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golden-rolling-hills · 5 months ago

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When Darry realized...

I wrote this yesterday and I figured I'd post it on here before I went and turned it into a full fic. If I do, it will mostly be a darbit fic and this would just be the intro. Please tell me what y'all think so I know if anyone is interested in reading more :)

Darry first realized he was different at 15 years old. He never participated in the lewd lock room talk the rest of the football team bonded over. he always made sure to keep his eyes down and not let his gaze linger too long on any of his sweaty or freshly showered teammates who milled about the locker room and various stages of undress. he never got distracted during games, ogling at the cheerleaders on the sidelines the way that most of his teammates did. His father always told him that once he got a little older, he’d develop an interest in girls and he’d become a lady’s man, just like his dad used to be. A chip off the old block.

Darry was 15 when he realized the way he thought about the boys in the locker room was the same way his father always told him he’d think about girls. A sick feeling rushed from his head to his stomach at the realization that he’d never be normal. He vowed then and there to keep this secret tucked so far inside of him that maybe it would go away.

He threw himself into football and studying. He smiled and shook hands and played nice with his classmates to make sure that they all liked him. He got straight A’s and made football captain and was voted boy of the year. Everyone just assumed that he didn’t have time for girls. He accepted an invite to the Sadie Hawkins dance from a nice girl named Susan from his math class. He picked her up at 6, kissed her on the cheek, and told her she looked pretty. His father had never been more proud.

Paul Holden was the only other sophomore on the football team. He was all golden hair and twinkling eyes and a mischievous smile that made Darry’s stomach do backflips.

After each practice, Paul would pat Darry on the back and tell him he did a good job. His hand would always linger and he’d smile as soon as he met Darry’s eyes.

They started hanging out after practice. “we’re just buddying around,” Darry would tell himself. No matter how much he told himself that Paul was just his best friend

and he didn’t think of him as anything more, that didn’t stop the pang he’d feel in his heart when Paul remembered his milkshake order at the dingo or the butterflies he got when Paul would let his hand linger on Darry’s shoulder a little too long, squeezing and rubbing out the tension in his body.there was absolutely nothing going on between him and Paul when they would wake up in Paul’s bed together after a sleepover, facing away from each other, trying so hard not to accidentally touch. Not even when Paul gifted Darry that purple and gold madras shirt for his 16th birthday.

He stopped being able to ignore it when he woke up naked and sore in the back of Paul’s car with Paul cuddled up and cramped behind him.

He knew he couldn’t hide from himself anymore when Paul pushed him against the wall and kissed him so hard he forgot that he wasn’t supposed to be doing this.

When Paul reached for the button on his pants and pushed Darry back onto his bed, he briefly let all his thoughts slip away. For just a minute, he could forget all about football and grades and taking Susan Thompson to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He could forget all about making his father proud and being a role model for his younger brothers. The only thing that mattered was Paul. Paul touching him and Paul kissing him and running his fingers through his hair. The soft words of encouragement that Paul would whisper in his ear when they were alone and were sure that no one could hear what they were doing.

Darry couldn’t quite figure out when it all fell apart. It could have been the night that his parents sat him down to tell him that college just wasn’t in the picture, even with his scholarship money. He sobbed in his mother’s arms that night. She held him close and stroked his hair, making him feel like a little kid again.

It might have been the day that Paul left for school. He stopped by Darry’s house to say goodbye, his car packed up. the back seat where he and Darry first woke up together covered in boxes.

It could have happened slowly, when daily phone calls turned to weekly and then slowly stopped all together. Darry waited by the phone for hours each night waiting for calls that never came.

It was definitely over by the time summer rolled around and Paul wouldn’t even look in Darry’s direction when they ran into each other at the drive in.

But if you ask Darry, he’ll say that something in him was still hanging on until the day his parents died. Grief stricken and confused, he called Paul. The second he heard his voice on the other end of the line he burst into tears. Paul told him that he was sorry for his loss and to never call his number again. That’s when Darry knew it was over.

#nobody asked for this #but you're getting it anyways #the outsiders #the outsiders fanfiction #darry curtis #darry curtis headcanons #the outsiders headcanons #the outsiders musical #the outsiders broadway #gay Darry Curtis #Jackie writes

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sparklingcid3r · 2 months ago

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wut r the curtis parenrs/ siblings reactions when darrel is in his soc drip? like hair ungreased and brushed and wearing a madras shirt tucked into pants

soda and pony are wondering when the circus arrived in town lmfao they’re clowning HARDDD on darry’s ass, straight mean girl behavior and then pulling up all “can u drive me to the movies 🥺👉👈”

DEADASS THO pony won’t admit it bc hair only looks good when its so greased u can do nail tapping asmr off of it but darry with his natural, untouched fluffy hair looks good asl and it makes him bitter that his brother can pull off both looks

i don’t think mr and mrs curtis have any strong opinions abt darry wearing nice clothes, they prob think he’s trying to impress a girl not knowing their son is having sleepovers at a MAN’S house where no z’s are being caught🙏

#the outsiders #the outsiders headcanons #the outsiders darry #darry curtis #the outsiders ponyboy #the outsiders sodapop #ponyboy curtis #sodapop curtis #the outsiders musical

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mayblossomss · 2 months ago

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Whumptober Day 6: Not Realizing They're Injured

The Socs were getting rowdy once again, and to keep them in line, a rumble was declared. It didn't matter that this would only be a temporary solution to a problem that would start up all over again in a few weeks. Both sides liked fighting and would always use it to settle their disputes no matter how pointless it was.

The gang all gathered at the park, hyper and eager to kick Soc ass. Ponyboy wrapped his hands and practiced punching with Johnny, grinning with adrenaline. He wasn't a huge fighter, but he didn't mind rumbling here and there, especially when everyone's excitement was so infectious.

Soon, the Socs pulled up, clad in tight pants and madras shirts. Between the mocking insults tossed around as they approached, and the preexisting irritation at one another, it didn't take long for the fighting to start. It took even less time to get ugly.

As they usually did, Ponyboy and Johnny teamed up to take on a bigger Soc. With their agility, they were able to avoid the Soc's lousy hits, and even get in a few good swings of their own. Finally, the Soc landed a hit on Johnny that had him stumbling a few steps back, a hand on his bruising cheek.

"Johnny!" Ponyboy shouted as the Soc turned around and swung at him, his fist colliding with his nose painfully. He cried out, hands flying to his nose as it throbbed terribly.

Dallas, who was fighting nearby, spotted the altercation and joined in, knocking the Soc to the ground and getting on top of him to pound his face in. Ponyboy took this as his opportunity to step back and take a breath.

Of course, in a rumble, there was never time to catch your breath. As soon as Ponyboy tried to, another Soc appeared out of nowhere and began swinging at him, landing a few hits. Ponyboy fought back resiliently, his fists colliding with the Soc's face just as powerfully.

He finally got his best hit in-- a right hook to the mouth-- that sent the Soc stumbling away from him. Blood seeped from his lips as he cursed, eyes lighting up with anger. "You punk!"

Ponyboy glanced at his bandaged knuckles, spotting some blood leaking through. When he glanced back up, the Soc was still there, but this time a furious fire was burning in his eyes. The humiliation of being beat by a kid was making him think irrationally, and the Soc flicked something out of his pocket.

The moonlight shone down on it, revealing the shiny reflection of a switchblade. Ponyboy's eyes widen despite himself and he took a cautious step away. The fighting around him blurred and the only things in the world seemed to be him and the knife-wielding Soc.

