#no danger to me right now but my heart is breaking for Southern California right now

[emometalhead]

(i sent this again because my phone glitched and i wasn’t sure if it sent… disregard this if it did!!!)

BABE!! you’re in cali right??? i’m not sure what area you’re in but i hope you’re doing alright and are safe with the fires going around!! especially if you’re near la!! love you doll ❤️

Thank you for checking in!! I'm in Northern California, so my area is totally unaffected by the fires. There isn't a risk for me at this moment. I'm keeping a close eye on all the news from the LA area though, and it's extremely devastating. I love and appreciate you 🩷🩷

[cherrykindness]

let's make babies |

pairing: Harry Styles x Actress!Reader

summary: you and harry are doing a live on instagram, you've drunk a lot of wine and now the world knows that the future Mrs. Styles is ready to make babies.

warnings: mostly cute, but the title tells you what you need to know 🤪

"What is your favorite song from the Fine Line album?" Y/N read aloud, twirling in her right hand the second glass of wine of the evening, the one already halfway through. "Adore You and Watermelon Sugar, of course."

Harry giggled, rolling his eyes upon hearing his fiancée's statement.

"Y/N will always choose Adore You because it was obviously written for her." He accused. "She wouldn't give that answer under different circumstances."

The comments climbed up the screen continuously, most fans gushing about how cute Harry Styles and YN/LN could be while the other part was concerned with wringing even more information out of the slightly inebriated couple who had decided to do a surprise live one early Sunday morning.

As expected after being away for some time to begin filming Don't Worry, Darling in Southern California, Harry enjoyed a lazy weekend in the house he shared with his fiancée and her pets. The days were filled with late naps and relentless Netflix marathons, sublime and ethereal evenings, marked mostly by unexpected declarations and rounds of sex that used to last until the beams of light were shyly coming through the linen curtains. They were not a monotonous couple, so this order could easily be changed.

"Watermelon Sugar is nothing more than about my love for watermelons, don't get too creative." Harry replied to a fan while sporting a corner smile, the message standing out among the rest for its dozens of emojis and large print, questioning the singer about erotic content behind the lyrics of his latest hit. "I really don't know what you guys are talking about."

Y/N laughed, shaking her head before leaning it against her fiancé's chest, propped up on the soft white pillows that were spread practically all over the bed. The air conditioner was on at a minimal temperature and a light rain whipped on the panes of glass camouflaged by the cream-colored curtain, that being the projection of Y/N's favorite nights.

"You can tell them, I'm not shy." She joked, nudging her fiancé's waist.

"You know what it was written about and who it was written for." Harry replied, raising one of his eyebrows. "That's what matters."

It went without saying that much of Harry's newest album, as well as some of his earlier work, had been done in exclusive dedication to his future wife. Y/N had been the muse for a vast repertoire of romantic songs, and even though the singer preferred to keep the story behind his more explicit compositions a "secret", the relationship the two had shared for more than three years was already solid and known enough for the media and fans to distinguish hidden messages in small details.

"It's a song about what usually comes before the act of making babies." Y/N laughed as he pointed at the display. "Honestly, you guys are impossible."

"No, we make babies every day." Harry joked, making a funny motion with his eyebrows. "I would spend my entire career writing just about that."

"Harry!" The actress exclaimed incredulously, slapping her fiancé weakly on the chest. "Children might be watching this."

"You don't want to have babies with me?" He asked falsely offended, accepting the cup that Y/N offered him. "Because I want some babies with you."

Y/N laughed, rolling her eyes as she watched the internet freak out at the dialogue that had suddenly emerged. Since the beginning of the quarantine, it was kind of inevitable that the couple of artists would not become the darlings of all social media; they were fervently active with photos, videos, and lives that depicted step by step daily life in isolation, gaining more and more followers and making the media more and more fascinated by the relationship they both shared.

The wedding was scheduled for the summer of next year and it was perhaps the most anticipated event in the tabloids. Bets about what the model of Y/N's dress would be and lists presuming who would be selected for the short list of guests stood out among countless news stories about the famous people influencing pop culture today.

The possible arrival of a Styles baby was an inevitable topic in interviews. Harry and Niall were the only members of the ex-boyband that had not become fathers yet, and because they had maintained a solid relationship and were seen as one of the most enviable couples during the last four years, Y/N and Harry had gotten used to all this openly asked questions. They didn't mind, they even had fun with the montages and all the anxiety that dominated the whole internet, often mentioning the fandoms' efforts to represent them as such "cool" parents in perfectly edited pictures.

"No, guys, I'm not pregnant." Y/N amusingly clarified the doubt of dozens of new comments. "Please don't believe so many controversial news stories that appear out there. I was on twitter last week and saw several people theorizing about a possible pregnancy, most of the arguments based on a website that used photos from the set of How to Get Away with Murder in the season where I was actually playing a pregnant woman as Laurel." She laughed. "It's so funny! I know you guys love to guess these things, but we won't hide something so special when it actually happen, I promise."

"Especially because Y/N can hide absolutely nothing from anyone." Harry accused, leaving his drink on the corner table before settling into a comfortable position for the two of them. "Anyone who's a Marvel fan knows that. That's one of her most characteristic quirks."

"They gave me a fake script for the last two movies." Y/N agreed, shaking his head. "For me and Tom."

"We agreed to keep the engagement a secret for a while. The plan was to travel to Holmes Chapel to break the news to my family in person, but guess who got a call at ten o'clock at night from an angry Anne because she learned of her son's engagement from an interview Y/N gave the next day?"

Y/N gave a guilty smile, winking gracefully at the camera. "It was all James' fault! I'm sure he already suspected something, those questions were very suspicious."

"Of course the questions were suspicious, babe. You literally said you had a secret that involved both of us but that you couldn't tell because it was important that our families knew first."

"I thought he would think about a pregnancy or something!" The actress defended herself, feeling very convincing in her intonation bordering on obviousness. "That's a mania I can't get rid of, it's in my genes."

"Did you all hear that? Further proof that you guys don't have to worry about guessing when Y/N's pregnancy will be, I'm sure our baby will make sure to tell you everything while still in the womb, mom's genes will make sure of that."

"You are so funny, Harry Styles." Y/N sarcastically stated, holding back a giggle as countless messages with laughing emojis were frantically up. "Yeah, I know I talk a lot and all, but you have annoying quirks too."

It was obvious that live would be news the next day. Although they were completely open about matters concerning their relationship, nothing seemed better than receiving so much exclusive information from a Harry and S/N drunk on expensive wine.

"You wake up in a bad mood and you're dangerously sexy, that should be illegal."

Harry laughed, holding his fiancée's waist a little tighter as he felt her tumble a little further to the side, getting closer and closer to the edge of the bed. Y/N was dangerously weak for drinks, and the singer knew that the actress' body was already near its limit.

"You're the only sexy person here, love." He declared with a corner smile, evidently finding the whole situation funny. "Do you want to go to sleep now?"

"No." Y/N shook her head. "Can we watch some movie? Can we watch Sweet Home?"

"Of course, love." He murmured, giving the woman a quick kiss on the forehead.

Even though Harry knew that his fiancée was unlikely to make it past the five-minute mark of the episode, he made sure to restart the korean series at exactly the scene where she had stopped, the first chapter still halfway through after Y/N realized that it would be impossible to watch such a macabre work without a drop of alcohol in her blood.

She had been so excited by the taste of Argentinian wine and the idea of updating her fans after a few weeks away, that she had forgotten the main purpose of the live. Harry and Y/N had been apart for a few days due to the new movie the Brit was shooting in North America, all happening in an unrestrictedly careful manner due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

He was slowly migrating towards acting and the future Mrs. Styles couldn't be prouder. Y/N had felt on cloud nine when Harry had given her the news of his upcoming job, but her only pronouncement on the subject had been a succinct post on instagram. Just a photo of the couple on a trip to Germany with a simple heart emoji didn't seem enough for the actress' exhibitionist soul, and coming to that conclusion was the main reason she decided to invite him, already relatively changed, for a live appearance. Y/N wanted to go on and on about how much she loved that man and work on that whole honeyed speech that would bring her (once again) the title of "cutest bride of all time," but of course Harry had to come home from his trip with his favorite red wine and poison her with those sweet caresses that took her out of orbit, turning the degree of alcohol content into the least of her problems.

"You're going to kiss Florence." Y/N exclaimed suddenly, as if only now realizing that her fiancé would share the screen with Florence Pugh, one of her closest friends in that industry. "Kiss on the mouth."

The MacBook was still open and hundreds of new comments were going up every second, but Harry didn't bother one bit to warn her about the possibility of her becoming a meme the next day. He was having too much fun with the situation to worry.

"Are you jealous?"

"Yes." She stated with a pout. "I am jealous, I just don't know if I'm more jealous of her or of you."

"But you kiss me every day, babe." Harry laughed. "And you've been kissing other people's men for almost ten years." He joked.

"But I only think about you, I already told you that."

Harry shook his head negatively at the camera, knowing he was sharing with the fans the funniest side of his fiancée.

"I know that, honey." He assured, lightly stroking the actress' back. "I think we'd better turn off the TV and go to sleep now, I'm sure you'll have a terrible headache tomorrow."

The brit planned to bid his audience goodbye and put an end to that recording, but Y/N was drunk and her sense of right and wrong had already gone to space. Harry should have been quicker, however, because his fiancée's speech would be cause for new tags and the only subject for the interviewers for at least the next few months.

"I don't want to sleep, how about we make babies?"

That's what Watermelon Sugar was all about, after all.

[homoose]

Quick Learner, Slow Lover: Part II

Summary: Literally just a 40 Year Old Virgin AU. This time, reader shows Spencer a whole new world of possibilities. 

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!reader

Category: smut, 18 + (minors DNI)

Warnings/Includes: oral (both receiving), fingering, I think that’s it actually

Word count: 4.3k

a/n: Huge thanks to all the babies on my sideblog @softspence for helping with the inspiration for this one, and @gubetube​ for being my beta! ♥️ virgin!Spence is near and dear to my heart.

Series Masterlist

———

After their first escapade, Spencer was called away on a case in southern California. A week into the BAU’s investigation in the desert didn’t have them any closer to solving it, and the team retreated to their respective hotel rooms for a few hours of rest. The second his head hit the pillow, Spencer’s phone was out and dialing. 

She picked up on the third ring, stifling a yawn. “Hi.”

“Hi. Sorry it’s so late,” he apologized. 

“It’s okay.” He could hear her snuggling down under the covers. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.” He brought one of the hotel pillows closer, cuddling up against it and letting out a sigh. “I was thinking we could go to that new restaurant around the corner from you when I get back to DC.”

“Mmm, yeah, that sounds nice,” she agreed. He heard her sigh a little into the phone, then she continued, “We could also, um— try some more things.”

His head was constantly full of their first night together, and he basically had not stopped thinking about more things since he’d come in his pants on the couch. “Yeah. Yeah, I’d like that.” 

“Good, because the possibilities are endless, Dr. Reid.”

He let his eyes close, let a smile play over his features, and let his mind relax for a second… and then his eyes were shooting open, and his brain was on overdrive, running through the pieces of the case in rapid succession. “I— I think I just figured something out. I— I have to go. I’ll— can I call you later?”

She laughed a little on the other end. “Go save some lives, Spence.”

The team stumbled off the jet less than 24 hours later, exhausted but more than satisfied with the outcome of the case— in large part thanks to Spencer’s late night epiphany. 

“O’Keefe’s for a round?” Luke asked. “First one’s on me.”

There were murmurs of agreement from everyone... except Spencer. “Sorry, guys— rain check,” he called, already halfway across the bullpen and pulling on his jacket. He was through the double doors before anyone could ask any questions. 

He loved the team, and he’d come to enjoy nights out with them, but right now he had more pressing matters to deal with. As he navigated the darkened streets of DC, he considered the predicament he’d found himself in. They were going on two months of official dating, but they’d been sort of seeing each other for nearly a month before that. 

Even before he’d met her, Penelope had gushed about her constantly— a wonderful friend that she’d made through her new job, kind and smart and funny and lovely. What Penelope hadn’t mentioned was how beautiful she was— and he’d subsequently made a fool of himself when they first met: staring and stumbling over his words. 

She hadn’t seemed to mind, and over the course of the evening, she’d proven to be every bit as lovely as Penelope had described, and then some. 

He pulled up outside her apartment, shutting the door and hauling himself and his go-bag out of the car and up the sidewalk. He ran a slightly self conscious hand over his hair, checked his appearance in the glass of the foyer door, and then buzzed her apartment. 

She buzzed him in, and he took the stairs two at a time, rounding the landing just to see her opening the door. The second he dropped his bag, he was wrapping her up in a hug and knocking the breath out of her. She expelled the air into his shoulder and then laughed as he clung to her.

“Well, hello to you, too,” she teased. 

“I missed you,” he murmured, too content to be embarrassed.

Her arms came around him, and she squeezed him tight in response. “I missed you, too.” She held onto him for a moment longer before pulling back. “You must be exhausted. Are you hungry?”

Almost as if on cue, his stomach growled loud enough for them both to hear it. She cackled at his sheepish smile. “Chinese, Indian, or pizza?”

…

An hour later, they were two slices deep and cuddled together on the couch at the end of an episode of Dr. Who. She was tucked under his arm, her warm palm low on his tummy, her thumb rubbing a slow, repetitive path. As the credits rolled, she lifted her head to smile at him. “Tired?”

“A little.” His brain couldn’t focus on anything other than the warmth of her body pressed up against him, her hand so close to where he was desperate for her. He wanted her, but he didn’t know how to ask. “We can… try some things, though,” he decided on.

She brushed his hair back and met his eyes. “We don’t have to. Just because we did, doesn’t mean we’re obligated to every time we’re together.” She tilted her head. “You know that, right?”

He could feel the flush flooding his cheeks immediately, and he dropped his gaze and cleared his throat. “Yeah, of course.” Of course she didn’t want to do anything more with him. He was probably terrible at it before, and she just didn’t want to hurt his feelings. He shifted to stand from the couch, gathering up their plates and turning to bring them to the kitchen, desperate for a minute to collect himself. 

He could feel her eyes on him. “Spence?” He set the plates in the sink, taking a deep breath and then turning to see that she’d followed him. She pressed her lips together, considering him with kind eyes. “You wanna let me in on whatever it is you’re thinking?”

He hesitated, tapping his fingers on the tops of his thighs, before deciding he should just come out with it. “I know I don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to… sex.” The last part came out in a low murmur— it seemed lewd to discuss this in the middle of her kitchen. “I’m sorry it wasn’t very good for you, and I’m not exactly sure how to fix that, but—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” she chuckled. “Slow your roll. When did I ever say it wasn’t good for me?”

The memory of her— in his lap, her head thrown back, his fingers on her, his name falling from her lips— was suddenly on repeat in his mind. “I, um— I guess you didn’t.” 

“I definitely didn’t,” she confirmed, stepping a little closer. “In fact, I’ve been thinking about it… a lot.”

His eyebrows shot into his hairline. “You have?”

“Mmhmm.” She brought her hand back to his tummy, just above his waistband, then ran it up the line of buttons on his shirt, stopping just above his heart. She met his gaze with soft eyes. “I just didn’t want you to think that— that sex is all I want to do with you. Or that you have to rush to make me happy. And it’s important that you know that if you’re tired, or overwhelmed, or just not in the mood, I don’t— you know, expect you to have sex with me.” 

His heart leapt into his throat at the way she curled her fingers in his collar, the way she smiled quietly while he collected his thoughts, the way she gave him grace and space to consider his wants and needs. He was dangerously in love already, and he wasn’t sure quite how to say it without being the stupid virgin who fell in love with the first person he slept with. 

And even with all of these thoughts of content and love and uncertainty swirling through his brain… he still really wanted to fuck her. 

“I’m not that tired,” he breathed. 

Her smile turned mischievous, and he swallowed audibly. “Well, then. We can start working through those possibilities?”

He was on her before she even finished the question, his mouth hot and hungry, his tongue sliding against hers, his hands on her waist and steering her toward her bedroom. She grinned as he trailed kisses down her throat and then where her t-shirt cut low along her collarbone. She turned them as they made it to the bed and pushed him to sit, breaking his mouth away from where it had been sucking a pretty pink mark. 

She dropped to her knees and ran a firm hand over his cock through his trousers. He was wholly and completely unprepared for the sight of her looking up at him from in between his legs, and he momentarily forgot any and all plans he’d had. She paused to push her hair back out of her face, and he came to his senses. 

“Wait.” She looked up at him, slightly confused. “I wanted to, um—” 

When he didn’t continue, she tilted her head with an encouraging smile. “You wanted to what?”

“I wanted to, um— eat you out,” he said, and he could feel the flush in his ears. “Before. Because I get kind of sleepy after I come, and I— well, I can already tell I’m not gonna last long once you start, um…”

“Blowing you?” she prompted, and now she was just teasing him. 

“Y-yeah.” He ran a nervous hand down his neck. “Is that okay?”

She stood up and stepped closer into his space, tangling her fingers in his hair and pulling his head back slightly. “Well, that depends. Did you read up on the literature?”

He returned her teasing smile, already more at ease. “You know I did.”

She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before stepping back to pull her shirt up over her head. She smirked at the way his eyes went wide and traveled over her form. His mouth dropped open as he tracked her hands, running down over her bare chest, her torso, and then to the waistband of her sweatpants. She pushed the pants down over her hips and let them pool at her feet, stepping out and back in between his legs. “So, what did the experts say?”

He swallowed audibly as she brought his hands to her chest. “Well, um,” he started, palms cupping her breasts. “Um, firstly— start slow. And vary— vary your attention,” he said, squeezing them lightly and brushing his thumbs over her hardened nipples. 

He looked up at her face for guidance, and she smiled. “Then by all means— give me all the attention.”

He leaned forward immediately, tongue and teeth sucking and grazing and nipping at the soft skin of her breasts. He alternated between the two, drew each nipple into his mouth and moaned a little around them at the way she gasped when his teeth dragged on her skin. Her hands found purchase in his curls, tangling and tugging and holding him against her. He brought a hand down to her waist and pulled her in closer, slid his palm over her lace-covered ass and dug his fingers in, eliciting a very pretty sound from her throat. 

He pressed his mouth once more to the valley in between her breasts, then stood and brought his hands to her face, leaning down to meet her in a soft kiss. He turned to have her sit back on the bed, and she stretched out over the pillows and pulled him down over her. He kissed her again, and then dragged his mouth down the column of her throat. 

“Secondly,” he continued, “work your way down.” He did just that, his lips and tongue drawing out goosebumps and shivers as he moved down her body. When he reached the waistband of her underwear, he hooked his fingers into it, and she lifted her hips to allow him to pull them down her legs. 

He started a path back up her legs, kissing her ankles, her shins, her knees. He ghosted his fingers over her thigh, silently asking for permission to continue. She let her legs fall open, and he made himself comfortable in between them. The reality hit him then— that as she opened her legs, she also opened herself up to him— all the most vulnerable and precious parts of her. His breath caught in his throat as he found her gaze on him, soft and sweet and steady. 

He turned his head to kiss a path along her inner thigh, moving closer and closer to her center. He fanned his warm breath over her, and then he licked carefully around the hood of her clit, gentle at first. He flattened his tongue on either side of it, then pointed it to flick across once, twice, three times. Her hand immediately came down to tangle in his hair, and her hips twitched as he dragged his tongue flat over it. 

“I don’t really understand the phenomenon of men being unable to find the clitoris,” he remarked, and then closed his mouth around it. 

She let out a long, low moan when he sucked it between his lips, and her grip on his hair tightened. He alternated the suction with the swirl of his tongue around the hood, and she squirmed against the bed. He laid his forearm low across her hips to keep her still, and then he brought his thumb up to swipe at her entrance, and he moaned around her at the feel. 

“Shit, you’re so wet,” he breathed. He brought his thumb, slick with her arousal, up to her clit and rubbed firm circles over it. “How’s that for pressure? Too hard?”

“N-no, oh— Spence, oh my god,” she whined.

“Do you prefer to rub side to side or in a circle?” He demonstrated each option, and she choked out his name again. 

She drew in a shaky inhale, exhaled out, “Both, both, both.” 

He sucked an open mouthed kiss to her inner thigh, then looked up to see her staring at him. “Do you like penetration? Or just clitoral stimulation?” he asked, stroking his thumb side to side over her clit. 

She huffed out a breath. “You— god, you can finger me.”

He popped his index finger into his mouth, slicking it with spit and thinking of everything he’d read about it. He teased the pad of his finger around her slit, gathering up the wetness that had spilled out of her. “I’ll start with one? Make sure it’s slicked up, and then you can tell me if you’d like me to add another?” 

She hummed in agreement, and he began to press inside of her. She took his finger easily, and he dropped his forehead to her thigh. “God, you’re— you’re so tight.” He withdrew his finger and then slipped it back in, groaning at the slickness. “Can you, um— can you tell me if this is— is this doing anything for you?” He probed gently, searching for the spot inside her that he knew might actually be difficult to find. 

“Um— up, up,” she gasped. “Like, curl it up toward the ceiling and then sort of dra-a-a-g, oh, oh, oh.”

He followed her directions, curling his finger up and dragging it on the out stroke, and she was throwing her head back with a moan of his name. He repeated the motion over and over and then brought his mouth back to her clit. Both her hands came down to yank at his hair, and he groaned, causing her hips to jerk against his mouth. 

“M-more, Spence, more, so close,” she whined. 

When he withdrew his finger, he slipped a second one in beside it and then continued the curl-drag-thrust pattern while sucking and swirling his tongue around her clit. Her moans increased in frequency and volume, and he felt her squeeze impossibly tight around his fingers. He rutted into the bed as her grip on his hair held him still against her clit as she came. 

She let out a final gasp of his name, and then she relaxed around him and her grip on his hair went slack. He slipped his fingers out of her, stared at them in relative awe as they glistened with her come. He sucked them into his mouth to clean them off, relatively surprised by how much he enjoyed the taste. He leaned forward and dragged his tongue over her, cleaning her up and savoring the way she lingered in his mouth. 

“Shit, Spence,” she mumbled, grasping at his shoulder. “C’mere.”

He lifted his head and wiped his forearm across his chin. He watched her eyes go a little wide, and then she was dragging him up her body and crashing their mouths together. “You are so fucking hot,” she whispered. “I cannot believe you’ve never done that before. Such a good listener, baby.”

His hips canted forward desperately at the praise, and she sighed happily against his mouth. “Wanna blow you.” 

She pushed gently at his chest and he sat back to let her up. She slid off the bed and tugged on his hand to move him to sit with his legs off the side. “Can we take some things off?” she asked, gesturing to his fully clothed form. 

He nodded, and she popped the button on his trousers while he started on the button up. They made quick work of both, and she dragged his pants and underwear down in one motion. He shrugged out of his shirt and she took a step back to take him in. 

