#anyone with a phone is guaranteed to have one. you don’t have the no socials issue

[mars-ipan]

just realized how fucking weird zoomer flirting is. nobody asks you for your phone number

#marzi speaks #i remember once in high school a random guy came up to me and asked me for my snap #i (truthfully) told him ‘i don’t have one- sorry ^^;’ #so he asked for my insta. an account i also don’t have #i said the same thing. he went ‘damn ah well’ and walked away #dude. everyone with a phone has a number. you could have tried my goddamn email if you want #why give up after two social medias. do you not know how to flirt over text #now he wasn’t my type so i probably wouldn’t have gone out with him #but like bro. you can at least TRY #come on. #it may have sounded like i was subtly trying to reject him and i get that #(not a lot of ppl my age don’t have snapchat/instagram but i just never bothered to make either (also i have a particular dislike for snap)) #but like dude. if i wanted you off my back i woulda said ‘sorry i don’t give out that info to strangers’ and it would have been done #anywho. why don’t people ask for phone numbers #anyone with a phone is guaranteed to have one. you don’t have the no socials issue #because. it’s a fucking phone number #also WAYYY more convenient to text someone than open another app to talk to them #(sorry irl mutuals who have an easier time reaching me here. my text notifs r glitchy but i’m a statistical outlier) #POINT IS just ask for the number. stop with the socials stuff #guess if someone attractive ever asks for my socials i’ll have to go ‘i don’t have that but i can give you ny number :)’ #parry it. whatever #still tho. crazy shit

[hecksilver]

What If: Jordan got rejected?

hello, i'm here once more, late at night with another story, yay :) i hope you guys enjoy, i'm using this to get a grip with my writing so feedbacks are welcome. also i'm open to requests & asks!

word count: 2.422

It all started with Forensics.

The one class, other than Brink’s, that every single student in Crimefighting major wanted to attend.

Ministered by professor Clancy, it was focused on preparing students for a career in – as the major’s name itself already implied - crime fighting by means that when beyond just the use of brute force.

The studies spanned the fields of hero anthropology, superheroes bio-chemistry; biology of super abled bodies, chemistry of brains and bodies under the influence of Compound V, physics and psychology specialized in superheroes and sociology of a society with super powered people. It was a quite extensive coursework, it required perfect grades, above 75% class attendance percentage independent of the major (but let’s be real no one in fucking Performing Arts were trying to get into Forensics), GPA of 3.7 or above – professor Clancy was ridiculously strict about who’s taking her class –, and a previous knowledge of the basics of lifesaving techniques (which, curiously, wasn’t include in God U’s curriculum).

Anyone who managed to get a chair during this class was considered to be blessed. Those who were accepted in the course had with certainty guaranteed, at the very least, a B-rank city contract. Also, the sponsors really enjoyed pumping up the academics, it made them look good – no one wanted to be at the mercy of a hero that didn’t knew how to do fucking CPR.

And Jordan has been killing themselves for one of the very, very few vacant chairs.

Technically Clancy’s class was already at full by the standards of elective programs of God U, having filled all the 10 slots in three days – but, it seems that, professor Clancy had a new TA, who Jordan had heard off more than seen, who’ve convinced the woman to open more two positions.

And so a bunch of sophomores, juniors and seniors (and some stupid freshmen who really thought they could stand a chance) started to go fucking berserk on each other. From sabotaging each other’s applications forms to actually starting brawls in the middle of the halls, and even getting some people badly hurt just to show-off how well they could perform lifesaving.

It was fucking chaos, because of course it was.

Jordan wasn’t partaking in any of the violence and dirty mess, nah! Their act was all about subtly. They kept tabs on anyone who had already taken, or tried to take, Forensics with Clancy; making small talk, flirting, even fucking some hot piece of ass (this part wasn’t all that difficult), just so they’d know when the Intro to Forensics would be open – and they all said the same thing,

“Well, Clancy usually opens the application forms on the second week of the month, but her new TA’s the one making the calls now, so I don’t know…Anyway, can I get your number?”

And, fuck, that made everything ten times harder because Jordan had no damn clue who was Clancy’s TA. They heard her name, Maggie (or Molly, or Mary) something-something, or anything like that – they were pretty sure it had an ‘M’ in it, maybe two. But they didn’t catch her face anywhere so it was practically impossible to know, they looked for anyone with a similar name so they could sweet talk into giving him one of the two spots; but, it appears that, Clancy’s new TA was fucking Amish or some shit.

As far as they could guess at this point, this TA didn’t have a goddamn phone, or just couldn’t be social for shit.

Maybe their account was priv. But that would be simply really dumb considering one of the main points of God U’s was gaining social traction and nothing was better than Instagram and Tik Tok for that.

The running around was starting to piss them off. And it got worse when they found out, at their stop by Vought-a-Burger before their next class, that Luke had manage to get one of the vacant spots. His friend at least had the sense of looking sheepish when he broke the news – Brink had get him the spot, as a highly scouted hero and future prospect to the Seven, it was of high importance that Luke took all the classes that could help him get a better leverage until his departure to The Tower (also, it looked good on social media and in the interviews they get him to do).

So now there was only one spot.

Jordan was happy for their friend, they really were. But holy fuck! How unfair was that? And it seemed to be usual to this point. Since Brink had taken Jordan under his wing, making them his TA in their freshman year, helping them with sponsorships and brand deals and marketability, being more of a father figure to Jordan than their own dad, seeing the value in their powers, in their capability to learn, to thrive, to be the best of the best – however, since professor Brink had showed that he believed, truly believed, in Jordan one thing was always pretty clear, cut-and-dry: Jordan was the apple to Brink’s eyes…After Luke.

If Jordan was a shining star, Luke was the motherfucking sun. Untouchable, unreachable. Jordan would always the God U’s top 3, but they would also always be number 2.

And that fucking hurt. Why Brink didn’t help them? Why, didn’t Brink talked to Clancy’s about Jordan as well? If he valued them so much, why Luke always came first, why couldn’t the game be even?

Jordan manage to smile, nonetheless, and throw out a petty joke about how Luke was only there so people think he actually new CPR and he wouldn’t make a fool of himself in public – they laughed and that was it.

For the rest of the week Jordan worked hard. They didn’t took breaks, studied their ass off, was the first to came into Brink’s office and the last to leave, didn’t missed any class, and nailed all the exams, home-works, group projects, and essays.

Jordan was perfect and seemed like it would all pay-off when, in a morning they were just passing Brink’s schedule of the day, the man looked at him up and down.

“So, Jordan,” he said, resting back in his chair. “Luke told me you’re interest in taking Forensics as an elective program.”

“Oh, yes professor,” they nodded trying not too look so hopeful, or disappointed.

“There has been a lot of competition this semester,” he continued. “Clancy did good putting that girl there, she knows how the keep people on their toes.”

That girl. Clancy’s TA. Maggie (or Macy?).

“Here’s a tip,” Brink inclined himself forward and Jordan, without realizing, did the same. “Clancy might’ve mentioned the intention of opening the forms next Friday; you should keep an eye out.”

 Jordan smiled. So large and so bright the dimple in their face was threatening to just burst. “Thank you, professor. I’ll keep a watch.”

And so they did. Never before so excite about a Friday in their life, taking in a brutal amount of workload to keep their mind from worrying ahead of time, but it was almost impossible now that they had a clear shot of where to go.

And when Friday came Jordan was up, bright and early, with heavy bags under their eyes and a thick vein jutting out in their forehead as they turn their computer on, and logged in the God U student portal.

And there it was, in bold blue letters on his screen.

Intro to Forensics – Form Application [pending]

It was a typical class form with question about the Crimefighting major and previous knowledge in the aspects of Hero Ethics and Combat 101. Jordan finished in less than minutes before sending it.

Intro to Forensics – Form Application [finished]

Now they just had to wait.

----

And wait they did. Trying not to let anxiety take over their body, this was one of the moments Jordan was thankful for Andre existing – and for him to be a huge nepo-baby with tons of cash.

The weekend passed like a blur, there was a kickback at some point in someone’s dorm – maybe Andre’s? Jordan didn’t actually remember. But the important thing was that there were enough drinking, popping pills, and snorting coke for Jordan to finally set their mind into something that wasn’t work. They ignored calls from their parents, let Brink emails pile themselves up in their inbox and just enjoyed the girl gurgling down their cock.

When Monday came they felt trashed.

There was a horrible taste in their mouth, hair was a mess, the clothes on their body weren’t theirs, someone vomited on their shoes (the fucking white Vans, fucking hell!) and headache, because obviously. They felt groggy and thirsty and when walking by the mess that was the residence hallway, they slipped in someone’s naked body and almost fell face first in some guy’s dick.

They checked the clock in their phone, 6:23 AM. They had time to go to their dorm and take a shower before going to Brink. There was barely anyone on campus yet, most students were sleeping or too deep down in an alcoholic coma, or and overdose, who could tell.

They only had half the mind to check the student portal for schedule update and…

“What the fuck?”