Before he knew it, the Soc was rushing toward him. Ponyboy stepped out of the way, but the Soc slashed his arm despite that, creating a deep cut. He yelped with pain and grabbed his arm, watching the blood slide through his fingers and trickle down his hand.

Soda, who was kicking a Soc to the ground, heard his brother's yelp and looked over his shoulder. When he saw his brother, hand stained with blood, and a Soc carrying a weapon, he felt his blood turn hot with anger. He quickly forgot about the boy he was fighting and ran over, hollering about how this wasn't supposed to be a rumble with blades.

His screams were recognized by Darry, who also spotted the scene and ran over. The Soc, realizing he was no longer solely fighting Ponyboy, panicked. He ran at Ponyboy again, aiming to get one last attack in on him.

Ponyboy side-stepped, not realizing how delayed his movements were from his own dizziness. He thought that he managed to avoid getting hit, and watched numbly as Darry grabbed the Soc by his shoulder, swung him around, and punched him square in the face.

The rumble only went on for another minute before the Socs fled back to their Mustangs and Corvettes. The greasers shouted victoriously, dancing around the park and celebrating their win against the Socs.

Darry ruffled Soda's hair as he jumped around alongside the rest of them, laughing and pumping his fists into the air. Dallas nudged Johnny's shoulder, grinning at the younger boy, but Johnny wasn't looking at him. He watched as Ponyboy wavered dizzily on his feet, barely staying upright.

"Pony?" he called, a hint of worry in his voice.

Ponyboy looked up, face pale yet cheeks flushed. He took a step forward, before his knees buckled and he toppled to the floor. At once, his brothers were by his side, lifting him up.

"Pony!" Soda shouted, cupping his brother's face as Darry checked his brother over for injuries. Besides the bruises on his face and cut on his arm, he seemed fine.

But then he spotted the growing blood stain on his stomach.

"Holy shit," Darry muttered before lifting his brother's shirt up and revealing the stab wound. Soda gasped and went pale, eyes rounding at the sight. "He needs a hospital."

"Pony, keep your eyes open!" Soda pleaded as Darry shouted at Steve to go get his truck. "Pony, please!"

Ponyboy blinked slowly, his eyes growing heavy. One minute, he was kneeling before Soda, and the next he was being carried into a truck. His eyes grew heavy before he gave in, and despite Soda's panicked protests, he let his eyes close and allowed his mind to go dark, murmuring one quiet, and intelligible apology to his sobbing brother.

#whumptober 2024 #no.6 #not realizing they're injured #the outsiders #fanfic #stab wound #rumbles #ponyboy curtis #sodapop curtis #darry curtis

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theresattrpgforthat · 8 months ago

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Hi! Do you know any one session ttrpgs? Preferably space/sci-fi themed but that’s not strictly necessary.

What’s important to me is that it’s creative, that it has fun mechanics and that you really have to work together (it’s for a birthday party). Also I should probably mention all participants are beginners but I’d definitely set aside some time to get into understanding the mechanics beforehand.

Thank you for running this blog and thanks in advance for answering! :D

THEME: Collaborative Space One-Shots

Hello friend, I think I have a really neat mix of games here for you to check out. I think most of these will naturally lead to creative, collaborative solutions from your players!

This Ship Is No Mother, by New Madras.

This Ship Is No Mother is a game about people in space, working jobs that are probably going to get them killed. It's 50+ pages, fully illustrated with art by Justin Nichol.

Inspired by movies like Alien and games like Mothership and Dread, this is for fans of tension, creepy-crawlies, and general horror. Mechanically, it's a card-based Forged in the Dark game, first in the series of games currently called the Cardsharp Sonata.

In this game, players start with a full deck of cards and as you play, that deck will run down. When the deck ends, there is a climactic moment of panic as one of the characters is going to do something stupid and get themselves (and maybe everyone else) killed.

A space horror game, this is a great game option for folks who love Alien. It’s designed to play within a very specific time frame, because the game ends when you use the last cards from a 52-card deck. It’s a game meant for horror and suspense, and was designed to run with Mothership game modules, so I’d recommend looking up some Mothership modules on Itch!

24XX Unlikely Heroes - Space Questing, by FutureFriend.

All you wanted was a steady paycheck, a quiet life among the stars, and maybe a comfy closet to nap in. Action and adventure? "Mmm, no thanks. I’m good." The universe, however, isn’t taking "no" for an answer…

Time to grab some tools, buddies, and your brown space pants. Out here heroism may be less “epic deeds and grand destinies” and more “frantically pressing the right button before it all explodes!”

24XX Unlikely Heroes - Space Questing is a rules-lite sci-fi RPG that is distilled into just 4 pages that fit snugly on two sides of a sheet of paper. It is a hack of the awesome 2400 system, by Jason Tocci.

24XX is a pretty light system and is great for dungeon crawls. As with most games in this family, the rules and GM advice fit on one page, so they should be pretty easy to teach. This game is pretty goofy, as you are regular space-folk who find themselves pushed into a dramatic scenario. If you are running a game for the first time, I’d definitely recommend running this game with the help of a dungeon, such as Space Frogdom, a light dungeon with space frogs and a countdown towards the hatching of a dragon egg.

Holdfast Station, by Lampblack & Brimstone.

The rim of the known universe. A place so god-forsaken, so hostile and alien to life itself that only the mad go there—and only the desperate stay.

That’s you.

Holdfast Station is about asteroid miners surviving and holding their community together in the grim desolation of space. Regular folks in a rough spot, who hold to each other and their own. A place where survival means you trust each other, you fight like hell, and you hope for the best. A place where food and water and even air is scarce. Where the crushing emptiness and massive force of the void are only feet away. Where you live so close you know everyone by smell. Where one accident could spell everyone’s destruction.

It’s about the people who step up when disaster strikes. They aren’t heroes, just regular people—people with no choice but to risk it all for their home and those they love.

Holdfast Station is a "pick up and play" RPG—After you gather players, some dice, and the provided record sheets (physical or online), the book guides you through play, one step at a time. One player, called the Navigator, takes on the role of storyteller, narrating events, encouraging players to contribute, and moving the story along. Each of the other players takes on the role of a worker on the station, striving to survive at the edge of known space.

This game advertises itself as a “no prep” game, although if you are a first-time GM, it might still be good to read through the entire thing first, just to familiarize yourself with all of the pieces of the game. Holdfast Station is all about a terrible event threatening the station, so it naturally encourages the players to work together to try and solve the problem before time runs out. The game might run a bit long if the players need a bit of help putting characters together, but I enjoy the guidance and tools present in the game that help you stay on task.

Survivors, by Alexander Schneider.

Survivors is a science-fiction role-playing game designed as a one-shot cosmic horror scenario where players are faced with survival questions while also encountering an unknown alien force which threatens their very lives. Together they may find ways to survive (or at least hope to) but they will hardly escape the psychic horror they pose themselves. Is it the desperate situation or something else which drives them mad to a point of no return to their former selves?

If you want a horror one-shot, you might be interested in Survivors. It has a very specific opening premise, and each event that the players encounter gives them roleplaying prompts that encourage them to replicate paranoia, fear, and a deterioration of emotional stability.

This is definitely a game you have to clear with the group beforehand, as the way the game has a lot of representations of different forms of mental illness, most of them inflicted upon the players the further they delve into the adventure.

Koboldly Go!, by CoffeeSnake Studios.

Calling all Kobolds!

Gather your crew, assemble your ship, and take to the depths of space on a mission to discover strange new worlds. To seek out life and new civilizations.

