#timber week 2024

[peppermintmagicianlynn]

TimBer Week 2024: Gifts from In-Laws

TimBer Week 2024 Day #2: Gifts from the In-Laws

“Personal opinion: a song like Santa Baby has some pretty obvious connotations to it; everyone knows. It’s not a secret. So if you’re trying to do a male version of it but you wimp out on the gay energy, you shouldn’t have been trying.”

“Bernard!”

“I’m just saying! If he wants to try and call Santa ‘buddy’ and act like he’s a very rich friend into a sugar daddy, the word ‘coward’ is going to be thrown around. Even if that man does have a voice to die for.”

“Seconded!” Stephanie declared, raising her hand to high-five her fellow blond. Barbra also threw in her two-cents which got an outraged look from Dick.

Tim facepalmed at the entire conversation and decided he needed to get away before he was asked to weigh in on any part of it. He made a hasty retreat from the living room, leaving his boyfriend and siblings behind to find a less mortifying place to hide.

The kitchen was his best bet. Bruce and Kate were holding a conversation there while Alfred cleaned up the dishes from their Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone had worked like crazy this year to be sure they’d spend at least today together and somehow, they’d made it work. What made it even better: Tim got to bring Bernard along this year, their third Christmas together but he first with him openly in the know about their family secret.

Bruce let Tim take his seat at the kitchen island as he stood up to refill his cocoa mug. Tim asked for some as well, wanting to bring it out to Bernard. This got him a soft look from Bruce that made him blush before his father turned to take two more mugs down from the cabinet.

“How are the kids doing out there?” Kate asked, setting her drink down to grin at his face. “Is Bernard not getting along with the group, or is he getting along too well?”

Tim groaned in exasperation, which earned him a teasing pat on the back from his aunt. But after a pause, he admitted honestly, “It’s actually going surprising well. They’re having a lot of fun together which I figured they would because God knows they’re all crazy. But he already fits in so well with them. With us.” He couldn’t contain the relief that took over his voice and forced a smile to his lips. “I’m really glad.”

Kate’s grinned, happy for him. “That’s great, Tim.”

He nodded. And since he felt a little more comfortable, he had a question for his more experienced aunt. “So, in your opinion, how many Christmas presents are an appropriate amount for a situation like this? Because I kind of panic-bought a bunch of stuff last month and I wasn’t sure what he would want, so I was thinking I could just…”

She cut him off with a sigh. “Like father, like son”.

Between holiday movies, Dick suddenly declared it was time for presents. As was a tradition started in his first years as Bruce’s ward and well into Jason’s arrival on the rare occasions Dick would be in the manor. Dick got to pick when the presents were opened but Jason could pick who opened them in what order. Their biases had caused more than a few tussles each year, but that was fine. Childish moments like these made family events normal and fun.

They passed down the line of people, revealing gags gifts but also some truly sentimental ones. On Bernard’s turn, he opened the singular gift Tim had left under the tree (the others were hidden away in the in-home gym) and gave his boyfriend a playfully exasperated look at the WayneTech laptop. “You have a problem, babe.”

“How could you say that?” Tim demanded, trying to look as innocent as possible. “You said you needed a new one before the next school term. I was just looking out for your academic success.”

“Right. And this has nothing at all to do with the dirty looks you kept shooting my old model, or the ads for computers that were popping up on your desktop.”

“Complete coincidence.”

The blond snorted, not buying that for a second. Despite that, he cupped Tim’s cheek and pulled him in for a quick peck on the lips. Tim hooked pressed into it, turning it to a proper kiss while ignoring the jeers of his family for the PDA. They pulled apart soon enough and turned to see who would next be given a present, when Duke passed a box their way.

“Another to Bernard.”

Bernard sent Tim an actually exasperated look but the raven-haired man shook his hands. “This one isn’t from me. I swear.”

“It’s from…Bruce?” Bernard gawked at the gift tag before both boys turned to the patriarch. Bruce gave a nod, wearing a contained smile that meant he was up to something. Bernard looked down at the professionally-wrapped box, tension rolling off his shoulders, until Tim reached over to rip the paper down the middle. His boyfriend squawked in outrage, which earned laughter from the other bats. But it did get him over his nerves enough to pulled away the paper and open the monogrammed box inside.

It was a dinner suit, from a high-end store in the Diamond District. “I heard that Condiment King ruined your clothes when he attacked at the Thanksgiving Gala,” Bruce explained, reading the terror in Bernard’s eyes. “So consider this my Thank-You gift, seeing as you helped direct the civilians to safety. It’s the least I can do.”

The pieces were made of a dark fabric but the jacket was embroidered with beautiful flowers that made it tastefully eye catching. Perfectly Bernard.

If this was a few years ago, Bernard might have keeled over at the very idea of accepting such an expensive gift. Tim was a little proud to see he’d gotten the other used to things like that. He definitely did not have a problem.

“Wow, thank you, Bruce,” Bernard said, his voice breathy with awe as put the box lid back on. “I’ll have to find a good time to try it out.”

“If I may, Mr. Dowd,” Alfred stepped forwards, pulling an envelop from his jacket, “I believe this might be just the place for such a garment.”

Th envelope passed from Tim to Bernard, though the vigilante looked over his boyfriend’s shoulder as he pulled out two tickets to the Gotham Theatre house. “Oh, that’s for that spring performance. The one Lisa Adder has a part in, right?"

Bernard’s excitement was palpable. “I’d haven’t seen her since Grieves closed, but I’d heard she’d gotten into this show. I wanted so much to see at least one of her performances. Thank you, Alfred!”

“It’s my pleasure, young man. Anything to support a love of the arts.”

Tim took both the suit and the tickets, setting them aside with Bernard’s new laptop. But by the time he turned back around, there was yet another present being handed over to his boyfriend.

And another. And several more.

“I don’t…I don’t know what to say,” Bernard stuttered, unsure of what to do with all of this sudden attention. He looked over each wrapped box like it might contain a king’s treasure. Like he wasn’t worthy of all of it and much much more. “I didn’t…I’m not…”

“You are Tim’s person,” Cass said, stepping forwards to take his hand in hers. “You are a part of us now.”

“Geez, Cass,” Tim muttered, face blushing at her insinuation. She winked at her younger brother, then handed over the next gift for Bernard to unwrap. Jason made a noise of annoyance at his Order Decider rights being neglected, but he made no actual attempt to interrupt. The others leaned in to see what Bernard's next reaction would be.

Tim turned to Kate, lounging in one of the armchairs, flipping her dog-tags around on their necklace chain. She smiled back at him.

‘You knew,” Tim communicated with a squint of his eyebrows.

‘They wanted to surprise you too,’ she telegraphed back with a shrug.

Tim watched his family interact with his boyfriend, pulling him just a little more into their world. Showing him they cared.

He looked back at his aunt with a smile to say ‘Thanks.’ And was answered with a returning ‘Anytime.’

Tim wouldn’t be able to give Bernard the other Christmas gifts after this; his head would be spinning for weeks. But that was perfectly okay.

He’d just have to save them for Valentine’s Day.

---

I didn't have time to put in the other gifts, but be sure some of them were evidence of the bats' stalking habits. Bruce and Alfred can at least be subtle about it. Tim will act all defensive about that...mostly because they figured out gifts for Bernard that he hadn't even considered.

[itzmellooo]

Lumity week day 7: Free day!!

SAVE ME PIRATE X MERMAID AU SAVE ME

[pup-pee]

@mbirnsings-71 LOOK LOOK LOOK LOOK @ OUR BLORBIES W/THEIR BLORBOS

THEIR BLORPING ALL OVER THE PLACE YAPPING UP SPACE LOOKKK

(Late) day 4 - Double date

Featuring Tim and Bernard as the other date! Bernard and Bart get along well and keep infodumping

(this doodle is brought to you by mod b’s classmate who gave me sticky notes)

[outerwilds-events]

Well, Campfire Fest was an absolute blast. We had 18 participants and 65 submissions. This is a huge accomplishment that all of you made together! Thanks again to everyone who participated, it wouldn't have been such a great event without you. Major kudos to @noofl, @poisonhemloc, and @sawyer-is-eepy for submitting something for every day of the fest week during fest!

Honorable mention to @unnamedpebble for submitting something for every day of the fest week with the late submission period. Links to each days works are below the cut. If you haven't had the chance to peruse everything you really should. Everyone did such a great job and I continue to be so impressed with how talented this fandom is.

Be on the look out for more information on mod applications and on the winter event!

