#more like the suppering games cause i’m gonna eat the book

[elonaswrath]

‼️‼️‼️‼️WARNING SPOILERS FOR TAZ THE SUFFERING GAMES GRAPHIC NOVEL ‼️‼️‼️‼️

okay i have so many thoughts. first of all i think that removing some of the minor characters like the head from the arc worked well. However, the removal of the countering adventuring party in wonderland was not a welcome change for me. The lack of a foil through out the game made it feel hollow and lacking substance. In fact the whole gn felt very rushed. Nothing really seemed to get a moment to breathe because they had to rush to the reveals about IPRE (more on this later). I think one of the cardinal sins of the novel however is showing us characters like Lup too soon. What made the stolen century and the lead up to story and song so good was the fact that we did not know anything about the characters but instead that we learned about them as they grew. One of the most powerful moments of balance was the reveal of davenport and the unfurling of the mystery of the seven birds, but here it just happens. Like there is no mystery there is nothing but the mystery being solved. Taako’s line of “You took half my heart” means so much more when we see what Lup meant to him. The stolen century gives so much more power to things like that, but here because we needed a clean ending they just had those things happen. ALSO ABOUT LUP I CANNOT STAND THAT THEY SHOWED THE BEST DAY EVER!! Like it’s a fun easter egg if you have listened to balance but by putting it there devoid of context it has no weight and I feel flops on its face. This really feels like it’s living in the shadow of stolen century, almost like Across the Spiderverse being a part one.

I am genuinely baffled however by the treatment of wonderland. Because so much of the story is weighted towards the events after wonderland we lose so much of what made this arc special. It seriously felt like nothing from wonderland could breathe because they needed to explore the moon and the secrets on it. This led to some of the worst changes in my opinion. We lost some of my favorite lore in the series when the final wheel spins are cut. I think Magnus taking all of the punishments on the last wheel, spinning without caring what it will cost him is some of the best of the series and it’s just gone here.

My biggest complaint however is the focus that is paid to specific moments and not paid to others. I think that no healing in wonderland deserved a full page if not a two page spread as it is one of the best moments in the series. Also, arms outstretched felt so jumbled and lost in the chaos of the page. I would have loved a two page spread of them reaching for one another. I realize it means more to us knowing that it drastically changed the narrative and that it took all three of thb to do it but still I think that could have been so emotionally resonant. I think the book could have taken itself more seriously as a piece of emotional media. What made TSG and SC so good was the emotional depth we finally saw. Wonderland was supposed to suck because losing things should mean something. I wanted to see the characters breathe and be affected but there was too much ground to cover.

Let me also say I think Carey absolutely killed the illustration work and there was so much good in the graphic novel. I just have a special place in my heart for this story and I understand this review seems mostly negative. I say these things not because I hate the work but rather because I think it pertinent to discuss why some things did not land with me. I loved the majority of it. Seeing this arc come to life and having moments like Dupree appearing were so fun but also there is so much room for potential improvements. I give the novel a solid 7.5/10 on a first read. I think it’s definitely one of the weaker entries so far but I am so excited for Stolen Century. I hope that they give the next novel more time to develop. If that means waiting longer so we can get more brilliant art from Carey I am so good with that. My one hope is that we see more of the characters emerge in the next gn because this felt very story driven and not very character driven. And it is in the end the characters that I love. The story worked as means to build the characters and I think we need to see more of that.

[imjustheretoseetheprivateblogs]

Qrowin Week 2021: 6/21-Childhood Friends AU

Two little snowbirds sitting in a row

 They met in the garden at one of her father’s lavish parties. She’d gone outside because little girls didn’t like being told to sit still and not talk nor do anything fun, so she decided she didn’t care if the dress daddy bought her got messy, she’d go outside and spend time in the hedge maze.

They’d gotten it installed, in the shape of the Schnee family crest no less, because the Marigolds had one in the shape of their family crest and daddy could be silly about when people had things he didn’t.

The white roses that grew from the foliage walls, fragrant and delicate, were always calming to her, especially on a cool and cloudless night like this when the moonlight was at its brightest.

For Winter, to get lost in its lush corridors and marble statuary, it’s hidden gardens and fountains would be enough to get the annoyance of her father’s party out of her mind.

Most of that went out of her head when she found a grungy boy in a cape stuffing his face with what looked like a rabbit.

He stared at her, like an animal in a vehicle’s headlights, bits of his meal hanging from his mouth.

He couldn’t be older than her, gaunt with gunsmoke-colored hair stuck up at odd angles and eyes like carbuncles.

The clothes he wore were grubby and layered and obviously used long before he’d begun wearing them, especially that tattered cape.

For a moment, neither spoke, merely staring at one another in the moonlight.

Finally, Winter broke the silence.

“That’s disgusting.”

The boy dropped the rabbit from his mouth.

“Sorry if I’m not fancy enough for you, Miss Uppity.”

Winter felt her cheeks heat with indignation.

“How dare you!”

The boy threw back his head and laughed, a sound that reminded Winter of a pair of birds she’d once heard fighting in the yard.

“Is that all it takes to get under that pale skin!” he laughed, a sound which soon died in his throat when his stomach made a loud groan.

Winter huffed as he reached for the dead rabbit.

“Wait here and don’t touch that,” she said, turning on her heel.

She returned with two plates piled high with hors d'oeuvres.

“I didn’t know what you liked,” she said, handing him one, “so I got you one of everything.”

The boy said nothing, just shoveling food into his mouth in a way that probably promoted choking.

“You’re welcome,” Winter said, sitting down and spearing a piece of salmon on a toothpick to eat.

The boy coughed, pounding his chest.

“You shouldn’t eat so fast,” Winter said, “you’ll get sick.”

“Well, some of us don’t know when our next meal is gonna be,” he said.

His words brought back to Winter the memory of her father sending her to bed with no supper when he found she’d invited a faunus over to play, with threats of no breakfast if she didn’t break it off with the girl tomorrow.

“You might be surprised,” Winter said.

The boy said something through a mouthful of hummace.

“What was that?” Winter asked.

The boy swallowed.

“I’m Qrow,” he said.

Winter smiled.

“I’m Winter.”

One named Winter

She saw him on days when it wasn’t raining or snowing after that. The family he lived with (his “Tribe” as he called them) were camped out in the woods behind their house, the ones nobody would let daddy cut down.

At night, he told her, they danced and played instruments and drank until the early hours of the morning.

Winter never really cared for people who drank (her mother’s growing dependence on liquor was a factor in this) but Qrow never really showed up smelling like wine, so she supposed associating with him was no trouble.

It was also refreshing that he never stood on ceremony.

He never rolled his eyes at her when she spoke of wanting to learn fencing or told her how things were supposed to be when she complained about how someone (usually daddy) was being unfair.

He also taught her new games that were much more fun than anything that the boys and girls daddy introduced her knew.

Kick the can, stickball, and he played hide and seek and tag with her. And he’d tell her all about the places he’d been. Mistral, Vacuo, Menagerie, his tribe had traveled all over Remnant.

And while he could be crass, she still remembered seeing the way he rescued a baby bird from a stray cat and returning it to its nest with the tenderest care.

Or how when she complained of how her father was so bossy and so dumb, that he listened. Didn’t judge, didn’t criticize, just listen.

And sometimes, it was enough to know that they’d meet once a week, at night, in the hedge maze.

One named Qrow

She wasn’t what he expected.

Sure, she told him annoying things like “don’t slouch, eat slower, no burping, don’t pull up the flowers—no! I don’t need them, put them back!”

But she never called him weak. She never said he should practice more like his sister did.

Winter gave him food, and listened to his stories and ideas, and never asked if he wanted to fight. Sometimes, they would even just sit together.

She even taught him how to read; starting with big letters scratched in the dirt with a stick, before lending him books that they could read together.

Mr. Bruin is a Shoe-in was the first he read all by himself. And he was so happy when she let him keep it afterwards.

And she never told him to stop being so dumb, like his sister did.

And sometimes, it was enough to know that they’d meet once a week, at night, in the hedge maze.

Fly away, Winter!

Their shouts bring the servants running. All they saw was Winter on her knees, face in her hands as she wept piteously.

If only they’d come a few minutes earlier, then they could have seen the argument in all it’s glory. Voices rough from the volume and occasionally cracking, tears streaming down their faces, they weren’t that little boy and girl anymore.

He’d grown lanky and lean, she taller and with longer hair.

But they didn’t care right then.

She’d told him she was joining the military.

He said his tribe would be moving and asked if she wanted to join them instead of some stupid army.

She said it was a noble profession.

He said only for assholes.

She defended her position.

He reiterated his opinion.

She shouted at him, asking why couldn’t he be happy for her.

He shouted at her what would be wrong with going with him.

She said something about duty.

He told her to shut up, that he didn’t want to hear duty again in his whole life.

She told him that if he was going to act like a filthy little boy, then he could go off and sulk like one.

He said he wished he’d never met her and hoped she enjoyed killing people.

Arguments like that, they learned, ended with no winners.

Fly away, Qrow!

 That was the end of the time Qrow considered himself happy. Life seemed to plan for him a long drawn out death, bracketed with disappointments and tragedy’s.

Transformation

The death of friends.

The death of family.

The horrors of war.

Secrets and betrayal.

Abandonment.

And the drink

So, so much to drink.

It didn’t fix anything. It didn’t make him feel more human. But it kept the nightmares at bay. It kept him as a predictable disappointment rather than an out-of-the-blue-never-seen-that-kind-of-train-wreck-before disappointment.

But the worst part of the drink, thought, was that no matter how many shots he took, no matter how many chasers. Black liquor, brown liquor, red wine, white wine, it didn’t matter. Melancholy brought back visions of that girl from that time he had been happy.

Come back, Winter!

First impressions had never come easy to Qrow. So really, it should be no surprise that impression number 15 the horrible sequel nobody wanted or needed.

But really, denying common sense by chucking an empty whisky bottle at James Ironwood’s head was not only pointless, it was utterly puerile. He was drunk. He was upset that his latest search for intel on Salem had turned up next to nothing, he was itching for a fight and if that pompous wannabe hero wanted to take it up with him, that was fine.

Except he hadn’t expected the woman by his side to turn out to be someone familiar. Someone he hadn’t seen since he was a dumb, romantic, fifteen-year-old kid.

Someone whose reappearance upset his stomach enough that he emptied it onto the general’s uniform and shoes. With enough force to make his eyes water.

The woman in the Atlesian uniform said she would take care of him and asked another girl, another white haired girl, where their room was.

As they walked towards Beacon, he thought he heard her say “Qrow Branwen, what has the world done to you?”

Come back, Qrow!

Qrow awoke to a cold rag on his forehead.

“Lie still,” she said, “I think you got a hold of some rockgut.”

“More like rockgut got a hold of me.”

Qrow’s attempt at humor was met with a scowl.

“Gee, you got frosty.”

“And you became an alcoholic,” she said, wringing out the cloth into a nearby basin.

Qrow looked away from her and to the wall, as if a better retort than her’s existed there.

“It eases the pain,” he said.

“No it doesn’t,” Winter said. She threw the rag into the basin, causing the water to splash.

“Qrow, my mother is an alcoholic. It doesn’t fix anything! It just makes you want more of what’s essentially fermented grass!”

“You don’t think I know that!” Qrow snapped. Tears pricked at his eyes and his heart sank when he saw the hurt in her eyes from his tone, something he hadn’t seen there since their last meeting.

“There are nights when no matter how much I drink, I still can’t forget the loss of all the people around me and how--”

He paused and swallowed.

