mind me asking who paid for me?”

“Dude with the curly hair sitting in the corner. I think you already know his name.” She replied as she smiled at you.

You looked in the direction where she pointed and of course, she was pointing to no one other than Jack himself and your eyes went wide.

“We told you.” Was all Briana said as the three of you waited for your food. 

“I hear wedding bells and Harlow babies in the future.”

“I will make you walk back to our apartment.”

The three of you found a table not too far from where Jack was sitting and Kelsey and Briana sat on one side making it so you actually ended up facing him and you quickly rolled your eyes at the two of them.

“You two get on my nerves.”

“We just want to see this love connection unfold. Don’t be mad at us!”

“I’m not mad at all, but come on. He’s tall himself, what does he need with a tall girl too?”

“You’re a catch and I’m going to need for you to stop talking about yourself that way.”

“I’ve hardly met any guys who want to date tall girls. Tristan doesn’t count because that relationship was a dumpster fire on wheels.”

“The team celebrated when you dropped him.”

“WHAT?!”

“Come on, he treated you like shit. You deserve happiness and we can’t understand why you of all people can’t see that. You have the biggest heart and we’re tired of seeing you get hurt. Take a chance with him because his number will definitely be in your phone by the time we leave. Mark my words.”

“Bree, unhand my nacho before I stab you with my fork. If you wanted some, you should have gotten some.” You responded as you avoided what she had said before. The thing is that you knew that she was right, but now that basketball and school took up most of your time, doing anything else with you was like pulling teeth.

“Didn’t I tell you I was a broke college student?”

You wanted to thank Jack, but didn’t want to interrupt him with his friends, however Kelsey and Briana could tell you were trying to make your way out the door before saying anything to him and they weren’t having it.

“Nope, come on. Let’s go right now!” Kelsey said as she tugged at your arm.

“What?! No!”

Before you knew it all three of you were in front of Jack, Urban, Clay, Ace, Sunni, Cope, and Nemo with you in the middle and Kelsey and Briana on each side.

“Hey! Our best friend just wanted to say thank you for paying for her food. Right, Y/N?” Briana said and you quickly smiled at him.

“Yeah, thank you. I appreciate it.” You quietly said and Jack couldn’t take his eyes off of you.

“Anytime, pretty girl. You three played a hell of a game tonight.” Jack answered and you could feel yourself getting hot.

“Well we have no choice when we have a captain as good as she is. We have to do our best to keep up with her.” Kelsey said while looking over at you.

“Well, Y/N, I want to be able to keep up with you too, so put your number in my phone if you’re up for it.” Jack replied while handing you his phone and you quickly took it. You already knew Kelsey and Briana were internally screaming and you wouldn’t hear the end of this for weeks.

As you finished putting your number in, you quickly handed him back his phone.

“You doing anything tomorrow?” He asked and you started to answer, but Kelsey quickly cut you off.

“Being with…”

“NO! SHE’S FREE! Pick her up at 8! We’ll send you the address. Come on Y/N!” Kelsey said as she pushed both you and Briana out of the door. 

“See you then gorgeous.”

“Okay, can’t wait.”

When the three of you got outside, you all looked at each other before collectively screaming.

“Bitch! What did we tell you?!”

“Okay, I admit you two were right because a lot of times yall aren’t.”

“That was one time on the sociology final. You aren’t going to keep hanging that over my head, Y/N! That was freshman year!”

“I- you know what Kelsey, I forgive you for that. Even though that was just literally last semester.” You said while laughing.

“Oh shit, I can’t wait to pick out your outfit!”

“Uh oh.”

“Uh oh, what?!”

“I don’t have anything to wear!”

“Uhh? You literally look like a model out of your uniform, how do you not have anything to wear?”

“All of my cute clothes are at our apartment… In LOUISIANA!” 

“It’s okay. I have my credit card my parents gave me for emergencies. I think it's almost maxed out, but there should be enough for us to get you something.”

“Bree…..”

“This is a fashion emergency so tomorrow we’re going shopping to get you ready for your date with Jack Harlow.” 

Suddenly you had stopped walking and when they both noticed that you were behind them instead of beside them, they looked at you concerned.

“Y/N? Everything okay?”

“Did he just call me pretty girl or was I imagining that?”

“You definitely didn't imagine it. He wants to get to know the bayou barbie for himself.” 

[bballlvr8]

COVENTRY — UConn women’s basketball star Azzi Fudd knew there would be challenges when she suffered a season-ending ACL tear just two games into her junior year, but she wasn’t prepared for the snowy sidewalks in Storrs.

Recovering from surgery at her family home in Arlington, Virginia, wasn’t easy, but it was straightforward. Her parents brought her meals down to her bedroom. She could hobble up the short flight of stairs to spend time with her younger brothers. When she returned to Connecticut, Fudd was confronted by the reality that even walking to and from her car would be hugely difficult.

“Trust me, I had my moments. … When I went back to campus, I only had one in-person class but I still had class, and it was snowing,” Fudd said with a chuckle. “Even just from outside to the gym is still a 20-foot path with snow, and at that point I was kind of walking, but it was very awkward. It was just a bunch of little things that I didn’t think would be an issue.”

Fudd tore her right ACL and medial meniscus during a practice on Nov. 14, 2023, days before the Huskies played their third game of the season at home against Maryland. She underwent season-ending surgery in early December. The former No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2021 has played just 40 games over three years at UConn.

Fudd’s days of struggling down the sidewalk felt far away though as she demonstrated a shooting drill she runs as part of her daily workouts for a group of enraptured attendees during her youth basketball camp at Coventry High School on Sept. 21. The release NBA superstar Stephen Curry once compared to Klay Thompson’s looks as smooth and automatic as ever as she moves from spot to spot, first in the midrange, then around the 3-point arc. She makes every single one — her mom, Katie, who helps run the camp, quips after a ball circles the rim before falling that it counts as a miss.

Fudd is quick to clarify though: She still can’t play. The redshirt junior still needs to clear a final set of tests with her doctors before she can participate in contact or game-speed activities at practice. Fudd knows she should appreciate how far she’s come, but the star guard feels herself itching to be back in the actual game, that last layer of limitation almost taunting her

“I feel like this has tested my patience in a different way,” Fudd said. “I feel really good and I feel like I could be, not playing 100%, but I could be doing more. But I’m taking my time and making sure that I’m perfecting the stuff that I am doing in the phase that I’m in before I progress to the next step, which I know it’s good for me. It’s very frustrating at times, but … it’s just reminding myself that I’ve been through this and I know it’s going to pay off.”

Fudd grappled with injuries throughout her previous two seasons at UConn — she missed 11 games with a nagging foot issue her freshman year, and 22 with an unrelated knee injury as a sophomore — but the pop in her knee last November was sickeningly familiar. Fudd knew exactly what an ACL tear felt like, because she had already experienced the injury. She tore the ACL and MCL, also in her right knee, during a USA Basketball U18 3×3 tournament in 2019 and missed her entire junior season of high school.

At 15 years old, Fudd remembers completely falling apart after doctors confirmed the severity of her injury. But when it happened again five years later, Fudd’s mind went straight to beginning recovery. She knew the pain she was about to experience, but she also knew what to expect from the lengthy rehab process. She came back from it once, and that gave her certainty that she could do it again.

“My first one I remember my car ride from my MRI, and I was just crying and crying the whole time. It was so bad,” Fudd said. “This one, I heard and it processed, and I was like, ‘Damn, okay. What’s next?’

“It’s been so completely different having been through it and knowing what to expect. Knowing how hard it is, but also knowing that I can handle it and I’m gonna overcome it has also been helpful.”

Though there were also two tears involved in Fudd’s last major knee injury, the meniscus tear slowed the healing process more dramatically than the MCL did back in 2019. Then she could throw herself into rehab almost immediately, but she spent weeks after surgery in Arlington unable to put any weight on the leg. Fudd said her saving grace during the early days of recovery was her family, so much so that it made her transition back to UConn for the spring semester more jarring than she expected.

“I was home for like a month, and first of all, I hadn’t been home for that long since probably COVID,” Fudd said with a laugh. “But they were everything I needed. My brothers, my parents, even my grandma who could barely keep herself together, they were all helping me with everything I needed … Going back to school was really rough for me. I didn’t realize how much my family was doing for me, and just the ease of going to see my PT guy and home and then coming home to get in my bed.”