Day 1: Hourglass Twins, Angst, Slate, Locating the Eye

Tugging the Tether by @sawyer-is-eepy (fic)

Hour Glass Twins Warp Tower by @660percent (art)

Okay Maybe There Was One Death From The Space Program by @poisonhemloc (fic)

A Ship In Need of Repair by @carolkinopf (comic)

Bitter Medicine by @noofl (comic)

broken window by @tippertot (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 1 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Assurances by @merrydock (fic)

The Arrow of Time by @spitzyyyy (fic)

dropped in a canyon (help has now arrived) by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Post Feldspar's Disparition Slate by @unnamedpebble (art)

Time Stops for No One by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 2: Timber Hearth, Fluff, Hornfels, Music

Revelations by @sawyer-is-eepy (poem)

Hornfels - The Astronomer by @unnamedpebble (art)

What if Hornfels Didn't Know How to Whistle by @noofl (comic)

If You're Going to Play around a Campfire (You gotta have a Fiddle in the Band) by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Technically Kazoos are after Mirlitons Timeline-wise But by @poisonhemloc (fic)

a favorite of the formerly deceased by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 2 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Child of the Stars by spacemange (fic)

Artistry by @merrydock (fic)

anti-fall tarp by @tksfandomhellhole

Day 3: Brittle Hollow, Hurt/Comfort, Gossan, Warp

Gossan by @unnamedpebble (art)

Gossan by @noofl (art)

Good Thing No One is Watching the Black Hole and About to Freak Out by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Brittle Hollow/Warp by @660percent (art)

warp to me by @tippertot (fic)

Untitled by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 3 by @jellyfish-grave (art)

you're lucky they won't remember this by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Day 4: Giant’s Deep, Humor, Prophy, Sap Wine

Porphy and the Good Stuff by @cobaltbluesu (art)

Small Doodle by @noofl (comic)

This is a Speed Running Strat by @poisonhemloc (fic)

it do go down by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Porphy Tasting their Favorite Batch of Sapwine by @unnamedpebble (art)

Humor, Porphy, Sapwine by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Behold! Sapwine! by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Reflection under stormy green skies by CrimsonQuill086 (fic)

Thanks for Being my Time Buddy by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 5: Dark Bramble, Horror, Solanum, Ghost Matter

Noooo Hatchy by @unnamedpebble (art)

Our Friend with Ghostmatter by @noofl (art)

I Like to Think They are More Salamanders Than Fish by @poisonhemloc (fic)

The Horrors of Basic Biology by @tippertot (fic)

Solanum by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Day After the End of the World by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Day 6: Space Station, Romance, Hal, Time Loop

White Hole Station by @unnamedpebble (art)

Hal and the Hatchling by @noofl (art)

Space Station by @660percent (art)

Space Station, Hal, Time Loop by @lutiaskokopelli (art)

River Chats by @poisonhemloc (fic)

If You Can't Talk Someone into Being Your Weighted Blanket Homemade is Fine by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Romance by @2isted-chocol8-art (comic)

Hal the Pal by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

My future is in the forest of the stars by CrimsonQuillo86 (fic)

Day 7: Open Prompts

Time Buddies for the Soul by @unnamedpebble (art)

Don't Worry Guys They're All Fine by @noofl (comic)

Trailblazer 1 by @cobaltbluesu (comic)

Just a Weird AU Started by a Fall Out Boy Song by Fallout Boy (@poisonhemloc) (fic)

Universe by @2isted-chocol8-art (art)

Let's Walk Together by @jellyfish-grave (art)

Final Day by @eldritchcats (art)

Good-bye Campfire Fest by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Divergence Hypothesis by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

[zenkindoflove]

Pull Me in Deeper - Eris x Male OC - Ch 17

Rating: E, NSFW

Status: Multichapter, WIP, 17/21ish

Summary: Needing more alliances, Eris strikes a deal with Helion: go to the continent and find out information for him, and Day Court will support him usurping Beron. What he didn’t account for is the beautiful Day Court emissary accompanying him that makes his heart race while being such a thorn in his side.

READ ON AO3

Start at the beginning | Masterlist

A/N: This chapter fit so well with @erisweekofficial Eris Week 2024 Day 1: Bonds | Bargains, that I decided it would be great to share to kick off my Eris Week submissions!

Tag list: @crazy-ache, @animezinglife, @lucienarcheron, @castielspelvis, @clockwork-ashes, @teddyhoneybear , @summerbummin , @works-of-heart , @secret-third-thing , @julesvanslutta , @the-darkestminds , @fieldofdaisiies , @chunkypossum , @bonecarversbestie , @jules-writes-stories

Let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the list.

Snippet:

Rise.

He heard it in his mind. It was a ghastly voice. It didn’t have the deep timber of a male or the wispy airiness of a female. Instead, it sounded like an echo without a source, using only his skull for its resonance.

Eris listened and rose to his feet, keeping his hands held out in front of him. He tried to search for which of the unicorns had spoken to him, but all he could see was the shining glow of their eyes, each a different unnatural color.

“I have someone with me,” he said, and the scraping returned, feverish and scurrying. “He means you no harm either. We have come only to make a bargain with you.”

Bargains are for your kind.

Eris closed his eyes, trying to keep his voice calm.

“Then not a bargain. An ask.”

[pandasleepy07]

Ghostober - Day 2 [Cowbell]

⚠️ Warnings | Mention of abandoment, insinuation of depression, unedited

"You came back."

WC: 663

The eyes of the ministry were on him, the ghoul who couldn’t see, who rang a cowbell at the worst moments, who was only on stage once, who had a habit of sneaking up on others. Cowbell. Or as you knew him, Felix. Sister imperator’s stone cold face didn’t break. Not even for a moment. She was condemning him. He had lost control. Another ghoul was barely alive because of it. 

“Ghoul,” Sister imperator started, not even having the decency to use his name. “You are here by condemned from your pack, never to step foot on these sacred grounds again, unless called for. You are condemned to an eternity alone, packless, mateless.”

Your head snapped up at the last word. She wasn’t just condemning him, she was condemning you. 

A ruckus started to rise at that and Cowbell rose to his full height. Sister’s hand shook slightly as she held it up. “Silence. This has been the decree sent from Lucifer himself.”

Chain stood next to you and shook his head, challenging her himself. “Lucifer would never make Y/N suffer for anothers mistake.” His deep timber flooded the room. 

“He would know,” Mountain grumbles. Chain and Cowbell had been Lucifer’s bodyguards. They knew him better than anyone else. 

“He’s a cruel man,” Sister stated. 

You roll your eyes, “Takes one to know one.”

You could see Cowbells lips twitch up into the slightest outline of a proud smirk. 

“Enough,” Sister imperator snapped. “Take him away.”

Two of her hench men shoved a bag over Cowbell’s head and hauled him out. You opened your mouth to scream when a soothing presence slid into your mind through your mate bond. Cowbell. It’s alright little bird. I don’t mind the woods.

But- You try to argue back. 

But nothing. She will do horrid things if you cross her. I would know. 

Flashes of the scars across his body flash through your memory and you wince. 

Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.

You don’t respond, gnawing on your lip as you watch the doors slam shut behind them. His voice gets weaker the farther he’s dragged away. 

Promise me, my little bird.

Only if you promise to come back.

You know I can’t make that promise. Not without putting you in danger. 

His voice is barely a whisper now, and a painful weight settles over you as Cowbell is dragged outside of the Ministry wards. Your bond seems distant now. Dampered. 

“Come on, little one,” Chain says, his hands on your shoulders as he gently leads you out of the room and towards the common room. You are gently guided to sit down on the couch and Chain mutters, “Watch her.” The words seem faint, like they’re coming from down the hall.

Days passed. Then weeks. And months quickly followed. You slowly became a shell of yourself. Going through the day to day actions but never being fully present. Fall came, and went. Winter approached. Christmas, a silly human tradition rapidly descended upon the Abbey. You were wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket on the common room couch watching as the fire crackled. The moon hung in the sky, strong, true and full. You could see it out the window from the corner of your eye. The other ghouls had long gone to bed. Only Chain had stayed behind, hovering in the shadows. You heard his steps fade into the background as he left the room. Then another set that replaced them, moving towards you. 

“I told you not to do anything stupid,” Cowbell says softly as he came up behind you on the couch, leaning over it to wrap his arms around you from behind. “Not do anything at all.”

”You came back,” you whisper.

“I did. Don’t like what I’ve found though,” he grumbles. His hands slide away and he walks around the couch to pick you up easily. “Satanas you’re light as a feather little bird. Lets get you to bed.”