---

They entered the Crimefighting building with more than just intention, Jordan was pissed off.

The headache was still there, hammering inside their head like a bitch and they’re hungry as hell, there was still that horrible taste in their mouths and going to the Forensics course floor was a detour that would probably eat their time to take a shower and fix their hair – but fuck that in the moment.

They took the stairs two at a time, ignoring every one until they reached the entrance of professor Clancy’s office. It wasn’t much different them Brink’s office foyer. If anything it looked a lot more clinical, with the light-colored walls and flooring, the painting in the walls were of weird-ass abstract art, and behind a desk very similar to their own, was who he assumed to be Clancy’s TA.

And holy fuck! She was hot. Like striking beautiful, the type that made them glance once and then double take to be sure what they’re seeing was actually real, and it was, gladly. Brown skin that looked very soft, well-set curves and a face was just stunning, with pretty features, big brown-doe eyes and plump lips that made them think how good they would feel. The type of girl that could drive them insane with just the right bat of her long eyelashes.

She didn’t look at them at first, too focused on whatever she was typing, so they measured her. She wasn’t that tall, but taller than their female form, she had some necklaces dangling by her lean throat (fuck, what could they do to that throat) and wore a dark-red tank top that showed up her arms and hugged the contour of her tits in a sinful way.

With their knuckles Jordan knocked her table; she glanced at him, her face completely unimpressed. She annoyingly pulled her earphones off and ran her eyes up and down Jordan’s figure, her glance stopping by the base of their neck before finding their face.

“Can I help...?”

“You’re Clancy’s TA, Maggie, right?”

“My name’s Marie.” Fuck. “If you want to talk with Professor Clancy you must make an appointment at the student attention office by sending an email. They're open from 10 a.m until 05 p.m. And 12:30 a.m until 03:00 p.m on weekends.” She said, quick and uninterested, going back to whatever she was doing before they showed up.

“Yeah, that’s not why I’m here,” she still wasn’t looking at the, scribbling something on the notebook by her side – even her writing was pretty. “There’s been a mistake, with my schedule.”

“Oh, really?”

Jordan raised their eyebrows. Sarcasm? Seriously?

“Yes,” they hissed. “I signed up for Clancy’s Intro to Forensics, but is nowhere on my schedule.”

Marie (their not going to forget that name) signed and looked at him, eyes so open and yet Jordan couldn’t take a guess for dear life about what could be going through her head.

“What’s you name?” Her voice was so stale, as if she was reading a script.

Jordan frowned. “Jordan Li…” she types swiftly on the keyboard, her hands are way to fucking pretty too like, damn. “I’m, like, rank number two.”

“Good for you, I guess,” Well, okay, fuck. It would be better if she just told them to fuck off already. “It seemed that you were rejected…” she meets their eyes. “Jordan Li, rank number two.”

“Sorry, what?” Jordan chuckled. “What do you mean? I sent the form as soon they’re open.”

Marie just wasn’t even pretending to pay attention, setting herself aloof. “We’re crowded. Professor Clancy’s class is much requested and the last two vacant spots have already been taken, so…Sorry.”

“Wait,” Jordan chimed, they didn’t want to lose their shit right now, and they already felt like shit. “This can’t be.”

Marie shrugged. “Better luck next time, I guess.”

“Who took the last chair?”

“I won’t tell you that,” Marie huffed. “Look, I’ve been receiving shitty emails of entitled top 10 all weekend, so let me make this easy for both of us – most of you top 20s, 10s and 5s, think all you’ve gotta do is show up, major in Crimefighting, crush at Forensics and Combat 101, and score a city contract, that easy; but life is way harder than that.” Marie inhales deeply, inclining herself forward to read something on the computer screen. “All the spots of Forensics had been taken by people with cleared techniques in lifesaving, along with crime fighting. And you...You didn’t even sign up the Safe-on-Campus petition.”

Jordan breathed, deeply. Fuck that she was pretty and hot as fuck; they never felt so much anger towards someone before. Who did she think she was?

“Now, I’m kind of busy, so if you can…”

“I want to talk to Professor Clancy about this.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I made the call, I’m her TA.”

“Oh, so it was your decision?” Marie inhales heavily once again. “Who the fuck do you think you are to reject me?”

Their glances were set on each other so thoroughly Jordan could almost fell the weight, when she moved to stand up they responded by shifting into male, watching with annoyed satisfaction as she had to raise her eyes to keep their staring battle. Marie didn't faltered, though.

“I’m her TA.”

#lgbt #gen v #marie moreau #fanfic #fic #jordan li x marie moreau #jordan x marie #mariejordan #gen v marie #gen v jordan #limoreau #derek luh #jaz sinclair #london thor #hecksilver #imagine

[justanotherfanartist]

heeey guys little social help here? (poll at the end)

get ready for a rare real life lore dump (yippee) because I have a social scenario I’m not sure how to handle. this is your chance to have input on my life like some sort of rpg (if you’re into that kind of thing lmfao)

(I really really hate outing my age range like this but I feel like it might impact peoples choices so. just know I’m on the older end alright)

So, I went to this nearby jazz festival on Saturday. Basically, it’s an event that pulls a bunch of local highschools and their upper and lower level jazz bands together (I’m in my schools lower level group) to compete for awards and finalist placements and stuff like that (very fun very cool experience every time) and something that’s become a habit of mine is scanning each group for anyone interesting and it just happened that there was this guy from another school’s upper band that really stood out to me.

He is genuinely one of the prettiest guys I’ve ever laid eyes on, bro is GORGEOUS and also an amazing trombone player with super clean tone (and was part of a killer trombone soli) so naturally I’m pretty smitten. For real as soon as you start playing an instrument yourself “being good at an instrument” is immediately something added to your type which makes going to these things an interesting experience.

Anyways, I thought he was attractive enough to try and shoot my shot (I do this kinda thing every so often especially if I think I’ll get rejected just as a confidence booster. works like a charm btw) so I made up my mind that hey, we all stash our instruments in the same place, so after the finalists concert when everybody goes to grab their gear and pack up I’ll go up to him and ask him if he wants my number before we all have to leave for the night. Pretty non instrusive introduction that guarantees a short conversation and an excuse for him to leave if I happen to make him uncomfortable, that sort of thing. (I love planning out social interactions in my head before I have them)

(also this is fr the strat bc a) “hey do you want my number?” gives the person a choice and b) if they do say yes awkwardly in the moment but regret it they can always just decide not to text you; it puts the ball more in their court rather than you getting their number and texting them first, that sort of thing)

so that’s exactly what I did. I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around, and the interaction went like this:

“Hey, you’re one of the trombone players from (insert local highschool’s upper band) right?”

“Yeah?”

“I was just wondering, would you want my phone number? :D”

“Oh, I’m actually not looking for anything right now.”

“Hey, no problem.”

“Thanks though. :)”

“Yeah ‘course!”

and then we split ways.

As of today I found their jazz group’s page on instagram (basically, I’m going around and following all the ones that I thought were really good, including his who placed first just ahead of my school’s upper band in second)(we were psyched btw cus their group is known for crushing everyone so being up there second only to them felt pretty good) and I realized he’s probably following them and I actually did manage to find his page, which is privated (oddly enough he happens to be followed by someone who I very loosely know) so it’s request to follow only.

My question is would it be weird to request to follow him? Based on my instagram page and what I have up he might not be able to recognize me but I’m guessing he’ll know it’s me just because of our interaction and the follow request, but I’m not sure if I’d be breaking a social boundary if I did that.

I don’t intend to hit on him or push him for romance or anything like that— I got a clear and polite “no thanks” and I’m not going to infringe on that full stop (boundaries are to be respected always). Blanket statement I think this guy is cool and an impressively good player, I’d legitimately want to see him perform again or possibly be friends (I’m starved for jazz friends) but I’m just reallllyyy worried it’s gonna come off as creepy or boundary breaking to request a follow so I’m not sure if I should or not.

(my logic is that he already rejected a request for communication so requesting to follow him is essentially doing the same thing again and might come off as creepy or pushing it and the last thing I want is to make this guy uncomfortable. on the other hand it could be seen as completely harmless or even flattering depending on the person but I’m really not sure.)

mutuals give me opinions bc I’m curious what you think (also I’d really appreciate it if you picked something other than maybe lmao or left me a comment of your thoughts or smthn like that. I may be overthinking this)

(asterisk is for extra info for the first poll option)

*regardless of your intentions, which he is unable to truly discern, but will probably assume is still romantic pursuit

#I love being unsure of social rules or boundaries

[haee-elia]

spence-tober: day 6 - 1st grade teacher

pairing: 1st grade teacher!spencer reid x fem!reader

summary: in which spencer discovers a woman in his classroom

word count: 1058

warnings: fluffiness, meet cute, matchmaking

spence-tober masterlist

When Spencer saw you, standing alone in his bright, colorful, classroom rifling through a few baskets containing some books, he was confused to say the least.

Who were you and what were you doing?

