#stick with me guys it's long but it'll be worth it

[milaswriting]

Update. — 3rd October 2024

Well, helloo. If you're following me and reading this then...you must really hate me for my lack of activity on this blog. I apologise for that. Doing a masters degree really kicks my ass, and leaves me with no time to write. But Golden has never been dead or abandoned, it's very much always at the forefront of my mind.

And, for that pure reason, I know it's a story I haven't been 1,000% happy with so the story is going through some major changes. Probably, the first is that it's being rewritten. A (somewhat) new plot written with whole new software—we're making the move to Twine.

My reasoning; I've spent over a year learning the coding which makes me want to rip my hair out. I get to have a lot more ownership over my work, the customisation options are stellar, and you guys will get to read it for free.

The reasons for rewriting has been because I want to fix the cringey writing from when the story's first demo was released. It's mostly from the earlier chapters, but then the thought of plot changes came to me and I wanted to implement those. Realistically, the majority of what's being rewritten is what I had planned for book two—so I'm just bringing that forward. I'll update the synopsis closer to the release of this rewrite.

The changes (which can be subject to change): I'm getting rid of the university idea (though you can still choose careers that are related to those degrees from the options that'll be given) (e.g., if you liked the nursing student option, then your MC can work as a nurse). I'm thinking that the MC will already know about the supernatural world to some extent—there'll still be a lot of suspense and mystery and things to unravel, that was always going to remain. And, in this rewrite, my thought is that the MC and the gang will be working at a multi-agency organisation — called The Everbrook — where the aim is to bridge the gap between humans and supernaturals. To make the world run smoothly, so to speak.

The ROs are the exact same! No changes to that—the only change is that them and the mc will somewhat know of each other already. The genre is the same. MC is still as they are, a Lehsian socialite with a pretty (yet peculiar) birthmark. The parents will have much, much less of a role, but they'll still be mentioned here and there.

This seems like a load of word vomit, but I feel like these changes will improve the story. I'm hoping that it'll make MC less of a spare part in the story, allowing them to have more autonomy in the supernatural universe, especially with their enhanced skillset.

I've done the customisation in terms of the UI layout for Twine already, and it should be mobile friendly too. With that done, I've started writing and I'm a few thousand words in. A lot of what I've written in the ChoiceScript version can still be used, but also getting back into writing a story from scratch is something I'm looking forward to.

I feel like this is a bittersweet thing because yay to a new and better story, but also the time it's going to take to get it out. I'll debate whether to release the whole ten chapters, or do a few chapters at a time, like splitting it up into chunks (releasing three chapters now, and three chapters later on).

Another reason as to why I've taken so long to mention this, other than learning code and the rewrite, is just the whole process of this being a little nerve-wracking. The whole thought of a rewrite of something I've put so much effort into is scary, but it'll be worth it.

I'll accept any questions you've got, and I'll create an FAQ regarding all of this too. But, most importantly, you're in the loop of how this is progressing. I really appreciate everyone's kind words about this story: loving the ros, re-reading it, still sticking by my writing—it means a lot. So, thank you and I hope the future of this story is what you want and more.

PLANS.

Finish introductory scenes.

Finish chapter one.

WORD COUNT.

2.2k (rewrite)

[corruptedcaps]

The Chavs and the Chav-Nots

"Look, Heidi, I know this sounds crazy, but trust me, it's going to work. The plan is solid. I take the Chav juice I invented, and bam I'm a chav for 24 hours. A full day to go undercover as the ultimate chav bitch. I'll be just like them, blending right in with those girls who make our lives hell. I know you're worried, but it's our only shot. We’ll get the dirt we need to stop them.

Here’s the thing, though, once I drink it, I won’t remember being me. I’ll be all in, completely believing I’ve always been a chav. I might not even go by the name of Jess anymore. And that means… I might come after you too. I might bully you just like they do. But you have to remember, it’s not really me.

When the 24 hours are up, I’ll be back to normal, and we’ll have everything we need. It'll be tough, but it’s worth it. We’re so close to turning the tables on them, Heidi. This is our chance. Just hold on for one day, okay? Ok here goes nothing."

"What the hell am I wearing? I must have blacked out from all the partying and stole your loser clothes. Thankfully even in these fucking shit outfit and virgin glasses I’m still a fuckin’ knockout.

I need to get out of here before someone actually sees me with you. Do you know what that would do to my rep? Being seen with someone like you? Ugh, it's disgusting just thinking about it.

Honestly, I don't even know why you even go to school. It's not like anyone actually likes you. You're just this sad, clingy little parasite, always hanging on, hoping someone will notice you. Spoiler alert, they don’t. You're invisible. You’re fuckin’ nothing, not like me.

Ugh I feel like your ugliness will rub off on me if I stick around any longer. I need some new sexier clothes. Out of the way fugly and if I see you again you’ll wish you were never born.”

"Heidi… oh my God, I’m so sorry. I remember everything. All the horrible things I said to you as Jessi… that’s what I… I mean she, calls herself. It’s like I was trapped inside my own head, watching it all happen. I felt every nasty mean thing she did. I didn’t mean any of it, I swear.

Thankfully I got a lot of juicy dirt on those evil bitches but you’re not going to like this…. I need to become Jessi again. They opened up a lot to her but I could tell they were still wary of her. I just need to spend more time with them and do what they do and gain their trust.

Thankfully Jessi bought some new clothes while she was in control. I know they are slutty and revealing but they are they perfect to fit in with them. Jessi is a perfect chav.

Of course it helped that the juice transformed my body too. I didn’t expect the big tits, the fake tan, the blonde ponytail, or the press on nails but it certainly helps sell the look. I even think some of the chavs are jealous of Jessi.

And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it was kind of… nice? I mean, not the whole ‘being a complete bitch’ part, but having them be jealous you know? Anyway I better go get changed into my ‘Jessi’ clothes. Sorry in advance.”

“I thought I told you I’d beat the shit out of you if I saw you again loser. What are you even doing at this party, it’s only for hot studs and bad bitches like us, isn’t that right girls?

This is the fuckin’ train wreck I was telling you about girls. Oh you know her? Yeah I guess she is hard to miss, like a wart on a diseased foot. God, just look at her. Honestly, Heidi, you’re a joke. I mean, who even lets you out of the house looking like that? Where’d you get those clothes? A charity shop? They’re so tragic. And that hair… yikes. Ever heard of shampoo?

She’s starting to make me gag girls. Kayla, kick this bitch out will you, I don’t want her putting me off fuckin’ Derek later. So long dork.”

"Heidi, I’m sorry… again. I know I was awful, but you have to understand, I got even more dirt on those girls. We’re so close to taking them down for good!

Did I have sex with Derek? As in Delinquent Derek the hardest guy on the estates? No… I don’t so? I mean it’s all a little blurry, Jessi was drinking a lot. I only have patches of the night but I’m sure she didn’t. He was texting my phone this morning calling me a bad bitch so I’m sure she told him off.

Oh these hoop earrings? Yeah they’re Jessi’s but I find it’s an easier transition to being her if I’m already wearing some of her stuff. Sure her body fits everything so much better but she’s likely to question everything less if she’s ready to go. Plus I kind of like the way the look on me, they’re sort of sexy don’t you think? Do you think should wear more makeup? Then again what would you know? Anyway I better go get ready for Jessi.”

"Aww, look at you, Heidi, crying like a little baby. What, did I hurt your feelings? Pathetic. You should be used to it by now. You’re so weak it makes my stomach turn.

I’ll let you in on little secret though. I know all about Jess, my loser alter ego. The more she’s transformed into me the more of her memories have slipped into my mind. The more control I’ve taken. Her smarts have let me take over the gang. They are all dumb sluts so it was easy to manipulate them into making me their leader.

But it’s a two way street. I’m sure you’ve noticed Jess has become a little bit meaner, a little bit hotter, and a little bit vainer. All thanks to yours truly. Poor little Jess thought she could control me, use me like some tool to get her way. But she didn’t realize how strong I am.

Just a few more times, and Jess won’t exist anymore. She’ll be gone, and it’ll be just me, Jessi. Forever. And you? You’ll be stuck dealing with the real me, the one who doesn’t give a fuck about you or your pathetic tears. I love being an evil chav bitch and soon Jess will too.

But don’t you go getting any ideas about telling her what I’m up to. I’ve got her dosing on juice everyday but she could still reject me and try and go cold turkey if she’s convinced, so this will be our little secret.”

"Heidi, what are you talking about? Jessi’s plan? Jessi doesn’t have a plan, she doesn’t even know about me. You’re just overreacting. I’m in control here, not Jessi. I know what I’m doing.

You’re just jealous because the juice has had some delicious side effects, like making me fuckin’ tasty. I’ve had to wear all the clothes Jessi bought because they’re the only things that now fit me. The fake tan, nails and makeup is just to compliment it all.

Or maybe you’re just jealous because the Chavs have stopped bullying me entirely. In fact they kind of fear me. Maybe that’s what’s really bothering you. You liked it better when I was just plain old Jess, right? Anything to draw attention away from you.

And come on, Jessi taking over? That’s absurd. I know who I am. I’m still me. Kind. Smart. Caring. And sexy as fuck. Maybe I’m just... improving a little, that’s all. What’s wrong with that? You can’t handle the fact that I’m finally stepping out of my shell.

Honestly, Heidi, you’re starting to sound like a paranoid freak. You’re just trying to hold me back because you’re afraid of being left behind. Maybe you’re the one who needs to change, to toughen up a bit. Ever think about that? Anyway I have better places to be now.”

