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sgtbradfords · 3 years

Note

Could you write a Chenford prompt with this “You’re always number one.” ? Thank you!

Ok anon, this one was so much fun to write! Thank you for sending me this prompt! I hope you enjoy :) Send me a prompt from this list!

The sounds of car doors slamming filled the parking lot, the hot California sun bearing down onto the asphalt. “Someone please remind me why we’re doing this again?” said Nyla Harper as she and Lila met the growing crowd in front of the building.

“Because Nolan said it’d be fun and none of us disagreed.”

“It’s also a bonding experience.” Piped in John Nolan.

Tim Bradford rolled his eyes. “As if we don’t spend enough time out of work as it is.”

“Alright,” said Angela Lopez, gathering the groups attention as she walked out of the building. “We’ve got 2 hours booked for us to play as many rounds as possible with a twenty-minute break after an hour. Wesley and I took the liberty last night of dividing everyone into teams already. Should someone feel as though it’s unfair after the first game then we will redo the teams. Alpha squad will be Wesley, Jackson, Tim, Lila and John. Bravo squad will be Sterling, Lucy, Nyla, Henry and myself.”

“Question, can we change our team names?”

“No.”

“What are the rules?” asked Jackson.

Wesley raised an eyebrow. “Their rules or our rules?”

“Ours of course.”

“No removing your sensor to avoid being shot. Keep physical contact to a minimum. Climbing is allowed as long as you don’t get shot. If you are shot, then your vest will reset after thirty seconds. We have the room to ourselves so no worries about outsiders. An alarm will go off in an hour to signal the break. Most importantly, have fun. Everyone ready?” Angela told the group before moving towards the building.

“You’re going down Bradford.” Lucy gloated as they walked through the door.

“Is that what you think boot?”

Lucy scoffed “Think? I know. Remind me again who was Mid-Wilshire’s shooting champ this year?”

“There was a scuba diver!” Cried John.

“We know.” Voiced the group.

The group divided up into their teams, going into separate rooms to get their gear.

“Game starts in five.” Nyla said as she slipped back into her teams’ room after helping Lila into her gear. “The amount of trash talk coming from them… Don’t be shocked to see Lila and Nolan team up.” She told them as she began gearing up herself.

An alarm through their room, giving off the one-minute warning. Both teams lining up outside of their doors that led to the complex.

The next alarm sounded as the doors opened, the lights off and blacklight’s on making the place glow.

“Yippie ki yay Mother-“

“NOLAN SO HELP ME, DON’T YOU DARE FINISH THAT SENTENCE.” Nyla yelled as she entered the room.

“-theresa!”

Each person began strategizing, Sterling being the first shot as Wesley rounded a corner.

Lucy was able to shoot John, who was helping Lila sneak under a platform, “Not fair Lucy!” he yelled as she ran away.

The first round went quick, the score almost even as the alarm blared, signaling their break, they congregated in one room, huddled around the TV screen showing points.

“How are they winning?” Cried Angela. “I know I shot Nolan at least five times!”

“It’s only by a few points honey.” Wesley smirked as he told his wife, taking a sip of water.

Angela glared, covertly flipping her husband the middle finger as Sterling wondered aloud. “How does a nine-year-old have more kills than me?”

Jackson laughed. “Because you play a cop on TV, Ster. Where as her mother probably gave her the good aim in her genes.”

“Wait, this says Tim and Lucy are tied as the top shooters.” Henry pointed out. “How is that possible?”

Everyone turned staring at the two as Lucy shrugged. “I told you, champion. Besides, I rarely win anything. Now Tim on the other hand, you’re always number one.” She said pointing a finger.

“Come on boot, Antonio won that one time!” he defended before explaining. “We do paintball once a month. Besides, Chen practically lives at the shooting range.”

“Only because you make me!” Lucy snorted before defending herself. “And I do have a life outside of work I’ll have you know.”

“Is that what you’re calling him? Because if I remember correctly, I had to buzz you in the other day at six in the morning wearing yesterday’s clothes because you ‘lost’ your keys.” Jackson pointed out causing her to blush. “And it wasn’t the first time either.”

Nolan propped his head on the fist of the elbow leaning on the table. “Tell me more tell me more did you get very far.” He sung.