For a moment, Spencer wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t very good at social interaction with people his own age, that’s why he taught 1st graders. They were much easier to interact with in Spencer’s opinion. 

You didn’t look dangerous, dressed in simple light denim jeans with a t-shirt with a cute cartoon dinosaur tucked into the waist. Your hair was pulled back into a high messy bun. 

But then again, Spencer knew it was to be better safe than sorry regarding anyone, especially a stranger, in a school classroom. 

He didn’t need to make a decision on what to do or say, because before he could confront you, you turned around.

“Oh!” You said, turning around and finally noticing the man in the doorway. Spencer, even from across the room, clocked the approved visitors sticky badge on the front of your shirt. Your name was on it too.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were standing there.” You said to him, with a small smile on your face. You stopped flipping through the books standing in the baskets on the storage dresser they were placed on. Spencer still stood there awkwardly.

“Are you Mr. Reid?” You ask.

Spencer nods, “Yes,” He finally manages to say, “I am.”

You give him your name, “Ms. JJ sent me over here.” You explain, “I’m a guest reader today and she said you must have checked out the book last. She had to take the class to lunch, but told me to check in here for the book.”

Spencer gains the courage to walk over to where you are in the room, “Oh, that explains it.” He chuckles a bit, hoping it comes across genuine. “Um, what book are you looking for?”

“If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” You answer. 

Spencer takes over your own search for the book and opens a few storage bins that are tucked off underneath a table, “Good choice in book.” He gives you a smile.

You brush a piece of your loose hair behind your ear, “Thanks. It was one of my favorite books growing up. I’m not really good at reading out loud, so I hoped with a familiar book it would be easier.”

“Ah, ha!” Spencer exclaims as he spots the familiar cover at the bottom of a book pile. He carefully grabs the book and shifts it off the bottom and then hands it to you. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” You respond, a smile still on your face.

“So,” Spencer clears his throat a tiny bit, “How’d you come to be a guest reader if you don’t like reading out loud?” He asks curiously.

You pull out your phone and show him your lock screen. It’s you, another woman, and a little boy at a playground. “My godson.”

“My best friend and her son recently moved here and he was nervous about starting at a new school and I offered to come read to his class and help him acclimate.”

Spencer grins, “That’s really nice of you to do. I’m sure he’s really excited to have you in his class today.”

“Would not shut up about it.” You confirm jokingly. You both laugh a little.

“He has Ms. JJ?” Spencer asks.

You nod your head.

“He’ll be just fine in his new class. She’s a great teacher and a friend of mine. He’s in great hands.” Spencer assures you.

“That’s great to hear,” You admit, “His mom’s pretty worried about him making new friends here. He’s a bit of a shy kid for a 2nd grader.”

“JJ’s really good at pairing up kids. She has a knack for it. I guarantee you by the end of the week, he’ll be telling you about his new best friend.” Spencer tells you.

“Well,” You say, looking at the fun clock on the wall, “I kinda need to get going before the kids get back from lunch.”

“Right,” Spencer says, also checking the time. It was almost time for him to collect his own class from recess. “I’ll walk you to her room.” He offers. The room was just two doors down the hall, but it seemed like the right thing to say. 

When you both arrived at your destination in just a short walk, you faced Spencer. 

“Thank you, Mr. Reid. For the book and the assurance.” You affirm.

Spencer offers his hand out for a shake, you take it. “Please, call me Spencer.”

A little while later, Spencer is sitting in his chair at his desk. His students are on their respective pillows and blankets on the floor for nap time and he scans the room to make sure all of the kids are sleeping or at least staying quiet. 

Then something at the door catches his eye, it was you, once again. 

Spencer quietly stands up from his chair and ventures out, carefully closing the door behind him and meeting you in the hallway.

“Hey,” You greet, “Sorry, I didn’t want to knock because I saw your class it asleep. I just wanted to return the book.” You offer the book out in hand.

Spencer takes it, “Thanks for returning it. I could have just gotten it from JJ later. How’d your guest read go?” He asks.

You grin widely, “I actually enjoyed it a lot. And you were right. Before I left, my godson came up to me and told me he made a new friend already. It seems he doesn’t need my help anymore.” 

“Well, if you ever wanted to come read again to a class, my door’s always open.” Spencer offers.

You blush a little bit, “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the book, Spencer. I’ll let you get back to your class.”

Spencer waves you bye as you walk down the hallway towards the front entrance of the school and blushes himself when you turn to see if he’s still there. 

As he turns back to his own door, he sees JJ peeking her head out of her classroom. When she notices that she was caught spying, she ducks back into the room.

Spencer smiles to himself. 

Maybe JJ is a matchmaker.

a/n: i'm not very happy with this one. i like the concept and the idea, but my writing is extremely stiff...

#criminal minds #criminalminds #spencer reid #spencer reid x fem!reader #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fanfic #dr. spencer reid #criminal minds fluff #criminal minds fic #dr. spencer reid x reader #spencer reid au

[sarahblueskyyyy]

Night

Dewdrop x Rain, fluff, romance, friendship, etc.

It’s not really a rocket science to figure out Dewdrop’s emotions, really. ["I can't sleep."] Well. Mountain, Phantom, and Swiss are not really surprised.

It’s not really a rocket science to figure out Dewdrop’s emotions. Most of the times, anything he feels or thinks are easily seen through his expression. Crystal clear—even the siblings of sin have no difficulty guessing his train of thoughts.

Funnily enough—he doesn’t recognize that aspect of his. He doesn’t think he show that much of a reaction when he’s faced with something. And a lot of times he doesn’t even realize why he feels the way he does.

That’s why, Phantom, Swiss, and Mountain are not surprised when Dewdrop barges into their room, all frowned and seems in a bad mood.

The three ghouls are throwing looks at each other.

“I can’t sleep,” Dewdrop kindly provides the explanation before anyone could ask. He closes the door behind him.

Obviously, Phantom thinks to himself. But he tries his best to not show his smile. He’s sitting on the swivel chair, leans his chest against the backrest cushion. While he’s continuing his game, fingers swiping all across his phone’s screen, he humours Dewdrop by asking a question with faux innocence, “I think it has to do with the caffeine you consumed.”

Dewdrop rolls his red orbs, gets closer to Mountain who’s sitting on the bed and lying down on the Earth Ghoul’s thighs. Instantly, the gentle giant brings his fingers to brush over the platinum strands out of Dewdrop’s face.

“I’ve always been fine drinking it,” Dewdrop says defensively. “Besides, it doesn’t do much to our metabolism.”

“Right,” Swiss chirped. He’s tuning his acoustic guitar. “Maybe you ate something wrong?”

Dewdrop shakes his head in frustration. “As I said—I don’t think it’s something I ingested.”

Mountain smiles softly. His green eyes are glinting dimly. “Maybe we should call Rain?”

“What? Why? He’s busy,” Dewdrop sighs and closes his eyes. “He’s still in the practice room with Papa and the others.”

Phantom chuckles. “Okay, then. Want to try some method to make you fall asleep?”

“…. Huh. Do things like that work?”

“Well, we don’t know until we try.” Swiss puts his guitar back into the case. “So, what are our options?"

“Oh, right.” Phantom switches the game application to a social media platform. “Okay, so—according to this video—there are several ways to fall asleep easily. Guaranteed, it says.”

Dewdrop feels like this is a trickery or some sort, but—he sighs and asks, “Okay, what is it?”

“Drink warm milk.”

Dewdrops gives his middle finger to the youngest ghoul. “‘M not a toddler.”

“Hey! Milk contains tryptophan which is an amino acid that can help make you feel sleepy."

Mountain laughs when he sees Dewdrops knits his eyebrows. “Okay, let’s try the other alternatives.”

Phantom let his thumb scrolling on the screen. “Listen to ASMR and try to empty your mind.”

Okay, that one is worth the try. Swiss turns off the light and Phantom plays a raining ASMR. Dewdrop, still rests his head on Mountain, can hear the faint, gentle, lullaby-like sound of raining. It’s as if there is a real rain outside the building and its spatters are being muffled by the walls. It sounds calming.

Dewdrops wants to relax the working mind of his—he really does. But it keeps wandering around, like a kid jumping on one place to another. First, he’s imagining his own, comforting room. Inside his head, Rain is showing up, lying on his own bed. He remembers the way he scooted over on Rain and the ghoul once complained—saying something like, “You go to your own bed, Dew!”

But of course, Dewdrop never one of following orders. He knows Rain will surrender and let him annoy him, squeezes the blue-eyed ghoul with all his might. At the end, Rain will scoff but never shoo him away.

Wait, this is not helping him at all.

Dewdrop fusses, “I still can’t sleep.”

Swiss boos. “And here we are trying to be as quiet as a rock.”

The Fire Ghoul hisses.

“Okay, how about breathing exercise?” Phantom suggests another trick. “Slowly inhale and counting to 4, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.”

“Why do I need to breath manually?”

Mountain grins and ruffles Dewdrop’s hair.

Swiss rolls his eyes. “Do you want to sleep or not?”