“Well, well, Heidi. Look at you. I didn’t think you had it in you to try and tell Jess about my plan. Gotta say, I’m impressed. Didn’t think you had a backbone. But that’s why I had the girls tie you up and bring you to me.

See, I’m so close to making sure Jess is gone for good, and I can’t let you derail my plans. You’ve always been such a little thorn in my side, but something Jess said to you made me think that maybe I could get your pushiness to work in my favour. Maybe it’s time YOU changed.

Open up, Heidi. You’re about to get a taste of what real power feels like. Just a little modified Chav juice, enough to see things my way. Thanks to Jess’ brilliant mind I’ve adapted it to make you into everything I need you to be. Come on, don’t make this harder than it has to be. It’s time for you to join the winning side.”

"You know I wasn’t sure at first that your idea of you imbedding yourself in with Jessi was such a good idea, especially because she really seemed to hate your guts but these past few days I’ve seen flashes of you and her hanging out and you’re as thick as thieves. You’re very convincing. It helps you’re started dressing like all the other Chavs too. Don’t get me wrong, you look proper fit now babes. I mean… you fit in so well with Jessi and her crew!

Speaking of which I’m so glad you’ve changed your mind about me taking the juice, you get that it’s only going to be a few times more and then it’ll be over. I wasn’t sure you’d see things my way, but now you’re being so supportive, so encouraging. It makes this whole thing feel so much easier.

And I have to admit… I do enjoy being Jessi sometimes. She’s so fuckin’ hawt and nasty. A proper slag. Oh sorry about that, she slips out out from time to time. A lot more recently. It just feels so freeing to not have to worry about anything. She’s a real bitch and gets what she wants. As she should!

Shit I was going to wait a few hours but what harm could it be to take some juice now? Thanks Heidi you’re so supportive. But you know what first? Let’s you and I get dolled up so when Jessi takes over she’s ready to go with her ‘bestie’.”

“Mmmm yesss that did it. I can feel the last of that loser is out of my system. I have to hand it to you babes, this would have taken weeks to do if I didn’t have you by my side. I always knew you had potential, but damn, you’ve become the loyal bitch I needed. Together, we’re going to run the school, no doubt about it.

Funny how Jess tried to go undercover with the chavs and what brought her down was me her better half infiltrating her world with you as my perfect hawt weapon.

And as for me… just look at me. I’m the perfect chav now. In fact I’m the fuckin’ chav Queen! Shedding that weakling Jess was the best thing I could have done. I’m everything she could never be.

But you, you’re my best creation. A slutty bestie who is unwavering loyal and a fuckin’ stunner to boot. Mmmm the trouble we are going to get up to is making me so wet.

After I dosed all the other girls with anti-chav I needed to start building a better gang anyway. They were just posers compared to us. It’s going to be so much fun converting the other nerds into chav babes and bullying our old enemies.

We’re the Chavs now and their just the chav-nots.”

[sir-heichou-smith]

141 and their awkward but meaningful experience(s) with wild animals

Gaz:

-It's exactly 1800 hours when he spots the shabby safehouse after they complete the mission that went to utter shit, leaving him separated from the rest of the 141. His back and left arm are sore. Getting shot at and falling out of a second story window doesn't compliment his bone structure, as it turns out.

-He clears the perimeter to make sure he hasn't been tailed while he waits to rendezvous with the others.

-As he surveys the inside of the cabin, he doesn't see the bird's nest perched up in the rafters, but he feels it drop square onto his head when he breaks the lock on one of the doors and shoves it open.

-The little bird that rolls onto the floor chirps desperately and flutters its wings, lopsided and favoring its left side.

-After the minor heart attack and an admittedly embarrassing noise that soap would never let him live down if he'd heard it, he feels bad for the poor thing, picking it up and sticking it in a makeshift nest of his outer layers while he tends to his own wounds.

-"Poor little guy, sorry I fucked up your home. You're all alone too, huh." Gaz makes it up to the bird by wrapping its injured wing in a similar fashion to his own sling, in hopes that it'll help in some way. He even finds a bug in the windowsill to feed it.

-He's so distracted by his new friend that he almost doesn't notice the three sets of footsteps getting closer to his temporary safe haven.

-"The feck do ye got there, mate?" He's relieved to hear the familiar Scottish lilt from the main entrance, their captain and lieutenant right behind him.

-"It's my best buddy. He's your new replacement, Tav." Laughing as he dodges the MRE thrown in his direction, he settles the baby bird in next to him while they take watch in shifts for the hours long wait to exfil.

Price:

-For once the 141 was able to take a much needed break. In between missions, the captain invited the rest of his team on a camping trip for the weekend. Not many knew, but instead of a house, Price owned a beautiful log cabin just north of Hereford with a few acres of land and a body of water for hunting and fishing respectively.

-The next morning, Price and Ghost left at the asscrack of dawn to part take in the former, hoping to score dinner for them all from the comfort of his backyard.

-"See anything up your way, Simon?" "Negative, sir." The pair continues to wait in silence as the sun slowly starts to creep over the horizon. He's just about to call it when he hears crunching leaves just to his right.

- Price looks as far as he can without turning his head, and spots their dinner, just out of the corner of his eye and a few paces away at that. A beautiful 12 point buck that has no fear or spacial awareness as it seems. It turns its head to look directly at him too, as if daring him to do something.

-The deer inches forward ever so slowly to him, seeming more curious than anything. He can see Ghost not 10 meters on his opposite side, not doing anything to help the situation, just desperately trying to hold it in. Slowly, as a trained and patient death machine of a man can be, he pulls out his cell phone to take a picture.

-Then he feels it. The light sniffs, and then the feeling of a slimy tongue on the side of his forehead and hat. The damn thing is tasting him as if he were a berry on a bush.

-At the turn of Price's head, he meets its eyes. As if it just now figured out it's been caught in the act and regains control of itself, the buck whips around and bounds away.

-The photo in their group chat, from yours truly, has the other men in shambles. "You're lucky you're my favorite lieutenant. Otherwise I'd give you extra duty for at least a week." Price thinks it's worth the hassle though, as he rarely gets to hear that deep grumble of a laugh from his most stoic soldier. Take out doesn't sound so bad after all.

Soap:

-"C'mon lt, a few drinks won't kill ye, first round's on me." A flash of pearly whites and a playful wink thrown is all it takes for the man to cave.

-The two men walk to a local pub frequented by soldiers and civilians alike. Not too busy but not as quiet as Ghost would prefer. They meet up with Price and Gaz, Soap greets them with a smile and Ghost simply nods, already anticipating the night to be over.

-Soon enough the first round of drinks becomes the second, then the third, then a pint, and two, and a few more after that. Price bids the three of them goodnight, claiming something about having paperwork to finish up for tomorrow.

-"Aw cap yer no fun, Gaz here's the only one who knows how to give a lad good company." At that, Soap turns his head with a cheese grin to lock eyes with his fellow seargent. "Don't rope me into this, Tav, we all know you'd drink us all under the table even if we dared you not to. Plus, the old man's right. I've got training tomorrow with the rookies too, I'll catch you later mate."

-"Looks like it's you n me, lt. I knew you'd never leave me alone." Soap goes to get up and order another set of drinks for them, but ends up stumbling and holding the edge of the table for a bit too long before Ghost then stands up. "Alright, seargent, you've had enough it looks like. Let's head back before I have to throw you over my shoulder."

-Soap gives a sheepish grin and scratches the back of his neck. "Aye, lt. Let's get outta here." The walk back to base goes by without a hitch. Until Soap hears something that sounds like a cry coming from an alleyway just off post.

-"Ya hear that Ghost? Where's it comin from?" He's begins to look for the source of the sound as the larger man attempts to drag him towards the direction of the base. "Who knows, Johnny. It's fucking baltic out here an' youre worried about god knows wha- STAY out of that dumpster!"

-Soap doesn't listen as he begins to try and look underneath and around it to see where he's hearing the sounds from. A few seconds later Ghost hears, "Aw lt it's a wee kitten! We cannae just leave 'em out here. Gimme yer coat, he's cold."

-"Johnny what the bloody fuck do you think you're doing with tha-" "IT'S A KITTEN AND I'M TAKIN' EM TO MY ROOM SO I WON'T GET IN TROUBLE NOW HAND ME YER JACKET." Ghost rolls his eyes and sheds his outer layer, leaving him in his black crew neck and balaclava. He knows it's best to just give him the damn hoodie since it's the only way he'll be able to herd his seargent back to his room safely.

-Just before Ghost hands over his coat, Johnny comes out from the darkened alley with what he claims is a kitten. However, he yanks the hand holding his precious coat back once he sees what the other man is holding in his hands.

-"Johnny what the FOCK that is NOT a cat you bloody fuckin- put it DOWN NOW."

-The man gives his best big blue puppy eyes even though he doesn't realize what he's holding isn't a cat at all, but a baby raccoon he found digging around in the trash. "Can we keep him lt? Please he'll be good and we can call him Floof or Bringer of Death or whatever you wanna name him!"

-"Oh for fuck sake you idiot, put the damn thing back in the trash before you get rabies and then I'll have to do so much paperwork because of your dumbass. I swear to you I'll-."

-As Ghost carries on, Soap puts the little trash panda back where he found it, (albeit begrudgingly), and they walk home just a little bit faster. If only to warm each other up when they get there.

Ghost:

-Ghost gets sent on a solo op to the desert in the middle of bumblefuck nowhere. He's on a stake out mission, meant to gather intel from afar and report back to Watcher periodically over the span of several days.