“You’re so pretty, Spence.” She dragged her finger up from his knee, over his thigh, the trail of hair on his tummy, his chest, his throat— her eyes tracking the motion. He watched her face as she did so, the way her pupils dilated with lust and her tongue came out to wet her lips. She finally settled on his face, smiling and leaning forward to press her lips to his. 

When she broke the kiss, she brought both hands up to cradle his face. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. If anything doesn’t feel good, just say so. You can put your hands on my head, pull my hair, whatever you like. If I want you to stop, I’ll tell you. Okay?”

“Okay,” he rasped. 

She kissed him again, and then dropped to her knees and took him in hand. The vision of her— naked, post-orgasm, looking up at him with his cock poised at her mouth— was so absolutely and gloriously filthy that he almost came on the spot. 

“You’re so big, Spence.” The wonderment seeped into her voice, and he couldn’t help but swell a little with pride. Her warm palm stroked over him, root to tip, and he fisted his hands in the duvet. “What was step one again?” she asked. 

“Um. S-start slow,” he recalled. 

She hummed in agreement, and then trailed the fingers of her free hand over the inside of his thigh. She turned her mouth to press hot, open-mouthed kisses to the other, slowly inching up closer to where she held him in her hand. 

“Your skin is soft,” she murmured. Her nose brushing against the crease of this thigh. She switched sides, moved his cock into her other hand to trail her fingers over where her mouth had been. She sucked a mark into his thigh and then dragged her tongue over it, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. 

And then she shifted back to the center, flattened her tongue, and ran it up the vein on the underside of his cock. “Oh my god,” he whispered. 

She huffed out a laugh and the way her warm breath cooled the trail of spit she’d left had him shivering. “God, this is gonna be so fun,” she murmured. 

She held his cock up straight with one hand and repeated the motion of her tongue twice more, and then pressed a kiss to the tip. She held her tongue out flat and rubbed it along the underside of the head, running it along the divide between the tip and the shaft. And then she closed her mouth around the head and swirled her tongue around it, and his eyes rolled back in his head. 

“Fuck, Y/N.” His knuckles turned white as he gripped the sheets, and then he felt her free hand tug at his fist. He opened his eyes as she guided his fingers into her hair. She locked eyes with him and then sucked gently on the tip of his cock. He fisted his hand and tugged, and she closed her eyes and moaned around him. 

The vibration of her voice had his hips thrusting forward a little into her mouth, and she pulled back with a grin. He couldn’t even form the words to apologize before she was licking down his shaft and murmuring, “Mm, and vary the attention, right?”

With that, she laved her tongue over his balls, slicking them up with her spit. He realized he’d been holding his breath, sucking in a gasp as she sucked one of them into her mouth. She hummed around it and then let it out with a soft pop, moving to draw the other one in. He hadn’t even considered that he would enjoy having his balls in her mouth, but now that they were there he knew he’d literally never stop thinking about it. 

She pulled back to take a breath, bringing a hand up to cup and massage his balls and stroke over his length at the same time. “Step two?” she prompted, looking up at him from in between his legs. 

“Work your way down,” he reminded her, petting over her hair in awe. 

“Ah, yes.” She brought her mouth back to the tip, sticking out her tongue and rubbing it along the sensitive spot just under the head. She kept her mouth open and held him in hand, alternating between wet kisses and swirling her tongue. And then she sucked it into her mouth, still moving her tongue back and forth as she started to sink further down his length. 

In his mind, he was singing her praises from the metaphorical rooftops, but in reality, her mouth was so hot and wet that all he could do was stare stupidly at the way his cock disappeared between her lips. She continued to massage his slick balls in her free hand as she took him in, inch by inch. Each time she pulled back to suckle the head, she stroked the circle of her other hand over the spit-covered length of him. 

On the next pass down, he felt the head of his cock press into the back of her throat, and his hands shot to her hair, holding tight. “Holy shit, Y/N, I—” he choked on the rest of the sentence as she took him an inch further, then simultaneously sucked and pulled back to the tip.

She tapped the tip of his cock to her spit-slick smile, kissing it teasingly. “Do you wanna tell me what to do?”

“M-more of that,” he begged, watching as she dragged her lips down the side of his cock. 

She chuckled, and the way it buzzed against the side of his cock had him short of breath. “Yeah— I thought you’d like that.” She pumped his length with her hand and then held her tongue out flat, bobbing her head until he hit the back of her throat. 

When she pulled back, he watched a trail of spit drip down her chin, and felt his cock twitch at the idea of her quite literally drooling over him. He barely resisted the urge to pinch his thigh, not willing to wake himself up if this was actually a dream. He brought a hand to her chin and used his thumb to gather the spit, and then brought it up to suck it into his mouth. 

Her mouth dropped open as she watched him swallow, and he briefly began to panic, but then she was surging upward to slot her mouth over his in a hot kiss. “How is everything you do so fucking hot?” she murmured against his lips. 

“I could say the same for you,” he countered, kissing her again. 

“I want you to come in my mouth, okay?” she asked. 

He nodded vigorously. “Shit, yeah, yeah.”

“Don’t hold back,” she demanded, and then she was dropping back down to take him in again. 

She left her mouth open, tongue laid flat, and took him into her throat— once, twice, three times. She choked around him and then pulled back to take a breath. She repeated this pattern again, and again, occasionally sucking on the head or even grazing her teeth just so. Spencer held her head between his hands, staring down at her with reverence. He couldn’t stop the litany of praise falling from his lips— mostly just gasps and moans of her name, but occasionally he found the mental capacity for so beautiful, or perfect mouth, or so good, baby. 

He could feel his orgasm drawing closer with every press into her throat, so incredibly tight that it was dizzying. She pulled all the way off to jerk his cock, a tight circle of her fingers gliding along his length with a squelching sound. She squeezed the base of him, dropped her hand to tug at his balls, and sunk her mouth down his length, holding him in her throat and swallowing, moaning low and long around him. 

She looked up at him then, and it was that which finally brought him over the edge— not that she was on her knees with his cock in her throat, but that she didn’t look away as he came undone. The fact that she was paying such close attention to him coupled with the trust and vulnerability required for this moment was too much to handle. His orgasm hit him like a train, his toes curling and fingers twitching in her hair as he came. She continued swallowing around him, and he fought to keep his eyes open, not willing to miss a single second of this moment. 

When he was finished, she slowly drew back, sucking gently along his softening length and pressing a kiss to the head. He did close his eyes then, cradling her head in his hands and rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks. She used his thighs as leverage to pull herself up, and he heard her suck in a sharp breath. His eyes shot open to see her rubbing at her knees— red and a little raw. 

“I’m sorry, I should have— I could have gotten you a pillow.” He pulled her closer and replaced her hands with his own, soothing the marks. 

She laughed and brushed a reassuring hand over his hair. “Occupational hazard.”

The scratchy rasp of her voice had his cock twitching. “I know I don’t have anything to compare it to, but you’re unbelievably good at that.”

She brought her hands to his face, tilting it up to meet his eyes. “You’re not the only one who reads the literature.” 

Her even tone and steady gaze proved she wasn’t teasing or mocking, and he fell just a little bit deeper in love. He met her halfway in a kiss that was infinitely and luminously sweet and wondered just what in the world he was going to do about that.

———

Permanent tags: @spacedikut @andiebeaword @averyhotchner @pinkdiamond1016 @shadyladyperfection @coffeeandendlesswords @justanothetfangirl @no-honey-no @ajeff855 @sapphic-prentiss @rexorangecouny @rainsong01  @blameitonthenight21 @moviequeen51 @90spumkin @reniescarlett @ncsls0515 @daybabyx @sturmmhond @takeyourleap-of-faith @saspencereid @calm-and-doctor @reidtheprettyboy @atabigail @ayo-cowbelly @muffin-cup @ssa-natalya-reid @wheelsup @reidingmelodies @this-is-gublerween  @s1utformgg  @reidemandweep @sonnydoesrandomshit @rigatonireid @luwheezey @joalsglasses @je-suis-prest-rachel @dr-omalley @spencie-adams @honestimanormalfan @blurryreid

Series tags: @cielo1984 @dorotheuh @foreveryoungxx3 @happyreid187 @harrystylesholland @seasonfivereid @slut4spencie  @kyomito​

Broken tags: @radtwinkie

[brownsugarcoffy]

It Never Rains In Southern California - Part Two

Disclaimer: This imagine will contain profanity, hard language, sexual content.

Summary: You and Angel have broken up and while it was your choice, you miss him desperately. Although your pride was never going to let you go to him first, he decided to show up at your doorstep late night. An things began to get heavy.....

Characters: Black Reader × Angel Reyes 

Part One

You looked away from Angel due to the close contact between you two. You were trying so hard to fight the urges to try not to give into your vulnerability and letting him see you break down right here. However, you realize you broke up with him and was soon on your way out of this hick town.

You yank away from Angel causing him to get more irritated with you. Rubbing your arm to smooth out the roughness." We have no business to handle Angel. You're drunk and I need to make sure you get home safe."

"I'm not drunk dammit! Tipsy yes, but drunk? No."

"I don't care! You need to leave!" You shouted with urgency. You try to move away from him to go get your phone from the bedroom, but pulled back towards him.

"Why do you keep pushing me away? Does it mean nothing to you that I came all the way here in the rain to check up on you? Do you really hate me that much?" You watch as Angel eyes begin to swell up with water. You were starting to hate yourself more and more. Why do you keep doing this to him? 

He is trying his best to hold back his tears because he wasn't about to start showing his vulnerability to a woman who is basically acting as if they never shared a bed.

"Angel why are you really here?" You ignored all questions he just asked, hoping he would get so angry that he would want to leave. That he will finally give up on this conversation. Finally give up on you, but see Angel wasn't ready to give up just yet. He knew you hiding something deep down.

"Because….I missed you y/n.  You don't visit pop’s shops anymore. EZ hasn't heard from you in a long time. You could be mad at me, but don't take it out on my family who loves you." Angel confession tugged your heart, causing you to slowly bring your guard down.

"Listen..you know I love Felipe and Ez. I wouldn't hurt them on purpose. I've just been busy with my grandmother & work." It was not the whole truth, but you have been picking up extra shifts at the hospital. Trying to earn enough money for your move, but the key point was keep yourself busy from thinking about Angel.

"Bullshit!" He barked.

"Excuse me?"

"Come on. I know your grandmother has been out for a couple of weeks and your cousin has been helping you take care of her. I also know you've been picking up shifts at work on purpose.”  He objected to my answer.

“Who told you-”

“It doesn't matter who told me. It's the fact you just keep lying to me. Why? Why are you always running away?"

" I'm not running-"

"Shut up! There you go lying again. You think I don't know about you moving your ass up outta here." Silence filled the room as now the thunder was the only thing speaking.  He knew about you moving and if it wasn't for him seeing your cousin at his father shop. You would have moved out of this town with a single word. It's what you did last time. 

Always running scared with your tail between legs. Scared of actually dealing with your problems. Angel nodded to himself as he saw you struggle to come up with a good rebuttal. His eyes suddenly got widened; tears were streaming down your face as the wall you build came crashing down. It was the first time Angel saw you cry in a longtime. 

" Baby…" Angel tried to touch your arm to console you, but you just put your hand up to stop him. If he touched you right now you'll be a hot mess. Your emotions will be out of your control and you wouldn't be able to stop it. He wanted to hold you at this moment. To let you know he's here and wants to protect you. He loves you so much, but you keep denying is breaking his heart every minute. Angel just needed to feel you. Not only for you, but for him.

So Angel walked up close to you, which made you step back. Now having two hands in front of you to keep Angel at bay. That didn't stop Angel. While he just kept his paced walking closer to you, you just kept moving back until your back hit the wall.

"Angel...please…." You begged him not to come closer; pushing his torso away from you, but your arms were weak. Angel took them and placed them at your side. You head low because you didn't want to look him in the eyes at your current state. Your tears just wouldn't stop no matter how much you tried. 

“ Y/n look at me.” Angel commanded as his body is now towering over you.

“No.” Your defiance sounded strong, but there was something there that wobble; conforming some doubt.

“ Look at me!” Angel slammed his hand on the wall on the side of you. Which the sound off the wall syncs with the thunder that roars loudly. This caused you to bring your head up; you were now forcibly eye to eye with Angel. Angel was very pleased to finally see that pretty face he loved to wake up too.

“Now that I got your attention. Do you know why I put up with your shit y/n? Do you?” Your eyes averted away from him, but this only caused Angel to lightly take his hand onto your jaw and pull your face back to him. “Stop looking away from me... I put up with it because I love you. I know you're scared about this Mayans thing, but you got to trust me when I say I got this.”

“This isn’t easy for me okay! I want to believe you Angel, but what if you end up like my father. In a ditch somewhere-” The cry in your voice solidified with the amount of motivation it took you to succumb.

“Y/n….I’m not your father. I would never bring death at your doorstep. I’ll make sure you're protected at cost. Haven’t I always?” He stopped you before you could go any further. He never put his family in danger for his own personal gain. He wasn’t that type of man. 

“Yes you always have.” You stated above a whisper while the tears kept falling down from your dark lashes. 

‘Y/n…” Angel grasps your chin in his hand, taking his thumb to swipe away the wetness that ran down her cheek.” You're such a stubborn woman. I think you got me beat.” Angel slightly let a chuckle pass his lips. Giving a lighthearted aura as he pokes at you for fun.

“I can’t go through that pain again Angel.” 

‘I won’t let you, but just talk things out with me. Don’t just go running away when things get rough and just disappear because that causes pain too. He drew his face closer to yours, nudging the tips of both of your noses. “ Don’t shut me out ever again because these two months without you really fucked me up.” He pleaded, while bringing his head to the crook of your neck. Taken in your natural scent, Angel was finally at home again.

“I won’t. I’m sorry.” Your breathlessly promised him your word. It felt so good to be in Angel arms again and how aches so many nights for this. Although your face was slowly drying up, your T- shirt began to soak up water coming off Angel clothes as your body was now pressed against his. The water touches your bare skin which gives you chills as cold air comes into play causing your nipples to be harder than what they were. You were about to call out to Angel, but that all fell through when Angel brought his lips to devoured yours.

 A delicious moan escaped from your mouth as you allowed him to explore every corner of your mouth. His hands manage to slide up your thigh, it wasn’t long until you felt his nimble digits grip the hem of your shirt. His fingers lightly grazed your hip bone, which told you didn’t have on no panties. Angel propped his leg between you caused you to feel the friction on your core making you let out whimper in the kiss. In seconds the wetness between your legs began to leave a damp on Angel black denim jeans. Feeling your arousal ruin his jean, sparked his own. Causing his jeans to grow together by every second. This was it. He needs you in every way he can get you. 

He interrupted the kiss, Angel grasped the back of your thighs and pushed them up. He bent down now having your legs swung over his shoulders. A grasp release from your mouth at the new position you were now put in. You quickly grip Angel's shoulders to steady your balance between you and the wall. With his thumb, Angel brushed the most sensitive part of you thinking of how he was going to have his meal. 

“Please...baby.” You desperately moaned out causing you to throw your head back.

“Oh I’m baby now? I thought you were gonna call EZ to come and get me. What happened to that?” He taunted, forming a smirk on his lips.. Angel let his thumb rub against your clit once more just to tease you some more.

“Shit Angel stop it! I’m begging you!” You almost screamed as he was playing with all your emotions, but you guess it payback as you played with him first. Angel just responded with a chuckle while his lips began to get closer and closer to your core. His cool breath grazes her sensitive skin every second, giving her the sensation she is aching to have. Before he could feast he let out a warning to you.

‘Don’t fall or I’m gonna make you cry again. And this time your never gonna stop.”

Not Edited

TAGLIST: @mauvecherie @marvelmaree @blackmissfrizzle @tomhardydallasstarsgirl @starrynite7114 @montanaraed @sparklemichele @thelovelyleo23. @auroraariza. @tranqs-main-mami @trulysuccubus @rantfandombloggg @lovebennycolonmiguelgalindo. @yeah-seems-legit. @night-of-the-living-shred

@hey-taylor-hey

[thelastspeecher]

Best Revenge AU - Masks

I think like a week ago, I mentioned I was working on a write that featured Angie getting a bit more agency in the Best Revenge AU.  Here’s that write, finally finished.  Enjoy some of Angie’s backstory in this AU and her being more than just someone that things happen to.

——————————————————————————————

              Angie and Max sat high up in one of the tallest trees in the apple orchard.  It was the only place on the McGucket farm with some semblance of privacy.

              “So…” Angie started hesitantly.  Max looked at her.  His straw-blond hair had gotten shaggy recently, to the extent that Angie didn’t know how he could see through his bangs.  “I, uh, I heard back from West Coast Tech.”

              “And?”

              “I got in.”

              “You-”  Max’s jaw dropped.  “Angie, that’s amazin’!”  Angie smiled. “I actually just heard back from my first choice school, too.  University of Southern California.”

              “Where is that?”

              “Los Angeles.”  Max beamed.  “Which ain’t that far from San Diego.  We won’t be livin’ in the same city, but we won’t be that far apart.”  He suddenly looked down at the branch they were sitting on nervously.  “That- that is- if ya want to stay together.”

              “Of course!  I want to keep datin’ you!” Angie said.  She scooted closer to him.  Her fingers intertwined with his.  “Why wouldn’t I?  I’m in this fer the long haul, Sprout.”  Max grinned at his pet name, derived from how his abrupt growth spurt last summer had catapulted him from Angie’s height to almost a full foot taller than her.

              “Good.  ‘Cause I’m in it fer the long haul, too.”  He took a breath.  “And, actually, since the both of us don’t have plans on breakin’ up anytime soon, I wanted to share a secret with ya.”

              “Oh?” Angie said curiously.  “What would that be?”  Max pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Angie.  Angie looked down at the object.  It was a small rock.  Before she could ask why he’d given her a rock, it flew out of her hand and back into Max’s.  She stared at him in shock.

              “I’m a super,” Max whispered.  He held out an open palm.  The rock hovered above it.  “Specifically, I got geokinesis.”

              “…Wow,” Angie breathed.

              “And…”  Max swallowed.  “I want to use my abilities to help people.”  Angie’s excitement plummeted.  “I want to be a hero.”  The last bit of hope Angie had held onto, that she had somehow misunderstood what Max meant, crashed.

              Oh, no!  Angie’s breath caught in her throat.  A hero?  But... She thought back to the plans she and Lute had come up with to enter the villainy scene out west.  They were both eager to follow in their parents’ criminal footsteps.  I can’t be a villain if my boyfriend is a hero.

              “Angie?” Max asked hesitantly.  “Is somethin’ wrong?”

              “No, I just- this is a lot to take in,” Angie said quietly.  She looked down at the ground far below them, her mind still racing.  “Bein’ a hero is, it’s-”

              “Yeah, it’s dangerous.  But I feel like I was given my power fer a reason,” Max said. Exuberance colored his voice.  “I don’t want to waste it.  Y’know?”

              “Yeah…”

              Can I really give up on bein’ a villain fer Max?  Before Angie could think on it more, there was a loud crack.  The branch they were sitting on split in two.  Max let out a shout.  Angie quickly wrapped her arms around him, summoning winds to keep them aloft. They hovered a few inches above the ground for a moment before she carefully lowered them.

              “Yer a super, too,” Max whispered.  Angie broke off the embrace.

              “Yeah.”

              “That’s incredible!”  Max put his hands on the sides of Angie’s face.  “May- may I kiss ya?” he asked.  Angie nodded.  Max leaned in, planting a sweet kiss on her lips.  “I knew you were somethin’ special,” he said once he had pulled away. He stroked her cheek.  Angie leaned into the gesture, warmth spreading through her chest.  “We could be heroes together!”

              “No,” Angie said sharply.  Max seemed taken aback, but recovered quickly.

              “I understand.  It ain’t fer everyone.”  He smiled at her.  “I love ya somethin’ fierce.”

              “I love you, too,” Angie said.

              But do I love him enough to give up on bein’ a villain?

              “Now that I think about it, maybe it’s fer the best if yer not a hero,” Max said.  “I couldn’t bear to see ya get hurt.”  Angie stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

              Yes.  I do.

-----

              Angie landed in the backyard of the house she and her husband had bought back when they first got engaged.  She watched her flower garden mournfully for a few moments.

              I poured so much love into this place, this relationship.  And I’m ‘bout to leave it all behind.  The back door opened.

              “Angie, is that you?” Max called.

              “Yes.”  Angie walked over to her husband.  Max smiled at her.

              “I’m glad yer home.  I was startin’ to get worried ‘bout ya,” he said softly.  He kissed her cheek.

              “I can take care of myself.”

              “Angel, I know yer very capable.  But even the most prepared person can get hurt,” Max said. The familiar words sparked Angie’s simmering anger.  She brushed past him roughly.  “Angel?”

              “Don’t call me yer angel,” Angie spat.  Max followed her inside.

              “What’s wrong?” Max asked, closing the door behind them.  “I thought yer walk or flight or whatever would’ve cooled ya off.”

              “It did.”  Angie turned to face him.

              “Good.”  Max sighed. “I hate when ya storm off all angry fer some reason.  And it’s been happenin’ so frequently lately-”

              “‘Fer some reason’?” Angie demanded.  “Max, I have told ya each and every time I’ve left why I’m doin’ so.  So, either ya aren’t listenin’, or ya don’t think my reasons ‘re valid.  And quite frankly, I ain’t sure which one’s worse!” Max walked up to her.  He stroked Angie’s cheek.

              “I’m sorry.  I’m sorry, okay?” Max said soothingly.  “Angel, I don’t want to fight.”

              “I don’t want to fight either,” Angie said. She took a shaky breath.  “Which is why I can’t do this no more.”

              “What do you mean?”

              “I’m leaving.”

              “Wh- but you just got here.”

              “Not-”  Angie met Max’s gaze directly.  “Not like that.  Max, I want a divorce.”  Max’s amber eyes widened.  One of Angie’s favorite ways to get Max to blush was to say she wanted to drink him in, just like the cream soda his eyes reminded her of.  Her heart broke at the memory of all the times she’d turned him red and stuttering.

              “What?!  Angie, no! No, we can- we can work through this!” Max desperately reached for Angie’s hands.  “You don’t- we-”

              “We can’t work through this,” Angie said softly.  “It’s clear to me now that what you want and what I want contradict each other.”

              “That ain’t true!”

              “It is!” Angie insisted.  “You want a baby right away and a wife who’ll stay home to take care of him or her.  I don’t want to leave my job, I don’t want a baby right now.  If we stick together, only one of us will wind up happy, and the other one ‘ll be bitter.”

              “That’s not- Angie, please!” Max begged.  He squeezed her hands.  “Remember the first time we danced!”

              Freshman year of high school.  Yer friends dared you to dance with me, mine dared me to dance with you.

              “Our first kiss!”

              Under the mistletoe during Christmas break, when ya came over to play games with Lute, but wound up helpin’ me bake treats in the kitchen.  You tasted like the sugar cookies we made together.