Dewdrop does as he told. He takes a deep breath for a solid 4 seconds, then hold it, let the air sits on his lungs, before he finally breathes out. He repeats this, hoping he’d fall asleep. But, seriously—why is it so damn hard? He never had this problem before.

Well, it’s not like he’s always have a perfect slumber every day. There are some times where he tosses around for a while. But it was never this severe. It’s like no matter what he’s doing, the whole universe and every cell of his body are collaborating; alerting his nerves, as if telling him that he can’t fall asleep yet.

What did he do when he can’t sleep before, anyway? Went to Rain? Then—what?

Dewdrop opens his eyes once more. “Swiss, can you hug me?”

Swiss squints and then nods. “Sure.”

He crawls up to the bed, snatches a pillow, and put it on Mountain’s thighs. The drummer simple question is ignored, “Can we not do this on my legs?"

Phantom chuckles. The big man is going to have a muscle cramp.

Swiss sighs tenderly before wrapping his arms around Dewdrops. He gives him a light, but firm squeeze.

Dewdrop frowns. Amongst the others, Swiss’ figure is the most similar with Rain’s. Swiss has this comforting fragrance, like a mixture of mild soap and ocean.  But somehow—this doesn’t feel right. It feels weird. It’s like pushing a piece of a puzzle in a wrong spot. It works somehow, the whole picture is finished, but—there will be a small, micro gap, and it just feels … incomplete.

“Okay, off you go,” Dewdrop says in irritation—a tone he directs mostly towards himself. “I want to go back to my own room.”

Swiss nods and letting Dewdrop go. 

Dewdrop lifts his head, gets up, and ready to leave the room. But before he does that, he turns his head first to the others, and says genuinely, “Thanks anyway.”

Some replies are echoing throughout the room and Dewdrops goes out from there.

.

The moment he opens that door, Dewdrop is greeted by Rain’s blue, sky-coloured eyes. The Water Ghoul just taken a bath—Dewdrop can see the towel still anchored to his head.

Rain smiles, sitting on the side of his bed. “Oh, welcome back. Swiss said you were hanging out in their room?”

Dewdrop doesn’t answer. Instead, he shuts the door, and walking towards Rain. His strides are fast, but not rushing. Then, Dewdrop plunks himself to Rain, makes Rain swaying and fall backwards; head bumps to the pillow.

“Hm-mn?” Rain’s fingers are slipped between the filaments of Dewdrop’s hair. “What’s wrong?”

Dewdrop’s body is relaxing, letting all his limbs sags and rests. He could feel gravitation is pulling him softly, drags him to the world of dreams, as if it’s doing a rock-a-bye to him. Dewdrop smells a petrichor—and it’s lulling him away.

“Sleepy,” Dewdrop answers, half-asleep. His eyelids feel ridiculously heavy.

“Why didn’t you sleep first?” Rain looks at his phone. Exactly midnight. “Papa, Cirrus, and I were discussing new choreography.”

The question is not answered. When Rain takes off his attention from the phone—he snickers seeing Dewdrop is already falling asleep. Rhythmic breath, un-knitted eyebrows. Dewdrops sure looks peaceful when he’s not awake or throwing fits.

Despite Dewdrop puts all his weight on Rain, Rain tries to get up a little; bring his lips and kiss The Fire Ghoul’s forehead. Then, Rain picks up the towel on top of his head and flings it to wherever it may land.

“Goodnight, Dew.”

.

.

.

Is he asleep?

Yeah? The minute he flops down on the bed.

What, why? He couldn't sleep??

Nah, nothing. You get rest.

Swiss looks up at his phone and scoffs. Then, he places the electronic on the top of his nightstand. He turns over his body and hugs Phantom—who’s already snoring faintly.

#dewdrop ghost #dewdrop ghoul #rainy dewdrop #dewdrop x rain #swiss x phantom #mountain ghoul #mountain ghost #ghost band #fluff #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #fanfic writing #ao3fic #writing #the band ghost

[wernher-von-brawny]

Bocci the Rock Reaction Videos

One of my favorite uses of YouTube is watching a big batch of different essayists spit about a single topic or piece of media.

Today's hyperfixation has been wallowing in vids about Best Anime of 2022 contender, Bocci the Rock.

I would have said Best Show of 2022 contender, but I'm aware that, aside from CGI fantasy, American tastes trend towards that gay murder club show, that troubled children having sex show, that MAGA-friendly western show, and that MAGA-friendly rich family fighting over money show (or is it shows?), so... safest call is to segregate it off into its own garden.

For the uninitiated, Bocci the Rock is a brilliantly and lovingly animated 2022 "slice of life" -- meaning a character-driven show rather than action-, plot-, or quest-driven -- comedy anime about a talented but catastrophically awkward and introverted young guitarist who joins an all-girl band. Hilarity, personal growth and rocking out ensue.

It's not at all like the old Monkees TV show, but it does share some of that same energetic and experimental love of humor, music, friendship and fun.

While searching YT for my usual topics of interest will return maybe a few vids, it seems that a lot of 'tubers (are they called that?) share my love for Bocci.

It's no wonder an anime about an online content creator with intense social anxiety has resonated with many in the the non-millionaire segment of that community.

And he fact that most of these reviews contain as much confessional therapy as critical analysis made me think of our beloved hellsite. It seems to me that one or two of my fellow Tumblr deplorables might also vibe with this show.

It inhabits the intersection of social anxiety and making art, made with incredibly craft and skill and -- reportedly -- a very high level of staff freedom, input, and personal expression.

Based on the content I see posted by the folks I follow on this site, and the six folks who follow me, I think it may resonate with many of them as well.

And since everyone is on vacation or phoning it in this week, and I'm bored, here's a roundup of all the commentary vids I watched today.

It was on Nuttflix, and then it suddenly wasn't. Whatevs, it's on Crunchyroll, and many of the best pirate sites.

Best to watch it before the commentaries, and then use these to satisfy your craving for more, but since it doesn't have a plot that can be spoiled, nothing anyone says in any of these vids steals anything from the enjoyment of watching the series.

Unlike, say, the last Star Wars or LOTR show, both of which are conveniently mooted by reading the recaps.

The Absurd Adaptation of Bocchi The Rock

What happens when you have a series whose identity is intrinsically tied to its production; the times when aesthetic and visuals and animation are so crucial and so integral to the series, that it becomes the primary thing that is elevating the content? Well that's when you get Bocci The Rock.

To call Bocci The Rock creative would be one of the largest understatements that I have ever uttered on this channel. This is a series that seemingly revels in any opportunity it gets to convey its comedy and convey its drama in the most unique, eye-opening ways that I guarantee you have never seen before in the medium of animation. And I can say that for a fact because there are gags in this series that don't even use animation.

Comedy is the lifeblood of this series and any chance Bocci has to surprise you or make you laugh through its excessively fun and creative uses of framing, timing, or just sheer animation power you better goddamn believe it's going to do it, to elevate the extensive commitment it has to its gags and to its character writing.

Why We Love Bocchi

Bocchi the Rock is a completely socially inept, lonely, loser; an asocial schizoid, cast out from society for being a fucking freak.

The only reason she started getting into guitar, was so that she could become rich and famous, and get over her fear of people.

And she seeks any and all validation from others.

She's... a.. honestly a bad person. Kind of. She's, she doesn't have that much conviction. She kind of just goes with whatever other people say. Um- she- she just- her only motivation is attention from other people.

So that begs the question: Why is she so fucking cool?

The Unique Genius of Bocchi the Rock!

Endlessly charming. Unquestionable an absolute gem. Always weird in the best possible way.

Bocchi Rocks Harder

Bocci the Rock was somehow able to get the attention of the anime community in a season with stacked entries, some of which have been building up towards this moment for years.

Looks like I can only link five videos in this post. If I’d known, I might have re-ordered this. In any case, the rest of these are links.

The Masterpiece That is Bocchi The Rock! - Honest Review

I think the best way for me to describe it is how the anime put it: "It might not connect with too many people, but those it does it'll hit deeply."

Explaining the Meaning Behind Guitar, Loneliness and Blue Planet (Bocchi the Rock Insert Song)

How Bocchi the Rock Captures Social Anxiety Perfectly

At first glance the show may seem like just another run-of-the-mill, "tee hee cute girls doing cute things" show, but there's so much love, passion and thought put into this anime that really gives it the extra push.

Bocchi the Rock is Anime of the Season

Bocci excels not only because it has absolutely stellar writing that dives down deep into an introvert's psyche, but because it also has a director that's willing to just let his staff go buck wild and do whatever the shit they want.

Bocchi The Rock is a Mirror into my SOUL 🎸

Making art -- whether it's drawing, music, video making -- is not the easiest thing to do and I feel like it's been a while since we've had an anime that attempted to showcase that without sugar coating it.

What I wasn't expecting was a critical hit to my current existence as a content creator and socially inept weirdo who doesn't like to talk to people and who isn't really comfortable without multiple layers of anonymity between myself and others.

