#sketchers house parties

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

Sketchers House Parties Fuzzy Platform Flip Flops

early 2000s

Found on Ebay, user shoprobinson

[avelera]

i know that giving sanctuary has a lot of stuff about “dad with dead son” angst for plot reasons and stuff but i have to admit sometimes i think of either hob or dream in the like …classic middle class white american dad fit of a polo shirt and cargo shorts or something equally ugly (big chunky sketchers shoes, those neon reflective sunglasses, god forbid a golf club) and i lose my mind laughing so thank you for indirectly planting that seed in my brain

Oh goodness, WHAT AN IMAGE indeed.

That said---! I could see it. I mean, for Hob I could see it. If there WAS a modern AU of Giving Sanctuary, the modern equivalent or vibe I see for Hob is like... guy who waited until his late 30s to have a kid, who really made sure he had a high paying job, met the exact right person, had the perfect house etc etc then loses his family and falls into a depression where he loses everything and can't hold it together as a result. And yes, he absolutely wears a polo shirt and ugly khakis at Robyn's like...5th birthday party or something and there is photographic evidence that Dream, for all he's starting to love this guy, still cannot entirely forgive ;P

That said, the timing gets weird with immortality because there is a distinct theme in the story around losing an adult son, someone he spent 20 years knowing and who Hob was about to send out in the world to start his own family, only to lose him. So maybe the better vibe would be "If the events of GS took place in the 20th/21st century but the characters were still immortal." Would be an interesting visual challenge to do like what is Hob's 1589 equivalent in the modern era, except maybe an update of 1989 but with a beard?? A flashy Rolex?

Whereas Dream is the sort of father I don't really see shown very much in media, which is someone with actually a bit of style who nevertheless had a child while pretty young? Like, people have kids all the time while they're quite young, I don't even mean teen pregnancy stuff I mean, 21 year olds who are adults settling down and starting a family is hardly the most outrageous thing!

So for Dream's human/modern AU GS equivalent (or NOT Human AU just "What if the events around Orpheus happened in the 21st century instead?) I see him and Calliope as like... that Goth/Artist couple who got married around age 21 when none of their peers were getting married, like everyone (aka the other Endless and all her sisters) thought they were crazy to settle down and have a kid, it was so against type for both of them, everyone thought they were much more into their art but instead they took the time to start a family.

And then they lost that child, broke up horrifically over it, and the Dream who meets Hob in this 21st c GS equivalent, emotionally speaking, is now a 30-something year old, still a goth, still very much an artist, but who has this sort of life experience that almost no one in his age group has had, who has this depth of trauma brought to his life that gets interpreted all the time as him just being this artistic, introverted, misanthrope y'know? He's a goth, that's Why He's Like

That, and no one actually ASKS him what went wrong in his life to make him like this because if they did, hearing "I got married to a fellow artist when I was 21 and happy and optimistic about the world, we had a son who died, and my wife and I split up by the time I was in my mid-20s, and now I'm in my 30s and I've been traumatized and convinced the world is out to get me ever since, so I've buried myself in my work to cope" is just NOT the answer one expects to hear!

So a modern Giving Sanctuary would be Hob, y'know, at the end of his rope, at absolute rock bottom, meeting up with Dream (human or not) in a bar like they agree to while Hob is now unhoused after losing it all and hey, if we go full modern/human AU, maybe Hob is someone Dream got a job for years ago as a favor to his sister, thinking Hob would crash and burn at it only for Hob to actually do very well! So Hob and Dream still agree to meet up every year since then y'know, just following up on this favor (Dream hoping the first couple times it was just to see Hob fail miserably because he thought the guy was a jock and an idiot) only for Hob to confess why his life has fallen apart is his son dying and to see Dream's reaction and to actually be the first person *ever* to hear the story and not be like 'What were you doing getting married when you were 21??" and instead being... actually sympathetic? And asking if he's ok?? Because it really is a huge problem that men who lose their children tragically don't get anywhere near the same support and sympathy that women do?

So yeah the grounded elements of Giving Sanctuary actually DO work in a modern update, absolutely!

And Hob absolutely wore a polo shirt and like... a Rolex to the modern 1589-equivalent meeting which was held at like... Dream's art gallery showing, showed a bunch of pictures of his wife and kid on his phone while bragging about his high paying job, and Dream took one look at this fucking chad and peaced the fuck out of that noise, only to have Hob show up a year after to be the only goddamn person ever who has actually understood the fact that 10 years later, Dream is still traumatized by having his life fall apart in his early 20s. The End.

[twopoppies]

Hi Gina! I’m looking for a fic and maybe you could help me. It took place over the summer and Louis stayed at a beach house with Liam possibly. Harry was visiting the town for the summer and they met at a party. Louis was an artist maybe a painter or a sketcher? And he showed Harry his art one day. But the ending was sad and the beginning started with a present day scene of Harry visiting the house before the rest of the story/flashback took place.

Hmmm. I don’t tend to read fics with sad endings, so I think I missed that one.

Does anyone know this fic?

[innerbasementchaos]

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[intosnarkness]

You know, if someone threw me out of their party after an argument and then told me I had to go open a haunted house torture experience to punish people who weren’t cool enough to get into their party, I think I would just… not do that?

All I’m saying is Satan is probably sitting on his throne drawing on his sketchers with a sharpie and listening to MCR, not punching people up the pee hole or whatever.

[luna-the-shark4254]

Daily incorrect quotes :)

Me: Am I a boy? Am I a girl? It doesn't matter. I'm going to burn your house down.

049: The universe is cold and unfeeling. The only constant is chaos. 035: Was that place out of chocolate-chip pancakes again?

035: I mean, sure, I have my bad days, but then I remember what a cute smile I have.

Kiki: My future partner must be brave, strong, intelligent, successful and organized. Andy: *steps on a caterpillar and proceeds to drop to their knees and sob while apologizing profusely* Kiki: That one. I want that one.

Kiki: Would you slap 035- Andy: Yes. Kiki: I didn't even finish! Andy: Sorry, continue. Kiki: Would you slap 035 for 10 dollars? Andy: I would do it for free. 035: Rude...

035: What did you guys get in your yearbook? Kiki: 'Prettiest Smile' Andy: 'Nicest Personality' Catgurl: 'Most likely to start a bar fight' 049: 'Least likely to start a bar fight, but most likely to win one'

Andy: That's ridiculous, Kiki doesn't have a crush on me. Catgurl: Yes they do. 049: Yes they do. Kiki: Yes I do.

Catgurl: You're violent. Kiki: Yeah but I'm also short and that's adorable.

Kiki: Damn, the power went out. 049: Don’t worry, I got this. 049: *stomps foot* Kiki: What-? 049: *Sketchers light up*

035: *looks at 999* 035: Baby boy. Baby. 035: *looks at Catgurl* 035: Evil.

Kiki: OKAY, YOU KNOW WHAT?! TIME OUT! GET ON TOP OF THE FRIDGE! GET UP THERE! 049: *Climbing* THIS HOUSE IS A FUCKING NIGHTMARE!!!

Kiki: Andy is too tall for me to kiss them on the lips. What should I do? 035: Punch them in the stomach. Then, when they double over in pain, kiss them. 049: Tackle them! Catgurl: Dump them. 999: Kick them in the shin! Andy: No to all of those! Just ask me to lean down!!

999: I'm so tired of this life. I want to be a roomba. I want knives taped to me. And I want to be set loose.

049, holding a fork: You know your talking a lot of shit for someone who has 2 perfectly good eyeballs each cost about $16,000 on the blackmarket. Kiki: .... 049: *lip smack*

049: Catgurl... Catgurl: I can tell by the tone of your voice that you are disappointed. Alas, I must further disappoint you by affirming how little I give a fuck.

035: I give up. I am so tired. 999: Get the emergency supply! Andy: *carries Kiki and places them in front of 035* Kiki: *smiles* 035: AND I AM BACK BABY, LET’S GOOO

999: Blue M&Ms are the best. Kiki: whAT IS THIS SLANDER? 999: What about it? They are. Kiki: I WILL NOT ALLOW SUCH LIES ON MY CHRISTIAN MINECRAFT SERVER! Kiki: THE RED ONES ARE THE BEST! 999: YEAH? WELL YOUR MOM'S A HO! Catgurl: They're all chocolate inside, the colors don't mean anything. 049: I like the yellow ones. 999 and Kiki: SHUT THE FUCK YOUR MOUTH!

Kiki: Mint is just cold spicy. The Squad: ... 049: What the actual fuck is wrong with you.

Catgurl: Here you go, 999, a nice hot cup of coffee! 999: It's cold. Catgurl: A nice cup of coffee. 999: It's horrible! Catgurl: Cup of coffee. 999: I'm not sure if this even IS coffee. Catgurl: C U P.

999: So 035 was just using me? Catgurl: I’m sorry, 999. 049, trying to contain their amusement: You must feel pretty stupid right now. 999: Catgurl: Ok, that’s a time-out. 049: No, I was just trying to- Catgurl: Go sit over there! 049: *walks away in defeat*

049: How do you know how to kiss? Like who teaches you? Kiki: Well it’s actually a class, but unfortunately it’s full right now. Kiki: Would you like me to tutor you? Andy: That was smooth.

999: So uh, for this party and everything, do you, uh... 049, sighing: You don't know how to dress for this, do you? 999, panicked: WHAT IS CLOTHES???

049: *gets a text* Oh! It’s Catgurl. 035, excitedly: Did they get me the stuff? 049: Yeah, they say they got you the clown costume, the power drill, and 12 gallons of blood. 035: Wow! Where’d they find 12 gallons of fake blood? 049: You wanted fake blood? 035: 049: I’ll go call Catgurl.

999: HYDRATE OR DIE-DRATE! 999: *aggressively throws water bottles* Kiki: Uh... what's up with them? Andy: They're trying to yell mental health and wellbeing into us. 999: I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU! 035, crying: It's working.

Catgurl: Wow, this parking is as straight as I am. 035: I know I should be focused on the fact that you just came out, but HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY PARKING!

999: Okay! Let’s play Kiss Marry Kill! 999: First who would you kill? *Kiki points at Catgurl* *Andy points at Catgurl* *035 points at Catgurl* Catgurl: *shrugs* I would kill me too.

049: Guys, my friend here is bilingual. Kiki: Yes. 049: Which means they like both boys and girls. Kiki: Ye- wait, what- Catgurl: 049, that's not what bilingual means- 049: Shhh, it's okay Kiki. I still love you, man. Kiki & Catgurl: ... 049: bUT NOT LIKE THAT-

Kiki: I wish I was a cat, but not in a furry kinda way, more like a “I can sleep all day and hit people with no consequences” kinda way

Kiki: Can we go out to get icecream? Andy: Did you ask Catgurl? Kiki: They said no. Andy: Then why did you ask me? Kiki: They're not the boss of you. Andy, internally: It's a trap, it's a trap, it's a trap.

Catgurl: How would you like your coffee? 999: As dark as my soul. Catgurl: Got it, one cup of milk coming right up!

Catgurl: Why do you think I don’t like you? I do. I would kill for you. Catgurl: Ask me to kill for you. Female 049: ...First of all, calm down-

Catgurl: It's locked. You got a lock pick? 999: Yeah- Kiki: *kicks in the door*

[baka-monarch]

Honeyed Blood Over Fresh Snow

(btw this takes place back when Tommy moved out of Logstedshire and in with Techno)

(TRIGGER WARNINGS: DEATH, KILLING, MENTION OF SUICIDE)

____________________________________________

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Came Fundy's voice from behind the tiny hovering president.

"It should be fine, it's just Tommy" Tubbo had been sneaking off to Logstedshire for a while now, and had been planning this visit for weeks. The small bee hybrid had regretted exiling Tommy for a while, and during his few small hidden visits his guilt had grown even more. He couldn't bear to see his best friend- no- his brother suffering like he was. Tubbo didn't know why he had even listened to Dream in the first place, Tommy had a plan, one that Fundy and Quackity had even agreed with, to take down the smiling man- and now because of Tubbo, Tommy was suffering. "I have to talk to him. Alone."

"Yeah, but what if Thomas is mad at you- Tubbo you're not exactly- well your-" Quackity was quickly shut up as Tubbo cut him off with a glare.

"I'm tiny. I know." Tubbo shrugged. "But don't worry, I'm going in bee form and I can just fly away if it seems like he… like he…" Tubbo didn't want to think about what would happen if Tommy was mad at him. Flashbacks of the festival and the sounds of fireworks overtook his mind for a moment before he shook those memories away. "I'll be fine." At Tubbo's words he received worried looks from both Quackity and Fundy. "And if I somehow don't come back…" he looked to Quackity specifically, "Go through with it without me."

Quackity gave a curt nod, and before either of them could do or say anything, Tubbo was transforming into his bee form and buzzing away. The only thoughts running through Tubbo's mind as he flew above the water was his worry for Tommy. His friend had been forced to be alone with only Dream for weeks now, and Tubbo hadn't even properly visited them- who knew what all happened in that small camp Tommy had built. The bee boy felt guilty for what he did, he wanted to make it up to Tommy by finally talking to them after all this time. Who knows, maybe Tommy would forgive him for practically betraying their friendship at the hands of the green man they've always been against. Ever since Wilbur, through the wars, the disks, everything- they had always been together against Dream and now Tubbo had joined their enemy's side and exiled his best friend. He had to fix this.

As Tubbo flew closer to Logstedshire an uneasy feeling began to creep it's way up his fuzzy back. Something was… off. He couldn't hear Tommy- yes his friend had been getting more quieter based off the few times Tubbo had spied on them, but Tommy was never the type of person to let a silence hang, always preferring to fill it with some sort of noise, whether it was their own voice or the sound of music. Then there was what Tubbo was beginning to see- on the shore was a small table, chairs, and other things as if someone had been preparing for a party… and the closer Tubbo flew the more his eyes teared up. He began to see a small crater and a decimated house, the one he thought Tommy had been living in. Why was it blown up? Why would Tommy… why would anyone…

Then he saw it. How could Tubbo miss it? The tall structure making the bee freeze at the sight as he looked up and up and up and up-

Tubbo's breathing sped up. "No…" he buzzed to himself, too overwhelmed to turn back into his more human-esc form. "No no no no no…. Please NO!!!" He flew over to the bottom and began searching. "Surely not- he didn't- he couldn't have- he he he…." There was a compass on the ground. "No…." Tubbo landed on it, and sure enough engraved to the side was 'Your Tubbo'.