              “When we went to college!”

              We spent every weekend together, stayin’ up late and wakin’ up early just so’s we wouldn’t waste a single minute with each other.

              “Our wedding!”

              When you lifted my veil, ya looked at me like I was the sunrise. A single tear traced its way down Angie’s cheek.  Like I was the most beautiful woman in the world, and the only thing in yours.

              “Don’t you remember?” Max asked.  Angie choked back a sob.

              “I do remember.  That’s the problem.”

              “What- what do you mean?”

              “You aren’t the person you were when we made those memories together.”

              “What?” Max whispered.  Angie pulled her hands away.

              “You’ve changed, Max.  The memories I hold most dear are all from when ya encouraged me to be adventurous, when ya followed me into trouble without a thought, when ya asked ‘fore kissin’ me.”

              “Do you want me to ask before I kiss you?  I can do that.”

              “It’s just an example.”  Angie looked away.  “An example of how ya used to care about my opinion.  Ya don’t anymore.”

              “That’s not-”

              “Don’t lie,” Angie snapped, suddenly driven to her breaking point.  “If ya cared ‘bout my feelin’s or thoughts, we wouldn’t be havin’ this conversation!” She turned away.  “I’m grabbin’ a bag to stay at Lute’s fer the night.”

              “No!”  Max grabbed Angie’s wrist.  “Don’t leave!”  Angie let out a soft gasp of pain at the strength of his grip.

              That’s goin’ to leave a mark, ain’t it?

              “Let me go,” she whispered.

              “No.”

              “Let me go,” Angie repeated firmly.  “Or I’ll make you.”

              “How?” Max asked.  Angie ground her teeth.  She stomped on Max’s foot, making him yelp in pain.  Using the moment of surprise to her advantage, she ripped her hand free of Max’s grip and grabbed his arms, twisting them behind his back.  She shoved him to the ground.

              “That’s how,” she spat.  “All those times ya told me I was too fragile to walk down the street at night, I was actually capable of takin’ down a trained superhero.”

              “Where did you-”

              “It ain’t yer business where I learned how to fight.  If I planned on stayin’ with ya, maybe I’d tell ya.  But since I’m leavin’, I won’t say a word.”  Angie let Max go.  He stayed on the floor, still in shock.  “And since ya can’t behave yourself, I’m goin’ to Lute’s now.  He’ll drop by later to pick up some things fer me.”  Max slowly sat up.  He looked up at Angie with plaintive eyes.

              “Angel…”

              “Eat shit,” Angie snarled.  She stormed out through the door she had entered not even ten minutes ago.  Before she took flight, she looked down at her wrist.  Like she’d feared, the skin was already turning purple.  Bile rose in her throat.

              “Angie!” Max shouted.  A gust of wind blew the back door shut, then lifted Angie into the air. Tears streaming down her face, she looked back at the house one last time.

              “Goodbye, Sprout.”

-----

              Angie and Stan sat on the roof of Stan’s apartment complex.  From their spot on the ledge, they could see the city bustling far below.  Angie idly kicked her legs, which, like Stan’s, dangled over the edge, high above the streets.

              These shoes better not fall off ‘n hit some poor pedestrian.

              “I like the view,” Angie said idly.

              “Yeah.  It’s kinda weird, actually,” Stan said.

              “That ya like the view?” Angie asked.  Stan nodded.  “Why?”

              “When I was a kid, I was afraid of heights.”

              “Really?”  Angie stared at her boyfriend.  “Ya don’t seem the type to be easily spooked.”

              “Flattery, huh?”

              “No, truth.”  Angie tilted her head, smiling.  “Yer a rather brave feller.”  The compliment got her intended reaction.  Stan immediately blushed.  “So, what made ya stop bein’ afraid of heights?”

              “Well…”  Stan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.  “I stopped being afraid of heights when I realized I could use my powers to fly. No point in being scared of falling if you won’t ever hit the ground.”  Angie opened her mouth.  “Yeah, I’m, uh, I’m a super.”  Stan held out his hand.  Fire crackled into life above his open palm.

              “Oh, I knew that,” Angie said.  The fire disappeared.  Stan stared at her.  “I was just goin’ to say that now I know yer at least a level two, if not level three pyro.”

              “How- you- what-” Stan stammered.  Angie smiled.

              “Not to insult you or anything, but pyros ain’t exactly rare.  I know how to spot one.”

              “Oh.”  Stan grinned. “Makes sense you’d be able to spot a super, since you’re one, too.”  Angie’s jaw dropped.  “Don’t get me wrong, you’re pretty good at hiding it.  But there’ve been a few times where you get worked up, and suddenly it’s really windy, even though we’re inside and all the doors and windows are closed.  You’re an aerokinetic, right?”

              “Yer more clever than ya claim to be,” Angie commented, still reeling from Stan’s revelation.  “Especially since aerokinesis is a pretty rare power.  Most folks don’t even realize it exists.”

              “My mom knew an aero,” Stan said with a shrug. He took a deep breath.  “But me being a super isn’t the only thing I need to tell you.”

              “Oh?”

              “I’m also a mask.”

              Shit.  Angie’s blood ran cold.  It would be just my luck if I’ve only ever dated two people and they were both heroes.

              “If ya don’t mind me askin’, which, ah, side do ya fight on?” Angie asked carefully.  Stan winced.

              “The illegal side.”  He held up his hands.  “I know you’re probably the kinda person who doesn’t like the…law-avoidant community.  But-”

              “I don’t mind none.”

              “Wait, really?”

              “Ya don’t do any of the really bad stuff, right?” Angie asked.  “Just things like theft?”

              “Mostly, yeah.”

              “Then my statement stands.  I don’t mind,” Angie said, struggling to keep her response mild.  Stan gaped at her.  “Yer a good man, whether ya steal or not.”

              He’s a villain!  He’s a pyro villain.  Angie searched Stan’s face.  Oh, he’s prob’ly that coworker Lute likes.  What’s his name?  Flamethrower.

              “You really don’t care I’m a villain?” Stan pried.

              I prefer it.

              “Nope.”  Angie smiled sweetly.  “I care ‘bout who ya are as a person.”  Stan smiled back.  “But I do have a question.”

              “Shoot.”

              “Why are ya tellin’ me this?  We’ve only been datin’ fer a month.”

              “My gut said I could trust you,” Stan said with a shrug.  “My gut’s never been wrong.”

              “That’s why ya felt comfortable tellin’ me,” Angie said.  “Not why ya told me.”  Stan eyed her.  “If ya don’t want to share, ya don’t have to.  But don’t dress up an answer I didn’t ask fer as the one I did.”  Stan managed a crooked grin.

              “Damn.  There’s no fooling you.”

              “My folks raised me right.”

              Any villain worth their salt has to be good at controllin’ a conversation.

              “Well, you figured out I was trying to get out of telling you, so I guess you’ve earned the answer,” Stan said, rubbing the back of his neck.  He sighed.  “My mom was a hero.  But she didn’t tell my Pops until she already had three kids with him.  She didn’t even tell him she was a super.”

              “Really?  That seems…” Angie paused to search for the right word.  “Ill-advised.”  Stan snorted.

              “No shit.  Pops woulda liked some warning before I burst into flames while he was holding me.  That’s how my powers manifested.  Pops was drying me off after a bath.  I caught on fire.”  Stan snickered.  “Luckily, he hadn’t drained the tub yet, so he chucked me back in and shouted for my mom. Mom had to come clean after that.”

              “Does pyrokinesis run in yer fam’ly?”

              “Nope.  Not even close.  My mom’s got your basic ESP package.  Shermie’s a normie.  And Ford’s got some weird teleportation thing.”

              “Who are Shermie and Ford?”

              “Shermie’s my older brother.  Ford’s not important.”  Stan looked away.  His voice suddenly became mournful.  “Not right now, anyways.”  Angie put her hand on his shoulder.  He looked at her with a weak smile.  “But, um, back to the stuff with my parents.  Shermie says that their marriage wasn’t exactly ideal before, but after Pops found out she was a superhero and kept it from him, it got worse.  I like how things are going, Ang.  I don’t wanna keep a big thing from you and risk you leaving me.”  Angie reached for Stan’s hand and intertwined her fingers with his.  “This is the best relationship I’ve ever been in.”

              “I’d say the same, but it ain’t as great a compliment, since I only ever dated one person ‘fore ya,” Angie said.  Stan chuckled.  Angie squeezed Stan’s hand.  “Thank you fer tellin’ me.”

              “Like I said, my gut says I can trust you.”

              “Yer gut is right.”  Angie grinned deviously.  “I ain’t no snitch.”  Stan laughed again.  Angie leaned against him, her head on his shoulder.  “I love you,” she whispered, for the first time since she’d left Max. Stan rested his head on top of hers.

              “I love you, too.”

[andy-the-8th]

Summer Research

Part 7 of Creatures That Defy Logic

Read on AO3

Jess is mapping and navigating the reefs on the coasts. John is navigating how to be a better father.

Contains a direct homage one of the most intense scenes in Moonlight (2016)

cw: homophobia, homophobic slurs, bullying, minor violence

Salty spray kicked up against the rocks, splashing with the breaking waves in the warm June sunlight. It was only late morning, but Jess had already been out at the coast for several hours.

Ever since getting past his fear of swimming (mostly), he'd realized his exploration and study of the local reefs and waters had entirely new unlocked potential. He couldn't properly dive yet - scuba was expensive and dangerous, nevermind he was probably too young - but there was plenty you could see with a snorkel in the clear shallow waters around Mahone Bay.

Jess had spent much of the last few weeks working on one stretch of coastline, on the opposite end of the harbor from where the Griffins lived. It was only a half hour bike ride from the marina, but far enough that there was rarely any significant boat activity.

From his searches at the library, Jess knew that there were very generalized maps of the offshore waters nearby - mostly just marking depths for the benefit of fishing and boating, the better to not get run aground.

However, no one had ever mapped the different micro-ecosystems, the biological landscape of the waters. Jess had decided to make this his ongoing personal research project for the summer.

Days started early, just after sunrise - temperature checks of the water and air, confirming locations with latitude and longitude. Surveys of the tide pools, updated with proper location data: tracking all species identified, recording numbers.

Once the sun was up, he'd swim out to the shallows. There were plenty of rock reefs, kelp forests, and flats within comfortable swimming range of the beach - California didn't have a lot in the ways of coral, on account of the cold open ocean currents, but what species it did have were in the southern part of the state, right where Mahone was situated on the coast. Jess had marked out 50 ft lengths of beach into specific zones, then gridded out 50 ft from the shore, 100, 150, 200 - he didn't swim out much past 200. Every day he'd pick a zone, head out with waterproof clipboard, spend the morning swimming down and resurfacing, noting everything he saw.

The rest of the afternoon he'd spend going over field guides from the library, trying to match up his observations with species he could name and identify. He'd fill it in on his data grid, another little patch of ocean, a little bit more closely explored.

This was not a terribly efficient system of research.

Still, it certainly was good practice field work, good exercise, and a good way for Jess to throw himself at his passions and not think too hard about people for a while.

That was the best part of the work - Jess didn't get lonely doing it. Marine biology had always been his main interest, but he'd spent 13 years unable to go past the tide pools for any in-person field observations. There was SO much lost time to make up.

Jess was dutiful with keeping records of his research, carefully sorted in folders in his room, labeled spiral notebooks, Xeroxed maps from the library, hand-drawn data tables and grids. His dad had asked after the first week or so if he was doing some kind of summer extra credit project, a bit surprised at how much literature Jess seemed to be producing.

Of course, he wasn't - Jess did all this on his own, like any responsible aspiring scientist. The work was its own reward.

John had kept his distance the first few weeks of the summer - Jess could tell how sorry he was for what happened. In his own way,  Jess had tried to show that he'd forgiven him the last day or two - they'd never been particularly talkative, but at least Jess stopped purposefully not talking to him. He wasn't sure if his dad had picked up on that yet.

Jess thought of that as he was putting his charts and books into his bag. It was still the early in the day, but he'd decided to cut field work short today in favor of heading to the library. He had stayed out on the shore a bit to dry in the air before pedaling home. Jess usually swam with a long sleeve swim shirt, mostly to prevent sunburn and maintain body heat in the early morning water, but it meant not drying out quite as quickly. He'd have to change before going to the library.

The ride back to the marina felt a little longer than usual from the sun and heat beating down - Jess didn't normally make the trip in the middle of the day. Veering off the smooth road onto the crushed gravel of the marina, he quickly rolled to a stop under the overhang just outside the shed door next to the workshop, into the shade, before hurrying up the metal steps along the side of the building to the apartment.

The space wasn't large - really just one area for a living room/kitchen, two bedrooms, and one small bathroom at the end of the hall. The walls of the living room were mostly for maps, fishing photographs, an odd nautical salvaged antique here or there. There was a little mantle, more of a shelf (given that there was no fireplace) along the wall, with a small row of photos in frames.

Jess's school photos from the last few years. A picture of John's parents in front of the marina when it just was one workshop and shack. A photo of Jess's mother and father on their wedding day at the far end.

Jess hadn't ever known his mom - Evy, as his dad would refer to her when reminiscing. She had passed away before he was 2 year years old. In a way, it also meant he didn't really miss her either - like it or not, he'd only ever known life with just John.

He walked quickly down the hall to his room, changed into dry clothes, hung his swim shirt and towel out the sill of the small window overlooking the boat yard to dry in the sun. Carefully took the books out of his bag, swapped out the ones from his desk due back at the library, catalogued his notes. The whole process took only 15 minutes or so, and he was headed back down the outside steps to his bike.

"Where you headed, Jess?"

Even growing up with him had never quite gotten rid of the surprise when John would speak unexpectedly from his small dark study in the shed, surrounded by all his nets, salvaging gear, mermaid memorabilia. Jess jumped a bit at the sound.

"Oh uh, just going to the library, switch out some books."

"Do you, uh, want a ride? I was going to drive into town this afternoo-"

"No Dad, it's OK. I'll just go on my own."

Jess strapped on his helmet, grabbed the handlebars, starting walking his bike toward the road, out into the sun, leaving his father in the shade.

"Jess, can we tal-"

"I don't really want to talk about it. I know. I know you didn't mean any harm. I forgive you for that, or whatever. I don't want to have to go over it again."

Jess never really spoke back to his father like that. He paused, nervous, realizing how gruff he might have sounded.

John didn't really move or say anything for a second. Jess wondered if he might actually get mad at him right then.

He didn't. John breathed in and out heavily, eyes fixed on the floor, then looked up at his son.

"Thank you Jess. Thank you for forgiving me."

Immediately awkward but not wanting to ruin the moment, Jess shakily nodded and half-smiled. "You're welcome."

"You sure you don't want a ride into town?"

"No Dad, I'm fine."

He pushed himself onto the bike, kicked off the gravel, and pedaled out of the marina.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Back again Mr. Wheatley?"

The lady behind the front desk at Mahone Bay's small library had a pretty good memory for faces as it was, and Jess had been coming by at least once a week for the last couple years.

"Yes Ms. Mullins, just returning some books." Jess put the small stack on the counter, helpfully handing her each one to sign it back in, then stamping his library card. The library had just gotten a computer last year, but most of the checkout systems were done on paper, especially for reference texts and maps.

"So what are you studying these days? Still mapping the reefs on the south shore?"

"Yup! Plenty more beach still to go, and that's just documenting what I can see this time of year!"

By now Ms. Mullins looked forward to Jess's visits; he was always so polite, so eager to talk about what he was studying. It was a nice break from most of the teen boys one might encounter as a front desk library lady.

The door slid open behind them, another patron coming into the cool lobby out of the hot sun. A gust of the summer heat followed whoever it was through the door.

"Jess?"

Well, that wasn't a voice he normally heard this time of year.

"Mrs. Nelson?" There was a special weirdness in running into a teacher outside of school, and doubly so in the summer - almost like they were regular humans or something.

"How's your summer going? Did I hear you're doing research again?"

"I am! Continuing some of the topography studies Cody and I started on our project, but now I'm documenting up to 200 ft away from the coast, and moving it to the south side of the harbor! I've been charting all the coral and plants on the reefs, the temperatures, composition of the rocks, any animal species I can find....."

Mrs. Nelson smiled as he continued, impressed but not surprised at how much work Jess had taken on. Sure, his methods were....perhaps imprecise....but his heart was really in it. And his observations could actually be quite useful for studying the shallows around the bay, effectively building a map of all the biomes.

Always a great moment as a teacher to see one of your students applying your subject in the real world - even if they're a 13 year old amateur oceanographer.

"That's really great Jess!"

Jess had finished, a bit breathless after giving what he'd thought was a concise and quick review of his work. He was a tinge self-conscious at how much he'd spoken in such a quick burst - Sam had advised him to tone it down a bit. Then again, Mrs. Nelson was a biology teacher, and she clearly didn't show any signs of being bored or annoyed.

"Would you be interested in bringing in your research at the end of the summer? Not as homework of course, just to share your findings. You could maybe even present it for my next year's biology class if you want?"

Jess lit up like a lighthouse at that.

"Oh I'd love to! That'd be great!"

Mrs. Nelson smiled again. "Well, I won't keep you from your work any longer. Good luck! Always a great day for science." She often ended class with that little adage.

"Always a great day for science" Jess agreed, as she walked past him into the library.

"Will that be everything today dear?" Ms. Mullins was looking over the desk at him, the last book checked in and moved to the cart for re-shelving.

Jess had gotten distracted, dizzingly pre-planning how he might present his research to next year's class. "Oh, yeah. Thank you ma'am, I'll see you next week." He turned back to the automatic doors, the warm air hitting again as he stepped outside, walked down the sidewalk to the bike rack.

The library was right on the main strip in town - Mahone Bay wasn't big, so most of the usual staples were all on one or two main streets. The library sat across from the post office and a coffee shop adjoining it next door; on one side was the town hall, on the other another line of shops - tourist traps, small bookstores and craft places, small restaurants and cafes. Apartments over top of them.

Jess was just about done unchaining his bike and putting on his helmet when he caught a shadow of someone walking toward him on the sidewalk - too late.

"Ugh, watch it!" Jess started to get up to apologize to whoever it was who half-tripped over him. He looked up to see three unfortunately familiar faces.

"Oh great. How's it going Josh, summer OK?" Of course luck would have it that Sean Marshall would almost trip over him in front of the library. His voice hadn't lost any of the disdain from the last time they'd spoken - when Sean had been pretty unambiguously about to beat Jess up pretty bad.

"I-I'm sorry Sean. I didn't see you, I...." Jess stammered, surprised and more than a little shaken to see Sean again. He didn't know the other two other than that they were other swim team guys - also familiar from the last day of school as part of Sean's hangers-on crowd.

"Yeah, you should be."

"OK, I'm sorry, I am," Jess just wanted to leave now. He wanted to be away from these guys and away from whatever this might lead to.

Sean got quiet again as Jess started to get on his bike up the hill to head off. "Learned not to talk back to me, huh smartass?"

Jess knew this was an attempt to bait him. He knew he shouldn't say anything, but then again, not saying anything was equally giving Sean what he wanted.

Annoying how these bullying asshole types always created these Catch-22 situations.

"I guess I just don't really have anything to say to you right now."

If it wasn't for the proximity it brought him to physical harm, Jess would find that look of insulted surprise in Sean's eyes incredibly funny. At least he didn't give him the last word.

"Oh you'll be sorry now, no one speaks to me like that, you little fucking fag," Sean growled, starting toward Jess - it would only be seconds for him to cover the couple meters between where the three had been standing and where Jess was on his bike a bit up the sidewalk.

The library doors slid open again right as the words left his lips - Mrs. Nelson had apparently finished whatever she needed to do at the library and serendipity had her emerge right at that second.

She may only technically only hold authority in school, but a teacher being directly in sight was enough to defuse most bullies away from outright violence.

"Mr. Marshall, good to see you." Mrs. Nelson definitely didn't sound happy to see him. She was definitely using The Teacher Voice here. "Was there some problem?"

Just like before, Sean wiped away his more dangerous side effortlessly, unnervingly cool and charming in an instant. "No Mrs. Nelson, no problem. Just getting a chance to catch up with Josh."

In the back of his mind Jess wondered if all these swim team people called him Josh on purpose, or if it was a genuine mistake - not the most pressing matter at hand though.

Mrs. Nelson was looking at him pointedly now, then back at Sean. "OK then. Stay out of trouble boys. Jess, I'll see you later then?"

That was a confusing statement: she hadn't said anything about reviewing his research today.

Unless she was making it clear to Sean and the others that he would be missed, should he not get home safe today. That made Jess shudder to think about.

"Uh, OK, definitely! Thanks Mrs. Nelson!"

She sent another tough glare at the other three, and stood by the outside of the building til they moved along. Sean turned back and sneered at Jess, a dangerous glint in his eyes - he wasn't going to forget this.

Mrs. Nelson quickly walked up the sidewalk once the other three boys were out of sight down the hill, stopping right in front of where Jess was still poised on his bike.

"Jess, is there anything you need help with? Anything you want me to know here?" He'd heard that same line from teachers before - teachers knowing something was going on, but knowing they lacked proof unless a student actually told them something. He knew she did genuinely want to help.

Unfortunately, he also knew how it usually went when you tried to report bullying.

"Kids will be kids." "Boys will be boys." "They'll sort it out."

"No Mrs. Nelson, I'm fine." Jess started to get on moving, pointing his bike up the road to head home. Jess saw in her face that she knew he wasn't telling her everything.

"OK. If you're ever not, please don't be afraid to tell someone." Jess knew she really did care. But he also knew teachers could only do so much.

"Really, I'm OK. It was nice to see you, have a good rest of your summer" Jess tried to smile and sound confident as he turned and pedaled off.

Mrs. Nelson straightened up as Jess went over the hill and out of sight. Another one scared to ask for help. God, if she ever caught that Sean Marshall red handed. Fullest extent of suspension possible, swim champion or not. If only they weren't going to be in the high school next year, away from where she'd be around.

Still, she could tell Jess was tougher than most people would give him credit for. She hoped that would always be enough.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whether it was smart to do so or not, Jess took the long way home. Much of the afternoon heat had dissipated by the time he saw the marina coming up on the road - of course it would be light past 8 at night this time of year, but the sun was past its zenith for the day. He sped through the shadows of the boat masts and antennae crisscrossing along the gravel, turned and rolled to a stop under the overhang, put his bike just inside the shed door and hung his helmet on the handlebar. He was half-wondering if his dad would still be in his study from earlier today.

He wasn't, and from what Jess could tell once he got upstairs, he wasn't home at all. Jess wasn't surprised - it was still early in the day all things considered, and he often worked late out at the docks. Even if it was just outside the walls of the apartment, he was still at work, busy fixing up whatever boat pieces or engines the fishermen had brought in, sorting through whatever salvage he'd trawled up earlier that week.