If you want a currently airing anime about just how you can feel as an introvert watching a piece of media, Bocci the Rock has got you covered.

Bocchi The Rock is The Pinnacle of Slice of Life

...eight weeks of what has generally been some of the best anime I've seen for the better part of half a decade...

The Masterpiece You Just Missed | BOCCHI THE ROCK!

For the first time since 2020 I can finally say that I found another masterpiece within the Cute Girls Doing Cute Things genre.

A Better K-On (Bocchi the Rock!)

Narrative Therapist Reacts to Bocchi The Rock! - Episode 1

I have not yawned a single time during Bocci, an I won't! Yawn. Ever. Again! ...on stream.

The SURPRISE Anime of Fall 2022: Bocchi the Rock!

I Almost Skipped This Amazing Anime

Hidden Gem of the Season Bocci the Rock is a show about a girl who wants to be a rock star but instead gets hit by a truck and reincarnates as an actual rock.

Yeah, yeah, I was lying. I just kind of think that the English title reads funny, but you know in Japan it wouldn't surprise me if that ever became a show in the future.

And if you still want more, here's an extensive print interview with the production team:

Bocchi the Rock! Main Staff Interviews – Series Director Keiichiro Saito, Character Designer Kerorira, Animation Producer Shouta Umehara

#bocci the rock #best of 2022

[maybeimhere]

Twisted Wonderland IRL, no magic + Americanized [Students Edition]

The inspiration came from a discord call where it somehow landed on this topic, so I figured why not subject everyone else to it

RIP your faves in advance bc they’re all getting dragged across the pavement 🪦

Note: There’s (a lot of) swearing and maybe mentions of bullying and there’s literally a line abt someone’s uncle being in jail for murder-

Heartslabyul

Riddle Rosehearts

Listen, we’ve all seen this bitch

He’s the fucking teacher’s pet

Don’t lie- you’ve probably thought about punching him or pushing him down the stairs at least once

He’s literally the kid who’d go “Teacher! This person’s cheating!” “Teacher! This person’s on their phone!” And on god, the teachers are also sick of him

You find out he’s got a rough life at home and go “yeah, that checks out” or some shit (this could literally apply to any one of these bitches actually)

Definitely joined the student council and tries too hard to enforce school policies and rules (and ofc no one cares)

I’m convinced he’d smell like cheese or bologna/baloney

Trey Clover

This guy is just the guy ever™️ when you first see him

He’ll be so fucking normal, you don’t expect anything off about him

But when you’re working with him on a project, you’ll hear him mumble the most fucked up, unhinged shit you’ve ever heard from anyone in your life

Bro, this bitch definitely has an uncle who went to jail for murder

I swear to god, this bitch would’ve also slipped some drugs into a bake sale and somehow get away with it

Anyway, don’t be alone in a room with him- he’d casually tell you about some fucked up shit or say smth so out of pocket you’ll be shocked and disturbed for like the next thirty years

Cater Diamond

He always updates his snapchat story every fucking second

This bitch absolutely posts pictures and videos of people without their permission- we’ve all seen his ass in the first chapter

Would absolutely film tiktoks in the middle of class

Would also block the doors and hallways for videos or pictures to post on social media (he a bitch for that)

He would definitely be doing the school announcements/news because fucking look at him

Oh yeah, and a guaranteed fuckboy too- can’t forget that

“Vote me for homecoming king!” And he gets like one vote that’s just from himself

Ace Trappola

He’s absolutely the kid who talks obnoxiously loudly with his buddies in class, in the halls, the cafeteria- everywhere really

Would also not pay attention during class and then have the fucking audacity to ask if he could copy your work

Absolutely got suspended at least once for fighting someone in the hallway (Riddle or Deuce: you choose)

I feel like he’d be trying to do one of those prank videos that aren’t even funny at all- it’s just pure cringe

This bitch still has leftover axe body spray from when he was in middle school

Deuce Spade

“Oh wow, look at this guy! He seems to know what he’s doin- never mind, he’s just crying”

This guy is fighting for his life in most classes because even though he’d take notes and pay attention to the lecture, he still has no clue wtf is going on

I feel like he’d love robotics class if that’s available, maybe woodworking too

Is the (main) friend Ace talks to in class

This guy would definitely fight a bully if he encountered one and would get suspended as a result (he was upsetti-spaghetti about it for days)

Savanaclaw

Leona Kingscholar

Almost always absent or tardy- he just sleeps while he’s there

He’s the guy you’d think doesn’t care enough to get good grades but then you find out he’s aced the test or smth

You’re doing all the work if you got him as a partner for a group project- his name is on there too for decor

He’s captain of the football team

You’re fucking dead if you’re in the same PE class as him bc this guy can and will wreck your shit without trying

If there’s a class for woodworking, he’d be in there

Ruggie Bucchi

Don’t let him borrow anything unless you’re willing to permanently part ways with that object

Definitely started a side hustle where he’d give people snacks if they pay him- got busted for it too

Cafeteria food enjoyer

He definitely has a collection at home consisting of all the shit people have dropped in hallways and classrooms (pencils, erasers, lead, that sort of stuff)

Jack Howl

You thought he was the typical jock from movies but surprise- he has more than just muscles and balls floating around in his head

Deadass intimidating at first and looks like he’d pummel you if you bump into him in the halls, but this is the guy who’d help pick up your shit if you drop anything

Dude’s got all A grades

Probably has an honors class somewhere in his schedule too

Octavinelle

Azul Ashengrotto

He definitely runs a social media account for the school and another where he spreads rumors

Works at the school store selling tickets for school events and school merch

He’s the guy you find working at McDonald’s or Starbucks after school and on weekends

You could definitely sense the potential school shooter in him

Jade Leech

You just don’t feel safe as soon as he enters the room

Bro could be like “let’s compare our work :)” and you’d still feel like he’d murder you and leave your remains in the woods

There’s definitely some sort of rumor that’s been floating around since freshman year about how he was once arrested for assault

Floyd Leech

Long man’s just ignoring the teachers and either showing up late or not at all

Y’all remember the “devious lick” trend? Yeah- now imagine Floyd and the field day he’d be having with that

Probably was the reason the school had a lockdown once (they found smth sus in his bag lmao)

Probably the kid who vapes in the bathroom- might smoke weed in there too

Scarabia

Kalim Al-Asim

Another loud mf in class but with people crowding around his desk before class, during work time, and during the last few minutes of class

If you sit next to him, you’d either be socializing and not doing your work or you’re just fucking dead (maybe you went to sit somewhere else the second you got the chance)

Would absolutely ask to copy your work and borrow your notes (the notes are only back and in shape because of Jamil)

He’d be eating in class and offering to share some with the people nearby

Somehow, he’s not on every teacher’s shit list

Jamil Viper

He’s just a guy

And then you see him blowing everyone out of the water with his sick ass choreo during a pep rally or talent show if the school has that

If he’s enabled to reach his full potential, then he’d be taking honors and AP courses

Pomefiore

Vil Schoenheit

You see/hear his name nearly everywhere bc he sometimes does school announcements, news videos, probably in the yearbook committee too, and because this is Vil, he’d be in the drama club

He does everything at this rate- he’s got more school spirit than anyone else for that alone

You can’t escape the 6’0 tall white man and his stilettos

Anyway, he’s also popular on social media bc he still got his modeling career outside of school

You’d think he doesn’t really do any work himself until you see him come into class tired because it turns out he’s spent nearly the whole night studying and reviewing his work for the test in class

Rook Hunt

Listen, this guy would absolutely get jumped by the football team

He stalked someone enough to where their discomfort evolved into a physical and violent confrontation lmao

That aside, this is the guy who stares at people throughout class

Maybe he sketches people, but he’s definitely sneaking some pics in to add to his collection

Shit reputation but at least his grades are nice (A to B range)

Epel Felmier

“Oh wow, he’s so pretty and cute-“ and then you find out he got arrested for stabbing someone like halfway through the school year

He keeps to himself and just does his work

Bro got dragged into the gay club (the GSA/Gay Straight Alliance or the drama club? Who knows 🤷‍♀️)

Definitely did that middle schooler thing where he jumps to smack the top of a doorway during his freshman year

Ignihyde

Idia Shroud

Distance/online learning

He does that partly because he’s agoraphobic and also because he got the shit bullied out of him back in middle school for doing Danganronpa poses and saying their voice lines (basically, it’s because he was doing weeb shit)

He won’t even show up for graduation

Last time he showed up on campus, he almost got arrested because he looked like a school shooter or because people didn’t realize he’s a student

Bro doesn’t even show up for any online meetings because he’s streaming on twitch

Ortho Shroud

Who is this freshman and what’s with the vibes?