“How everyone is just one day going to leave me!”

Tears were starting to fall as all the regrets he’d kept at bay with drink and fighting and everythng else he could find came rushing back into him and coiling around his lungs.

“I’m bad luck, Winter,” he said, “I lost my sister, my tribe, I lost the people I care about, and every day, it’s missions, missions, and missions to find an enemy I don’t even know exists.”

His shoulders were shaking and he remembered his sister, back when they were little, telling him how ‘boys don’t cry.’

God, Winter must think he’s so pathetic.

Instead, she took him by the shoulders and gently brought him into her embrace.

“It’s alright,” she said, “just let it out. Get it all out.”

Not knowing what else to do, Qrow gripped the back of her uniform and sobbed into her shoulder, years’ worth of pain and loneliness deep inside him rising to the surface and finally escaping. And the pressure went with it.

At some point, they ended up lying together on the bed (wait, were they in a bunk bed?), still in each other’s arms.

“We all have regrets,” Winter said, “things we said. Things we wish we could take back.”

Her hand tightens on his shirt and his hand closes around it.

“But, if you really want to know, if I could do it over...”

Please say it, he wanted to think, but every time he had thoughts like that, life saw fit to swat him down again.

“I would go with you. Even if after the first day, I went back home, I think I would go with you.”

Qrow felt his heart swell and suddenly, he didn’t feel so sick anymore.

“And... if you wanted to start over... I would like that too.”

“I still have Mr. Bruin,” Qrow said.

He didn’t know why he said that. She never asked about the book, never said “Qrow, what kind of literature do you normally read?”

Whatever the reason, Winter looked up at him, shocked.

“Still? I thought you would’ve thrown that away.”

Qrow looked down at her, eyes glassy.

“I tried a few times. But I just couldn’t get rid of something that reminded me of you. It’s missing the page where Mr. Bruin loses his boot, but I tried to keep it safe.”

Winter’s hand rises to his cheek and Qrow leans into it, the human contact easing the hole in his soul he’s tried to fill with booze.

“I’m sorry I didn’t turn out as someone you could be proud of.”

“The fact that you kept that book tells me everything I need to know.”

Later that night, Winter’s sister and Qrow’s niece would get the shock of their lives when they enetered their room and saw the two of them sleeping on Weiss’s bed together.

[slyttherins]

Unexpected flame (part 3) | Fred Weasley x Sirius Black’s daughter

June 1995

After the grim end of the Triwizard tournament, the return from Hogwarts was gloom.

Two weeks had passed since the final task and many students were still mourning Cedric Diggory. His death had been traumatic for a lot of people - they had expected to see a winner come out of the maze, not a cadaver -, and the image of Cedric's lifeless body in the middle of the pitch will forever be inked in their memory.

Juliet didn't know Cedric a lot. He was three years older than her and they didn't cross paths a lot at Hogwarts. All she knew was that he was the embodiment of the qualities of a Hufflepuff and was their quidditch team' seeker. She was sad and disturbed about his death, as everyone was, but wasn't weeping in mourning.

As they neared London, a smile formed on her lips. In his last letter, Remus had informed her that she'd be spending a small part of summer with the Weasleys and she was thrilled.

According to Ginny's letters, summer at the Burrow sounded really fun. The younger of the Weasley clan would always tell Juliet about the many pranks the twins would pull, swimming in the pond during hot days, playing quidditch above the field and even de-gnoming the garden.

''I don't mind you coming over during summer vacation, Juliet, but don't make it a habit. I see you enough at school,'' Ron said as he dragged his trunk onto a trolley.

''I'm just so obsessed with you that I can't leave your side, Ronald,'' Juliet replied jokingly. She wrapped her arms around him and attempted to kiss his face, but Ron dodged her lips. His cheeks were bright red from the attack, not used to girls being so close to him - beside his mother and sister.

Ginny and the twins laughed.

''Worry not, I won't be staying for long.''

''Well, I don't mind you staying for the summer. We're gonna have so much fun!'' Ginny said excitedly.

''Mom's here,'' George pointed out, seeing her hurry through the mass of parents and students and trolleys full of luggages.

.

The Burrow's back yard was beautiful during summer. Molly's large garden was filled with flowers, overgrown weeds and...chickens running around. It was a lot livelier than the old flower box at 12 Grimmauld place that she and Remus never watered and had left to die.

''You can stay in Percy's room if you want, dear. You'll be more comfortable than on Ginny's floor. I've put an extra blanket for you. The nights are cold, even in summer,'' Molly informed, tearing Juliet's attention from the window.

She thanked Mrs. Weasley and frowned. ''Where's Percy? Won't he need his room?'' she asked, confused. She didn't personally care about Percy, but she didn't want to steal his room and cause more trouble between them.

Ron shook his head, walking past her and looking around the kitchen, in search of anything he could steal and eat before dinner. ''He's not here. He got himself a job at the Ministry of Magic as assistant to Bartemius Crouch.''

''So you won't have to worry about him attacking you during supper,'' Fred added with a grin.

Juliet bit back a smile, shaking her head. Of course he remembered that.

''Mr. Crouch can't even remember Percy's name, it's hilarious. He calls him Weatherby,'' George added, not even holding his laughter.

Fred mimicked his brother and Molly scolded them both, using the hand towel she had in her hands to swat at Fred's arm. ''Quit making fun of your brother, will you? He worked really hard to get this job.''

''What's for dinner, Mom?'' Ron asked as his stomach made a growling sound.

Beside him, Ginny rolled her eyes. How could he always be hungry?

.

Percy's room being on the same floor as Fred and George's, Fred decided to be a decent host and show her the way.

''Here's Percy's den,'' Fred said, opening the door. ''Careful not to stay too long in here, you might lose your humor.''

The room was neat and clean compared to Ginny and Ron's. There were no posters or family pictures on his walls, but Ministry law books, ink pots, parchemin papers and old Daily Prophet newspapers all over his desk.

Juliet walked in and set her trunk down at the end of the neatly made bed. ''Fear not,'' she reassured the redhead, having no intention of staying in Percy's room for longer than necessary. She'll come here to sleep and that's it. ''My humor is deep in my blood.''

With Sirius Black for father, it was impossible to not have a great sense of humor. Juliet didn't share his attraction for mischief - not to his extent -, but she liked to tease people and joke around.

''I'll make sure to make jokes everyday, just in case. If you stop laughing, I'll know it's because of Percy's bedsheets.''

Biting her cheek, Juliet fought a smile. ''Always have my back, uh Freddie?''

He grinned in confirmation. ''If you need anything, just knock on my door.''

.

The next day, the sun was shining high in the sky as Ginny pulled Juliet through the backyard, both dressed in their bathing suits. They went up to the small deck that led to the pond, excited to jump in and cool off.

The first day of summer vacation was usually dedicated to cleaning the yard, but Molly had made an exception and let the kids play in the water since they had a guest.

When the girls arrived, Ron and the twins were already in the pond, fighting with pool noodles.

''Get him, George!'' Fred cheered as George hit their younger brother with a green noodle, a slapping sound echoing.

''Go George!'' Juliet joined in, taking George's side too.

Her voice had distraught Ron and his short moment of inattention cost him to get hit square in the face by George - and losing grip of his noodle. ''Bloody hell, what are you wearing?'' Ron asked, catching sight of the girls and staring at Juliet with wide eyes.

''I won!'' George exclaimed, turning to his twin for a celebratory high-five.

Juliet sat on the edge of the deck, about to get in the water. ''It's a bathing suit, Ronald. You wear it to swim,'' she explained, making the others snicker.

''This is a bathing suit.'' He pointed to Ginny's bright red one piece. ''Not...whatever this is.''

Juliet rolled her eyes and got in the water while Ginny jumped, cannonball style and splashed everyone - including Ron who scowled.

''You seemed in need of a cold shower,'' she told him as she resurfaced. ''Let's play chicken fight.''

''In case you forgot, we're an uneven number. It won't work,'' Ron reminded.

''Well, one of us is gonna wait on the sideline and replace the first person who falls. And, that person is you. You can be referee.''

''Me! Why me?''

''Because you're the one who mention it and I don't trust you to keep me up on your shoulders.''

Ignoring the bickering between his two siblings, Fred had dove under to refresh himself, starting to feel a burning on his pale shoulders. He emerged of the water and shook his head, sprinkling water everywhere with his long red locks. Those boys really needed a haircut. It was getting out of hand.

Ron grumbled some more, reluctantly accepting his fate as Ginny went over to George, ready to play.

''Juliet, you go with Fred. I'll go with George.''

Upon hearing his name, Fred caught eyes with Juliet and swam up to her. ''Ready?''

Fred's body had changed a lot over the past year. Puberty was most likely one of the reasons, but also quidditch. As beaters, they couldn't be frail and lanky; they needed muscles.

Standing so close to him, Juliet was surprised by how broad and strong those shoulders were underneath his robes and sweaters. She couldn't help but dart her eyes to his naked chest and the galaxy of freckles on his wet skin.

Shaking her head, she pushed those thoughts away. ''How do I get up there?'' she asked, having never played this game before.

Fred lowered himself down in the water and Juliet awkwardly climbed on his shoulders, fingernails digging into his freckled skin in panic as he stood up, feeling herself wobble.

''I'm not gonna drop you,'' he said in a reassuring voice, putting his hands on her knees for security. ''If I can hold Ron up, you've got nothing to be scared of.''

''Get ready to lose, losers!''

.

After playing in the pond all afternoon, the Weasleys had gathered in the backyard for a campfire. Mrs. Weasley had brought out the marshmallows to roast and Fred and George had decided to show off their firework skills.

It was a day Juliet wasn't going to forget anytime soon.

But, all good days come to an end and it was now time to go to bed.

After an hour of tossing and turning, the young witch came to the conclusion that she wasn't going to find sleep anytime soon. It wasn't because she wasn't tired - she was -, but sleeping in Percy's bed made her feel uneasy. His loud comments regarding Sirius had hurt her and she’d honestly rather sleep on Ginny's wood floor than here.

She had fallen asleep fast enough last night, but she always fell asleep fast after a train journey.

Sitting up, Juliet reached into her trunk and grabbed a book. Might as well read instead of sitting there in the dark and waiting for sleep to come.

A gentle knock on the door made her slightly jump, and then, someone poked their head in. Fred.

''Everything okay?'' He was in his pajamas and his hair was slightly mussed from sleep. ''I was on my way from the bathroom when I saw some light. Given the hour, I decided to check on you.''

Juliet put down her book, heart warm. It was very kind of him to check on her.

''I just... I can't seem to find sleep.''

''It's because of Percy's smelly sheets, isn't it?'' Juliet looked down at the bright patchwork blanket, doubt and disgust in her eyes, and Fred laughed. ''I'm kidding. Mom washed them.'' He stepped in and sat on the end of the bed. ''So, tell me. What's keeping you up tonight, Black?''

Juliet sighed. ''Lots of things,'' she half lied.

''Let's play a game. I tell you something I haven't told anyone and you tell me one until you fall asleep. I'll start. I'm gonna be graduating Hogwarts next year and I'm scared. Worried, mostly. As you know, George and I want to open a joke shop. It's always been our big dream. It used to be an almost impossible dream to reach because of our shortage of money, but with the money Harry gave us, it's allowing us to make test samples and slowly build a small variety of candies to sell. But what if we fail?''