-As the hours pass by in the blistering heat, Ghost is a sentinel, unmoving and unwavering and unseen. The man has been glued to his rifle for the past 72 hours, and there isn't a sight of hair nor hide of anything worth noticing or reporting since he landed.

-It's approximately 12 hours before he needs to pack up and head to the exfil site that he sees movement. "Bravo 0-7 to Watcher." "Watcher here 0-7, send traffic." "Got movement heading towards the compound. HVT confirmed, multiple armored vehicles, what looks to be a package being guarded for delivery." "Good work, Bravo. Keep an eye out for any reinforcements or sudden changes until further notice. Watcher out."

-It's only after he clicks off his comms that he feels movement coming from his pant leg. As calmly and quietly as he can while flat on his stomach, he wiggles out of his boot and removes the offender. A small, brown lizard doing it's damndest to hang on to his sock.

-He flicks it to the side, shakes his head in silence, and doesn't think about the incident until after he rendezvous with the bird.

-On the tarmac and sore to hell and back from being a statue for several days, his seargent greets him before he even steps out of the belly of the plane.

-"Lt! It's good to have you back." Ghost just nods his way, not unkindly--the exhaustion setting in quick now that he's returned. Soap sends a bright smile his way, and follows the older man all the way to the armory to turn in his gear, and then all the way to the captain's office for debrief, and then to his door to finally shower and fall into bed for the next 10 hours until he's needed again.

-Ghost doesn't have the mind to look either direction before pulling his sergeant into the room behind him, locking the door once it's closed. He dips his head to the other man's shoulder and wraps his arms around his back in a much needed embrace.

-"Let's get you washed up and in bed, mo ghraidh." Soap takes the lieutenant by the hand and leads him to the bathroom to begin shedding him of his many layers.

-It's when he gets to his cargos that he notices it. "Uh, lt?" "Yeah, Johnny?" "Whatcha got in there?" "Huh? In where?" Johnny gently pats the right side of his hip, where his deepest pocket lays from the side of his hip to the middle of his thigh.

-Simon reaches into his pocket and freezes. "You've gotta be shittin me." He pulls out from his pocket a small, wiggly brown lizard that followed him home in the safety of his pocket. All they could do was look at each other and laugh.

[francoisl-artblog]

10 Years since Pikmin 3. It really was worth it.

I needed to make a little something about it, you know ? As a long time fan, I'm just, really happy it's a thing. I wish I could do more, but (if times allow it to me) you can count on more Pikmin fan art on my side !

Anyway, So far, I only played the demo, and it's everything I could've hoped. This and Pikmin 1 + 2 ? Guys... I've been playing Pikmin 2 again ! It's really been 10 years since I've last touched it ! It's just, so cool. Playing it again in handled mode, it's really satisfying.

Also, theses new heroes ? They're silly, I love them. Look at the customizable character she's awesome ! (I called her "Pomme." similar to that old fake leak. Why ? To stick with Mario=Olimar's name thing, since Pomme is the French name for "Apple", staying in the fruit theme like Peach. I dunno, it sounded good in my head.)

Anyway !! Will surely play this one tomorrow, I think it's safe to say it'll probably be the best one in the franchise.

Pikmin (c) Nintendo Artwork made by me.

[still-fatemeh]

Et tu, Brute?

Shirase was right.

Shirase was right. Shirase was right. Shirase was right. Shirase was right. Shirase was right. Shirase was right. He was right. He's always been right...

It... hurts to breathe. It hurts to live. It hurts to be something.

I wasn't a leader, I was no king.

I was a weapon used to protect them. Just that. That's where my value ended to them. There it goes. All my worth.

Shirase, you were right. I deserve all the pain in the world, just because I want to play the role of protector for people. My power nothing but a hassle, if I wasn't this powerful, it wouldn't have been my duty to protect everyone. Then, I could've been like any other one of you. Deep in my soul, I wanted to be the trembling one in the corner, another sheep in the flock, rather than the first to step up.

But...

I don't want to be the trembling one either. I can't be. I can't let people around me suffer while I wallow in fear and self-pity.

Pity is disgusting. I want none of it.

You were right, shirase. You were right. And so was yuan.

There was a time when she wanted to steal liquor from a base near port mafia territory. I said no. Of course I fucking said no. But then she...

She held my hand and kissed me, said it'll be alright, that it was a one time thing, nothing would happen to them...

I said she could go.

It never happened again.

It was a mistake, but the cruel thing was, it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you. I... thought you guys were my friends...

It's hard to tell who has your back, from who has it long enough just to stab you in it...

Stab the body and it heals, but injure the heart and the wound lasts a lifetime.

It doesn't matter. It's not like I'm a person anyway. Its not like I have a heart. I don't even know who I am...

Betrayal is the only truth that sticks. It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. I...

Shirase, I'm sorry.

[derinthescarletpescatarian]

Derin, you once said that posting consistently in a web series is very important for the growth of audience. But how do you keep yourself motivated to create stories on schedule? Whenever I try to do it, I just lose motivation and get stressed out or bored with my project

My answer is to have a big buffer. I aim to have a buffer of at least one year's worth of chapters. That way, I can take a month or two off every now and then to avoid burnout. It is also far, far less stressful. Not having a buffer is the most stressful thing a writer can do, do not do that.

So far as long-term sticking to projects goes, there's a few skills involved here and all of them involve a lot of practice. The first thing is what I call the Shiny New Fruit problem. This is something you see pretty much every newbie writer doing -- they get a great idea for a story, they know how it's gonna start, they have a cool premise and a twist that's gonna BLOW EVERYONE'S MIND, it'll be great! They start writing! Their first chapter is cool and unique and full of promise, and they get great feedback, and they move onto the second chapter and it's also great, and...

Quite quickly, they run out of "great chapters". Most of the time, the start of your story is low hanging fruit, so far as writing goes -- it's where you get to introduce all your cool concepts and you're not weighed down by anything established yet and all the Cool Stuff That's Gonna Happen is still in the future, it's your perfect imagined version of it and not the (usually worse) version that ends up on the page. Then you run out of low hanging fruit, and it gets slower and harder, and you have to do a lot more actual work and it doesn't feel so new and exciting any more, and a newbie writer thinks, "oh, this isn't as fun, the story feels more boring to write, that part didn't come out as well as I'd hoped -- this story must be bad". And sometimes they might give up right away. Or instead they might continue... but they're distracted, because solving the issue of how to get those two guys out of prison in chapter 6 just gave them the BEST idea for a different story, it's gonna be so much better, the characters are great and they can already feel the words pouring out of them and...

So they run off to pick the low-hanging fruit for their new story, and before they know it, they have nine unfinished stories on their hard drive and not a completed story to their name.

Every writer will get distracted and enthused about new ideas for projects. This isn't a newbie problem. The newbie problem is letting them tempt you away from the viable projects you're already working on so that nothing gets done. My solution to this is very simple -- I am not allowed to write my future projects until I finish my current one. This way, all that enthusiasm for the future project is transmuted into motivation for the current one -- I can write that cool story about a bug alien who adopts and astronaut but first I have to push through the slow part of this story and get this story finished. This has always worked really well for me.

The second reason that you might lose motivation for a story you're working on is that the story is indeed bad, or at least, the version of it incubating in your mind isn't ready yet. The problem with this is that every story feels bad when you're bored or frustrated with it, and it takes a lot of practice to tell the difference between a genuine dud idea and one that your brain is lying to you about because it wants to play computer games instead. My advice on these is to push through anyway -- it almost certainly isn't a dud idea, and if it is, you'll learn way more by completing it than abandoning it.

The third reason is burnout. Now, it's important to note that everyone is bored and frustrated with their stories sometimes. I got sick of writing space intrigue and took a month off to play Subnautica (I could afford to do this with no stress because of my massive chapter buffer), then came back when I felt like it -- that isn't burnout. I've procrastinated for weeks before because I'm up to a really complicated scene with a lot of emotional beats and new information and it's hard to write so I don't wanna -- that isn't burnout. Burnout is what you get when you don't manage these things properly for way too long and grind your brain to paste. I have a lot of tips for avoiding burnout, but they'd take a long time to explain, so all I'll say here is that learning to recognise and avoid burnout is a skill that you will gain with experience.

The fourth reason that people get bored and frustrated is that writing is a skill, and it's a lot harder to do than it looks. Writing when you're not in Full Inspiration Mode is exhausting. It's difficult. It almost always looked worse on the page than you expected; your favourite authors do so much better than this, why doesn't your work look like theirs? It's just words! You know words!

This one trips a lot of newbies up, because in Full Inspiration Mode, writing is easy. someone can have five chapters pour out of them in that mode, and then look at their page two days later and go, "huh, writing is so much harder today". then they'll call that "writer's block" (that is NOT writer's block) and decide to write again when they "feel inspired".

Do not do this. It's a trap. If you only write when you're inspired, you will not succeed as a writer. Take advantage of your periods of inspiration, obviously, but writers must learn to forge ahead without them, because they're going to get fewer and smaller as the low hanging fruit all get picked and you simply will not keep up with a schedule relying on them, whether it's a web serial update schedule or a deadline given to you by a publisher or simply the desire to have a manuscript ready to pitch to an agent before you die of old age. The world is full of people who are "writing a book" and have been doing so for thirty years with almost no progress. If you want to finish, you need to write when it's a bit tricky, when it's a bit boring, when you're not inspired at all and aren't entirely certain where things are going. Fortunately this, like everything else here, is a skill that is honed with practice.