But Fudd quickly found a new form of comfort in a band of teammates who were also grappling with the heartbreak of season-ending injuries and the grueling work of rehab. The team was fully healthy on the day Fudd tore her ACL except for redshirt freshman Jana El Alfy, who ruptured her Achilles at the FIBA U19 World Cup over the summer. By the time Fudd returned to campus in January, there were three more players sidelined for the year: Caroline Ducharme with head and neck spasms, Ayanna Patterson after patellar tendonitis surgery and Aubrey Griffin with her own ACL tear.

“I had an entire squad of injured people with me on the bench, which obviously is not what you want, but it was nice to know I wasn’t alone,” Fudd said. “I couldn’t imagine being the only injured person. Like we had our crippled powwow before games where we were just like man, we’re not playing. It could be the Final Four or some random Big East game, and we’re not out there. Just being able to feel that and be vulnerable with other people experiencing that goes a long way.”

thanks anon 💞

[walmarttrashbag]

Hurt - Mike Wheeler Pt.2 TW: bitchy, annoyed Mike. hurt-part-one Suggested by: Https-Lola It was finally over! You finally had gotten over the stupid fucking dumbass Mike Wheeler crush of a lifetime, and you have never felt any better! You've turned your life around for the better. You feel so much healthier and happier after the loss of feelings for Mike. Mike, however, couldn't help but stare from afar with a frown. Why did you become so beautiful? Why was your smile so sparkling and outrageously perfect? Who let you go outside and look like a miracle from beyond the stars? Mike had a little over too many questions just about your pretty face. That night while the party was playing DnD, Mike just couldn't shake the thought of you out of his head, and it was like a bad song.

"Mike, are you okay? You're not raging at the fire-breathing dragon coming your way," Dustin pointed out, but Mike was still in a trance. Lucas rolled his eyes and walked over, giving Mike a forceful shake, "Wake up, Lover boy, the dragon awaits!" Lucas said in a jokingly wizard-like voice. Mike flinched, "Lucas, don't do that!" He said, getting defensive over nothing.

Lucas scoffed, "Sorry, sleeping beauty, I didn't know you were dreaming of your princess charming. Just get over Y/n already, I heard she was dating someone anyway!" Lucas said, not realizing all hell broke loose for Mike.

"SHE WHAT?!" Mike screamed out, standing up as he banged his fists on the table, making the characters and dice jump slightly.

"Michael!" Karen yelled from upstairs, "Quiet down!"

But this was no time for being quiet, and Mike quickly jumped to questions, "Who is he? What does he do to her? Why is he with her? What did he do to earn her?! TELL ME!" Mike yelled at his friends. Will spoke out, "I don't know much about him but I heard he's from Maine or Maryland or Missouri or one of the M states," He shrugged. "Yeah, and someone told me he's got a thing for Hawaiian shirts, and being the class clown," Dustin continued from Will's statement, "He honestly sounds really cool," Mike scoffed, "Yeah, who's this bozo's name anyways?" Mike asked, looking at the 3 expectantly for a clear answer. "It was like Rory Turner or something," Will replied. "No, it was something like Remi Taylor," Dustin told Will. Lucas rolled his eyes, "No, dumbasses! It was Richie Tozier! His name is Richie! And Mike, he looks exactly like you!" Lucas pointed the finger at Mike. Mike gasped, "Me? So you're saying I still had a shot with Y/n if she's bagging this Richie guy?!" "Guess so," Will replied, making Mike's blood boil. "That's it. Tomorrow I'm gonna find Richie and give him a piece of my mind," Mike promised himself. "Great, now can we please get back to defeating the dragon?" Dustin asked the party since so much time had been wasted on this dumb conversation.

The next day, Mike got up to school and saw a new bike on the racks. Mike had heard that Richie always biked to school as well. It was like Richie was a big stupid copycat! Mike had a note of description. Hawaiian shirt, shorts, converse, and giant stupid thick-framed glasses.

Mike skittered through the hallway like a cockroach and found a guy who matched the description perfectly, just without a Hawaiian shirt. Mike tapped the guys shoulder, "Hey, are you Richie?" Mike asked the guy.

The kid turned over and it was scary how much he looked like Mike, "Yeah, why?" Richie asked Mike, nudging up his glasses. Mike now knew this was the guy he should be shitting on. "Just know, your girlfriend, Y/n, liked me way before you did. You're just my rehash. The only reason why she's with you is because you're just me in a reskin," Mike told Richie, spitting out venom at the guy.

Richie's face scrunched up before he made a big obnoxious laugh in Mike's face, "Oh that's rich! That's really rich! I know who you are, Mike! And Y/n has told me all the things she's done to try to get you to like her back, and from what I've heard, you're a selfish prick who didn't take the chance when you got it! I've got the prettiest girl on earth, and you're kicking rocks! Go blow your dad before you spit out shit that's not real," Richie gave a condescending smirk to Mike, whose face went beat red in not only embarrassment but anger too.

Mike threw the first punch, and the hallway went from school to hell. Michael Wheeler and Richard Tozier fought things out. Some people get on Mike, and others get on Richie making the school out to 50/50, but before things could be settled out for the last time, you ran to the both of them. "Stop it! Stop fighting! Mike what the hell is wrong with you!" You lashed out at Mike, making him shocked. "Y/n! Come on you still have the chance for me! Why not ride the Wheeler train?" Mike said heartbreakingly as held his left eye.

You were grossed out by Mike as you helped Richie up, "Oh, Richie... Your nose..." You said, wiping the blood from under Richie's nose, before turning to Mike, "Mike, you're just a prick! You avoided me like the plague and you beat up my boyfriend because you're a petty jerk!" You went off at Mike, making his heart hurt on the inside. You walked Richie to the nurse's office, and Richie looked back at Mike, giving him an evil smile signaling that he had won your side once again, which was deserved.

Mike slowly but surely got up, "I'll win her back one day, you're stupid rehash!" Mike yelled out to Richie as the hallway crowd fanned out with no conclusion to the win. Mike was determined to get you back, one way or another, no matter what. He was gonna see Richie fail, and he was gonna King up to the Jester of all jokes.

[weirdestbooks]

The Shot Heard Around the World Chapter 29

Draws and Defeats (Wattpad | Ao3)

Table of Contents | Prev | Next

We are officially at the halfway point of this book! Thank you to everyone who has read and commented; you guys are the best!

September 11, 1777

United States’ capital was in danger. The British had moved on from New Jersey and had traveled up the Chesapeake Bay, landed in Maryland before moving through Delaware to get to Pennsylvania. They needed to force them back now before they took the capital.

General Washington had only just restored faith in their ability to win this fight, and they didn’t need all that progress undone by losing the capital.

So when the battle began at Brandywine Creek, United States fought with everything he had, grateful that his father was not in attendance. James and a few of his states had found it weird, but United States hoped that it meant that his father was up in New York, assuming that United States would follow the fighting.

That, along with the fact that they had blocked all the fords of Brandywine Creek, made United States confident that they would win this battle and secure his capital.

“I hope so. If we can’t get your government out in time,” James muttered, prompting United States to scowl. As much as he appreciated them, their talking distracted him, and distracted was not what United States wanted to be.

His heart was in danger. He didn’t want to lose it.

However, the hope of a victory was crushed when United States was informed that another British force had arrived on their right flank. Somehow, the British had got past the Brandywine Creek, and now their forces were in trouble.

“It’s like the Battle of Brooklyn all over again,” New York commented, his voice haunted.

“Should I move to join the forces that are shoring up the right flank?” United States as General Washington as he issued commands meant to deal with the budding crisis. 

General Washington shook his head. “No, I want you to stay here with me to help rally troops,” 

United States nodded, trying to push aside the ever-building anxiety in his gut. It would be fine. This wouldn’t turn out like Brooklyn.

So United States did his best to take his mind off of the concerns he had regarding the British on their right flank and tried to return his attention to the fight.

But his worries plagued him. What if his father was with the new force that appeared? What if he really was coming for United States? What if they lost? What if the capture of Philadelphia ended the war?

What if, what if, what if.

“States, let me—” James began before United States cut him off, murmured whispers escaping his lips.

“Not unless we know he is here. This is for my capital.” United States felt James back away, but still nearby, ready and present in case his father really was here. Then, United States began to throw his whole being into his attacks, each one becoming more desperate before General Washington eventually called for a retreat.

United States began to fall back, shame building in his gut. He was going to lose his capital. It was going to be his fault. And if this really ended up being the end of things, United States feared the consequences of his father’s anger.