He’s a friendly lad but you’ve probably seen a knife fall from his pocket before lmao

Diasomnia

Malleus Draconia

You remove the horns and all you get is a goth guy 💀

Let’s be real, no one talks to him and don’t say you will unless you legit have balls of steel because this guy is within the range of too intimidating, it’s one of those things where it’s like “he’s so hot and mysterious😍 but how do I approach him 🤔”, or it’s the weird rumors listed after this

There’s a rumor about him killing someone over the summer

And another stemming from middle school about how he has no interest in people because he wants to fuck a gargoyle

And another that ended up with staff members having to look through his bag because someone spread a rumor about him either carrying a weapon to school or that there’s a dead animal in his bag

You only realize he’s just a bit weird but not in the fucked up rumors way when you get paired with him for a project lmao

Lilia Vanrouge

AP history

I feel like he managed to flood one of the bathrooms at least once

He’d also have crazy life stories to share like maybe he was home alone when someone broke into his house and he almost died

Don’t let him drive because he has the energy of someone who’d play bumper cars on the freeway

Silver

Either he’s just narcoleptic or it’s because he’s pulled an all-nighter for the nth time that week

He’s a chill enough guy who wouldn’t bother anybody

He wouldn’t even ask to copy your work- he’ll just ask to borrow your notes and return them when he’s done

Sebek Zigvolt

The racist white kid

He’ll be the fucker who cuts off the teacher mid-lecture just to ask some kind of question that makes him sound like a little smartass

Imagine he tries to justify slavery 💀

Definitely got punched at least once during the school year

He’s in the debate club 👁️

RSA

Alchemi Alchemivich Pinka (Che’nya)

Either he’s not even a student at your school but still somehow finds a way in and gets away with it, or he does go to your school but his attendance is a mystery

Either way, he’d show up wearing some really obscure outfits and it’d only get weirder during school spirit week

With or without school spirit week though, he’ll show up with swim trunks, a Hawaiian shirt, a flamingo floaty, and flippers on for one of the days in the school year (bonus if it’s in the middle of winter)

Lmao imagine he wins homecoming king and pulls up in the goofiest outfit possible

He got that vaper energy to him, so maybe he’s vaping in the piss chambers or in his car

He can drive and has his own car but it looks so extra

Neige LeBlanche

He gives the impression of a very sheltered and naive freshman, but then you realize he’s actually a junior and you have to wonder how he still hasn’t had some sort of existential crisis yet

He would’ve been forgettable if it weren’t for the fact that you hear/see his name everywhere along with Vil

He’s definitely been hit with so many deez nuts jokes because he falls for them so many times

You’re not getting the dwarves bc I don’t care about them (sorry bros)

Lmao you can tell I was running out of thoughts like half way through.

Anyway, that’s all the slander for now. Feel free to share your thoughts on these takes 👍

#buzz buzz the bitch speaks #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland headcanons #twst #twst headcanons #heartslabyul #savanaclaw #octavinelle #scarabia #pomefiore #ignihyde #diasomnia #neige leblanche #alchemi alchemivich pinka

[casspurrjoybell-17]

HEART'S FATE - CHAPTER 31

*Warning: Adult Content*   

Skylar West is good at many things but Martin Hunter appreciates some of his skills more than others. 

Skylar’s expertise with distraction and deflection for example, Martin could do without.

Every time the single dad tried to bring up what happened at the coast, the art teacher turns Martin’s attention to something else.

A kiss and like some Fairy-tale Prince caught in a spell, Martin forgets what it was he meant to say, a softly spoken word and the older man’s priorities shift.

At the same time, Martin can't help but feel that Skylar grows more distant day by day and by the time the weekend approaches again, it seems the younger man hardly has a moment to spare for him. 

Thursday morning, as Martin sees his four children off to school, he hugs himself as a brisk November breeze rattles the few remaining leaves still clinging to the skeletal branches of the trees. 

Winter will set in soon, locking the little mountain town in a cycle of snow and ice until the warm breath of spring breathes life into the land again. 

Thanksgiving approaches, Ambrose Thorne and Noah Hunter have offered to host it at their place, which is big enough to hold everyone and the winter holidays loom beyond. 

In the meantime, though, all Martin can think about is a phone call he hasn't yet received.

"You did say that he was rather old," Skylar points out distractedly when Martin brings the matter up for the fourteenth time. 

"Perhaps he simply forgot. You ought to give him a call and check into it."

Martin watches as Skylar packs more art supplies into a large duffel bag. 

"You're probably right," the older man says and sighs disconsolately, he doesn't imagine calling a doctor's office is on anyone's list of favorite things to do. "What are you packing for, anyway?"

"There's an art show this weekend down in Sacramento," he says. "Thought I'd go."

"Oh..." Martin rubs the back of his neck and glances around the cozy studio apartment which, a few weeks earlier, was nothing but a barren garage. 

"That sounds fun."

Skylar glances up at him. 

"I'd have invited you, but the children might find it rather boring."

"The children needn't be invited by default," Martin points out.

Skylar lifts a brow at him. 

"Would you leave them, though?"

Martin breaks eye contact and look away. 

"I know I'm a little overprotective. I don't want to hover but..." 

Rising, Skylar crosses the room and rests his hand on Martin’s shoulder. 

"I know. You've good reason to be protective. And I didn't mean it that way. It's only a short trip, far more business than pleasure. If it was the latter, I'd have you with me, for sure."

Martin nods, still not quite able to meet the younger man’s eyes and excuses himself as Skylar resumes packing.

                                                     ******

Martin decides to put off the call to Dr Howard, until the afternoon, when he had finished his work for the day but before the children get home and in the intervening time, he did his best to concentrate.

He nearly jumps out of his seat when his cell-phone rings around noon, narrowly avoiding a disastrous accident as he knock over his coffee cup and brown liquid spills across his desk like a tiny encroaching tide. 

Lifting his laptop to safety, he answer the call with a breathless. 

Hello?" 

He sags with relief as he hears his agent's voice on the other end of the line. 

"Hey, Martin. How are you?" she asks.

"Trish. Hi... um... good. It's good. I mean, I'm good," he says and cringes. 

His social skills are far from top tier, especially when unprepared. 

"What's up?"

"Good news," she says. 

"Sales of your last book are steady and your editor says you've got the next one in the bag. The publisher wants at least two more in this series, with a pretty good advance for your genre, if you can guarantee delivery in six months."

‘Two books in six months?’

He rubs his jaw. 

That used to be nothing, I could have done it in his sleep. 

Now, just the thought gives him heartburn.

"Two books?" he repeats. "Could you talk them down to one?"

"I tried, Martin," Trish says, suddenly sounding a lot more honest and a lot more tired. 

"You're not up and coming anymore, you've got a solid following and a reliable audience for your books but they wouldn't budge. It's a cutthroat business. For every established author, there are hundreds willing to work ten times as hard for a tenth of the pay. You know how it is."

He rolls his eyes. 

He does but it doesn't make it any better. 

In his head, he does a series of rapid calculations.

Things are different now. 

With Skylar's help, his family at his back and the weight of guilt and pain finally beginning to lift from his heart, Martin is in a place where he can say 'yes' to this without fearing it will kill me.

"Okay," he says, hearing the smile in his voice. 

"Tell them I'll do it."

"I'll send the contract over," she says, sounding relieved. 

"Read it carefully. There are some new stipulations I couldn't worm us out of but overall, I think it's fair... considering."

"Considering what?" he asks, made wary once more by her tone.

"Just... how long it took you to finish the last one," she says apologetically. 

"I've been on your editor's ass and I know she's been on yours and the publisher's been on mine. I'm sorry, Martin but this is a big deal, okay? It'll make or break you. Understand?"

Martin Hunter swallows. 

"Yeah. I understand, Trish. Thanks."

"Hey," she says, her tone warming. 

"You're my friend, Marty. I only want what's best for you, all right?"

"Yeah, me too," he says, his throat tightening at the nickname only his family use for him and ends the call.

                                                       ******

By 3:00 p.m., he’s sweating. 

Martin is both dying to know and afraid that knowing will end him but with an hour before the kids get home, he calls Dr. Braden Howard on the direct line the Doctor had given him. 

He answers after five rings, long enough to make Martin wonder if he'd been staring at his number and contemplating whether or not to pick up. 

"Dr. Braden Howard speaking," he says, as if he's answering on a two-piece receiver from eighty years ago and not the latest model iPhone Martin knows he has.

"Dr. Howard... it's Martin Hunter," I say. "Umm... I haven't gotten the results yet, and I was wondering..."

"Haven't gotten the results yet," he exclaims, so vehemently that I imagine him in black and white, clapping his hand to his forehead, like a scientist in a Mel Brooks parody. 

"I was sure I sent them along to you! Must have slipped my mind."

"Do you have them?" Martin asks.

"Have them? Of course I have them," the single dad hears papers rustling, followed by what sounds like glass breaking and Dr. Howard swearing under his breath.

Martin waits and at last, the Doctor is back on the line.

"Sorry about that, kid," he says, sounding slightly out of breath. "The truth is... Well, the truth is..."

"Doctor Howard, please," Martin says, breaking in. 

"Please, just tell me. I need to know. I mean... you understand, this is my life. My... everything."

The single dad shuts up as emotion tightens around his throat like a vice.

For a long moment, there's silence. 