The small bee felt his entire world crashing down around him. He couldn't do this- he couldn't- couldn't be here. With all those thoughts and images of Tommy falling plaguing his mind Tubbo began to fly- to fly as fast as he possibly fucking could away from that cursed place. He had to get away from there. He didn't care where he flew, he didn't even pay attention to his surroundings as he flew and flew as fast as his tiny wings could buzz forth. Screaming out a buzz of agony that only he could hear.

Tubbo could painfully remember thousands of times he'd land on Tommy's nose and be teased about being clingy, only for Tommy to then rest a hand over him to keep him there. Memories of getting tangled in Tommy's never ending curling hair, and laughing as his human friend complained. All the times Tubbo would forget about flying and would be caught in the warm familiar hands of his brother. Hundreds of times Tubbo would bury his way into Tommy's pocket and take a nap. Their time in POGtopia whenever Tubbo wasn't with Schlatt and got to stay in the ravine, there wasn't enough supplies and they had to share a bed, and Tubbo would always wake up being gently cuddled…. And Tommy's laughter, it filled his head and-

Tubbo paused his fruitless flying and realized he was now in the tundra, near a small house he didn't recognize. He looked up hearing a far too familiar sound that shattered his heart.

Tommy's laughter… It filled the frozen air and warmed it too much for the small bee, and as he looked over he was overwhelmed with emotions as he saw Tommy- standing there, smiling, ALIVE. Tubbo didn't even hesitate to fly over to Tommy, not caring that Technoblade was there too, not caring that his emotions were too overwhelming to not turn back into his human form, and not caring if Tommy was mad at him. Tommy was alive and that's all that mattered- all Tubbo wanted to do was to never leave Tommy's side, fuck the excile, fuck Dream, all be dammed he was going to stay with his friend and make sure nothing like what he thought happened at that tower would happen again.

"Fucking annoying bees…" Tommy absantmindedly swatted at what must've been an escaped bee as it annoyingly buzzed around his head. Tubbo didn't care as he dodged the hand, he'd just stay flying around Tommy until his emotions were in control, he could turn back, and explain. The bee continued to fly around Tommy's head, and Tommy continued to swat at Tubbo, not realizing it was his friend yet.

"Tommy, stop messing with the bees!" Came Techno's voice, and it distracted Tubbo. In that millisecond of hesitation Tubbo didn't see the hand coming, and suddenly he was smacked out of the air and fell down into the snow.

The next few moments almost seemed to happen in slow motion. Tubbo didn't even have any time to scream as he looked up to see Tommy barely even noticing him, just having this annoyed look on their face. The bee boy looked up more, and paled in horror as he saw the Sketcher tennis shoe raise up. Tubbo opened his mouth to scream, he turned back instantaneously, but it didn't matter as the shoe slammed down onto him. Tubbo felt his bones crush and crack, blood bursting out of him in some places, and he couldn't even scream as he was choking on that blood with a lung being either torn or popped…He couldn't tell. It didn't matter as the shoe pressed into the ground, as if trying to smear him down, and Tommy… Tommy turned away, not even looking down or noticing what they'd done. As if he'd squished just another random bug.

"Alright alright, they're annoying anyways-" Was the last thing Tubbo heard Tommy say as the human walked away…

•••

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!?!" Quackity screamed at Tommy as soon as he saw them, they're invisibility potion having worn off along with Techno's pot.

"What are you talking about!?" Tommy yelled back, he quickly scrambled behind The Blade. They'd just come sneaking into L'manburg for some supplies, he didn't think this whole Butcher Army thing would come out of nowhere and yell at them.

"Tubbo!! Where the fuck is he Tommy!?" Quackity continued to yell.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I haven't seen him since I was exiled!!" Tommy yelled back. Quackity just gave Tommy a confused look.

"Tommy… Tubbo went to visit you a week ago and didn't come back…" Fundy spoke up sadly. Tommy paused at that.

"What do you mean? I- I didn't see him..?" Tommy looked up at Techno.

"Don't look at me kid, I didn't do anything to yer little tyrant" Techno shrugged, but he could already see the panic starting to form on Tommy's face.

"You really don't know what happened?" Quackity dropped his weapon to his side. As much as he wanted to finish off Techno right now, Tommy was starting to worry him. "He went in bee form, so no weird bees either?"

"No, no I didn't…." Suddenly, Tommy froze, parking as he remembered something he did a week ago. "No… no no no, fuck NO!!" It was then that Tommy turned and ran back to the nether portal, ignoring the shouting from Techno and The Butcher Army as they ran after him. The teen's mind was a swirl of fear, he couldn't have not to Tubbo- never to Tubbo. There's no way that he…That he…

No, no. Tommy would never have hurt Tubbo, not even unintentionally. He'd even promised back during POGtopia that no matter what happens, he would never hurt Tubbo, not even by accident. Never would he ever… never, just- he could never…

As soon as Tommy saw Techno's house he ran straight to the bee farm and fell to the ground in front of it. The place where he'd done it now stuck in his mind. He began to dig into the snow, only speeding up more as his fingers got covered in red blood that was in the snow until- Tommy let out a sob.

They didn't even look dirty, the snow seemed to have melted a bit around where their body was and had washed off any blood or mud that could have been on them. Tommy gingerly scooped Tubbo's body up into his hands. They were cold… too cold. Their body was so limp that Tommy felt like he was holding more of a rag doll then… then his best friend…

Tommy screamed.

He sobbed.

He hugged Tubbo's body to his chest.

But Tubbo was dead.

____________________________________________

Mcyt g/t tag list:

@nomynameisanon @trashpumped @loriepoptale @encaos @i-am-a-weeb @wyforyu-gaming @shy-septic-dragon @5unfl0writ3r @colorfulsiren @moonmwah @iwasgoingtohellanyways @echoslime @wilbur-simp @trouble-off-grid @the-misfits-system @lilsyxx

[snailg0th]

random hc’s for tma characters

jon’s a picky eater

tim was super shy as a child

jon and tim met thru research, jon and sasha met at some big institute meeting where sasha used some dry humor and jon instantly went “you’re the only bitch here who gets me”

this is less of a hc and more loosely confirmed canon but oh well jon dresses up and acts super uptight and academic because as a kid they were told they’d never make anything of themselves

tim says poggers

martin worked in the library before being appointed to the archives

tim and sasha went to university together

jon and sasha bonded over being raised by grandparents

another “loose canon” one but tim is overly sentimental and keeps some of the tapes for himself because after losing his brother and (in my mind) his parents he basically imprinted on the s1 crew and dubbed them his new family

jon uses he/they

jon loves punk music

i am a “the mechanisms was jon’s college band” truther

sasha wanted to go into politics as a kid

tim is neurodivergent (adhd) and hyperfixated on architecture when he was young and then got his degree in anthropology with a focus on culture so he could study why people built things the way they did. the publishing house he worked for specialized in anthropology and archeology

sasha got a degree in english literature, hence her extensive work with leitners. she also minored in religious studies which sparked her fascination the weird esoteric stuff the institute specializes in

jon and tim don’t like bugs. sasha kills bugs. martin takes them outside.

martin attracts the weirdest animals. geese and raccoons and birds and shit just follow him around

jon originally wanted to be an english or history teacher so he got a degree in education. however, he decided he didn’t like it so he switched to philosophy

sasha does kick boxing

one day, tim wants to go and do kick boxing with sasha. she absolutely destroys him.

martin loves stars

jon is allergic to grass

jon and sasha can’t dance but tim and martin can

one day jon wears a hoodie to work and everyone loses their shit because they exclusively wear like sweater vests and shit

elias just throws out people’s lunches sometimes (yes this is based off that one post)

martin likes spiders especially because when he was little he identified with them, as he perceived them as creatures nobody else really liked (*sobs*)

georgie has red hair (i think black people with red/orange hair are so stunning so this is definitely inspired by that love)

melanie started ghost hunt uk because someone told her youtube wasn’t a valid career

melanie got tattoos because people told her she wouldn’t look good with them

melanie does nearly everything out of spite and i love this about her

martins hair turns white after the lonely thing (widely accepted hc)

basira wears the hijab (another widely accepted hc)

basira knows some form of martial arts, not quite sure which one

daisy was definitely one of those kids who always wanted to be a cop 🤢

gerry has an undercut because i say so!

gertrude was definitely hot when she was younger

martin has picked up a bunch of random skills over the years, including knowing flower language

tim definitely convinced jon to smoke 🍃 once at an institute party and the results were exceedingly funny

at the same party, elias shocked everyone with how high his tolerance was (nobody knew he used to be a stoner at this point)

elias enjoys breaking things then asking everyone “who did it”. he enjoys the chaos.

jon caught feelings for martin during the prentiss attack

gerry would definitely wear skirts

martin has a secret cottagecore tumblr account

sasha follows this account. she doesn’t know it’s martin.

jon utilizes pinterest far more than he cares to admit

elias knows modern slang and peppers it in to his vocabulary just to fuck with people

he once wore light up sketchers and called melanie into his office to see them, knowing nobody else would believe her if she told them what she saw. she is haunted with this knowledge.

tim listens to mitski

martin can sew

martin is shockingly extroverted when he’s with people he really trusts and cares about

martin can and will get aggressive with creepy guys at bars

sasha can say the alphabet backwards

in a theoretical world where tim and sasha went to sixth form together (google told me that was the british equivalent to late high school so sorry if that’s wrong) tim would be saluditorian and sasha would be valedictorian (ik the british prolly don’t have this but i’m using this analogy to show that they’re both INCREDIBLY smart)

[wasflypaw]

Dream "I'm not the cause of every problem" Minecraft:

-Back in the first disc war, attempted to kill Tommy to get the discs back after they were fairly traded to Tommy for the netherite chestplate

-resorted to violence and griefing immediately to try to take down L'Manberg despite L'Manberg saying they fight with words not actions

-murdered Tubbo BEFORE the war and let his teammates steal all his shit

-was the first one to bring the discs into the L'Manberg confict "you lose the duel, you give me one of your discs"

-bribed Jack to burn all Tommy's stuff and attempted to bribe Tommy to murder Tubbo's villagers

-during the pet war, lead Fundy and Niki to Sapnap's pets and told them Sketchers was Sapnaps

-then told Sapnap that Fundy and Niki killed Sketchers, acting like he wasnt the reason why, which lead to Sapnap murdering more pets

-made Tommy look like he killed him on the railway by doing /kill which lead to the Railway Skirmish

-taunted Tommy with Mellohi for no reason during a very unrelated fight then got mad when he was able to steal it back

-randomly murdered Tubbo's bees (Spins, Spunz, Spoons) for literally no reason

-Endorsed Schlatt2020 and gave Schlatt a weapon to murder his enemies

-Switched sides to help Tommy fight Schlatt. Then gave Wilbur stacks of TNT

-Helped Tommy burn down the Eiffel Tower, gave Mars to Tommy

-Switched sides to help Schlatt. Whispering to Techno trying to convince him to spawn Withers

-Blew up Tommy's house for literally no reason after that

-Blew up BBH and Skeppy's base, Party island, Punz's house, BBH's duck statue, etc and blamed it all on Tommy (right after the war, during peacetime)

-Used Tommy accidentally burning George's house that was easily fixable to start a brand new war 2 weeks after the last one JUST to hurt Tommy and gain power

[baddadjokez]