“General Greene, you and your forces will act as a rearguard to cover the army and prevent us from losing more than we already are,” General Washington ordered. United States cleared his throat.

“Can I help the rearguard, sir?” he asked.

“Absolutely not. We’re already close to losing the capital, and I am not going to lose you, either,” General Washington ordered. “You’re staying by my side until we are sure we are safe.”

United States bowed his head, feeling much like a scolded child. The shame was only building, and a part of him wanted to cry. With every battle lost at his hands, United States felt more like a failure. His people deserved a country that could protect them, and United States didn’t feel like that country.

“He’s looking out for you. If we’re losing the capital, having the country captured or injured would deal heavy damage to the morale of the people. He’s doing what’s best. It’s not your fault,” James said.

“I don’t blame you either. It’s okay, Vater,” Pennsylvania responded. Despite the continued whispered assurances of his states, the guilt and shame didn’t go away.

He failed. Nothing would change that.

• ───────────────── •

September 19, 1777

Vermont wasn’t sure if the American army trusted him. He had joined up officially after the Battle of Bennington, arguing that a British army invading New York threatened his national security and that he needed to fight to protect his country and establish diplomatic relations with the United States.

If the Battle of Bennington had taught him anything, it was that the British did not recognize his sovereignty as a country and would continue to impede on it as long as they were in the area. Sharing a border with them and in an active dispute with New York, he needed to do something big in order to ensure that he would have American backing in his future endeavors. 

So, he would fight for the Americans. He knew his bravery would have to impress the United States, and then they would be countries together and live in peace. Vermont had dreamed about it before, being with his father. One of the men in this camp, General Benedict Arnold, had spoken to his father, and Vermont will admit that he spent far too long interrogating General Arnold about what his father was like.

His father seemed kind and thoughtful. Vermont wished he was here so he could get to know him.

“Vermont!” 

Vermont’s head shot up as he heard General Arnold’s voice, the man walking over to him with quick strides.

“Yes? What is it?” Vermont asked. 

“General Gates has given myself and Colonel Morgan permission to engage the British troops that are nearing our camp. Would you like to come with us?” General Arnold asked. Vermont nodded, leaping up and grabbing his gun.

“Of course,” Vermont responded, following General Arnold over to his troops. Despite the fact that Vermont was young and not at all high ranking, he was close to General Arnold as he led the troops toward the British. Vermont didn’t know if General Arnold was doing this to try and get close to his father through Vermont, but it was a bit uncomfortable at times.

Suddenly, gunshots rang out from the front of the line as Vermont watched Colonel Morgan’s men begin to engage the British, pushing them back. A battle quickly began in the small field that they found themselves in.

As it ranged on, Vermont and the Americans began to be pushed back by the newly arrived British reinforcements, pushing them to the southern end of the field. Vermont tried not to let that phase him. They still seemed to have the advantage, and when American reinforcements arrived, Vermont felt even more confident.

The British fire seemed ineffective, but Vermont could see how devastating their fire was towards the British, and even though the British had artillery, due to their position at the end of the field and in the tree line, the artillery mowed down trees and not people.

The British tried a bayonet charge, and while he briefly pushed back Vermont and the other Americans, they were able to reform their lines.

The battle raged on, and neither side was able to force the other back for long. Vermont was dimly aware of General Arnold leaving at one point during the battle but didn’t pay much attention to it. More and more British troops had arrived, and Vermont’s focus was on them.

However, when night fell, Vermont and the others were ordered to fall back to their positions on Bemis Heights.

Looking back over the battlefield he was leaving behind, Vermont was sure that the battles were far from over.

[ec2003]

The Reason Why Vivziepop Should Owe Up To Her Mistakes And Reasons Why I'm Defending Her

Viv' makes characters have ongoing insecurities and Blitz (one of the few) has been trying to connect to those he hurt, so why can't Viv do the same if she doesn't want anybody attacking her? I believe she's the same as Blitz. NO matter how much she tried to make herself feel better she still makes things worse by coping and, to me, is afraid of being alone and wrong. She was bullied when she was 17. I do feel sad for her, but still doesn't excuse her from being an asshole at times and I believe she was being taken advantage of. You don't have to agree with me, and it's understandable since everyone has different opinions, but despite her own flaws as a human being, I support her projects and yes, I'm a Vivziepop fan, but doesn't mean I can't criticize her. I don't think she came from a "rich white Latina girl" background either since she's known to criticize rich folks in Helluva Boss (despite having celebs), I believe she doesn't know how to socialize with people and change because she's too caught up in her own problems. Now, I respect people for their own shapes and sizes 100%, but I believe the reason why Viv's a bit fat in recent years is because she puts so much stress over herself. She should just have someone take over Twitter for her. As much as she frustrates me, I can't help it but feel sad for her. I've been in the same situation where I pushed people away with my own problems. As for being racist, I don't think that Viv was racist with the voodoo thing and was just being arrogant just because it seemed "edgy" and "cooler". As for being transphobic, I'm not gonna defend her on that one, yeah, she was being an asshole. I'm straight and have friends that are LGBTQ. Another thing I wanna point out is that she also has ADHD and before everyone argues, it's not an excuse for her actions, but I believe it's also part of the reason why she can't write at times and she has a hard time listening. As for CP on Zoophobia when it came to Addison and the teacher (since Addison is 17 and Gustav is 19), I'm gonna defend Viv on this one. Viv was born in Maryland and the age of consent in Maryland is 16 if you did your research. So, Viv was obeying the law, even if it doesn't feel right. As for ep 4, I at first thought they weren't gonna treat SA as a serious subject because at times, it's used for comedy and Viv does have this problem where it's only serious because she likes to pick favorites. Despite her hiring a fetish artist to be a storyboard artist in which I don't see a problem with that but she should still fire Raph for harassing a 15 year old, it was actually good. Here is the reason why I'm defending it. It's not perfect, but when watching this episode, I don't see it as Husk trying to tell Angel that his abuse doesn't matter and that he should suck it up. He called him a loser because Angel is coping with his feelings and made up a persona to hide from the fact that he is being abused in order to save himself considering that Valentino took advantage of him. Now, yeah, that did sounded fucked up for calling him a loser, but I believe that Husk wasn't comparing his situation to Angel which is way worse than Husk's, he doesn't want Angel to end up in a situation Husk was in because they both have been taking advantage of. The rape scenes are meant to be graphic and as for Viv adding a warning screen, in Amazon Prime, it will say Rated 18+ for drug use, sexual abuse, and so on. Only one episode was for 18 and up. You guys don't have to like Viv and I'm very sorry for those that were hurt, and obviously she deserves some of it, but I still don't want her to go down this path because I still see her as a human being. If I did encounter her in real life, I would really want to help her when the cameras are not rolling in hopes that she'll become a better person. It worked well with my friends, so maybe I can do the same with her. She inspired me to be an independent animator so in return, I make her feel better.

[vaspider]

Just throwing it out there, but I'm a Quaker (aka Society of Friends) (a lot of people consider us to be Christian but I don't - we're not expected to believe in Jesus or even a god, nor read the Bible, go to church, celebrate Christian holidays, any of that, though we're allowed to if we want to. Quakers are actually allowed to belong to any other religion, or lack thereof, which is rather un-christian. Like, you could be a Muslim Quaker or a Hindu Quaker or whatever, it's all good (I'm an atheist Quaker). We did start off as an offshoot of Christianity but there's plenty of offshoot religions that become their own thing, like Christianity itself). Context aside, it's literally, explicitly against my religion to try to convert people. We're not even allowed to suggest it to people, although it's not a closed religion. Like, if you ask me about becoming a Quaker, I'm welcome to talk about it, but I can't just tell people that they should do it.

So yeah, just adding to the anti "proselytizing is just a required part of religion" pile.

On a side note, the main tenets of Quakerism are Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship, and in my experience, a frightening number of Christians (my parents included) balk at the "equality" bit. Like, people have legit gotten angry with me about it. Despite the "we're all God's children"/"all sins are equal in the eyes of God" thing that a lot of them talk about, because when *we* say equality, we actually do mean equal.