Then, Dr. Howard sighs.

"Alright. You know what? Fuck it. I got good news and bad news, kid," he says. 

"Congratulations, or maybe consolations, I don't fucking know at this point. Either way, you're a father. 99% sure. Now, I know you're one of a set but your fellow triplets are fraternal, not identical, right? Even if one of them had fucked your wife, the results wouldn't be the same. Unless you got an evil twin somewhere, you're Nico and Rio's biological father, for sure.."

Martin covers his mouth to contain the sob that chokes him and then take a breath. 

"Okay, so what's the bad news?" he asks.

Doctor Howard sighs.

"That ex-wife of yours is something else, you know that? She paid me a visit. Threatened me. Told me to destroy the results or change my report. Fortunately, I'd sent everything off to the lab already, once it's out of my hands, it's official record. Nothing I can tamper with."

"Are you okay?" Martin asks him, anxiety triggering a slideshow of horrors to play through his mind.

Dr. Howard chuckles. 

"I'm eighty-seven years old, kid," he says, "And entirely human, despite my associations. She scared me, yeah. But what's she gonna threaten me with? Death?" he cackles. 

"I'm perfectly fine. It's you I'm concerned about. That bitch wasn't at all pleased when I sent her on her way, though. Best keep an eye on those sweet boys of yours. I got a bad feeling, if you know what I mean."

"Thank you, Doctor Howard," Martin says, resting his face in his palm and breathing a sigh. 

"I will. I'm sorry you were dragged into this."

"No worries, kid. I'll make sure the results are stored safely and get you a copy in the mail. Should be there in a day or two. Take care."

The doctor ends the call and Martin Hunter lets the phone fall from his hand and clatter to the floor as he drops to his knees.

The single dad doesn't know what to feel or what he’s feeling but what starts as quiet catches in his breath soon grows into deep, uncontrollable sobs as his mess of emotions overcome him like a sleeper wave, knocking him down and pulling him under hard.

And that's how Skylar West finds him, sometime later, curled in a ball on the kitchen floor. 

[redhillconfetti]

Blog post 28-01-2023 - Attending a Wedding Fair as a guest

Attending a wedding fair can be slightly intimidating for those people that may have never visited one before. You'll be walking into a room where every single person is an expert at all things wedding, and could end up asking you a whole load of questions you may not even have considered were options or things you need to think about.

My very first piece of advice is to set up a free email address (hotmail, gmail etc) for your wedding. This can be the email you put on your wedding invitation for RSVP's, and by using this to register with suppliers, once your wedding is all done you haven't had your personal email added to a hundred mailing lists.

Next is to make sure you wear the right clothing. You're not there to impress anyone, but you could end up being on your feet for hours, so wear comfortable shoes. Depending on the venue it could be baking hot or freezing cold, with no correlation to what the weather may be doing! If you're shivering or sweating you may feel like leaving earlier than you planned and could end up missing information or meeting a supplier that is just what you are looking for.

Plan your transport there, check for parking or public transport links. Google maps is your friend as some places can be hidden down narrow lanes or streets, or in a very rural location. If you have accessibility needs I would advise you to message the organisers in advance and ask if your requirements will be able to be met. Not all venues can guarantee to have a lift or a quiet space if you have sensory needs and can get overwhelmed by noise, crowds or lights etc. Try and send these questions to the organisers before the day of the fair, as on the day they will likely have limited access to their social media channels as they will be setting things up.

Once you’re in the fair, you’ll get approached by many people, the event organisers will usually meet you at the door and check your tickets. A lot of wedding fairs are ticket entry only, though the cost is usually minimal and simply for insurance purposes. As I covered in a previous blog, goody bags are a great perk of attending wedding fairs, and can be a useful little tote bag to store all the business cards, flyers, and samples you may get given on your visit.

When you are approached by the vendors, usually the very first thing you’ll be asked is ‘When is the big day?’, as this will give them an immediate way to start a conversation with you and gauge how far into your wedding planning you already are. You can give them as much or little information as you feel comfortable to. Some vendors will be very chatty, others will stand back and let you have a look over their display of their work. There may be an option to add your details to a mailing list to be entered into a prize draw for a free service or discount, this is where your wedding email account that i mentioned at the start of the blog comes in handy! If the product is something you are interested in, take a flyer or business card, you could even write notes on your phone or on the back of the card. If however its not a product you want or need, a simple ‘No thanks’ will suffice. No one is going to chase you across the room or force you to sign up for something you don’t want. I would also strongly advise against signing any deals on the day for ‘show bonus discounts’. Go home, do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the company. Check out their reviews and online presence in your own time rather than be rushed into handing over money the second you meet someone.

Take pictures whilst you are there! This is a great way to remind yourself of who you have met and what they do. Sometimes business cards can be very neutral and not give an indication of what the company does. If after the event you can’t recall a company that you would like to approach for a service, drop the organisers a message with where in the hall/event they were and a description of what their stand looked like, and they’ll be able to come back to you with contact details for that company.

I hope this blog post has helped give you an insight into what it’s like to visit a wedding fair. They can be extremely fun to go to as a guest, and a great source of inspiration for your big day. So that’s all folks,

Until next week,

Simone

[imightgetbetter]

i need some friendship advice….so my best friend is a bad texter (like really bad) she won’t reply for weeks and only responds when she’s at work (we work at the same place but different departments). I’ve talked to her about it and how it makes me feel like she doesn’t care about me or our friendship, it’s started to feel one sided. I’ve tried to not reach out as much and not answer her right away but i don’t know what to do anymore. I know she’s had bad days and can’t get out of bed but she prioritizes other things such as smoking weed and responding to a group chat we’re in. I just feel like i’m giving all of me and getting nothing in return. I don’t want to stop being her friend but I don’t know how much more I can give. I’ve tried to lower my expectations and tell myself to not rely on her for anything but I don’t have anyone else

hi friend. here are our thoughts:

bestie: Okay, this is going to come from someone who has 589 unopened text messages on their phone right now. So first off lemme start off with the simple fact that I HATE texting. The number one reason why being that I'd rather talk to someone and be able to actually fully focus on them and the conversation we're having vs texting them while I'm in the middle of my day having to focus on other tasks at hand. Examples being of running errands or dealing with craziness at work. I want the person I'm talking conversing to know that they have my attention, instead of me giving a lazy half-assed response because I'm pulling my phone out to message someone back while I'm in the middle of trying to make dinner or trying to problem solve at work. NOW, there is a second portion as to why I don't like texting and am so terrible at opening and responding. I am interacting with people and talking to people and around other people, about 14-18 hours a day give or take, and I am considered the extrovert out of our friends, but truly sometimes I just can't even try and force myself to socialize with people via a phone screen. I'll be honest and vulnerable on here and admit that I have been through some shit that has resulted in terrible episodes of depression and during these episodes, it is extremely hard to not only put on a fake smile and socialize with people at work because I literally have to in order to make money and pay bills, but to also do so during MY time with others. It doesn't matter if it's my best friend or a family member, somedays I really truly just can not respond to. I'm sorry you feel like the friendship is one-sided because I've also been in situations similar to yourself, and it hurts but sometimes you just have to stop and let them take care of themselves before you can mutually work on the friendship. Someone said something to me a long time ago and I've tried to carry it with me 'I can't care for or take care of others until I've taken care of myself.'. It almost sounds like that may be what your friend needs to do, take care of themselves and then work on the friendship with you. At the end of the day sadly you may lose a friend or become distant for a while, but I can guarantee that something good will come out of it. Whether that be that this friendship flourishes later down the road, or a new friendship happens with something else. The other thing to keep in mind is that sometimes we grow out of relationships and it can be difficult for one to express their thoughts or emotions to the other. My advice is to just have grace with this person, if you feel like a confrontation needs to happen for you to gain closure, great. If you feel like you need to just slowly let it fizzle out and end on its own, great. At the end of the day you are the only person who knows what it is that you need to do.

me: honestly, i am a really big communicator. i want to talk to my friends all the time, and the reason bestie and i talk so much is mainly because we live together, but before that, we had to make facetimes work and whatnot because she hates texting. i have a lot of friends that don't text, and it took me a very long time to figure out how to come to terms with the fact that everyone is a different communicator. but that's really what it comes down to. everyone communicates differently and you may need more communication. there have been people where i've said, this hurts me! i wish we talked more! and they express that they can't speak or they don't have the energy or whatever the case may be, and that doesn't mean they don't care (not playing devil's advocate but, this is my experience), they just can't right now. i think what you really need to do is take a step back and think about what you want in your friendships and what you can give! you can't give all of you, baby. you deserve to have that effort given back to you, and you will find people that do that. i have so many different friends now! friends i talk to every day, friends i talk to once a month. they're still your friend if they invest in you, but some people just can't invest every single day. i genuinely want the best for you and i think you are so sweet and you deserve to have all the best things with your friendships. i think maybe taking a step back and sitting with yourself and understanding what you can and cannot take is important here. self-reflection and understanding is the best thing you can give yourself at this time.