To Koboldly Go where no lizard has gone before!

This game is exceptionally humorous and lighthearted, and works really well for groups who have some appreciation for the inherent goofiness of early Star Trek. You create your kobolds by rolling for your job, colour, and your stats. You also spend time designing your ship by drawing from a regular pack of playing cards. The biggest downside for this game is that it doesn’t come with an adventure - you’ll have to create one yourself. I’d recommend drawing from Star Trek to create a planet or star system that has an anomaly that directly affects the ship, since you spend a lot of time creating it.

Greenhorns Quickstart, by Spicy Tuna RPG.

In Greenhorns your crew will create planets and fill the cosmos with new incredible life. Survive anomalies that spawn from these worlds and stabilize the planets for long term life. Define the planets’ histories and futures through the loot you retrieve and return home to a heroes welcome. You are Kruxian. You are chosen.

The full game of Greenhorns is good for a multi-session experience, but the Quickstart is suited to one-shots and is also free! Player abilities are mostly focused on combat, with each character class contains skills that guarantee success - but can only be used so many times. This is a game that depends on players coming up with creative solutions to problems, so I think collaboration will come pretty naturally.

The setting is kind of gonzo, with a mix of space fiction and fantasy tropes. If you want a unique setting that might inspire more games in the future, I recommend Greenhorns.

ATMA, by Meromorph Games.

Welcome to a world near our own. The volcanic mineral atma empowers the living and entwines the dying, while artificial intelligence and alien titans join humanity in this daunting new century. Yet in the Restless Zones, beyond society and law, trouble lurks. Gather your fellow adventurers and prepare to test yourself against the world’s most dangerous frontiers. The sky’s getting darker…

ATMA is a complete roleplaying game system in a tiny package. It's portable, quick to set up and teach, and plays in just 2 hours — perfect for game nights or pop-up sessions! A Game Master and 1-4 players use illustrated tarot cards to fuel RPG gameplay focused on creativity and quick thinking. ATMA excels as a tutorial for first-time GMs who've always wanted to run an RPG, while allowing limitless creativity for roleplaying pros.

This is probably the closest to what you’re looking for, I heavily recommend that you check ATMA out. It’s self-contained and super-fun to pull out and show off the the group. I don’t know if you have enough time to order the physical version, but there is an online version of the game and free print-and-play downloads if you just want a quick test of the game! I love the art and abilities presented in ATMA, and I think it’s definitely very beginner-friendly. It feels part-way between a boardgame and a roleplaying game, so if your friends are familiar with board games, this is a good bridge.

I’d also recommend…

Mothership has really quick and easy-to-understand character creation, and the game is designed to run small adventures that work as space dungeon crawls. This content is great for GMs because it gives them a location with a bunch of information to present to your players, which means that you have a lot to work with if you haven’t done something like this before. I’d recommend checking out There is A Goblin on Icarus Station if you want a Mothership adventure that has something for horror fans and comedy lovers.

#tabletop games #indie ttrpgs #game recommendations #dnd #asks #space #space games #one shot

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romeoandjulietyouwish · 2 months ago

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Not the Same Moon (Chapter 3)

read on ao3

There were a lot of things that Darry kept secret from his brothers and his friends. They didn’t know how close he was to graduating and they didn’t need to. They didn’t need to know that he still answered phone calls from college friends and mourned what could have been. And they especially didn’t need to know where he was going that night.

Normally, the three brothers kept tabs on each other.

After the accident, Darry got real nervous when he didn’t know where they were. Pony hated it, but Soda was good about it. They always told someone where they were going when they were leaving. That night, Darry lied.

Darry put his polo shirt into his bag, shoving it deep down and instead up on a ragged old t-shirt. He put on his nicest pair of shoes and jeans and combed his hair. With a glance in the mirror, he saw the man he used to be. He didn’t look like a guardian of two teenagers who was always working. He looked like a college student, about to hang out with his buddies.

Darry walked out of his room and towards the front door. In the living room, all the boys were playing a game of cards on the coffee table. Soda grinned up at him from the floor, “Hey, Dar! I can deal you in if you want?”

Darry waved him off, “I’m heading out.”

Ponyboy gave him a look, “You have plans? With who?”

“Yeah,” Steve chimed in, “we’re all right here.”

Darry rolled his eyes, “Contrary to what you think, I do have friends other than y’all.”

“I call bullshit,” Two-Bit said. Two-Bit looked him up and down and then smirked, “He’s goin’ on a date.”

Pony looked at Darry with wide eyes, “You are?”

“No, I ain’t,” he said definitively. “I’m just meeting up with Tim Shepard, said he had something he wanted to talk about.”

“A rumble?” The question came from Dally, far too eagerly for Darry’s liking.

Darry shook his head, “Nah, nothing like that, just some gang business. I might be back late.” He pointed a finger at his brother, “Soda, make sure that Pony goes to bed at a reasonable time, savvy?”

“I savvy,” Soda nodded. His eyes darted to Darry’s jeans and shoes and something flickered across his face. “Have a goodnight.”

Darry nodded at the group and left. He could feel everyone’s eyes on his back.

Darry met Paul in the parking lot of the high school.

The two of them had been close before graduation. Hell, Darry had even slept over at his house once or twice. Other than Two-Bit, Paul had been Darry’s best friend. After graduation, they kept in touch. While Darry left the city, Paul ended up going to college right in Tulsa. They called every so often and caught up. Darry even got him tickets to a few Sooners games.

He knew the guys never liked that he was friendly with socs. They would have liked it even less to know he was hanging out with Paul while being the de facto leader of their gang. But when Darry was in college, he realized there was a lot more to life than the petty bullshit of greasers and socs. Friends were friends. And despite everything, Paul was Darry’s.

So he met up with his old soc friends every so often. It wasn’t a big deal. As he drove, Darry changed his shirt to the polo he stuffed in his bag. When he pulled up next to Paul’s Cadillac, he looked more like a soc than he had in a long time.

Paul grinned as Darry jumped out and shook his hand. “Hey, Curtis.” Paul looked as handsome as ever, clean madras shirt and khaki pants. By his feet, there was a six pack of beer. One was already open in Paul’s hand.

Darry smiled, “How’ve you been?”

Paul shrugged and handed Darry an uncapped beer. They both took a swig as they leaned against their cars. “It’s been busy lately. I’m working at my dad’s firm this semester for extra credit.”

Darry raised his eyebrows, “I remember him saying he’d let you into his firm when his body was cold.”

The two of them chuckled. Paul shrugged, “I guess the old man changed his mind.”

“Cheers to that,” Darry held out his bottle and the two of them clinked together.

Paul took a drink. “I know you’re working at the Dingo and doing construction,” Darry didn’t like the way Paul said it. It was the same way his brothers said peas and broccoli. Darry had to grit his teeth and remember something his dad tried real hard to get him to remember, there’s no shame in working a blue collar job.

Yet, it was hard to feel that way when he was with the socs. He doubted any of them had ever gotten a callous.

Paul continued, “But if you’re thinking of switching it up, my dad’s looking for some extra help around the office.”

Darry’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “You’re not serious.”

Paul smiled and shrugged, “Why not? I know you’re a good guy, Darrel. It was bullshit that you had to drop out of school to take care of your brothers.” He lightly shoved Darry’s shoulder. “You and I both know that you could have made it so far.” Darry fought back a flinch. “So take the job and get your life back on track.”

Darry took a long, long drink of his beer. “Well that’s something you don’t hear every day.”