Also, fun fact since it's Coronation Day or whatever, Quakerism is inherently anti-monarchy as part of the "equality" tenet 😉

I attended multiple Quaker meetings (Lehigh Valley Friends Meeting, Lancaster Friends Monthly Meeting, Gwynedd Friends Meeting) for like... a total of about eight years of my life, and I was planning to marry a Quaker. My HS boyfriend was super active in Young Friends; we used to do a lot of the setup and teardown for the Peace Walk in December and before First Day Meeting. Emet and I used a self-attesting/Friends wedding license. I spent most of my life before 2019 living in the eastern half of Pennsylvania or in Maryland. I know what Quakers are, but I appreciate your thorough explanation for folx who might not know.

I ... have a lot of respect for the Society of Friends, and I applaud the Society's attempts to keep everyone under the same big tent, but to say that the Friends are not Christian is quite a stretch. 89% of Friends worldwide belong to Evangelical or Programmed Meetings, with a pastor and Bible readings.

It's probably more true to say that American Quakers of Friends General Conference do not have a Creed, that some Quakers are not Christian and that many Meetings, especially Unprogrammed Meetings in Friends General Conference in the United States, welcome diverse faiths as well as non-theist members.

I think it's important, however, not to look away from how deeply-rooted many Xian ideals and concepts are in Friends philosophy. Saying "Friends aren't Xian" kind of allows for a sort of magical thinking that all of those ideas - some of which are harmful or have been used for great harm - are just gone. That's not the case.

There's a lot of classism issues in many Friends Meetings, too, especially some of the older ones, because many of those Meetings are populated by people who have an awful lot of old money, and that can give people outsized voices when it comes to seeking consensus.

At least, that's what caused me to come away from the Friends, though I went through multiple times of returning to Meeting because I was deeply Convinced at multiple points. I was drawn to Meeting very strongly by the ideal, and the reality pushed me away.

None of this is to say that Friends don't do wonderful things or that FGC's work isn't often lovely and commendable. I just ... object to the idea that Quakers aren't Christian. Well, no, many are, and the deeply Xian roots of the Society are still very visible to me. I love the Friends deeply (the design for a Publick Universal Friend pin is waiting for me to set up our next Kickstarter), and I'm very glad you find such joy and fulfillment there. I have confidence that if anyone can continue working on the issues within the conference itself and on the greater issues of the world with patience, consideration, and genuine consensus-seeking, it's FGC.

[pochqmqri]

I am seeking some advice regarding a landlord situation.

I've started a new job that has me relocate to a different part of the state about 2 hours a drive away, thus I needed to seek housing in the area.

Last month, I went through several choices and decided on one, after touring the property. The landlord and I agreed to have me move in on August 8, and she asked for the deposit in advance, so that she could "hold" the room and not continue to sell it to other people. Not knowing better, I paid the deposit in full, which was just one month's rent, however, I should have asked to her to have a proper lease ready to be signed.

After the payment, she promised to have a lease ready to sign, but kept kicking the can on it, despite me reminding her multiple times. Eventually, she does, but as a poorly written and formatted text message that has yet to be finalized.

But leading up to that, over the next few weeks, she texts me saying that the move-in date is "August 8-10," which doesn't make sense, and she had said otherwise previously. Apprently, it was because the outgoing tenant wasn't sure on what date they would move out. That dint exactly work for me because I started working on July 29 and my benefactos provided me on-campus housing up to the 8th, if I moved in on the 9th or 10th, I would have no place to stay in that gap. The landlord then says that she would provide me temporary housing where I could stay for a rate per day. It wasn't ideal, but I decided to go with it.

Then, she next texts me saying the move-in date is the 20th, the reason being that she wants to have the roof and carpet renovated between the 8th and 20th. She did not disclose that to me when I paid my deposit, and when I told her that, she said that I would have temporary housing for those 12 days, which, from what she described, was just staying on a couch at one of her other properties with no Wi-Fi, for $20-25 per day. This was also around the point where I looked up her info on Google and found out that she's part of a seedy realtor company, which she didn't disclose, but it became apparent when she had to "get back" to me on certain questions.

Going back to the text message lease, she writes on it that my move-in date will be the 8th, like normal, and when I asked about all the date pushing back she did earlier, she said that the renovators were going to reschedule for a different unspecified date, and that I "might" be able to move-in on the promised date. But that didn't make sense, because if they rescheduled, it would likely happen after August 8, meaning I'd move in but then quickly have to relocate to a temporary location, and that was, much more trouble than worth.

A few days later I tell her I'm no longer interested in signing the lease, to which she says that I made her hold the room for me and the deposit is nonrefundable, despite the fact that she told me when I paid that it was, to which she responds that spits refundable onlupy when the lease ends. One, she didn't clarify that when I paid the deposit, and two, the lease never started if I didn't sign it. I then tel hr that she made me pay under false pretenses due to the surprise renovation, and that I no longer trust her to keep her word. She then responds that "to make it simple and easy," the renovation isn't happening at all, which confused,p me, because she said the renovators were rescheduling and that she'd soon learn the date Ina few days. That was when our conversation ended.

Regarding my deposit, I'm thinking about taking this matter to the state. Maryland has a consumer protection agency, and I believe I have the standing to file a complaint against her for misleading me, especially when I have text message evidence. However, as it currently stands, the lease as she has poorly written it states my term begins on August 8, which is what was initially promised, so I'm not sure I have standing anymore. I never told her I plan to file a lawsuit yet, because if I do, it would irreparably damage my relationship with her, so I amt to be sure this is something I can get my deposit back on.

Another option came up though. When I told her I wasn't interested in signing the lease, she, in what seemed to be an act of desperation, said that I could instead change the lease length from six months to just one. I passed this up as I was insistent on no longer moving in, but if I do take it, I could eventually get my deposit back assuming I don't damage anything in that short stay. the monthly rent is also not that different from the other options I have been looking at. The issues are that, I still am not certain she's keeping her word on me not having to temporarily relocate if she has renovators come in, and I fear our working relationship already has cracks in it so I might run into trouble with her during my one month stay.

[pluto-glow]

I've been meaning to ramble about this for a while oops but me and one of my partners worked on an rvb au based on this art We don't exactly have an official name for it- we've called it rvb ai swap au and rvb freelancer fix-it since a lot of the freelancer's ai's were swapped around and we added a lot more ai's and freelancers and it kinda fixed somethings? But also fucked up some other stuff so ya know

But the ai swap that started this entire au was North and South getting Eta and Iota. North got Eta since Eta's associated emotion was fear, so that just ended up with North taking on even more of a caretaker kinda role for Eta. South got Iota who's associated emotion is happiness. The Director saw how well North and South worked together and when Eta and Iota formed together, he wanted to see if giving them to the twins would help North and South work even better together than they already were. And it honestly does kinda work, North takes care of Eta so some of his anxiety and worry about South has an outlet, and Iota helps South have more fun.

But where does Theta go if they don't end up with North? In this au North gives up Theta to Maine instead of Carolina giving up Sigma and I love Theta and Maine being paired up so much you have no idea. Theta helps Maine with communication and Theta figures out a way for some of the Freelancers to learn sign language so Maine can talk to people more directly. Maine also gets protective of Theta after a while which helps Theta a lot when they get scared at night. Maine doesn't have as many headaches from Theta as he did from Sigma either.

Wash still gets Epsilon, but the Director and Counselor figured that implanting an AI who's associated trait is literally memory directly could end up with Wash knowing more about the program than he should- so they did something closer to when Epsilon/Church was in that mongoose I think it was? He's in Wash's armor, can project and all that, can still access the armor, but can't access in Wash's head. It makes the 2 of them communicating a lot harder, but it also means that Epsilon being implanted doesn't fuck up Wash's head so-

One of the non-canon Freelancers that I've been working on for this au is Maryland. She's easily distracted a bit of a major klutz, and can get pretty social anxious, but she's one of PF's best snipers. She gets paired with Kappa who helps her with focus. Honestly helps with focus a little too much. Kappa doesn't see the point in doing anything that doesn't have to do with Project Freelancer, but Maryland still likes to relax when she gets the chance. They but heads a lot when it comes to when to work and when to relax, but they still work pretty well together. Maryland's armor upgrade is a rations pack, it holds everything from water to ration bars to fluids that can be injected through an IV if needed.