๋࣭🕸🦇🕸๋࣭ ⭑Ghostober Masterlist 2024⭑ 🕸๋࣭ ⭑🦇🕸 ๋࣭

[jgroffdaily]

JONATHAN GROFF SETS 2025 BROADWAY RETURN WITH ‘JUST IN TIME’

by Philip Boroff

EXCLUSIVE: Newly minted Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff will play the 1950s and ’60s crooner Bobby Darin in a staged reading next month, ahead of a planned Broadway opening in spring 2025, people familiar with the musical said.

The reading of Just in Time will be directed by Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!). On Broadway, Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens are set to produce the show, which tells the story of the short but eventful life of the popular performer, whose hits included “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover” and “Just in Time.”

Born Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, Darin had rheumatic fever as a child that damaged his heart. He lived, he acknowledged, as if on borrowed time before his death at 37.

He led a new generation of swinging singers into the rock revolution of the 1960s. He also acted in movies, composed music, married the actress Sandra Dee and as an adult discovered that the woman he thought was his older sister was his mother.

“I went on YouTube,” Groff told reporter Elysa Gardner before a rehearsal of an early version of the show, presented as part of the 92nd Street Y ‘s “Lyrics and Lyricist” series in 2018. “I watched all these TV performances, from the beginning to the end of his career, and I was blown away by his versatility. The rock & roll and the standards, the dancing, the folk songs. The duets with George Burns and Judy Garland. His life was insane.”

Darin spawned many imitators, including Kevin Spacey, who played him in the biofilm Beyond the Sea. The ballad “Just in Time” was composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden for the musical Bells are Ringing. It became a hit for Dean Martin, among others, who was in the 1960 movie adaptation directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Besides Groff, casting wasn’t available. The reading isn’t affected by the monthlong Actors’ Equity strike intended to pressure the Broadway League to improve its Development Agreement with the union. Actors will be working under a contract negotiated with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), an association of nonprofit theater companies.

Although the reading will be in New York, it’s under the aegis of Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, which is a LORT member.

In a charmed career, the 39-year-old Groff has performed in the Frozen films, the TV series Glee and three acclaimed Broadway blockbusters — Spring Awakening, Hamilton and most recently Merrily We Roll Along — each of which earned him a Tony nomination. (He won for Merrily.)

Groff was also the first Seymour in the hit off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, produced by Ahrens, Kirdahy and Hunter Arnold. Andrew Barth Feldman is currently playing the role.

In his moving acceptance speech at the Tony awards in June, Groff spoke about his love of the Broadway community and how “musical theater is still saving my soul.” Just in Time will aim for multigenerational appeal, as the young Broadway star sings 65-year-old standards.

Since the pandemic, older audiences have been slow to return to Broadway. If Just in Time is well received, Groff may be just the man to help bring them back.

**

Source: Philip Boroff in Broadway Journal.

Jonathan led a reading of the show on 15 March 2024 after rehearsing for a couple of weeks with the cast. Details below:

[ofstarsandflames]

Hello all! Congratulations to all participating in RobStar week, both creator and audience!

Also, remember yesterday when I said I'd participate in every prompt this week? Guess which idiot decided to get covid!

This gal!

Luckily, it's not too bad! I have my Vaccines and was told I'd get better in a few days. Unluckily, I feel like I've been hit by a truck.

Thankfully, I already have drafts written up for this week! Unfortunately, a couple of them were unfinished and so I had to complete them in a hurry to meet the schedule.

This is one of two fics that were incomplete. If it is not up to par, I sincerely apologize!

Anyway, I decided to go for a more angst-y approach to today's prompt, heh-heh. Some of the content below may differ from what we are familiar with in the show, but fret not! I will expand on my ideas more once RobStar week is concluded!

With that, please go right ahead and jump right in! I hope you enjoy!

RobStar Week 2024, Day 2

Power Swap

Robin might have to kill Cyborg once he got a hold of him. 

While a majority of the cybernetic teen’s inventions had delivered positive results, there were often some that proved more difficult than what they were worth. 

The ‘Ability Monitor’ and ‘Flash Teleporter’ proved to be the latter. 

A series of hijinks occurred, resulting in both Robin and Starfire getting caught together by both inventions. 

And now here he and Starfire were, powers and clothing swapped with the other’s with broken communicators (and by definition GPS’s), as they tried to navigate the endless labyrinth that was Jump City’s National Park. 

They must have been out there for hours, seeing as the sky went from beautiful day to stark night. 

It did help that he was able to fly over the trees, gaining a better view of their endless landscape. Unfortunately, having trouble staying afloat mixed with being unable to find a definitive landmark certainly made things more difficult than they needed to be. 

Yeah, it was no longer a maybe. He was DEFINITELY going to kill Cyborg once they made their way back to the tower. 

“Everything okay?” Star asked from below. 

Robin lowered himself from the air, hoping the action looked natural despite his trouble doing so. 

“Everything’s great!” Robin landed next to her, internally cringed at how overly-peppy his voice sounded. “Perfect, even! Why, I’d go so far to say I've finally perfected your powers!” 

Suddenly, as if fate itself decided to call out his bluff, Robin’s left hand glowed an intense bright blue. That hand, leaning against a nearby tree, caused the poor timber to instantly light up in blue flames. 

“...” 

“...” 

Nothing, at least for the first couple of seconds.

“Huh, look at that.” Starfire said in a strangely calm tone. 

“AHHHH!” Her partner was the opposite, his features displaying pure panic. “WE HAVE TO PUT IT OUT!” 

Robin ran around in a panic. He needed to find something that could keep the fire from spreading throughout the forest! 

What to do, what to do, what to d- 

HISSSSSSSSSSSSS

A loud hissing sound pulled him back to the present. The poor tree was now covered with a white foam, the last of the blue flames flickering out of existence. 

There stood Starfire, a mini fire extinguisher in her hands. 

Ah, right. One of the many useful tools stashed inside that signature utility belt. 

“Oh, uh…” Robin let out a light cough, cheeks warming up in embarrassment. “Nice work.” 

Starfire’s mouth curved into a small smile, her eyes obviously filled with mirth despite being covered by one of the Boy Wonder’s signature masks.

“Well!” Star said in an impressed voice, putting the fire extinguisher back in ‘her’ belt. “Looks like you weren’t lying about perfecting my powers.” 

Though his eyes were also masked, Starfire knew he was throwing her an embarrassed glare. 

“Not funny.” 

Though his hand no longer glowed blue, Robin still shook his hand in an attempt to “chase away” any lingering Starbolts. Star giggled at the sight (resulting in another glare) before she continued leading the way to their intended destination. 

“Oh, do not be so hard on yourself.” The now human girl called out to him. “I know firsthand how difficult my powers can be to manage. You are actually doing quite well, despite what you may think.” 

Even though he knew she was just trying to cheer him up, it wasn’t like Starfire was necessarily lying. 

Robin remembered the Titans’ first month as a team, having to learn about each other and how to work together in-tune with their abilities. Starfire in particular had more than a few moments where her powers flared up out of nowhere, most likely a response to how she was feeling according to her. 

On the bright side, thanks to her they managed to find better ways to fire-proof the whole tower. 

Her powers, being somewhat fire-based, often had the unavoidable side effect of rising heat.

Rising heat… 

Robin blinked in confusion. It was the middle of August and a relatively cold night, why was he so hot all of a sudden? 

And why did his stomach start hurting out of nowhere?

Intense… 

Suddenly, Robin felt his throat closing up. He tried to take a deep breath but found himself unable to. If anything, his breaths were coming out in short, heavy pants. 

Burning… 

“Robin?” 

Starfire turned, uneasy at how quiet the other suddenly was. 

She gasped at the sight before her. Robin was doubled over, one hand clawing at his throat while the other clutched his head. 

“ROBIN!” 

Starfire immediately ran to his side. She tried to place a hand on his back in an effort to calm him, maybe help him up to examine his condition. However, and much to her shock, the second she made contact with his skin she had to pull away. 

He was hot. Burning hot. So much hotter than was supposed to be physically possible. 

Starfire’s eyes widened in disbelief. 

‘Why…’ 

She shook her head, utter distraught and confusion filling her head. 

‘Why is this happening to him as well!?’

A loud, strained gasp filled her ears and brought her out of her stupor. Robin was now kneeling, purple and silver clothing sticking to his skin as he continued to burn from the inside. 

‘No!’ Starfire internally yelled to herself. ‘This is no time to panic!’ 

She may not have known why this was happening to him, but she did know how to relieve it. 

Starfire placed herself in front of Robin, kneeling to meet his level. She held his face in her hands, ignoring the intense pain as his skin burned her hands. 

“Robin, listen to me!” Starfire commanded in a voice fit for a leader. “You need to manifest some Starbolts. Right now.”