514 Dad Jokes

What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.​I would avoid the sushi if I was you. It’s a little fishy.​Want to hear a joke about paper? Nevermind it’s tearable.​Why did the cookie cry? Because his father was a wafer so long!​I used to work in a shoe recycling shop. It was sole destroying.​What do you call a belt with a watch on it? A waist of time.​How do you organize an outer space party? You planet.​I went to a seafood disco last week... and pulled a mussel.​Do you know where you can get chicken broth in bulk? The stock market.​I cut my finger chopping cheese, but I think that I may have greater problems.​My cat was just sick on the carpet, I don’t think it’s feline well.​Why did the octopus beat the shark in a fight? Because it was well armed.​How much does a hipster weigh? An instagram.​What did daddy spider say to baby spider? You spend too much time on the web.​Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.​There’s a new type of broom out, it’s sweeping the nation.​What cheese can never be yours? Nacho cheese.​What did the Buffalo say to his little boy when he dropped him off at school? Bison.​Have you ever heard of a music group called Cellophane? They mostly wrap.​Why does Superman gets invited to dinners? Because he is a Supperhero.​How was Rome split in two? With a pair of Ceasars.​The shovel was a ground breaking invention.​A scarecrow says, "This job isn't for everyone, but hay, it's in my jeans."​A Buddhist walks up to a hot dog stand and says, "Make me one with everything."​Did you hear about the guy who lost the left side of his body? He's alright now.​What do you call a girl with one leg that's shorter than the other? Ilene.​I did a theatrical performance on puns. It was a play on words.​What do you do with a dead chemist? You barium.​I bet the person who created the door knocker won a Nobel prize.​Towels can’t tell jokes. They have a dry sense of humor.​Two birds are sitting on a perch and one says "Do you smell fish?"​Do you know sign language? You should learn it, it’s pretty handy.​What do you call a beautiful pumpkin? GOURDgeous.​Why did one banana spy on the other? Because she was appealing.​What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.​What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef.​What do you call a cow with all of its legs? High steaks.​A cross eyed teacher couldn’t control his pupils.​After the accident, the juggler didn’t have the balls to do it.​I used to be afraid of hurdles, but I got over it.​To write with a broken pencil is pointless.​I read a book on anti-gravity. I couldn’t put it down.​I couldn’t remember how to throw a boomerang but it came back to me.​What should you do if you are cold? Stand in the corner. It’s 90 degrees.​How does Moses make coffee? Hebrews it.​The energizer bunny went to jail. He was charged with battery.​What did the alien say to the pitcher of water? Take me to your liter.​What happens when you eat too many spaghettiOs? You have a vowel movement.​The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray was a seasoned veteran.​Sausage puns are the wurst.​What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.​Why shouldn’t you trust atoms? They make up everything.​What’s it called when you have too many aliens? Extraterrestrials.​Want to hear a pizza joke? Nevermind, it’s too cheesy.​What do cows tell each other at bedtime? Dairy tales.​Why can’t you take inventory in Afghanistan? Because of the tally ban.​Why didn’t the lion win the race? Because he was racing a cheetah.​What happens to nitrogen when the sun comes up? It becomes daytrogen.​What’s it called when you put a cow in an elevator? Raising the steaks.​What’s america’s favorite soda? Mini soda.​Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing.​What kind of car does a sheep drive? Their SuBAHHru.​What do you call a french pig? Porque.​What do you call a line of rabbits marching backwards? A receding hairline.​Why don’t vampires go to barbecues? They don’t like steak.​How do trees access the internet? They log on.​Why should you never trust a train? They have loco motives.​Is your refrigerator running? Better go catch it.​The future,the present and the past walked into a bar.Things got a little tense.​I saw an ad for burial plots, and thought to myself this is the last thing I need.​I just found out I'm colorblind. The diagnosis came completely out of the purple.​I'd tell you a chemistry joke but I know I wouldn't get a reaction.​Have you ever tried to eat a clock? It's very time consuming.​I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.​Read enough of our funny puns, and you'll be punstoppable.​Yesterday a clown held the door for me. It was a nice jester.​I used to go fishing with Skrillex but he kept dropping the bass.​The wedding was so emotional even the cake was in tiers.​What does a house wear? A dress.​Why can't bicycles stand up on their own? Since they are 2 tired.​I owe a lot to the sidewalks. They’ve been keeping me off the streets for years.​Imagine if alarm clocks hit you back in the morning.It would be truly alarming.​Why is a skeleton a bad liar? You can see right through it.​What do you receive when you ask a lemon for help? Lemonaid.​A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.​What does a dog say when he sits down on a piece of sandpaper? Ruff!​What do you call crystal clear urine? 1080pee.​At my boxing club there is only one punch bag. I hate waiting for the punch line!​An untalented gymast walks into a bar.​Einstein developed a theory about space, and it was about time too.​I was accused of being a plagiarist, their word not mine.​My friends say they don’t like skeleton puns. I should put more backbone into them.​Let me FILL you in on my trip to the dentist.​Why does the singer of Cheap Thrills not want us to Sia?​Traveling on a flying carpet is a rugged experience.​Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are sketchy.​The old woman who lived in a shoe wasn’t the sole owner,there were strings attached.​Did you hear about the crime in the parking garage? It was wrong on so many levels.​My new diet consists of aircraft, its a bit plane.​Have you ever tried to milk a cow which has been cut in half? Udder madness.​Why are there fences on graveyards? Because people are dying to get in.​Why do trees have so many friends? They branch out.​Models of dragons are not to scale.​Never discuss infinity with a mathematician, they can go on about it forever.​Why don’t some couples go to the gym? Because some relationships don’t work out.​Don’t trust people that do acupuncture, they’re back stabbers.​A persistent banker wouldn’t stop hitting on me so I asked him to leave me a loan.​I ordered a book of puns last week, but i didn't get it.​People say i look better without glasses but i just can't see it.​Don’t judge a meal by the look of the first course. It’s very souperficial.​I heard Donald Trump is going to ban shredded cheese, and make America grate again.​I relish the fact that you’ve mustard the strength to ketchup to me.​What do you call a young musician? A minor.​Police were called to a daycare yesterday, where a 2-year-old was resisting a rest.​If artists wear sketchers do linguists wear converse?​I changed my iPod name to Titanic. It’s syncing now.​Jill broke her finger today, but on the other hand she was completely fine.​I smeared some ketchup all over my eyes once. It was a bad idea in Heinz- sight.​I flipped a coin over an issue the other day, it was quite the toss-up.​I got hit in the head with a can of soda? Luckily it was a soft drink.​I heard that the post office was a male dominated industry.​Why isn’t suntanning an Olympic sport? Because the best you can ever get is bronze.​What do you mean June is over? Julying.​Why is Kylo Ren so angry? Beause he’s always Ben Solo.​These reversing cameras are great. Since I got one I haven’t looked back.​The candle quit his job because he felt burned out.​Our maintenance guy lost his legs on the job, now he’s just a handyman.​Going to bed with music on gave him sound sleep.​A magic tractor drove down the road and turned into a field!​I met some aliens from outer space. They were pretty down to earth.​The plane flight brought my acrophobia to new heights.​My phone has to wear glasses ever since it lost its contacts.​I, for one, like Roman numerals.​How do mountains see? They peak.​The show was called Spongebob Squarepants but everyone knows the star was Patrick.​This is not alcohol, water you thinking?!​Novice pirates make terrible singers because they can’t hit the high seas.​I told my friend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.​The earth's rotation really makes my day.​If I buy a bigger bed will I have more or less bedroom?​Two peanuts were walking in a tough neighborhood and one of them was a-salted.​Two ropes were walking in a tough neighborhood and one of them was a-frayed.​What kind of shoes do ninjas wear? Sneakers.​I got a master’s degree in being ignored; no one seems to care.​After eating the ship, the sea monster said, I can’t believe I ate the hull thing.​Smaller babies may be delivered by stork but the heavier ones need a crane.​A bartender broke up with her boyfriend, but he kept asking her for another shot.​I had a pun about insanity but then I lost it.​He couldn’t work out how to fix the washing machine so he threw in the towel.​Why does the man want to buy nine rackets? Cause tennis too many.​Why don’t cannibals eat clowns? Because they taste funny.​If I got paid in lots of Pennes I would make loads of pasta.​I thought I saw a spider on my laptop, but my friend said it was just a bug.​A doctor broke his leg while auditioning for a play.Luckily he still made the cast.​The tale of the haunted refrigerator was chilling.​Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them.​If you wear cowboy clothes are you ranch dressing?​I was addicted to the hokey pokey but I turned myself around.​Simba, you're falling behind. I must ask you to Mufasa.​I bought a wooden whistle but it wooden whistle.​The bomb didn't want to go off. So it refused.​The sore mummy needed a Cairo-practor​I feel sorry for shopping carts. They’re always getting pushed around.​The display of still-life art was not at all moving!​On Halloween October is nearly Octover.​Pig puns are so boaring.​Why couldn’t the dead car drive into the cluttered garage? Lack of vroom.​What do you call Samsung's security guards? Guardians of the Galaxy.​What does Superman have in his drink? Just ice.​How does a penguin build it’s house? Igloos it together.​Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.​The safe was invented by a cop and a robber. It was quite a combination.​What do you do when balloons are hurt? You helium.​One hat says to the other, "You stay here, I’ll go on a head."​How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten tickles.​When does a farmer dance? When he drops the beet.​When the scientist wanted to clone a deer, he bought a doe it yourself kit.​If people ask how many puns I made in Germany I reply, "nein"​Did you hear about the invention of the white board? It was remarkable.​If Donald Trump becomes president, America is going toupee.​Can February March? No, but April May.​I hate Russian Dolls, they are so full of themselves.​What do you do to an open wardrobe? You closet.​The magazine about ceiling fans went out of business due to low circulation.​So what if I don’t know what apocalypse means? It’s not the end of the world!​Some aquatic mammals at the zoo escaped. It was otter chaos.​A backwards poem writes inverse.​Getting the ability to fly would be so uplifting.​I asked my friend, Nick, if he had 5 cents I could borrow. But he was Nicholas.​The soundtrack for Blackfish was orcastrated.​Where do you imprison a skeleton? In a rib cage.​There’s a fine line between the numerator and the denominator.​I used to work at a hairdresser but i just wasn’t cut out for it.​Why is metal and a microwave a match made in heaven? When they met, sparks flew.​The lumberjack loved his new computer. He especially enjoyed logging in.​Garbage collectors are rubbish drivers!​When the church relocated it had an organ transplant.​Lettuce take a moment to appreciate this salad pun.​The scarecrow get promoted because he was outstanding in his field.​Sleeping comes so naturally to me, I could do it with my eyes closed.​I never understood odorless chemicals, they never make scents.​What do prisoners use to call each other? Cell phones.​Why was dumbo sad? He felt irrelephant.​When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.​Old skiers never die. They just go down hill.​Did you hear about the pun that was actually funny? Neither have we.​You know why I like egg puns? They crack me up!​Want to hear a pun about ghosts? That's the spirit!​I used to make clown shoes… which was no small feat.​Did you hear about the human cannonball? Too bad he got fired!​What happened when the magician got mad? She pulled her hare out!​Did you hear about the circus that caught on fire? It was in tents.​The one day of the week that eggs are definitely afraid of is Fry-day.​A hen will always leave her house through the proper eggs-it.​The man who ate too many eggs was considered to be an egg-oholic.​All the hens consider the chef to be very mean because he beats the eggs.​Eskimos keep all of their chilled eggs inside of the egg-loo.​Under the doctor’s advice, the hen is laying off eggs for a few weeks.​I had a real problem making a hard-boiled egg this morning until I cracked it.​The best time of day to eat eggs is at the crack of dawn.​The chicken coop only had 2 doors since if it had 4 doors it would be a sedan.​Crossing a cement mixer and a chicken will result in you getting a brick layer.​That reckless little egg always seems to egg-celerate when he sees the light turn yellow.​Hopefully this egg pun doesn't make your brain too fried or scrambled.​Don't ever have multiple people wash dishes together. It's hard for them to stay in sink.​People using umbrellas always seem to be under the weather.​I dissected an iris today. It was an eye-opening experience.​What was Forrest Gump’s email password? 1forrest1.​What planet is like a circus? Saturn, it has three rings!​Before my father died he worked in a circus as a stilt walker. I used to look up to him.​Why did the lion eat the tightrope walker? He wanted a well-balanced meal!​I really look up to my tall friends.​I hate negative numbers and will stop at nothing to avoid them.​Long fairy tales have a tendency to dragon.​It takes guts to make a sausage.​Why shouldn’t you give Elsa a balloon? Because she’ll “Let It Go”!​What do you call cheese that’s not yours? Nacho cheese!​How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it​What do you get when a witch goes to the beach? A sand-witch!​Where do cows go on Friday nights? To the mooooo-vies!​What did the mommy tomato say to the baby tomato? C’mon, ketchup!​Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because he wasn’t “peeling” well!​What did one snowman say to the other? Do you smell carrots?​Why didn’t the skeleton go to the dance? Because he had no body to go with!​What is a pirate’s favorite letter? Arrrrrr!​What does a piece of toast wear to bed? His pa-JAM-as!​What does one eye say to the other eye? Something between us smells​Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide!​What happens when an egg laughs? It cracks up!​What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!​Why didn’t the teddy bear want dessert? Because he was stuffed!​Why can’t you tell a joke while ice skating? Because the ice might crack up!​What do you call a pig that knows karate? A pork chop!​What’s mommy and daddy’s favorite ride at the carnival? A married-go-round!​How did Cookie Monster feel after eating all the cookies? Pretty crummy!​What do you call a skunk who flies in a helicopter? A smelly-copter!​What do you get when you shake a cow? A milkshake!​How do you catch a squirrel? Climb up a tree and act like a nut!​Why did the bee get married? Because she found her honey!​What did the ocean say to their airplane? Nothing, it just waved!​Where do eskimo pigs live? In pig-loos.​What’s a dinosaur called when it’s sleeping? A dino-snore!​What did the cookie say to the annoying cookie? Crumb on!​Why did Mickey Mouse go up in space? To find Pluto!​What does Olaf eat for lunch? Icebergers!​What letter is always wet? The C!​How do you throw a space party? You planet.​How was Rome split in two? With a pair of Ceasars.​Nope. Unintended.​The shovel was a ground breaking invention, but everyone was blow away by the leaf blower.​A scarecrow says, "This job isn't for everyone, but hay, it's in my jeans."​A Buddhist walks up to a hot dog stand and says "Make me one with everything."​Did you hear about the guy who lost the left side of his body? He's alright now.​What do you call a girl with one leg that's shorter than the other? Ilene.​The broom swept the nation away.​I did a theatrical performance on puns. It was a play on words.​What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back for seconds.​What do you do with a dead chemist? You barium.​I bet the person who created the door knocker won a Nobel prize.​Towels can’t tell jokes. They have a dry sense of humor.​Two birds are sitting on a perch and one says “Do you smell fish?”​Did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded in france? There was nothing but des brie.​Do you know sign language? You should learn it, it’s pretty handy.​What do you call a beautiful pumpkin? GOURDgeous.​Why did one banana spy on the other? Because she was appealing.​What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.​What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef.​What do you call a cow with all of its legs? High steaks.​A cross eyed teacher couldn’t control his pupils.​After the accident, the juggler didn’t have the balls to do it.​I used to be afraid of hurdles, but I got over it.​To write with a broken pencil is pointless.​I read a book on anti-gravity. I couldn’t put it down.​I couldn’t remember how to throw a boomerang but it came back to me.​What did the buffalo say to his son? Bison.​What should you do if you’re cold? Stand in the corner. It’s 90 degrees.​How does Moses make coffee? Hebrews it.​The energizer bunny went to jail. He was charged with battery.​What did the alien say to the pitcher of water? Take me to your liter.​What happens when you eat too many spaghettiOs? You have a vowel movement.​The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray was a seasoned veteran.​Sausage puns are the wurst.​What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.​How did Darth Vader know what luke was getting him for his birthday? He could sense his presence.​Why shouldn’t you trust atoms? They make up everything.​What’s the difference between a bench, a fish, and a bucket of glue? You can’t tune a bench but you can tuna fish. I bet you got stuck on the bucket of glue part.​What’s it called when you have too many aliens? Extraterrestrials.​Want to hear a pizza joke? Nevermind, it’s too cheesy.​What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.​What do cows tell each other at bedtime? Dairy tales.​Why can’t you take inventory in Afghanistan? Because of the tally ban.​Why didn’t the lion win the race? Because he was racing a cheetah.​Why did the man dig a hole in his neighbor’s backyard and fill it with water? Because he meant well.​What happens to nitrogen when the sun comes up? It becomes daytrogen.​What’s it called when you put a cow in an elevator? Raising the steaks.​What’s america’s favorite soda? Mini soda.​Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing.​What kind of car does a sheep drive? A lamborghini, but if that breaks down they drive their SuBAHHru.