Paul chuckled, “So what do you think?”

That was a good question. His mind was going in two different directions at once. What would his brothers think? What would his friends think? But most of all, what kind of brother would he be if said no?

Office jobs paid more, the hours were better. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had two days off in a row. And with extra cash, he would be able to buy Pony new shoes for track and maybe get Soda into a mechanics class at the community college. There would be extra food in the fridge for all the boys.

“I think that only an idiot wouldn’t take it.” Darry smiled and held his hand out to Paul.

Paul shook his hand, “I’ll call you later and give you all the details. This is a really good move for you, man, you won’t regret it.”

Darry laughed, “If I do, we both know I can still beat you in a fight.”

Paul rolled his eyes. When it was just the two of them, it really was fun to be around Paul. Sometimes it was nice to hang out and shoot shit without worrying about being a greaser or a soc. In the empty parking lot with a pack of beer, they were just Paul and Darry.

Back at the house, the game night had progressed significantly. The floor was a mess with soda cans, beer bottles, and all kinds of snacks. It felt like the other guys had been yelling for hours, Pony was just watching and chiming in when he felt like it. Ponyboy was usually quiet and he enjoyed watching everyone’s faces.

He knew Johnny had had a rough week so it was nice to see him laugh and sass Two and Dally. Pony tried to remember his expression so he could draw it later.

“You’re cheating!” Dally exclaimed suddenly.

Ponyboy turned to face Dally just as he threw his hand of cards in Soda’s face. His brother had the gall to look shocked, despite the fact that Pony could clearly see cards tucked in his sock.

“Well you’re a sore loser,” Soda shot back as he gathered the cards up to deal again.

Ponyboy smiled to himself as Steve reached over to snag the cards from Soda’s sock and add them to the deck. It was so nice to just hang out with the gang and play cards. For a little bit it felt like life before the accident and before Darry came home.

The six of them would sit around the living room and play cards, betting with dimes and candy and whatever else they could find in their pockets. His parents loved it. They’d help Pony and Johnny cheat one minute and turn on them the next. There was always chips and sodas and cake. Even if Ponyboy had a shitty day, poker nights with the gang always turned it around.

It was different when Darry played. He’d been gone so long, it was almost like he didn’t fit. Something just felt off. Like a puzzle with an extra piece. Plus Ponyboy would get in his head, just waiting for Darry to find something to yell at him about. It was better if he wasn’t there.

So with Darry off with Tim Shepard, they got to play like normal.

Pony leaned over to Johnny, who had amassed the biggest pile in front of him. “Can you spot me for the next round?” Johnny looked at the pile in front of Pony. All he had was two pennies, a half used pencil, and a strawberry candy.

Johnny scoffed, “Ain’t no chance.”

Ponyboy was about to turn the same plea to Sodapop when Dally piped up, “Horsekid is on my team. I can’t lose any worse.” In front of Dally was a slightly larger pile of change, mostly pennies, and a couple random objects.

“We’re doin’ teams?” Soda said excitedly. He threw an arm around Steve’s shoulders and squished him into his side. “I call Stevie.” Steve elbowed him in the ribs goodnaturedly and shoved him away.

“Nuh uh,” Two-Bit cut in. “Y’all’ll only cheat worse. Steve’s with me and Soda’s with Johnnycakes.”

Johnny rolled his eyes, “So you’re sticking me with the cheater ‘cuz I’m winning?”

“Damn straight,” Dally cackled and pulled Pony’s winnings into his pile. Pony laughed and moved from the floor to sit on the couch next to Dally. Everyone else moved to sit next to their partners. Soda hooked an arm around Johnny’s shoulders and ruffled his hair.

As the only one without sticky fingers, Ponyboy dealt out the cards. Soon everyone was looking at their hands and conferring with their partners. Dally and Pony leaned their heads together.

When they were kids, Darry was always on Ponyboy’s team. It didn’t matter if it was football, basketball, or cards. That meant there was a void when he left for college. To everyone’s surprise, it was Dallas that stepped up to fill it.

When Darry got home, he heard raucous laughter coming from inside. Instead of walking in, Darry just stood on the porch and listened. Above all of the others, he could hear Pony’s laugh. That was the sound that made his heart ache.

Ponyboy hated him, he knew that. Darry used to weep about it. Then it became just a fact of life. The sky was blue and Ponyboy hated him.

When he peered through the window, Darry saw Dally and Ponyboy sitting on the couch. Dally’s arm was slung around Pony’s shoulders casually. It was the same casual way that Dally treated Johnny. Since Darry returned to Tulsa, he’d noticed the change in Dally and Ponyboy. Pony looked up to Dally in the same way he once looked up to Darry.

According to Two, Dally stepped up when Darry left. He’d taken Pony under his wing in a way. Darry didn’t like it one bit, but he couldn’t very well say anything. Not without Pony hating him even more.

The front door opened and closed and Two-Bit was standing beside him. As usual, there was a bottle dangling from his fingers. Darry looked over at him. “I’m going inside in a second.”

Two-Bit nodded and then itched his nose, “You should change your shirt first.”

Darry looked down and saw that he was still wearing the polo shirt. He swore under his breath and tugged it off. Once he was back wearing his t-shirt, he looked at Two-Bit sheepishly.

“Keith-”

Two-Bit shook his head, “You don’t gotta explain. I’m pretty sure I know exactly who you were with and it wasn’t Tim Shepard.” Two-Bit took a long drink. “Why did you lie?”

Darry scoffed, “Do you really think it would go over well if Dally or Steve knew I was with Paul? Ponyboy already hates me enough-”

“No, he fucking doesn’t.”

Darry pinched the bridge of his nose, he really didn't want to be having this conversation right now. “I don’t need them thinking I’m being a traitor for getting a drink with a soc.” Darry crossed his arms over his chest uncomfortably. “He’s my friend.”

Two-Bit nodded with a serious look on his face, “Well the rest of your friends are inside playing cards. You can join us if you want.”And with that, Two-Bit ducked back inside.

Darry curled his hands into fists. He kicked the tire of his truck as hard as he could.

#the outsiders #darry curtis #ponyboy curtis #sodapop curtis #two bit mathews #paul holden

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daman19942 · 2 years ago

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TMBodyMadrasShirtForsterCargo and AMBodyMadrasShirtForsterCargo Default Replacements

Three months after borking the hell out of these I finally mustered up the courage to correct them. If for some reason this doesn’t do the trick, I’m not going to the trouble again because these were a huge pain! I tried my very best to reduce clipping and I think I mostly succeeded. Morphs were done with WSOs (thanks Lifa!) because I am lazy, though I did make adjustments to them.

My personal struggles aside, these are new Maxis Match meshes to replace the TM and AM Madras shirt / cargo pants abomination that shipped with H&M stuff. The shirts are unchanged, but for the bottoms I used my TM and AM Bunhead Shorts with Vans, which use shoe textures from Minomoso and shorts textures from myself and Needlecream. Now your sims have an outfit they can wear to school, out at a community lot, or in the backyard while standing over the grill.

These are categorized as Everyday and compressorized. TM has fat morph. AM has fat and preg(!) morph. And because I was so pleased to get this project off my back, there are Default and Non-Default versions if you are into that sort of thing.

Downloads: TM Default | AM Default Downloads: TM Non-Default | AM Non-Default

Credits to Needlecream, Bunhead, Minomoso, and Lifa.

#ts2 #the sims2 #sims2cc #sims 2 download #clothing male #default replacement #sims2defaults #maxis match

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 1 year ago

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LIVERPOOL OF THE WEST COAST

Scott: What about San Francisco?