Robin was more than confused. Why did he feel like his insides were on fire? Why was Starfire commanding him to produce a pair of Starbolts? Why was she so calm? 

But regardless, what else could he do except listen? 

He closed his eyes, trying hard not to think about the pain enveloping his whole body. His mind worked to recall as many rage-inducing thoughts he could muster. 

‘Nothing but a sidekick.’

A different, more controlled heat began forming in Robin’s palms.

‘My last night in Gotham City.’

A small blue flame, bursting with energy, slowly manifested in each of his hands. 

‘Slade.’

That did the trick. 

A fully formed blue Starbolt, bursting with immense power, appeared in each hand. 

“Nicely done!” Starfire’s voice was filled with relief. “Now, keep them in place for as long as you must. In just a moment, you will feel the burning sensation fade.”

Robin’s eyes widened, his masked eyes displaying a fair amount of uncertainty. 

“Star, what-” 

“Please Robin!” Starfire pleaded, never once releasing him from her hold. “Trust me!” 

Robin trusted her. Though he was still unsure of the situation, that much he knew to be true. 

Suddenly, Robin felt a wave of cool relief washing over him. The intense burning sensation slowly went down, his insides going from a painful boil to a subtle simmer. 

They were both still for a moment. Not a sound could be heard, other than Robin’s labored breathing. 

His breathing followed that pattern. His breaths went from difficult, painful huffs to the simple, mindless action it had always been before that moment. 

Almost as quickly as it began, Robin was back to his not-so-normal current self. 

“Thank goodness!” Starfire let out a sigh of relief as she helped the other to his feet. “I was so worried it would not work!” 

Robin watched the Starbolts in his hand slowly fade away, trying his best to process what just transpired. 

“Star?” Robin asked, his eyes never leaving the flame in his palm. 

Starfire’s body froze. His voice, it’s tone… why did it suddenly hold so much weight? 

“Y-yes, Robin?” 

The dancing blue flame, once brighter than the moon shining in the black sky above, flickered when the hand it stood on closed. 

Even if it was dark, Starfire could not miss the heavy stare directed her way. 

“guys…” 

Ears perked up, Starfire quickly snapped her head in the direction of where the sound came from. 

“robin…”

“starfire…”

The others! They must have been locating them with Cyborg’s heat sensing technology! 

Starfire was relieved, thankful for their perfect timing. 

“R-Robin.” Star pointed up ahead. “Did you hear that? The others, they must be nearby!” 

Grabbing his hand, Starfire tried to listen for the direction of where the voices were coming from. 

“They must be over th-”

She tried to walk to where the voices were, but was halted in the process. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Robin planted firmly in place.

“Robin?”

Another tug of his hand. Like before, he wouldn’t budge. 

“Why are you…?” Starfire tried pulling him with her, but without her super strength it was no use. “What are you doing? We have to go find the others-” 

 “What was that, Starfire.” 

Starfire stopped pulling. Her eyes widened behind the mask. 

“Wh-what do you me-” 

“You know what I’m talking about.” Robin was now the one to hold her hand, keeping her from running away. “What happened earlier?” 

Starfire held her breath, more nervous than she had been when she discovered her powers had been transferred to the team leader. 

She needed to be careful how she worded this, lest she makes things worse. 

“O-oh! You mean that.” Starfire giggled, attempting to diffuse the situation. “You needn’t worry about that! It simply happens whenever I go for long periods of time without releasing my Starbolts!” 

“Wait!” This revelation shocked Robin. “Are you saying you’ve felt this on multiple occasions!?” 

“Well… yes.” Starfire admitted. “I hadn’t used my Starbolts since we defended the city last week. However, I did not think my condition would pass to you.” 

“Forget about that.”

Robin grasped her shoulders, forcing each other’s masked eyes to meet. 

“How long have you dealt with this?” 

Starfire grimaced, unsure of how he would take her answer.

“Robin…” 

“How long, Starfire.” 

She considered lying for a moment. The last thing Starfire ever wanted to do was make things difficult for her friends, as it was her personal duty to aid and make things easier for them. 

Unfortunately, Robin knew her. He would know if what she said was untrue, especially since he was refusing to let this one go. 

“Since I first landed on Earth.” Star answered truthfully. “I noticed it after I first flew away from you all, and I also discovered how to relieve it soon after.” 

Robin’s eyes widened, the revelation striking him more painfully than the sensation ever felt. Seeing his reaction, Star knew she needed to resolve this problem as quickly as she could. .  

“Robin, please do not worry about me.” 

Starfire squeezed his hand in reassurance. She removed the domino mask she wore, wanting him to see the sincerity behind her words. 

“I promise you, I can handle it. It is not so bad once you are used to it, and it helps that I do not recall a life where I do not experience the feeling.” 

Robin could not believe what she was saying. 

How was he not supposed to worry, when she had just revealed that she had been experiencing that awful burning sensation since she first arrived on Earth?! 

Even if she’d had it for as long as she remembered, which was proven to be short due to the loss of her past, Starfire shouldn’t have to experience such a painful feeling on a constant basis! 

Robin wanted to say this. He knew the alien was hiding more than she let on and he wanted to know why. 

But, even if that was what he desired, it would not matter. Starfire’s eyes, while showcasing her sincerity, also displayed her resolve. 

She was not going to reveal more than she wanted. 

“Fine.” 

Robin finally released her. There was a tension in the air, so thick and heavy it needed to be hacked with a knife. 

He nodded his head to where the voices continued to shout out. 

“We shouldn’t keep them waiting. Cyborg’ll restore us back to normal once we reach the tower.” 

Starfire nodded, not wanting to risk him questioning her any further. She was not sure if she would be able to resist had he continued to be persistent. 

Star just hoped Robin would no longer look into the setbacks of her powers, for both of her sakes. Even if she did not know why, or maybe on the chance she could not remember why, she knew the answer would only lead to trouble. 

Unfortunately for her, Robin was not finished. If anything, he was just getting started.

He was going to get answers, for both their sakes.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: November 4, 2024

Reworked Groups #5: Ikari Warriors

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to death.

Overview

A mysterious Japanese-German man known only as Heidern served as strategist for the esteemed Peregrine Falcons Squad. He’s also the founder and Supreme General of the Ikari Warriors. Heidern once enjoyed a peaceful yet militant life, living in the countryside with his wife. However, following the birth of his daughter, he contemplated retiring from the Peregrine Falcons Squad on good terms. However, tragedy struck when he lost his family. Consumed by grief and a desire for vengeance, he channelled his energy into founding the Ikari Warriors, an elite force determined to combat global injustices, crime, and terrorism.

With the backing of the Peregrine Falcons Squad's high command, Heidern implemented a rigorous military training program for his recruits. He went above and beyond to identify and refine each soldier's unique skills, recognizing that everyone approaches challenges differently.

After losing his sight in a surprise pirate attack during a Caribbean cruise and subsequently being diagnosed with lymphoma, Heidern relinquished his leadership to General Kawasaki. Following Kawasaki's brutal murder at the hands of a Mexican cartel, Heidern urgently sought a new successor. With the help of his mercenaries, Heidern spent weeks searching until he finally rescued Leona, a young Czech girl, from an unnamed town under siege by rogue militia forces. However, he soon discovered a dark truth: Leona had temporarily lost control of her esper abilities, resulting in the tragic death of her parents. The rogue militia, who were looking for her, intended to use her as a bioweapon.

Offering her a fresh start and a chance to fight against global injustices, Leona accepted, largely due to having no other options. Leona was trained by Heidern, Clark, Ralf, and other seasoned members of the Ikari Warriors, who oversaw her rigorous military training and moulded her into a skilled mercenary and capable leader.

Although Heidern has passed on his leadership to Leona, he remains actively involved with the Ikari Warriors, focusing on training recruits and developing tactical strategies. Notably, he played a pivotal role in training Clark and Ralf, recognizing their exceptional esper abilities—a talent previously unseen among Ikari Warriors recruits.

Following the Great Modern War, the Ikari Warriors joined the Regular Army to form its elite mercenary branch. As a private force for hire, they specialise in resolving extreme crises, while also undertaking smaller-scale missions. With a versatile rank structure, the Ikari Warriors can be contracted for a wide range of situations and danger levels.

Insignia

It features a lozenge-shaped silver-grey shield, outlined in shimmering luxor gold and trimmed with reseda chartreuse on the exterior. The shield's centre features the Japanese character “怒” (meaning “fury”) in alizarin red, painted in a bold, expressive style, with a horizontal bronze bullet below. A crimson-hilted silver dagger runs diagonally along its left side, while a bronze full moon is suspended above the shield. An ultramarine motto ribbon sits below the shield with the name of the special forces unit, Ikari Warriors, emblazoned in alizarin red.