Jess went in his room and closed the door, leaving the lights off, window open to try to get some cool sea air inside. He picked up the shirt and towel off the sill, hung them over the chair in front of his small desk. He laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, took off his glasses, let the world go blurry.

He really wasn't a stranger to bullies, but there was something more cutting about his last two run-ins with Sean Marshall. Most prominently, he knew at least something about Cody - in more ways than one, that could be used to hurt Jess in a way other bullies never could. What if Sean ever worked out what really happened? What if he told anyone else? What if what he'd said about Cody not caring about Jess had any truth in it?

There was something else though. Jess hadn't let himself look it up, even though he definitely wanted to. He wanted to know what it was that Sean had been calling him. Why it stung so strangely, even without knowing the definition.

Just from context though, he knew that it wasn't something he could ask a teacher, or a librarian. And definitely not something to type into a computer's search engine.

A shuffle and the sound of the door closing outside his room let Jess know his dad had come in. Jess sat up, rubbed his eyes, and put his glasses back on. The sun had gone down while he'd been lying there, thoughts writhing around his mind. He got up and opened the door to his room, softly padded down the hall to the small living room.

"Oh hey Jess." John was taking his boots off, putting them under where he'd already hung up his work overshirt on the little wall hooks next to the door. "How was the library?"

Words caught in Jess's throat, worse than he'd expected. "It was fine Dad. Dropped off my books. I ran into Mrs. Nelson too."

John mentally chided himself for not remembering who that was. After a second, it was clear Jess hadn't really expected him to either.

"She said I can bring her my research from mapping the south shore reefs at the start of next school year. Maybe even present it to the next year's biology class."

John smiled at that, moving past the pause a line ago. "Oh that's great! That's real good, gettin' to show off all the hard work you've been doin'."

"Yeah Dad, it'll be great." Jess finished quietly, like he was closing the door on talking any more right now. It was a familiar enough cadence to their discussions. Not exactly uncomfortable most of the time. John still got the sense there was something else Jess wanted to say, or didn't want to say, or....something. He couldn't pin it but he knew that Jess wasn't closing the conversation because he didn't have more to say.

"So I uh, smoked some sea bass for dinner." They didn't always eat together at the table, but when John had a particularly good catch he tried to make the time for it. Jess brightened a bit at that - sea bass was one of his favorites, with a mildly sweet flavor and less of a fishy aftertaste.

"Oh great! I'll, um, I'll get some plates out?" Jess said this quickly walking to the small cabinet over the stove, putting two old porcelain plates on the table. Smiling for a second at the dramatic mermaid designs etched into the old china.

John got the fish out of the fridge and heated it on the gas stove while Jess cut up potatoes to fry on the side. They worked mostly silently, only a word here or there - could you pass the seasoning, can I use that dishtowel - that sort of thing.

Still not whatever John could tell that his son was avoiding.

They didn't say grace or anything, but did take a moment of pause after both sitting down, fish and fries laid out on each plate, opposite ends of the short table.

John could see Jess making small looks up at him between bites, like he was trying to hide it. He knew not to push him. His mind could come up with a dozen things Jess could want to say to him, especially after the brief outburst earlier that day. A dozen things John had already known he'd done wrong, a dozen things he wanted to make better or make up for if he knew how. He felt like he was prepared for anything Jess could be about to say -

"Dad," Jess started hesitantly. His voice was soft. Almost scared.

John let a full beat pass, swallowing his own anxiety, ready to talk about whatever Jess was about to bring up.

Jess looked down at his plate, his voice only hair above a whisper. "What does 'faggot' mean?"

John could feel his own eyes widen, his own face freeze in shock. Of all the things he was ready for Jess to say, that was definitely not one of them. What was he even supposed to say to this?"

"Jess, uh, um...." he stammered to find words, trying to sound more confident than he really was. He hoped Jess wouldn't notice, or would forgive him that too if he did. Controlling his tone, he tried to sound caring and firm, but not accusatory. It still came out rougher than he'd wanted it to. "Jess, where did you hear that word?"

He could hear Jess breathe and shudder nervously at the other end of the table. Only a few feet apart in their small kitchen, he still felt both miles away and uncomfortably, vulnerably close.

"I don't know, uh...nowhere....just, um....someone at school."

"Did someone call you that Jess?" He couldn't keep the roughness out of that line.

"No." He said it too quickly, but John wasn't going to call him on the lie. He knew Jess kept things from him, especially when it came to his social problems. There were only so many times any kid could realistically "fall off a bike." There were only so many ways to "accidentally" break one's glasses.

"Well then." John breathed heavily again. Whatever he said now, he knew it might well be one of the most critical moments in his relationship with his son.

"Faggot, uh. Well, in British, it just means a pile of sticks." He tried to make it sound humorous, to push back against the stifling unease between them. Jess gave a compulsory half smile that vanished almost before John could see it.

"But um. It means, well.....it's something people say to hurt someone. To make them feel awful about themselves."

"OK, but what does it mean." Frustrated, Jess could tell he was talking around something. It hurt to see that his son clearly already knew that the word was meant to be hurtful.

John paused again, making every effort to even and soften his voice, to bury the rage he felt at whoever had brought his Jess to this point. To the cusp of crying out of frustration at his own kitchen table.

"It's a way to negatively call a man a homosexual." That was about as even and measured as he could have put that. Jess didn't look up from his lap, but he could see that his son's shoulders relaxed just a little bit.

"Oh."

Jess felt himself breathe out at that. Well, at least there was the answer.

"Jess, do you know what that -"

"Yeah, Dad, I know....I know what that means." Jess couldn't keep the lie out of his voice on that last part though. Sure, he could reason through the word's meaning - he knew enough Latin for that.

"Is that....even possible?" he asked in a hushed uptalk, looking up at John from behind his glasses.

"Is what possible Jess?"

"Homosexual, that means, um....." Jess wasn't exactly sure what meaning to go with. Having the same sets of sex chromosomes? Having offspring from two organisms of the same sex?

John paused, realizing Jess actually didn't know this one. On one hand, in the back of his mind John was at least a little glad his son hadn't had to learn this from someone else too - that there was a bit of innocence to grownup things left in him. On the other hand, he had to answer this truthfully. Some parenting conversations are never easy.

"Jess, you know how boys like to date and get married to girls?"

"Of course" Jess's cheeks flushed, surprised and embarrassed by wherever this was going. The space between them twisted taut, made the kitchen feel almost suffocating, but he had to get this right.

"Well, sometimes, um. Boys like other boys that way. Or girls like other girls too, I guess." John was trying to keep it as age-appropriate and neutral as he could. He watched Jess carefully, watched as he had turned his eyes nervously back to his plate.

The silence hung in the air. No change to the crushing, nervous energy in the room.

His voice still quiet, but almost thick with anxiety - hopefully not tears, John prayed - Jess spoke still looking down.

"Is that bad?"

In the split second after he said it, John's brain again whirred through possible explanations, outcomes, everything, knowing he had to get this right -to not think about politics, or society, or Jesus, or AIDS - not think about what Jess might be about to tell him, or might be about to realize. Just to be the best father he could to the small scared boy in front of him.

"No Jess. That's not bad."

They both exhaled - the air in the room felt just a bit more breathable. "It's different. It's not that common. But it's not bad."

Jess looked up then, breathed in and out, in and out, calming down. "OK. Thanks for explaining Dad." He closed in the same way he'd done other conversations - times when John had asked about a black eye, a broken glasses lens, a missing shoe. Times Jess thought he had gotten as much support from his father as he was going to.

"Jess." John said it gently but emphatically. His son looked up at him, surprised.

"No matter what you might hear, I want you to always remember: no one has the right to make anyone feel bad about themselves for being different. In any way."

John let the silence hang after that. He had to make sure Jess knew that.

Jess's eyes were a bit shiny behind his glasses as he looked back across the table, and nodded once again, a bit more confident. "Thanks Dad. I won't forget."

"Alright then."

They both finished the rest of dinner without speaking - not an uncomfortable silence. Both of them had to take time to process things when it came to people and emotions rather than mythology and marine biology. They were alike in that way.

Jess was finishing drying off the last dish John had handed to him. John looked at him carefully open the cabinet, carefully put it back, carefully fold the dish towel. So gentle and harmless.

God damn, he couldn't stand to imagine anyone hurting this kid.

Jess turned away from the stove, back toward the hall, toward his room. "Goodnight Dad. Thanks for the sea bass."

"Don't mention it, bud. Goodnight." John watched his son down the hall, start to open his door.

"Jess?"

"Yeah Dad?"

"I love you."

A quiet pause. John didn't move from where he was in the kitchen, hand still on the sponge at the sink. He didn't hear Jess moving at the far end of the apartment - he was still standing with the door to his room half open.

"I love you too, Dad."

John heard the door to Jess's room click closed. He felt his whole body relax as he turned, rinsing off the sponge, wringing it out over the sink.

He heard Jess's door click open. Worry caught in his throat again.

"You alright bud?"

"Yeah Dad, I forgot to brush my teeth." John felt the tension leave again. His Jess. Always so responsible.

END NOTES:

Definitely the heaviest entry in the series so far.

I know it might seem a bit far-fetched that Jess might not know what some things mean at this age, but I can attest that I based that on my own experience - everyone learns about things in their own time and being socially out-of-the-loop, especially pre-Internet, meant kids might not learn about things until later than they might nowadays

I think Mahone Bay is an actual place in Nova Scotia and that that may be where the movie was supposed to be set, but we're going to ignore that - the sealife in the movie much better lines up with California, so that's where this fictional Mahone Bay's going to be - it also might make future crossovers that may or may not be planned a little bit easier to work with.

On a lighter note I think I've also decided that Al Gore's going to win the 2000 election in this universe, and 9/11 and the Iraq invasion are not going to happen. I doubt those will impact the story as it's currently planned but y'know, never hurts to be prepared for such questions.

[thethoughtsfromthreeam]

California

Pairing: Agent Whiskey/Jack Daniels x OC

Warnings: None, Fluff

A/N:  In a shocking turn of events (for me), I completed California last night, topping this bad boy out at 15 chapters.  While I’ll likely keep tweaking it and making sure all my plot holes are closed, the storyline itself is done.  I also set up for a possible one shot (or more, I dunno how much writing mojo I got left in me) for another pairing if y’all want it.  So y’all be seeing me for a while yet.

Also, this is a pretty short part because its original version didn’t flow well, forcing me to split it with Part 6.  Sorry!

Reminder: I haven’t seen Kingsman: The Golden Circle, so I’m just using the Wikia, IMDB.com, some gifs, and my own weird ass brain to make up this whole ass story.

Tag List:  @zeldasayer , @romanticgumchewer, @tarrevizslas , @coolmaybelateruniverse , @the-feckless-wonder, @lavenderl3mons , @pascalisthepunkest [please message me to be added or subtracted]

[PART 1]  [PART 2]  [PART 3]  [PART 4]

Part 5

Mission: Rescue

In the coming dusk, agents from HQ and the West Coast office stood a thousand feet from a squat, industrial looking building deep in the outskirts of Sacramento. The unassuming nature of the building wouldn’t even garner a second glance from any passersby, but for these Statesmen, it was the end of the line. Sirah had been gone almost a week and very soon she’d be back among her fellow agents.  Or at least that’s what they believed.  No one could bring themselves to think otherwise.

---***---

On the flight into California, Jack sat silently in the back of the plane in a brooding manner watching everyone else.  He felt helpless in the moment as the Statesmen plane buzzed with activity as agents and support staff worked in the air and on the ground to coordinate possible leads on Sirah’s whereabouts.  Ginger and Tequila spoke remotely with Kefir to review any possible changes between the files still in the cloud versus what he had printed out originally.  Behind them Champ sat at a table with the three junior agents who were pressed into service.

The tables were covered with maps, paperwork, and the sound of pencils scribbling notes.  Occasionally they argued quietly amongst themselves and Champ chimed in with a question or comment.  Statesmen recruited brilliant minds and Champ couldn’t help but feel pride at the hard work these agents were doing at the last minute.  Slowly as they worked, a bigger picture began to form.

After signing off with Kefir, Ginger continued to read the backend of the digital files, including the last report allegedly sent in by Sirah.  Her and Tequila agreed it didn’t sound like her, even though everything else, including the transmission time, matched the pattern she set at the beginning of the case.

“T?”

“What is it, Ging?”

“We both know someone did this in her place, but I’m not finding anything wrong with the file signature.  Nothing suspicious, everything follows like it should.”  She turned at looked at him.  “As a general guess, I’d say these were uploaded by a Statesmen.”

He looked at her with wide eyes and she nodded.  While she didn’t come out and say that a fellow agent was behind this, the idea remained unspoken between the two of them.  If Ginger was right, the game was going to change quick and Tequila wasn’t sure, given their current state of mind, if they were able to go head to head with one of their own.  They continued to review the digital files when suddenly Ginger turned around.

“Saki, what did you say?”  She asked him.  

“It’s the maps.  Sirah created a few to track activity in the area and everything looks like it points to Sacramento.  Somewhere here in the southern part of the city.  Obviously, we’re missing stuff that could confirm this as I assume not everything was uploaded.”  The young agent waved her over and pointed at the map.  Champ stood up and looked Ginger, who looked back.  For months, Malbec and Sherry had insisted that the serial killer they were tracking was out of northern California but had little proof. West Coast believed them and sent in the request for help from HQ.  Clearly, after bringing her in, Sirah and her fellow agents found something that was a break in the long running case.

Tequila shot up from his seat and Ginger joined him at the table as they looked at the maps.  Sirah’s notes indicate that a center of activity could be either in the Valley Hi or Meadowview neighborhoods.  It was a lot of area to cover and there was the possibility that all this information was wrong.  Suddenly, a beeping noise sounded from Ginger’s computer.

“Her tracking device is back on!”  Everyone came over as Ginger began pulling up coordinates.  Smack in the middle of the suspected zone of operations was Sirah’s icon.  They found her and now they were coming to get her.  Tequila spoke to the junior agents on what was coming for them and Champ got on the phone with West Coast to coordinate plans.

---***---

Jack held back from the group as his heart stopped and started rapidly beating with hope.  He silently willed the plane to go faster as he shoved his hand into the pocket of his jacket. He let his thumb rub over the stone bear nestled in the corner.

About a year after they first started working together on cases, Jack and Sirah had been sent on assignment to the Jackson Hole office.  While they worked hard, there enough periods of down time that she felt it was being wasted staring at the office.  For once, instead of him, it was her begging to go play.  

Sirah insisted they bander about town and enjoyed themselves while they waited.  One day in a tourist shop, she bent down over a small display of hand carved animals. Her long braid fell over her shoulder and her eyes sparkled behind her glasses.  Jack’s breath caught his throat as he looked at her.  Hand to god, he never flirted with her again, but all the same, he found himself more and more drawn to his friend.  Someone he wanted to be more than a friend to.

“Jack look at them!  They’re so cute!”  She pointed to them as her face turned toward his.

“Yeah moonshine?”  That became her nickname, one that she rolled her eyes at the first time she heard it.  But now it made her smile and her eyes shine.  It was hers and no one elses.  He watched as she reached in and pulled two of them out.  A small beaver and a small bear.  He looked at her with a questioning face.

“It’s us.” She said simply but expanded her thoughts when he looked even more confused. “Ginger always says I’m busy as a beaver.  And you’re the bear.  Very cuddly looking, but very dangerous.”

He smiled and she smiled back.  There was no tension, no worries, and no awkwardness in the moment.  It was just two people so very comfortable with each other; the kind of comfort that comes with being in love with the right person. Not that they would have admitted it at the time, but it was there all the same.

She took them over to the cashier and paid for them.  She slipped the beaver into her pants pocket and walked back over to Jack.  Without a word, she slipped the bear into the pocket on the inside of his jacket before patting the cloth down.  She looked up at him and smiled.

“Grrr.”

[missblissy]

Can I get prompt 13 (wine) for Arthur?

One Word Writing Prompts [pt. 3]

Send me a number 1 thru 50 for a word that I’ll use to write either a headcanon, drabble, or starter. Send 🌀 for a random number instead.

13. — wine

((Thank you for sending in a prompt!! I’m sorry for the wait, anon, I hope you like it!! Enjoy the read! I had so much fun writing this!! I might do a part two or a few more stories on this AU!! let me know what you guys think!!! I’m calling this the Rich!Reader AU!))

The air was warm, muggy, and a little bitter. Anyone could tell that this party was not for the less fortunate. But here Arthur was, blending in with the rich like he was one of them, listening in on conversations of the wealthy in hopes to find some way to rob them. This was only his second week in the toxic state of California. Dutch wanted to try something new, so the gang headed west, as far west as you could go without swimming. The gold mines here produced wealthy owners, along with all the diamonds and other gems they were plucking from the earth.

Arthur had found himself in a very small and isolated city. It was more like a huge town because there was only one factory but dozens of mines and oil reserves. And somehow Arthur got stuck being the spy. He didn’t much like dressing up and mingling with people that obviously would have hated him if they knew who he really was. He needed a damn drink. 

The party was being held in someone’s very large home. Arthur still had yet to meet the host of this party, which was his whole reason for being here. He didn’t even have a name. He was just told the host would reveal themselves when need be, and that Arthur needed to meet them, introduce himself as a lawyer from New York City, and ask as many questions he could about the gold mines here. The only other lead he had was that the host was the owner of the Southern Langdon Gold Mines Inc. 

Just when he thought he’d leave and give up on this ridiculous plan, someone called out while ringing their glass. Arthur looked around among the people, then watched as they all turned one way and looked up. He followed their gazes and saw a woman dressed in all black standing top the grand staircase of this massive home. 

You smiled wide, looking down on your guests, “Welcome, everyone,” Your smile was intoxicating. You held up a large and dark glass of wine, “I’m so glad all of you could make it to the anniversary of my mother and father. A shame they couldn’t be here,” Everyone laughed at your joke.

Arthur wasn’t sure what you meant or why these freaks were laughing. But he was fairly sure you were the person he was looking for. He expected a man, and an old one at that. Instead, he found a beautiful young lady, at least several years younger than himself. This couldn’t be right. Surely your parents were the ones he should be looking for, but apparently, they weren’t here. Arthur grabbed a glass of wine when a butler walked by. He lifted his glass as everyone else did.

“To a wonderful night, my friends!” Your voice was smooth and laced with an underlying ecstasy that Arthur just couldn’t understand. Everyone yelled out a ‘cheers!’ and drank their poison of choice, most of it was a dark red wine.

Arthur tipped his glass back, not particularly enjoying the taste of rotten and fermented grapes. But there wasn’t much else being provided here besides wine, champagne, and surprisingly absinthe. Arthur had tried the green toxic alcohol once before, and he watched all these freaks chug it down. He saw many people doing many kinds of drugs. Was this the equivalent of a teenage party when the parents were away? Or was this just what the wealthy did in their free time? Because there were young and old here alike. 

You stood on your perch atop the stairs, listening to the soft music that played and watching your guest quite literally go wild. Yes, in case anyone was wondering, this was your version of a teenage party when your parents weren’t home. And where were your parents? Well… they were far far away in the deep jungles of Boston, and wouldn’t be home for another month. So surely their young daughter wouldn’t do anything bad while they were away. You smiled wickedly and turn to the head butler of your home, Henry, your most trusted servant.

“Look at them,” You said, “Everyone is going to have such a good time. You were sure to lock all the doors again, right?”

The stern and tall man looked at you and nodded his head. His hair was black and gray and slicked back, “Yes, madam,” He held his hands tightly behind his own back, “No one will be able to get into any rooms besides this one and outside,”

“Thank you, Henry,” You kept your eyes on your guest, peering at them, looking amongst them for anyone who stood out. To often did unwanted maggots worm their way into your home. You personally knew just about everyone you had invited. There could be no more than 60 people here, maybe 70. You took a slow sip from your glass of wine, the lowered it from your lips, “Henry,” Your butler hummed in reply as he tried his best to stand like a statue, “Who is that?”

You pointed to a man, handsome and quite dangerous looking, standing by the bar. You didn’t recognize him at all. Little did he know, but Arthur was found out, his cover was blown the second you laid eyes on him. You didn’t know who he was, or where he was from, but you knew he didn’t belong here. But there was a twisted little monster in your mind and heart. You wanted to mess with this man’s head, maybe play a few mind games before booting him out of your very private party.

“I’m not sure, madam, would you like me to remove him?” Henry asked in a monotone voice that honestly comforted you.

“No,” You held out your wine glass and he quickly took it, “I will take care of this pest,” As you started to walk, you had to lift the front end of your dark and simple dress. You weren’t like your guests, you enjoyed wearing simple clothes with as little decorative parts as possible. But your black and white dress was still high class and quite elegant in a gothic way.

Everyone moved out of the way for you as you surfed through the loosely packed crowd. No one wanted to cross your path, and the mystery man didn’t even see you coming. He was leaning on the bar when you got there, and you took your spot beside him. Up close he was much more rough and handsome. He did fit that suit well, though you honestly thought it made him look out of place. 

Arthur nearly jumped out of his skin when your silky voice reached his ears, saying, “Hello there.” Wasn’t it his job to find you? Surely it was, but he already failed that. 

Your smile was infectious and pretty and Arthur found himself startled and at a loss for words. He cleared his throat then horribly drawled out, “Howdy,”

“Oh~” Your mouth made a perfect little ‘O’ and your eyes sparkled with interest, “A cowboy? In my home? More likely than you’d think,” He could hear the seduction dripping from each word. Was his cover blown? Or was he just that bad at playing the part? He knew Hosea and Dutch should have come, he knew they should be the ones doing this… acting. He really was to dumb to pull this off on his own.

However, maybe it was the wine, no… it had to be the wine he was drinking because he found himself leaning towards you slightly. There was no denying that you were very attractive, and Arthur was young, he hadn’t even reached 25 yet, though he was shy a year at 24. He hadn’t found himself this attracted to a person since Mary Linton left him for.. for whatever the fuck that loser was last year. His heart went cold, bitter and ugly. Though this attraction had little to do with his heart.

Arthur slid his glass of wine closer to him, “I’m not a cowboy,” He said, “I’m just another rich man’s son, miss,” He at least tried his best to cover his true identity. 

You waved your bartender over and whispered something in his ear while you kept your colorful eyes locked on Arthur. The bartender left, then returned with a bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses, “Surely, maybe, perhaps you are,” You took the bottle and popped it open, pouring the brown liquor into the small glass cups, “I would doubt that, but, whatever you say, mister. Would you drink with me? It’d be rude to turn down your host,” You eyed him a way that got Arthur’s blood pumping. You were slowly mesmerizing him. What was it with woman and him? Was he just weak? Or did they love playing with him like a toy?

“Sure,” Arthur’s accent was heavy and liked it. He was a different flavor than you normally used to. You were the cute age of only 19, unmarried, and a mistress of the night. You were an intoxicating creature with features that showed off your body.