Now I know Temple isn't exactly a Freelancer and he hates them but- Temple is supposed to be Church's counter part, right? So why not make Temple an AI. Temple was originally an AI named Tau, he's the Alpha's want for revenge. The Director and Counselor figured that having an AI around who just wanted revenge on them would be a bad idea, so they shipped him off to a sim trooper canyon and made up this fake backstory for him that his name was actually Mark Temple and he had signed up for Blue Team, and did the best they could to make sure that Tau didn't remember Project Freelancer. But if Temple was really an AI then what about Biff? Biff was actually a Freelancer sent there to watch Temple like what Florida was originally supposed to be for Church. Biff didn't really know a ton about the "memories" Temple had, but Biff had to go along with them anyways. The Director and the Counselor decided they liked how the experiment with Tau/Temple went, so they ended up trying the same thing with the Alpha when the time came

We have a lot more than this- the google doc we made for the AU is like 60 pages? But this is just some of the main characters I've worked on

[beardedmrbean]

California lawmakers are pushing legislation that would impose a new tax on the state’s wealthiest residents — even if they’ve already moved to another part of the country.

Assemblyman Alex Lee, a progressive Democrat, last week introduced a bill in the California State Legislature that would impose an extra annual 1.5% tax on those with a “worldwide net worth” above $1 billion, starting as early as January 2024.

As early as 2026, the threshold for being taxed would drop: those with a worldwide net worth exceeding $50 million would be hit with a 1% annual tax on wealth, while billionaires would still be taxed 1.5%.

Worldwide wealth extends beyond annual income to include diverse holdings such as farm assets, arts and other collectibles, and stocks and hedge fund interest.

The legislation is a modified version of a wealth tax approved in the California Assembly in 2020, which the Democrat-led state Senate declined to pass.

The current version just introduced includes measures to allow California to impose wealth taxes on residents even years after they left the state and moved elsewhere.

Exit taxes aren’t new in California. But this bill also includes provisions to create contractual claims tied to the assets of a wealthy taxpayer who doesn’t have the cash to pay their annual wealth tax bill because most of their assets aren’t easily turned into cash. This claim would require the taxpayer to make annual filings with California’s Franchise Tax Board and eventually pay the wealth taxes owed, even if they’ve moved to another state.

California was one of several blue states last week to unveil bills to impose new wealth taxes. The other states were Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Washington. Each state’s proposal contained a different tax approach, but they all centered around the same basic idea: the rich must pay more.

Lee’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment for this story. However, he’s made public statements echoing the message that wealthier residents should pay higher taxes.

“The working class has shouldered the tax burden for too long,” Lee wrote in a tweet. “The ultra-rich are paying little to nothing by hoarding their wealth through assets. Time to end that.”

According to Lee, the tax would affect 0.1% of California households and generate an additional $21.6 billion in state revenue, which would go to the state general fund. California has among the highest taxes of any state in the country.

Advocates argue that the money could boost funding for schools, housing and other social programs. Perhaps more importantly, however, Lee hopes it could help address California’s massive $22.5 billion budget deficit.

“This is how we can keep addressing our budgetary issues,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “Basically, we could plug the entire hole.”

However, experts counter that the bill will have the exact opposite effect through high administrative costs and by causing an exodus of people to flee the state.

“It brings significant administrative challenges with respect to asset and liability valuation, high and distortionary effective rates, among other problems that make it an inefficient revenue source,” Gordon Gray, director of fiscal policy at the American Action Forum, told Fox New Digital.

Others echoed this point, also arguing a new wealth tax would likely lead many wealthy residents to leave California.

“The proposed California wealth tax would be economically destructive, challenging to administer and would drive many wealthy residents — and all their current tax payments — out of state,” Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at Tax Foundation, told Fox News Digital. “The bill sets aside as much as $660 million per year just for administrative costs, more than $40,000 per prospective taxpayer, giving an idea of how difficult such a tax would be to administer.”

People are already moving from high-tax states into low-tax ones, according to a recent analysis by James Doti, president emeritus and economics professor at Chapman University. He found that the 10 highest tax states lost nearly 1 in 100 residents in net domestic migration between July 2021 and July 2022, while the 10 lowest tax states gained almost 1 in 100.

California lawmakers pushing the wealth tax think they can “get around” the problem of residents leaving “by trying to tax people even after they leave the state,” said Patrick Gleason, vice president of state affairs at Americans for Tax Reform. However, he, Gray and Walczak all questioned the legality of such an approach or labeled it outright unconstitutional.

Past studies have shown that the top 1% of taxpayers pay about 50% of state income taxes in New York, California and elsewhere, raising the question of how damaging a mass exodus of wealthy residents could be to tax revenue.

Walczak noted that a wealth tax would be especially problematic for California, joking that the people most excited about such a law should be people in Texas, where some high-profile Californians have relocated in recent years.

“A wealth tax could be particularly destructive in California, home to so many tech startups, because the owners of promising businesses could be taxed on hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of estimated business value that never actually materializes,” said Walczak. “Very few taxpayers would remit wealth taxes, but many taxpayers would pay the price. The only people who should genuinely love a California wealth tax are the ones who work in Texas’ economic development office.”

However, some proponents of wealth taxes argue they’re necessary to combat economic inequality.

Maryland Democrat Delegate Jheanelle K. Wilkins, for example, has proposed a bill so that families would owe taxes on inheritances over $1 million rather than $5 million, as is the case today. She said such ideas will now gain more support after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequality between the rich and poor.

“That’s quite a bit of funds that we’re leaving on the table,” she told the Washington Post.

Other supporters say wealth taxes are small and the rich can afford them. But experts note that because the rates are on net worth, not on income, they have an outsized effect.

Walczak illustrated the point in a recent blog post, using as an example a $50 million investment, held for 10 years and earning a 10% nominal annual rate of return in an environment of 3% annual inflation. Without a wealth tax, that investment would yield $46.5 million in investment returns, in current dollars, after 10 years. With a 1% wealth tax, however, it would yield $37.3 million, wiping out nearly 20% of the gains.

Wealth taxes “cut deeply into investment returns, to the detriment of the broader economy,” wrote Walczak. “Average taxpayers may not care if the ultra-wealthy have lower net worths. But they will certainly care if innovation slows and investments decline.”

[newluddite]

Another Bridge goes down.

Getty images off the BBC.

This is in Baltimore Maryland, USA. March 26 2023. It would have been much worse if it happened in daytime, it was in the wee hours after midnight. Worse with respect to human casualties, but still very bad economically. The collapse cuts off a major container port from the sea.

This bridge opened in 1977. It is a large complex truss bridge. I graduated engineering in 1977. Up till then certainly truss bridges were popular. They are efficient and economical to build and use material wisely. Minimal first cost which is perfect for government work.

BUT!

As is the case in all such failures, trusses will totally fail if ONE place is overstressed. It is called single point failure. It has a name as engineers have realized it is a problem. New bridges are designed to be redundant. If any single part fails the load has another place to go. You do not see big truss bridges being built anymore.

There is video and it is disturbing. Not that you see bodies falling or anything. You see a big ship just touching the bridge support and the whole thing falls in a few seconds. Aside from the truss thing it is apparent the support pier was weak and badly designed. It should have either been protected or made much tougher. Ships hit things.

It is suspected that there was a power failure on the ship and control was lost. The details about the ship are actually immaterial. It was a flaw in the bridge waiting to show itself.

civil.jhd.edu

It was a handsome bridge intact. I believe it was the triangular support on the right that got hit. Since ships are big, clearance needs to be high so this kind of bridge is fairly common over harbors. Ships pass under them thousands of times every year.

It will take a few weeks to fully clear the wreckage and if they replace the bridge it will take 10 ish years as they cannot just put up another one like it. Likely a really tough cable stayed bridge. One with heavily armored support piers to protect them from the next ship.

Oh and lawyers will make a lot of money.