Ikari Warriors Base

The Zorniger Mond Hideout is a rhomboid military complex situated deep within a Congolese jungle, its strategic location enhanced by a camouflage system expertly blending into the surroundings. The base's exterior is coated in a range of jungle green tones, including sulu, wild willow, asparagus, mineral green, and timber green. This stealthy design, combined with a state-of-the-art bulletproof system, provides the Ikari Warriors with a significant tactical advantage. They can launch surprise attacks on enemy forces without being detected.

The base boasts perimeter surveillance cameras and discreet, automated turret systems that detect and neutralise unauthorised personnel. They have a reinforced, electrified fence surrounding the base with strategically placed watchtowers featuring sniper positions. Additionally, they have a rooftop helicopter pad and four strategically positioned parabolic satellites, one at each corner of the base. The military complex comprises the following facilities:

A central command centre housing Heidern's and Leona's private quarters, a large strategy room with holographic display and tactical planning tools, communication arrays for secure global connectivity, and a situation room for real-time mission monitoring.

An intelligence room dedicated to gathering and analysing intel on potential missions and enemies, featuring computer systems for data analysis and cryptology, and secure storage for sensitive documents and classified information.

Simple, functional accommodations for mercenaries, including a barracks, mess hall, showers, a gym, a lounge, a game room, and personal storage lockers for gear and equipment.

An armoury with storage for weapons, ammunition, and explosives, and an adjacent repair workshop.

A fully equipped medical facility with an operating room for emergency surgeries, recovery ward, and medical supply storage.

A garage for storing and maintaining vehicles acquired through purchase, donation from the Regular Army or capture from enemies.

A commemorative wall honouring fallen comrades, alongside display cases showcasing the team's highest-achieving awards and medals.

A trophy room displaying captured enemy equipment and memorabilia with a secure storage room for valuable and sensitive seized assets.

A coliseum, cloaked in a muted blend of mossy green, olive drab, and earthy brown hues, is protected by a bullet-proof glass dome. By day, it's a training ground and hosts special tournaments. At night, the dome darkens to an inky black, and the interior shines a vibrant crimson under the moonlight.

Extra Information

Members of the Ikari Warriors are commonly known as "Soldiers of Fortune" or "Hired Ragers”, reflecting their reputation as elite mercenaries of the Regular Army and their fierce combat prowess.

Unlike other mercenary groups, the Ikari Warriors host biennial tournaments that are open to their members and anyone else interested in participating. These events serve as a platform to assess the physical prowess and mental strategies of both seasoned and new members, while also identifying potential recruits who may be interested in joining their ranks.

They’re the only branch in the Regular Army that doesn’t have dedicated soldiers wearing uniforms that identify them as part of the Ikari Warriors. To make things even more unusual, they have minimal interaction with members from other special forces units within the Regular Army, particularly the elite operatives, due to their singular focus on high-risk, large-scale and smaller-scale missions that typically fall outside the scope of the P.F. Squad, S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S., and Division 6.

Soldiers of Fortune, regardless of gender, receive double the average Canadian soldier's salary, acknowledging the high risks involved in their line of work. Heidern's policy ensures these elite mercenaries receive maximum financial support.

The handguns carried by Soldiers of Fortune are the Ultra Justitia Model-1977 .380 ACP or Justitia .380 ACP for short. This semi-automatic pistol is based on the Beretta Cheetah 80X, but features a distinctive grip that would later influence the design of the Walther PK380. Designed in 1977 to enhance the Beretta Cheetah's ergonomics, it offers a superior grip and hold, along with an increased ammo capacity of 15 rounds. It’s primarily used by private military companies, but it has also seen adoption by some Regular Army units.

[queen--kenobi]

Kinktober Day Thirty: Spanking

Tyland Lannister x OC (Elayna Reyne)

Kinktober 2024 masterlist

Warnings: NSFT (brat taming, spanking, collaring)

Today is a little short, but tomorrow is an immediate sequel so!

“I want this.”

Elayna looks up at Tyland. She kneels before him, a collar around her neck. Tyland stares down at her. His fingers flex, digging into his thighs for a second. They're no strangers to trying new things and pushing the boundaries of what they're comfortable with but this is entirely new.

“I just don't want to hurt you.”

Elayna smiles. She rests her cheek on his thigh, the tag on her collar clinking.

“I know. Which is why I trust you to do this.” She tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I've been acting like a brat for a reason. Not that I am one.”

Tyland raises an eyebrow at her words. She has been a brat over the past two weeks, trying desperately to push him where she wants. She loves the considerate side of him but deep within her, she's been craving a roughness he has yet to approach. However, asking him despite the knowledge she's safe with him makes her body burn with embarrassment. Tyland coaxes the words from her, and now she sits here at his feet.

“Don't lie to me.” His low timber holds command over her. Elayna tries to conceal her squirming.

“Or what? You going to spank me? Oh. Wait. I forgot. You already are.”

Elayna gasps with shock and delight when he takes hold of her chin. Tyland tilts her head upward.

“That mouth of yours will get you into trouble.”

“Promise?” She bats her eyelashes.

He gives her no warning when he pulls her up to her feet. Elayna tries not to giggle. Her giggles turn into another gasp when he takes hold of her hip and spins her the way he wants. He's gentle yet insistently, leaving her no choice but to obey. Tyland doesn't wait for her but instead places his hand at the small of her back. She nearly falls into his lap. Elayna rearranges herself with as much dignity as she can muster given she's over his knee naked.

Tyland gives her a moment to get comfortable before he places his hand on her ass.

“If it's too much...?”

“Lannisport.” She tries to press up onto her elbows, but Tyland pushes her down with a hand between her shoulder blades.

“We'll start with 10. 5 added because of your mouth.” He palms her ass slowly. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. Now shut up and spank me.”

[peppermintmagicianlynn]

TimBer Week 2024: Twenty-Questions

TimBer Week 2024 Day #1: Twenty-Questions/Party Games

Set in high school years, after Bernard meets the Drakes. Tim is kind of a try-hard at party games. Bernard is a dirty cheater.

Study sessions were Tim's most common after-school activity these days. He, Bernard, and sometimes Darla would hang out and yet never accomplish any real studying. Since Darla was unavailable today, the boys had forgone the library to instead hang out at Tim's house. His parents wouldn't be back until later, so they were free to take over the living room.

Textbooks were spread out on the coffee table, the Xbox was stashed in the hall closet, and Tim had already threatened to duct tape a pencil to Bernard's hand if he didn't stop trying to derail their efforts with his bigfoot-sighting videos…when the electricity cut off.

"Should have seen that coming," Bernard remarked as Tim brought the emergency lamp in from his bedroom, enough to cast a small glow over Tim’s armchair and Bernard’s spot on the coach. "Power outages always get bad on this side of town during the winter months. I meant to warn you about that."

Tim waved him away, settling back into his seat with a sigh. "I guess study group is over. Were you going to head home now?"

Bernard draped himself over the couch pillow, holding a dainty wrist to his forehead as if the very thought made him weak. "And leave you in the dark, all on your own, with just your crazy elevator boy to look out for you? It’s like you don’t know me at all, Drake!"

Tim scoffed. "Bernard, of all the guys I've been friends with, I'd say you’re the least cryptic of them all." Tim had run an extensive background check on Bernard after their week of knowing each other, paranoid about any more surprises from the people he made friends with. He’d found no vigilante affiliations, no alcoholism or online gambling addictions, and no evidence of him being the secret heir to a terrorist cult. Bernard was as regular a teen boy as Gotham ever saw.

Bernard turned his face so that their eyes met across the dim lamp light, watching Tim with a disbelieving smirk. Tim cocked an eyebrow, daring him to claim otherwise.

"Well then, how about we put that assertion to the test?" The blond reached for the abandoned notebook and pen between them, quickly scribbled something across the sheet of paper. He then tore it out of the book, made a grand display of folding in half and tucked it behind his back. "Time to put your money where your mouth is, Drake. Twenty-Questions! You're B+ average self against my own astounding genius!"

Tim was not a stranger to challenges, neither in his vigilante teams nor among his civilian friends. Oftentimes, he felt they were completely unnecessary, just wasting energy to prove something that he already knew himself capable of. As long as he wasn’t humiliated in front of someone he really respected, he didn't rise at just anyone's baiting.

However, since becoming friends with Bernard Dowd, he'd found himself prone to showing off quite a lot lately. Any time the other boy said "I bet I could do this better than you", Tim fell right into his trap with little thought to his ex-secret identity. So far, the only things he had never beaten the other at were video game related.