“Shut up Nolan.” The group voiced as he raised his hands in defense.

The five-minute bell rang, half the group standing to head back to their room, Angela and Nyla moving to Lucy’s side as she began to put her device back on, shooting the test target in the room to check her gun.

“Is he a decent guy?” asked Angela.

Lucy smiled. “He is.”

“Have you done a background check on him?”

“I haven’t but I don't need to, he’s told me a lot.”

Nyla watched Lucy, her arms crossed over her chest. “You love him.”

“I do.”

Angela looked at Nyla before looking back at Lucy “Does he make you happy?”

Lucy looked at the two, her smile growing. “He does.”

“Then that’s all that matters.” Angela said. “If he hurts you, I hope he knows your family will help you kill him.”

Lucy laughed, “Not if I kill him first.”

The one-minute alarm sounded as each team re-assumed their entry positions.

Team Bravo was the first to strike in round two, Nyla taking Lila and Jackson down ten seconds apart.

Lucy quickly made her way to the second floor, finding the perfect corner that was dark enough to stay hidden with the help of her jacket hiding the glow of her target. She crouched down, keeping an eye out, watching the walkway that ran across the second floor, she knew Jackson was up here, having seen his white shirt go by in a blur as she made her way up from the first floor.

“Boo.” A voice whispered in her ear.

Lucy jumped to her feet, startled as she whipped around, pointing her gun at the person that was crouched beside her on the floor. “Didn’t your T.O ever teach you not to sneak up on someone with a gun?”

“It’s fake. And didn’t your T.O teach you to always stay aware of your surroundings boot?” retorted Tim as he stood, backing her further into the corner.

“How did you get there and how long have you been there?”

“Army crawled.” He said shrugging. “And not that long. So, who’s the guys ass I need to be kicking?”

“None of your business. But,” She told him, her tone playful as Tim stepped closer. “he’s about six foot four, blond hair, killer eyes.”

“Yeah? He sounds like a loser.”

“Well, someone has to counter his inner nerdiness.”

“Wanna play dirty?” he asked, as he moved closer, each hand grabbing for the belt loops of her pants as Lucy’s back hit the wall.

“Looks like we already are.”

“We are but,” he dragged out. “what if we teamed up to take down both sides?” he asked, leaning his body into hers.

Lucy bit her lip as she tilted her head back. “Conspiring to commit treason are we Sergeant Bradford?”

Tim moved his head down, his lips grazing hers as he whispered. "Conspiring to do something Officer Chen.” He said as he acted first, his lips capturing hers harshly, eliciting a moan from deep within as her body reacted to his touch. His fingers let go of the denim loops, hands slowly grazing the exposed skin where her shirt was riding up, causing her to shiver as she moved a leg, wrapping it around his backside.

“We’re going to get caught.” She said as someone yelled from the first floor. Tim moved his lips down her neck, his nose pushing her hair back as he sucked on the skin, a gasp escaping her lips.

“They won’t even know we’re missing.” He mumbled against her neck as his hands slid into the back pockets of her jeans, lifting her, pressing her harder into the wall as she wrapped her other leg around him.

“They’ll know when they see neither of us getting points.”

“We’re getting points.” He smirked, pulling back. “Just none they need to know about.”

Lucy fisted his shirt, pulling him into her in a hungry kiss, returning his earlier kiss with equal fervor before letting go, running her nails over his scalp as she grinded into him.

“Lucy!” Jackson yelled from the first floor, causing them to break apart. “I know you’re waiting for me!”

Lucy dropped down as Tim let her go. “How the hell did he get down there?” she asked, catching her breath as she grabbed her gun that was swinging by its tether.

“I guess you were distracted.” He told her, his tone light and playful.

Lucy moved around him, making the move to go after her friend.

“Wait.” he said as he pulled her back by the arm, twirling her into him as his lips found hers in the darkness, leaving her breathless.

Lucy moaned as she forced herself to pull away. “Later, we will finish this later.” She promised, retracting his hands from his waist as she stepped back. “And babe?”

“Yeah?” he asked stepping closer to her.

“Payback’s a bitch.” She told him as she pressed the trigger on her gun, the laser hitting the target on Tim’s chest.

Tim stood shocked as Lucy ran away. “What the hell Chen!”