Hearing Fred confess his worries about the future changed Juliet's perspective of him. Fred was always so bold, confident and positive, going around telling people that anything's possible if you've got enough nerve. He gave the impression that he was never afraid of anything, but he was just good at hiding it.

''I think everyone's a bit afraid of the future. It is scary.''

''I try to stay positive, but there's always this 'what if' that's in the back of my head. If we fail, what will I do with my life, work at Gringotts? At the Ministry of Magic? Become a teacher? Absolutely not.''

''You're great at quidditch. You and George are the best beaters Gryffindor ever had.''

Fred chuckled. ''I’m flattered, but I’m not good enough to play professionally. And I like to play with George. Quidditch is something we’ve always played together. I’d feel weird to play without him. It’s your turn.''

Finding something Juliet had never told anyone turned out to be more difficult that she'd imagined. In their Ravenclaw dorm, she and Luna had a lot of late night conversations over the years. They’d talk about everything and nothing, typical girl things and...stranger things, but Sirius was a subject they never dipped in.

''I almost didn't meet my father,’’ she started, which immediately caught Fred’s attention. ‘’When Harry and Hermione saved and helped him escape in third year, I almost didn't follow Harry into the yard. I was scared he wouldn't be the person Remus had told me about. That he wouldn't be as great as I had been told. I was scared to be disappointed. I also knew that it might be my only chance and I'd regret it all my life if I didn't go.

''When I got to the yard, he wasn't at all like I had imagined him to be. He was...scary looking, as anyone would be after spending so long in Azkaban. I almost turned around and ran, but he called my name, his voice so hoarse and broken, and a smile had curled on his face. The first in Merlin knows how long. At this moment, I realized that I held a power. A power to bring him a sliver of happiness after all those years of coldness, darkness, misery and despair.''

''I'm sure it was an emotional experience for him too. It must've been a shock to see you.''

''I write him letters almost every day, but I don't have an address to send them to so I keep them in a shoebox under my bed.'' Juliet laughed at herself. ''It's silly, I know-''

''It's not,'' Fred countered. ''I think it’s cute and understandable. You had gotten your father back when he was taken away from you - again. It's a way for you to talk to him, even if he can't read your letters or respond.'' He yawned and apologized. Unlike Juliet, he had been sleeping before knocking on her door.

''You can go back to bed if you’re tired.''

Fred shook his head. ‘’I’d rather stay and talk with you. It’s my turn now, is it?’’

They kept going for a few more minutes, talking in Percy’s room while the rest of the house was asleep.

If Molly were up, she’d undoubtedly scold them for being awake past midnight and Fred going into Juliet's room. Her rules were clear about guests from the opposite sex: no visiting after bedtime.

While they were talking, they had shifted on the bed and changed positions. Their knees were now touching and their feet were buried under the patchwork blanket.

''I didn't want you to go back to Angelina after we danced at the Yule Ball,'' Juliet said, surprising herself. She found herself panicking inside, realizing that, although true, it could ruin their friendship in a disastrous way.

A smug smile curled on Fred’s lips. ''I'm a brilliant dancer, am I?''

She chuckled, but didn't deny. Although Fred Weasley wasn't great at following through with the classic steps when ball dancing, he knew how to spice it up and make it really fun.

''I didn't tell you, but you looked gorgeous in that dress.''

Juliet blinked.

It wasn’t the first time Fred complimented her, but he had never been so bold. He’d usually say something subtle that he could easily say to his sister, but tonight, it sounded very flirty - and Juliet didn't hate it.

After that, it was a blur. She could recall Fred talking, but one of them fell asleep and the other followed.

.

Fred was gone when Juliet woke up.

At first, she thought last night had been a dream, but the blanket was moved as if somebody else had slept there. She grabbed the blanket and a faint smell of Fred lingered on the blanket. Juliet smiled.

''Morning!'' Ginny greeted, walking in and inviting herself on the bed. She was still in her pajamas so it must've been still early. ''Luna sent an owl this morning, inviting us to have tea at her house tomorrow,'' the redhead informed, holding the piece of parchment in her hand. ''I'll ask Mum if we can go, but it should be okay. She doesn't live too far.''

Juliet rubbed her eyes, still washed with sleep and nodded, looking forward to seeing Luna. One of the things she didn't like about summer was not sharing a room with Luna for two months. She missed her so much. They'd write letters, but it wasn't the same.

''Mom is making pancakes. She sent me to get you.''

''Oh, yum!''

The raven haired girl pushed the covers away, excited to eat Molly's delicious pancakes, but Ginny stopped her. ''Before we go down, there's something I wanted to talk about...I think my brother fancies you.''

Panic flashed in Juliet's mind. Was Fred that obvious? His flirting was pretty subtle and rarely when there was people around. How could've Ginny come to that conclusion?

Juliet laughed. ''What? He doesn't. Gin, you're insane.''

''He was so red at King's Cross when you hugged him! And, he kept staring you when we were at the pond yesterday. He's into you.''

Ron. Ginny was talking about Ron, not Fred.

''See it the way you want. Now, let's go eat pancakes!''

[chaos-monkeyy]

The final excerpt for the 50k mark!! 🎉🎉 At this point, I think it’s about time to finally read through some specific parts of the book and get going on actual revisions / draft 2 👀

(10k - 20k - 30k - 40k)

--

Eli and Nevil had just returned to the Lounge after supper and claimed one of the Dejarik tables when one of the main double doors leading out to the processing hub and the lifts to the mines opened. Eli felt the tension in the room rise slightly, everyone’s interest pulled to the door to see what the new intake would be like. 

To Eli’s surprise, a single, lone prisoner was ushered in by a white-armoured stormtrooper with a blaster rifle trained steadily at the man’s head. Or more accurately, the alien man’s head. 

The newcomer was looking around as he walked in, and as his face turned towards their table, Eli stiffened in shock. 

“What is it?” Nevil asked. 

Eli slowly shook his head, his mouth hanging slightly open as he stared at the new arrival. It couldn’t be… but it had to be. The blue skin, combined with shimmering, blue-black hair and glowing red eyes— 

“That’s a Chiss,” he said quietly to Nevil, not sure if it was fear or a reverent sort of awe he could hear in his own voice. 

“A what?” 

Eli finally dragged his eyes off the alien being escorted through the room and met Nevil’s slightly confused, curious gaze. “A Chiss,” he repeated. “There are legends, stories about them back home on Lysatra, but I always thought—” 

Nevil gave a tiny little shake of his head, eyes leaving Eli and tracking across to… Eli swallowed hard and fell silent. The new prisoner shouldn’t have been close enough to hear them talking; and yet those brilliant red eyes were looking right at him, a small furrow creasing the Chiss’ brow. He watched them for a moment, head turning to track them as the stormtrooper ushered him through the middle of the room. He only looked away again when the trooper barked an order at him. 

“You’ll sleep here. Understand?” 

The Chiss looked at his escort, expression going blank again as that little furrow disappeared from his forehead; then he looked at the doorway he’d been brought to, inclined his head silently in a shallow nod, and disappeared into his bunkroom. 

It was, Eli realized with a strange sinking feeling, room MK— the one he’d originally been assigned to when he got here. Angel was still in that room, and everyone— the guards included— knew how much the man had it in for non-humans. Eli shared a look with Nevil, seeing his own vague concern mirrored on the other’s face. Angel was probably still eating— Eli didn’t see him anywhere in the Lounge— and possibly wouldn’t know until later that night that he had a new, nonhuman roommate. Eli wouldn’t be surprised if the Imps had assigned the newcomer to that room on purpose, if the Chiss had caused some kind of trouble.  

“Is there anything we can do?” he asked Nevil quietly. “You know Angel is gonna have a go at him,” Eli added when Nevil just frowned and didn’t say anything. 

Nevil sighed and scrubbed a hand through his shaggy hair . “I don’t know, Eli… Do you really want him and his little gang coming after us again? It was bad enough when I took you away from him,” he said seriously. 

Eli swallowed, dropping his gaze and stabbing viciously at the Start button on the Dejarik panel. “I know, I just…” He trailed off, frustrated. 

“I know,” Nevil said quietly. 

“All he did was get assigned to the wrong room,” Eli muttered. “Just like me. Bastards probably did it on purpose.” 

Nevil grunted thoughtfully at that, his gaze swivelling away from Eli and their game table again. “I wonder what he did to piss them off, if that’s the case.” 

Eli followed his gaze to see the Chiss emerging from his room again and scanning the Lounge with that piercing red gaze. He was big, Eli realized rather abruptly; tall and with even broader shoulders than Nevil, though his leanly-muscled arms weren’t quite so bulky. that carried an After a moment, he turned and began making his way around the side of the room, once again drawing everyone’s attention. If it bothered him, though, he didn’t show it, his entire demeanour confident and entirely self-assured, almost regal despite the tattered animals skins and ragged furs he was wearing. He calmly avoided anyone in his path and disappeared into the washrooms. 

“Eli,” Nevil said, still in that same thoughtful tone. Eli cocked his head and waited. “What exactly do these legends of yours say about the Chiss? Because I’ll admit, I’m starting to wonder if it might be Angel who has something to worry about, sharing a room with that one.” 

--

[maraudererasmut]

A/S/L

You've been connected with a stranger. Say hello!

Stranger: Hi

You: Hello!

Stranger: asl?

You: Really? That's the first thing you ask?

Stranger: isn't that what people do here?

You: Not if they want to have a real conversation…

Stranger: does anyone actually want to have a real conversation on this site?

You: I mean… I do. Why, you don't? Why are you here?

Stranger: if I said sexting would you judge me?

You: Yes.

Stranger: well then, I'm here to talk to random people I guess?

You: Nice catch.

Stranger: I thought so

You: Do you use this site a lot?

Stranger: define a lot

You: Everyday?

Stranger: no

You: Once a week?

Stranger: …

Stranger: maybe.

You: Hey, I don't judge. I'm here, too.

Stranger: why are you here?

You: I dunno, I'm just bored, I guess? I like talking to people. Especially strangers. It doesn't matter what I tell them or what they tell me. We'll never meet again.

You: Y'know?

Stranger: yeah I get that

You: You can be completely honest with a stranger. You don't have to hide anything.

You: Except, of course, your name and address and any identifying information…

You: But everything else is fair game!

Stranger: makes sense

Stranger: so is there anything in particular that you wanted to talk about?

You: Oh… um… I don't know. I guess not. How about you?

Stranger: no

You: Okay… um… What kind of things do you like? Do you have any interests or hobbies?

Stranger: i like drawing I guess

You: Oh, that's awesome! What kind of stuff do you draw?

Stranger: just random things…

Stranger: sometimes what's on my mind, sometimes comics, sometimes characters from things that I like

You: What kind of things? Books? TV shows?

Stranger: um

Stranger: tv shows I guess

Stranger: books too

You: Which ones?

Stranger: well…

Stranger: have you heard of the timetale series?

You: Oh my god, that's my favourite!! I love the Timetale Series!!

Stranger: the books or the movies?

You: The books, obviously. Don't get me wrong, the movies are fine, but the books are SO much better! They go into so much more detail! You actually get to learn about Tesser's character and his motivations! Not to mention they completely took Arch out of the movies altogether!

Stranger: and I thought I was a dork

You: Haha, sorry. I get a little nerdy when I'm talking about things I like!

Stranger: don't be sorry. tts is my favourite

You: Who's your favourite character?!

Stranger: seith

You: Oh my god, SAME! I love the way they've developed his arc! And the fact that they weren't afraid to make an openly gay character! That's so important in fiction. God, I want him to end up with Tesser so badly.

Stranger: he won't

You: Why do you say that?