Bernard was challenging him, Robin (retired though he may be), to a game of deduction. Tim felt his grin turning feral at the thought. God, he wouldn't even know what hit him. "You're on." 

Let the Game Begin!

Question 1: Was it a living thing?

Bernard groaned. "You are so boring, Drake. No one starts out that specifically."

But the answer was yes.

Question 2: Was it a person Tim knew?

"Come on!" Now the other boy was whining, throwing out his arms in exasperation. "Humor me a little here, or it won't be any fun!"

But yes.

Tim opened his mouth to ask the gender of the person, his sharpened mind knowing exactly what questions would break through any potential traps…but then he actually looked at Bernard's face. He was hard to read sometimes, always determined to keep his calm-and-cool act in full force, but the façade could crack now and then. And right now, something like disappointment was screaming from the set of his shoulders, the twist of his mouth.

Tim felt suddenly like a bad friend, being so try-hard over what was really just a game. Bernard was being silly, just as always; so maybe Tim could afford to be silly, too.

Question 3: Was it a famous person?

That vague inquiry brought Bernard back up to his previous energy, a genuine smile growing on his face before he forced it into the usually laid-back grin. "Yes."

Hmmm, that was not quite where Tim had thought this would go, but that definitely made the game more fun.

Question 4: Did the person live in America?

Bernard paused to think for a moment, stroking his chin dramatically. "Yes?" The hesitance in his tone was slipped into Tim's growing data set as "Origin Unknown".

Question 5: Did this person currently live in Gotham?

Now Bernard was the one with a crazed smile. "Yes. For now."

Were sentences like that allowed in Twenty-Questions? Tim was pretty sure they weren't, but it did give him a bit more information to use, so he would allow it. Bernard’s chatty nature was going to be his undoing.

Question 6: Was the person dangerous?

"No."

Damn it. There went Tim’s theory it was going to be a cryptid or urban legend. Bernard would definitely use a game like this to segway into more of his conspiracy theories. And that answer also meant it wasn't going to be any of the common Gotham villains, either.

Question 7: Was this person a hero?

“I think so, personally." Bernard threw his arms behind his head as he lounged against the cushions, a picture of ease. Tim smirked at his blatant confidence, feeling even more excited to take him down.

Question 8: Did that person wear a cape?

"No."

Oh, okay then, not a vigilante. So…maybe a public servant? Commissioner Gordon was pretty famous and he was definitely heroic.

Question 9: Did the person wear a badge?

"No."

Question 10: Did the person wear a uniform?

"No."

Tim propped his chin on his wrist, turning his gaze to the side as he reconfigured his mental schematics. They were already halfway through the game but he felt even more in the dark than when they started. He tried not to sink into serious mode, reminding himself he wasn't in work-mode and this wasn't a case with someone’s life on the line. It was just a game with his goofy friend.

Still, if he wanted to win, he might have to start getting his questioning back on track. He'd already humored Bernard enough.

Question 11: Was the person female?

Bernard shrugged. "Maybe."

Tim wanted to jump over the coffee table and strangle him. "Wha- that is not how this works! You have to give me an actual answer."

"Au contraire, mon ami. If you'd ever played one of those digital versions of this game, you'd know that they always include a ‘Maybe’ option. Don't get mad at me if you jumped into this while uninformed.”

Tim growled, ready to call this whole thing off if Bernard was just going to be an ass about it. This game was his idea.

Bernard grinned his way, radiating smug energy. "Hey, you don’t have to play the game. But you would have to concede that you didn't win it, either. Sherlock Holmes wouldn't have given up that fast, I bet."

They kept going.

Question 12: Was the person old?

"No."

Question 13: Was the person still alive?

"Yes."

Question 14: Was Bernard acquainted with that person?

"Very well," Bernard said, his smile slipping into something a bit softer than before. Until he caught himself and turned his face to the side. "Uh, I mean, yes."

Tim wasn't deflected, staring at his friend who was determined to stare into the dark corner of the room. He couldn't hide the sudden redness of his ears, though.

Darla. He was talking about Darla.

With that realized, Tim felt his shoulders slump, all the tension and energy gone in a flash. God, this guy was so predictable. Even after months of just being friends with her, he still had a crush on their classmate. It was so annoying. 

No point in dragging this out any further. Tim would rather just sit in silence.

Question 15: Did the person go to their school?

"Not all the time. Uh, I mean, maybe."

Tim's brain exploded.

"Did I stump you?" the blond laughed at the obvious shock on his face.

Tim ignored his taunts, cycling all of this data over and over, scattered by both this strange answer that just didn’t fit with his previous conclusion and the weird rush of relief that battled for his attention. He shoved both of them away and focused. If he was turning into a try-hard again, sue him.

So, objectively, Bernard was cheating. Not just his bullshit "maybe's" but also all these additional sentences he was "accidentally" slipping in. No, that was intentional, made to confuse Tim with unnecessary information. Could he even be outright lying? Nah, Bernard liked to win too and getting caught with deliberate falsehoods would make him a bad sport. He wasn't lying, just keeping it all vague for the sake of his punchline.

Tim was running out of questions now, but he still had to throw out one more test. A dangerous gamble.

Question 16: Did this person have dark hair?

"Yes."

A straight answer, said with full confidence, that cut his list of potential suspects in half.

Data Currently Collected: a person whose hair was publicly known (cut out a portion of the vigilantes in Gotham) and was dark colored, heroic, famous, no cape, young, possibly goes to their school. That "not always" comment might still keep Darla in the game, since she sometimes missed classes for "family things". Other possibles would be students known to cut classes which wasn't an insignificant number. Even Tim would sometimes…

His eyes widened, train of thought grinding to a halt even as his analytical mind kept spinning, weaving the data into a new theory against his wishes.

Skipped classes, dark-haired young, famous…

Did his name still circulate through envious mouths, months after the lockdown? Were there still videos online of him meeting the president? Forgotten posters with his face on it tossed aside in street gutters?

And what Bernard had looked like when he answered Question 14, that quiet but obvious happiness at just the thought of that person….

Tim swallowed, not sure why the idea of that look being for him made his hands suddenly clammy.

Question 18: Did Bernard spend a lot of time with the person?

"Yes."

Question 17: Was Bernard friends with them?

"Yes." Bernard grinned hard, no smugness in that look at all, though he quickly turned away again. Like he had to be embarrassed about his own enthusiasm.

Oh shit.

Oh shit oh shit oh shit.

"Three questions left, Drake. Better make them count."

"Are you gonna use another ‘maybe’ answer?" If he said yes, Tim would quit this game in protest and never have to think about this ever again.

Bernard turned to look at him, scanning his face. Then quietly, "No. I'll be honest."

And that terrified Tim even more.

Question 18: …Did Bernard like the person?

"Yes." The flood of red on Bernard's cheeks sent a rush of confused emotions through Tim. He couldn't tell if they were good or bad. "Two more questions, Drake."

Question 19: …

"Or do you want to just take a guess?"

A part of Tim was scared to say it out loud, the very idea of what Bernard could mean by all of this…it would be like opening Pandora's Box. Nothing would be the same anymore. Forget about winning, Tim didn't know if he could survive making the right guess. If he could even process what it would mean for him just for guessing it right.

So, like a coward, he offered, "Darla Aquista?"

And in that instant, the tension broke, leaving jagged edges between them.

Bernard looked away, his smile turned melancholy. "Wow, Drake, I guess…I guess you do know me pretty well." He pulled the paper out from behind his back, though Tim could see how his fingers trembled. Tim was shaking too, not sure if he was ready for what was written on it. If he should play being pompous about his win and tell Bernard he didn't need to show him the proof. If he could just…

"However…I guess you don't know me quite that well!"

In two quick moves, Bernard slammed the paper down on the dimly-lit coffee table and with a laugh that the Joker would envy, flipped over the back of the couch. Tim, shocked, glanced down at the paper which had been left writing up.

Dana (Pre-Dye job)

Outrage like he had never known flooded through Tim, ripping a scream from his throat that was as thunderous as a war cry. He cleared the table, lamp, and coach back in one summersault, then ran after his absolute asshole of a classmate.

"You piece of shit! You freaking lying garbage heap!"

"There were no lies involved. Only slanted truths!"

"That is not how this game works!"

"Excuses of the outwitted!"

Some days later, Jack would be cleaning around the house and find a piece of paper slipped between the cushions of his couch. He would ask his wife about it, but she wouldn't have an explanation for why their son's name was written on it.