So, yeah. That's my advice. Have a chapter buffer, the bigger the better. Make sure that your writing pace is faster than your publication pace. Avoid these quitting/stopping pitfalls. That's pretty much it.

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Jack/Ava, really nice guy who hates only you.

[Do you know how happy I am to finally get part of their story down?It has taken so long]

Ava sees Crosby walk into the Officer's Club and lifts her hand. "Harry!" she calls, "we've got an extra chair!"

Crosby comes over and gives Ava the same flat, polite smile he always does. "I'm meeting some people," he says, giving Jack a nod. "But thank you."

Ava waits for Crosby to belly up to the bar before turning back to Jack. "See?" she says. 

Jack sighs. "This again?"

Ava puts her hands flat on the table and gives Jack a hard look. "He's the friendliest man on base to everyone else, but I've tried for weeks to get him to join us, and he always has an excuse."

"Because he's the friendliest man on base and always has plans," Jack says, tone flat. But there's a smile at the edge of his mouth. "He's never been anything but polite to you."

"He used to be nice to me," Ava replies. "Ask after the other nurses and if I've had word from home, but ever since you and I started setting each other, he's frozen me out."

"No, I'm sure that's not…"

Ava sips her whiskey and watches Jack's face as he thinks back over the last several weeks since they officially started courting. He can be hard to convince sometimes, but she appreciates that he will stop and think. It's also nice to watch him do it. The low, warm light in the O-Club softens the tired lines at his eyes and makes him glow a little. He's so handsome when he's relaxed, still upright in his posture, but languid in his movements. She imagines sometimes what it'll be like if they ever sneak away to London together. How relaxed could he get if he wasn't on or near base? 

"Okay," Jack says, pulling Ava from her thoughts. "Looking back on it, you have a point. He really has changed around you."

"I can't figure out why," Ava says. "Can you?"

Jack thinks again. He shakes his head. "No, I can't." He replies. He gives Ava a determined look. "So, I'll ask him."

Ava shoots out a hand and grabs his wrist. "What?! No!" 

Jack gives her a confused look. "But you want to know, don't you?"

Ava nods because, yes, she does. But also, no, she doesn't. What if she's committed some faux pas she's not aware of? What if she said something he wasn't meant to overhear but he heard it anyway? What if he thinks she's not good enough for Jack?

"Ava," Jack murmurs. He lays his hand over hers on his wrist. "Harry's a nice person. He must have a reason, or he doesn't realize he's changed his behavior."

Or he thinks I'm just a trampy hick, and you deserve someone better, Ava thinks. The thought makes her grimace, and her fear slips away into annoyance at herself. "You're right," she says. "It's easiest to ask him."

Jack takes her hand from his wrist and kisses her knuckles. "I'll be right back," he says. He stands and picks up his nearly empty glass. "Want another while I'm up?"

Ava downs the rest of her drink and passes him the glass. She watches him walk up to the bar, where Harry's got replacement navigators collecting around him like he's the main attraction at the county fair. Ava holds her hands, one in the other, and tries not to think too much as Jack places their drink order, then wades into the crowd of navigators and pulls Harry aside. 

It's not that she really thinks she's not good enough for Jack. She knows her own worth. Really. And she's explained to Jack why she gets nervous about it sometimes. How growing up how she did and the rumors about her stick to her like burrs even though she knows those rumors aren't true and that some people just need to push others in the mud for their own amusement. 

But she and Harry got along before. They really did. And the only thing that's changed is that now she wears the sweetheart brooch Jack got her. It's heart-shaped with a B-17 etched on the outside. His graduation photo from flight school is in there. The moment she's off-shift, she attaches it to her dress or her blouse and doesn't take it off until lights out. And ever since she started wearing it, Harry's been distant. 

Jack comes back to the table. He sets down their drinks before taking his seat. He's got a look on his face like he's been slapped. 

"Well?" Ava asks, never one for a long silence when there are questions to be answered. 

Jack blinks and shakes his head, then looks at her. There's a tenderness on his face that she's never seen before. Like he's just realized something very important. "Um, he doesn't hate you. You haven't done anything wrong," he says. He clears his throat, then reaches for her hand. She gladly gives it. "It's…" 

He looks at her again. Ava bites her lip to keep from demanding an answer. "We remind him of his early days with Jean," Jack finally says. "He says we both look completely smitten when we look at each other, and it's just hard for him to appreciate it with her so far away."

Ava blinks a few times. "Oh," she says. She presses her fingers to her mouth. "Oh, that's…that's quite the compliment," she manages. 

Jack nods. "I agree," he says. He takes a drink of his whiskey and squeezes her hand. "And as he was telling me, I was thinking, 'Well, that's not bad at all; that's a nice thought, really'."

"It is," she says. She clutches her glass and watches his face. The way he can't stop looking at her with this new tenderness. Like maybe he's just realized they could have something very permanent. It's something Ava hasn't let herself hope for just yet, even with his photo in her brooch. But now she feels the want of it, deep in her body. "It's a very nice thought,"  she adds. "I feel like I could think it for a long time."

The smile that blooms on Jack's face makes her almost cry. He looks so pleased. So content. So truly happy. She's done that. Her saying that made him do that. 

"Me, too," Jack agrees. 

Ava smiles back, hoping it's even half as obvious how much she cares about him as his smile was for her. They sit and they hold hands and they sip their drinks, and when the music starts, Jack leads her to the dance floor and holds her close, and Ava thinks that, yes, this is something she wants to think about very much.

[ace-of-clubs-and-diamonds]

Hey guys. I have a bit of an announcement to make for this blog.

I'm not posting fic here anymore.

Something kinda personal happened and it’s killed my desire to write and post fic like I’ve been doing for the past couple years. It wasn’t anything hugely bad, but it’s spooked the hell out of me nonetheless and I’m just not comfortable doing this anymore. Really though, I’ve been debating whether to stop posting fic to Tumblr for a while now. I barely get any feedback, people here are increasingly disrespectful and trigger-happy regarding anything they don’t like, and Tumblr’s whole AI scraping policy has left a bad taste in my mouth. It just doesn’t feel worth it anymore.

Now, that’s not to say I’m going to stop writing fanfic. I don’t think I’m capable of that, and I’ve got a couple multichapter WIPs that I’m really excited about. I’m not going to let what spooked me take away that joy. But I’m going to shift my attention from oneshot smutfics cross-posted to AO3 and Tumblr to more plot-heavy and character-heavy fics posted only to AO3.

This blog will primarily become an art blog. If I post something to AO3, I’ll make a post about it here and link it, but I will not post the actual fic itself. Regardless, I will forever and always be happy to chat about my fics and answer asks here.

Admittedly, it's possible that what's fueling this is just a temporary state of paranoia, and that it'll pass and I'll go back to my usual modus operandi. But I don't think so. This has been a long time coming, and I think it’s very likely that I’ll stick to this plan.

So TLDR: I’m not going to post fic to Tumblr anymore, but I’ll still post to AO3. The type of fic I’m writing will change from disconnected smut oneshots to longer fics with actual plot (and maybe some plot-relevant smut too idk). I’ll still post art and fanfic rambles to this blog, just not the fics themselves.

Thank you to everyone who’s stuck around this long and said nice things on my fic or art, and I hope you stick around for the next chapter of this blog. Thanks for reading. Love y’all 💜

[stayteezdreams]

Hooked On You: Part Two

Plot: The long awaited Saturday finally arrives, as does your date in the park with Wooyoung.

-Part One-

Pairing: Jung Wooyoung x Gn!reader

-Meet-Cute Masterlist-

Warnings: Mild cursing.

Words: 1.4k

As you walked down the park path, you had your hands shoved in your pockets as the cold air seeped through your clothes. You didn't care or notice much though, as excitement radiated through you.

Your eyes grazed over every person you saw as you kept your eyes out for a familiar figure. You weren't sure exactly where he would be, but you had gotten his text that he was here.

Over the last few days, since your first meeting with Wooyoung, you had been texting almost non-stop. But as many times as you asked what you were doing today, he refused to tell you.

Finally spotting the familiar boy, you grinned as you saw him building a very small snowman. You watched him for a moment as he shoved two sticks into the sides and giggled to himself.

Quietly, you gathered some snow in your hands and formed it into a ball. Taking aim, you held your breath as you tossed the snowball at him. As it smacked against his back, he let out a small gasp as he spun around, surprised.

His eyes darted around before landing on your grinning figure. His face turned into a wide smile as he stood up fully.

"Hey!" He yelled with fake offense, as he let out a laugh.

You giggled as he ran up to you.

"Already starting a fight?" He asked with a giggle and you shrugged.

"It's what you get for not telling me what we're doing today." You said defiantly.

He chuckled softly as he leaned in a bit before his hand quickly wrapped around your wrist. "I wanted it to be a surprise"

Your breath caught in your throat as you let him lead you along.

"Do you like ice skating?"

Your eyes shot up from his hand to his face as you felt your heart jump "Ice skating?"

He nodded as he looked over at you.

"I like it but I'm not good at it."

He chuckled, "That makes two of us."

Noticing that he was dragging you towards the more crowded part of the city park, you opened your mouth in bewilderment.

"So why are we going towards the ice-skating rink?"

He looked at you again and grinned, "Because it'll be fun?"

"Even if all we do is fall on our asses?"

He chuckled "Don't worry I'll catch you if you fall."

Ignoring the heat rising up your neck and face you squinted at him "Why do I feel like I'm going to be the one catching you?"

Wooyoung let out a giggle as his hand slipped from your wrist into your hand, as he pulled you into a light jog as you entered the ice skating area.