Stranger: have you read book six yet?

You: Of course.

Stranger: tesser likes finley

You: No he doesn't! He sees her like a sister!

Stranger: no

Stranger: it's obvious that they're going to end up together

Stranger: that's how books like that work

You: This one is different! I honestly think the author is going to make the main character bi. I really do!

Stranger: seith won't end up with tesser anyway

Stranger: he's gonna end up with camden

You: Camden?!

Stranger: yup

You: Why do you say that?

Stranger: because of the sexual tension

You: That's not sexual tension! They hate each other!

Stranger: exactly

You: It's not gonna happen

Stranger: it will

Stranger: and when it does I'll say I told you so

You: How? We're on RandoChat. It'd be statistically impossible to match with me again!

Stranger: you could always give me your email address

Stranger: that is

Stranger: if you wanted to continue talking

You: …

You: I guess…

You: Maybe at the end of the chat…

Stranger: cool

You: So… what else are you into?

Stranger: I like music

You: What kind of music do you listen to?

Stranger: mostly classic rock

Stranger: stones

Stranger: beatles

Stranger: zeppelin

Stranger: acdc

Stranger: queen

Stranger: I could go on

You: Those are awesome bands! I'm a big fan of Queen myself.

Stranger: who isn't

You: Good point.

Stranger: learning the guitar now actually

Stranger: hoped I could play bohemian rhapsody before christmas

You: Awesome!

You: Why Christmas?

Stranger: iunno

Stranger: it's just an arbitrary date

You: So…

You: What do you do? Are you in school? Do you have a job?

Stranger: I'm in school

You: What do you study?

Stranger: english

You: Seriously?

Stranger: yeah why?

You: Well, your grammar kind of sucks for someone who studies English.

Stranger: my grammar's fine

Stranger: I just don't care about typing properly or anything

Stranger: what about you mr grammar

Stranger: what do you study?

You: How do you know I'm a guy?

Stranger: just a hunch

You: Well, I am, but you shouldn't assume that.

Stranger: but I was right

You: And how do you know I'm in school?

Stranger: another educated guess

You: Do elaborate, please. How did you make an “educated guess” about my age?

Stranger: well, you like tts

Stranger: if you were that much older than me you probably wouldn't have read the books

Stranger: if you were that much younger than me you wouldn't have grown up with the books and would therefore probably like the movies more

Stranger: so I'm guessing you're around 21-22 ish

Stranger: you also live in a commonwealth country

Stranger: because you added a u to favourite

Stranger: I'm gonna guess you're in the same timezone as me

Stranger: because if you were in australia it would be pretty damn late

Stranger: and if you were in canada you'd probably be eating supper or something

Stranger: tell me if I'm way off base

You: …

Stranger: yeah that's what I thought

Stranger: so mr early twenty person in the uk

Stranger: what can I call you?

Stranger: other than stranger of course

You: ….

You: You first.

You: Actually…

You: Can we use nicknames? Is that okay? I just… It's weird giving out my name to someone in the internet, y'know?

Stranger: sure

Stranger: I'm… padfoot

Stranger: 21

Stranger: I live in england

Stranger: your turn

You: I'm Moony. Also 21. Also England. Please don't stalk me.

Stranger: I promise I won't

Stranger: anyway you have as much information on me now as I have on you

You: So the name Padfoot… where'd that come from?

Stranger: friends called me that in highschool cause I was so quiet

Stranger: I always snuck up on them

Stranger: my email address is even padfoot.black@gougle.com

Stranger: how'd you get the name moony?

You: I have Lupus, so my friends in high school used to joke that I was a werewolf. Get it? Lupus? Anyway, because of that, they called me “Moony”

Stranger: oh… I'm sorry

You: No, it's fine. It happens to people. I'm over it. Not the Lupus, I can't get over that. But I'm over the pity party. It's not something I stress about anymore. It's just part of my life now.

Stranger: shit…

You: Ahaha! Okay, enough about that! Let's talk about something less depressing!

Stranger: yeah okay

Stranger: you never answered the question about what you study

You: Computer Science. I want to make video games one day, so I'm a coder.

Stranger: cool

You: Yeah…

You: Oh, shoot! I just noticed the time! I have to scram!

Stranger: oh

Stranger: it was really awesome talking to you

Stranger: honestly

Stranger: if you wanna keep chatting later you can always give me your email address

Stranger: but only if you want

You: Oh! Yeah! I forgot that! It's moonygarou@gougle.com

You: It was awesome talking to you, too! I hope we can do it again sometime!

Stranger: yeah same

You: Bye!

Stranger: bye

You have disconnected from the chat. To start another chat with a stranger, click here.

[snow-lavender]

Walpurgisnacht

Hey @beerecordings​ @florenceisfalling​, you remember that silly conversation you guys had a few days ago? I did a thing! 

2017

“Do we plan to have a bonfire tomorrow?” Henrik asked, glancing up from his book.

“Huh?” Sean replied. “I mean, I guess we could. Any reason?” 

 Henrik looked confused. “Did I not get the date correct? It is the thirtieth tomorrow, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, and?”

Henrik sat up, closing his book. “Do you not do Walpurgisnacht in Ireland?”

“What, like the big baddy from Madoka Magica?” Jackie piped up from the couch. 

Henrik pinched the bridge of his nose in reply. “Gott gibt mir kraft.” he muttered. “No, Jackie, not like the anime. Saint Walburga’s feast. Hexennacht. Whatever you want to call it.”

Sean shook his head. “Never heard of it. But yeah, sure, I’m always down for a bonfire. What exactly are we celebrating?”

“Ah, I have not been to church in awhile, but I believe she battles against sickness and pests. I vaguely remember something about oil. Today it is mostly an excuse for hoodlums to make problems for everyone. Graffiti, vandalism, you know.”

“Oh, so like how Halloween is back in the States?” 

Sean glanced at Chase. “I thought you guys just did the candy thing?”

Chase scoffed. “Hell no, Halloween is all about eggs and toilet paper once you’re old enough.”

Henrik shook his head. “You Americans. But yes, I suppose it is similar. For a select few.”

Sean raised an eyebrow. “Careful, all that condescension will get to you one day. I still don’t see what any of this has to do with bonfires.” 

“Sean, I thought you were raised Catholic? How do you not know this?”

Sean threw his hands in the air. “There’s a bajillion saints, Hen. No one person can memorize all of them. Why the fire?”

Henrik frowned suddenly. “Ach, my brain is shorting out. Hexen. What is that in english?”

“Hexes? Spells?” Chase supplied.

“No, no, the people.”

“Witches?”

“Yes!” Henrik leaned back. “Witches. The bonfire is because in the old days, they would burn...ah…” he turned awkwardly to the corner of the room by the bookshelf.

Marvin had a shit eating grin spanning ear to ear. “No, Schneep, by all means, continue.” he said teasingly.

Jackie sat up with a gasp. “We should have a witch hunt tomorrow!”

“Uhh, it won’t be much of a ‘hunt’.” Marvin said. “You all know where my bedroom is.”

“And technically the actual feast isn’t until Sunday.” Henrik added.

“Okay then, so we make some rules. Like, not until after breakfast. And no hiding in your room all day.”

Marvin stood still for a few moments. Then he shrugged. “You know what? Fuck it, sure. First one to hug me on Sunday gets...I dunno, I’ll take you out for drinks or something.”

“Wait, first one?” Sean asked. “Are we all doing this? Why?”

“Family bonding!” Jackie yelled.

“Sure, ‘cause nothing says ‘family bonding’ like trying to tackle each other for an entire day.” snorted Chase. 

Jackie turned to Marvin, grinning even wider than the magician had been moments before. “I’m gonna hug the shit out of you on Sunday.”

“Try it, spandex.”

2018

When Jameson walked into the kitchen with the breakfast dishes, Jackie and Chase were using the breakfast bar to stretch. He shook his head, dropping the dishes in the sink. 

“Is there any reason for the calisthenics, gents?” he signed.

“It’s May first.” Chase replied, his voice muffled by his thigh.

“And?”

Jackie bent backwards to face him. “We do this thing for Wali- Walspi- fuck.”

“Walpurgisnacht.” Chase said.

“Right. That.”

“I’m sorry, I still don’t follow.” Jameson signed. “Isn’t that the German May Day? When they have campfires?”

“We do it different in this family. We’re having ourselves a good old fashioned witch hunt!”

Jameson blinked. “What?”

Chase stood up from his spot on the floor. “First one to hug Marv after breakfast wins. No serious damage or drawing blood. No weapons, super strength, or bribery. Other than that, all bets are off.”

“Jack won last year on a technicality, but this year, I’m ready!” Jackie declared.

Chase rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t a technicality, you’re just a sore loser.” He glanced back at Jameson. “Marvin shifted into a cat for most of the day. He was hanging around out back, and Sean went to cuddle the cat without knowing who it was.”

“...I see.” Jameson signed slowly. “Well, what about me? I can do magic as well.”

Chase and Jackie froze. Then their faces broke into matching smiles. “New rules,” Chase said. “First person to hug Marv and Jamie wins.” 

Jameson’s eyes widened, then in a blink, he vanished.

“Hey!” Chase yelled, running into the living room. “No time jumping! That’s cheating!”

Jackie’s laughter coming from behind him was borderline maniacal. 

2019

“Henrik!”

“Aah!” He lurched forward as the sudden noise woke him up. “Was?”

Chase and Jackie were standing in the doorway. Jackie winced as he saw that Henrik was still in bed. “Shit, sorry Schneep, I forgot you had a late shift last night.”

Henrik waved a hand. “It’s alright, I slept enough. Is everything okay? What do you two need?”

Jackie plopped onto the bed while Chase pulled over his desk chair. “We need a game plan.”

“....for what, exactly?”

“The thing! Waluigi night! Witch hunt!” 

“Neither of us managed to win last year,” Chase added. “We need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Henrik blinked a couple times. “You did that without me?” 

“Is that bad?” Jackie asked.

‘No, no, I’m just surprised. I didn’t think..” He shook his head. “Game plan. Right. Did you change any of the rules while I was gone?”

“Jamie counts now too, you need to get both of’em to win.”

Henrik sat up straighter. “Alright, so first things first…”

=:=:=:=

By the afternoon, all three of them had managed to hug Jameson, who was now reading in the living room. But no one had seen Marvin since breakfast. The others figured he’d just upped the ante this year, but personally, JJ was starting to worry a bit. Marvin had seemed impish when they talked yesterday, like he was planning to spend the day taunting them. Popping in and out, always vanishing at the last second. Not disappearing completely. Jameson finished his cup of tea and stood up. Marvin’s room wasn’t off limits to him, so what was the harm in checking on him? 

He passed Chase on the stairs. The American was whacking his cap, trying to brush cobwebs off it. He smiled at Jameson. “Nothing in the attic. You two really brought it this year.”

JJ smiled back. “I’m just going to see if Marvin’s in his room,” he signed.

“Gotcha. If you find him, could you give him one of these for me?” Chase asked, flipping the bird. Jameson laughed, and climbed the rest of the stairs. 

He passed Jackie’s room, which had loud music and thumping sounds coming from within. Sounded like he was working out to let off some steam. 

Jameson knocked thrice on Marvin’s door, the signal he used to identify himself when out of sight. There was no reply. He frowned, trying again. On the third knock, the door creaked open, with no one behind it. 

That was definitely worrying. Marvin never left his door unlocked. His room had too many unstable spells and in-progress potions, it was dangerous for any of them to randomly burst in. 