----

Bernard is a troll who had no intention to play this game fairly from the start. If Tim thought he would and let his guard down, that was on him!

Why yes, I am a fan of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War. How could you tell?

[oatmealdaydreams]

Do you have a favourite fic thatd you’ve written? Like one (or more) youre proud of thatd youd like more people to read?

I'm glad ya asked, Duckie!

Here's some fics I'm proud of:

Tell It to Me, My Dearest Star -> qpp/alterous Logince, part of Logince Week 2024, hurt/comfort, kinda addresses how Logan's so used to be silenced and stuff; literally the reason I realized I'm alterous & made one of my moots cry bc star saw starself in my depiction of Logan [you've prob seen it, I saw ya from your tags]

Burning Timber, Grey Fog -> Logince, part of Logince Week 2024, hurt/comfort, they take care of each other, my take on literal burnout for Roman as Creativity, addresses burnout & creative block as well as depression & brain fog; one of my fave writers gave it a comment on ao3 & talked about how this would make sense for executive dysfunction/burnout because they're like Thomas' executive functions & it made me smile [you've also seen this one if I can recall [lmao]]

All of Me Needs Sleep, All of Me -> platonic Thvi/Thomxiety, based on a @/sleepyvirgilprompts prompt (properly tagged & credited), mild hurt/comfort, short but sweet & very wholesome; I love writing platonic stuff with Thomas & his Sides, and this is the only fic I've ever been recognized for (only like one time; which was funny as hell bc it's the very first fic I posted on Tumblr & my writing style has changed a lil since then)

An Emerald Crown -> creativitwins & background DLAMPR, lots of warnings, rated M (Mature) for some content like unaliving thoughts/attempt, major hurt/comfort, Roman comforting Remus, features the Imagination being a sentient maternal entity to the twins, kinda long; really spoke to a reader/commenter on ao3 & I did some projecting on poor Remus when I was having a very rough day & I'm weak for the brothers bc complicated siblings are important to me (a personal fave)

Polaris -> platonic Wrathloceit (Orange, Janus, Logan), hurt/comfort, Logan angst, rated M (Mature) for content like unaliving thoughts, features some fun thoughts I've got about Orange; made a commenter/reader on Tumblr cry & this is another one dear to my heart & the first time I wrote Orange directly interacting with other Sides

I don't have a lot of fics tbh, but here's some I like very much :3

Always read the warnings!

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By Keiran Smith

15 January 2024

SYDNEY (AP) — A day after an Australian became queen of Denmark, her native land on Monday celebrated the unlikely fairy tale with cocktails, picnics and a “Danish Fiesta.”

Mary Donaldson’s journey from Tasmania to the world’s first Australian-born queen has captivated both Danes and Australians.

People gathered to mark the occasion across Australia, including Queen Mary’s hometown of Hobart, the capital of the southern island state of Tasmania.

In Melbourne, scores gathered at Denmark House, one of Melbourne’s oldest social clubs, to celebrate the coronation with a special cultural event.

“It’s not something that happens every day that you have an Australian becoming queen. I don’t know if it will ever happen again,” Danish Club Vice President Lykka Borup told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Mary’s husband, Crown Prince Frederik, was proclaimed king of the European nation on Sunday, two weeks after his 83-year-old mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced she would be the first Danish royal to abdicate in about 900 years.

Several landmarks in Hobart were lit up in Denmark’s red and white colors, as many residents celebrated with a picnic or a high tea at Taroona Beach, near Queen Mary’s childhood home.

Celebrations were also held at the Slip Inn, the Sydney pub where the royal couple first met during the 2000 Olympics.

The establishment announced it was hosting a “Danish Fiesta” during January, with a special “There’s Something About Mary” cocktail.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Queen Mary’s ascension as a “great day.”

“She has carried herself in a way that I think just brings enormous support and pride to all Australians,” he told the ABC’s Radio National program on Monday.

“We’re very proud that Hobart-born Mary Donaldson has become the queen of Denmark,” he said.

Albanese said his government has made a donation to a charity that works to protect the endangered Tasmanian devil.

“Mary grew up in Tasmania, and so it is fitting Australia marks this occasion with a gift to support the conservation of the Tasmanian devil,” he said in a statement.

Jeremy Rockliff, premier of Mary’s home state, said Tasmanians “could not be prouder of Queen Mary, and there was always an open invitation for the royal couple to visit."

The Tasmanian government also said it would send a gift of a table of Huon pine, a Tasmanian timber, handmade by a local furniture maker, and make a donation to a charity that supports children’s wellbeing.

It’s a cause that the 51-year-old Queen Mary, a mother of four, actively supported during her two decades as crown princess of Denmark.

[charlesandmartine]

Saturday 23rd November 2024

Hughenden, Qld, not to be confused with the Tudor pile in Buckinghamshire once inhabited by Benjamin Disraelie, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Ireland, is a small town, population 1,113, built on the banks of the Flinders River in Flinders Shire. Originally home to the Jirandali people's for 11,000 years when it was known as Mokana. The Americans had a munitions dump in Torrens Creek not far from here in WW2. That was before they realised or knew of the dangers of bush fires. Inevitably, there was one which they thought they had put out. They all dashed back to camp for doughnuts, and the whole thing went up again, causing 12 huge explosions and craters 20 feet deep. I guess that unearthed a few fossils! This, after all, is also home to Hughie, the seven metre tall skeletal Muttaburrasaurus. Strangely enough, it's not just the Americans who have had difficulties in the fire department. Walking along the High St yesterday, shop after shop and most hotels, have all burnt down at one time or another, or indeed in synchrony. It's the dry timber in which they are constructed and kitchens, apparently. They almost seem to demonstrate a pride in these events, like keeping some form of morbid score! Oh, ours has burnt down more times than yours!

It was a nice thought as we planned our day to take a leisurely stroll along the Flinders River bank. What could be more pleasant on a hot day to feel the breeze across the water. That presupposes that there is water in the river. In our case, tidy as it was with a flat dried mud basin with no supermarket trollies or rusty bicycles poking through, the river was bone dry with tinder dry parched grassy banks. We perambulated, however, as though it was flowing as it shall undoubtedly do in a few weeks' time. Before we reached the empty road bridge, there was a causeway bravely striking a direct footpath across the riverbed, normally obscured in the wet season. Tempted across this thoroughfare to the far bank we continued on along a footpath, which led us to one of the defining features of this town, the coolabah tree. This had a barrier placed around it to isolate it whilst its health improves, because this isn't any coolabah tree, this is the one that both William Landsborough in 1862 and Frederick Walker in 1861 carved their mark whilst searching for Burke and Wills. Yep, still lost.

This certainly is a very tidy town, with many instances of street art. Even the public conveniences are painted with murals, making a sharp contrast with the personalised graffiti often seen on UK public toilets. Wide streets abound, so wide it can be quite confusing as to where you are expected to drive. And these are very quiet roads with so little traffic. You wonder if they were planning for an expansion of the town that never happened and is still unlikely to occur. Shaded verandahed shops in the high street are for sale or rental. Shops such as butchers and bakers. This is not a good sign, and yet building plots are for sale wedged between prefabricated homes.

It was something of a lazy afternoon reading and resting in the sunshine before nipping out for some Coopers Pale Ale from the drive-through BottleO which we unashamedly consumed whilst the parakeets, butcher birds and cockatoos screeched their way through sunset.

Busy day tomorrow; it's off to the lakes. Just got to finish a bottle of SB tonight and watch a film.

ps. This town even has a Bowling Club

pps. With the dark skies, we've been trying to identify the Southern Cross constellation, and we think we've spotted it. Firstly, it is very odd not to see the Plough. Secondly, the Cross doesn't stand out so well, especially on a dark sky, because there are too many other stars visible.

ppps. We can easily spot Orion with his belt.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Cillian Murphy is intense in Small Things Like These role: The Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer star plays the lead role in the moving new film 🎬

Small Things Like These, is a Tim Mielants' upcoming adaptation of Claire Keegan's best-selling novel about Catholic corruption in small-town Ireland. In the film, Murphy — given a rare opportunity to work in his natural Irish brogue — plays Bill Furlong, a father whose repressed trauma surfaces when he discovers disturbing secrets being kept by his local convent. And you can check out the first trailer for the drama 🎭

It is 1985, in an Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces into his busiest season. As he does the rounds, he feels the past rising up to meet him - and encounters the complicit silences of a people controlled by the Church.

Inspired by the real history of the Magdalene Laundries, a set of workhouses and asylums used by the Catholic Church to physically and mentally abuse so-called "fallen women", it's clear to see from this first look at Small Things Like These alone that Murphy is operating in a register that's a far cry from Oppenheimer here.