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 21 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: I am very excited to post this chapter, especially because I get to include this outstanding artwork by my HERO, @grinder-lector-art​. It’s the banner on my own blog and every time I look at it, I get a bit weepy-eyed. -V

Also, this seems like a good a time as any to plug the wonderful moodboards that Scorpio made to go along with this story (including a few specifically inspired by this chapter). If you’re looking for previous chapters, click here! Xoxo!

Chapter Summary: Everything falls apart. But it’s Courtney’s party, and she’ll cry if she wants to…

Chapter 21: It’s Raining on Prom Night

“Hello party guests!” Darienne called over the mic. “We are now serving dinner! Please help yourself to the lovely Mexican spread, over by the garden. It is all vegetarian and the trays marked with a pink heart are vegan. Don’t make that face, Adrian, you’ll be fine,” she chastised Adore’s brother. “Anyway, after you have your plate, the birthday girl has requested for you all to take your seats, as we have some entertainment, produced by Courtney and Thorgy and starring some people here tonight...I wonder who?!”

She stepped away from the mic, trying to help usher people towards the food, especially the slower-moving adults and the cheerleaders who were still on the dance floor fooling around.

“Mrs. Del Rio!” she beckoned Roy’s mom over. “Look, only a few people know this, but there’s a secret tray of chicken under the veggie skewers. For VIP carnivore guests only. Tell your husband.”

Aida laughed, giving her a hug. “Thank you, honey. Courtney already tipped us off, but we appreciate you looking out for us.”

“I do my best,” Darienne said, winking. She walked over to the main table where Courtney had a confused and mildly irritated look on her face. “Dari, there’s one too many seats here. Is it because of Raja? Didn’t we fix this? I don’t want an empty chair right up front, it’ll look weird--”

“Calm down, it won’t be empty.”

“Well, who’s sitting here?” Courtney put her hands on her hips.

Darienne imitated her pose, hands on her own hips, and leaned in. “It’s a surprise. Go get yourself some dinner, Miss Sweet Sixteen, and don’t worry about it!”

Courtney narrowed her eyes, and after a beat, backed down, pulling Adore and Roy with her over to the food. “I’ve got my eye on you, Darienne!”

Darienne laughed, shaking her head, and pulled out her phone.

-

“Courtney, everything is set up if you want to start the video,” Thorgy said.

“Okay…” she glanced down at her phone again. Still no answer from her dad. “Let’s just wait one more minute, until everyone is sitting.”

“Cool. Tell me when to hit the lights and then--”

“Shut up, Thorgy.” Darienne shoved him out of the way and stood behind Courtney’s chair, covering her eyes.

“Hey!”

“I told you there was a surprise, right? Well...it’s a little late due to flight delays and other extenuating circumstances, but...come on out!”

There were few delighted gasps and squeals from the table, and Courtney exclaimed, “What? What?!”

Darienne uncovered Courtney’s eyes and turned her chair around and standing there, in a black and white checkered dress, was Dela.

Courtney let out an ear-piercing shriek, jumping up and throwing her arms around her old friend. “DELA! OMIGOD! I can’t believe you’re here! How are you?! How’s Seattle?! I miss you! Oh my god!!” Courtney jumped up and down, hugging her tightly.

Dela laughed and hugged her back. “Happy Birthday, sweetie. I missed you too! Sorry I’m late…”

Courtney pulled away, teary-eyed, and sat Dela down beside her. Darienne laughingly moved the place card that had been there (Roy’s) and soon everyone was chattering excitedly and catching up, hearing about Dela’s new school in Seattle. Courtney promised to tell Dela the story in detail of how she and Roy became an official couple after the video.

“And we finally learned the truth of why Adore never liked me,” Bob joked, causing Adore to roll her eyes.

“Is it because you were so annoying?” Dela smiled.

“Absolutely,” Adore said.

“Not,” Bob added.

Courtney filled her in about the family that had moved into her house.

“See the pretty blonde over there next to Gia? Her name is Pearl. She’s really nice, actually. Adore tried to fuck her but that didn’t work out.”

Dela’s eyes widened and then she looked over at Bob, who made an “I told you so” face.

Adore scoffed, offended. “That is not how it went down.”

Courtney shrugged, smirking, and replied with a teasing, “Whatever you say,” and a hair toss.

Dela giggled. “So, I heard there’s about to be some intense walk down memory lane video? Is that true, because I love those, it’s my favorite part of every wedding, every Bat Mitzvah…”

“Yeah, we were about to play it.”

“Go for it! I better be in it though.”

Courtney grinned. “Oh, trust me. You are.”

-

As Adore suspected, the video was incredibly long and cheesy, filled with tons of photos of Courtney, Courtney with her family, Courtney with friends. There were also a lot more video clips than Adore anticipated - from recitals, home movies, including a gem from Courtney’s first day of kindergarten that she’d never seen.

“Courtney, love, please come out! Bob is waiting so nicely!” Karen cajoled.

“NO!” Courtney shouted, stomping her feet, refusing to come out the front door,

Bob, already tall and lanky at five years old, sat down on the front steps, head in his hands, clearly over Courtney and her temper tantrum.

“Courtney, why don’t you want to come out? You love school...” Karen wheedled.

She opened the door a crack and shouted, “I love PRESCHOOL! I don’t want to go to kindergarten! I’m too small! Everyone is going to be mean to me!” She slammed the door with a loud bang, continuing, “NO NO NO NO NO!”

Bob shook his head at the camera, rolling his eyes.

“Roy! Vanessa!” The camera flipped around to catch the Del Rio kids walking down the block, Karen at her wit’s end, begging them to help convince Courtney how much she’d love kindergarten.

Roy scampered inside and emerged 20 seconds later, holding Courtney’s hand, a big smile on her face.

“Roy’s gonna beat up anyone who’s mean to me!” Courtney announced happily, skipping down the steps.

Everyone at the party let out a collective “Awwwwww…”

Roy shook his head. “I was so full of shit. You think I was about to get in trouble by starting a fight my first day of school? That goes on your permanent record. Luckily for me, no one was mean to her.”

Courtney laughed and kissed him. “It was a comforting lie.”

On the screen, young Roy put his arm around Bob and led him and Courtney down the block towards the elementary school. “Kindergarten is great. You get to play all day and sing songs and do lots of fun stuff.”

“Did you like it, Roy?” Courtney asked, gazing up at him.

“I thought it was kind of boring, but I was already reading books. You’ll love it.”

Adore shook her head, chuckling, as the video faded back into photos. Even in first grade, Roy was a patronizing know-it-all.

-

Willam and Pearl dug into their food, plates piled high with enchiladas, Spanish rice, beans, grilled chicken that they’d begged off Adore’s mom, veggie skewers, salad, taquitos, and mini quesadillas, amused grins on both of their faces as they watched Courtney’s baby videos.

A video of Courtney and Adore learning to rollerblade played across the screen. A young Adore was pretty good, compared to a falling and pouting Courtney.

“Attagirl, Lesbian!” Willam cheered, earning a glare from Adore, three tables away.

Pearl leaned over and murmured, “Why does this feel like a wedding more than a birthday party?” Pearl glanced down into Willam’s lap to see him texting someone.

“Or a funeral,” Willam mumbled back, causing Pearl to laugh which was covered up by the chuckles from the crowd laughing at Adore having to hold Courtney’s hands to help her skate.

Willam slid his phone over to Pearl, to show her the texts he had been sending Adore all night. Most of them had been him insulting Adore on her horrible fashion choices during her preteen years. Pearl shook her head, snickering to herself as she shoved another mouthful of rice into her mouth.

“What y’all laughing at?” Alyssa whispered leaning forward on the table.

The screen started off black, a few girls could be heard talking. The camera shook, before a round face framed with red hair in pigtails popped into view.

“Okay, it’s on,” Darienne said before she ran off screen.

“Turn the music on!” someone hissed. Seconds later the music started and Adore ran into view, hair teased huge, in an animal print top and pleather pants. Followed by Courtney, in white gogo boots and a British flag dress.

“Ohhhh, shit!” Willam began cackling with glee.

And then the rest of the girls. April wore a black dress and stilettos, hair ironed flat. Dela was in track pants and a sports bra, and Darienne was in a little pink dress with white sketchers, sucking on a lollipop.

Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want So tell me what you want, what you really, really want I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want So tell me what you want, what you really, really want

Pearl’s mouth dropped open and Willam covered his mouth to hold in his laughter as they watched the girls prance around the room.

Darienne was a beat behind the rest of the girls, obviously missing steps, and clearly uncomfortable as Baby, comically overplaying the cutesy little girl thing to the point where it was nearly creepy. Dela and Courtney were the most enthusiastic, and seemed to know all the moves (with Courtney as a nearly manic Ginger and Dela really trying to sell Sporty’s “tomboy” vibe).

Watching a younger Adore, who was apparently Scary, prance around the room trying to keep up with Courtney and Dela was absolutely hilarious. Every time they had to turn, she would go the wrong way, at one point crashing into Dela and nearly knocking her over. And April’s imitation of Posh Spice, barely doing the moves at all, an air of “too cool” apathy only added to the overall disorganized vibe.

“This is soooo embarrassing,” Gia whispered to no one in particular, but everyone at the table heard her.

“Gurl,” Alyssa nodded.

WILLAM: Nice moves, you guys could have replaced the real spice girls

ADORE: Fuck off

PEARL: Was this professionally choreographed?

ADORE: Fuck. Offffff!

Adore glared at Willam and Pearl as they doubled over laughing, flipping her phone closed and crossing her arms. She watched them prance around on the screen and couldn’t help, but remember the arguments that took place just for this video to happen.

April, Adore, Courtney, Darienne and Dela had gathered at Courtney’s house and as they sat around the living room listening to the Spice Girls, Courtney suggested that they should make their own Wannabe video.  

“Oh! That’ll be so fun,” Bendela said, the other girls nodded excited about Courtney’s idea.

“I’ll go get the camera!” Courtney ran off.

“I’m Posh,” April said.

“I’m Ginger,” Adore quickly called.

“Don’t you think I should be Ginger? I mean I have red hair,” Darienne suggested and Adore made a face.

“You can be Scary,” Adore suggested.

“If we’re doing this, I think I should be Ginger, I have red hair, I’m the oldest. April should be Posh, Courtney should be Baby-”

“No, I wanna be Ginger,” Courtney rushed back into the living room with her Dad’s camera, interrupting Darienne. “I’m the biggest Spice Girls fan, and I love Geri, I--”

“Too late! I already called Ginger,” Adore said smugly.

Courtney’s mouth twisted up in anger, gripping the camera tightly; steam was practically shooting out of her ears. “Adore Delano you know I waited FIVE HOURS at the Glendale Galleria to get Geri Halliwell’s autograph, and I have the British flag dress, and I--”

“Blah blah blah, whatever Baby!”

Five minutes later and Adore and Courtney were still in a heated argument over who got to be Ginger.

April watched on in amusement, happy that no one was trying to take Posh away from her, Dela just wanted the arguing to be over and Darienne didn’t understand why they thought they were more Ginger Spice than her.

“It’s! Not! Fair!” Courtney stomped her foot, crossing her arms and pouting at Adore.

“Yes! It! Is!” Adore mocked Courtney stomping her foot and crossing her arms, “I called it first. So I’m Ginger.”

“If you’re anyone, you’re Sporty,” Courtney rolled her eyes.

Adore took a step back from Courtney, fuming, looking around the room to see the other girls’ reactions. Dela sat down next to Darienne, silently offering her snack to her.

Adore leaned to Courtney whispering, “I should have been Ginger and you know it.”

Courtney stuck her tongue out in response, before shaking her head, “I think you made a good Scary. And you’d have been good as Sporty, too.”

“What?! Now that I think about it, that was a totally homophobic suggestion,” Adore said.

“Hey, if it looks like a duck, and walks like a...well...”

Adore’s eyes bulged and her mouth opened in mock offense, and Courtney laughed, leaning over and kissing her forehead.

“I’m pretty sure I’d be the best choice for Ginger,” Darienne whispered to Dela, who nodded in agreement.

“Well, you’re the obvious Baby, Courtney! Come on!” Adore cajoled desperately.

“Ugh!!” Courtney screeched, then cried, “You know what? We don’t have to make the video at all.” She turned around and tried to run off before Adore stopped her.

“Okay, okay, fine. I’ll be Scary because she has the coolest hair and you can be Ginger,” Adore huffed out in annoyance.

“Yay!” Courtney cheered, wrapping her arms around Adore, planting a wet kiss on her cheek, “You can be Ginger next time, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Adore said, knowing full well that Courtney was lying and that she’d pull the same shenanigans next time, if there ever even was a next time.

“So, that means April’s Posh, Adore is Scary, I’m Ginger, Dela you can be Sporty and Darienne can be Baby,” Courtney turned to the other girls. Darienne frowned, not really on board with the casting.

“Courtney, are you sure you don’t want to be Baby. I mean you’re blonde and cute and would make the perfect Baby,” she tried to convince her one last time.

Courtney frowned, “Do you want to be Sporty?” the tremor in her voice and the look on her face told Darienne that they would be in for another tantrum if she kept arguing, and she didn’t think she could deal with it.