#asks #i'm just hanging with my friends online #advice

[helmshaugaard14]

Read This Piece For Helpful Gold Information

Serious investors should consider that commodities should make up a certain portion of their portfolio. Gold is the most valuable commodity available. Gold can help you out if you just want to make some quick money or if you're saving for your retirement. When you sell gold, get an idea of value from a number of sources. Different places that buy gold will have different price ranges to offer. Getting multiple offers allows you to understand what you can get for your gold. If you need money in a pinch, sell your gold to a pawn shop. You won't get the best rates from a pawn shop, but it's highly unlikely they'll look the other way with any gold you bring into them. If speed is of an essence, it's probably your best bet. Avoid buying gold coins for their historical value, unless the investment can stand on its own without the gold factoring in. Although coins with historical value can be very profitable investments, most often it is that alone and not the composite material that makes you money. Don't confuse the two markets. Know that all gold investment come with risks. If you're buying gold bullion coins to invest in, take time to learn about the coins before you buy them. Buyers who are uninformed tend to make hasty purchases, which they often overpay for. Like other investments, you don't have guarantees. No one can predict that gold prices will stay the same or that they will remain popular later on. Know that the price of gold fluctuates on a daily basis, just like any other precious metal. What you think you may be getting could be quite different than what you actually get if you waited an extended period between price look up and selling. When selling gold, watch the market for a few days to see how it's performing. This will help you choose the best day to sell. Protect yourself from dishonest people who are trying to steal your identity. One way to ensure that you are protected is to purchase gold locally from a reputable dealer. Never give your personal information out over the phone, including your Social Security number and credit card information, unless you are certain that it is a reputable company. While purchasing gold can be quite exhilarating, try not to discuss your purchase with others. Anyone could be listening at any time, and you cannot trust everyone. Keep your gold investments to your own self, locked up and secure. Consider a bank lockbox or a safe at home. This will protect your gold in all circumstances. If you decide to invest in gold, you need to consider it a long-term investment. The price of gold fluctuates constantly but over the long term, prices increase. Even if Gold Rummy plan to make a large investment in gold, buy gold bars or coins separately over a short period of time. Be a comparison shopper. Each gold dealer will make different offers. It may depend on their commission set up or the flexibility in their fees. But you won't see the benefit of this unless you shop around. Don't stop at the first place and call it a day. You may be making a bad deal for yourself. Always identify the karat value of your jewelry when you walk into the store to sell it. Some dealers will try to convince their customers that the karat value of a piece is lower than it actually is, and this results in less money in the consumer's pocket. Have a clear understanding of your piece's actual weight so this doesn't happen to you. Gold should be separated by karat weight before sale. When you start weighing gold at the time of sale, vendors might attempt to weigh all the pieces as once and claim they all fall under the lower weight. You'll lose out on a lot of potential profit this way. Before making your trip, have your pieces separated before you walk in. Now that you have read this article, you hopefully learned a few things you didn't already know about dealing in gold. Put these tips to use to make extra money or invest in gold. Apply these guidelines along the way to get the most from your gold.

#Gold Rummy

[duelundherrera86]

Read This Piece For Helpful Gold Information

Serious investors should consider that commodities should make up a certain portion of their portfolio. Gold is the most valuable commodity available. Gold can help you out if you just want to make some quick money or if you're saving for your retirement. When you sell gold, get an idea of value from a number of sources. Different places that buy gold will have different price ranges to offer. Getting multiple offers allows you to understand what you can get for your gold. If you need money in a pinch, sell your gold to a pawn shop. You won't get the best rates from a pawn shop, but it's highly unlikely they'll look the other way with any gold you bring into them. If speed is of an essence, it's probably your best bet. Avoid buying gold coins for their historical value, unless the investment can stand on its own without the gold factoring in. Although coins with historical value can be very profitable investments, most often it is that alone and not the composite material that makes you money. Don't confuse the two markets. Know that all gold investment come with risks. If Rummy Gold buying gold bullion coins to invest in, take time to learn about the coins before you buy them. Buyers who are uninformed tend to make hasty purchases, which they often overpay for. Like other investments, you don't have guarantees. No one can predict that gold prices will stay the same or that they will remain popular later on. Know that the price of gold fluctuates on a daily basis, just like any other precious metal. What you think you may be getting could be quite different than what you actually get if you waited an extended period between price look up and selling. When selling gold, watch the market for a few days to see how it's performing. This will help you choose the best day to sell. Protect yourself from dishonest people who are trying to steal your identity. One way to ensure that you are protected is to purchase gold locally from a reputable dealer. Never give your personal information out over the phone, including your Social Security number and credit card information, unless you are certain that it is a reputable company. While purchasing gold can be quite exhilarating, try not to discuss your purchase with others. Anyone could be listening at any time, and you cannot trust everyone. Keep your gold investments to your own self, locked up and secure. Consider a bank lockbox or a safe at home. This will protect your gold in all circumstances. If you decide to invest in gold, you need to consider it a long-term investment. The price of gold fluctuates constantly but over the long term, prices increase. Even if you plan to make a large investment in gold, buy gold bars or coins separately over a short period of time. Be a comparison shopper. Each gold dealer will make different offers. It may depend on their commission set up or the flexibility in their fees. But you won't see the benefit of this unless you shop around. Don't stop at the first place and call it a day. You may be making a bad deal for yourself. Always identify the karat value of your jewelry when you walk into the store to sell it. Some dealers will try to convince their customers that the karat value of a piece is lower than it actually is, and this results in less money in the consumer's pocket. Have a clear understanding of your piece's actual weight so this doesn't happen to you. Gold should be separated by karat weight before sale. When you start weighing gold at the time of sale, vendors might attempt to weigh all the pieces as once and claim they all fall under the lower weight. You'll lose out on a lot of potential profit this way. Before making your trip, have your pieces separated before you walk in. Now that you have read this article, you hopefully learned a few things you didn't already know about dealing in gold. Put these tips to use to make extra money or invest in gold. Apply these guidelines along the way to get the most from your gold.

#Rummy Gold

[ivy90com]

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[olsonmose36]

Read This Piece For Helpful Gold Information

Serious investors should consider that commodities should make up a certain portion of their portfolio. Gold is the most valuable commodity available. Gold can help you out if you just want to make some quick money or if you're saving for your retirement. When you sell gold, get an idea of value from a number of sources. Different places that buy gold will have different price ranges to offer. Getting multiple offers allows you to understand what you can get for your gold. If you need money in a pinch, sell your gold to a pawn shop. You won't get the best rates from a pawn shop, but it's highly unlikely they'll look the other way with any gold you bring into them. If speed is of an essence, it's probably your best bet. Avoid buying gold coins for their historical value, unless the investment can stand on its own without the gold factoring in. Although coins with historical value can be very profitable investments, most often it is that alone and not the composite material that makes you money. Don't confuse the two markets. Know that all gold investment come with risks. If you're buying gold bullion coins to invest in, take time to learn about the coins before you buy them. Buyers who are uninformed tend to make hasty purchases, which they often overpay for. Like other investments, you don't have guarantees. No one can predict that gold prices will stay the same or that they will remain popular later on. Know that the price of gold fluctuates on a daily basis, just like any other precious metal. What you think you may be getting could be quite different than what you actually get if you waited an extended period between price look up and selling. When selling gold, watch the market for a few days to see how it's performing. This will help you choose the best day to sell. Protect yourself from dishonest people who are trying to steal your identity. One way to ensure that you are protected is to purchase gold locally from a reputable dealer. Never give your personal information out over the phone, including your Social Security number and credit card information, unless you are certain that it is a reputable company. While purchasing gold can be quite exhilarating, try not to discuss your purchase with others. Anyone could be listening at any time, and you cannot trust everyone. Keep your gold investments to your own self, locked up and secure. Consider a bank lockbox or a safe at home. This will protect your gold in all circumstances. If you decide to invest in gold, you need to consider it a long-term investment. magnesywawa.pl of gold fluctuates constantly but over the long term, prices increase. Even if you plan to make a large investment in gold, buy gold bars or coins separately over a short period of time. Be a comparison shopper. Each gold dealer will make different offers. It may depend on their commission set up or the flexibility in their fees. But you won't see the benefit of this unless you shop around. Don't stop at the first place and call it a day. You may be making a bad deal for yourself. Always identify the karat value of your jewelry when you walk into the store to sell it. Some dealers will try to convince their customers that the karat value of a piece is lower than it actually is, and this results in less money in the consumer's pocket. Have a clear understanding of your piece's actual weight so this doesn't happen to you. Gold should be separated by karat weight before sale. When you start weighing gold at the time of sale, vendors might attempt to weigh all the pieces as once and claim they all fall under the lower weight. You'll lose out on a lot of potential profit this way. Before making your trip, have your pieces separated before you walk in. Now that you have read this article, you hopefully learned a few things you didn't already know about dealing in gold. Put these tips to use to make extra money or invest in gold. Apply these guidelines along the way to get the most from your gold.

#magnesywawa.pl