Based on Claire Keegan's unforgettable story of hope, quiet heroism and tenderness, Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance in SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, in cinemas November 1st.

Cillian at the Small Things premiere in London 🎭

#cillianmurphy #smallthingslikethese #book #film #BillFurlong #adaptation #Claire Keegan #TimMielants #MagdaleneLaundries #irishstory

Posted 25th October 2024

[brookston]

Holidays 10.23

Holidays

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Aviator’s Day (Brazil)

A Better Way with AI Day

Broken Diamond (Elder Scrolls)

Celery Day (French Republic)

Chinese American Day (California)

Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day; Thailand)

Claire & Henry’s Wedding Day (Time Traveler’s Wife)

Disabled Ace Day

Doctor’s Day (Mexico)

Event Organizers Day

Fallout Day

Frost Descends (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)

Global Day of Action for Child Survival

Heavs and Earth Creation Day (Ussher)

Hoar-Frost Falls (China)

International GNSS Day

International Museum Meme Day

International Print Day

International PTEN Awareness Day

International Snow Leopard Day

International XLH Day

iPod Day

Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Day

Liberation Day (Libya)

Lock Your Meds Day

Lung Health Day

Medical Assistants Recognition Day

Mole Day (Chemists)

National Aviation Day (Mexico)

National Bioenergy Day

National Boys Dance Day (UK)

National Croc Day

National Day of Action to End Violence Against Women Living with HIV

National Horror Movie Day

National Maine Sanctuary Day

National Mole Day

National One United Race Day

National Slap Your Irritating Co-Worker Day

Nemzeti ünnep (Hungary)

Operation Safe Stop Day

Paralegal Day

Paris Peace Agreement Day (Cambodia)

Peniamina Gospel Day (Niue)

Swallows Leave Capistrano Day

Timber Innovation Day

TV Talk Show Host Day

Ueno Tenjin Matsuri (Parade of Demons; Japan)

Unity Day

Universal Children’s Day (Australia)

World Edible Insect Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Boston Cream Pie Day

Canning Day (a.k.a. Canned Food Day)

Spam Jam (Hawaii)

World Mozzarella Day

Independence & Related Days

Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle (Macedonia)

Neeburm (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Republic Day (Hungary)

Woodland Patchwork (Declared; 2013) [unrecognized]

4th Wednesday in October

E-Waste Wednesday (Canada) [4th Wednesday]

Heat Pump Water Heater Day [4th Wednesday]

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

International Print Day [4th Wednesday]

Lung Health Day [4th Wednesday]

Purple Wednesday [Wednesday of Last Full Week]

Sustainability Day [4th Wednesday]

Universal Children's Day (Australia) [4th Wednesday]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Weird Wednesday [4th Wednesday of Each Month]

Whatever Wednesday [4th Wednesday of Each Month]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 23 (3rd Full Week of October)

Global Health Equity Day (thru 10.27)

National Red Ribbon Week (thru 10.31) [Last 9 Days]

Festivals Beginning October 23, 2024

Colisium International Music Forum (Kazan, Russia) [thru 10.24]

Golden Leaves Con (Hasliberg, Switzerland) [thru 10.27]

National FFA Convention & Expo (Indianapolis, Indiana) [thru 10.26]

National Pasta Association Annual Meetng & the World Pasta Congress (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) [thru 10.25]

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival (Sycamore, Illinois) [thru 10.27]

Feast Days

Allucio of Campugliano (Christian; Saint)

Amon of Toul (Diocese of Toul; Christian; Saint)

Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (Christian; Saint)

Aravind Adiga (Writerism)

Beginning of Scorpio (Astrology; Pagan)

Bobby London Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Bob Montana (Artology)

Christmas (a.k.a. Feast of Señor Noemi, the Child Jesus; Apostolic Catholic Church)

Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer (Christian)

Festival of Forgotten Gods

The Finding of the King Jubilation (Shamanism)

Fontenelle (Positivist; Saint)

Giovanni da Capistrano (Christian; Saint)

Ignatios of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Island Heads (Muppetism)

James the Just (a.k.a. James, brother of Jesus; Lutheran, Episcopal Church (USA), Eastern Orthodox)

Jean-Louis Forain (Artology)

John Capistran (Christian; Saint)

Joséphine Leroux (Christian; Saint)

Juan Luna (Artology)

Lawren Harris (Artology)

Maggi Hambling (Artology)

Matthew Quick (Writerism)

Michael Crichton (Writerism)

Navami [9th Day of Dashain]

Peter Pascual (Christian; Saint)

Richard Mortensen (Artology)

Romain (a.k.a. Romanus) of Rouen (Christian; Saint)

Scorpio begins (Astrology; Pagan)

Servandus and Cermanus (Christian; Saint)

Severin of Cologne (Christian; Saint)

Strip for Your Lover Day (Pastafarian)

Surin (Christian; Saint)

Theodoret (Christian; Saint)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays

Feast of the Ingathering [21 Tishrei] (a.k.a. ... 

Feast of the Tabernacles (Christian)

Festival of Shelters (Christian)

Harvest Home (UK)

Kirn (Scotland)

Mell-Supper (Northern England)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

Almost Blue, by Elvis Costello (Album; 1981)

Arches and Planes or The Old Chisel ‘Em Trail (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 172; 1962)

Auntie Edna (Pixar Cartoon; 2018)

Baba O’Riley, by The Who (Song; 1971)

The Big Countdown or Tally in Our Alley (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 171; 1962)

Big Hero 6 (Animated Disney Film; 2014)

The Black Parade, by My Chemical Romance (Album; 2006)

Chili Corn Corny (WB LT Cartoon; 1965)

A Creep at the Switch or Sudden Pacific (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 66; 1960)

Dictionary of the Khazars, by Milorad Pavić (Novel, English Translation; 1989)

Dumbo (Animated Disney Film; 1941)

The Dumbconscious Mind (Phantasies Cartoon; 1942)

Elizabeth (Film; 1998)

The Flying Sorcerers, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S2, Eps. 27 & 28 1965)

Hello, by Adele (Song; 2015)

Hold the Wire (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1936)

I, Claudius, by Robert Graves (Novel; 1934)

I Will Survive, by Gloria Gaynor (Song; 1978)

The Last Hurrah (Film; 1958)

Life Is Beautiful (Film; 1998)

Live a Little, Love a Little (Film; 1968) [Elvis Presley #28]

The Magnificent Seven (Film; 1960)

My Neighbor Totoro (Anime Film; 2005

On the Waterfront, by Budd Schulberg (Novel; 1955)

Orgazmo (Film; 1998)

The Picnic (Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Pink Sphinx (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1968)

Pleasantville (Film; 1998)

The Queen’s Gambit (TV Mini-Series; 2020)

Rehab, by Amy Winehouse (Song; 2006)

Reservoir Dogs (Film; 1992)

Rock the Casbah (Film; 2015)

Rugged Bear (Disney Cartoon; 1953)

Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals, by Saul D. Alinsky (Philosophy Book; 1971)

$7.50 Once a Week (Money Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1995)

Sourdough Squirrel or Hardrock Rocky (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 65; 1960)

The Spider and the Fly (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1931)

The Stork’s Holiday (MGM Cartoon; 1943)

The Times They Are-A-Changin’, recorded by Bob Dylan (Song; 1963)

Treasure of the Temple (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #6; 1964)

Trespass, by Genesis (Album; 1970)

Today’s Name Days

Johannes, Oda, Severin, Uta (Austria)

Borislav, Ivan, Severin, Teodor (Croatia)

Teodor (Czech Republic)

Søren (Denmark)

Leevi, Liivi, Liivia, Liivika (Estonia)

Severi (Finland)

Jean, Simon (France)

Johannes, Severin, Uta (Germany)

Iakovos, Jacob (Greece)

Gyöngyi (Hungary)

Giovanni (Italy)

Daina, Dainis, Severins (Latvia)

Odilija, Ramvydė, Sanginas (Lithuania)

Severin, Sørene (Norway)

Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Jan, Marlena, Odilla, Roman, Seweryn, Teodor, Włościsław, Żegota (Poland)

Iacob (Romania)

Alojzia (Slovakia)

Juan (Spain)

Severin, Sören (Sweden)

Fifi, Josefina, Josepha, Josephina, Josephine, Josie, Pepita (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 297 of 2024; 69 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of Week 43 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 25 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 21 (Geng-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 21 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 19 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 27 Orange; Sixthday [27 of 30]

Julian: 10 October 2024

Moon: 57%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 17 Descartes (11th Month) [Herder / Vico]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 32 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 1 of 30)