Zappa: I was around when they were just beginning to manufacture that whole scene. In fact, when the Mothers were first starting out they invited us to move to San Francisco and get in on all the "Hot Action." The Family Dog had a scene going with some local lawyers and businessmen and they were going to make it the Liverpool of the West Coast. Granted, they had a lot of the raw materials but it did take some human engineering and a little convincing for some of the monied forces to make it come off as a scene. Places like the Avalon and the Fillmore just don't happen without some kind of money. So, it wasn't just a bunch of hairy folk who got together and "we're just going to live here and do our thing."

Scott: How did Berkeley figure into it?

Zappa: I didn't see that much inter-relating between the Hashbury hippy types and the Berkeley types. Berkeley was on a more intellectual level. The hippy scene appeared to be sort of chemical-glandular oriented. I'm referring to altered consciousness a go-go in all of its beaded manifestations.

Scott: Does the psychedelic scene fit anywhere.

Zappa: I think it was a necessary smoke screen.

Scott: For what:

Zappa: For what's really happening.

Scott: What is really happening?

Zappa: I'll tell you when it happens.

Scott: (bleeding)

INFILTRATE

Zappa: I talk to a lot of kids at concerts and they ask if I'm a hippy and I tell them, "No, I'm a businessman." We don't have a big hippy audience. We get short haired kids who have a reasonable amount of social consciousness. I get a chance to talk to them and they ask for advice: "Should I quit school or go on?" I always tell them you should infiltrate. Hurry up and take over your father's job and do it right. It's fortunate that something like Psychedelia and Haight-Ashbury and all the rest of that goes on because it takes the focus off of the possibility that somebody who looks clean, straight, wholesome, right-wing and harmless is going to come in there and just do it while they're not looking. It's a much more frightening concept thinking it's some hairy creep that's going to take over your job. It's not going to be that way, it's going to be some guy who is straight.

Scott: Who's frightened?

Zappa: Right-wing elements who tend to show up most in positions of power. They become worried about things, you know, threatening appearances. It's like they need something to worry about. It's a paranoia oriented society. We've got to have some kind of fear and that's it for this year. It's almost passé to be afraid of the bomb.

Scott: Do you get a chance to talk to many college students?

Zappa: We've played a few colleges and usually after the show we're invited to a frat party and, we watch them drink. They appear to be well on their way to going down the tubes and succumbing to the same sort of social pressures that helped make their mothers and fathers nowhere. They are still wearing Madras pants – mentally. THE MENTAL MADRAS ! ! !

Scott: Is the drinking part of it significant.

Zappa: Well, from what I see, there is enough of it happening to devote a proportionate amount of our lyric content to the problem of drinking parents in relation to their children. It's much harder to communicate with Mom and Dad when they're drunk – it's bad enough when they're sober, but if they're wasted, it's bestial.

THE BIG NOTE

Scott: In all of the social change going on, does God fit in anywhere?

Zappa: Sure, well, he runs it, doesn't he?

Scott: Does He run your life?

Zappa: Yes, absolutely. But, His packaging might be a little bizarre for you to understand. My God is different from your God.

Scott: Who is your God?

Zappa: I haven't named Him. I don't think it's necessary. A lot of people have to rely on images: "There He is with the long white beard, white hair, and flowing white robe – GOD!" I don't see it that way. It's closely related to music. I don't perceive God on an emotional level.

Scott: How then? On a more structured level?

Zappa: Order comes into it. Like on the next album, "Lumpy Gravy," there is some dialogue integrated into the music where two characters are discussing The Big Note. That's the closest that I can come to describing to you what I think of God. He's like a Big Note. Everything, it would appear, is constructed from vibrations. Light is a vibration, sound is a vibration and it's quite possible that, when you break them down, the atoms themselves are nothing more than vibrations of this Big Note. And, in dealing with vibrations, one might be able to become closer in tune to some sort of Universal Force – if you want to get down to that corny, cheesy level. But, that's the way I see it.

Scott: Does this allow for any latitude?

Zappa: Sure, you've got a choice all the time. If you're perceptive you can see many choices that will get you from point A to point B and you can even figure out what will happen with each of the choices. But, I always keep my eye on point B – where it's really supposed to happen. And right now point B for me is the 1972 election.

Scott: You seem fated for it somehow.

Zappa: Well, look, fate – big deal! When your dishwasher wears out you buy a new one.

[Dario Simonetti]

#Frank Zappa #Dario Simonetti #1970s #The Mothers of Invention #Ah the 60s!#Ah the 70s!#Haight Ashbury

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gtccabs · 1 year ago

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What To Pack For Himachal Trip In Winters - 10 Key Things ?

Packing for a trip to Himachal Pradesh during the winter months is essential to ensure your comfort and safety in the cold weather. Here are 10 key things you should pack for a winter trip to Himachal:

Warm Clothing:Layering is crucial. Pack thermal innerwear, sweaters, and heavy jackets to stay warm.A down or insulated jacket to protect against extreme cold.

Woolen Accessories:Hats, gloves, scarves, and earmuffs to keep your extremities warm.

Heavy Woolen Socks:Several pairs of thick woolen socks to keep your feet warm.

Waterproof Boots:Insulated and waterproof boots with good traction for walking on snow and icy surfaces.

Snow Gear:If you plan to engage in snow activities, pack snow pants and snow boots.

Thermos or Insulated Water Bottle:To carry hot beverages like tea or coffee to stay warm on the go.

Portable Charger:Cold temperatures can drain your phone's battery quickly, so carry a portable charger.

Medications and First Aid:Any prescription medications you need, along with a basic first-aid kit.

Winter Accessories:Sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare on snow.Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to prevent sunburn.Moisturizer and lip balm to combat dry skin.

Backpack:A good quality backpack to carry your essentials while exploring.

Additionally, make sure to check the weather forecast for the specific region of Himachal Pradesh you plan to visit, as temperatures can vary significantly from one area to another. It's better to overprepare for the cold weather to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

How to plan Himachal trip in Winter?

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh during the winter months can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your winter trip to Himachal:

Choose Your Destination:Himachal Pradesh offers a range of winter destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, and more. Decide where you want to go based on your interests and the activities you want to pursue.

Set Your Travel Dates:Winter in Himachal Pradesh typically starts from late November and lasts until February. Decide when you want to visit, keeping in mind that December and January are the coldest months.

Research Weather and Conditions:Check the weather forecast for your chosen destination. Winter conditions can vary significantly, so be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and potential road closures.

Book Accommodation in Advance:Popular winter destinations can get crowded, so book your accommodation well in advance to secure your stay. Look for places that offer heating facilities.

Plan Your Itinerary:Make a list of the places you want to visit and activities you want to do. Popular winter activities in Himachal include skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and enjoying the snowfall.

Pack Appropriate Clothing:As mentioned in the previous response, pack warm clothing, insulated jackets, boots, and other winter essentials. Don't forget to bring any specialized gear you may need for activities like skiing or trekking.

Check Road Conditions:Before setting out on your journey, check the road conditions and any potential road closures due to heavy snowfall. Carry snow chains and be prepared for delays.

Stay Informed:Keep an eye on local news and updates about weather conditions and road closures during your trip. Be flexible with your plans in case of unexpected changes.

Stay Safe:Winter travel can be challenging, so prioritize safety. Drive carefully on icy roads, stay hydrated, and dress appropriately to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

Enjoy Local Cuisine:Don't miss the opportunity to try Himachali cuisine, which includes warming dishes like Chana Madra, Dham, and various soups.