You took down your shot of whiskey like a champ, then leaned on the bar and  batted your pretty little eyelashes, “You know, I know everyone here by name, so it doesn’t add up why I don’t know you, or your name.” Ah… So maybe that’s why Arthur’s cover was blown. This was an exclusive party, and the man he killed to get the invitation wasn’t him, obviously, “So will you tell me what they call you, mister?”

“Morgan,” He took down his own shot of whiskey. The warm familiar burn was more soothing than the wine, “Arthur Morgan,” He wasn’t much for words, was he? That only made him more handsome and stoic.

You held your hand out to him, he took it and gave you the most delicate shake, as if he could break you, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Morgan. I am (Y/N) (L/N). I’m sure you already know that,”

“No,” What? “Actually, I don’t.” This surprised you a bit. You took your hand from him and trailed your fingers across the whiskey bottle. You poured some more for yourself and him.

“Really now? Then do tell me, why are you here? I don’t think I invited you, Mr. Morgan. Though, looking at you, I’m a little glad you came.” 

Arthur had to do his best to keep his eyes off you, so he stared down at his shot of whiskey, “Honestly?” He paused and took down the shot, “I came here to rob you, guess I can’t do that now.”

His honesty and straightforwardness caused you to laugh and laugh a lot. Listening to the chimes of your low giggle made him stare at you. You did this little thing, covering your mouth as you laughed, “Oh my! You’re so funny Mr. Morgan,” You lightly touched his arm, “I almost didn’t believe you!” You were something else, something that kept inching her way closer and closer to him.

A little taken back, and dumbfounded, Arthur deadpanned, “You’re not mad?”

Oh, he was so cute, a little dumb, but that made him cuter, “Oh so many people try to rob me every day, Mr. Morgan, you are not the first. I don’t think you’ve robbed me yet, so I have no reason to kill you, right?”

How did you make a threat so… sexy? Was it the way you looked at him with those dark eyes? Was it the little smile at the corner of your lips? Was it the way you curled your hair around your finger? Or was it how close you had gotten to him in the last four minutes of talking? You were so close he could smell the lilacs and lavenders you used to perfume yourself with.

Despite all this, Arthur didn’t move away, in fact, he leaned a little closer, “I don’t think you can kill me. I’m kind of bastard that just won’t die.” 

He made you laugh again. Or were you just laughing to inflate his ego? Was anything he said really even that funny or were you just this easily amused?

“Oh, Mr. Morgan,” The giggle carried between your words, “Oh, my, you are funny, aren’t you? All somber and depressed like that, wishing for what sounds like death. Oh, how I’m so glad you crashed my party. I haven’t had a laugh like that since Daddy had a heart attack!” 

What? Arthur raised a brow, you were a very odd creature, “Why would you laugh at that?”

“Because I gave it to him!” You laughed, “Daddy caught me with a criminal in my big bed upstairs,” You placed your hand on Arthur’s arm once again, this time keeping it there, “I do have such an infliction for the bad and ugly, as they call themselves,”

Your intentions were very obvious at this point, even Arthur could pick up on that. Maybe he wasn’t that stupid. Arthur faintly remembered the reason why he was here. To rob you of any money he could find, or information. Mostly the information part. The cogs in his head started turning and he thought how… well. This was a way of getting information. Sort of.

He leaned towards you, your hand moved to the corner of his chest and your arms touched, “What makes you think I’m bad? Or ugly?” His voice was low and raspy, like the engine of a train struggling to pick up speed. Your heart shot out a huge wave of lighting into the very depths of your body when he spoke like that.

It had been a long time since someone sparked your interests like this. He was no keeper, he was no amount of husband material, but he was made 100% out of a good time. That was for sure. You kept your cool, got even closer and whispered, “You’re more handsome than any man in here, but why don’t you show me how good of a time you are? I’ll even pay you, like the hookers in the streets, if that’s what you want.”

Pay him? Hm. Never before has Arthur been in a position to prostitute himself. But maybe he could get you to pay him in information, or even better some gold. Your family did own the most profitable and largest gold mine in all of California. What reason did he have to say no? Honor? Pride? Dignity? No. He didn’t have any of that.

“Which way to your room?” He quietly asked. His words made that dangerous little smile return. You did this thing were you pressed your lips together into a little line and bit at them. Dammit… Arthur could feel the rush of lust and desire wave over him.

You grabbed the whiskey bottle in your hand then without warning grabbed Arthur’s hand in yours, “Follow me, Mr. Morgan,” The low tone of your voice sent a shock through his body. You lead in through the crowd, some people stared but the most of them were to busy doing various amounts of drugs to pay attention. Classy and high society wasn’t much different than saloon full of drunks. 

While Arthur followed close behind you up the grand stair cause of your castle home, you were giddy to finally start your night, and your own personal party of pleasure, as was the goal of every party you hosted when your parents were away. You were surprised you weren't pregnant by now. Maybe you were infertile? Or maybe it was because half of your other lovers were women, or maybe because these parties were very Greek in nature, and you took on many lovers at once. But Arthur Morgan was something else, a treat to experience all alone, and you could not wait to get started on that.

[ladyseaheart1668]

Endless Summer Book 4 : Daughter of Vaanu (Chapter 27)

Description: Everyone starts to settle back into routine. But the danger is far from passed. 

tagging: @xo-endlessmayhem-xo ; @princesstopgun ; @mysteli

Chapter 27: Spectre of the Hydra

Jake

Every so often, when I'm pulling up to the beach house after a day at work, I'm struck all over again by the grandeur of the place where I'm currently living. There was a time I might have actively rebelled against living in opulent splendor. Having grown up in more modest surroundings myself, the time was such luxury would have felt suffocating. And if Alodia weren't living in this place with me, I think it still would. But her presence could make a damp, moldy cave into a home for me, and it can certainly do as much for a waterfront mansion in California. Besides, there's no denying that it's gonna be an amazing place to raise our kid.

I park the car and make my way around to the front door. I hang up my keys in the foyer and wander into the kitchen to grab a cold glass of water. With temperatures squeaking past eighty degrees Fahrenheit, it's unusually hot today for October, even in southern California. Through the dining room window, I can see Varyyn on the deck, doing some kind of Vaanti tai chi or something. Another advantage to this place is that the property is enclosed enough that Varyyn can actually enjoy the beach for awhile without drawing attention to himself. I fill a glass with tapwater, top it off with a couple cubes from the icemaker in the freezer door, and make my way out into the balmy autumn air. Varyyn pauses when he sees me.

“Good afternoon, Jake. I didn't realize it was so late already.”

“It's almost seven. Either of our spouses home?”

“Yours is. The last I knew, she was resting. Diego called to say he will likely be late tonight.”

I nod in acknowledgment and go up to the bedroom I share with my wife. Alodia isn't in bed when I get there, but I can hear the shower going in the bathroom. I tug off my work clothes and hang them up, lying down on the bed in my boxers to wait for her. She emerges within a few minutes, a bathrobe wrapped around her body, her wet hair hanging loose around her shoulders. She grins when she sees me.

“What, no rose between your teeth?” she quips.

“Oh, you thought this was for your benefit?” I tease back. “I was just waiting for a shower.”

She chuckles, shrugging. “Well, you know you're basically a piece of meat to me.” She makes her way to sit on the edge of the bed and bends to kiss me. “Mmm, you taste like afternoon coffee.”

“You taste like toothpaste. Much more pleasant.” I tug lightly at the edge of her robe, folded over her swollen breasts. “Is this for my benefit?”

“If you tread lightly. They're still tender.”

I withdraw my hand to find hers. “Probably for the best at the moment. I'm guessing I don't smell much better than I taste. I've been sweating in a business suit all day.”

“I was sweating through dance classes most of my day.”

I prop myself up on my elbow, looking at her with concern as I reach out to tuck a strand of wet hair behind her ear.

“Are you sure you should be dancing right now?”

“Relax, Top Gun. I'm mostly marking. Not doing anything River and I can't handle...” She trails off, averting her eyes. Her profile settles into a frown. I sit up, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“...You okay, Princess?”

“I...went into the poolhouse earlier...”

I exhale slowly. The poolhouse. Where we've been keeping the trunk we got from the crystal planet. The trunk containing the Andromeda idol.

“...Did you...?”

“No. ...I didn't want to alone. ...It's active, though. It was calling me. It's calmed down now, but...I could feel it.”

“You know it's gonna keep up until you touch it.”

“I know. But as long as I can—ung!” She cuts herself off with a sharp gasp, pitching forward slightly and clutching her belly.

“Alodia!” I launch myself off the bed, kneeling in front of her. “What is it, Princess? Are you okay?”

She raises her head, her eyes wide. “...They moved. ...Jake, our baby moved!” She breaks into a grin, laughing dazedly. “River Skye is alive!”

“...River...?” I let my hand drift to her belly. She smiles a little.

“You may not be able to feel anything yet,” she cautions, even as she opens her robe to place my hand on the swell. I wait for a moment, my hand pressed flat to her belly.

“I...I don't know...I can't tell if I'm feeling River or gas.”

She laughs. “Trust me, I feel River.”

“Hell, Princess, that's good enough for me.” I rise to press my lips to hers. “My beautiful wife. Mother of my child.”

I kiss her again. And I keep kissing her. I want to distract her. I want her to forget about that amber thing in the poolhouse. I know it's ultimately futile. But just for now...just for a little while...

Lila

Five years ago, I woke up in a hospital in Florida. The last thing I could remember was lying on the floor, surrounded by the bodies of Arachnid soldiers. I was satisfied, knowing that I had protected the Selected, that I had covered their escape. I thought I was dead. But there I was, in a hospital bed and a gown with a needle in my hand. On the television set mounted to the corner of the ceiling, I watched Mr. Rourke being led out of a courtroom in handcuffs, shouting about the crystal people coming for us all.

Things were a little bit of a blur when I got out of the hospital. I gave them a false name as a precaution, and it stuck. As far as the Selected knew, Lila Sethi was dead, so that was what everyone else assumed. I made my way to my apartment before they could clear it out and broke in to gather a few personal affects, and that was the last of Lila Sethi. It was easy enough to start again. Sure, there were a few rough months while I scraped some money together, but I know how to get by on the streets. I stole, I begged, I did chores, I even turned a few tricks. And eventually, I found myself working retail in New York for a little over minimum wage. I never seriously considered going back to Rourke International. Now that Aleister and Estela were in charge, I doubt I would have been welcome.

I'm not sure what exactly possessed me to ever visit Mr. Rourke in the hospital. Maybe I just felt sorry for him. I know what it's like to lose everything. Once I believed he could give me back what I had lost. The man I found in that hospital was so different from the one I had known, that I only pitied him more. When I gave him the phone disguised the the hairbrush, one of the things I had managed to recover from my old life, I think I was hoping that having someone friendly to talk to would keep him from losing the last of his humanity. I didn't hear from him for years. Then Alodia came back.

I shouldn't have agreed to observe her. I mean, it was harmless enough at first, but then she discovered she was pregnant. I shouldn't have told him. But I didn't know how to hide it. I don't really know what he's planning. The revival of Project Janus, I guess. But exactly how he'll do that without the Island's Heart or the Endless...

… I think he means to use Alodia. But there isn't any proof that she has any power outside of the island, especially now that the time bubble has been destroyed.

Maybe that's the best I can hope for. That she doesn't have any power left and that Mr. Rourke will realize that before he hurts anyone.

No. Dammit, Lila, don't be stupid. You know that's not good enough. The best you can do now is to get out! Cut him off. Don't answer when he calls. He can't hurt you. He can't hurt you and he doesn't care. Just forget about him. Live your new life, free of his influence.

… My phone is ringing. I know who it will be before I even look at the screen.

“No,” I growl to myself, clapping my hands over my ears and screwing my eyes shut. “Don't answer him. You were free before. You died free! Stay free! This is your second chance!”

The ringing stops, and I open my eyes. My phone has gone dark. Then a missed call notification pops up on the screen. I hesitantly lower my hands from my ears. I realize that I'm trembling. My fingertip leaves streaks on the screen as I hastily delete the notification before I'm tempted to call back.

Block him, Lila. Just block him.

My screen lights up again, my phone trilling a ringtone. In my teenage years, I saw many people who were addicted to drugs. Heroin. Cocaine. Meth. Opiates. I watched their minds and bodies drive them mercilessly towards the next fix, sometimes driving them to death. Some addictions didn't reach the body. But an addiction in the mind could be just as deadly. Pot, pornography, gambling. At fourteen, I was the one to identify my foster-brother's body when his gambling debts landed him in hot water with the wrong people. It's his face in my mind when I tap the green button on my phone.

“...H-hello?”

“Lila, dear. Listen carefully. I have a job for you.”

Kenji

“A Halloween party?”

“Yeah! Seriously, what's with those faces? It's a great idea?”

Mid-morning on a Friday, Grayson and Tahira sit across from me in a booth at the Grand. It's the perfect time for a business meeting. Not even the cleaning staff are here at this hour. I just can't believe that they both look so skeptical.

“It's not that it isn't a great idea,” Tahira says quickly. “It's just...Halloween is a week away. And logistically, that's cutting it kinda close.”

“Hey, you can let me worry about the details. The Grand remains the biggest party scene in Bayside, and we're missing out on huge profits if we don't take advantage of such a big party night.”

“Halloween's on a Tuesday,” Grayson points out. “Most people will be working the next morning.”

“That doesn't stop most people,” I retort. “...But, I can see your point. Maybe we can run the specials all weekend. Half-price drinks, half-price admission for anyone in costume, that sort of thing. Maybe we can get a band or two to play for a few hours each night.”

Tahira nudges Grayson lightly. “...We both know the Hartfeld students like to drive up to Northbridge for Halloween weekend. It's a big money opportunity. And the whole reason for reopening the Grand was to revitalize Bayside. I don't think we can avoid to miss many opportunities.”

Grayson sighs. “...Is this really what you want to be worrying about right now, Tahira?” he asks softly. Tahira and I exchange a glance. Grayson has been welcomed into our confidence, and he fits in so easily that it's sometimes easy to forget that he hasn't lived with the whole double-life thing as long as Tahira and Eva and I have.

“Don't worry about me, Grayson. I've gotten good at balancing Tahira and Dragonness.”

“Right...of course.”

“Listen, Grayson. With everything you're going through, no one's going to expect you to make an appearance.”

“But maybe I should. To show them that I don't intend to let my Dad retake the company. That I don't intend to let him dictate my business decisions, and that I'm still committed to revitalizing Bayside, not bulldozing it.”

“Hey, that's the spirit!” I say encouragingly. “Hey, the way I figure it, with everything we've been through lately, we all deserve a few nights to cut loose. Especially you two.”

Craig

It's been way too long since Zahra and I really had some proper time alone together. And with both of us off for the day on Sunday, we spend Saturday evening plotting the perfect day in. The fact that Sunday is rainy and chilly just makes it better. We stay in bed having sex until at least noon. When we finally leave the bed, we take the blankets with us to curl up on the couch, drink coffee, and play classic video games while we wait for the pizza we ordered. For awhile, there is nothing else in the world but me and Zahra, cuddling under a worn-out comforter while our sprites whale on each other on the screen.

“Oh, you still comin' at me, Player Two? You're about two hits away from dead, you might as well just lie down and accept your fate!”

“Nuh-uh! Power up! Boom! Health bar restored, and now you're at half!”

“What?! Where the hell did you pick that up?!”

“Not my fault you were too distracted to notice when it fell from the sky!”

“Yeah, well screw you! I'm gonna beat you anyway!”

“Oh, yeah? How do you figure that?”

“'Cause I always do!”

And of course, thirty seconds later, she does, with a massive bolt of lightning. I groan, letting the controller fall into my lap.

“Daaaamn. Gorgeous woman who has sex with me and beats me at video games? I'm so in love with you, Zahra.”

She blushes, which makes me smirk. I always feel a little smug when I can get her to blush. Predictably, she covers it by swatting me.

“Shut up and kiss me already, loser.”

I do as she tells me, then pull back with a grin. “Okay, I'm bored with that game. Let's play Jump Bros Racing instead. Then at least I'll stand half a chance.”

By the time the pizza arrives, the combination of the gray day outside, the lamps inside, and an hour or so staring at the TV screen has my vision all wonky. I blink and rub my eyes, trying to force them to see colors properly again as I stumble to the door. I thank the delivery guy, push the tip into his hand, and go back to the couch, balancing two large pizza boxes on my hands. The smell of cheese, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and pepperoni reminds me that I haven't eaten all day. My stomach rumbles. Zahra, who picked up her phone while I was getting the pizza, snorts.

“Jesus, Craig. Your stomach growls louder than you fart.”

“But not louder than I burp,” I retort. She snickers and pushes on my head.

“Got a text from Kenji. They're planning a big Halloween weekend bash at the Grand, and he wants my band to play. He's offering $300 since it's short notice, and he'll throw in another $50 if we agree to do two nights.”

“Dope. You gonna do it?”

“Well, obviously, I'll have to talk to everyone, make sure they can all make it, but for that kinda money at the Grand, I think I'd be an idiot not to. ...Only problem is, we haven't really had a rehearsal since...well, since before the Catalyst reunion. Just with the way everything's been so crazy...”

“Yeah...it kinda has been. ...But hey, today is about forgetting all the crazy, right? Let's concentrate on eating this pizza. Then we can marathon Seven Crystals until our eyes bleed.”

“Oh, God, yes!” She tosses her phone aside and dives for the top pizza box, pulling out a hot, gooey slice. She sucks the point into her mouth and chomps down, tearing it off like a wild animal devouring its prey. I can't help grinning.

“Are you aware that you're the sexiest thing on two legs?”

She pokes one leg out from under the blanket and pulls up the leg of her pajama pants. “Two legs that I haven't shaved in two days?”

I pretend to examine the dark, stubbly hairs on her calf. Then I imitate her, poking my own leg out. “I haven't shaved my legs in two years!”

“You shaved your legs two years ago?”

“Uhh...no. I guess not. So, I haven't shaved my legs in...ever. But you can still be my leg-hair buddy, even if you're not as hairy as me.”

She laughs, putting her leg down and taking another bite of pizza. “Eat your pizza, scrublord. I need my Player Two if I'm gonna get through Seven Crystals.”

Estela

Until I'm back in it, I sometimes forget how much chilly air can feel like pain. These past months, I went right from San Trobida to La Huerta to Northbridge and southern California in high summer, and then back to San Trobida. It was still summer when I returned to Northbridge to help my brother investigate Silas Prescott and his machine. Now a true New England autumn has officially crowded out summer. That's the other thing I've learned to dislike about the transition from summer to winter in the northeastern United States. Unlike the change between the tropical and frigid zones on La Huerta, this one comes on gradually, and I end up feel like the proverbial frog in a pot, not recognizing the change until one day I walk outside and my extremities start going numb.

Even with a jacket, scarf, and gloves, I can still feel it nipping at me as I make my way down the sidewalk in the early afternoon sunshine. I wouldn't even be out in it, but I needed a change of scene. I head toward Michelle and Quinn's apartment. I know that Michelle and Sean will both be at work about now, but maybe Quinn has a little time to spare. I could use some company right now besides my mother.

Much to my relief, when I arrive at my destination and press the buzzer, Quinn's voice sounds on the intercom.

“Who is it?”

“Hey, Quinn. It's Estela. I hope I'm not interrupting anything.”

“Nothing that can't wait. Just a sec, I'll buzz you up.”

I hear the soft buzz and the click of the lock, and yank the door open. Blessed warmth wafts over me as I step inside the lobby. The feeling is returning to my digits by the time I reach Quinn's unit. She's waiting for me with the door propped open. The smell of cinnamon and cloves drifts into the hallway.

“Come on in. I was just making some cider. Want to try some? It's nice and warm, just off the stove.”

“Anything warm sounds heavenly right now,” I reply, slipping off my coat and hanging it in the closet. “Sorry to drop in unexpectedly. I hope I'm not intruding.”

“If you were, I wouldn't have let you in,” she replies, waving a hand dismissively. “Sit down. Take a load off.”

I obey, sitting down at the kitchen table. Murphy immediately jumps up into my lap, cooing. I rub his cool, silky ears around the bases, and he trills with pleasure. Quinn ladles cider into two mugs printed with brightly-colored cartoon characters, and joins me at the table, sitting across from me. I cup the mug between my hands, letting the heat of the cider penetrating the ceramic warm my hands.

“So what brings you my way?”

I sigh. “I needed a change of scene, I suppose. Some space to think in.”

“Perhaps you're also looking for someone to share your thoughts with, since you seem to have sought out company.”

I take a warm, sweet sip from my mug. “Perceptive, aren't you.”

She smiles a little. “I try. So what's on your mind?”

“...Mom is talking about going back to San Trobida. To spend time with my Tio.”

“...How is she going to explain her ressurection to your Tio?”

“She hasn't decided yet. She has promised to leave Alodia out of her explanation. I'm mostly trying to decide whether I want to go back with her.”

She raises an eyebrow. “That's in question?”

“Should it not be? The Catalysts are all here in the States...”

“We've mostly been in the States for the last five years, but you've never felt the need to leave San Trobida for more than a visit or business. Even if you've been forced to delay, as far as I knew, you never questioned eventually going back.”

I snort a little. “You make me sound like the slightly estranged or...independent sister. You know, the one who breezes in a few times a year to give presents and then disappears again.”

She chuckles. “You know I don't mean it like that. We're family, the eleven—the twelve—of us. But we're not in college anymore, not all living in one place. And that's okay. We have lives and families outside of each other, as we should. That's the whole reason Alodia gave herself up, was to give us that. San Trobida has always been your home. It's where your blood family is.”

“Except for my brother. And my nephew.”

“True. Still, it's where the family that raised you is.” She frowns slightly. “And I would have thought you would want to stay with your mother. And your boyfriend must be missing you.”

I am quiet for a long moment. I take another long swallow of cider, and place my mug back on the table.

“...I love my mother. I will always love her. But it's been eleven years. I'm not the same person I was when she died.”

“...Is she not able to accept that?”

“It isn't that exactly,” I reply. “She understands that time has passed and I've grown. The problem is that we don't relate to each other the way we used to. I've gotten so used to living without her, having her back is a shock, even taking out the shock that comes just from the fact that she's alive. She understands that. That is, she grasps the concept. But trying to work with that...figure out who we are to each other now... It's like...when your parents realized that you were really and truly cured. Remember how you were always saying that treating you like a sick person was a habit they had to break? Treating you like a sick person and arguing with each other about it?”

“Yeah. ...They were glad I was healthy, of course. But they'd spent so many years stressing about my health that they couldn't let go of it right away.”

“It's a little like that. ...Of course I want her in my life. But I have to figure out how that works with the person I am now. And I'm not sure living under the same roof is the way to figure that out. And as to my boyfriend...he isn't. Anymore.”

Quinn looks up sharply, startled. “What?! When did this happen?!”

“Right about the time we introduced you to Rochelle.”

“But...that was weeks ago. Why didn't you say anything?”