Lucy’s laugh echoed off the walls as she ran down the stairs, taking out Wesley who was running up the steps “Oh Jackson.” She sung. “Wanna play a game?”

Fifteen minutes later the final alarm blared, signaling the end of the game.

“Alright, which team is ready to buy the brews?” Angela asked the group who stood waiting outside. “Drum roll please!” Lucy, Nyla and Lila, began beating their hands on their thighs.

“With 3400 points the winner is… Team Bravo!”

“In your face Bradford! Break out the money clip old man!”

Tim rolled his eyes at his girlfriend’s antics before stepping closer, “Twenty bucks says Jackson will be wasted by the end of the night.”

Lucy looked at Jackson who was pouting. “Make it loser pays for ice cream after paintball next week and you’ve got a deal.” She told him sticking out her hand.

“Deal.” He told her accepting her hand, lingering for what was probably too long for ‘coworkers.’

The next week Lucy smiled, handing a twenty-dollar bill over to the cashier before glancing back at Tim who was trying to stop the topping avalanche that was sliding down his double scope of Oreo ice cream. “You ready?” she asked as she pocketed her change, holding out the hand that held no ice cream.

Tim smiled, hints of ice cream on his lips as he took her hand, walking out the door. “With you? Always.

#the rookie fic #tim bradford x lucy chen #chenford fic #chenford fanfic #fanfic #chenford

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kingofbr00klyn · 4 years

Note

Newsies prompts! Yeah! Um... 1. Jack being a big brother to Race. 2. Crutchie and Racetrack getting into some trouble together. 3. Jack and Spot caring for some of the littles. Pick one or write them all idc. Can’t wait to read!

Hi this took me like 4 days to write, I thought it was longer than that but okay, I have loads of other stuff in the works, this is just the first one I finished. Sorry for the wait. So this is for the prompt we’re Crutchie and Race get into trouble.

I tried to mix both 1992sies and livesies in this, but I don’t think it really comes across. Also, this story is ever so slightly exaggerated, but oh well. But it’s been a while since I’ve written anything, so this probably isn’t the best.

This will also be found on my AO3 account.

"Remind me ta never listen ta you again."

"How was I'se suppost ta know this would 'appen?"

"Well, I dunno. But now I’m in trouble because a’ summing I didn’t even do."

“Oh c’mon! Nuthin’ bad happened. I came out worse than you did. You get to go home scot-free.”

“But still. This is all your fault an’ I’m gonna make sure everyone knows it.”

"Wow, Crutch, whatta' way to throw a pal under da bus."

"You'se deserve it."

Race rolled his eyes and sulked further down into his chair, only to regret it when the hard plastic rubbed uncomfortably into his back. He glanced at his companion, who looked just about as shit as he felt. Crutchie kept nervously running a hand through his hair and fidgeting with the helm of his shirt, he looked like someone who had just been caught doing something illegal. Oh wait, that's because he had. Let's take a step back, shall we?

2 hours earlier.

Crutchie stood outside his door step, awaiting Race's arrival. The two had decided to spend the evening together, since none of their other friends were available. Race had said he would pick him up at 6. After Crutchie's watch ticked 6:15, Race's old TP Cruiser pulled up. He wore a bright, cheeky grin as he leaned over to open the passenger side door. "Get in loser, we're going shopping!" Crutchie gleefully obliged, grabbing his crutch and sliding into the front seat.

"Are you ready for the funnest night of yer life?" Race asked, a unlit cigar hanging loosely from his mouth.

Crutchie laughed. "We'se just goin' ta the diner on 4th, ain't we?"

"Nope," Race grabbed something from the cupholder beside him and handed it to Crutchie. "Just got this from my guy. Thought we'd treat ourselves tonight." It was a fake ID.

Antonio Higgings

11/12l1997

XXX XXXX XXX

XX/XX/XX

"Yer guy?" Crutchie snorted, handing the card back. "You'se mean Albert."

"Maybe I do. Anyway, I'm low on cigs and shit, so I thought we'se stop by a corner shop and see how well this baby works." Starting the engine, Race pulled out of Crutchie's drive and set off for the nearest place that would give them what they wanted.

"What if we'se get caught? I don't wanna be done just because you'se got a nicotine addiction." Crutchie offered, messing with the diles for the radio.