“Fine, I’ll be Baby,” Darienne sighed.

-

“I’m never gonna forgive you for dredging up that Spice Girls video…” Adore grumbled.

Courtney laughed half-heartedly, shrugging. “Sorry boo, it’s my favorite.”

“I loooooved it!” Dela cried happily. “I think we should do it again, like a reunion tour. There's totally room on the dance floor.”

“Uh, how about no fucking way?” Adore retorted, a look of horror on her face. She looked to the others for support, but Courtney was distracted by her phone.

COURTNEY: Where are you? It’s almost 9…

Darienne looked at Adore and cleared her throat. “You know what I think we need? Presents.”

Adore nodded. “Yes!” she exclaimed as Courtney’s eyes lit up happily.

“Great idea!” Roy jumped up to help Darienne grab the gifts and Adore mouthed ‘THANK YOU’ at both of them. Roy smiled and gave her a wink.

-

Courtney sat in a decorated chair, ankles crossed demurely like the princess she was, everyone gathered around her wanting their present to be opened first.

“I’m only going to open a few presents for now,” Courtney announced knowing that she wouldn’t make it through everyone’s presents quick enough. “So, who wants to go first,” she sang, closing her eyes and holding her hands out, making grabbing motions.

Her dad’s parents, Grammy and Papa were the first to pass Courtney her gift, which consisted of a card and birthday money.

“Thank you, so much,” she squealed at the hundred dollars, giving both her grandparents a kiss.

Darienne decided to be the brave soul to go next. “Here you go, Courtney.”

“I wonder what it is,” Courtney shook the wrapped present causing everyone to laugh. She tore the paper off to reveal a beautifully carved frame, painted pink and white. The picture in the frame was taken at Courtney’s 13th birthday party. Courtney started to tear up at the memories that the picture brought.

Courtney stood in the center of the picture, brows furrowed cutely, with icing on her nose, a laughing Adore beside her. Roy was trying to stop Bob from digging his fingers into his slice of cake. Darienne was the only one posed for the camera with her hands on her hips and a smile on her face while April, Dela, Thorgy and Jamin were captured in the background, oblivious to the picture being taken.

“Thank you, Dari!” Courtney sniffed, pulling Darienne into a tight hug.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Darienne squeezed her back, “I made it the frame and painted it myself.”

Courtney grabbed the picture frame and stared at it for another moment before sitting it aside carefully, “Thank you so much.”

After Courtney sat back in her chair, Roy stepped forward with his present. “Here you go, princess.”

Courtney took the big bag from him, dramatically weighing it to see how heavy it was. Pulling out and tossing the pink tissue paper behind her, Courtney pulled out the card first. Ripping it opened, her mouth dropped at the season passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

“Oh my gosh! Thank you, babe,” she pulled him down her a quick kiss on the cheek, “This summer is going to be sooo fun,” she shimmied her shoulders excitedly at the thought of going to the amusement park all summer, especially since the new rides were supposed to be amazingly death-defying.

“Told you,” Adore cracked. “Whore for danger.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on it,” Roy joked quietly, and Adore made a face at him.

Courtney laughed, setting the envelope to the side, her face lighting up when she dug into the bag pulling out what looked to be lotion and bubble bath.

“Oooh,” she bounced in her seat as she unscrewed the top on the lotion to get a good whiff, “My favorite. You remembered.” She looked up at him with adoring eyes.

“Of course. Keep digging,” Roy urged.

Courtney set the lotion and bubble bath aside, reaching into the bag and pulling out a rolled-up t-shirt. She shot Roy a skeptical look before opening the shirt to get a good look at it.

“A Destiny’s Child shirt,” Courtney turned it around, holding it up for everyone else to see.

“Yes, because you’ll need it for the concert-”

“CONCERT!?” Courtney screamed, scooting to the edge of her seat looking at Roy with huge eyes.

“Yep, my cousin Monica is a dancer on the tour and she hooked us up with some dope seats when they come here in September--” Roy said.

“Ahhh!” she screeched, hopping up out of her seat to show her mom, sister and grandparents what her boyfriend had gotten her (even though they saw the whole thing) and they smiled and gasped in excitement for Courtney. Roy slid into Courtney’s seat, glancing around the room, momentarily catching Adore’s eye and smirking. She smiled back sweetly, letting him have his little moment of glory.

“Omigod, thank you!” Courtney leaped into Roy’s lap, covering his face with kisses.

“You’re really happy? I figured like, jewelry or something...you know, it would be kind of predictable. But this is something we can do together.”

She pressed their foreheads together. “You’re the best boyfriend ever, and we’re going to have the most amazing summer.” Courtney wrapped her arms around Roy’s neck, whispering, “I love you so much…”

“I love you more. Even though you’ve been a real pain in the ass…”

“Hey!” Courtney exclaimed, pulling away, but Roy pulled her back, capturing her lips in a sweet, tender kiss, hands circling her waist.

Dela looked at Adore. “Are they always like this?” she asked quietly, wrinkling her nose.

Adore stuck her tongue out, nodding. “Always. Gross, huh?”

Dela nodded, then poked Courtney on the shoulder. “Hey, birthday princess…” she sang.

“Yeahhh?” Courtney lifted her head, leaning against Roy’s shoulder, slightly glassy-eyed.

“Want another present?”

“Yes!”

Dela handed her a shiny turquoise bag.

“Wait, you really got me a present?! But you came all the way here, you didn’t need to also buy me something!”

“Awww, I love you, and you’re so full of shit!” Dela laughed.

Courtney giggled.

She opened the turquoise bag and found it stuffed to the brim with glittery nail polishes, lip glosses, and a pair of super chic retro sunglasses, which she immediately tried on, pursing her lips in a model-esque pose.

“Gorgeous! See, I knew they were you!” Dela exclaimed.

“Aw, thank you Dela,” Courtney pulled her into a hug, “I've missed you so much.”

Courtney was about to get up, when Adore asked, “Time for one more?”

“I think we can manage that,” Courtney grinned.

“Here you go.” Adore handed Courtney a long, narrow box, wrapped in black glittery paper. The tag said “2005.” “I hope it satisfies your demands.”

Courtney giggled, remembering how she’d made Adore promise that her present would make everyone jealous. She unwrapped the box, opening the velvet lid slowly. Inside was a rose gold charm bracelet.

The first charm Courtney saw was a tiny little bow. She bit her lip, holding back tears, studying at all the other charms. There were some sweet ones that represented them and their friendship, like music notes and drama masks and a little heart, and then a bunch like the bow that seemed to go with the presents she’d gotten over the last two weeks...a tree, a roller coaster, tiny little crutches, a lollipop, a microphone, a hairbrush, a ladder, the British flag.

She laughed at the skull and crossbones, then touched the one beside it, looking up at Adore’s expectant face. “What’s this one?”

“The eternity symbol. Best friends forever.” Adore’s voice was soft.

Courtney lunged forward, wrapping her into a hug, tears dripping down her face, sobbing into her neck.

“So you like it?” Adore whispered teasingly into her hair, holding back tears of her own, trying to keep things light.

“It’s perfect.” Courtney pulled away, tears still falling. “Can you help me put it on?” she asked.

“It doesn’t match your other jewelry--”

“I don’t care,” Courtney sniffled, wiping her eyes with a gloved hand.

“Okay, then.” Adore took her wrist and fastened the bracelet.

Courtney hugged her again, clinging to her tightly.

“Come on, let’s finish dinner so we can dig into that ridiculous pink cake over there,” Adore murmured.

She slung an arm around Courtney’s waist and led her back to their table, glancing at Roy on the way, who had his eyes narrowed at her. She shrugged and grinned at him, feeling a little petty, but knowing her victory was bittersweet. She may have won this round, but he was still the boyfriend.

-

DAD: Hiya kiddo. Hope you’re having a blast. I hate to be a bummer but I’m not gonna make it tonight. I’m sure you’d rather spend the night with your friends anyway. Have a fantastic birthday, I love you loads, and I promise that Katya and I will take you out to dinner real soon to celebrate.

Courtney snapped her phone closed and put it down on the table, straightening out her skirt.

Roy put his hands on her shoulder. “Did he say when he’s--”

“He’s not coming,” Courtney said flatly, clearing her throat.

Adore swallowed, trying to think of something to say that would make her feel better, and coming up dreadfully short. She looked up into Courtney’s eyes, could see how crushed her best friend was, and knew that nothing she could do would fix it.

Courtney looked away from Adore’s sympathetic expression, those hazel eyes so full of concern that they’d make her burst into tears if she looked at them a second longer, took a deep breath and turned towards the dance floor, sighing. “Why are those lights out?”

“What lights?” Roy asked.

“Those!” Courtney pointed to a string of fairy lights that were out, near the dance floor.

“They probably came unplugged. I’ll go check.”

Courtney followed him over to the dance floor, looking around, tapping her foot. “Nobody is dancing. Tomas, can’t you play something more fun? Where’s the playlist I gave you?” She crossed her arms.

“Yeah, sure. I was just trying to keep it kind of chill while people finished dinner. We can kick things up.” The DJ winked at her and opened his laptop.

Darienne walked up and asked, “Hey, babe, do you still want to try and save some of the enchiladas, ‘cause they’re almost gone…”

“WHAT?! We were supposed to save a whole tray in the kitchen to bring to the shelter tomorrow! Who put it out?!” Courtney demanded.

“I don’t know, I’m sure it was an innocent--oh, no...”

“What?”

“It looks like you’re missing an earring,” Darienne said, touching her cheek softly.

“What?!” Courtney cried, panicking.

“Yeah, hold still, it’s probably just somewhere on your dress. Dela, come here, help me for a sec.”

Courtney stood, wringing her hands, as the two girls searched the folds of her skirt. “I can’t lose that earring, I borrowed it from my mom, it belonged to my great-grandmother, oh god, you have to find it, please hurry.” She began to whimper, covering her face, as Grandma Muriel approached.

“Why do you look so distressed, dear?”

“Grandma, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” she wailed, grasping the older woman’s hands. “I think I lost Nana’s earring, it must be around here somewhere but I don’t know if we can find it and--”

“Courtney, for heaven’s sake, get ahold of yourself.” Muriel shook her head, walking away.

“Just stop, it’s no use…” Courtney shook Dela off her skirt. “It’s too dark. We’ll never find it.”

“But maybe we can--”

“I said leave it!”

“Okay, sorry.” Dela exchanged a look with Darienne and backed off. “I’m gonna go get some more punch…”

“Uh, Court, I think one of the bulbs in that string burned out, they aren’t working,” Roy said.

“Ugh! Great!”

Suddenly, the cheerleaders stormed the dance floor as Missy Elliott’s “I’m Really Hot” began blasting.

Courtney nodded at Tomas, who winked, and then was pulled into a group of squealing girls by Laganja. That’s when she noticed the red flower on Alyssa’s dress. “Really, Alyssa? You of all people can’t follow a dress code?”

“Step off, Jenek.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m one of the few people here who doesn’t find your diva nonsense charming. I’m not the one. So step. Off. If you know what’s good for you.”

Some of the cheerleaders paused, taking notice of the two girls standing in the middle of the dance floor.

Bob's hand tightened around April’s as he tried to subtly nod in Alyssa and Courtney's direction.

“Five bucks on Alyssa,” he whispered, causing April to snort.

“You're terrible. Alyssa won't do anything but make her run extra laps at cheer practice or something. She's all talk,” April murmured, eyes watching the two girls.

“I don't know, Alyssa has about 20 pounds on Courtney. She could definitely take her.” Bob shrugged his shoulders, pulling April closer as he waited to see what would happen, April’s cheeks reddening.

After staring each other down, Courtney turned on her heel and flounced away, nearly bumping into her mother.

“Hey, love, did you want to do the cake now, or wait a little?” Karen said. “I think people are mostly done with dinner, so--”

“I don’t care!” Courtney snapped. “Whatever.”

“Well, it’s your party, Courtney, so I think you should--”

“Fine! Do it now! It’s not like it fucking matters, mom, it’s just a stupid cake!” Tears burned in her eyes.

Karen looked at her like she was debating whether to smack her across the face or give her a hug. After a few moments, she spoke in a quiet voice. “I’ll go get the candles.”

“Great.” Courtney bit her lip, holding back tears.

Roy took a step towards her. “Courtney, everyone is doing their best, okay? I mean, I know you’re upset about your dad, but that’s no reason to act like a bitch to everyone who’s here, who’s trying to--.”

Courtney narrowed her eyes at him, pushing him away. “This is not about my fucking dad, Roy!”

He rolled his eyes. “Okay, babe, whatever you say.”

“Go fuck yourself!” Courtney screeched, shoving him out of the way and storming off the dance floor.

Roy stood for a moment, helpless, knowing he’d done the wrong thing, as “1, 2 Step” began blaring over the speakers, the bass pumping, the dance floor filling up even more, suddenly feeling stifling.

“Good work, bro,” Adore said, thumping him on the shoulder.

“Fuck. I don’t know where she went…” He shook his head.

“I know where she went,” Adore assured him. “Maybe let’s not light any candles yet, though?”

Roy nodded.

-

Adore climbed the ladder, hoisting herself into the tree house and sitting cross-legged on the floor. “Hey.”

Courtney wiped some tears from her cheeks.

“Hi.” She was curled in the corner, in a beanbag chair. Her tiara was askew and her gown was wrinkled, the tulle bunched up around her like a glittery fuchsia cloud.

“Planning to hide in here for the rest of the night?”

Sniffling, Courtney shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Alright.” Adore shoved the second beanbag chair over to her and stretched out. “In that case, I’m sort of bummed I didn’t bring any snacks, but I guess we’ll live.”

Courtney giggled a little in spite of herself, then sniffled as her tears continued to fall.

“I know I’m being awful. Roy was right.”

“Yeah, well, Roy’s always right, isn’t he? That doesn’t mean he needed to say it.”

Courtney closed her eyes.