Jameson carefully stepped in. He continued knocking, to no avail. The only light source came from an open laptop. The light wavered as the screen glitched and shifted. Jameson’s eyes widened as he read the message. 

D͇̖o̼͍͚ ͘I̪ ͙̭w͇͈̺̘̭͓̻͞i͚̲̫̪͙n̛̦͍͎̣͚͔ ̙t͇̱ḫ͇̖͝e̹͕̣͕̭͓̞ ̹̹̩͍̲ẉ̣i̙̪̪̤t̲̱̱̱̞͈͖͡c̸͖͚̦̼h̟̻͕̙̙͕ ̷h̘̩͕̭̤͎͖un̸̘̖̰͇ț̯?̰

He grabbed the computer and ran downstairs.

=:=:=:=

After that, the hours flew by in a flurry. Jackie managed to track the signal provided, but it took him until after supper to do so. Chase spent most of that time comforting an (understandably) distraught Henrik, who had numerous panic attacks and more than one shutdown. That left Jameson to do nothing but pace and fret, caught up in his thoughts. 

“How? How did he manage to subdue Marvin, of all people?!” Henrik yelled from the living room. 

“I don’t know,” said Chase.

Jameson didn’t know either. 

The next thing he knew, the four of them were standing in front of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Jackie checked his phone. “This should be it. Okay, we’ll pair off. JJ, you and Schneep try and find Marvin while Chase and I distract Anti. Got it?”

Jameson nodded, slightly perturbed. He hadn’t seen Jackie this serious in months. 

Jackie turned back to the building. “Alright, so first things first…” He paused, then his eyes widened. “Get down, now!”

It looked like a bomb had gone off. The windows were simultaneously blown out as fire poured out of them. Sparks filled the air. It might have just been shock, but Jameson though the embers floating around them looked like feathers. 

The entire building was ablaze in a matter of seconds. All of them just gaped, frozen on the spot. Eventually, Chase snapped out of it and ran toward the entrance. “Marvin!”

Out of the door stumbled a figure. He walked a few steps, then swayed forward into Chase’s open arms. Chase slowly walked him over to where the rest of them were standing.

Marvin was a mess. His hair was haphazardly chopped into different lengths. Most of it was singed, and there were still a few small flames that Jameson patted out for him. His clothes were torn, and bruises were visible through the holes. There were a few nasty looking gashes on his chest. His tattoos were still glowing from overuse. 

He smiled dazedly up at the group. “Sorry guys, I think I got the day wrong for the bonfire.”

Henrik made a noise that was halfway between a sob and a laugh. “You’re right, the bonfires were supposed to happen yesterday.”

“Ah well, never was very good with dates.” He leaned further into Chase’s shoulder. “Congrats, man. Where d’you wanna go for drinks.” 

Chase’s grip on Marvin’s arm tightened. “Let’s focus on getting you better first, okay?” He motioned with his head for Jackie to support Marvin’s other side. “Jameson, go bring my truck around.” he whispered.

JJ nodded as Henrik rushed forward with his bag. The doctor leaned in, feeling around for breaks and assessing the cuts. Marvin slowly nodded along to what he was saying, clearly out of it. 

The drive home was somber. Marvin started dozing as soon as the truck got moving, and the rest of them sat in silence.

Eventually, Chase spoke up. “Aw, don’t look so bummed Jackie. Maybe you’ll win next year.”

There was another stretch of silence, then all of them burst out laughing.

[pika-ace]

BMC Pokemon Teams

OKAY! This took longer than it should have but these guys were surprisingly harder to think of stuff for...maybe cause I haven’t listened to BMC in forever. Anyway, here’s what I have for everyone’s teams, feel free to make suggestions if you think a certain Pokemon absolutely MUST belong with someone.

(Also I’m just doing the Squip-Squad as of right now. I’ll see if I wanna make teams for Mr. Heere and Mr. Reyes later on)

Jeremy - Minun: This is mostly due to color scheme, a parallel with Michael, and because of a fanart I saw a long time ago and can’t find now for some reason. So yeah, Plusle and Minun are basically the BFF Pokemon duo, so of course Jeremy needs one of these while Michael gets the other.

Pikachu (Squip): Mostly because Jeremy’s the main character and Pikachu has practically become the main character of its own franchise, sooooo. Also, in this AU, Pokemon Squips aren’t as bad as the ones in the musical, meaning they aren’t abusive or degrading as much. At the end of the day, they’re still Pokemon, capable of forming bonds with their owners. So yeah, Jeremy and his Squip end up hating one another at first, but maybe after some life-or-death situations that seem to come with Pokemon (at least according to the anime), I think they would become pretty good buddies.

Mudkip/Swampert: Out of all the starters, the Mudkip line was the only one to me that seemed close to Jeremy. It looks all dorky and lame, and as it grows it doesn’t seem much better, but then it becomes a powerhouse (Insert metaphor for Jeremy’s growth here). 

Eevee/Vaporeon: Gonna say this now, but EVERYONE in the Squip Squad is getting an Eeveelution. There are eight evolutions, the squad has eight members, so it was too perfect to NOT pass up. And it’s also symbolic of how they’re all connected after the whole Squip fiasco. But anyway, Jeremy gets Vaporeon, mostly for its ability to blend into the water. Jeremy is ‘the one who’s left out’, meaning he probably feels invisible compared to everyone else. 

Dunsparce: Part of the problem with deciding Jeremy’s team was just how...plain he was. So I tapped into that after racking my brain for Pokemon for him, and settled on the most basic and semi-sad Pokemon I could find. Jeremy would sympathize with this thing, let’s be real. Also, if Dunsparce gets scared, it drills a hole to escape; sound familiar? [Christine: Did you say something? Jeremy: I...uh...*books it*]

Exeggcute/Exeggutor (Alolan Form): Mostly because, I wanted Jeremy to have at least ONE tall Pokemon to reference the ‘Tall-ass’ insult XD I wanted to find a Pokemon that kinda represented that he’s Jewish but that failed miserably (Chandelure was the closest kinda representing a menorah, but it eats souls, and I didn’t want that representing a holiday if you know what ‘m saying)

Michael - Plusle: Not much to say that was already said above. It’s part of the Two Player thing Jeremy and Michael have going. Can’t have one without the other.

Rotom: Michael has a bit of a tech theme going with him, so Rotom was a pretty good choice for him. I don’t give people legendaries, but honestly, there are more than one Rotom in the world, so it’s not exactly legendary (it’s semi-legendary). Also, I feel like Michael would let his Rotom possess his gaming system to see what kind of stuff would happen in the game, and maybe possess his other stuff to help with chores. (Plus, Rotom Wash is pretty OP)

Porygon/Porygon Z: Another one for Michael’s tech side, but this time a bit more prominent. The Porygon line is known for being able to travel through cyberspace and actual space. I think Michael would love that honestly. And it could serve as a way for Michael to find out about Squips. Sending his Pokemon out to search all of cyberspace for some kind of answer. 

Tepig/Emboar: I just realize that Jeremy and Michael’s starters match their color scheme too XD. Anyway, Emboar was a good choice because it’s loyal to its friends and is a capable fighter, something that Michael I don’t think is very good at. Also I can just easily imagine Michael chilling with a cute little Tepig in his arms, can’t you? X3

Comfey: This one just wouldn’t leave my head. It’s a fav in Alola because of how relaxing it makes one feel and...I don’t know...I just think Michael would wear this guy while he’s getting stoned in his basement. Relaxation to the MAX.

Eevee/Leafeon: Doesn’t seem like it fits, but it actually does. Leafeon’s don’t like getting involved in disputes, representing Michael kind of being in his own little world and not dealing with the problems around him, and Leafeon’s are also loyal and WILL fight back if its friends are threatened. 

Christine - Mime Jr: This is probably the only Pokemon who is capable of being as quirky as Christine is, since it would mimic everything she does. It’s actually fitting for an actress like her; maybe she uses her Mime Jr to remember her past performances so she can observe them and see if she can change anything to spice it up (OH! I just used knowledge from college theater lessons!! Woot!)

Caterpie/Butterfree: Butterfree is just the Pokemon you picture when you think of a cute but still pretty person. Christine is that person. Butterfree’s are just so pure and good, it’s just too perfect. Peas in a pod. That’s all I can say. 

Popplio/Primarina: No other starter is a performer sooooo yeah. Also, just looking at the Popplio line, they are all just so ridiculously happy all the time that I think Christine would get along with them AMAZINGLY well. Plus she doesn’t need to take voice lessons, she has an opera singer Pokemon!

Eevee/Sylveon: Out of all the Eeveelutions, this one fit Christine pretty well. It’s one of the few that evolve with friendship, and Sylveon is just naturally pleasant, like Christine is. Also I think it’d be cool if she had a shiny one, meaning it’s blue and white instead of pink and white. Kinda hammer in how special she is, you know?

Togedemaru (Squip): This was cute to think about, cause when it’s mad, it makes its spikes all go out at the same time, like ‘pop!’ It kinda reminds me of Christine when she has her ‘Blegh!’ moments. 

Drampa: I originally wanted to give this one to Jeremy cause of how nice it is, but then I read the Pokedex entry that if the one it likes is bullied, it will go to said bully’s house and burn it to the ground. If Jeremy had this thing, the whole school would probably go down as if J.D’s bombs actually went off XD

Rich - Elekid (Squip): This was one I could just picture, I think mostly thanks to the anime. Paul’s Elekid was a tiny little bully in the Sinnoh saga that could also pack a punch, so I could see Rich having the same one. I’m not sure if Squip Pokemon should be able to evolve or not since they’ve been altered quite a bit, but they’re still strong regardless. 

Rattata/Raticate (Kanto form): Kind of a jab at how small he is and also it kinda fits Rich’s whole aesthetic, you know? Plus, Raticate’s are fucking OP

Mankey/Primeape: I feel like Primeape represent Rich’s soul in every sense of the words. Tiny but has the capability of going ape-shit if something goes wrong. It’s perfect XD

Litten/Incineroar: Out of all the fire/fighting starters, this one fit Rich. At first I thought of Feraligatr, but then I found out from the Dex that Incineroar’s are selfish, violent, and love to fight. I don’t think we need anymore evidence for that. 

Eevee/Umbreon: It was a tie between this and Flareon but honestly...Umbreon fits a bit better. Mostly because the Dex says that when it’s threatened, it sprays poison from its fur. Maybe that’s what caused the fire to start?? Poor thing probably started freaking out when Rich started freaking out.  

Cottonee/Whimsicott: This one’s a long shot, but it hearkens back to Rich’s mischievous/bully side. It’s said that Whimsicott float on the wind and if they land on a person’s window, they enter the house, pull a few tricks and then leave. Also, Rich needs SOMETHING supper fluffy to cuddle when he’s all bandaged up in the hospital. 

Jake - Nidoran/Nidoking: This guy was one of the heaviest hitters back in the early days, and you could say it still is. With Jake being as popular as he is, this is kinda fitting that he has a Pokemon with King in its name.  

Charizard: Honestly, with how amazingly (and kinda unrealistically) cool Jake is, I think he would be expected to have one of the most popular starters of all time. However, he chose Charmander because he thought it was cool AND cute looking, not because everyone says Charizard is the best. They have a strong bond, those two. 

Electrike (Squip): This one, not just because it’s cool looking, matching Jake’s aesthetic, but also because it’s super fast. Eletrike’s muscles respond to electricity and it stimulates them to heighten reaction speed, so it would be good for a Sport Fanatic like Jake is. And I’m sure Jake’s squip would push him to be the same all-around athlete he was trying to be. 