[eatenlives]

BIOGRAPHY. charlotte " charlie " donovan is the daughter of jude and billy donovan. she grew up in a small house on erie, pennsylvania, with her parents, as well as her little brother, rory. she took on the big sister role rather well, immediately becoming protective of him, caring for him when needed ( in spite of his most annoying moments ). the donovans were a loving family, envied by many on the block for how well they seemed to get along with one another. charlie didn't realize anything was wrong until she was a teenager. when she started trying to go off on her own - when she wasn't listening to her mother nearly as much as she used to.

the murders started shortly after her 21st birthday, after her family moved from pennsvylvania to maryland. they were being called the household massacres, a string of murders which targeted families - much like their own - killing the mother and father, and leaving a daughter and son orphaned. charlie didn't know how she knew, but she could tell this was her parents ; that they had tried to get her and rory to be like them, but now that they could no longer control the two, they had to take their frustrations out on others, in the cruelest way possible. caught between turning in her own family and bringing justice for the kids that had lost their parents, charlie confronted jude and billy, which she now realizes was a mistake. her parents decided that they'd rather die than have their freedom taken from them, and their children would go down with them. billy grabbed rory, and jude stabbed charlie in the arm, the hip, the stomach. the older sister had failed to keep her brother safe, watching his throat be cut by the man they were both supposed to trust. crying, charlie was able to kick her mother away, knocking her against the wall and unconcious. she was able to call the authorities before she passed out from the pain.

waking up in the hospital, charlie should feel lucky to be alive, but she doesn't. not when she's lost her brother. not when she has the knowledge that her mother survived, and was now locked away in an institution for the criminally insane. once recovered, she starts a program to become part of the fbi, being accepted into the bau as a profiler, hoping to catch unsubs before anyone can get hurt the same way she was. she specializes in working with children and young adults - her soft spot is oftentimes pointed out, but she is an asset to the team. the public constantly questions whether or not she was a part of the household massacres, and tabloids have a field day with her story. she's often in the public eye, but charlie ignores them - what they think matters little to her. her own guilt makes her feel bad enough.

PERSONALITY. charlie started out as a strong headed and opinionated girl. as a young woman, she rarely knew when to stop talking. she enjoyed debating with others, and having deep conversations. it's almost the same now, except she understands when silence is important. she's incredibly stubborn, oftentimes asking for forgiveness instead of permission, though she has a lot of respect for her supervisor and her colleagues. she has a soft spot for children, but is scared to have any of her own, just in case she inhereted something dark from her parents. she looks into the void and doesn't care that it's gazing back at her. she absorbs darkness and holds it within herself until she can't, anymore.

MAIN VERSE. special agent charlie donovan is working as a profiler for the bau, but still living in baltimore, maryland because of her mother, jude donovan's admittance into the bshci. she visits her mother once a month, either out of guilt or something she doesn't understand. having suffered a recent break down due to a case with several dead children, charlie is sent to doctor lecter for a psych eval. she begins to understand that her mother and father may have actually passed on something through their bloodline, something that charlie has been dreading since she was young ; something that wouldn't be easy to get rid of.

CONNECTIONS.

JUDE DONOVAN. mother ; current patient at the bshci ; serial killer. BILLY DONOVAN. father ; deceased ; serial killer. RORY DONOVAN. brother ; deceased ; scholarship student. JACK CRAWFORD. supervisor ; bau agent

[maguro13-2]

Shattered Hero Rekindled ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Pt.20 ~

*Somewhere at the DMV (Washington Metro)*

"Prince George's County, Maryland"

[Mother's Caption (Pause Menu Theme) by Hirokazu Ando]

Winry : There. That should do it. Haven't felt like this since I left Japan after the show and movie, I haven't received any calls from Edward since the movie. In the show, the video games, I just don't understand why is he into other women than me all the time? The Writers back at the studio had no idea that he was into other women.

*Winry Sighs*

Winry : Can't wait for losin, oh well, perhaps that I'll get him next time for fall for me in the next six years of our story's lifespan. It'll be the last of us for sure.

"Winry Rockbell : Automal Mechanic and Childhood Friend"

Winry : So...I guess we're in the bottom of this world, do we? I did a little exercise, staying fit and active, I hope that this would be perfect for some spare parts, if only the king was making some tarts. The people of this state could get really exciting. It'll be fun at Japan like old times since we were kids.

*wipes sweats off*

Winry : Voila, all finished! I finally fished it in about a week. This is should be perfect for your disability coverage. So, my friend, how are you feeling today? You look pretty sturdy.

Lan Fan : Umm, are you sure about that. It only took me a day to get army replaced. This is...really a good piece of arm you want me to replace?

Winry : Yep. I did it all by myself.

Lan Fan : Well, yes. This is quite the perfect opportunity to have my arm fixed.

"Lan Fan : Mercernary Assassin of Xing"

Winry : Hand crafted, new automail arm for you, and we're getting it somewhere.

Lan Fan : Well, thanks. I kinda like this new arm.

Winry : Truly fantastic, I am automail mechanic expert and I always get the job done, except when you're a mechanic that service things for automobiles or even some wild hogs.

Lan Fan : So you really sure about that. You say that you're finding interesting place where we first made contact eye-to-eye in Montgomery County.

Winry : Thanks! Yeah, Montgomery County...that's sounded like an interesting play, there are lot of fun things to do in the state of Maryland, we could do some fishing, go camping, and...we could see the amazing sights of the Chesapeake Bay.

Lan Fan : Oh lovely, hope you give me a souvenir from Annapolis.

Winry : I could make it a gift to you, it would be lovely if you really like it.

Lan Fan : Hope it's a fair welcome for the naval academy.

Winry : Right, the naval academy. I wonder what it's like to be at this state?

*Imagines of Winry and Lan Fan fishing at the docks*

Winry : This is a perfect place for us to fish.

Lan Fan : Yeah!

Winry : Nothing like a good fishing at the harbor.

*fishing rod moving*

Winry : Hey, I think I caught one!

*SPLASH*

Winry : Aha!...Uh-oh. Who's clothes are these?

Blair : Hey! Those are my pair of clothes!

*imagnary scenario ends*

[Fishing Vibes by Tomoya Ohtani]

Lan Fan : I don't mind any fishing stuff at the Chesapeake. But I do little hike and training in the wilderness of Frederick County and Montgomery County. How about you?

Winry : Well, a hiking and training is a good exercise, that's why I stay fit and active. Take a look, see these guns. *flexes her arm* I've been doing a lot work since 2001 and I'm always in shop.

Lan Fan : *blushes* Oh...Well, it kinda blushes me out. So anything good after the incident?

Winry : Well, honestly. About Roy destroyed my parents, he was actually mistaken for someone else, It was that man named Scar. I tried to kill him at Gun point for attempted but...I felt so sorry. It's not revenge that wanted to us to serve a dish best served cold, it was those jerks that is responsible for everything.

Lan Fan : You really think he's the one that destroyed your parents.

Winry : And now, I'm with always needed and you, of course. I thought revenge would be the answer, but...Revenge could never be the right answer, it feels like that we've got ourselves involved with someone else's mess. I thought I...*voice breaking* I thought...I...

Lan Fan : Winry, no need to fret. This is how we felt, if only revenge is thought to be the wright answer, than the only kind of revenge is what we needed, the mastermind that set up the events. We could overthrow someone, someone like a homunculous. Yeah, it's those guys, they're the ones responsible for the conflicts and they're the ones who made that Ishvalan guy kill your parents. Except for the Nina Dog part, that Nina turning into a chimera thing, is really traumatizing. *comforts winry*

Winry : Thanks. I'm glad that I have somebody with you, somebody as a friend. Thanks for comforting me.

Lan Fan : Any time, Winry. Any time.

*Garbage Can Hit*

Winry : What was that?

Lan Fan : Could be some intruder.

Winry : Whatever it is, I do not like surprises, and especially, I think we have some uninvited guests. I'm gonna go take a look. You stay put, okay?

Lan Fan : *nods*

Winry : *haves her wrench in her hand* Alright, a-hole. Stop playing around...

*cues Graveyard Shift Title card theme*

Winry : Show your faces here and I'll blow a landing your noggin head!

Lan Fan : Huh? Wait a sec. Winry, there's a heartless shadow with glasses.

Winry : Arakawa?....Is that you?

Heartless : ....DOES THIS LOOK LIKE I'M ARAKAWA TO YOU!?!

Winry : ....Oh...You can talk?

Lan Fan : It's weird to see a heartless with glasses that could easily find out about the problems. But, ummm...do we know a heartless with glasses like you don't know?

Heartless : Of course, I wear the glasses. Ever since I was killed by that envy person, strange occurrences happening over manipulating the events of this situation. Those heartless had sure contact the that the homunculus had their supicious eyes out of it. I told Roy that he was not the one who killed your parents. It was an Ishvalan named Sccar the whole time and therefore, those bastards were responsible for that and who says revenge is not the right answer, but a dish best served cold.

Winry : *gasped in shock*

*images of Hughes flashing*

Winry : Mr.Hughes?

Heartless (Hughes) : Well, what did you know? It looks like you finally found out who I am. I did survived, after I lost my own body to that homunculus is where they put my body in a funeral, it's where my family came to mourn at, I am so gonna get that guy for what he did to me!