Book Activities in Advance:If you plan to participate in activities like skiing or snowboarding, consider booking lessons or equipment rental in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Backup Power and Connectivity:Winter storms can disrupt power and connectivity. Carry a power bank and a local SIM card for emergency communication.

Travel Insurance:Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers winter sports and adverse weather conditions.

Respect the Environment:Be responsible and eco-friendly. Dispose of waste properly and respect local customs and traditions.

Emergency Contact Information:Carry a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and your embassy or consulate.

Remember that winter conditions can be unpredictable, so be flexible with your plans and be prepared for changes. With careful planning and the right gear, a winter trip to Himachal Pradesh can be a magical and memorable experience.

Best Travel Option for Himachal Trip in Winter?

Choosing the best travel option for a winter trip to Himachal Pradesh depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific destination you plan to visit. Here are some common travel options to consider:

Self-Drive:If you're comfortable driving in winter conditions and have access to a suitable vehicle with snow chains and all-wheel drive, self-driving can be a convenient and flexible option. However, be prepared for challenging road conditions, especially in hilly and mountainous areas.

Private Taxi or Cab:Hiring a private taxi or cab with an experienced local driver who knows the terrain can be a safe and stress-free way to travel in Himachal during winter. This option allows you to enjoy the scenery while someone else takes care of the driving.

Public Transport:Himachal Pradesh has a network of buses that connect various towns and cities. While this is a budget-friendly option, it may not be the most comfortable or reliable choice in winter, as road conditions can be unpredictable.

Volvo Buses:Some routes in Himachal, such as the Delhi to Manali route, offer Volvo luxury buses equipped with heating systems. These buses are a more comfortable and relatively safer option for winter travel.

Train:You can take a train to cities like Chandigarh or Pathankot and then continue your journey to Himachal Pradesh by road. Trains are a comfortable way to cover longer distances, but you'll need to arrange for local transport once you reach your destination.

Domestic Flights:If you're traveling from a distant city, you can book a domestic flight to cities like Chandigarh, Kullu-Manali, or Dharamshala. From there, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach your final destination in Himachal.

Trekking and Adventure Tours:Some adventure travel companies offer guided tours and trekking packages in Himachal Pradesh during the winter. These packages often include transportation, accommodation, and activities.

Local Transport:In Himachal Pradesh, you'll find local transport options like shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses. These can be useful for short distances within towns and cities.

When choosing your travel option, consider the distance you need to cover, your budget, your comfort level with winter driving, and the specific conditions at your destination. Always check the latest weather and road condition updates before you travel, especially during the winter months when conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, booking transportation and accommodations in advance is recommended, especially if you're traveling during peak tourist season.

Best Tourist Places in Himachal?

Himachal Pradesh is a scenic and diverse state in northern India known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and numerous tourist destinations. Here are some of the best tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla:The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is famous for its colonial architecture, Mall Road, and scenic beauty. Visit the Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, and enjoy panoramic views from the Ridge.

Manali:Manali is a popular hill station known for its picturesque valleys, adventure activities, and vibrant markets. Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Old Manali are must-visit places.

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj:Known as the residence of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala offers Tibetan culture, monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery. McLeod Ganj is a part of Dharamshala and is known for its vibrant market and Tsuglagkhang Complex.

Kullu:Kullu Valley is famous for its lush greenery, adventure sports, and the Kullu Dussehra festival. You can also explore the Naggar Castle and Raghunath Temple.

Dalhousie:Dalhousie is a quiet and charming hill station with colonial architecture, including St. John's Church and St. Francis Church. Khajjiar, often called "Mini Switzerland," is nearby.

Chamba:Chamba is known for its temples, particularly the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Bhuri Singh Museum. It offers a glimpse into Himachali art and culture.

Spiti Valley:Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert region with breathtaking landscapes, monasteries like Key Monastery, and small villages like Kaza. It's a haven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Kinnaur:Kinnaur is a lesser-explored region with serene landscapes, apple orchards, and Buddhist monasteries. Places like Kalpa, Sangla, and Reckong Peo are worth visiting.

Manikaran:Known for its hot springs and the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, this town is a sacred place for both Sikhs and Hindus.

Kasauli:A quiet hill station known for its colonial-era architecture, Kasauli offers a peaceful retreat. The Monkey Point and Christ Church are popular attractions.

Bir and Billing:These twin villages are famous for paragliding and hang gliding. The area offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.

Kufri:Located near Shimla, Kufri is known for its ski slopes during winter and the Himalayan Nature Park, which houses several animal species.

Chitkul:The last inhabited village near the Indo-China border in Kinnaur, Chitkul offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

Bilaspur:Visit the man-made Gobind Sagar Lake, which is known for its underwater temples that become visible during low water levels.

Great Himalayan National Park:A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers, offering a chance to see rare flora and fauna.

Each of these destinations in Himachal Pradesh offers a unique experience, whether you're interested in nature, culture, adventure, or simply relaxing in the serene Himalayan surroundings. The best places for you to visit will depend on your interests and the time of year you plan to travel.

Is GTC Cabs Available for Himachal Trip?

Yes, GTC Cabs is available for Himachal trips. You can book a cab online, through the GTC Cabs app, or by calling the customer care number. GTC Cabs offers a variety of services for Himachal trips, including:

Outstation cabs: GTC Cabs provides outstation cabs for one-way and round-trip trips between any two cities in Himachal. Customers can choose from a variety of car types, including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.

Carpooling: GTC Cabs offers carpooling services for customers who want to save money on their travel costs. Customers can share a cab with other passengers who are traveling on the same route.

Local car rental: GTC Cabs also offers local car rental services for customers who need a car for a few hours or days. Customers can choose from a variety of car types, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

GTC Cabs is a reliable and affordable option for Himachal trips. The company has a good reputation for customer service and its drivers are experienced and knowledgeable about the region.

Here are some tips for booking a GTC Cab for your Himachal trip:

Book your cab in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.

Be sure to share your travel details with GTC Cabs, such as your pick-up and drop-off locations, the number of passengers, and the type of car you need.

If you have any special requirements, such as a child seat or wheelchair accessibility, be sure to let GTC Cabs know.

Be sure to have your booking confirmation number handy when you pick up your cab.

#carrental #airport taxi #cab #delhi #taxiservice #gtccabs #taxi #travel #airporttaxi #Himachal #manali #shimla #winter #train #bus #air #outstationcabs #onewaycab #carhire #kufri

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eclipsecrowned · 1 year ago

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fuck it. how my debede muses roll up to the masquerade function. just the muses that are mainverse to setting, may do my muses with AUs to setting later.

Steven: Gets to trade in his denim and madras for something a little silkier. It's a traditional late 19th-early 20th century suit for men, classic eveningwear all black jackets and accessories in a shade of blue that matches his eyes. It makes Steven look older, and he trades out the bow tie for a little bit of blue ribbon tied up elegantly. His golden curls are tamed and swept away from his face for once, as if gelled back. He's not wholly comfortably with realizing in the right clothes he can pass for a dinh's son, and seems uncharacteristically sheepish at the start of the event. However, he adjusts easily as the night wears on, and resumes his usual charming, devil-may-care demeanor quickly. His mask is that of the Muse of Comedy, noble and cheerful, though there is a pin of the Muse of Tragedy holding his ribbon together.