I shrug, keeping my eyes on my cider mug. “We had other things to concern ourselves with. Besides, I...needed time to process.”

“Are you...okay?”

I shrug. “Well, I'm hardly walking on air, but I'm not bitterly torn up, either. I suppose in the end, we simply didn't have enough in common to sustain the relationship. At first it was intense and passionate, but once that initial thrill wore off...” I sigh. “...Honestly, the fact that there's a large part of my life he'll never understand...that no lover could really understand...”

“No lover except another Catalyst, anyway,” she says softly.

“Right. ...I had hoped him being part of the resistance back in the day might have made that part easier to deal with. Maybe it would with the right person...”

“Sometimes it takes time to find that right person,” Quinn says softly. “Believe me, I know. But hey, that's true for everyone, not just Catalysts. We come with a little more baggage than most...but that would have been true even if we had never gone to that island.”

I smirk a little. “So, you're saying that I'm not so special?”

She laughs, and I know it's because she enjoys my teasing. It took me awhile to learn how to playfully rib my friends the way they had always done with me and each other. But I've gotten the hang of it for the most part.

“I'm saying you're normal, silly.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand. I raise my eyes to meet hers, dark brown on sapphire blue. “Let yourself feel bad as long as you need to. As long as you know underneath it all that it's not the end of the world.”

“Oh, I know that well enough,” I quip ruefully. “We've both lived through the end of the world.”

“Yeah, we have. And you're a strong, beautiful woman with everything going for her. You'll bounce back from this.”

I smile, squeezing her hand. “Thanks, Quinn. You're pretty good at pep talks.”

“Well, I try. Now, how about we get some cupcakes started while we try to talk through your other problem?”

Lila

All right, Lila. This is going to be easy. Just walk right in. If he's awake, hand him the note. If he isn't, just leave it under his hand and walk out.

I have my disguise, a nurse's scrubs and ID badge, bearing my picture, but the name of a nurse on staff here who happens to be off today. It should be easy. I shouldn't be hesitating so much. I never used to have trouble doing exactly what Mr. Rourke asked me to do. Well..hardly any trouble. I believed in him then. I believed in him, and I put aside any scruples because I believed he was doing good for the world. Saving every lost little girl like me. I don't believe in him anymore. So why can't I walk away from him?

The note in the pocket of my scrub pants isn't long, but it feels very heavy. Uncomfortably bulky. The edge of the folded paper pokes into my thigh. I've read it, with permission from Mr. Rouke: “An old friend sends his regards. If you are serious about your goal, you'll need more than the dragonness. We can help each other.”

It's signed with the sigil of the Hydra, and a weird symbol that Mr. Rourke says will alert him that there is more information written in disappearing ink, and that he will need to heat the paper. That will reveal Mr. Rourke's contact information, and possibly more.

It doesn't feel harmless. In fact, it feels like it could be very harmful. But I can't walk away. But I can't walk forward, either.

Do something, Lila! Choose something!

And before I quite realize what's happened, I'm at the door to Silas Prescott's hospital room, where police officers are standing guard. I flash my badge, and they read the name, checking it against the list. The nearest officer gives me a curt nod, and I slip inside.

Silas Prescott is asleep, his heart monitor showing his pulse in a steady blip. Before I can change my mind again, I slip the note out of my pocket and gently lift his hand to place it underneath. He doesn't even stir. He must be sedated.

I turn away from the bed, lingering in the room just long enough to give the impression that I did more than just slip a note under his hand. Then I leave. I have to get out of here. Get out of this place. Get away from Silas Prescott. Get away from Everett Rourke...

But it looks like my escape may be delayed. Because not three yards outside the room, with my eyes on the floor and my mind a million miles away, I run headlong into someone coming in the other direction. A white-coated doctor studying a clipboard. We both recover ourselves, straightening our clothes and mumbling apologies. Then, our eyes meet, and we both freeze.

...I have just run headlong into Michelle Nguyen.

[evis-cerate]

I broke her heart, she was a rebound, I tried to pretend to love her for a 2nd time, forced it. Some fun & nice words came out of it. Some Stucky ass material.

APRIL 16, 2014 That. Is pizza. I love cheese pizza, dislike peperroni (it depends though). And that’s a choco/vanilla yogurt ice cream treat. From the magical world of Costco. If/when you come to the states, I am most definitely taking you there. It’s this wonderful warehouse of f o o d. Most things are sold in bulk. And they have samplings of food and just so many cool snacks and just ugh mouth watering. The whole time there I was imagining myself dragging you to every inch of the store. Then right outside is Costco fast food spot that is REALLY cheap and always has long lines haha. That’s where I got this here humungous pizza slice, I swear it’s enough to share. Then we could go across the street and go to In'N'Out. I’ll take you to all the In'N'Out’s of Southern California, it will be great. Yup. __ Love birds, quirky plushies, cozy succulents, cheery family outings~. Spring brings rain but makes sure to brighten the brief gloom with vibrant greens and purples and all colors in between and all around. Spring is a kind, love filled season indeed.

APRIL 15, 2014 We talked last night. I showed you my sanctuary of longing, you gave me a chance. And we faltered because we know the dangers~ scared, conscious…wondering if this was the right thing to do but our want overcame that. It does, still, even when I have my own doubts. Love is like a little tree, growing whilst nurtured. Strong during the summer heat and spring showers, as long as it’s nurtured. And the fruit it gives, the refreshing shade, vibrant colors that it provides when it’s developed are the sweetest. We lie in our beds, waiting. I hope you’re sleeping well, eating well, drinking water daily. I always tell you to drink water. It’s silly, as I think of trees now. I hope I’ll crawl out of my bed, fueled by our promise to each other, by the promise of having each other at the end of our journey. I’ll find forgiveness yet, from you, and from myself. April 12, 2014 i’m proud of my sister for not giving up, and of me for sticking through despite my longings, regrets, and sorrows for all that’s transpired. be well, b. i hope you’re finding little joys in your days too…i miss you but i’m hoping that i’m not going about all this the wrong way. (me now: you are, you so are you dumbfuck) APRIL 12 , 2014 I want to speak to you so bad, but you have a right to be left alone after what I did. ..I hear lyrics and see quotes telling me I should chase after you in every way possible so that I don’t lose you. .. so that you don’t forget about me. This isn’t poetry, this is honest raw strums of my heart strings. And I hope you get to hear them… __ I want to know life with you, liking you and spending time with you focusing on only you and not on the dull pain of my broken heart that still yearned for another. Do I deserve it? Is it too soon? Is the damage I dealt really so drastic…so unforgivable. …will I do it again. To break someone’s heart twice is most unforgivable. That has me afraid too, of reaching out for you again at all…But fear has kept me stagnant for too long…If you ever read this…if you ever find this. Love is only as eternal as the heart that nurtures it. I did it all too soon and too quick but I’m thankful that, despite my actions ended things as quickly as they came, the feeling has left it’s imprints deep in my mind and heart. I cannot forget you.

APRIL 10, 2014 It’s for one person (concert ticket raffle). If I don’t get that then~ I’ll take Mi’s plus one and go with her. I just really don’t want to see Dae (note: dae is a pseudonym for the actual person I was in love with but couldn’t have because unrequited love)…you’re the one I really want to see, honestly. In hindsight. I have to wait until I want you in my full view. Rather cruel…. I know.  APRIL 8, 2014 I imagined myself holding your hand and smiling as we went up the escalators, wonder in your eyes and exploring my city together. Dreams like these are dangerous. I know. __ …today I was reminded that they’re human too. Humans with feelings, not just props for me to interact with.I hope your day is well. I haven’t forgotten about my promise. I’m walking in that direction, gathering happiness here and there until it fills me and completes me.

[livinginlandmarketing]

It’s been more than a year now since Jehovah’s Witnesses have gone knocking on people’s doors, and according to representatives for the faith group, even after the coronavirus pandemic ends, they may not resume going door to door — a longstanding tradition and act of perseverance for which the community is widely known.

In March 2020, when much of the country went into lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the church closed all public meetings at its 13,000 congregations in the U.S., including 1,097 congregations in Southern California serving 150,000 members in 30 different languages.

“We shut down all public ministry, including going door to door, as well as in-home Bible studies for the first time ever in our church’s history,” said Robert Hendriks, national spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “This was the first time ever in the history of our church that we stopped all kinds of public engagement.”

No more door-knocking?

The church also canceled 5,600 conventions in 240 countries, something it didn’t do during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, which infected about 500 million people worldwide and killed 50 million, Hendriks said.

“We just wanted to make sure that our meetings, ministries and conventions did not cause the spread of this deadly disease,” he added. “It’s unfathomable for us as a people or organization to be held responsible for the deaths of others. It’s irreconcilable with our Christian values and what we preach.”

Despite that knowledge, stopping the door-to-door ministry was a “disorienting event” for practitioners of the faith because evangelism is an inextricable part of their core belief system, Hendricks said.

“People like me grew up knocking on doors and I’ve done that since I was old enough to walk,” Hendriks said. But, he added, “we found we could be effective using other forms of ministry like letter-writing and phone calls. Spirituality is not about a building or being with one another in person. It can still thrive when we’re connected virtually or otherwise. We’re still connecting emotionally, socially and spiritually.”

Jillian Mahard, 10, writes a letter to a neighbor in their Whittier, CA, home on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The family of Jehovah’s Witnesses is writing letters instead of knocking on doors to spread their faith. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The pandemic may leave a permanent mark on Jehovah’s Witnesses by ending door-to-door ministry, even after restrictions ease, he said.

“It’s just hard to say if or when that can happen again,” Hendriks said. “There’s no question that meeting people face to face is the most powerful way to reach hearts. But there are many unknowns. We don’t know how resilient the virus is, how it could mutate and whether we’ll reach herd immunity. Even if the danger of community spread is gone, when will someone be comfortable with someone else knocking on their door again?”

Related links

Houses of worship across Southern California suspend services in response to coronavirus

Coronavirus takes toll on religious communities as traditions forced to change

Coronavirus begins to usher in new era of drive-in churches in Southern California

Christians energized by in-person Southern California gatherings for Easter

Drive-thru and virtual services mark Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent

The art of letter-writing

Reaching people through handwritten letters and phone calls seems “different,” even intimidating at first, said Whittier resident Kevin Mahard.

“It’s different from speaking in person and reading someone’s body language from which you can get a sense of them and they can see how genuine you are,” he said. “But then, with door-knocking, sometimes people wouldn’t answer the door. You’d see cars in the driveway, but no one would open the door.”

Now Mahard, his wife, Jennifer, and 10-year-old daughter, Jillian, write letters to their neighbors. He says this approach seems effective.

“People seem to read hand-written letters addressed to them,” he said. “It’s like when I got a postcard from my grandma. It is personal and lets them know that I’m a neighbor with genuine concern for them.”

They find their neighbors by going online and looking at public records for addresses and phone numbers of people and families in their ZIP code to whom they can reach out.

Lisa Brown of Anaheim said that this pivot during the pandemic has introduced her sons, Nathan, 14, and Noah, 10, to the long-lost art of letter-writing. Her sons get on Zoom with others in their congregation, and write the letters together, she said.

“They have to focus on their penmanship and make sure it’s legible,” Brown said. “They have to identify themselves, their age and the purpose of the letter.”

They pick from templates that offer different topics such as hope, comfort, dealing with sickness, the pandemic and the loss of a loved one, and connect those topics with a Scripture verse that would bring comfort to someone reading the letter, Brown explained, adding that older recipients appreciate the letters even more because they are personal and uncommon these days.

Nathan Brown said writing has helped him develop patience.

“It also helps me bond with others,” he said. “When we’re with our friends (on Zoom) writing letters, it gives us comfort knowing that we’re not the only ones being restricted.”

Same message, new delivery

Other faith groups such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known for their missionary outreach, have stopped knocking on doors and resorted to social media and videoconferencing as a way to communicate with their neighbors.

“Our social media activity has increased tenfold,” said Marshall McKinnon, president of the church’s San Bernardino Mission. “For the last year, we’ve not approached anyone in person. Over the last month or so, with restrictions relaxing, some of our members have started approaching people in public locations like parks, but with masks on and socially distanced.”

With the pandemic, the church has also placed a strong emphasis on acts of community service such as volunteering in food banks or helping neighbors, he said.

“The pandemic has certainly helped us realize how we can be more effective with social media,” McKinnon said. “Door-knocking might be out the door.”

Though she misses the face-to-face communication that comes from door-knocking, Lisa Brown said she doesn’t dwell on what she can’t do or what she may not be able to do in the future because those thoughts can be negative and overwhelming.

“I try not to think too far ahead,” she said. “I just try to think of today. It’s hard not to meet people in person. But we’re still trying to bring love and comfort in ways that we can. Thinking of today keeps the focus on the benefits and blessings we have right now instead of dwelling on what we don’t have.”

Related Articles

Church windows, statue vandalized in Jurupa Valley

Clash at Al-Aqsa mosque leaves at least 50 injured

At least 28 dead after stampede at Israeli religious festival

Professing Faith: Pandemics historically a challenge for religious communities

Many Southern California churches to ease back into normalcy despite court ruling

Ontario resident Hannah Maisel who attends the Mountain View Hindi-speaking congregation in Riverside said she finds writing letters and making phone calls in a language she is still learning “enjoyable.” She’s also been writing letters of comfort to Indian families, many of whom are dealing with the trauma of seeing the coronavirus pandemic ravage the nation.

“It just breaks my heart to see what’s happening in India,” Maisel said.

If the Jehovah’s Witnesses stop knocking on doors, that doesn’t mean they stop delivering their message, she said.

“I feel like we reach more people now because we don’t have to deal with gated communities and barking dogs,” Maisel said. “I’d love to see the door-to-door ministry come back. But if it doesn’t, I’m happy to do what I need to do.”

-on May 07, 2021 at 12:31PM by Deepa Bharath

[bestofthemoth]

The One Good Man

Joyce Maynard 

I was thirty-nine years old, living in a small town in New Hampshire with my three children, writing a syndicated weekly newspaper column about my life. It was a really bad time in my life. My mother was dying of a brain tumor. My husband had told me he didn’t want to be married to me anymore, and our marriage ended the week that my mother died.

She left me a small amount of money in her will. I was spending most of the money on a lawyer, trying to defend myself against a suit for the custody of my three children. I was under scrutiny to see if I was a fit mother, and the legal bills were mounting.

And then one day, a letter dropped in the mail slot. 

The address was written in pencil, and the return address was followed by a long series of numbers. Even if the return address was not Folsom, California, and even if I’d never bought a single Johnny Cash album, I would have known it came from a man in prison. 

“Dear Joyce,

Many of the guys on my cell block wait excitedly for the day that Penthouse or Biker Chick Magazine is delivered. But the big day in my week is Tuesday afternoon, when I get to read your newspaper column about your life with your children. Signed, Grizzly.” 

Grizzly knew my children well, from my columns. He knew that my daughter had just been cast in Annie and gotten braces. He knew that my son Charlie played the trumpet and he knew that my son Willy was going to be a pitcher.

So I wrote back. “Dear Grizzly, thank you very much for your note.” And I enclosed the annual Christmas photograph that I always took of my kids and me.

Now, I should tell you another thing about men in prison. You know all that time you and I spend on things like going to our jobs, taking care of our children, maybe having a relationship? Men in prison don’t spend time on any of those things, which means they have a lot of time to write letters. A man in prison who cannot touch a woman often develops a particular kind of brilliance at writing.  

So, when I wrote Grizzly a two-sentence letter, I got back a five-page letter. And when I wrote Grizzly a one-paragraph letter, I got back a ten-page letter. And when I wrote Grizzly a one-page letter, I got back a fifty-page letter. I mean, he was writing back more and more, and you’re probably thinking that I might be a "woman of questionable" judgement, and you’re right, without a doubt. But one thing I will attest to is that I know good writing. And Grizzly, knew how to do it. 

But, ya know, he never wrote about his life in prison. He always wrote about what had happened before, and he’d had a very tragic life. He grew up in Southern California, his family had very little money and his parents died tragically. He wrote about the woman that he had loved. And Grizzly, he loved hard. But then his wife died in childbirth. He raised his daughter on his own. And then one day he sent me a photograph of his daughter. I’m reading all this in his letters, you know, just enthralled. And sometimes actually weeping, he told the story so beautifully. 

I could pretend that all of this correspondence was in the name of making a lonely prisoner feel happy. But I will admit to you that more and more I was being drawn into this relationship myself. And I have to say, in my own defense, that at the point Grizzly came into my life, I had been single and out in the world dating a bit. And the fact that somebody works for Charles Schwab, or they have tenure at NYU, is absolutely no guarantee that the person won’t be a true sociopath. 

So I actually came to believe that maybe, just maybe, I found the one good man. I really believed that maybe I had found the one good heart. There was something so real about this man. I guess I have to tell you that I was falling in love with Grizzly. 

And there were a couple of moments when I recognized that this really didn’t make sense, and I’d try to cut it off. Every time I would send a letter saying, "You know what Grizzly I don't really see a future here." He would send back another story that would just break my heart. 

Around that time, he wrote back with astonishing news - he was getting out! And in fact his bus could probably make it to New Hampshire by the start of Little League season. 

My friend said, “You’ve got to find out what he was in for.” 

This seemed like a really rude thing to ask a person. But when I knew he was coming to play catch with my son, I thought I’d better call Folsom Prison. I went through a whole series of social workers to get to the one who was in charge of Grizzly’s case. 

“I’ve got to know what he’s in for.” 

She said, “We don’t do that. There are many procedures. But...why do you ask?” 

“Well, I’m in a relationship with this person, and now that he’s getting out on parole, he’s coming to visit.” 

She said, “Sit down, honey. I’m gonna break the rules. Your friend will not be getting out any time in the next three hundred years. Do you know why they call him Grizzly? He’s in prison for the grisly murder of his parents. They were beheaded. And I’m going to ask you to please never let him know that I told you this because even in prison he is known as a very violent and dangerous man.” 

I did not write back to Grizzly. But the letters continued to come. At first he just sounded baffled, then increasingly pleading, and then the tone of the letters changed. And they became angry and fierce, and putrid and violent; if any words could have drawn blood, these would have been the ones. 

The letters kept showing up for a full year, but I stopped reading them. That was the year that my divorce concluded and the court determined that I was fit to maintain custody of my children. Clearly they had not spoken to the social worker at Folsom Prison. 

I never could throw Grizzly’s letters away, so I put them in this box. And I’m going to read a short passage from one of those letters: 

Now listen up, baby. I don’t have much to give you. I can’t even plant a kiss on those sweet lips of yours. But I’d die for you. I’d kill for you. There isn’t words to say it, but if you close your eyes and take a breath, you’ll feel it. I'm with you. I’ll be with you forever. 

And I guess I’m with him too, because even many years later I am haunted by this knowledge: that somewhere in a maximum-security prison in Folsom, California, there is a Christmas photograph of me and my three children taped to a cinder-block wall.

Live at The Moth

[roomalthoughts]

11.18.2017: blink-182 self titled album (14th year anniversary!)

In honor of blink-182 self titled album anniversary, I decided that I will write a post, talking about each song in the album and what it means to me. I started listening heavily to blink-182 when I was a sophomore year, around the time the rumors surfaced that blink-182 were getting back together after going to a hiatus. It was an exciting year because I got to listen Neighborhoods and it was a good album in my opinion. 

1. Feeling This

When I first heard this song, I was in love with some guy that was on the swim team and I would sing this song with my whole soul and heart out as I drove to school before the break of dawn. This song would describe how I just wanted a one night stand with him because I thought he was cute and no strings attached. We were playing games with each other on and off for the next three years until he went off to college. It was a good time while it lasted, but I always saw this song as a short fling and nothing serious.

Favorite line: 

Fate fell short this time, your smile fades in the summer 

2. Obvious 

Now this song hits a nerve right now since I am still bitter about my past relationship. I know I will have it on repeat because it describes perfectly how I feel at the moment. This song stuck out like a sore thumb back when I first heard it when I was in high school. The reason why it struck out to me is because it was different to the blink-182 I listened to (I listened to I Miss You and Always first before this song). This has more anger to it and I remember listening to it on repeat before a swim meet so I could get myself pumped up. 

Favorite verse: 

I saw you again and again There's some room to move On to move on to move on And I saw you again and again How do we fix this if we never had vision 

3. I Miss You

Oh this song. 

The very first song that I listened to when I first discovered blink-182. I kid you not, I was OBSESSED with this song for the longest time ever. This would be my emo theme song. I love, love, love I Miss You  and I know I would listen to it when I felt incredibly lost and lonely. I know this song it their most popular one, but I have to admit it is in my top five (along with Always and I’m Lost Without You). I remember the feeling I got when I first listened to it. 

I was going through a rough breakup with the guy from the swim team (even though we were never official) and I felt really down and lonely. The ironic part was the guy who showed me blink-182 was heads over heels for me and even though he was sleeping around with many girls, I never had any deep feelings for him since I was just trying to ride solo my sophomore year in high school. 

Anyways, discovering I Miss You was probably the highlight of my high school years. 

Favorite verse: 

Hello there The angel from my nightmare The shadow in the background of the morgue The unsuspecting victim Of darkness in the valley We can live like Jack and Sally if we want Where you can always find me And we'll have Halloween on Christmas And in the night we'll wish this never ends We'll wish this never ends

4. Violence 

I kind of have to admit that at first, I never really liked Violence until I listened to it more and more. It eventually grew in me and I liked the lyrics because the metaphors that Tom uses in this song. Of course, he uses a lot of them in the songs that he writes, but this song has a magical spark in it. I also like how Violence has the back up voices (Mark and someone else) and it echoes and I think that is the coolest shit ever. I also love the ending with the guitar and I just think overall this song is just unique. 

Favorite verse: 

You speak and make time stand still And each time you walk right on by Like violence you have me forever And after Like violence you kill me forever And after

5. Stockholm Syndrome

Mark’s voice sounds so innocent in the first verse and then, I could hear the desperation in the second half. I just love how Tom and Mark switch singing in Stockholm Syndrome. Along with Violence, this song took a while for me to actually like it as well. Now looking back at it, I wish I could have listened to it more carefully because I could relate it to a certain level. I really don’t know why I never liked it at first, but whenever it comes on shuffle, I would always sing along to the second verse. However, this song has some dark feeling to it and I would relate it to my depression. I think my favorite lines would explain why...

Favorite lines: 

I'm sick with apprehension I'm crippled from exhaustion And I dread the moment when you finally come to kill me

6. Down 

Down, down, down...

This song never fails to make me smile yet sing along while head banging. I have no idea why I love this song so much, but there’s something to it that I can just latch on to. When I first watched the video, I swear I couldn’t get my eyes off of Tom and Mark (insert heart eyes emoji). I love the piano in Down and Mark’s voice as well. This song was crafted perfectly and I could not be more proud of these guys. 