Eevee/Flareon: It was one of the few ones left when I was assigning Eeveelutions to everyone so we gotta deal with it. But hey, Flareon does match with Jake’s kinda red color scheme. Plus he would probably use his Flareon as a guide to navigate his burning house when trying to get out. 

Starly/Staraptor: This one is more a reference to how lonely I think Jake actually is since his parents are gone. The Dex says that when Starly’s evolve into Staraptor, they leave the flock to live on their own. Jake is like that, only it happened early. 

Tyrunt/Tyrantrum: Another reference to the King of the School. According to the Dex, this thing was pretty entitled since nothing could stand in its way way back in prehistoric times. I like to think that Jake would train it to be a bit more humble and gentle though, cause Jake’s not just a mindless jock. 

Brook - Purrloin/Liepard: This is mostly to be a parallel to Chloe, only maybe without Purrloin’s whole devious side. Purrloin’s Pokedex says that it acts cute as a ruse and then attacks from there. That’s KINDA fitting though since Brook thought that Madeline’s deliberate pool loss to get Jake was awesome. Plus, despite already being pretty she seems to have that complex where ‘I must be cute no matter what!!’ So I think these two would get along pretty well and maybe teach one another a thing or two.

Torchic/Blaziken: Mostly because I feel like, when given the choice, Brook would choose the adorable little fire chick. Plus, Brook having a badass kung-fu fighting chicken is pretty awesome to think about X3

Stufful: I’m on the fence about it evolving, mostly because Bewear is fucking terrifying (ESPECIALLY after you read its Pokedex entry) and I think Brook would like to have a cute little stuffed animal Pokemon. Probably a good source of comfort after that whole fiasco at the Halloween Party. 

Pachirisu (Squip): Again, I think Brook would want one of the cute Squips, and Pachirisu IS cute. Plus it’s actually kinda fitting that a Pachirisu is a Squip cause the Pokedex states that they’re sometimes found sharing electricity through one another, like how Squips share information about social rules. 

Eevee/Glaceon: I mostly wanted to give Brook one of the pretty Eeveelutions mostly to help feed into Chloe’s secret jealousy of her. And I also like to think that her Glaceon is kinda protective of Brook, as it could easily use icicles to fuck someone up if they messed with her (watch out, Jeremy)

Petilil/Lilligant: This one is more of a symbol of Brook wanting to sleep with someone (at least it’s kinda implied in the musical; honestly, looking back, everyone wants to tap SOMETHING, whether stated or not. Glad my high school didn’t run on that hierarchy...) not only does Lilligant kinda look like Brook herself (at least to me) and one of its Dex entries states that when it finds a mate, the flower on its head will wither. I like to think of Brook as a pretty flower, and after the whole fiasco she learns that finding a BF isn’t all she needs to pursue in life. 

Chloe - Nidoran/Nidoqueen: This is a big parallel with Jake, since they dated before, and I THINK are back together when everything else is said and done. Unless something happened between ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Play’. But this is probably how they met; their Nidorans were naturally drawn to one another and bam! Oh, and also I guess there’s the whole Queen thing to Jake’s King, but eh, I ship RichJake, so whatever.

Meowth/Persian: I think we all share the headcanon that Chloe is pretty rich, and rich people tend to have the fancy cat Pokemon that has a move that can make money appear (Pay Day). 

Rowlet/Decidueye: This was a hard one but it was mostly for Rowlet’s second form, Dartrix. The thing is very picky and dandy, almost like a spoiled kid. I think Chloe would probably get along with it very well, being pampered by their riches and then having to leave it behind and actually make friends. I dunno; makes sense to me. 

Finneon/Lumineon: This one is more symbolic to Chloe being one of the prettiest girls in school. Lots of boys are drawn to her, which is something Lumineon does. It uses it’s bright lights to lure in prey, but has to be careful cause it can also lure in predators. Do with that what you will. 

Eevee/Jolteon: It’s not the pretty Eeveelution, but the Pokedex entry states that due to its spiky fur AND attitude, it’s hard to get close to. I think that represents how hard I think it would be in real like to get close to Chloe pre-musical, unless you become a follower like Brook. I don’t think Chloe’s the kind of person who would share her emotions easily. 

Emolga (Squip): This Squip fits her because Emolga are freaking greedy little bastards. They almost never share their food, so I think it would be a good parallel/reflection of Chloe and her being jealous and selfish during the story. Luckily, by the end, they both improve their attitudes greatly (and plus...Emolga’s and Pachirisu’s are compatible breeding partners...I’ll just leave that there)

Jenna - Chatot: If ‘gossip’ is part of your character, you’re pretty much guaranteed a Chatot on your team XD Jenna probably sends that thing around the school to relay stories; how else would she know about Jake and Madeline?

Fenniken/Delphox: At first I thought this fit Chloe or Brook’s overall aesthetic, but then I read the Pokedex entry saying that Delphox can use its Psychic powers to see into the future, which I could see as pretty perfect for Jenna. Also pretty helpful for when the fire rolled around. Rich and Jake were the only ones hurt, so maybe Jenna’s Delphox predicted it and she was able to get everyone out in time. Pretty cool food for thought. 

Glameow/Purugly: I don’t really know for this one. It just seemed fitting and I really don’t know why. But then again, Purugly’s are very fierce when they want to be, and I think Jenna can be too, if how she acted while Squipped is anything to go by. I think she can be pretty tough if she wants to be. 

Eevee/Espeon: Like Delphox, the whole sense the future thing, or in this case, predicting moves. ‘I know what everyone’s doing, ALL THE TIME!’ (Being a gossiper doesn’t always relate back to talking and mimicking X3)

Dedenne (Squip): Again for being one of the leads in smartphone hour, Dedenne are known for long distance communications with their whiskers. I know Jenna didn’t get Squipped until AFTER the fire, but imagine how fast the word would’ve spread if she had one before hand. 

Mimikyu: I’m sure there are some who think that Mimikyu is good for Jeremy as well, and I don’t disagree, but honestly, with the whole disguise thing, it fits Jenna too. She acts like she’s carefree most of the time, but in reality she’s actually really lonely. Remember how she came moping to Jeremy how no one cares about her problems despite her knowing about everyone else’s? I think Mimikyu is symbolic of her in more ways than one.

[sanctferum]

Alright, time to investigate the first murder!

First, the bookcase. Oh, hello Ryoma. I don’t think I trust you.

Yeah, the sensor is still on the bookcase. The receiver is turned off - Shuichi shut it off on the way down to the library.

The vent looks unused...but was added to our truth bullets anyways. HMMM.

The books near the vent have also not been touched...but they’re added to the truth bullets anyways...

Talking to Ryoma...he thinks Shuichi might have a hunch about who the culprit is. Shuichi is somewhat suspicious of someone, but can’t tell us who - Ryoma thinks it’s because Shuichi’s afraid of suspecting his friends, in case they turn out to be the culprit. That fits in with Shuichi being afraid of finding the truth, doesn’t it. Ryoma also talks a bit about how those who speak are the ones who win - those who stay silent can’t defend themselves, and those who speak up can twist the truth as they like. The only way to prevent this is to have not just testimonies, but testimonies with evidence to back them up.

Tsumugi has no clue who the blackened is, but blames Monokuma for there being a blackened in the first place. He provided the motive...and she thinks the weird music was part of it. The music was played loudly enough that it could have driven someone nuts, made them kill someone just to shut it off. I don’t think that’s it, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Promotional Video BGM is what the truth bullet is called.

Talking to Shuichi brings up the matter of the moving bookcase. It closed by itself, seemingly...how did that happen?

Ah, it closes on its own a short while after being opened...so the killer could have been in the Monokuma room already when we got here? No, couldn’t have been...the dust is still in the card reader. The only two people who could have moved the bookcase would be Rantaro and the killer, right?

Kaede still thinks the mastermind is the blackened, but that’s obviously wrong from a meta perspective.

The globe and the ladder don’t have anything to do with anything.

Kirumi’s next. She’s wondering about the First Blood Perk. Why would someone kill, presumably to survive and escape, and then not take advantage of it?

Shuichi can think of a few possibilities. One of them reminds me of DR2 Chapter 5...Nagito’s goal was to kill everyone (except the traitor). Could Rantaro’s killer have wanted to kill everyone? Why? Then again, I remember Rantaro wanted to put an end to the game itself. Killing the participants all off would do it, but a) it would be the worst way to do it and b) Rantaro was the one who ended up dead.

No truth bullet from her, so onto Miu, who has some kinda controller with her. A prone controller...no, a drone controller. Tsumugi references something I don’t know, and. That’s a drone, all right. Wait, there were remote controlled helicopters in the warehouse. Did you invent this, or just take one from the warehouse and modify it?

“drome” c’mon, Miu, get it right.

Yeah, that’s a modified remote controlled helicopter. As I thought. It’s got a camera on it, so Miu plans to map out the library room for the investigation. Useful!

Kaede and Miu are yelling at each other about boob sizes. OK.

Time to investigate the body!

If Rantaro was the one to move the bookcase, why was he over here in the corner...?

Let’s look at the murder weapon...the shot put ball.

You’d have to be farily strong to use it as a weapon...it IS pretty heavy. Gonta could use it, but I still think Ryoma used his tennis skills to send it flying through the air at Rantaro’s head.

Rantaro had his room key and monopad on him. No card key for the Monokuma door. Then why was he here?

Could he have found the hidden door and waited for the mastermind in the library?

There’s something else we’re missing in here...the doors? Yeah. Just speculation related to them, though.

Let’s collect alibis in the Game Room! Maki’s the only one here, though.

So the strategy meeting was Kaito’s idea. He chose the seven people he thought would be most useful in a fight...Himiko’s magic and Angie’s divine connections would probably be useless, but the other five might be able to do something...

Rantaro left the meeting to go to the bathroom. But instead he went to the library. Kaito and Tenka went to find Rantaro, Angie, Himiko and Maki stayed in the game room. Gonta was in the A/V Room for some reason...inside the A/V Room, Kaito and Himiko are interrogating Gonta. Himiko is convinced Gonta did it, Kaito hasn’t decided who think he did it.

Gonta was watching a bug movie in here. The door was locked cause Gonta wanted to be able to focus on the movie, to pump himself up for fighting Monokuma.

The projector screen could be used as a pole if rolled up, but we don’t have any mystery we need a pole to solve right now.

There’s all sorts of movies here...there could be bug ones. This movie here has a pianist in it, so Kaede has always wanted to see it...and this movie over here is a porno. Lovely.

The posters! We couldn’t look at them last time we were here, during free time, they got to have something important on them!

...”Ultra Despair Girls 2″...hey, did I mention that we got weird tentacle hands out of the Monomono Machine earlier? Because we got weird tentacle hands out of the Monomono Machine earlier and they looked awfully familiar.

Oh, it’s not a movie poster, it’s a game poster! Dangan Ronpa Another Another Episode would be a dumb but hilarious name for a game like this.

“Sounds like some lame spinoff” Shut your trap I loved Ultra Despair Girls

Attempting to examine the video rack on the other side of the room has us decide not to. Ah, the trauma of NSFW content. If we were playing as Miu we’d probably actually I’m not gonna finish this sentence nevermind.

The sliding door in the AV room is stuck.

...if Gonta had forced it open it would be pretty obvious that that’s what had happened.

The rear door of the library is facing the sliding door’s other side...and the door can only be opened wide enough for an arm or something of that thickness to go through...