“I hate that I care this much. I feel like such a stupid fucking baby. But...it’s my first birthday without him, you know?”

Adore nodded, silently taking her hand.

“I just really thought he’d come. I really thought, even though things have been weird and everything, that when it came down to it, I’d still be able to count on him. That he still gave half a shit. I’m so dumb.” She shook her head, tears pouring down her cheeks.

Adore brushed the tears away gently with her fingers, whispering. “You’re not dumb.”

Courtney leaned on Adore’s shoulder. “I even had a song picked out for us to dance to.”

“What song?”

“You Are My Sunshine.”

“Dude. That is so cheesy.”

“I know! That’s the point!” Courtney laughed, fresh tears falling.

“Well...it’s his loss, because you are sunshine. And you’ve never looked prettier.”

Courtney smiled, knowing that she was, at the moment, a tear-stained mess. “Thank you for lying.”

Adore took the edge of a blanket and dried Courtney’s cheeks, then opened her handbag and pulled out a compact, eyeliner, and lip gloss. She got to work fixing Courtney’s makeup and within two minutes, leaned back, pleased with her work. “There,” Adore said, adjusting the tiara on her head, rearranging her blonde curls. “Beautiful.”

“You are, too,” Courtney said softly, gazing up at her.

Adore looked at Courtney and, for a moment, it was if she could really see her. Every insecurity, every desire. She took Courtney’s face in her hands and tilted her chin up. She leaned in slowly and brushed their lips together.

Courtney’s heart raced as she savored the sweet softness of Adore’s mouth. She gripped the tulle fabric of her skirt in her hands, and then before she could blink, the kiss was over and Adore was pulling away again, still looking at her but not in the same way. The walls were back up and it felt as if a chasm had opened up between them.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have--” Adore’s voice was hoarse and distant.

“No, it’s alr--”

“We should go back.”

“Okay.” Courtney felt like crying again, and she wasn’t sure why. She just followed Adore, out of the tree house and back to the party.

-

The good news was, the DJ had managed to keep the party going. It seemed like most people hadn’t even noticed that Courtney left, from how much fun they were having on the dance floor. Except Roy, of course, sitting at their table, sipping forlornly out of a pink sparkly cup.

She approached him, nervously biting her lip, adjusting her elbow-length gloves. “Hey.”

He looked up. “Hi.”

“I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a monster all day, and you’ve been really great, like you always are, just the best, and, and you were right, I was upset about my dad, and I’m just...I’m sorry.” Courtney pressed her lips together, trying to hold in her tears. “Please don’t be mad.”

Roy stood up and wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to upset you. But like, this is a birthday party and you’ve been so stressed and irritated, and I just thought--”

“I know, I know.”

“This is probably a totally insane idea, but what if we...keep an open mind here, this is crazy, but...what if we try to have fun for the rest of the night?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Huh...huh?”

Courtney laughed, pulling him in for another hug. “You’re so lame. I love you.”

“Me too, baby.”

“Do you wanna dance?”

Roy put his hand over his heart. “I would love to, but I don’t know that Spice Girls choreography.”

Courtney giggled and pulled him onto the dance floor. “Don’t taunt me, Del Rio, or I’ll make you learn. Dela’s leaving again Monday, and I think you’d be a really cute Sporty.”

“She is the butch one.”

“Good point. Maybe you should be Posh.”

Roy laughed and put his arms around her as the DJ switched to Usher and Alicia Keys singing “My Boo.” Courtney leaned her head on his shoulder, and sighed, glancing around the dance floor. She caught Adore’s eye and smiled at her. Adore raised a pink sparkly cup at her, holding her gaze for a long moment until Willam thumped her on the shoulder to get her attention back.

Courtney looked back at Roy, who flashed his dimples at her and kissed her softly. She felt a stab of guilt, remembering the other kiss she’d gotten that night. But, it didn’t mean anything, right? It was just a friendly kiss, her best friend trying to make her feel better.

She closed her eyes, insides twisting, stomach in knots. Because if she was really honest with herself, it wasn’t the kiss that she felt guilty about. It was that feeling, the moment Adore pulled away, of regret. She dug her fingers into Roy’s shoulders, and he held her tighter around the waist.

Suddenly, she couldn’t stop the tears and she was crying again. Roy cupped her face and kissed her cheeks. “What’s the matter, babe?”

Courtney shook her head.

“One of those ‘it’s my party, I’ll cry if I want to’ moments? Should I just leave it alone?” Roy asked.

Courtney nodded as Roy swiped a napkin from the dessert table and dried her eyes.

“Alright. Come here.” He pulled her close and she fell into his arms, unable to tear her eyes away from where Adore stood with Willam and Pearl, deep in thought.

Adore stirred her punch with a straw as she half-listened to whatever Willam was running his mouth about. She couldn’t believe that she had kissed Courtney, especially in the emotional state that the blonde had been in, but in that moment it had felt so right and that’s what made it all the more wrong.

Adore was a slave to her feelings, and it felt like the more she tried to run from them, the more intense and reckless they became when they caught up to her.

That’s the moment when the lights suddenly cut out and Karen wheeled in the giant birthday cake, decorated with a huge fuchsia bow, black and white stripes, and shiny silver stars. Everyone gathered around the birthday girl to sing, and Adore focused on the sparkler candles, glittering in the darkness.

Goosebumps rose on the back of her neck, the feeling of someone’s eyes on her pulling Adore from her thoughts.

Hazel eyes looked up to find bright green eyes staring back at her. Adore grew anxious, unable to interrupt the emotions behind Courtney’s piercing stare.

Adore wondered if she had fucked up and Courtney was mad at her or even worse, if Courtney knew Adore had feelings for her that she shouldn’t have.

Adore looked away, her chest growing tight as a million thoughts ran through her head.

Courtney continued to gaze at her best friend, unable to focus on the crowd, on her mother and everyone urging her to blow out the candles.

“Babe, make a wish…” Roy said, kissing her temple.

Courtney bit her lip, eyes falling closed as she blew out the candles, not daring to let herself form a coherent thought in that moment. Because if she did, she was afraid of what she might wish for. She opened her eyes back up, and everyone was cheering, while Kimmy began to slice up the cake.

Roy swept her up into his arms again while the lights turned back on and Tomas turned up the music, Beyoncé‘s “Baby Boy.”

Pearl handed a piece of cake to Adore, taking one for herself too. “Dude, let’s go ask the DJ to play ‘American Life.’”

“That song where Madonna raps about her household staff?” Willam asked skeptically.

“Yeah! It’s so good!”

“That’s fucking embarrassing, New Girl.”

“Adore, come on, back me up here! I mean, or ‘Hollywood’ is good too…” she mused.

“I think I’m gonna take off,” Adore murmured, setting her cup down and pulling her phone out of her back pocket, sending a text to Raja asking if she could get a ride so that they could hang out.

-

As the song finished, Courtney lifted her head from Roy’s shoulder, smiling at him. “Thank you,” she said, reaching up and touching his cheek with her gloved hand.

“Anytime,” he replied, flashing those killer dimples at her.

Courtney glanced over to where Adore had been standing, feeling an urge to clear the air, just to make sure everything was okay, but she was gone. She excused herself from Roy, leaving him with Darienne and Dela, and hurried over. To her dismay, Willam and Pearl both reported that they thought Adore had left, and so she tore through the backyard to Adore’s house, shouting her name, finding her leaning on the side of her garage.

Her pounding heart began to slow down as she caught her breath.

“Hi...sorry for yelling, I just…”

“No, it’s okay. Are you alright?” Adore asked.

“Yeah. Um…” Courtney licked her lips, adjusting her gloves awkwardly. “Willam said you left, and I just wanted to find you so I could...I wanted to say thank you. For...for the bracelet. And...everything.” Courtney took another step towards her, eyes soft and misty.

“You’re welcome. Happy birthday.” Adore’s own eyes still had the same inscrutable, slightly guarded expression they’d had earlier. But her smile was genuine.

Courtney wrapped her arms around Adore’s shoulders, burying her face into her friend’s neck and hugging her tightly.

“I love you, Dory.”

Adore closed her eyes, holding her close, trying not to be hyper-aware of the warm breath against her skin, the scent of her silky hair, the all too recent memory of the taste of her.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. As if by some miracle, they were suddenly blinded by headlights as Raja’s car pulled into the driveway. Adore broke away from the hug, waving gratefully to her.

“Um, that’s my...I gotta go,” she told Courtney, who simply nodded. “Goodnight. The party was awesome. And I love you too!” She blew a kiss as she slipped into the car.

Raja tossed a cigarette out the window as she pulled out of the driveway.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

“Glad you texted.”

“Me too. I had to get out of there.”

“Not into the quinceanera fantasy?” Raja laughed.

Adore shook her head. “Been a long day.”

“Stressful?”

Adore looked over to Raja, the streetlights illuminating her features.

“Yeah,” Adore said, voice only slightly above a whisper, eyes flickering to Raja’s lips.

Pulling up to the stop sign at the end of the street Raja put the car in park, turning to face Adore.

“Well, we all do it. Have a big princess-like party; if we don’t want it our mom’s ‘ll make us,” Raja said lowly, leaning on the armrest.

“Really?” Adore asked, leaning on towards Raja, “Did you?”

“Mhm,” Raja smirked, eyes flickering to Adore’s lips, “My ma made sure that I had an extraaaavagant birthday party. I had a big turquoise dress, my hair done up, the works.”

Adore let out a breathy giggle, “You don’t look the type.”

“No?” Raja raised her eyebrows, slightly tilting her head and Raja’s warm breath hitting Adore’s face made Adore notice that they were closer than she realized. Lips inches apart.

“No.”

“Maybe when we get to my place…” Raja placed a sweet kiss on Adore’s lips-- that had her chasing Raja’s lips as she pulled away, “I can show you some pictures.”

Raja smiled innocently, but Adore wouldn’t let her get away. She needed to forget what happened earlier; she needed to forget her mistake, the way nothing seemed to matter, but them in the tree house. Adore leaned over the armrest, pulling Raja back towards her, pressing her lips into Raja’s harder than the first kiss, desperate to erase the way Courtney’s lips felt against hers. Raja could do that, Raja could make her forget and when the older girl nipped at her lip, Adore let her in.

The position was awkward with the armrest pressed between them, but the feel of Raja’s hands on her, tugging her closer was worth it. Adore gripped at Raja’s jacket, when they broke for air, Raja leaving kisses along Adore’s jaw before Adore guided Raja’s lips back to hers.

Before the kiss could deepen again the girls were scared apart by a horn beeping behind them. They looked up, both startled, as a car sped around them, the driver tossing them the finger.

“Damn, bro, calm down,” Raja said, and Adore giggled, arms sliding back around her neck.

“Come back here…”

[businessdigitalblog-blog]

TOP HOME IMPROVEMENT BLOGS FOR RENOVATION ENTHUSIASTS

Home Turkey is the recognize the heart is." True. In any case, you need to see that the physical sign of that condition in like way impacts your mien and your perspective.

We if all else fails need to take a gander at pretty things, and an ideal, all around decorated home is correspondingly as accommodating in causing you to feel unimaginable.

There are wearisome online journals and protests that discussion about home improvement, yet we've regulated it down to the best, the ones that truly matter and offer you the correct responses. Truly, you just need these complaints, amassed by seeing quality. We recognize these move you to begin your own home-improvement tries.

DIY PROJECTS

Progress

Inside DESIGN

Plan

GREEN LIVING

Genuine

DIY PROJECTS

There are tries you can do in isolation, yet that doesn't commonly mean entrusting a gigantic extent of money. Your ingenuity doesn't end with a mentioning spending plan.

Weave VILA

You can't evaluate home improvement without discussing the unbelievable Bob Vila. In 1979, he animated This Old House and exhibited ensured home-improvement expands, the first of his time, for instance, uncovering the presence of unscripted TV.

Ricochet Vila has been cryptically for how long now, at any rate he truly interfaces with individuals by strategies for setting them up home-building aptitudes through his online classes, Bob Vila Academy. This home-improvement professional additionally shares his ruler course through his blog, offering answers for both tangled and clear home issues.

THIS OLD HOUSE

This blog has a solid after—fifteen million individuals month to month looking at home-improvement appraisals. This Old House shows up on various stages, unite with swarms through its own magazine and TV show.

DIY experiences discharge up from those that supervise accidental upkeeps, to plumbing, to lighting, to creating, despite various things. Reades can in like way search for shocking improvement contemplations for different pieces of the home.

Space THERAPY

What began as seven days by week email in 2001 has now encircled into seven days after week favoring that offers reactions for expressive plan issues. Apartment suite Therapy is inside sketcher Maxwell Ryan's assurance to the home-building world and gives shopping guides, instructionals, and advance on all things.

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Weirdo HOUSE

Named after the striking youths' story, Ugly Duckling House is Sarah Fogle's storeroom of DIY information she has gotten all through the all-encompassing length. The blog began after Sarah did various tasks generally with no other individual, learning home-building limits in segment and as time goes on sharing records of her home's different appearances and times of progress.

Psycho House bases on DIY redesign activities and home develop plan.

ASK THE BUILDER BY TIM CARTER

Tim Carter, the blog's maker, has been in the home-building business for more than thirty years as a star housetop shaper, a master handyman, and a professional craftsman and is unquestionably a pro regarding the issue.

Ask the Builder posts mechanical party assessments and instructional records on different bits of building and fixing a home. It furthermore gives an arrangement of central focuses to a specific home endeavor, which mentioning to address, the breakdown of costs in any case, and relationship with noteworthy articles.

THE INSPIRED ROOM BY MELISSA MICHAELS

The creative mind is boundless concerning reviving your home, yet all things considered, the spending plan can't stay aware of what has been imagined.

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GUILDQUALITY

Affiliations that control land improvement, home affiliations, and progress will profit by GuildQuality, a distant partnership that practices studies that will help the business customer survey how their undertakings have been coordinated.

This evaluation pulls in relationship to follow and improve their presentation. GuildQuality other than records work postings and a pool of plan based experts and different managers in the advancement business, making it head for customers to search for an improvement authority collusion.