I remember listening to this song on repeat when times got rough when I was in college. I was going through an identity crisis and I just felt down. I would just plug my ipod and put on the song full volume on my car. I would look through the windshield and just think about ways to take my life. 

Down would describe perfectly the times I felt like complete shit and I just wanted someone to take my hand and just say, “It will be okay. You will be okay. I am here for you.” 

7. The Fallen Interlude

No offense to anyone that likes The Fallen Interlude, but I have to admit that it’s my least favorite song on the self-titled album. The drums are amazing, do not get me wrong, but there is something missing (probably Mark’s and Tom’s voices). I like how the lyrics are tying back to Down (hence: Down, down, down pick me up I’m falling). 

8. Go 

I have to admit that Go was my go to song before all the swim meets I had back in high school. It was on my pumped up playlist and I would turn it up full volume so I could ignore my teammates. I was the weird teammate who would have their headphones in and just look out the window. I always wanted time for myself to focus and just calm my nerves down. Even though it is a sad song in general, it has such great rhythm and I love Tom’s backup voice as well. 

Favorite verse: 

Why do evil men get away with it Can't you see that I'm in a world of shit Turn your back on hope and go back inside Stop my bleeding heart and let the engine die

9. Asthenia 

I like the beginning of Asthenia. It has some tv noise going on and I really like it because not many songs start out that way. It is original in its on way and along with the drums and guitar sounds. I always imagine this song as Tom being stuck in space and shit considering that Tom is obsessed with aliens. Along with Tom being obsessed with aliens, I always saw Asthenia as a song that was about wanting to go back to the past, but knowing that fixing it won’t do much. There’s a nostalgic sound to it and I just absolutely love it (especially in the ending where it connects to Always). 

Favorite line: 

Is somebody out there will somebody listen

10. Always 

Oh shit. 

The feels that Always brings. It never fails to make me feel all lovely dovey and making me want in the fucking video with Tom and Mark (that girl got lucky). I just love the song overall and it is just perfection. It never fails to bring out the romantic side of me that I always side and I could belt it out no problem. When I first listened to Always I just fell in love with it. I just wish I had someone at the moment to sing it to. It is always fun singing along to Always when you have someone special in your life and you’re trying to express your deep love to them and trying to fix things. 

The video is my all time favorite of blink-182. The distortion is pretty badass and I have never seen anything like it before and I think that is pretty sweet. :) 

11.  Easy Target 

If you want a song that describes my ex to the T, this is it. Just replace Holly with Jeremiah and you got it. Shit you not. 

However, I don’t want to ruin this song with a shitty ex of mine. This song is just awesome with Travis’ badass drumming skills and Tom deliverance (even though there is some bitterness to it and I just love it). I just love how upbeat this song is even though it talks about a shitty ex, haha. I guess you always have to look at things the positive side. Overall, Easy Target is just awesome. There are no words to explain my love for it. :) 

Favorite verse: 

Holly's looking dry looking for an easy target, Let her slit my throat give her ammo if she'll use it, Caution on the road lies lies and hidden danger, Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster

12.  All Of This 

Okay, it doesn’t get much sweeter with Robert (the singer of the Cure) with blink-182. I was THRILLED when I discovered this song because I always liked the Cure and I just love Robert’s deep, soothing and romantic voice. Along with the sadness the song carries, I love how it ties back to Easy Target (with Tom using the name Holly again, assuming that it might be an ex of his that he has a lot of anger towards to). But again, there is something deeper in this song. 

When I first heard it, I didn’t really capture the message, until later on I was like “oh fuck.” This song would describe a triangle relationship going on. Someone is with someone else that they really don’t love and they’re always thinking about someone that they desire deeply. I was naive when I first heard All of This, but now since I am older, I can see the picture and yet, my love for this song still remains great. 

Favorite verse: 

With all of this I know now Everything inside of my head It all just goes to show how Nothing I know changes me at all Again I waited for this to change instead To tear the world in two Another night with her But I'm always wanting you

13. Here’s Your Letter 

Depression.

That is what the song is talking about (maybe I’m wrong) but listening to it, there’s just hints here and there how one can feel lost and lonely. How one can think about ways to kill themselves. Or just being nuts about someone who doesn’t really love us back as much as we would like. I mean, the song title says it all, but I could be wrong. 

Favorite line: 

My life just lost all meaning

14. I’m Lost Without You 

If you really want to make me cry my eyes out play I’m Lost Without You and I shit you not, I will be crying and be going through shit ton of Kleenex boxes. This song will always hit a nerve for me. 

The reason why it will always hit a nerve for me it’s because I always played it when I go through a rough breakup. You become attach to this wonderful person and they become your everything until one day, they wake up and don’t love you anymore. That love they claimed for you just disappeared and you have no fucking idea what the hell happened. You have no idea why they stopped loving you or what you did to them to make them change their minds. It hurts so much. 

It literally kills you inside and Tom nails the feelings in I’m Lost Without You. You cannot deny the emotions that this song carries and it just brings all these feelings back (which I don’t mind because I really need to learn how to feel emotions). When I first heard it, I seriously started crying because it is such a sad song and just the way Tom delivered it has so many raw emotions and not many songs these days have that. 

Overall, I’m Lost Without You is just a wonderfully made song with many emotions to it. And I absolutely love it. 

Favorite verse: 

I swear that I can go on forever again Please let me know that my one bad day will end I will go down as your lover, your friend Give me your lips and with one kiss we begin

15. Not Now 

Apparently, Tom said this Not Now was about death, but the whole blink-182 fandom went batshit crazy saying that it was a goodbye song to all of us fans (when blink-182 was breaking up). It was quite hilarious because I joined the fandom once they got back together and I was looking through the interpretations for Not Now. 

The video itself is pretty sad because it is just a replay of blink-182 memories of being together (concerts and stuff). But the funny part is that, in their next album, Ghost on the Dance Floor was a tie back to Not Now (from what I read) and I think that was pretty cool of Tom to just tie songs together. 

Not Now is the perfect song to end a great album. From starting off crazy to ending with an emotional song. 

Favorite line: 

Please stay, until I'm gone I'm here, hold on, to me I'm right here, waiting

blink, 

Thanks for gifting all of us such a great album. 

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: Graduation of Destiny

NOTE: In Japan, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is going around. Now keep in mind that this takes place in a fictional version of the world where things are a little different, but some real-world problems do happen here. So please forgive us if this brings up any hurtful subjects.

WARNING: This post is also a bit long.

>Shujin Academy. Hard to believe that it was closed off not too long ago because of a viral outbreak. But they managed to reopen in time for the graduation ceremony.

Finally, after such a long time, it’s here!

WE’RE FINALLY GRADUATIN’!

I’m surprised that you managed to make it, Ryuji.

Shut it, cat! It’s bad enough this graduation sucked.

I know. Our Horizon friends, Makoto, and his friends were supposed to be here to watch us graduate, but they couldn’t because of this outbreak.

It couldn’t be helped. Unless they have a thorough examination, there’s not much anyone can do.

Just be glad you were on that heist at the time. I’ve never seen so many surgical masks in my life.

Thank goodness Kuchisake-onna chose to stay in her room at the apartments the whole time.

That’s good to hear, I guess.

Pretty much. Though, I would have thought this would be a good opportunity for her to hide so easily.

Crow: That’s why she’s staying home.

By the way, Yusuke, why aren’t you in your uniform?

Fox: Because of COVID-19, we had our ceremony early. I would have invited you, but the principal insisted on a small ceremony with only a few people, just staff, students, and some of our relatives.

I can’t believe this had to happen.

I’m sorry, you two.

Fox: But if it makes you feel any better, Hifumi chan’s mother recorded the whole thing.

She posted it online...

And you weren’t kidding about the masks.

Well, I’m sure as long as everyone had a good time, things should have been fine. Including remembering to cover their mouth when they cough and wash their hands.

Fox: Pretty much.

Panther: And to make it better, they decided it’s okay to reopen Disneyland Destinyland. But they also said that just case, the park will be closing early for the next couple of weeks. I just hope we can make the most of it there.

Oracle: And they’ll add extra security to make sure things are safe. They even got the Danger Rangers and their human counterparts, the Rescue Heroes, helping out.

That’s right. We even featured it on the talk show.

I saw it, too. This is even reached the legal system as some neighbors started accusing neighbors of being infected, which I find ridiculous.

Well, things have calmed down now, so it should be safe to go to Destinyland now.

Joker: Yeah, Mom, Dad, and my godparents are already waiting for us there. Let’s head back to our homes and change.

>We all agreed and separate for now. Me, Fox, Oracle, and Boss go to Boss’s car. It was a little cramped since before coming here, Boss went to Fox’s dorm and helped him pack the rest of his things to be taken to the cafe.

>My room in Leblanc. I help Fox unpack the rest of his things and I change into my street clothes.

Fox: All done.

I know. I still can’t believe this is happening. We’re finally living together.

Fox: That’s right. No more one night a week. From now on, we’re together always.

Joker: Yes. Actually, I have something for you.

(Art by Don’t Die, Lloyd.)

It’s so wonderful, Ren. Actually, I have something for you, too.

(This was part of a comic.) 

I love it, Yusuke... And I love you.

(SURPRISE KISS! Please don’t flag. This image was found somewhere online.)

>He returns the gesture... This is the happiest of our lives.

Hoo boy.

Joker: (finishing up) How long have you been watching?

If you two are done, me and Futaba are ready. They still letting the trains be used, so you better get in gear Or would you rather stay and get more closer?

Joker: (smiling) We have a motorcycle, you know. But we don’t want to keep the others waiting.

>We head down.

Boss: Romantic relationships sure have changed.

>Tokyo Destinyland in Maihama. We came here to celebrate our graduation at Panther’s idea.

NOTE: Still not a good artist. Pretend the sprites have surgical masks.

You know, I thought you were supposed to come come to Destinyland the night before graduation.

Well, that’s what was suppose to happen, but because of the coronavirus, we had to change our plans.

Noir: Well, we still managed to get here.

There they are!

>Not too far from us are my parents, Jonny and Arual (we changed it to hide her identity), my uncles, Vincent, Orlando, and Toby, my aunts, Rin and Erica, and Panther’s parents, Katherine and Mr. Takamaki. Also with them were our friends from Kyoto, Zenkichi Hasegawa, aka Wolf, and his daughter, Akane.

About time you guys got here. We were actually thinking of going on without you guys.

Boss: Yeah well, any traffic problems you’ve got, direct it to the coronavirus.

Don’t even mention it. Just getting to here was hell.

Akane.

Aw, lay off the kid. She’s just sayin’ it as it is. Kinda makes us wish we had Arual and Ren’s alien immunity.

(sorry about the dress) It’s not always the answer. There are some diseases even we’re not immune to.

Joker: That’s true.

So, where do we start? We only have a few hours before the park closes.

I know! I’ve always wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion Manor.

Queen: (shivering) That place gets a little... Intense at night. How about just a relaxing Jungle Rain Forest Cruise?

That ride just goes on and on. What about a fast-paced ride, like the Pirates of the Caribbean Canary Islands or Big Thunder Lightning Mountain?

Big Lightning. Definitely Big Lightning. But I also wouldn’t mind Splash Mountain Hill.

How about Star Tours Adventures?

We already live in space, though.

Rin: From a reality perspective. I wonder what a fictional version is like.

Mona: (confused) Pretty much the same thing.

I’d suggest the Mad Crazy Tea Pary, but I’m afraid that would spread germs even more. Or just make us puke.

Well, that’s too bad, I loved that ride. Then again, I agree with Toby and Ryuji. I vote Big Lightning.

That sounds excellent, honey... (whisper) My poor stomach.

(also whispering) Mine, too.

Joker: You two can sit out if you want. No one’s forcing you.

Thank you.

Boss: I’ll sit this one out, too. I don’t think my old heart can take that much intenseness.

Wolf: Me, too.

>We go on Big Lightning Mountain.

>After that...

I so wanna go again!

Jonny: I’d (groans) rather not.

Mona: (a little dizzy) That, and we won’t have enough time.

Noir: I really want to do, Erica chan’s thing. We never got a chance to ride the Haunted Manor the last time. Now’s our chance.

...

Noir: It’s alright if you don’t want to ride, Mako chan.

Queen: No, it’s fine. I should be fine if I’m with everyone... And you.

I know. Just trust me.

Thank you.

Toby: (confused) Are they...

Erica: (not happy) It’s not polite to stare.

>The Haunted Manor. When we arrived, we spot Danger Ranger and fellow Phantom Thief, Street, arguing with a couple of Rescue Heroes.

Come on, you guys, I’m totally not scared of the Haunted Manor.

And this comin’ from the man who believes in Gargantua.

I wouldn’t doubt the kid just yet.

Young Rescue Hero: See? Even the talking polar bear agrees.

.Southern Rescue Hero: Even talkin’ animals can be wrong sometimes.

Skull: Yo, Burble san!

Street: Hey, you guys!

Southern Rescue Hero: Friends of yours?

Street: They helped us with some stuff. We’re friends now. What bring you guys here tonight?

Queen: We’re celebrating our friends’ graduation. How are things with you?

Street: I just wish an epidemic wasn’t the reason we came here. By the way, these guys are Rescue Heroes.

Oracle: The younger guy is Rocky Canyon and the cowboy is Jack Hammer.

Jack Hammer: So you know about us, huh?

You’d be surprised by what people like me know.

Street: (shuttering a bit) I guess the term, Internet Safety, means nothing to you.

Not in the slightest.

Erica: So what were you guys just talking about?

Rocky Canyon: Just remembering my first visit to the Haunted Manor.

Jack Hammer: (laughing a bit) Yeah, I heard you wet your pants.

Rocky Canyon: (upset) I already told you, someone just spilled soda on me! Seriously, don’t they know they’re not suppose to take stuff like that on rides?

Mona: (whisper with a wink) Like how you’re not suppose to bring animals on.

Rocky Canyon: And now I’m trying to convince these guys that I’m not scared of the Haunted Manor.

Jack Hammer: I dunno, you were shakin’ like a sunbather in winter when Billy told us to watch this part of the park.

Rocky Canyon: I was excited, that’s all. I’ve only been to the Destiny Resorts in California and Flordia. This is the first time I’m visiting one of their overseas resorts.

Jack Hammer: (disbelieving) Yeah, keep tellin’ yerself that.

Rocky Canyon: (still upset) Fine, you don’t believe me? It’s just about time for our break. Let’s go in right now and I’ll show you how brave I am.

Jack Hammer: Alright, we’ll see.

Jonny: (smiling) This ought to be good.

Vincent: (a bit nervous) Yeah, I guess.

Rin: It’s okay, I’ll be right by you.

>One ghostly adventure later.

(shaking a bit) Haru, you have some weird interests.

But you have to admit, that was exciting.

Erica: You bet. I think the Seance Room was my favorite. What about you, Toby?

Toby: I thought the song in the Graveyard was a bit catchy.

Mr. Takamaki: I actually liked the Library. It actually sounded like the stories in them were coming alive.

Rocky: (shaking only a little and we think we can be on first name basis) See? I told you I wasn’t scared.

Jack: (also shaking the same thing with Rocky) Yeah, I guess.

Street: (smiling a bit) I thought it was great. I should remember to tell Squeaky and Kitty about this.

Fox: And what about-

>He stopped and looked down at my leg... which Queen was hugging.

I’msorry!I’msorry!PleasesavemeSis!

The ride’s over now.

Haru: It wasn’t that scary.

Queen: (getting back up) R- Right. I just didn’t expect those ghosts in the mirror.

Rocky: Anyway, we just rode it, now to get back to work.

Street: Yeah, I have to check in with the others and see how they’re doing on their end.

>With that, they return to their posts.

Wolf: We still have some time left. Why not get something to eat while we can?

Boss: I suppose we could. But remember to wash up before that. And try not to sit too close to each other. And we wash up again after.

>After a quick bite, we decide to ride a couple more rides, grab some souvenirs, and take a picture before going home. Uncle Vincent insisted we go to “it’s a small tiny world”.

>After that...

Orlando: (groaning)  How did we let you talk us into that?

Vincent: I just thought we could use a change of pace.

Katherine: (sarcastic) Sure, because being in a long ride cooped up together won’t get us sick.

Rin: I’m sure we’ll be fine... I hope.

>Both Toby and Mr. Takamaki both make a small cough.

Rin: Are you two alright?

Toby: We’ll be fine. But I think me and Mr. T will sit out of the next ride.

Katherine: Okay. So, any ideas?

Violet: I really want to ride Space Galatic Mountain.

Panther: Oh, I’ve actually wanted to ride that. Let’s go.

>One super fast ride later.

Totally worth it!

Katherine: (smiling) Like mother, like daughter.

(dizzy) No kidding.

Mona: (also a bit dizzy) But you have to admit, it was something. You made the best choice, Lady Ann.

Katherine: (a bit confused) You know, you sure seem to like being around our daughter. Is he your boyfriend, Ann?

I’d rather not answer, Mom.

Erica: Seriously, Toby, are you sure you’re alright? You feel a little hot.

Toby: I don’t know. (cough) I know I was coughing earlier when we got here. You don’t think...

Mr. Takamaki: Hope not... (cough, cough) I think I might be, too.

Admin: Luckily, one of the shops nearby has an on-the-spot check-up station. We can go there and get souvenirs.

>We all agree.

>At the shop, we see Danger Ranger Gabriela with three Rescue  Heroes examining a child with his mother.

It looks like you have nothing to fear. You’re all healthy.

Boy’s mother: (relieved) Thank goodness. I was afraid he would have it.

Boy: Does this mean I have to go to school tomorrow?

Boy’s mother: School’s already out for spring break. I think you’ll be fine for sleeping in.

Medical Rescue Hero: But if anything comes up, be sure to get to the hospital.

It just shows that sometimes being healthy can lead to being safe.

>With that, the boy and his mother leave.

Oracle: “Being healthy can lead to being safe”?

Guess you Danger Rangers ran out of cool things to say.

Gabriela: Well, we had a lot of people coming in. It’s nice to see you guys again.

Joker: Same here.

Hey, you’re that group Jack and Rocky told us about.

Queen: Yes, they told us about you as well. Wendy Waters, Jake Justice, and Matt Medic, am I correct?

Yeah, that’s us.

Gabriela: So what brings you guys here? Came to do some shopping? Or maybe you need an examination?

Wolf: Both. Most of us already got tested and we turned up negative. But young Toby and Mr. Takamaki could definitely use an exam.

Matt Medic: Alright then, come this way.

>With that, Toby and Panther's father follow Matt Medic to be checked while we stay behind to shop. I notice Jake Justice doesn’t look happy.

Joker: Is something the matter?

Wendy Waters: A friend of his lives here in Japan. He hasn’t seen him since he got here.

Jake Justice: I’m just worried. I don’t want to think he or his mom might be infected. I just wish I could be sure.

Oracle: If you like, I could help you find him.

Jake Justice: You can do that?

Don’t underestimate her.

Jake Justice: Well, okay.

Oracle: (taking out her phone) So, what’s his name?

Jake Justice: It’s Yuuchi. Yuuchi Jiyu.

Yuuchi Jiyu?

Jake Justice: You know him?

Skull: He’s an idol, like me.

Fox: And he and a member of his Unit are students at my school. Or was now that he’s graduated the same day I did.

Jake Justice: That’s actually great.

Oracle: I even read on his Twitter Chipper account that he’s actually here to do a show.

Jake Justice: (worried) Seriously?

Fox: He even announced it at the ceremony.

Skull: It was the head of his Unit’s idea. He thought it would be good to raise everyone’s morale in these times.

Wendy Waters: Couldn’t they do it on a live video feed?

Skull: Then they wouldn’t be able to use the Dream FES System. Besides, the head of his Unit said they are not going to do it from a safe place like cowards. Yochi and the others agree.

And KUROFUNE and I kinda agree with ‘em, too. And so does DearDream.

Jake Justice: I see he’s living up to his name. Brave One.

Mona: (grinning) I guess Ryuji’s Japanese isn’t the only one questionable at best.

Shut it, cat!

Oracle: Anyway, they’re just going to do a couple of songs and that’s it. If you hurry now, you should be able to talk to him before the show starts.

Jake Justice: Can I?

Wendy Waters: Well, I guess you are due for a break now. But you’ll have to explain to Billy later.

Gabriela: And don’t forget to bring your mask with you.

Panther: You guys go without us.

Noir: Why? What’s wrong?

Erica: Toby and Ann’s dad both tested positive for the coronavirus.

Matt Medic: Fortunately, we found it just in time before the symptoms could get worse. Just a week or so in the hospital and they should be fine.

Katherine: Me, Ann, and Erica are going with them. This is what we get for listening to Vincent. I told him that ride was a bad idea.

Vincent: (a bit frustrated) It was a mistake, I get it.

Matt Medic: I’m sure this would have happened anyway. It was out of anyone's control.

Toby: He’s right. I haven't been feeling right since we got here. (cough, cough)

Mr. Takamaki: Just relax, hun. (cough) Though, I wish you could stay, Ann. This was supposed to be your grad night. Heck coming here (cough, cough) was your idea.

I know, but I’d rather make sure you and Mom are fine.

Katherine: Thank you, Ann.

Mona: I’ll go with you, Lady Ann. I don’t want you to go through this alone.

Panther: Thanks, Mona. But I don’t think it would make sense for you to get caught up in this. You should stay here with the others. I’ll let you guys know if anything comes up.

Mona: I see. I hope things turn out well, Lady Ann. I’d kiss your hand, but I have to keep my mask on.

>With that, Panther, Katherine (still curious about her daughter's relationship with Mona), Mr. Takamaki, Toby, and Erica leave to wait for the ambulance.

Mona: I hope things will be alright.

Joker: I’m sure they will.

Mona: Thanks for that, Joker. Here, I was going to give this to Panther, but I guess I can give it to you.

>Mona give me a Mickey Mouse Rusty Rabbit Watch*.

(*The other admin doesn’t know who the official mascot of Destinyland is.)

Thanks, Mona.

>A little later, were in front of the castle were a stage had been set up. Security guards and other Rescue Heroes were there to keep the crowd in control to avoid spreading the virus. Skull and Jake manage to get us backstage. There, we met up with the Idol Unit, StarRescue. (Names have been changed.) First, there’s the brave-hearted leader, Shinrin Senshi, the bookish Matsu Oka, and the slightly muscular and justice-believing Yuuchi Jiyu.

Skull: Yo, Yuuchi san!

Yuuchi: Ryuji san?

Skull: I got a surprise for you.

Yuuchi: Yeah?

Jake: (smiling) Yeah.

Yuuchi: (excited) Jake Justice sama!

Jake: You could just call me Jake. And yes, it’s me. It’s been a while. I can’t believe how much you grew. To think, not too long ago, you were just a little kid with his stuff monkey.

Yuuchi: A lot can happen over the years.

Shinrin: See? I knew Yuuchi was telling the truth.

Oka: (groans) Fine. I owe you both an apology for not believing you.

Jake: You doubted I was friends with your friend?