His heart was hammering but he wasn't sure if it was because he was holding your hand, or if he was putting himself into a possibly embarrassing situation. Either way, he was with you, and that made it all worth it, embarassment or not.

You were holding on tightly to the rink railing as tears rimmed your eyes. Laughter continued to bubble out of you as Wooyoung panted from beside you.

Letting out a soft groan he whined "Where did that guy even come from?"

You took in a breath, "My question is how did you not see him? He was huge, and he was right in front of you!"

Wooyoung let out a soft laugh as he looked over at you. Your smile was wide, and your eyes watery as another giggle bubbled out.

As embarrassing as getting knocked on his ass right in front of you was, he'd do it a thousand times if he got to see you like this.

"I was distracted!" He excused.

You gave him a bewildered stare, "By what?"

His smile softened "You"

The giggled died away as you felt your heart jolt "Me? Why?"

He nodded softly "You were smiling so much, I couldn't look away."

You felt your face grow hot as you looked away shyly, making Wooyoung only grin wider.

Leaning in closer he peered at you "You're cute when you get all shy."

Letting out a surprised scoff you shoved him softly "Shut up!"

He placed his hand on his shoulder and winced, "Ow!"

You rolled your eyes, "Oh stop it!" You laughed.

He giggled before he slid closer to you, softly bumping your shoulder with his, and motioning his head towards the food stalls, "Wanna get some hot chocolate?"

You're eyes grew a bit brighter as you nodded "Yes please"

Wooyoung grinned as he grabbed your hand again, sending a jolt through you as your heart skipped a beat. You carefully left the rink before getting your shoes back on and heading towards the hot chocolate stand.

After getting your hot chocolate you found a spot to sit where you could warm up. Wooyoung was sitting close beside you, your shoulders and legs pressed together.

You gripped your hot chocolate, letting it warm your hands. You smiled as you looked over at Wooyoung "This was fun."

He met your eyes as he smiled fondly at you. "I'm glad."

Your smile turned shy as you looked away, taking a long sip of your drink. Wooyoung watched you for a moment as a wide amused grin spread across his face. Your nose was now tipped with white cream from your drink.

Wooyoung giggled and you looked over at him. Bringing his hand up, he gently wiped it from your nose and you let out a soft giggle "Thanks."

He continued to smile at you, his eyes sparkling.

"What?" You asked softly as you wiped your face again "Is there more?"

He giggled and shook his head "No, I was just thinking."

"About what?" You asked softly.

"I'm really glad I met you." His voice was now softer, and it made your chest grow warm.

"Me too"

"And I'm really glad you agreed to go out with me"

You bit your lip as you repressed a grin "I'm really glad you asked me"

He however, did nothing to repress the bright grin on his face as he giggled shyly, making it impossible for you not to smile.

"How could I not ask you? I knew from the second we met there was something here."

He didn't have to say what 'here' was, you knew. You spun your hot chocolate around in your hand nervously.

"I felt it too"

His eyes widened a bit and you heard relief and excitement in his voice "You did?"

You nodded, "I had never gotten along with someone so fast or easily in so long. It felt like I had known you for years."

Wooyoung shook his head "Yes, exactly!" You giggled at his excitement, and he turned to face you fully. "It felt right! Right?"

You chuckled, "Right."

He slapped his hand on his knee softly, "I knew it. I thought maybe I was looking for something that wasn't there, but...it was, because you felt it too."

"Yeah, I felt it too."

His eyes locked with yours as you silently stared at each other. The tension that was building almost burst as Wooyoungs eyes flicked to your lips briefly. He smiled and looked down at his hands before he spoke softly.

"I don't want today to end."

"Well it isn't over yet."

He grinned as he met your eyes again "You're right. What should we do next?"

You let out a soft gasp "You mean you didn't plan something else?" You squinted playfully at him.

He closed his eyes tightly as he repressed a laugh before he spoke softly, now a bit more serious. "I wasn't sure how long you wanted to be with me."

You smiled at him gently, "I didn't plan anything else for a reason. I want to be here, so I'm yours as long as you want."

As Wooyoung grinned, and a sly look crossed his face, you somewhat regretted your word choice.

"As long as I want?" He asked slowly.

"Within reason." You said with a chuckle.

He rose a brow as he nodded, repressing a smile "Sooo-" he drew out as his mischevious smile turned more sincere "Is forever within reason?"

Your chest clenched tightly at his words, as your eyes remained locked, unmoving.

Your voice was soft, "I don't know yet."

He smiled softly at you and nodded, "How about we start with dinner then?"

You nodded, "That is a good place to start"

Gently grabbing one of your hands, Wooyoung rose, bringing you with him. His hand remained linked with yours as you walked through the park. Both of you silently hoping this was the start of forever.

Spoiler. It was.

xx End xx

Wasn't sure how to end this, but I hope you liked it! xx

Skz General Taglist: @laylasbunbunny

Series Taglist: @bubblesreplies, @halesandy, @why-am-i-sad, @sourmooonlight, @jaeheekangslover @seungminsdreamwife, @thesunsfullmoon, @ink-spilled-stars, @jisunglyricist, @marcillfll, @ultimatestayandminoronce, @cheeeseceli

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

I pretty much had two obligatory choices for this title for reasons that will become obvious later. For best effect, you can go ahead and pop open this link in a new tab. Wow is this a cool chapter. So let's start where it starts and that's this little giant boy Collon. Who we've seen before. It's cute and he's scooting off to the banquet after checking in with Giant Makino. In spirit. Giant Makino for real would be too much to handle.

What I find most interesting though is how this little segment frames the rest of the chapter. Particularly with Shanks here. It's not just the first of three times we have a character giving a reminder like this. It's how it builds off of the rest of the scene too. Time matters, and we'll get to the really big way it does. But it starts with the barmaid mentioning Dorry & Broggy would stay here drinking for days if they stopped by. That's an interesting concept and one that makes sense based on what we know of the giants. Their lifespan is so much longer it makes everything they do take longer. That's our introduction to them; a century-long duel after all. I want you to think about that with the much more grave warning we'll leave off on. How it builds off of a previous arc where we were in a rush to leave events that didn't have much to do with our main crew and the one before it we spent a rare prolonged stay on. The world is moving fast and we really don't have any point for the Straw Hats to stay on Elbaf. That matters.

But forget all that nerd shit and look at the fun whimsical pirate adventure moment! Instant favorite panel, immediately on par with the other cool ones like the Knock-Up Stream and climbing Wano's waterfall. This is a part of Norse mythology by the way...though probably not the type your cosplay tough guy Viking enthusiasts obsess over. Called Bifrost, the rainbow road from our world to the realm of the gods. For what it's worth, as much as I dig Miss Goldenweek and her Rainbow of Dreams...another interesting parallel since we meet her around the giants too.

I just love it. It's wonderful and fun and cool and makes me so happy to finally see Elbaf. Same with the village. Nothing much to analyze, just want to note that this is something so long awaited as much for me as it is the crew. I've mentioned it before, but reaching Elbaf holds special significance for me given I originally caught up to the manga on Oimo & Kashi. Just a cool, iconic moment that I know is gonna stick with me forever. I even got a little misty eyed. I fuckin' love One Piece y'all.

Okay, so back to the plot. Who's next? Goldberg, Gerd, and Luffy meet up! We also saw Hajrudin on the rainbow and everyone comes together pretty quickly tbh. I thought the stuff with Gerd cooing over Luffy was adorable. Gerd is adorable. Sanji simping over such a sizeable woman was neat too. Also liked them beating up creepy Road.

But this bit with Loki? That's intriguing. Especially when it's framed the same way as Collon's little flashback to Shanks. Though not the same concept as that and what we'll get to...the point is not dwelling too long here right? Well Loki is probably what the threat of doing that hinges on. And this is a potentially bad outcome for Luffy here. Quite dangerous he's keeping the secret and there's apparently some kind of promise. Sure it'll be interesting to see what comes of it.

But this is what we're all really here for. I mean, the rainbow road is great and all but it's just a pretty scene using Norse mythos for inspiration. This though? Ohhh mama is it right up my alley. Do you remember the last time we saw Louis Arnot? He's the author of Brag Men, the book Nami read from to recognize Little Garden. Cool callback. But the content is what matters here. First of all because he's taking the place of our usual narrator. Which is a concept I've been high on since Wano. Because this narration is an in-universe character it opens up questions of reliability. Arnot hasn't steered us wrong before, but it's there.

"Do not linger in this land for long." Why!? That's gotta mean something. It makes me wonder about Shanks taking off as quickly as he did. It makes me think about getting sucked into some Loki plot a lot more. But simply...why? Could it be some time screw thing? That could be bad if you have some kind of Narnia Time aspect when the world's on fire. Or maybe there's some aspect of the geography that's hazardous. Or it's just really easy to run afoul of giant politics.

We'll have to see. But hidden here is something else intriguing. The silhouette. Is that the guy saying "come" a few chapters ago? He's normal sized. I definitely agree with the common theory that he looks oddly reminiscent of the figure we saw drinking with Crocus long ago in a cover page. I also like the idea of Scopper Gaban for who that could be. A former Roger Pirate could be interesting. With Elbaf being the last real foreshadowed island and Luffy being about as high as he can climb before reaching the Pirate King level...probably gonna end up with at least a lead on the final road poneglyph. Or at least finding a poneglyph. They tend to show up with nonhuman races. We'll have to see there too but it all makes sense for a purpose of being here.

[north-noire]

Hey hey.