Lan Fan : Wait a sec. So this talking heartless with glasses is...*about to say something*

*Scene then cuts*

Lan Fan : WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US THAT YOU TURNED YOURSELF INTO A SHADOW!? HOW DID THIS HAPPENED!?

[Frequency Current by Hideaki Kobayashi]

Heartless (Hughes) : Well, umm, I was going to show everyone the truth but the cocky Homunculus were too stubborn for their own ways and then this punk decided to shoot me down at gunpoint! It's not like that I was gonna live forever, look at me, I'm a small shadowy being called a heartless and I don't have my own size, my original life sized me! If only I could get back to my wife and daughter, I'd still be seeing Alicia's face right about now. But I'm still a shadow.

Lan Fan : I felt sorry for your loss.

Winry : Here, have a chocolate chip. It'll make you feel better.

Heartless (Hughes) : I just hope that you didn't get from these fast food joints, I always go to a fancy restaurant for paying my bill.

*absorbs cookie*

Winry : Woah! Did It just...You absorbed it!

*munching*

Lan Fan : Can a heartless floss like that? It's munching alright, but I wonder if he tries to absorb juices?

*GULP*

Heartless (Hughes) : Mmm, that hit the spot. I haven't eaten anything for a week, a month, or year to eat some good food since I lost my body. You give tasty treats to humans, but I'm concerning that we heartless absorb real food since we don't have any mouths to feed on.

Winry : Sounds like you got yourself quite a deal on whether you want revenge or you could have your revenge to do it for you.

Heartless (Hughes) : How come? I'm still a shadow, I'd probably miss my wife and kid, and I'll have plenty of Good Memories of--PLEASE DON'T TELL COLONEL MUSTANG, THAT I'VE BECOME A SHADOWY CREATURE LIKE THIS! I'M A MONSTER!....But I do like wearing these glasses on my face.

[Gaia Manuscripts by Takahito Eguchi]

Winry : So...How did you knew that Envy was the one that kept you from unveiling the truth.

Heartless (Hughes) : Villains like him, they're the real monsters. I know it's a harsh reasoning of why Dark Fantasy stories were considered to be edgy as hell. Ever since Amestris was created, the country got every human race involved because of the homunculus plan of wiping out every living being on the planet in exchange for hearts and souls like they smuggle to take candy from a baby. But this candy will not be their last, their hungry power selves was to consume the race and would make Amestris to monopolize political power. They weren't going to help Amestris to monopolize the entire world, they were helping them to destroy the world and the human race itself. Unlike that Harry Potter stone, the philosopher stone of our world was the beginning of everything.

Winry : Ehh?

Heartless (Hughes) : Everyone who got their selves involved have been losing their lives in exchange for science, but taking out the heart and soul for the use of alchemy, yeah right. Now we understand why we can't have nice things. I thought that there is an easy way to solve this problem, we might have the solution to end our world's suffering.

Winry : That could be us, if Heroes like Edward would solve everyone's problem, then he might find the solution that would save the country. I get it, the heart and soul was the power of everything what Sora told us. No wonder we found out on what's been causing all of this nonsense from Soul Eater.

Heartless (Hughes) : Ever since that Chao from the garden was possessed by the soul of Shinra's Resurrection, Shinra wanted to see Maka's face from both existing times in the Ohkuboverse that goes from Past to Future, the reason that they live in the same universe, because the Ohkuboverse was in a time loop until it was destroyed by the Time Eater and expunged everyone from their stories or tales.

Lan Fan : And let me guess, Winry gets involve of sacrifices that only happens in a dark fantasy setting?

Heartless (Hughes) : Yes...which is a plot twist orchestrated by the man responsible for the outcome and creating the Homunculi, all he wanted was to absorb truth and crave all the knowledge he wants to destroy all life in the world of FMA.

Lan Fan : So that's why the bad guys were after us, they have manipulating because of the problem in a dark fantasy setting. Unveiling the truth would be the key to everything.

Heartless (Hughes) : Remember, these guys were attempting keep truth out of the public eye, but we are spreading it like wild fire, I hope you must find Maka Albarn, they're located at a coastal area called Emerald Coast.

Winry : Don't worry, Mr. Hughes. We'll find a way to get our revenge and solve the problem with the solutions we have, after all there can only be one Winry and who knows that something from the past would come up with a better idea.

*Meanwhile at Emerald Coast*

Inky Albarn : What a shocking coincidence. I never thought that you would be born outside of this world, and found yourself born light years away from Earth, we discovered that we had any grudges against those who told everything a lie to you. So were you eventually born on Jupiter.

Maka Albarn : I figured, of course that would be--hold up did you say I was born at Jupiter?

Moirai : There was a sanctuary that created after the Phantonian race has colonized the solar system.

Sir Halberd Knight (Tsugumi) : A sanctuary at Jupiter?

Moirai : Yes, that sanctuary which was established a long time ago before we were born, Actually I was modeled on the same Maka Albarn that disappeared from the 1930s, and that Maka Albarn is you, you regret nothing but we do alike, it's like were identical to another, but what costs?

Maka Albarn : At the age of 3, I was born from the DNA of the original, I am her "copy", a human copy from the past. Born from the cells Inky Albarn who was formally Maka Albarn from the past itself.

Sir Halberd Knight : You're a copy, created by who?

Maka Albarn : Lord Phanto of the Phanton Empire, created me.

Sir Halberd Knight (Tsugumi) : Created, you are a copy of the original? A man known as Phanto created you? I see. But on what costs did you expected to believe that your future was to defeat Demon God to bring peace to this planet. Why do you want to go against the Kishin and bring end to the Ohkuboverse's order? Why do you gotta hide from this.

Maka Albarn : Alright, I'll unveil you the truth.

[cues Unveiled Truth by Fumie Kumatani]

"It all began over a year ago...After the Ohkuboverse was erased by the Time Eater, Phanto and his people the Phantonians have conquered the Solar System to bring conquest over from to Jupiter to Earth."

Seto : This whole Maka Albarn thing, was what's left from the Phantonians

Solva : They're the relatives of Phanto and the Shy Guys, the Mask minions of Mamu and Bowser.

Maka Albarn : After being born from Lord Phanto's wish, I was given with extremely powers called the Shattered Resonance, a deadly force that has the power to destroy people's hearts and bring massive destruction. It is a combination of both anger and sadness that becomes one known as Frustration.

Seto : Frustration? As in an emotion that combines Anger and Sadness together? That makes something very interesting about one's power. But wait, I am missing something from this time around. If there was something in the 06. If Shinra forgot something in the 06, who created that Yona person in the first in which used everyone to let the planet be destroyed by Demon Vibe. Who created him?

Inky Albarn : Despite all of his efforts of rejuvenating himself as a hero, I discovered that we found something different from us Ink Demons, I know someone who is a manipulative bastard that tricked Shinra into letting his old world die at the hands of Demon Vibe himself, there was some kind of Sun God that the inhabitants of the Ohkuboverse's past wasn't a Sun God and all religion in the Ohkuboverse was a massive ploy. Someone who wanted to drown in darkness.

[The Resurrection of Mephiles by Hideaki Kobayashi]

Maka Albarn : No...I don't believe it, after all of that in the Ohkuboverse. All religion were a massive ploy, the prayers, the Sun God, all of it, it was all a somebody's acting alone. I know who made religion as a massive ploy in the Ohkuboverse. It was some kind of recolor who lays waste on the planet for mass genocide and disruption of time and space.

*flashing images of Mephiles*

Maka Albarn : A recolored shadow! That's it! Someone is setting the stage in Shinra's story from the Ohkuboverse's past, that's why he wanted to become a hero, he fooled him and his comrades from the start. His plan was bring not only a person to fall with despair, but everyone involved to it! That's why Shinra's story happened in the first place before he created my world and story.

Solva : Then who's idea was it to manipulate Shinra and his people of the first place.

*Rumbling*

Solva : Woah! An earthquake?

Seto : What's that written in the sand?

"THE FAULT OF MEPHILES!"

Seto : "The Fault of Mephiles"? Wait a sec, that name sounded familiar before...More importantly...I just don't put my finger to it.

Solva : Whatever that is, I'm sure master Grim would probably know the details about this...

Eve : Huh...?

Seto & Solva : *realizing* ....WHO THE HECK IS MEPHILES!?!