Angie and Tenko are in the hallways but are being useless.

Inside the classroom Kaede and Shuichi were in are Kiyo and Keebo.

Keebo decides that us being in the classroom means we probably aren’t the killers. Also, we further discuss that no one would have been able to use the vent.

Keebo was alone in his room, and says Ryoma was alone in his own room as well. Kiyo was in the dining hall, eating supper. Miu, Kirumi, and Tsumugi were there as well. The Monokubs prepared the food, and Miu was busy tinkering with some device, most likely the drone. Tsumugi left to go the bathroom for a short period of time as well.

The only one we haven’t been able to ask regarding an alibi is Kokichi, but if no one else said they were with him, he must have been alone. Trying to ask him about it turns out to be a waste of time, since he’s a liar. He claims telling us the truth now would make things boring, and he dislikes boring games. If he’s gonna tell us anything, it will be at the trial.

Inside the library, Miu is still sketching the floor plan. Kirumi corroborates Kiyu’s account.

Tsumugi is thinking really hard about something and is unresponsive. Kaede threatens to tie her skirt around her head so everyone can see her panties, which gets Tsumugi to pay attention.

Tsumugi claims to be unable to cosplay real life people, and drags Kaede away to the girls bathroom on the 1st floor. She takes an unwilling Kaede’s clothes and puts them on...and turns pink.

...She has an allergic reaction to cosplaying as real people. Cospox. I...what? What?

Back in the library now. Tsumugi’s skin’s returned to normal, her rash has disappeared. Kaede’s even more traumatized than before. First Rantaro’s death, then the porno movie, then this...not your day, girl.

According to Tsumugi, cosplaying is like channeling a fictional character into your body, into the real world.

There’s the trial bell!

Monokid’s face is slowly shifting colors throughout the rainbow.

Ah, it isn’t time for the trial just yet. The photos are ready, though.

Kaede thinks the photos will clear everything up. I doubt it, but...

After some Monokub stupidity, everyone gathers, and...

The first envelope has the front camera pictures. Picture 1-1 is of Kaede, Shuichi, Kaito and Tenko bursting into the library. 1-2 is Gonta, Angie, Maki, and Himiko entering. The remaining students arriving is 1-3. 1-4 is a close-up of Shuichi removing the camera.

The second envelope, with the back camera pictures. 2-1 is Rantaro entering the library through the back door. 2-2 is Shuichi removing the camera.

And the hidden door camera...

3-1 is Rantaro opening the door. The remaining picture is probably Shuichi removing the camera.

...No? 3-2 is Rantaro reaching for the camera...but the camera, when we saw it, was still taped in place, so...?

The sensor was turned off when Shuichi found it. It must have been turned off right after the picture was taken...

Every last bit of film used was developed and delivered, according to Monophanie.

Kokichi thinks it’s strange Rantaro had his monopad in his hand in each picture of him. But no one can think of anything suspicious about it, so they drop the matter.

Class trial time for real now!

Yup, we got to go to the Shrine of Judgement.

Next time, we begin the trial!

[squishylotus]

Distances Plot Pre-Draft

I thought you might find it funny to read the pre-draft for Distances. Basically, it’s plot points, dialogue bits, and notes to self. It’s step 2 of my writing process (which I can write about if you’re interested, let me know) I literally just copy-pasted it in so it has all the typos all the weird stuff, and the old order (I ended up changing a fair amount of stuff as I was writing) I knew it would end up being a longer fic than I had intended (I was aiming for about 7,000?) because just the plot is over 2,000 words long lol

Alright here we go!

Plot to the bokuaka story in your sketchbook that is literally fading away:

Akaashi CK bokuaka with background iwaoi and maybe matsuhana

Bokuto is at a resort in Hawaii with the Japanese Volleyball team following a difficult training camp Akaashi is the drop dead gorgeous guy that Bokuto gets a huge crush on They find out they live relatively close to each other back in Japan The volleyball team gets on Bokuto's case, particularly Oikawa but that's because he's deflecting

DAY 1 OF 8

Akaashi's stay is 2 weeks long, it's the beginning of his second week when the volleyball team arrives for their 1 week vacation (that Oikawa surprise booked for them as team captain) Bokuto first sees him at the beach when the team is at the beach bar after unpacking their suitcases He can't say shit, he just openly stares. Akaashi probably sees him but doesn't really think about it or make it obvious. Oikawa teases Bokuto plenty. He doesn't see him for the rest of the day

DAY 2 OF 8

Next he sees him at the pool. Akaashi is an excellent swimmer. Insert classic ladder scene at the foot of Bokuto's chair. He shakes his hair and some of the water lands on Bokuto and he mutters a quiet sorry before walking away and Bokuto is like. Oh. I. I gotta. I have to say something (but he cant yet lol) He pesters a few people around him and someone from the team gives him a line in spanish and like. they're in hawaii and he's p sure akaashi's shirt label was in Japanese but he's not creepy, okay? He's gonna make this work!

DAY 3 OF 8

They finally talk at breakfast the next day, Bokuto is a super early riser so he's usually the first one there but some guys from the team wanted to go for a run around the resort so he's there at more normal human hours today and there! he! is! Bokuto gets to use his line. Akaashi is flattered (he goes to resorts every year, knows a lil bit of spanish for it) They are at the breakfast buffet on either side of it, bond over a love of breakfast meats, share tips. Bokuto gets called over by his team who cant see that he's finally talking to his crush. Bokuto quickly says  'lets meet on the beach later!!' Akaashi smiles a small but powerful!! smile and goes with his plate to sit outside. Bokuto takes that as a yes, has to like fan himself for a minute before sitting with the team and telling them everything.

Akaashi goes to the beach, gets a drink and wanders around. He walks with his feet in the water away from the resort, and walks back when he realizes Bokuto won't be in that direction. Upon his return, he sees a group at the volleyball net, Bokuto included. He walks over calmly. They take off their overshirts to reveal matching volleyball jerseys for the Japanese national team (because theyre fuckin extra like that, and a few of them think it'll help them score. It probably does tbh) They want to play 6 on 6 but they're missing a setter (the entire team isnt here, just the people who wanted to come. People like Kageyama and Ushijima stayed behind to practice more, thinking this trip was a waste of time)

Makki is about to volunteer to do it when Akaashi (who approached without any of them noticing) speaks up. 'I'm a setter' or 'I can set' Bokuto is over the moon!!! The team is trying to be good about it but they clearly have doubts. They basically divide the team in who wants to be set to by Oikawa and who wants the challenge of someone they think won't be very good. (so like Yaku is playing as a wing spiker on Akaashi's side even though he's the libero because otherwise they'll still be one person short) They divide into shirts/skins and Bokuto wants to volunteer their side for skins because ulterior motives, but he's halfway through his exclamation and the other side is already stripped. They're doing this to make sure Akaashi is comfortable but Akaashi kind of just rolls his eyes (unseen by anyone but Bokuto, which signals to Bokuto that Akaashi is comfortable with his body, which is a good thing for Bokuto to know)

So of course Akaashi sets brilliantly. The surprise factor for the other side, along with how great Bokuto and Akaashi suddenly work together, is enough to make them win a set, and by then the other side is already getting a sunburn so they stop. Oikawa marches to the net and demands to know Akaashi's play history. Akaashi calmly states that he played for Shinzen and Bokuto went to Fukurodani? They're very impressed because it's hard to set for so many synchronized attacks. Akaashi is in the team's inner circle now basically. They invite him to join them for supper (to help Bokuto and his massive crush out especially)

Subplot Time!!

So far Oikawa has seemed pretty distracted except for when they were playing volleyball. He keeps looking around like he's searching for something or someone and it's driving the team nuts, more so than Bokuto's crushing. They finally corner him after he takes even longer than usual getting ready for supper. It turns out that Iwaizumi his childhood friend works at the resort and he's been trying to find him so they could be reunited! They talk on facebook back in Japan but Oikawa has his phone on airplane mode so he hasn't been able to contact him this whole time and he forgot to ask in what department Iwaizumi works, etc.  He tells them to go on without him.

They all show up for supper looking pretty spiffy. Akaashi is already there ofc looking amazing. Fem-cut shirt, pants that look sort of like a skirt, all in black, very androgynous. Bokuto is possibly even more taken? They have a nice night with the team. Oikawa shows up late but with Iwaizumi in tow, causing a great ruckus. They all drink and laugh and have way too much to eat and most of the team goes dancing after but Bokuto only has eyes for Akaashi so they split from the group and head off to one of the bars on the resort to keep chatting.

(The chunk that goes here is still in your sketchbook)

Ok dont be chicken here it is:

They walk on the beach back to Akaashi's room. He invites Bokuto in. They do it with the lights on, very romantic. Akaashi is still stuffed, Bokuto too tbh. Akaashi is totally the type to have brought a toy in his suitcase so he is already ready for Bokuto from the night before while Bokuto litterally jamed 3 boxes of condoms in his suitcase and has a handful of fresh ones in his pocket lol Akaashi: did you think you'd get with lots of people? Bokuto, blushing probably: I only want to get with you tho (this is super cheesy but probably still totally happens lol) They're not even tipsy, they never were actually drunk, there is very clear consent (tag it enthusiastic consent)

DAY 4 OF 8

The next morning, they have sex again. V nice, all soft, glowing in the sunrise (leave me alone) Bokuto lost his shirt somewhere between the bar and the room (he finds it later with the team, it's hilarious) so he borrows one of Akaashi's. (also later, Akaashi tries on the national jersey and looks great in it, it fits like a crop top)

They hang out with the team, Akaashi makes friends, the iwaoi subplot continues in the background. They play pool games. Akaashi doesnt think Bokuto can lift him on his shoulders but he totally can, although they get toppled almost immediately. They go dancing with the team and Iwaizumi that night. OFC Akaashi can dance really well lol Iwaizumi attemps to infuse Oikawa with some semblance of rhythm. Some spotlight on the few straight players lol Halfway through, Mattsun shows up, he's working at the discotheque that night. Makki: *lands eyes on him* *mouth hangs open as Mattsun walks away* *to iwaizumi* Is he?? Can I?? *wild hand motions*Iwaizumi: nods, laughs out a yeah as Makki rushes in Mattsun's direction, disappearing in the crowd. Akaashi walks with the group until they get to his building and he kisses Bokuto goodbye. Bokuto is too smitten to mind that they won't sleep together.

DAY 5 OF 8

Akaashi is a little bit like a cat and at first Bokuto is dejected about it, but the team pulls him out of it. He's worried he won't see him again now that they've had sex but it's not the impression he had of Akaashi. They can't text because of their phone plans and he looks around for him but can't find him. They meet up around supper and it turns out that Akaashi was at the spa all day. He really is sorry for forgetting to tell Bokuto about it the day before. They have supper separately from everyone else and talk about personal habits and needs and it goes really well. Bokuto invites him up to his room then remembers that it's a mess, but it doesn't matter. (this is when Akaashi tries on the jersey)

DAY 6 OF 8

This is the last day of any vacation that truly feels like a vacation tbh

It's the time where everyone thinks ok, what's the things I said I would do that I haven't done yet? They probably go on a fieldtrip, Akaashi to a local art place or something, they venture off-resort.

DAY 7 OF 8

It's Saturday, Iwaizumi has the day off, this is the peak of the iwaoi subplot. Deal with the MatsuHana subplot too, maybe. Start thinking about the return, about volleyball, about the rest of the team in Japan. Bokuto and Akaashi spend some time together, some time apart. Bokuto gets an earful of the iwaoi subplot from Oikawa. Maybe gives advice? Who knows.