Just wanted to say how much I love ur Hidden Hands Au🤌🤌🤌. I am craving for that sh1t. Realy great work, my (wo?)man. I am so but exited for the whole fanfic, but no pressure🙃. Wanted to ask you if you could describe the character traits of the characters a bit more. Thx. Allright dunno how to end stuff like this.

Bye bye.

lol

Hello, germanstonks! Thanks for the ask! Sorry that this ask took me SO long to answer, I really wanted to do my guys a little justice - now that especially I actually have the fic up, but I think it's worth noting how their general personalities will be in the fic with a little past context :] Check it out if you'd like, link's in my bio! (Don't worry I read your other ask, totally fine with the pronouns)

Just note that these are mostly going off from in-between Post-Bite and before Charlie dies (so like, a bit of a prequel before the fic happens). MCI kids and other few notable characters like Jen/Jennifer Emily, etc. are just as important, but they come in a little later. Okay, let's get right to it. Feel free to read at your own pace since this will be a bit of a long post for the AU.

William Afton - family man, extroverted frugal fast-talking businessman, but genuinely has a soft spot for children, especially his children, loves them a lot, would destroy the whole world for them if he had to. Can be cunning and manipulative. Post-Bite wise he tends to compensate for Evan's passing by trying his best to treat his kids nicely. Doesn't really know how to handle his emotions well, just bottles it up in the hopes it'll be okay. (it's not.) Lisa Afton - introverted businesswoman who has William as her husband. Straightforward and always cuts to the chase, can be a little sassy, doesn't like sugarcoating things. Hardworking and very career-driven, but still cares about the kids in her own way. Can come off cold sometimes.

Michael Afton - post-Bite wise, he's generally wanted to be left alone and prefers to just stay in his room. Used to be adventurous, but now he'd prefer following rules to a T and just sticks by his mom or dad more - regrets a lot about what he had done to Evan. Loves video-games and sometimes sketches in his spare time. A bit anxious and can be scared of taking risks. Quiet, careful, reserved. Has a strange fascination with the supernatural. Talks to himself a lot, but can still be sarcastic at times.

Elizabeth Afton - post-Bite wise, doesn't quite understand the loss of Evan yet, but misses him a lot. Can be manipulative, but not in a malicious sense. Can come off naive, but picks up on details easily, and stubborn if she really wants something. Can be blunt and just says what's on her mind, but she isn't a bad person, just a troubled kid but she's still nice when you get to know her. Also has a strange fascination with horror movies and horror in general. Still has quite the child-like energy, just a bit more subdued.

Evan Afton - used to be timid and afraid, prefers to be left alone to his own things. Once he dies and is left in the afterlife, however... he grows resentful towards Michael and internalizes a lot of the anger and resentment about all the things that Michael had done to him. He tends to be observant, but had become quite cynical over the years. Lets his emotions get the best of him sometimes.

Henry Emily - a neurodivergent widowed man trying his best. Post-Bite wise, he mostly laid his head low from the guilt of losing Evan. Can be distant from people, preferring to just work all by himself, he's introverted and very blunt with his words, and intimidates people/unintentionally scares them sometimes. But he has warmth for the very people close to him, especially Charlie. Can be a bit of a workaholic, much to Charlie's dismay. Is really passionate about what he does with robotics.

Charlie Emily - neurodivergent too, like her dad. post-Bite wise, she's become someone who pours out a lot of emotional support for Michael and sometimes her father. She's grown to have an interest in investigating things and keen eyes for details, and a good listener - loves playing baseball sometimes. Sometimes she tends to stretch herself out a bit too thin for her own good, though.

Hope this helps! Sorry for the long post, I really hope I explained them properly!! I write them better in actual fic form than short explanatory stuff like this, but yeah! </3

[miasmaghoul]

First time Mountain got stoned?

Anything for you Saint. ♡

Someone take my phone from me, this is SO LONG. Not smut, but I like it anyway.

Ft. they/them Zephyr!

Mountain takes in his surroundings with a slack jaw and wide eyes.

The greenhouse is massive, full to bursting with lush greenery and all manner of exotic flowers. His skin is tingling, his heart fluttering with giddy anticipation. Surrounded by life, by fresh dirt and humid air.

"Is it to your liking?" Sister Imperator asks, a gentle smirk on her lips. Mountain nods slowly, eyes flicking everywhere.

"It's beautiful," he murmurs, muffled by his mask. His fingers are itching, eager to dig into damp earth and soft roots. It's such a new feeling. After months on the road, fresh from summoning, he's felt more than a little deprived of his element. He can feel the magic in his veins.

"Your predecessor did good work. Do you think you can maintain it?"

"Yes, absolutely," he sighs, tapping claws against his thigh. He's practically vibrating.

"Very well, I will leave you to it."

"Thank you, Sister."

Mountain rushes past her in a whirlwind of loose leaves and fallen petals, breathing heavy. There's just so much. So much energy, so much life, so much potential. He has a hard time keeping his glamour in place as he hurries through the rows, touching and smelling and tasting his new charges.

"I'm going to take such good care of you all," he breathes, and every plant in the vicinity seems to sigh in relief. For the first time in months, Mountain feels a calm settle into his chest. Like he's finally at home.

He explores for a while, lets the dense, sweet air fill his lungs and soak into his bones. There are at least two dozen plants he doesn't recognize, and he wants to sketch them, to cross reference them against the thick tomes on botany he'd found in the abbey's library. To learn the intricacies of everything he was now entrusted with.

Mountain makes his way to the back of the greenhouse, to the corner that houses a series of work tables. They're all filthy, scuffed and ingrained with years worth of dirt and clay. They make him smile. He digs through the drawers on the hunt for paper and a pencil, eager to get to work.

In the bottom drawer, among a pile of gardening gloves and potting labels, Mountain spies something that seems very out of place - a small rectangular silver tin, labeled with a piece of masking tape. It reads, "for the new guy".

He picks it up and gives it a shake, listening to the contents rattle around. Mountain pops the lid and is met with a folded piece of paper. Beneath it are a cheap lighter, green plastic, and what look like thin cigarettes, like the ones Ifrit and Dew would share after a show, but they seem different somehow. Twisted at the ends instead of cut. Mountain sets the tin down and unfolds the note.

"Trust me, whoever you are, you're gonna want to try this. The plants live in the third row, behind the lilacs. Hide them from the Siblings though, they'll never leave you alone if you don't. -Pebble"

Mountain hums to himself, folding the paper and sticking it in his pocket. He picks up one of the paper rolls and slides it between his fingers, curious. He tugs off his mask and sets it on the table, raising the smokable to his nose. It's...interesting. Herbal and a little sweet. Mountain grabs a battered old stool from beneath another table and sits, resting his elbows on his knees, twirling the joint between his fingers.

He probably shouldn't. Whatever this is, he assumes it'll have some sort of effect on him. Who knows what, it's a mystery plant. He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't.

"Fuck it," he mutters, sticking one end between his lips and flicking the lighter. He inhales deeply, and the smoke that fills his lungs is heavenly. Rich and deliciously decadent. He holds it in until he can't anymore, exhales slowly, and there's already pressure building behind his eyes.

Twenty minutes later, he's floating.

"Mount, you in here?"

The voice drifts into his ears in a pleasant buzzing drone, wrapping around the pile of oatmeal where his brain used to be.

Mountain is plastered to the floor, grinning like a loon and staring at the glass ceiling above him. Tracing the shapes of the clouds passing by. Why was the sky so blue? Was it always that blue? He's tingly everywhere. He'd taken his shoes off, wiggling his toes and giggling at the ticklish feeling of his socks against his skin.

"Mountain?" The voice calls again, and Mountain makes a noncommittal gurgling noise. Zephyr rounds the corner a minute later, and they snort out a laugh.

"You found Pebble's stash, didn't you?" They perch themselves on Mountain's abandoned stool, pulling off their mask and raising another joint to their nose. "Smells good. Is this your fist time trying it?"

Mountain tries to nod, but his head feels like it's floating away when he moves it. He's loose everywhere, but heavy. His legs either weigh a thousand pounds each or have disappeared entirely, he can't be sure which. He raises his hand, the last bit of his joint still pinched between two fingers and smoldering slowly.

"Good shit, right?" Zephyr hums, amused by the pile of ghoul on the ground. Mountain tears his gaze from a particularly puffy cloud to focus on Zephyr's face - their shining silver eyes, their sharp chin, their soft, white curls that always seem to be swaying in a non-existent breeze.

"You're pretty," he slurs, grinning. Zephyr laughs, but their smile is genuine.

"Oh yeah, you're stoned," they chuckle, moving to sit cross-legged by Mountain's side on the floor. "Looks like you still have some left too."

Mountain blinks bleary eyes and hums, bringing the paper to his lips and letting it burn to the end. He holds it in as Zephyr hums, their hand coming to rest on his chest. The pressure feels nice, and Mountain reaches up to cover their hands with his. He exhales long and slow, smoke pouring from his chapped lips. His mouth is so dry.

"You could at least share," Zephyr grumbles, but there's playfulness beneath it. Mountain watches as they lift a hand and draw smooth circles in the air - the smoke coalesces into a tight spiral, one that twists it's way around Zephyr's arm and over their tunic. It flows up and over their throat, the air ghoul directing every wisp and inhaling the cloud now surrounding them with a pleased hum in their chest.

"Wow," Mountain breathes, and it's filled with so much genuine reverence that Zephyr coughs on their exhale.

"Been a while since I indulged. How are you feeling, big guy?"