~ Level 19 : THE BROKEN TRUTH ~

[edgeoftheeclipse]

Ezra's Journal, Entry 1

My uncle Ezra kept many journals as a child. His very last one spanned nearly 56 years (almost 3/4 of his life) and yet has very few entries for that entire period. This is the first entry in that final journal. October 7th, 1967

Our hunting trip has gone surprisingly well! Two deer, a pair of rabbits, and a goose that was unlucky enough to wander in front of a stray bullet. Grandpa was shocked to the point of laughter. He says the game is never usually good in this part of Maryland this early in the fall. We roasted the goose and had it for supper. Afterwards, Grandpa tried to scare me with ghost stories, especially the one from the old country about Domnule Slab, but I just laughed. I'm seventeen, not a little kid. He seemed disappointed that I wasn't scared. I'm nearly a full grown man; set to graduate next year and work at the grocers. I simply don't get scared by things like that anymore. We sat under the starlight and talked about the future for a few hours. Grandpa Nikolai and I argued. He thinks I should go to college and make something of myself. I tell him "No, Grandpa. I have an offer to work at the grocer's. If I go to college, who's going to take care of Mom and baby Julia?" He says Julia's not a baby. She's twelve, she can look after Mom. I say that Julia has to go to school. She can't stay home alone with Mom. Especially considering Mom's illness, which is why she can't work.

He said something about how his father didn't emigrate to America with nothing but the clothes on his back and spend three years confined to Ellis Island just for me to waste my life working at a grocery store. I got angry and told him that if he'd actually helped Mom with her medical bills instead of bickering with her constantly, I wouldn't HAVE to work at the grocery store, and we wouldn't have had to sell the house either. I think I was unfair. I mean, it's not his fault Dad left. We got by just fine for twelve years without Grandpa's money, and my job at the grocer's will be enough to pay for Mom's medicine. It will be fine.

I do love Grandpa Nikolai. Honestly. I'll apologize in the morning, we both need time to cool off. October 8th, 1:37 AM

Something just moved outside my tent. I thought it was a bear, but it wasn't. It was Grandpa He got out of his tent and went over to the campfire. Then he took the bones of the goose and put them in his bag. He was crying. I've never seen Grandpa cry before. He was mumbling things under his breath, then he grabbed one of the deer and dragged it away. I've never seen him act like this before. I'm going to follow him. I have to make sure he's okay. October 8th, 2:19 AM

Where is he going? We've been walking for almost and hour. Twice he's sat down. Both times he sat on a rock and cried. Just sat there and bawled like a baby. It was so... unnerving. Now he's standing by a river, just staring into the water, I really don't know what to think. He's acting like Mom does when she has one of her fits. Wait... He's gone. October 8th, 2:49 AM

I can't find Grandpa Nikolai, or the camp. I'm irritated, confused, and worried. If I could just find the camp, I could hike back to the main road and catch a ride to the police station. But my compass is screwed up. Its keeps spinning in a circle. I'm surprised my watch is even working. I keep hearing things. It's probably just the wind, and my nerves, but I could have sworn I heard someone calling "Help me, I'm lost." I need to calm down and look for Grandpa. October 8th, 3:00 AM I FOUND HIM MEUM FATUM OBSIGNATUM October 9th, 11:00 AM

I didn't sleep last night. I may never sleep again. They found Grandpa Nikolai. He's comatose. That may be for the best. Mom had a fit last night. Scared Julia pretty badly. She had some kind of hallucination. Screaming, throwing plates. I'm done journaling. I'm never touching this thing again. I haven't slept all night. I may never sleep again. Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish I wish he'd go away

If Grandpa Nikolai never wakes up, it'll be too soon by half. I told the police that he wandered off and I got lost looking for him. It's half the truth. I'm going to lock this journal in a box and bury it. Then I'm going to forget about all of this. I'm never journaling again. I'm never going near the woods again. Goodbye- Ezra Vrajal Melchior My Thoughts Ezra never told me about this camping trip. I've never heard about it, before. I've never heard about this Julia person, either- as far as I knew, Grandma Donna's only children were my mother, Judy and Uncle Ezra. Mom died giving birth to me, so I can't ask her about any of this. As far as I know, Great-grandpa Nikolai died after experiencing a stroke that left him in a coma for years. Grandma Donna had schizophrenia, or something very like it, and ended up being put in a psychiatric hospital (they weren't big on mental health back in the 70's D:) where she later committed suicide. I'm surprised about how afraid he seems at the end of this entry. Uncle Ezra never seemed scared of the forest when he, me, Wyatt, and Jace went camping. I wonder why?

The crossed out poem lines are from Antigonish by Hughes Mearnes, and the Latin roughly translates to "My fate is sealed." Very ominous.

I also can't help but wonder about the reference to "Domnule Slab" in the earlier part of the entry. It's a Romanian name, and my family has both Romanian and Russian ancestry, so that's nothing weird. The strange part is how peculiar the phrase is: Domnule Slab roughly translates to "Mister Skinny." Or... Or Mister Lean.

[whereareroo]

MOVING ON

WF UPDATE (10/9/23).

I’m writing this on Monday morning. Happy Columbus Day and/or Indigenous Peoples Day.

We’ve relocated to an upper middle class neighborhood just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. I feel like I’m in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. We’ve moved from rural Western Maryland to the big city. We’ve moved from a shack in the country to a fancy community with its own golf course. Right now, I’m sitting in a fancy kitchen and I feel like Jed Clampett. The place is too big for me.

Before I tell you about our new location, I need to tell you about Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday was our last day in Hancock, MD. We didn’t bike because it was raining until about 11:00 a.m. As the rain was clearing, we decided the drive about 8 miles to nearby Berkeley Springs. Why? Because it was hosting its annual Apple Butter Festival. On the previous Saturday, we went to a festival in a cornfield in central Pennsylvania. Why not visit a fair right across the Potomac River in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia?

The Apple Butter Festival isn’t anything like a little fair in a cornfield. Berkeley Springs has a population of 758. We knew that this fair would be different when we hit the traffic jam that started about 3 miles outside of town. This fair draws a crowd of about 25,000. There isn’t any centralized fairground or town square. The fair occupies every street in the downtown area. It’s a combination of a flea market, a craft fair, and a food festival. I’ve never seen so many food booths. I enjoyed some Wild Boar Chili with venison sausage. Mrs. Bikingpartner really liked the Apple Butter Cornbread.

Interesting, there was only one booth devoted to apple butter. Teams of locals were cooking it, over open fires, in two giant copper vats. You apparently have to stir it constantly. They were stirring with huge sticks. The final product is poured into mason jars. Even though it was $10 per jar, folks were buying it by the caseload. It was the longest line in town. We didn’t wait on the line.

I’ve always wanted to visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It sits at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River. I’ve read about Harpers Ferry in Civil War books. Because of its location, it played a significant role. (It changed hands, between the Confederate forces and the Union forces, four times during the War.) I’ve also read about Harpers Ferry in books about the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs right through HF. All of the books talk about Harpers Ferry. Every hiker stops in Harpers Ferry. Even though the actual halfway point is about 75 miles north in Pennsylvania, many hikers celebrate their “halfway” in Harpers Ferry. On top of everything else, the C & O Canal Trail, which we’ve been riding lately, also passes through Harpers Ferry.

From the Apple Butter Festival, we were only about 60 miles from Harpers Ferry. We decided to take a drive. The place wasn’t what I expected. On various adventures over the years, we’ve visited stopover points that are popular with bikers and hikers. There’s usually an interesting section where the adventurers gather to talk, eat, and spend the night. Those sections are always fun. Harpers Ferry is very small (population 258), and we didn’t find any centralized meeting area for bikers and hikers. The place seems to be more focused on visiting tourists and the Civil War history. I enjoyed the Civil War stuff, and we also took a short walk on a section of the Appalachian Trail. It was a good visit, but nobody should go out of their way to visit Harpers Ferry.

Sunday was travel day. Generally, we’re still heading towards Special Assignment #4 in Georgia. Our drive from Hancock to Raleigh was just under 6 hours.

Our new lodging is a very nice house that sits on a lake. The lake is part of the community golf course. The downstairs has a big and very modern kitchen, a nice dining room, a big living room, a very big master suite that includes a giant bathroom, and an enclosed porch overlooking the lake. The place is immaculate. I haven’t gone upstairs. Mrs. Houseevaluator was up there and she reports that there are four bedrooms, a family room, and a couple of bathrooms. There’s no reason for me to go upstairs.

So why are we in Raleigh? I think I’ve exhausted my time limit for today. It’s time for me to get rolling. We’ll start to talk about this stop tomorrow. OK?