DIY INSPIRED BY DINAH WULF

DIY Inspired shows perusers, homemakers, and reestablishing fans do-it-with no other individual's help tasks and tips on the most capable framework to reuse, upcycle, repurpose, or fix things found at home.

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DIY Inspired in like way shares update assessments for various occasions and extraordinary events and instructional exercises on making your own standard things. Your home can be an evaluation office of sorts too.

BUILDING MOXIE

Building Moxie is a valuable guide for homeownership. Regardless of whether you're doing tries at the DIY level or ace level, you can discover tips and frameworks for creation, fixing, fixes, and keep up.

The course are clearly not difficult to follow and go with photographs, so you ought to have the decision to respect beginning various home-improvement tries.

ZERO WASTE HOME BY BEA JOHNSON

Squander not, need not" is a focal subject of Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home blog, which shares the route in to a moderate and without waste way of life. Johnson sees that a zero-gobble up home will assist families with sparing time and a lot of cash and improve their emanation of living and accomplishment.

She adheres to five Rs in her standard objective for zero waste: deny, decay, reuse, reuse, and decay.

MY SWEET SAVANNAH BY MELAINE THOMPSON

Melaine Thompson is moreover a market article boss for Souvenir, which is a way of life magazine. Through My Sweet Savannah, she needs to assist perusers with getting animated to make their homes fantastic by getting the fitting extra things, exploring different streets concerning their pointlessness tastes, and taking off to the correct stores for the best plans and quality home styles.

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Energetic INTERIOR BLOG BY IGOR JOSIFOVIC

Igor Josifovic began Happy Interior Blog in 2011, including the sights of different spots all finished, furthermore as houseplants. Josefovic excitedly sees houseplants bring delight.

Any place you are, euphoria is dependably something that can truly make your home a home. For Josifovic, this fulfillment at home can duplicate when you have a house that is intentionally sorted out.

LIVING VINTAGE

Experience a touch of time travel and care at Living Vintage, where old houses are deconstructed and a brief timeframe later intertwined with new ones, with the utilization of recovered materials.

The vintage look is the sincere to the blog's subject, at any rate different styles are also included. The "Friday Favorites" bundle, as its name prompts, highlights different looks or subjects for a wide level of events and occasions.

SOUTH SHORE DECORATING BLOG BY STACY CURRAN

Decorator Stacy Curran's South Shore Decorating Blog lauds the best of especially organized homes and inside parts in all styles conceivable: ordinary, contemporary, French, standard, and vintage, among different others. DIY tries and relationship with deal bargains are other than found on the blog. Curran offers e-edifying affiliations, seeing customers' home spaces through an electronic party.

Hello LOVELY

Hello Lovely is a way of life blog that offers plan motivation for interior parts. Overhaul experiences, DIY instructional exercises, and even plans are an aspect of the blog's staple highlights. The blog joins a ton of farmhouse-style interior parts yet in like way does a visit through homes that show various styles. The blog has a solid after, with in excess of 4,000,000 perspectives.

Inside FRUGALISTA

Pulling off a wonderful mission for your unassuming home doesn't need to mean crazy spending. The experts at Interior Frugalista can assist you with restoring and re-endeavor your homes regardless, when you're on a tight spending technique.

The DIY blog is plentiful with examinations for rich yet humble enrichments and home-plan pieces, things you can make from repurposed things.

IT'S GREAT TO BE HOME

Flipping houses, which generally endorses purchasing property to exchange it for advantage, is a really energetic idea in the land business. Liz, the maker of It's Great to Be Home, has flipped ten houses and offers adolescent flippers sage bearing on the most fit system to get into the flipping industry and huge enrapturing focus interests.

Style and inside game plan meet on this blog, as Liz also discusses storeroom stray pieces.

OUR HOUSE NOW A HOME

Our House Now a Home offers moderate improving plans. The blog sorts experiences as appeared by the improving point of view being thought of (e.g., affiliation, updates, rooms) and highlights home visits as indicated by the season (e.g, spring, winter).

A portion of the substance and things in Our House Now a Home have been joined unequivocally streams, for example, Good Housekeeping and Huffington Post Living.

Experiences OF THE MOMMY HOMEMA

[early20thcenturynerd]

Today, 171 years ago, Princess Louise was born.

“The better known bio by Lucinda Hawksley is entertaining, yet hugely based on gossip, falling short because it presents unsubstantiated hunches and rumors as truth. In biographies, all conclusions must be backed up with credible sources and solid evidence. Unfortunately after 100 years, the rumors stick to a historical figure as if they were true facts, which is certainly the case here. In my review, I feel compelled to confront a few of the rumors and misconceptions. 

Princess Louise Caroline Alberta was intelligent, inquisitive and artistically gifted. Like her siblings, she received a strict academic education, becoming fluent in several languages, music, art and theater, as well as, acquiring practical skills like cooking, baking, sewing and gardening. However, her childhood was marred by the early death of her father, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coberg-Gotha and her mother's prolonged period of mourning. It was a traumatic period that engulfed the entire family and country for more years then it should have.

Princess Louise was the first royal offspring to enroll in a public school, the National Art Training School, at the same time as she was required to fill the role as her mother's private secretary (1866-1871). Louise was successful at both endeavors due to dedication and many hours of hard work. The Princess was a talented sketcher, painter and sculptress and accepted commissions for her art in an era when women were only supposed to have hobbies inside the home. Her sculpture of Queen Victoria at the age of her coronation sits outside of Kensington Palace today.

Queen Victoria, who sometimes considered her daughter argumentative, had to admit the statue was a great likeness and Louise was an excellent private secretary, writing to daughter Vicky: ‘She is (and who would have some years ago have thought it?) a clever dear girl with a fine character, unselfish and affectionate.’ Unlike the Queen, Princess Louise (like her elder sister, Vicky, i.e. Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia) supported women's rights. She secretly met with ‘radical' Elizabeth Garrett, the first woman medical doctor in Britain.

Over a lifetime, Princess Louise supported liberal and forward-thinking social causes, spearheading the education of women, lending her name to get programs and institutions up and running. Likewise the Princess initiated public works and opened wings of hospitals. Not content with merely showing up at the end, she contributed her ideas and was involved in all the phases of planning and implementation right up to the openings.

Many at court, as well as, the public thought Princess Louise was the Queen's most attractive daughter. She was the tallest and slender and as an early proponent of exercise, remained shapely and youthful throughout her life. She bicycled and walked habitually.

Princess Louise was also unconventional in choosing a spouse -- an aristocrat, John Campbell, the Marquis of Lorne, heir to the Duke of Argyll and a Liberal Member of Parliament over a foreign prince. Since he was active in politics and wasn't royal, it was controversial. In 1871, she became the 1st daughter of a Sovereign to marry a commoner since the 16th century. Queen Victoria favored the match as a way of keeping her daughter in Great Britain, and too, of introducing new blood into the family. Also, the Queen always let her children marry for love.

Which brings us to Louise and Lorne's relationship. There's little truth to what is often written, namely: the couple was unhappy and childless because Lorne was homosexual. The marriage began happy and lasted for over 40 years. During these years, Lorne was devoted, supportive and protective of his wife, and they were very much together up until the early 1880s. He never stopped thinking she was beautiful; nor weaned in thinking of and mentioning her in conversations and letters to his family, etc.

And although Louise could be temperamental, she too was loving, thoughtful, respectful and devoted. Apparently the couple tried to have children as Louise went to Germany over the years for cures in the effort. Although she lived to be 91 years old, the Princess suffered from ill health throughout her life (including severe headaches, neuralgia, vomiting and insomnia, especially after a serious sledging accident (on February 14, 1880) in Canada that also gave her a concussion and tore her ear lope in two). 

Jehanne Wake's book makes a good case that probably the real reason the couple remained childless was due to illness or infertility (possibly complications from meningitis which Louise contracted at the age of 16). Moreover in Victorian England, no one thought to consider Lorne's fertility. Both spouses hoped to have children and no doubt the disappointment put a strain on their marriage. Louise became depressed. Furthermore, the evidence that the Princess' husband was gay is very weak based mainly on the couple's close association with Lorne's homosexual uncle and friend, Lord Ronnie Gover (his mother's brother), who although innocent, was drawn into a scandal by a gay con artist. [...]

According to the book, Princess Louise cared for Lorne deeply, but needed to take breaks from him in mid-marriage. Queen Victoria was exceedingly understanding of her daughter's frail emotions, ‘while feeling much for Lorne.’ Lorne, too, was patient and understanding of his wife. As the author notes, ‘At the height of Princess Louise's unhappiness,’ husband and wife ‘kept in close contact and wrote daily.’ Divorce was never considered as neither party desired it.

They stayed together and became close again in later years. When Lorne's father died in 1900 making him the 9th Duke of Argyll, Louise accompanied him to Scotland. Together the couple also lived in Kent House on the Isle of Wight and at Kensington Palace in London. Unfortunately, as Lorne aged, he developed dementia and lost the easygoingness of youth, but Louise was very devoted to nursing him until his death from bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia in 1914. Again, Princess Louise was devastated. She felt dreadfully lonely without the Duke still feeling as she did when becoming engaged, there was no one quite like him! And despite the rumors, her biographer thinks it unlikely that Princess Louise ever had sexual relations with anyone other than her husband. No solid evidence suggests otherwise. The author argues Princess Louise could be chatty, friendly and flirty, and like Queen Victoria, she loved beauty in everything, especially in the form of a good looking man. But the the book states, it would have been too risky and highly unlikely that she ever crossed the line as she never forgot Her Royal Highness status, nor her sense of duty. At any rate, says the author, ‘It was the maternal, domesticated hausfrau which predominated in her character.’ In other words, yes, she flirted, but expressed it as glee and by mothering a man. And, I agree with the biographer! In later years Princess Louise continued some public appearances, often visiting hospitals unscheduled. She lived in Scotland and Kensington Palace next to her sister, Princess Beatrice's apartment. Although the sisters had their differences, they were a close family. Louise spent summer vacations with Prince Arthur at his house on the French Riviera and sketched up until age 90. She died on December 3, 1939 and because of the war was cremated with her ashes buried at Frogmore near Windsor. Had she died in Scotland, she would have been buried next to her husband. In Canada, the province of Alberta, Mount Alberta and Lake Louise are all named after Prince Louise.”

- https://thesavvvyshopper.blogspot.com/2018/09/princess-louise-duchess-of-argyll.html

[idolizenews]

APRIL SCHEDULE

Each schedule post provides a snapshot into the way the company is marketing your group as a whole, the expectations they have for your involvement in the industry, and so forth. They’ll range from fun things like CF deals to run of the mill events like fan parties, concerts, or rest time. We’ll be varying things across the board and using this as a way to tease upcoming plot lines for groups. Schedules illuminate the often difficult realities of being an idol, and because of that we award +5 exp / + 5 sp to those who complete a 350+ 4/4 thread or a 500 word solo. Solos must be completed during the three week run of the schedule, but threads may be finished after the end of the prompt provided they were started well in excess of the end point (e.g. finishing up a reply or two after is fine, but posting the starter right before the next prompt goes up is not). These needn’t be taken extremely literally when threading and are open to tangential preparation threads and other flexibility.

OLYMPUS

Time to break out the cheesy smiles and, on top of that, your social skills. As the new faces of Korean Tourism TVC, Olympus will be demonstrating both slightly stilted acting, English, and high public notoriety by filming a series of short public service ads with the tagline “Have you ever ____.” The tourism campaign begins each video with the boy asking “Have you ever,” in an open ended way with a delightful closeup, before segueing into attractive foreigners doing various basic Korean tourism things, mostly bringing the boys back for another awkward question or two at the end, or interspersed. They are, after all, way too busy preparing for an upcoming comeback to traipse around Seoul all day long. Its the best of both worlds for everyone, and demonstrates that huge brand power for which they - and Midas- have become known. References are here.

JINX

In a surprise move that likely speaks more to the individual brand power of the girls and of Midas in general, rather than to the group as a whole, the girls are taking on a Pepsi CF this month, with a surprising chance to showcase the fresh and sultry vibes for which they have become known. What begins as as surprisingly bright and sunshine-y concept for spring quickly shifts into their usual “friendly party girl bathed in neon” vibes. With the throwback reminder to one of their bigger hits as the backing track, fans are wondering if the sudden uptick in promotion of the group indicates a comeback on the horizon- one for which they have been all but foaming at the mouth. For the girl’s it is at least certain to mean a payday and assurance that dissolution isn’t yet on the horizon- right? A reference can be found here.

TITANIUM

Like labelmates Aurora and JiNX, the boys are landing a brand deal this month with a commercial to film for. However, in distinct juxtaposition to their sister groups, image has been forsaken in favor of marketability, perhaps out of awareness of a need to demonstrate flexibility with such a highly conceptual group, and perhaps out of a pure, good old fashioned Midas money grab. Whatever the case, their comeback preparations and promotions will be interspersed with filming and occasional promotions for the brand ToniMoli, for which they will notably be filming a CF, reference here.

AURORA

It’s at first a surprising collaboration for a photoshoot- Aurora and MAC. The brand isn’t known for their sweetness and demure purity in the same way as Aurora, after all, but once the girls hit the set in soft naturally waved hair, minimal makeup, and pure white dresses, it all makes a lot more sense. It definitely speaks both to their brandability and to their inherent image, at a time when Borealis are wondering about the new girl group on the horizon, and how the recent influx in the girl crush trend will impact Aurora’s public popularity. It almost seems to be indicative of Midas taking a stand in support of the branding of the girls, marking out a line between the sister groups. The reference for this Grazia shoot can be found here. 

NEON

Neon’s showcase debut is coming on fast, and planned to hit  hot and hard. Perhaps (largely) due to their background with Midas and the level of exposure the trainees have been afforded prior to debut, the debut has a lot of buzz around it, speaking back to memories of sister group JiNX, though it’s not clear yet if they’ll be experiencing the same rapid sprint to a first win. They’ve certainly got attention out of the gate, however, hitting hard with a “teen crush” concept that hits the present trends right on the head. All in all the girls should been feeling rather good about themselves in the moment, and should be working hard to ensure they don’t experience a dip in momentum before they really get going.