Charlotte: For one brief night, she gets to live in what should have been. The daughter of nobility and wealth in 17th century France, she's clad in the layers and frills of a highborn lady. Her puffed sleeves are lined with the finest lace, and though indigo might be the devil's color, it suits her fine. Pearls from the New World and rings from her grandmothers kiss what little exposed skin she has. She catches her mother's scent upon her when she moves, the heady scent of expensive perfume afforded only to the incredibly privileged. For this singular, ephemeral evening, she is the daughter of House Deshayes, and all the beauty that conveys. Honestly, she feels like she's tripping the entire evening, her stays a little too tight, her head swimming. This isn't her. She knows this isn't her. Her mask is half of a sharp-carved skull, carved of crystals that seem more like frost.

Victor: Victor never gets cosmetics. It is a truth universally acknowledged in the Fog that, at some point in your life, you will get attacked by a perpetually naked man with stunted development. But like Cendrillion in the old fairy tales, he has a loving patron -- or at least a fellow Killer who knows how to sew. Victor is in a surprisingly more modern ensemble than his sister, based solely on Bubba being a more modern seamstress. He's in a little suit jacket with tuxedo pants, made of a thick but soft fabric. Unfortunately, nothing could be found for a shirt, so he's just bare-chested under the jacket and fine with it. He's having a grand time at the function. He does, however, have a mask, and it is as ever the twin to his sisters, like two halves of a whole.

Bonus! Ferret has dealt me critical damage by saying 'Masquerade Event Makes Twins As They Could Have Been! Entity mocks their existence by sealing Charlotte's wound and making her 'normal' where Victor for one evening reflects what he would have been had he developed separate of Charlotte: A real boy!'

Max: He feels like he could be walking right into the Daily Planet in this suit. The lapels are pointy, the wool is soft, and the color is so vibrant. He doesn't have to run around in his grimy old clothes. He's somebody in this, like Clark Kent or the boy on TV's dad. The fabric is the color of happiness, of sunflowers, of something important. It makes him feel as warm and happy as he can be. The clothes make the man, and in this case, Max at least makes an effort to socialize more than usual, to try being something more tonight. It's not always easy, but it feels like he's in another secret identity. Maybe that's silly. Maybe he'll feel dumb in the morning, when he wakes up alone in the old farmhouse. But for tonight, he feels wonderful, and he wants to spread the sentiment around. God knows it's rare to find in this place. He's wearing a simple half-mask that beautifully complements his suit, cut so that everyone can see his smile.

Anna: No sarafan and kokoshnik for this lady. Kosovorotka, leggings, and an elegant kaftan in all the hues of the forest. She cuts an imposing but gorgeous figure, like autumn's king come down to preside over the masquerade. The image of her axes repeats along patterns at the edges of her clothes, along with a crowned hare to continue the motif of her power and regality at the event. Rich brown, soft golds, and rich deep reds truly make her look like something that crawled out of the forest instead of hell. Not the most social attendee, she keeps to the edges and the refreshments, still humming to herself and nodding firmly at hose who come upon her. Her mask is a more ornate, fierce-looking iteration of her girlhood rabbit mask.

Mary: For once, Gilead's last serving daughter gets to appear as she prefers. Stripped of the feminine, she has settled comfortably into an old black suit, a bolo around her neck clasped with a fine fat ruby. Her shirt is pristine white, lined with subtle rose patterns that are only visible from the right angles in the proper lighting. Her long jacket and slim-fit trousers are the same silky black, though of much firmer material. She keeps her long hair braided back in a single tight plait, almost as severe as her mouth. Yet she's not displeased to be at the Masquerade. In fact, it reminds her of finer evenings in her father's house, when palavering and politicking was surely necessary. The nostalgia doesn't hurt her. Her mask is largely the abdomen of a spider, with 8 fine chains clasping the golden mask securely to her face. The cephalothorax of the gilded spider is a free-hanging accessory that kisses down to her chest, easily disturbed by her breath or words and letting out a metallic whisper in answer.

#steventbt #marytbt #maxtbt #charlottetbt #victortbt #annatbt #spider //#spiders //

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arunparia · 2 years ago

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A Day at the Sea

Sunday mornings were kept aside to visit the beach — that was the family’s weekly picnic. The men wore short shorts looking unfashionable, fat; hopping on the boiling sand barefoot, chappals in hand. The women took time to have their pick from the opaque salwars, to make inconspicuous bathing suits.

Later, they claimed they were late because they were making coffee, filling up two Eagle flasks for the family.

I led the family platoon – an unabashed little corporal – even though I was not a man yet; a mere boy of five. In an Awara hat, a maternal uncle had bought from the Mandir market, after the film was a hit. I stole it under his affectionate gaze, matching it with an un-ironed cotton shirt and pants, and a pair of Bata chappals grandfather bought me before the Puja.

On that day, it was a fierce summer sun. The sand was hot.

Keeping Deven Dutta’s clinic on our left and the Puri Hotel on the right, we marched to arrive at an iron gate leading to a cement path. The path led to the sea. I opened the gate in a hurry and raced down the path toward the sea, ignoring the furious warnings of my grandfather.

Expecting a visual of blue water, and the sound of its incessant roar, and the foamy end of the sea jingling briskly on the beach. A burning sky getting wet in the mercurial water. And the wet sand thickly strewn with seashells patterned in accord with a child’s whim.

Nothing. There was nothing.

I looked back at my grandfather and cried, “Dadu, Dadu, there is no sea!”

Grandfather, panting far behind, could not hear what I had said.

He shouted back, “What?”

A minute later he appeared, towering over me, still panting, still looking at the vast stretch of sand that laid before him, like a desert — mile after mile, without a hint of water or salt, without fish, without a school or the skeletons of whales. He nodded sadly.

“Really! No sea. Should we head back to our quarter then? No chance we could swim today in the sea.”

That night we came back to Bengal travelling by the Puri Express. A night made of dim station lights. A moody engine hissing, gulping coal, pulling six maroon bogeys leisurely across the furious Brahmani.

I have never gone back to Puri.

My grandfather, who retired as the station superintendent, died in Bengal within a year of his retirement. Neither he nor my grandmother, who died in Pune, in 1998. Two maternal uncles, one in Pune, one in Kolkata, are still alive. They are not keeping well. My mother and my two aunts, knotted sullenly to their families and tired with life, have no wish to return to the house of their girlhood.

Who knows who is living there? Who climbs the guava tree that stands in the courtyard? Is that house still erect or has it been pulled down to make a station-facing mall?

In a bid to return to the summers of my childhood, every year I browse the train timetable and look at the map to find the blue of the Bay of Bengal on the map at the rim of the town of Puri. Yet I am not sure if there is still a sea.

(The poem was first published in Madras Courier: https://madrascourier.com/art-and-poetry/a-day-at-the-sea/)

#Childhood Dreams #Childhood Home #Dr. Deven Dutta #Mandir Market #Nostalgia #Puri #Strange Memories #The Bay of Bengal turning dry #The Summers of My Childhood #Poem #Poetry #Prose Poetry

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lesmiscollageproject · 2 years ago

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Chateaubriand, standing every morning at his window at No. 27 Rue Saint-Dominique, in pajama pants and slippers, his gray hair covered with a madras kerchief, a mirror before his eyes, and a complete set of dental instruments before him, cleaned his teeth, which were excellent, while dictating versions of La Monarchie selon la Charte to M. Pilorge, his secretary.