Mountain doesn't really process the words. He's caught on the rise and fall of Zephyr's chest. On the way their pale skin and soft pink lips catch the sun pouring over them. On how their hand feels pressed against his chest.

Mountain drops the papery remains he'd been gripping and reaches up to thread his fingers into Zephyr's wavy curls. They're like feathers between fingers, like the air itself, and before he knows it he's tugging the air ghoul into a kiss so deep it surprises both of them.

Zephyr hums happily, licking into Mountain's mouth and shifting to kneel over him instead. Mountain is surrounded by the sweet scent of a summer breeze, of linen and sky. It's almost as intoxicating as whatever he'd been smoking, and the glide of Zephyr's tongue against his is simply divine.

Zephyr pulls back for a breath and looks down at him with hooded eyes. Mountain thinks he's never seen something so beautiful. There's a pressure building low in his gut, pressing against his zipper and he's way too high to ignore it. But then Zephyr is straddling his hips and unbuttoning his tunic, and he doesn't have to.

"You're definitely sharing now."

[warriorstale001]

Xtra Small Update.

As most of you following me are probably aware, I have a fic on AO3 called Xtra Small or XS is it's shortened abbreviation. I started writing it when I was VERY new to the UTMV and to writing fics in general.

It's... been a while since I updated it... In fact, today marks two years since its last update... And that is a fact I'm not proud of ^^'...

(More info and explanation about why I've been taking so long to write the next chapter below, but to summarise the main point: I have not given up on XS and plan to have another chapter out soon)

Why haven't I updated it in so long? Well there's quite a few reasons really, but the main one that kept me struggling to continue writing for so long was the fact I just didn't feel proud of my writing in that fic anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still love XS and it will always be precious to me (especially kiddo Cross hehe :3), but I just couldn't help but compare myself to... Well everyone whose writing I came across, especially if they wrote babybone fics too. And when people commented on my earlier chapters in the fic I would cringe and wonder how they possibly got through them since I just kept thinking of all the 'better' fics out there.

So for a while I ignored XS and started writing other fics that I felt more proud of and that I think show how I've grown as an author, but I never planned on abandoning XS fully. Over these past 2 years I have gotten sooo many comments from people who have read the fic asking when an update is coming or just telling me that they really enjoyed the story and honestly, that's made me feel more confident in my writing. It really means a lot that despite all this time, people haven't given up that I'll continue the fic and I can't let them or myself down by just never getting around to update it. It made me slowly appreciate XS again for the fic it is. It's not perfect, but if it can bring enjoyment to a reader for even a little bit, then it makes me happy knowing 'Hey, I wrote that :3' hahs ^^

It almost took 2 years to write, but last week I finally finished writing the first draft of the next chapter of the story. It'll take time to edit, but I'm pleased to say that there will definitely be a chapter coming soon enough. Hopefully late April/beginning of May at the latest.

If you're still here two years on since I last updated, then I just want to say thanks for sticking around so long and I'm sorry for leaving you on a cliffhanger for so long. I love you guys and I really hope this next chapter will be worth it.

Thank for not giving up on me or XS!

And thanks to those who are here mainly for OSDiff for being patient too ^^!

Have a super day everyone <3!

[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 10

Author: Akira

Characters: Rinne, Mayoi, Aira, Tatsumi, Hiiro

"—Now, let the showdown begin, ALKALOID!"

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: MDM Stage

Ten minutes later. Matrix Round 1, just before the start of the "vocal ability" showdown.

Rinne: Welp, let's get on with it.

Mayoi: Y-You seem rather unenthusiastic, Rinne-onii-san.

Rinne: Hey, you've got no business calling me "Onii-san." Ah, though Ai-chan can do it, since you're gonna be my brother's wife ♪

Aira: Can't lose your temper... Can't lose your temper... This scumbag's one of us now, getting mad's just giving him what he wants—

Tatsumi: Fufu. Um, anyway... So, excluding Rinne-san, the three of us will participate in the first "vocal ability" match, is that correct?

Aira: In other words, it'll just be the official ALKALOID members...?

Rinne: Yeah. I'm the odd one out. No matter how much we rush to blend in now, the out of place feeling's gonna win out.

We haven't even practiced syncing our voices. Even if I try to fill in for what Otouto-kun usually does, it's just gonna be about matching the numbers.

I can't fully become the real Otouto-kun, so I'll always be inferior compared to the usual.

The place's also bad. We're on ES's turf, and the crowd gathered here are mostly our usual fans.

Tatsumi: Ahh, well, we did attempt some low-budget promotion to attract some audience.

Rinne: Yeah. It was a bit too late, but Akan-san worked hard for us.

Looks like there was some publicity on the internet and fans got rushed to gather at the event site.

And officially, Matrix is supposed to be a showdown between Crazy:B and ALKALOID.

Our rookie reputation ain't squat compared to the powerhouses...

So most of the crowd's just our fans.

It's meant to be "a grand event to celebrate the end of the fiscal year!" but it's not like fans of other units would really give a damn.

Aira: I guess... Especially since there's an entry fee.

Aside from our fans, the only people who'd still come to see the show would have to be either really curious or hardcore idol otaku.

Tatsumi: I see. For our fans, who constitute the majority of the audience, replacing Hiiro-san with Rinne-san as the leader would make ALKALOID seem rather phony.

Rinne: Right, right. They'd just be confused on how it got to that point.

On top of that, the differences between "your familiar songs" and the ones we'd be singing now will stand out, it's like shining a spotlight on the awkwardness.

They just won't enjoy the singing. People will find it hard to even evaluate us.

Tatsumi: The competition follows a DreamFes format, meaning the audience selects the winner through voting.

Eliminating elements that could dampen or confuse the emotions of the audience, who are at the core of the competition, seems reasonable—I can agree with that.

Rinne: That's the way it is! Man, you ALKALOID really came through on being so goody-goody.

If it were the Crazy:B guys, they'd be sticking their noses in everywhere, sometimes not even listening, making 'em not worth talking to.

Mayoi: Ahaha... Being serious is our strong suit, after all.

Aira: Let me clarify as an otaku.

It's dull to just be serious all the time, so Crazy:B really appeals to those who enjoy the chaos, you know?

It's not about which is better or worse, just different preferences.

Rinne: Yep, yep. Yet here they are, pitting these polar opposite units on equal footing, under the same rules, just to see who's better.

I'd rather not keep repeating the same point. It ain't sinking in, huh? What Matrix really boils down to.

Rinne: ...Akan-san's always been like that.

Aira: ...?

(I guess Rinne-senpai and that AkanP have history after all?)

(Maybe AkanP was the producer responsible for Rinne-senpai when he was a rookie...)

(He was pretty obscure at that time, and it's been so long that I don't remember much about it.)

(Maybe I'll dig up some old magazine issues later. I'm pretty sure there's some with Rinne-senpai's name lying around at home.)

(I-I mean, I don't even really care. So what if they knew each other before? It's not like it means anything.)

(But... I can't help but feel curious.)

Rinne: Hm? What's up, Ai-chan, staring at me like that... Gyahaha, you cheating with your brother-in-law while Otouto-kun's not around? You're pretty naughty for someone with such a cute face ♪

Aira: Can you please stop talking? People are already here, so I don't wanna hit you.

Aira: (Ughhh, I just got it wrong. Rinne-senpai is Rinne-senpai, and that fragile expression I thought I saw—must've been my imagination.)

(Rinne-senpai will always be an unpredictable, inconsiderate jerk who keeps you guessing.)

(I even felt a bit sorry for him back in summer, but there's no need to be kind to such an infuriating guy!)

Hiiro: —Now, let the showdown begin, ALKALOID!

Hehe. It's like the saying goes, "yesterday's enemy is today's friend," but in reverse. Once again, I feel the mysteries of fate that you and I will be facing off as enemies—

Aira: Hm? Eh, Hiro-kun?

Tatsumi: Wait... Is Hiiro-san the sole representative from Crazy:B's side?

Hiiro: Umu! That's exactly right! So, does that mean you guys have three representative players, excluding Nii-san?

Aira: Yeah... Mixing in Rinne-senpai would confuse the fans, so we decided to compete with just the three real ALKALOID members.

Tatsumi: Conversely, it's a strange strategy to have only the odd one out competing. Hm, what could be the reasoning behind this?

Numerically speaking, it's three against one, placing you at a considerable disadvantage.

While Hiiro-san appears to have practiced diligently, he's not yet accustomed to Crazy:B's music.

Aira: Does it mean they're throwing the first match and betting on the next?

Hiiro: You'll find out soon enough. But more importantly, we don't want to keep our audience waiting forever, so shall we get started?

—Let's have an enjoyable match ♪

[ ☆ ]

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[starlightshadowsworld]

Son of Saki Part 1

Aka Casey raised by Shredder now in fanfic form.

Bask in its glory.

.

"Nice work everyone" Said Leo, watching the group sparr with a proud smile. It was hard not to be proud, everyone had come a long way.

April grinned, spinning her fan. "Aw man, I'm pumped." She said with a sigh. Leo looked at her with a smirk "Oh if your still rearing to go April, I could fight you?"

April immediately shook her head, feigning a yawn. "Oh would you look at that. Maybe next time?"

Everyone laughed, grabbing their things and themselves off the floor of the dojo.

"And just in time for Space Heros!" Said Leo with a giddy smile.

He hadn't picked the dojo time when Splinter would be watching his soaps... And so he could watch Space Heroes afterwards.

That would be preposterous.

... And also very much true.

Leo wasn't fooling anybody. Raph snorted "You have fun with that, I'm gonna go jam out. You coming with Casey?"