HEAVEN

Heaven’s promotions are going well, as ever, though they’re lagging on the charts generally speaking. Unlike some of their other more experimental recent releases (notably Starry Night, which peaked at #1 on the charts) at this point Windflower is having trouble skirting the edges of the top 10, sparking concerns from the company that they might have departed too far from their successful formula, or tried to change things up too late. Nonetheless, they’re happy to provide fans with content they’re sure to eat up (and maybe they’re hoping to push a few “aren’t they relatable and talented” articles out into Pann in the process)  with a Tipsy Live performance! Of course, members have been instructed to thoroughly water down that soju and play up the cute tipsy, not get sloppy - or worse yet, scandalous. The comeback is creating a bit of an ambiguous atmosphere around the girls, especially with rumors of a summer debut for the new group beginning to spread. A reference link for the Tipsy Live can be found here.

POIZN

A photoshoot is the name of the game for this schedule, for the boys of POIZN. It’s a safe way to promote pretty faces without letting them talk too much and thus get themselves into trouble. They’re on a tight leash for all interview portions and behind the scenes work, because 99 isn’t in a place to be affording more scandal at the moment. If you’ve been in scandals lately, you can expect you’re not going to be getting many solo frames, and you’re likely to be positioned towards the back in group shots. It’s a bummer but that’s the industry for you.  At least it’s a relatively painless schedule, and a reference can be found here. 

IMPERIAL

Imperial has a contracted commercial to film, though perhaps the timing isn’t ideal. Members can expect those with less individual scandals will be pulling the majority of the screen time, given that it’s a good time for 99 artists to be laying low, especially with hopes of a new debut on the horizon in summer. Still, a commercial like this is bound to bring same positivity to the table, some money into your pockets, and an opportunity to further up your brand stake. It’s not the most glamorous shoot, but it’s certainly relatable, and Imperial needs to be playing that card pretty intensely right about now. A reference for the CF is here. 

INDIGO & CHERRY BOMB!

Is it any surprise their two most brand friendly groups are, at the moment, collaborating? Of course not. Sketchers was willing to pay out the atrociously high appearance fees and the benefit is sure to be there. The commercial is a moody piece that suits both groups, though of course the whole thing will feel entirely overwrought during filming. With the recent boost to CB! In their well received Peekaboo comeback, it’s a good chance for MSG to remind the public they’re housing two impressively well received acts- even if both of those have historically floundered to find their footing. Hopefully this will provide a stepping stone to a solid year for both groups, though of course it would be rather difficult for indiGO to do anything but succeed at the moment - CB! hasn’t been as lucky.  A reference commercial can be found here.

1NFERNO

MSG is putting a lot of emphasis on 1nferno with this comeback, pitting them against Titanium as their comeback dates overlap and their promotional periods will as well. The boys are going to be facing down not just one Midas giant, but two, as Olympus has a comeback at the end of their promotions as well. They’ll be guesting on Weekly Idol  in the upcoming weeks, which will give them a much needed boost in attention. There are rumors that MSG is going to be paying more attention to Vlive for the group in order to push overseas promotion and attention, seeking out staff who can subtitle content in Chinese and so on. The pressure is on to scoop a few weekly win trophies from Titanium before Olympus makes their comeback, but it remains to be seen how that will work out. Still, the planning is a clear vote of confidence from MSG, or at least a great opportunity to media play a rivalry and get more attention from it.

MAYDAY

With CHERRY BOMB! in the midst of a (somewhat surprisingly) successful comeback (after a lackluster 2018) and “girl crush” quickly rising as the name of the game in terms of trends, MSG is eager to show that MayDay can do more than just the cutesy surrealism that has (admittedly) not quite paid off so far. The result is a very charming cover of CB!’s Red Light, suits and all, though the brightened surroundings and natural cuteness of the girls selected for the group in the first place lend it a flavor all their own. Filming the cover this week is sure to be a fun task, and one that will be ultimately uploaded to the group’s slowly growing Youtube page. The choice to add the sparkling under eye accents, to lighten the make up, and to overall apply a softened ‘MayDay’ vibe to the cover is one that will likely help it appeal to their fans for sure, but might read (mostly to testy CB! fans with suspicious eyes on the girls) as a watered down attempt.  Reference link is here.

ATLAS

Atlas has an interview and photoshoot with none other than Dispatch, this month, to talk about a few specific things. First and foremost on the agenda is, of course, the hot topic that is their rising popularity on a global scale. From a nobody group in a nothing company rife with scandals to the mega hits they are today, Dispatch is eager to take a look at the career that has captured the interest of millions. Secondary to that is the upcoming family concert, the first the company will have ever held, now that they have the sister group Jawbreaker on the roster. Some say it’s far too premature, particularly considering Jawbreaker is only nominally considered a KJH act, but surely the boys will support their juniors for the sake of company press and income.  

JAWBREAKER

Jawbreaker will be promoting their upcoming KJH family concert on the popular KBS Kiss the Radio show. They’ll be performing live versions of a few of their hits across the years, and will be given a number of interview and talk segment corners to run with. It’s a good chance for them to talk up their rejuvenated career, pay some attention to how blessed they’ve been for a second chance, and to drum up some further excitement and interest for the upcoming concert. After all, this is an important chance for them to prove themselves as members of the KJH team, despite not having trained under the company or been there for even quite a year yet. It’s widely known that KJH took a big chance on the girls, and this concert will be their opportunity to prove that it is paying off.

NITRO

Nitro’s Vlive series continues filming it’s next entries this month. Under the moniker of NITROus, it’s proving a great way to drum up support amongst fans of the group and shows them in a more relatable way.  These episodes will continue from the prior filming set and will take on a holiday motif the boys are sure to enjoy (references here). Simultaneously, throughout the month the subunit members will have been chosen and be hard at work preparing for their unit debut.  They’ll be thrown quickly into preparations with little warning, as KTM doesn’t like to play around once they’ve made a decision on such things. It’s not clear yet if Nitro will be afforded the same multiple unit situation as Nightmare, but it’s at least certain that the company has higher hopes for the success of the Nitro unit.

XLNC

KTM is hard at work this month across the board, preparing for unit debuts, working towards establishing V-live series, adn, for XLNC, a long overdue step into the Japanese market. Japanese fans have been begging for  XLNC to release a formal Japanese debut for ages, and KTM has finally decided that the time is right,  preparing endlessly for a debut that is sure to bring them a good deal of attention on the island nation. XLNC has a strong core fandom in Japan and their particular brand of music has always performed well on the Japanese charts, so this is liable to be a big, important step for them. Hopefully they’ll be able to live up to the hype and, at the same time, be able to transfer some of that good reception back to the Korean audience.

NIGHTMARE

KTM has seemed intent on feeling out as many possible concepts as possible with the units. The first group was treated to a lackluster reception, despite taking on an image that’s worked well for other groups in the past, perhaps forecasting the shift in trends as we’re seeing today. The second unit performed a bit better- either due to increased exposure to Nightmare’s unit concept by that time, or due to the more aggressively trendy electropop sweetness of the track. The final unit has been delayed in their release and assigned a more girl crush approach, as KTM takes note of upcoming debuts in Neon and the general trend towards the crush series of concepts (girl crush, teen crush, and so on).  The rest of the girls are given some time to rest this month, as the final unit undergoes more strenuous preparations.

[austenmarriage]

New Post has been published on Austen Marriage

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More Questions--More Answers!--on Austen's Life and Times

Last month’s pop quiz was so much fun that we’ll do another one today. These questions go somewhat further afield, so they may tax your Regency knowledge. As before, there’s no rhyme or reason to topic order. Today’s quiz has twenty-five questions. The answers appear below each question to avoid vertigo from excessive scrolling.

Ratings:

0-10: You’re the bumbling Mr. Collins of Austenia.

11-15: You’re Edward Ferrars/Edmund Bertram: solid but dull.

16-20: You’re Henry Tilney, learned on topics from muslin to crown lands to Udolpho.

21-25: You’re Liz Bennet, fiercely demolishing all comers.

The quiz:

What did the word “particular” mean with a young couple at a Regency ball?

Couples were said to be too particular at a Regency ball when they paid too much attention to each other. A couple being particular could start the gossip tongues wagging.

What military technology did France invent that led to fears along the English coast?

France invented the hot-air balloon, as well as the parachute. England feared an airborne invasion for much of the Napoleonic age. Though an aerial invasion was unfeasible, the French played up the fears to unsettle their enemies.

Who was the first Englishwoman to ascend in a hot-air balloon, and what was the result?

The first Englishwoman to ascend in a balloon was Mrs. Laetitia Sage in 1785. Her escort being a handsome young man, the flight gave rise to scandal. Years before, the French had convened meetings to determine whether it was proper for a single lady to ascend alone with a man.

Jane Austen’s House Museum has a brown pelisse, a silk outer garment, believed to have belonged to Jane Austen. What is the symbolism of the oakleaf pattern on the pelisse?

The ships of the Royal Navy were made of oak. The oakleaf pattern was a symbol of the navy, likely in honor of Frank and Charles, her brothers who were naval officers. (See photo by headline; © Hampshire Museums Services.)

How much material would a Regency gown or pelisse require?

It took about seven and a half yards of material to make a gown or pelisse during Jane Austen’s day. Labor was the cheapest cost of any garment. The combined cost of one pelisse each for Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra was 17 shillings.

How long were England and France at war during Jane Austen’s life? (The answer is precise, but you can round up to a full year.)

Of Jane Austen’s forty-one years, seven months of life, England and France were at war for twenty-eight years, eleven months.

What was the solution for modest Regency ladies wearing their light, transparent summer dresses?

Because summer dresses were so light, women often wore full-body, flesh-colored pantaloons beneath them.

Of all the scientific discoveries or developments that occurred during Jane Austen’s lifetime, what may have been the most important, or at least the most convenient?

Joseph Bramah patented a valve-operated water-closet (toilet) in 1778. Over the next thirty years, bathrooms for the wealthy moved indoors from the “necessary” houses close by. It took well into the twentieth century for indoor toilets to become generally available.

Who may have been the most important scientist that Jane Austen met in her life?

Jane Austen very likely met Mary Anning, who became a major paleontologist, when Mary was four or five years old in Lyme Regis. Mary’s father, Richard, was a carpenter and fossil collector in Lyme Regis. He provided a bid for furniture repair to the Austen family while they lived in town. The Annings also sold fossils in the town market, where Austen likely met the young girl.

What traditional occupation was threatened by the paranoia about a French invasion of England?

Itinerant sketchers were feared to be spies, especially if they were sketching scenes of a port town.

How did Beau Brummell, the fashion arbiter of the Regency world, spread his taste in clothing?

Brummel would dress in fashionable outfits, then sit in the window of White’s gentleman’s club to watch passers-by watch him.

Beyond writing poetry and chasing women, at what other sport did Lord Byron excel?

The poet was considered a good boxer for his size (5 foot, 8 inches) despite having a club foot.

In his brief return to power in 1815, what did Napoleon do in a futile effort to curry favor with the British?

Napoleon agreed to end France’s slave trade. However, this did not save him from defeat at Waterloo, and the royalist government that replaced him did not enforce the ban with any enthusiasm.

Though Jane Austen insists that people should not marry for money—that marriage must involve respect and understanding—how many of her six finished novels open with references to money?

Four of her novels begin with discussions of finance, three in the first sentence: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma.

What other novel quickly gets to money as well?

Persuasion soon moves from Sir Walter admiring his family history to the need for him to address the financial problems of the Elliot family. “Retrenchment” is the topic of the second chapter.

Beyond writing, what other artistic skill did Jane Austen possess?

She also played the piano-forte. She collected sheet music and copied out musical scores for her own use.

What does the use of the word “must” involve in Jane Austen’s novels?

According to critic John Mullan, whenever Jane Austen uses the word “must” in her narratives, she is beginning to move into the thoughts of her character.

Though he was known mostly for his partying, womanizing, and overspending, what signature accomplishments did the Prince Regent oversee?

The Prince Regent technically presided over the end of the War of 1812 with the United States and over the twin defeats of Napoleon in the Napoleonic wars. However, historians believe he contributed little leadership during these difficult times.

What signature honor did the Prince Regent offer Jane Austen that she grudgingly accepted?

The Prince Regent let it be known that Austen could dedicate her book Emma to him. It was an honor Austen could not refuse despite her contempt for his profligacy.

What was the most remarkable agricultural achievement during the Regency?

For the first time in history, food production increased faster than human food consumption. Among other things, the average weight of sheep and cattle more than doubled.

How were circulating libraries funded in Jane Austen’s day?

Circulating libraries charged according to the number of books a subscriber took at one time. A typical three-volume novel would count as three books.

Of the many taxes in England to finance the Napoleonic wars, what was the largest tax on luxury or personal items? Extra credit: What was the smallest tax?

The carriage tax was probably the highest personal tax: £8.16s for one carriage; £9.18s for a second; and £11 for each one after that. One of the few taxes that targeted poor people was the three-pence tax on a cheap worker’s hat.

What was the income range for the majority of the population during Jane Austen’s lifetime?

An unskilled farm laborer made about £25 a year, supplementing his pay with food and livestock he would provide for himself. A well-to-do merchant would make £2,000.

How much did Jane Austen and her mother and sister live on after her father died?

The Austen women lived on between £400 and £450, about half provided by their brothers. At Chawton, they also lived at their brother’s cottage without charge.

What was likely the most physically exacting regular activity for most young ladies in the Regency era?

Dancing. Balls could last six to eight hours, and many young people would dance every dance.

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The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen, which traces love from a charming courtship through the richness and complexity of marriage and concludes with a test of the heroine’s courage and moral convictions, is now complete and available from Amazon and Jane Austen Books.

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