#les miserables #les mis #1.3.1 #les mis letters #(thank you to David Lynch's weird photographic tastes for the dental photo lol)#(handwriting not mine from a sheaf of found pages)

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mayblossomss · 1 month ago

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Whumptober Day 26: Nightmares

Glancing around the old, dusty church, Ponyboy was struck with an odd sense of familiarity, as though he'd been there before. Of course, that wasn't possible, the last time Pony had set foot in a church was when Steve had dropped a hymn book in the middle of a sermon and Two-Bit waved at the people who turned in their seats to glare.

So, this church shouldn't seem familiar, but for some reason, it made him think of something, like a buried memory of sorts. Shrugging it off, he slowly stepped through the church, an odd urge in the back of his mind telling him to call for Johnny. Was that why he was there: to look for Johnny? Pony couldn't seem to remember what he was doing there in the first place, so maybe.

"Johnny!" His voice echoed through the vacant building, carrying his cry through each room. "Johnnycakes?"

When his friend didn't respond, Ponyboy decided to call for his other friend. "Dally? Dal, are you here?" He didn't know why, but he could feel them, as though they were hiding just around the corner from him. Why would they do that?

All that answered him was his own repeating voice, so Ponyboy continued shuffling through the church, brushing spiderweb after spiderweb off of him as he carried on. Shards of glass and old cigarettes crunched beneath his old Converse with each step he took.

Nearing a large window which reflected a bright light into his eyes, Pony squinted and tried adjusting to the brightness. When he couldn't, he stumbled into the nearest room and sighed, rubbing his eyes and blinking away the shapes in his vision.

In front of him, with his back facing Ponyboy, was a boy clad in a madras top and tight-fighting pants. At once, Pony recognized him as Bob Sheldon, the world's biggest asshole. Clearing his throat, Ponyboy shifted from foot-to-foot, waiting for him to turn around and face him.

Slowly, Bob's turned his body toward Ponyboy, and all of the air left his lungs in a strangled gasp. Bob's madras top was stained with blood, a switchblade protruding from his side. The red liquid seeped from his lips as they twisted into a cocky grin.

"Get away from me," Ponyboy choked out, taking a shaky step away from Bob as he remembered the fountain. "You-- You're supposed to be dead!"

Bob laughed, dark eyes twinkling with amusement. "You think I'd rest after you killed me?"

"I didn't kill..." Pony's hands clenched into fists as fear overtook him. Why was he seeing a dead-boy-walking? "It's not my fault."

"It is your fault, grease," he sneered, striding forward and backing Ponyboy against the wall. "Everything's your fault. How can you live with yourself knowing you took my life away?"

"It wasn't me!"

"I had a family. Two parents who no longer have a son thanks to you."

Ponyboy tilted his head back to avoid Bob's warm, alcohol-tinted breath. He couldn't stop himself from shaking, and when a drop of hot, red blood fell onto his clothes, he winced. "Leave me alone."

"I'll never leave you alone, greaser. Not until you're as dead as I am--"

"You're not real!" Ponyboy shouted, pushing the boy away from him and shielding his face to prevent himself from seeing him anymore. When he peeked out from between his fingers, he let out a sigh of relief, realizing that Bob was nowhere to be seen.

Just as he let himself feel safe again, Ponyboy got a whiff of something that made his body go rigid with panic. Smoke. Why his body reacted so negatively to the burning smell seemed odd to Pony, but he pushed it down and scrambled to find an exit.

He rushed through the building before coming to a halt, eyes widening. Taking a slow step closer, Ponyboy spoke warmly, a smile on his face. "Johnny?"

Johnny didn't react for a moment, standing with his back to him as Bob had previously. Slowly, he turned his head around to face Ponyboy, revealing a copious amount of burn marks ranging from his head to his arms. Ponyboy let out a shaky gasp, eyes widening in horror at the sight. Why was Johnny covered in burns? What happened and why did he feel overwhelmingly guilty?

"Johnny! Golly, what happened?!"

He didn't respond for a moment, before slowly, and hoarsely, saying, "You did this to me."

"What?"

"You're the reason I got burned!" Johnny snapped, his voice carried by such an intense anger that Ponyboy had never heard from him before. "I'm dead because of you!"

Why was everyone saying that? Ponyboy's heart ached at the thought of his best friend blaming him. "No, no, this isn't real. You're not real!"

"He is," A gruff voice said from behind Pony, and even though he didn't want to, he turned around to face Dallas. He looked as dead as the others did, and walked toward Ponyboy as though he didn't have bullet holes in his chest. "It's all real, Ponyboy."

Ponyboy shook his head, stepping to the side to avoid the both of them. Tears pricked his eyes, but it was unclear if they were caused by his emotions or the rising smoke consuming them. "I'm sorry."

"It's too late to be sorry," Dallas mocked, sneering at him cruelly. "You made your choice, and ultimately killed us."

"I didn't ask for this!" Ponyboy defended, quivering as the internalized guilt he felt was finally being expressed. "It's... It isn't my fault!"

Johnny scoffed, dark eyes narrowing with distaste. "It is. It's useless to deny it."

Ponyboy fell backward, twisting his ankle as he tripped over an oddly placed plank. He cried out, looking down at his ankle, before glancing up at his friends. They looked down at him apathetically, save for hints of contempt.

"You should've died instead of Johnny," Dallas grunted, kicking gravel at him.

Johnny sighed, a twisted look of regret in his eyes. "I should've let Bob drown you."

Ponyboy shook his head, bringing his knees to his chest. "You don't mean that!"

"We do," They hummed, cold stares unyielding. "It's all your fault."

"No!" Ponyboy protested, his voice weak with defeat. Their voices, no matter how hard he tried to block them out with his hands, chanted loudly around him, forcing him to face his guilt. The fire grew hotter around him, melting his skin and forcing his lungs to tighten. The last thing he registered were the distant cries of children before someone was shaking him awake.

"Ponyboy!" The person shaking him shouted, switching to cup his face. "Pony, it's just a dream! Wake up!"

Pony's eyes blinked open, disoriented and teary as he took in his surroundings. He wasn't in that church, but his bed, naturally. He could never have been inside that church since it was now nothing more than a pile of burnt logs and ash. It's silly how your mind can make you forget even the simplest of facts while you're dreaming.

Looking up, he saw Darry and Soda staring down at him, eyes round with fear. Darry had his hands cupped around his cheeks while Soda stood behind him, a bit shaken.

"Are you okay?" Darry questioned, relaxing his grasp on his brother.

"I'm okay, just a bad dream," Ponyboy responded dryly, the taste of smoke still on his tongue. "What happened?"

"You were screaming bloody murder," Sodapop chimed in, brown eyes shimmering with distress. "Kept muttering stuff too."

Ponyboy wanted to pry for exactly what he had said, but decided maybe it was better not to acknowledge it. He wiped his damp eyes, sniffled, and adjusted so that he was no longer being held by Darry, but rather lying down against his pillow again. "Well, I'm fine now."

"Are... you sure?" Darry asked slowly, sharing a concerned look with Soda. He hummed, so Darry sighed and sat up, scratching the stubble growing on his chin. "Okay, then, if you say so."

Soda sat down beside him, smiling and brushing Pony's hair from his eyes. "Try getting some more sleep. No more bad dreams tonight, got it?"

Ponyboy nodded, closing his eyes and letting sleep take him once again. He knew that in the morning, his brothers would likely be expecting him to tell them what he was dreaming about, but he'd simply pull the "I can't remember" card. It's worked before, it will work again.

#whumptober 2024 #no.26 #nightmares #the outsiders #fanfic #gore #ponyboy curtis #trauma #based on a oneshot i started to write ages ago and has since sat in the drafts

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