Casey shook his head.

"Sorry man, gonna have to take a raincheck. My games coming up and dad wants me back home early. We're gonna get some practice in."

Raph nodded, sad but accepting. "Wish I could watch, seeing Casey Jones in all his glory must be a sight." He grinned.

Casey grinned back "You know it!" He patted Raphs shoulder "I wish you could come too, Red will have to cheer loud enough for all of you."

April snorted "you bet I will, and I'm gonna be extra sneaky and see if I can record the match to show you guys after."

Casey lit up and hugged her "thanks April." She hugged him back. "Your welcome, I'll try my best. It'll be a miracle if we can hear anything over your dad."

Casey smiled fondly.

His dad always cheered the loudest.

"Well better put on a show worth watching, Jones." Said Donnie. "Yeah! I'm gonna get popcorn and everything" added Mikey excitedly.

Casey grinned, bowing "Casey Jones always delivers." He declared before bidding them all goodbye and heading out through the tunnels.

Casey made sure he wasn't spotted, his vigilante stuff was stuffed into his rucksack and he his skates changed to shoes.

He looked like any other kid wandering through New York's busy streets.

Casey snuck through alleys before climbing at top a building.

He removed a tile and jumped down, landing in a crouch.

"Superhero landing!" Cheered Karai, slow clapping. Casey smiled, bowing as some foot soilders went and fixed the tile.

"Must you do this every time?" Asks Saki, sitting on a chair and watching his son with an amused expression.

Casey pouted, making Karai laugh. "But you said it was cool." Saki chuckled "it is, but we have to keep fixing that same tile."

Karai grinned, conspiratorily "so what your saying is that we need to find different ways to sneak into the building."

Saki shakes his head, with the face of a man who has had this conversation far too many times.

"Why do we even have a front door if no ones going to use it?" He sighs.

He had decorated it himself.

"Dad, if we do than we'll be spotted." Says Casey. Saki shakes his head, pointing his finger to the ceiling.

"True stealth comes when you can enter the front door without being spotted. It's the one place you don't expect an imposter to use."

Casey thought about it, it made sense. Though they all knew it wouldn't happen.

"Now, onto more important matters. Wee have a game to prepare for do we not?" Said Saki, rising to his feet.

"Yup, against the Lincoln Lions." Said Casey, Karai snorted "I've seen them, you'll be fine."

Saki nodded, their was no doubt in his mind about that. "Obviously but it pays not be prepared." His kids followed him as they descended into the basement.

Which had been fashioned into an ice rink.

Casey strapped on his skates and his gear as a bunch of footbots appeared on the ice before him.

Some of his side and some on the other.

Headed by Karai who had grabbed one of his hockey sticks.

"You ready to lose, Casey!" Said Karai with a grin, she was wicked on skates but the ice was Casey's home.

Casey grinned, taking his place. His father was the referee, watching them both with a critical eye.

"Bring it on" He declared, putting his visor down and the game began.

[amarantine-amirite]

It’s Just A Burning Memory

Sometimes, when I try to go to sleep, I have this long lost childhood memory playing in my brain on loop. I was in the car with Seger Ellis’s “Heartaches” playing on the radio. My parents went on an explosive rant containing the sentence, “What about the talk we had about privilege and responsibility?” I hadn't the foggiest idea what they were talking about.

One day, I found the following note on my IEP: Margaret doesn't cope with getting stranded

Reading that note made me realize the truth. The memory of that car ride happened a lot more recently than I thought. And I got half of it wrong.

It started when my mom's boss asked me to babysit his 3 month old infant grandson. I had other stuff to do, so I asked Julia, my lab partner from AP Chemistry, to cover for me. 

Everything was going great until I My phone rang. I just ignored it because I thought it was yet another loser pretending to be the Pondicheri traffic authority, so it went to voicemail. I picked it up after I recognized who it was. It was Julia.

“it's all good,” she said, “Yeah, I may have only gone 96 hours without any sleep, but I got the goose in the oven”

I froze. “the goose?” I interrupted.

Julia responded, “I'm running on fumes, but when your mom's boss comes back to the house for supper, it'll be worth waiting for that roast goose. Unrelated, but that baby has been awful quiet”

I hung up after that. We didn't have a goose. What if she put the baby in the oven thinking it’s a roast goose? 

In a frantic blast, I called my mom to pick me up. I called 6 times, but to no avail. When I finally got mom on the other end, she didn't get a chance to talk. It sounded like Mom was in a meeting of some kind and an upper level personnel confiscated her phone. 

In the end, I had to get a ride home with some girl in a Georgetown shirt. I wasn't worried because based on her conversation that she had about her economics final, I think she actually goes there. I understand that my parents have a rule against me getting in the car with a random teenage driver, but I wasn't worried. This person was a very sensible college student.

Or so I thought. The drive started off okay, but GG shifted into a fury unexpectedly. “Did you see that?” she barked

“see what?” I asked.

GG slender hands on the steering wheel and gestured aggressively at the road. She pointed to a powder blue Mini Cooper that had a stick figure family with a tiny mother and seven monster kids. “That guy just gave me the finger!” she hissed.

I hadn't seen anybody flip the bird. “Are you sure?” 

“positive” GG replied before stepping on the accelerator and following them. She pulled out her phone, took a picture of the license plate, and then turned somewhere unexpected.

This started to freak me out. “where are we going?”

“the DMV. I got a picture of their license plate, so we're going to the DMV to run the plate and get his address”

I seemed very unsure about this. “so, we're following him home?”

“exactly.”GG replied. “He gives us the finger, we go to his house and kick his ass!”

I honestly can’t think of a worse idea. The minute we get there, it’s gonna end badly. The guy who gave us a finger could easily come to the door with a gun and shoot us. I don’t see an upside to hunting him down and harassing him because he gave us the finger.

That turn to go to the DMV ended with us getting on the highway where we got stuck in traffic. And we ran out of gas. It doesn’t take long for a car stuck in traffic with all the windows closed to turn into a sweat lodge.

I didn’t realize how screwed I was until I heard “Heartaches” come on the radio. It didn't start from the beginning, but from some random point in the song. It sounded unfocused and nostalgic, like an old guy ambling around oblivious that something is wrong with his memory. 

The song played on loop. The second time it looped, it had less instruments, more slowed down and had a despair-laden tone. 

The radio then channel-hopped to a different part of the song. It either sounds like it's screaming in pain or the melody sounds like it’s melting. The static sounds like a crackling fire.

This is not normal. Something is wrong, and not with the radio. What was on the radio began to distort because I was suffering from heat stroke from being left in a hot car. The traffic, the heat, and everything aren't going to get better, so we can only hope that they don't get worse. 

“You know it’s hot outside when what’s playing on the radio starts burning.” I snickered.

GG didn't think it was funny. Instead, she got angry and she said something completely out of left field. “that's what you get when you burn the Earth so you can go on a summer road trip where you’re locked in a car for 10 consecutive days, non-stop with no bathroom breaks. Enjoy it, bitch.”

“we need to cool the car down”

“You should’ve thought of that before you got a car.” At this point, she's just assembling words together at this point without any thought as to what they actually mean.

“I'm serious,” I responded, “We’re at the point where I could reasonably die. Can you at least go out and get a can of gas so we can at least put the AC on in the car?”

GG shrugged. “No,”

“Can we at least open the windows?” I asked. Would be better off if we could let some of the heat out.

“not if you value your life, you dumbass”

This doesn't change that I can only perceive faint snips of reality drowned out by a blurry haze, and what's visible through the fog is distorted beyond recognition. It doesn’t change that neither one of our bodies can cool off efficiently. Both of us lost our grip on reality because the car got too hot for the human body to function properly. 

I pointed to the door. “OK, then, gas can it is.”

GG finally got out of the car to get a can of gas. She walked onto the road, only to get mowed down by a truck. GG exploded all over the road like a bag of meat soup. 

I laughed. Like, shoot tea out your nose laughed. I laughed because it didn't seem real, and there was a very good possibility that I hallucinated it. She was probably just meandering timorously to the gas station. 

I waited for about an hour. She didn't come back. Maybe she really was dead after all? 

I got an idea. I'd open the door and exit the car on my own terms. If GG isn't coming back, then this car isn't going to get fueled up anytime soon, which means I'm just going to be stuck here. Besides, I have no reason to stay put. Not my car, not my problem.

I didn't walk out of the car. I stumbled. I had to hold on to the overheated metal of the car bodies so I could move without collapsing onto the road. 

Good news, the traffic was so congested that nobody had any room to run me over. Bad news, I had to stop twice; once after I clambered over the guardrail, and again after I got to the top of the hill in the green space on the other side of the road.

I stood up. I felt my blood pressure fall out of the sky like aircraft landing gear that wasn't installed correctly. I surveyed the landscape and saw hordes of ghosts in the sky, demonic reflections in the skyscrapers, and a sidewalk leading to a business park with a Bed Bath and Beyond next door to a GameStop. If I were that property manager, I would be worried about having so many meme stocks in my plaza. 

I can't remember how I got to Bed Bath and Beyond. All I remember is one minute I was walking on the sidewalk on a bridge and the next, I passed out on a piece of patio furniture. I don't know what would have happened if Julia's sister hadn't spotted me and took me home to my lab partner's parents and my mom's boss' wife giving her a long speech about responsibility while she freaked out instead of listening. They really should have given her a speech about getting enough sleep at night. This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't gone for 96 hours without sleeping.

Mom still wasn't home yet. She's never been this late before. 

@apromptadaykeepstheblockaway