Yuuchi: Oka’s not exactly our friend. He’s only with us because we needed a good lyricist.

Fox: It’s true. Oka goes to my school and I’m told he’s at the top of his poetry class.

Oka: I joined to better that skill. Unlike the other two.

Shinrin: Me and Yuuchi have a common interest. You guys. The Rescue Heroes.

Shinrin: Of course, I mostly like Billy Blazes. Yuuchi kun is your fan.

Yuuchi: That’s right, Jake san... Which is going to make tonight very hard for me.

Jake: What do you mean?

Yuuchi: I was going to announce this after we finished our song, but I think you guys should hear it first.

Shinrin: What’s wrong?

Yuuchi: This... will be my last concert. After this, I’m going to the police academy.

Shinrin:(shocked) What? No. I know I’m the leader, but you’ve always been like our frontman. The guy everyone loves to see the most. You can’t quit now.

Yuuchi: I know. But I made a promise. On that day when the bullet train almost took mine and my mother’s lives, I made a promise to join the Rescue Heroes when I got older. I became an idol so I can earn enough money to pay for training. Now, I have the money and I’ve graduated high school. Time to make good on that promise.

Oka: It’s true. It’s all he’s been talking about since last April. Kind of annoying, actually.

Shinrin: But Yuuchi kun, I was going to retire from the idol business. Even if it’s just for a little while. With my mom in the hospital with the coronavirus and my dad drinking himself silly over it, my grandpa can’t run the bookstore by himself. He needs help. Besides, if you leave, I’ll be stuck with Oka and he and I don’t have that much in common.

Oka: That’s right. I’m not crazy about you Rescue Heroes as these two are. Besides, in terms of hero teams (adjusting his glasses a bit, we would have thought he was Kyoya Ootori had it not been for purple highlights) I prefer the Avengers. Especially Hawkeye. Seriously, that guy's way too underappreciated. The guys may not have superpowers, but he’s done a lot for the world. I was even there when he lived in Japan as Ronin.

Jake: True. We’ll never be as great the Avengers. We don’t have high tech suits or a Vibranium shield, a magic hammer (though Jack says his is magic), or even a Hulk (though we were very close to having one). But we do have skilled archers as you put it. Though not as skilled as Hawkeye. Still, we do good, too. Heck, there were times when we even worked with the Avengers.

Oka: Yeah, I know about that.

Yuuchi: Look, I know it seems hard, but I made a promise. So, please let me do this. And if things don’t work out, I’ll come back. Is that alright with you?

Shinrin: ... Alright. I trust you. I know you need this.

Oka: Well, I guess that means it’ll just be me. StarRescue is officially on hiatus.

Skull: Ya know, I just got in third place at Dream FES last year. I’m a True Idol and can start my own Unit. If ya like, you can join mine. I’m even thinkin’ about havin’ the Okamotos join in.

Oka: ... I’ll think about it. Thank you.

Jake: You’re just following your passion, Yuuchi. I’m happy about that. I’m also happy to see that you are holding to another passion. Especially for your friends.

Shinrin: Technically, I’m Yuuchi’s only friend in the Unit, but ya know.

Jake: Still, I’m glad to see that you refuse to give up on your passions. I’m also glad to see that you won’t let something like the coronavirus get in the way of doing what you love. Just remember to take precautions to make sure you don’t catch it or spread it. Like our motto goes...

Yuuchi: (smiling) Think like a Rescue Hero. Think safe.

Stagehand: Hey, it’s almost time. Good luck out there. Those people are getting restless despite there only being a few there.

Shinrin: We’ll be fine.

Yuuchi: Let’s do this one last time. Together.

>Even Oka couldn’t help but smile.

Shinrin: Then here we go!

>With that, they go out on stage. We diced to go into the fairly large crowd to support them.

Shinrin: This pandemic won’t stop us from living our dreams. Don’t let the same thing happen to you.

Oka: We can brave this terror when we unite our hearts.

Yuuchi: With the Rescue Heroes, the Danger Rangers, and even the Phantom Thieves on our side, we can overcome this together.

StarRescue: Now, let us conquer this Scenario!

Dorika Time!

Catch Your Cheers!

Yuuchi: Your cheers will get us through.

Catch Your Cheers! 

Shinrin: I’m pumped up for your love!

Catch Your Cheers!

Oka: Nothing can stop us from doing this.

Catch Your Cheers!

StarRescue: Together, your cheers will shine!

One-Day Policeman Series! Complete!

>StarRescue performs the KUROFUNE song, Scenario.

>After the song...

Crow: After hearing Ryuji talk about the Okamoto Twins, I just remembered. Ren, may I have a word with you?

Joker: Sure.

>We go to the nearest bathroom to talk privately.

Joker: What is it?

Crow: As you know, I couldn’t join you in the Amity Park heist.

Joker: Yes, you were on a case at the time. I guess this is about that.

Crow: Yes. And...

I believe it has something to do with the San Campion heist.

I suppose Futaba told you about the experiment.

Crow: She has. She said that something or someone came to Earth from the planet Eternia.

Joker: And?

I found that someone.

Are you sure?

Crow: Well, he was dressed oddly when me, Makoto, and Haru found him. And he had a real sword with him. Though, something seemed unusual about it.

Joker: What do you mean?

Crow: After examining it, it seems to be radiating some kind of energy. And it gets even stronger when he’s near it. Like... Like it needs to be with him. And it’s probably a good thing we did give it back to him. For a while, he started showing symptoms of the virus, but the moment we gave it to him, they were just gone like he just went through a quick recovery.

Joker: I see...

You think they can reproduce that energy to cure everyone?

Crow: They tried. But they got an anonymous message advising against it. And they listened. Probably a good thing. I could tell that kind of energy seems far too dangerous to use. So all we can do is hope they find a better way. But enough of that, we’re talking about Adam.

Joker: Adam? Is that his name?

Crow: It’s all he remembers. When we found him, he couldn’t remember who was or where he came from. He only remembers that his name is Adam. We couldn’t find any information on him, so he has to be from somewhere... out of this world.

Joker: Have you told anyone. Peter? Harry?

Crow: I did, but when the coronavirus hit Japan, they couldn’t do anything. They couldn’t even come here.

Joker: I see.

Crow: Still, we should at least try to learn what we can. So, I was wondering if you could come with me to talk to him further.

Joker: I suppose I can. Though, I don’t think going into a hospital might be a good idea right now.

Crow: He’s not there. After the outbreak was reported, they let him go to make room for patients. Fortunately, a colleague of mine offered to let Adam stay at his house. Since he says he’s always on a case, it should be fine for him to stay there. I’ll send you the address and you can come when you have the chance. Fair warning though, it’s in Beika. Think you can make such a long journey?

I’ll see what I can do.

>With that, and after washing our hands, we rejoin the others. Apparently, we missed the last song. But still, it was one heck of a night. So, we all went home for the night with the memories of what happened.

[alwaysanotherooc]

Sean and Ken for the break the ships down thing?

 YES. FINALLY. AN ASK ABOUT MY BEAUTIFUL OTP. This took forever for me to do, and it’s so LONG OMG. Find it underneath the cut!Send me a Choices couple and I’ll break down their relationship!

How did they meet? On the plane to La Huerta, Ken stood up as Sean was walking back from the bathroom and blurted at him, “I HAD A DREAM ABOUT YOU.” And Ken was just so cute, dark hair mussed from sleep and a crease line on his cheek but his eyes…there was something about them that just enraptured Sean, so he smiled and flirted with him. Later, they like to tell people that they met because of a plane crash. Jake doesn’t appreciate that they tell it like that.

Who developed romantic feelings first? Sean. Pretty much from the moment Ken opened his mouth Sean was gone on this boy. Then in the observatory, lit up by the projections of galaxies and supernovas, Sean knew he’d never seen anything so beautiful, and he never would again. Ken’s been proving him wrong ever since.

Who is their biggest “shipper?” KUAN-YU CRAIG HSIAO AND DIEGO RICARDO ORTIZ SOTO

When did they have their first kiss and under what circumstances? They had their first kiss while sinking to their deaths in the oceans surrounding La Huerta, the sea monster still roaring somewhere else in the ocean, the water growing colder and colder but it couldn’t touch them while wrapped around each other.

Who confessed their feelings first? Ken did, technically, the morning Sean was going to set out for the Observatory alone, he said that he couldn’t lose Sean. He also said some other things but Sean literally can’t remember anything else for a couple minutes after that. 

What was their first official date? Their first ‘official’ date happens once they get back from the island, Ken takes Sean out to the vineyard near his house.

How do they feel about double dates/group dates? They both like to do group dates because ever since the island every single one of them kind of low-key (high-key) hates not being around each other.

What do they do in their down time? Sean likes to play Fifa with Craig or do Spa days with the girls, Ken likes to do theory sessions over various media forms he and Diego consume, especially The Crown and The Flame.

What was the first meeting of parents as an official couple like? Ken has not and will never meet Sean’s dad. Ever. He has met Sean’s mom and his other family members, who were unsure what to think about Ken at first, but after seeing just how clearly the two of them love one another they were all for it. Sean met Kella and Kessa and his Tio Grant and Tia Sofia almost the minute they got back to the States. Kella was LIVID that Ken hadn’t called her even once and Kessa was worried sick too. As the three siblings stood yelling at each other on the tarmac, Tia Sofia and Tio Grant got to know Sean and instantly knew from the way his eyes lingered on Ken that the two of them were in love. Kella took a month to get used to the idea that Ken had a boyfriend, as Kella doesn’t trust men in general, but she loves Sean like he’s her own son. Kessa was so happy for them both she nearly cried, and in a later novel of hers, she makes a background couple mentioned once or twice in her books off of them.

What was their first fight over and how did they get past it? Their first fight, if you could call it that, was when Sean tried to go all ‘One Man Army’ on the search for the La Huerta Observatory. They got past it when Ken put his hand on Sean’s chest and said, “We can’t lose anybody right now. I...I can’t lose anybody right now.”

Which one is more easily made jealous? Neither one ever gets jealous, they know exactly where the other’s heart is, so they don’t worry about it.

What is their favorite thing to get to eat? Sean loves eating In-N-Out. As a southerner, he feels like he should hate it, but it’s one of Ken’s favorite places, so it’s sentimental to him. Ken grew up in California, he has In-N-Out in his blood.

Who’s the cuddly one? What their favorite cuddling position? They are so cuddly! Their favorite position to cuddle is either Sean fully covering Ken’s body and pressing him down into the mattress which helps him sleep (don’t ask it does), or Ken curled up like a little back pack on Sean’s back as the Big Spoon.

Are they hand holders? OH YEAH. They’re always touching one another too, hands trailing over skin, leaning into one another, sitting ridiculously close, touching each other all the time...they’re that couple.

How long do they wait before sleeping together for the first time? They sleep together for the first time five days after they met, the night before the Watchers came.

Who tops? They either flip a coin or, depending on what situation they're in, know instinctively, but they both switch it up.

What’s the worst first they’ve ever gotten into? The absolute worst fight they ever got into was when Ken played along with the Vaanti and agreed to play out the prophecy of Princess Andromeda, chained to a boulder in the ocean to be fed to the sea monster, Cetus. They all eventually saved Ken, but Sean to this day has never forgiven Ken for it, because seeing the person you love so much, a part of your soul, in that amount of danger, is awful to imagine.

Who does the shopping and the cooking? They both HATE shopping but LOVE cooking so they’ll make shopping a race and then spend hours in the kitchen together making whatever tickles their fancy.

Which one is more organized and prone to tidiness? Ken. Growing up he didn’t have a lot of stuff, so he likes keeping his things neat and tidy and clean, he takes a lot of pride in them. Sean isn’t sloppy by any means, but he’s just not quite as tidy as Ken.

Who proposes? Sean, in the most cliched way possible. Sean eventually got himself signed on as Quarterback for the LA Rams, and their very first year they made it to the Superbowl and won. Sean, standing under the stadium lights, hand in hand with a beaming Ken, was asked by the press, “What are you gonna do now?” And Sean smiled, “Something I’ve been waiting forever for.” And then Sean turned to Ken, kneeled, and pulled out a ring box, popping it open to reveal a simple gold band inlaid with amber, and Sean asked as Ken burst into tears, “Kemen Rodrigo De Vega, love of my life and my other half, will you marry me?” Ken beamed through his tears of joy, “Only if you marry me!” Sean slid the ring onto Ken’s finger and they kissed as the whole damn stadium lost their damn MINDS. The footage was aired on news stations all over the world for a week. It got fifteen million hits on Youtube. Sean thinks he did alright.

Do they have joined Bachelor/Bachelorette parties or separate? Joined, no doubt about it. They really don’t like separating their friends, it’s a weird thing.

Who is the best man/maid of honor? Any other groomsmen or bridesmaids? Diego and Craig are the Best Men, and Kella and Kessa are the Maids of Honor. The rest of the friend group is either a Bridesmaid or a Groomsman.

Big Ceremony or Small? Big ceremony, small reception with just family and close friends.

Do they have a honeymoon? If so, where? Where else?? La Huerta.

Do they have children? How many? They do. They have five kids, Ken always said he wanted a big family and Sean loved the idea, and they adopted a pair of twins, girls, a boy, and then two siblings who were on the verge of being split up by the adoption system, a boy, and a girl.

This was SO MUCH FUN I love Ken so fucking much and his relationship with Sean??? UGH, I LOVE IT!! 

[thehikingviking]

Mt Ritter (13,143 ft) & Banner Peak (12,936 ft) via Ediza Lake

I offered to lead an outing with the California Mountaineering Club, deciding upon a great 3 day backpack of Mt Ritter and Banner Peak from August 24-26th of 2018. I posted the following description to the outings schedule.

The first day we will backpack to Ediza Lake where we will set up camp for two nights. The second day, we will climb the Ritter/Banner saddle. First we will climb the class 2 southern slopes of Banner Peak. Afterwards, we will descend to the saddle and climb the north face of Mt Ritter on the same day! This is very prolonged and exposed class 3 route, so please only request to join if you are experienced and comfortable on such sections. We will descend the southeast glacier route. Sunday we will hike out. Helmets, crampons and ice axes will be required. Group size limited due to permit availability.

I got several responses, as I would expect from such an amazing opportunity. The roster included myself, Asaka, Brian (BJ) Jennings, Patrick Moran, Alex Sapozhnikov and a newcomer from Idaho, Laura Grant. My friend Dean Gaudet coincidentally had a backpacker’s permit for the same weekend, so we invited him to hike alongside us. He only had interest in Mt Ritter and would plan to ascend on his own via the Southeast Glacier. BJ reserved group campsite #1 where Asaka and I planned to spend the night in order to avoid the mandatory shuttle which runs from Minaret Summit between 7am to 7:30pm daily. I proposed for the group to meet at Agnew Meadows Trailhead at 10am the following day.

The next morning I arrived at the trailhead at 10am, but was not ready in time because I had issues storing food in the smaller bear boxes at the trailhead. It was embarrassing to be late as the group leader, but in the end it was my trip and I had the wilderness permits. We did our introductions and headed off down the trail. The first section walked around Agnew Meadows before descending down to the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. After 2.6 miles, we crossed a footbridge and took the left fork in the trail towards Shadow Lake. The next mile would be the hardest part of the day; a series of switchbacks exposed to the sun. We all handled the section well enough.

At the top of the switchbacks we took a lunch break at Shadow Lake. Mt Ritter and Banner Peak were now visible.

Our next checkpoint of Ediza Lake only required a little more than 500 ft of additional gain, allowing us to enjoy our hike along Shadow Creek.

We reached Ediza Lake after 6.4 miles. Smoke from the nearby forest fires obstructed the views, but the surroundings were still fantastic.

We continued to the western side of the lake and set up camp along a creek feeding the lake. Once we were settled, we walked down to the lake as a group where several of us jumped in for a swim.

Weather was warm so we dried off quickly. We were cleansed and refreshed, and with perfect weather, I had high confidence that we would have success the next day.

Afternoon flew by and soon we were making dinner. We agreed to leave at 6am the next morning.

I woke up after a decent sleep and began chewing on one of Asaka’s homemade banana breads. It washed it down with some warm coffee and prepared my gear alongside the tent. We left a little after our starting time but weather was expected to be good. We followed the use trail as it continued up the creek. Mt Ritter and Banner peak came into view shortly after.

We stopped at the base of the two peaks to top off our waters before the big climb.

We said goodbye to Dean who planned to only climb Mt Ritter via the Southeast Glacier. He wasn’t feeling confident so I gave him words of encouragement. We then aimed for the class 2 scree field behind the snow field.

Some people stayed high on the class 2 portion of the route. I found this loose and tedious so I chose a class 3 variant on solid rock. The Minarets stood to the south.

We reached the snowfield below the Ritter Banner Col. My heart was pumping after a good warm up.

We stopped to put on crampons and take out our ice axes. I made sure everyone know what they were doing and we began up the snow.

We eyed the steep snow couloir which led to the saddle, however the conditions were icy enough to create concern. While the probability of slipping on such a section was low, I felt the consequence was high enough. We bypassed the couloir by deciding to climb the rocks to the left to the saddle.

We stepped out of our crampons and scrambled left until finding a class 3 chute. The section was a bit more precarious than I expected with loose rocks and water running down sections of the climbing route. We were very careful here, and I wonder if taking the snow chute would have been safer after all.

We all managed to safely make it to the saddle which was a big relief to yours truly.

After a short break, with the exception of Patrick who climbed Banner Peak previously, everyone made their way to the top of Banner Peak at their own pace.

It was a straightforward class 2 slog. The key to avoiding any difficult climbing was to traverse to the left until reaching the chute which led to the summit. Ascending the peak allowed me to study the northeast face of Mt Ritter.

It didn’t seem like such a wall was only class 3, but I had to trust previous reports. I tried to stay in between all members of the group. Laura, Asaka and BJ were in front of me and Alex brought up the rear. 

I scrambled up the final section to find the others waiting for me at the top.

Laura asked if I had seen her phone on my way up. She dropped it somewhere along the way. Unfortunately, I did not see anything.

To the east were Garnet Lake and San Joaquin Mountain.

To the south were Volcanic Ridge and the Minarets.

To the southwest was Mt Ritter.

To the west was the Clark Range in Yosemite National Park.

To the northwest was Mt Lyell, the high point of Yosemite.

To the north were Kuna Peak, Koip Peak and Thousand Island Lake.

We began to head down and on our way we found Alex still making his way up. He seemed to be struggling, which gave me cause for concern considering the main climb was still to come. He did however find Laura’s phone along the way; very lucky indeed. As a thank you, Laura did a good job of guiding him up the last portion of the mountain.

I admired the glacier heading down to Lake Catherine back at the pass. It’s a rare sight to see one in the Sierra.

We now focused on the main course. We all put our crampons back on and made our way up the steep snow field. Ice ax in uphill hand, I repeated to everyone. The section was still a bit icy, so I urged everyone to be extra cautious.

We climbed almost to the top of the snowfield then climbed onto the rock to our right. I could for see the group splitting, so I had Asaka lead the route up the Northeast Face with the others while I stayed back with Alex for the time being.

The beginning was very moderate class 3. I was afraid of rockfall danger with our large group, but no rocks fell on my head that day. Things got scary for a while because Patrick got too far ahead and we couldn’t find him. It was getting stressful to handle such a large group with different levels of endurance and experience.

I was very patient with Alex who seemed very unsure of his route-finding abilities. His climbing abilities were actually quite good, but he had a propensity to ask where to go often, even if the route was obvious.

The crux of the climb was the final 30-40 feet of the face. I would rate this as old school class 3. There could be a serious penalty with a fall here, but we all made it up with no incident.

Now we were on the ridge. We were moving very slow, but weather was great.

The others were making a habit of getting too far out ahead. Luckily the group was experienced, but I still was responsible for making sure everyone stayed safe. I went back and forth several times between Alex and the others. Apparently Patrick spotted Dean on the summit. I was very glad he made it to the top.

We finally reached the final ramp section which I was looking forward to, but things were getting out of hand. In the front, Patrick was yelling for me asking which way to go. In the back, Alex was also yelling, asking for me to direct him. Worst of all, Asaka somehow accidentally dropped her backpack off the face of the peak!

I screamed for everyone to remain calm. I could only deal with one issue at a time. I told Patrick to sit tight and I went back to direct Alex. Then after scolding Asaka, I carefully down climbed the face of the peak to retrieve the backpack. It was around 200 feet of very loose class 3, but I was able to reach it. I had to be equally careful on the climb back up.

Safely back on the main route, things were again under control. I studied the route ahead and advised Patrick to climb the rocks on the left of the chute. This took him to the top and the others followed. 

This deposited us right next to the summit. Dean had already left. Soon after we were all celebrating a 100% success rate.

To the northwest were Mt Florence, Mt Lyell, Rodgers Peak and Mt Davis.

To the north were Kuna Peak, Parker Peak and Banner Peak.

To the east was San Joaquin Mountain.

To the southeast were Volcanic Ridge and the Minarets.

To the southwest was Neglected Peak, a rightfully named sub peak which I briefly considered investigating. 

I found an abandoned hiking pole which I claimed as booty. After signing the register, we began our descent down the standard route towards the Southeast Glacier.

The group began to split up again. I stayed back with Alex while the others eagerly went at their own pace. Asaka was nice enough to stay back with me and I enjoyed the company.

We reached the Southeast Glacier which was very cool. I didn’t bother to put on my crampons and simply walked down the gradual slopes. There would be no crevasse danger here.

I had another freak out when I lost sight of those ahead of me. Alex was struggling on this slippery section, but I had to run ahead to manage the group the best I could. It was like herding cattle. I ran towards a rocky overlook and saw the others heading towards a cliff dead end. I yelled and emphatically pointed to the right and they got the hint. I then waited for Asaka, frustrated at the current situation. When Alex joined us, we continued down the route together.

I told Alex and Asaka to continue on together while I stayed back and handled my business. As soon as Asaka dropped out of sight, I entered the squat position and did my best impersonation of Johnny Bench. A minute later she reappeared into the line of vision, unaware of my vulnerable state. I watched as she walked down the rock slabs, hoping the whole time that she wouldn’t turn around. Luckily she didn’t.

The last few hundred feet took a toll on me. I tend to save my knees by descending fast; almost as if I’m performing a controlled fall. With Alex I was forced to descend slowly. I told Asaka to run ahead to camp and join the others.

I was relieved to finally make the trail. I met the others back at camp and everyone was very satisfied with the day’s effort. It took me and Alex 12 hours to climb both peaks and return to camp.

The next day the smoke had cleared. It was a beautiful morning.

The hike out was easy and enjoyable.

At Shadow Lake, Patrick recognized an old friend paddle boarding off in the distance. It was a bikini clad young lady. What are the chances of that?

We made it back to the cars in one piece. Afterwards we had lunch in Mammoth Lakes. Everyone seemed to have a great time. It was a great trip led by a very strong leader, if I must say so myself.