This is also the day to insert sunset sex on the beach lol Akaashi is still mostly clothed. They almost get spotted but it's dusk, theyre backlit and the guard thinks it's just a rock or something. They lay there really still and burd out laughing once he walks away.

DAY 8 OF 8

The day goes as a last day goes, last swim, getting ready, having to leave the room, waiting with your luggage and a final drink. Akaashi is on the same bus to the airport as the team, but not the same plane seeing as he is with a different airline (definitely in first class tho) Iwaoi goodbyes, bokuaka goodbyes (exchanging numbers and addresses) Makki doesn't think Mattsun will come but it turns out he overslept, he rushes in at the last minute and lifts Makki off the ground. Bokuto and Akaashi kiss one last time before Bokuto has to cross the gate.

Flash forward to the Olympic qualifiers, Team Japan kicking ass, Akaashi cheering uncharacteristically loudly, Bokuto looking up from the court with love in his eyes. Akaashi sticking around after the win to give Bokuto a few tosses before they go celebrate with the team.

[backtomylakearearootsstory]

S1E20-AXDROIDARE

It was a late night for Anita who was up at 1:00 AM reading on the drug Axdroidare. The drug known as the “black trance” is a drug being prescribed for hyperactive children. It’s being marketed as a cheaper alternative to Vyvanse.

“Oh my God” she said to herself. “They know these people have the worst insurance and that this medicine doesn’t cost but five dollars” The medicine was certainly unlike anything she had heard of. With her brother-in-law Calvin being a pharmacist, she decided that she’d ask him the following morning. As the clock read close to two PM, she took down about 50 mg melatonin and sat up for about 15 minutes before going to bed. The following morning was a struggle to wake up. Hitting the snooze button a total of three times before giving in to the demand of the alarm she grabbed a sleeveless dress and a pit of heels and headed to work. At work her colleague noticed her and asked if she was alright.

“Long night” she responded “dealing with a little insomnia.”

“I’m doing a breakfast run, you want anything?”

“Yeah, get me a parfait?”

“Got it”

Needing to wake up she decided to splash her face with cold water. Afterward she decided to read over some briefs stacked on her desk.

Concurrently, QJ still slightly ill, stayed home for a second day. Feeling better he ate his breakfast and then put a movie on. After watching the movie he noticed his dad looking at a scrapbook.

“Hey dad, what you checking out?”

“Photo Album. That’s your Aunt Dina when she was younger”

QJ hasn’t seen them in a while. Unlike Deja’s family, Quincy’s family was a bit more close knit with the exception of a few. His aunts all go back home for Holidays and his siblings made occasional summer vacations out to LA to visit him so the kids are familiar with the closest cousins on that side. OTOH, they have cousins whom they have not met through their great aunts and uncles.

“Whoa, never knew her hair was so long. So dad. What about your people?”

Quincy’s dad, is originally from Jennings. His grandfather grew up in the Carolinas and found his way down to Louisiana via being stationed while in the military. This is where he met Quincy’s grandmother. Her people were from South Carolina however, her parents settled in the Jeff Davis Parish in Elton. His parents passed away around the time Quincys dad was born. Her parents had gotten ill so she had to move to the Jeff Davis Parish. They were craftsman and welders. His uncle grew fruits and vegetables and sold fruit preserves during certain times of the year. They eventually settled in Jennings and started a family.

Noticing the air force uniform QJ said, “I didn’t know grandpa was in the service.”

“He wasn’t that’s your great grandfather”

Travis was in the military stationed in Lake Charles at the time when he met Janice. She was from the Jefferson Davis Parish but would come into town to LC for shopping and recreation. They settled in Jennings after the death of her parents. He had a long career in the military retiring when Quincy’s father turned 16.

“So when you would leave, would you go see them?”

“If I was close enough yes, I haven’t been to Jennings in a few years. My grandparents are deceased but I I have atleast one uncle and aunt still out there that I know of. Growing up we would go down to Jennings but then spend our days with Uncle Hal in Lake Arthur”

Cutting the conversation short when he received a phone call QJ went back to his room.

“That was the school, I’m going to go pick up your homework. You stay out, I don’t wanna come home and see you done burned the damn house down.”

“Really, dad?”

“I’ll be right back son”

He arrived to the school and once he made his way to the front office he asked to retrieve QJs homework from the office Secretary when he was informed of an outbreak that had occurred on the school ground.

“No surprise unfortunately” the secretary said as she handed Quincy the assignments. “It happens when a parent or parents sends their child to school sick knowingly or unknowingly”.

“Well damn. I sure do appreciate the info”

“Quincy’s a good kid. How’s he feeling today?”

“He’s fine. He’ll be back tomorrow”

“Good”

“Well I’m gonna head out, you try not to catch it”

“Lysol and Clorox wipes are right here”

When he returned home, he noticed Junior up and dressed, he sported a red collar shirt and a pair of denim shorts.

“Well somebody is feeling way better”

“Oh yeah, think it’s about gone” QJ said as he struggled to find anything on TV

“Well son, it turns out that whatever the hell this is is going around at your school. There was hardly anybody in the office just now. Was told they were out sick.”

He then said, “we are going to go to the library. That’ll give you a little quite time to work on your homework. That way when you come home this evening, you can watch TV or play video games freely as your work will have been completed.”

Deciding to take a shower, he momentarily paused when he received an alert from a black news source titled “the trance drug-another Black Plague”.

[Axdroidare-a medicine being marketed as a cheaper version of Vyvanse has been reported as being responsible for 17 cases of Illnesses in lower income black and Latino communities. While no deaths have been reported as of yet, it has been reported that this drug is causing kids to become very motionless, unable to focus even though the drug was market to help with focus, and even difficulty sleeping. “My son was in a 9 hour state of hypnosis” reported one mother. Physical symptoms also included stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. One mother reported that this drug was so stringent that her son had no response to any outside stimuli. Haven’t you noticed that it’s always little boys that they want to dope up or “tame”?.....................]

Reading the same article Anita begin to pose an outline of a survey to do some of her own research. In her mind she would ask Clarissa to advertise it on her podcast and have individuals submit it anonymously. As she begin to type the first question, she received a knock on the door.

“Come in”

It was her boss asking for the briefs that she prepared on the case. “Here it is”. She expressed concerns about the companies history when her boss advised her that it wasn’t her place.

Being the strong willed individual she continued what she was doing in between breaks from her work. By the evening she had a survey complete along with preparation for another case that she was in the process of handling.

Before she left she sent a message to Clarissa who was on the phone with Deja.

Later that evening Deja and Quincy were talking while he asked her about her day.

“Busy, essays, exams, typical school stuff”

“Well I got an alert about this drug that’s being passed around in school. You know anything?”

He forwarded the article to her for her to read, she glanced over it as she got comfortable and stated that she had not heard anything about it. “Oh my God! No cases at my place of employment yet. I’ll have to ask the kids if they’ve heard anything about this”

“It’s only a matter of time” Quincy said turning the TV on to watch a news story on the very subject. “The way these teens abuse drugs out here. That’s how it goes. They flood that bullshit in black communities then it backfires. Watch what happens when the adverse effects hit the white communities and their kids are strung out on it. It’ll be considered an ‘epidemic’”.

Listening to the news it became apparent that the drug has plagued specific schools in South Central, Compton, Maywood, and East Los Angels. The reporter reported on the beginning of the lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. When they heard the firm that would be representing them Quincy said “Oh shit! Isn’t that the firm that your sister works for?”

“It is” Deja said, “I need to call her. I’ll call her this week, I need to cook start typing my quiz.”

“Okay, well I’m gonna cook supper. Gonna cook a beef stew” he said.

Meanwhile, Malachi and Aundrea were working on ELA homework.

“So what’s the latest on the book report?”

“Just about done. Due Friday.”

“These last couple of weeks have been kind of crazy huh?”

“Why?”

“Meeting our folks, got mom on one of her projects”

“Yep”

“You know she’s talking about sending us down there for a couple of weeks next summer right? Could be an adventure. Connected with our cousin in Baton Rouge”

“Yeah....we need to get this done, I still got this book report to finish” Aundrea said unenthusiastically

“I might be able to help you finish it up. I’ve checked that book out dozens”

“Why am I not surprised?”

After finishing her homework, she went to work on the final draft of her post. She typed for about an hour before dinner was ready. At dinner that’s when Quincy decided to break the ice.

“Have the two seen any drugs on campus?”

“Ummmm I don’t think so” Aundrea said wondering where this question from.

“There’s a drug out there being passed off as Ritalin.” Deja said, “But it’s making these kids very ill”

“I haven’t heard about anything” Malachi stated.

“What’s going on?” Aundrea asked

“This medicine is getting to kids around your age. Mainly urban schools. It’s our job as parents to ask this stuff” Quincy affirmed.

Switching the conversation over to the cookbook, Deja announced that her book would be released at the end of October.

“Sweet!” Malachi exclaimed, “You gonna make some deserts for is?”

“Yeah, gonna get you guys in the kitchen. The three of you are going to learn how to make them. Your great grandmother made a mean sweet potato pie. That’s how your aunt Anna learned to make it. She passed it on to me”

“So this book includes her recipes?” Aundrea asked

“A combination of those and some of my own deserts”

“You mean like the cream cheese frosting that you put on the cake you make around Halloween?”

“Yes”

After eating supper Aundrea resumed typing the rest of her book report. QJ resumed studying his spelling words while Malachi completed a math assignment. Quincy retired to the bed while Deja sat on the sofa with her laptop and began a new paragraph in her book about connecting with her first cousin who had been in Long Beach since childhood. It was through a conversation over coffee that she was informed by her sister of the news. Growing up, she rarely visited Long Beach and she wondered if her cousin ever visited LA growing up. While typing she got a text

On the phone Yvonne explained that Zach got the word of this shortly after school let out. Mid day, a this student was seen being taken out by an ambulance. He was sweating buckets, he began vomiting out of the blue. It was no one that Zach knew personally.

“So how’d the word get out?”

“Classmate who knows this kid.”

“Oh God. Girl were the drugs this bad when we were in school?”

“Yes, unfortunately it was our generations bullshit that resulted in all these damn drug dogs at the schools.”

Deja sat there nodding her head while working on an outline, ending the conversation when Aundrea came in asking for feedback on her essay.

“My bookworm of a brother kind of helped me finish”

They read over it a bit. Preparing the report to the outline and the rubric she had stuffed in her novel. “I have to say that I’m impressed. Why is it that you don’t like school again?”

“I wouldn’t say that I dislike it, but I’m not in love with it like he is”

“Well you’ve always been one that when you put your mind to something, you got it done. You do what you need to do to get things done. I’m very much proud. This is really good!”

As Drea headed back to her room, Deja returned to the subject discussed at supper time.

“Zach had a student at his school rushed to the ER this afternoon after getting a hold to it. You know not to take anything from anyone. Just because something looks like fun or candy doesn’t mean that that’s what it is. Being honest, letting QJ go to that sleep over was scary for both of us. Growing yo we rarely went to parties and such for reasons such as this. You do know better than to take any drink from anyone right?”

“Yeah mom” Aundrea said. “Good night”

Deja sighed “between the outbreak at Juniors school and these damn medications, I worry. I’m a mom it’s my job. As time goes by, you may find yourself getting invites to parties and the like and in the event that you go, you can’t afford to be naive”.

After this bit of wisdom, she resumed her writing.

TO BE CONTINUED WITH EPISODE 21.