"Then I punch Albert in the face," Race resorted. That drew a snicker from the blonde. "But seriously, don't worry 'bout it. Everthin's gonna be a-okay!"

Spolier altert; it wasn't.

After 10 or so minutes of driving, Race pulled to a stop and poorly parked the car. "Eh, good enough." He got out, with Crutchie tailing right behind him.

"You don't gotta come in. Ya know, cuz yer so scared of gettin' caught." The taller boy mocked.

Crutchie retaliated by hitting Race in the leg with his crutch. "I'm comin' wit' cha so you don't get punched in the face." Race forged offence, but waved off the comment.

The shop was small, just your regular off-licence, cheap booze with an even cheaper taste, the perfect thing to fuel Race's needs. A little bell rang as they opened the door, there weren't many people inside the shop, Crutchie noted the few middle aged men who were likely in there for similar reasons as themselves. Race swaggered to the front counter, an air of confidence around him. The shop clerk, a young man with a stoic expression, rolled his eyes at the tall blonde.

"What can I get you?" The clerk's tone was as cheerful as expected.

Race grinned cockily. "A smile would be a start, sweetheart," The shop clerk didn't respond, but continued to glare the boy down. "Okay then… A box o' ya finest Corona's and summa that scotch ya got up there." Race slapped $50 on the counter, along with his fake ID.

The clerk picked the card up, eying it suspiciously. Crutchie had a feeling this wouldn’t end well. “Yah think you’re funny, kid? Think I don’t know what a fake ID looks like?” The clerk said. “I’m gonna have to call the cops, you know.”

Race’s expression floored. Disbelief and fear quickly made itself at home. Crutchie felt a similar dread rise up in his stomach, he looked to Race for an inkling of what to do next, but the tall boy just continued to stare dumbly. Until he finally said, “I’m gonna fuckin’ kill Albert.”

As it turns out, the shop had an undercover officer outside the shop to deal with instances like this. The clerk called him in, and he escorted Crutchie and Race to the local station. Luckily, they had pretty much just been given a slap on the wrist and a call home. Except, since this wasn’t Race’s first offence, so he had also been slapped with a $50 fine.

The boys anxiously awaited the arrival of the parents. Race had already had a million and one messages from his brother, Jack. The sonva’ was having a field day with this. Text after text about how much trouble Race would be in, how he was grounded and how much shit Jack’s going to give him for this. Race ignored his brother, instead opting for spamming Albert with a variety of angry messages in all caps.

GottaGoFast - RedHeadHoe

19:05

GottaGoFast: ALBERT FUCKING DASILVA

GottaGoFast: U FUCKING BITCH

GottaGoFast: IM SO GOING TO KILL U

RedHeadHoe: ???

GottaGoFast: im at the police station

RadHeadHoe: oh what did u do now???

RedHeadHoe: OH

RedHeadHoe: YOU GOT CAUGHT

RedHeadHoe: HA

GottaGoFast: YEAH AND ITS ALL UR FAULT

RedHeadHoe: how is it my fault???

GottaGoFast: BECAUSE UR THE 1 WHO GAVE ME THE ID

RedHeadHoe: dude u didnt have to use it

RedHeadHoe: also i dont make them so it aint my fault

RedHeadHoe: blame my guy

GottaGoFast: ur guy?????

RedHeadHoe: ye

RedHeadHoe: skittery

GottaGoFast: ok but ur still dead

RedHeadHoe: cool

GottaGoFast: dentys gonna be here soon so gotta go

RedHeadHoe: good luck my dude

GottaGoFast: fuck u

RedHeadHoe: :)

Race slipped his phone into his pocket, just in time to see some familiar faces walk though the station door. Bryan Denton, Race’s foster father, walked up to the receptionist desk, before being pointed towards where the boys were sitting. Race looked at Crutchie, before straightening his back and putting on his most charming smile. "Heya Denty!" Race beamed, hoping to the gods above that this would go in his favour. Bryan didn't look particularly mad, but Denton never really got mad. It was like the man was incapable of it, it was great, and Race had done a lot of things that would cause any parent to flip their shit.

"Race," Bryan started, calm and collected as always."What were you thinking?" Okay, maybe it wasn't as great as Race thought, Denton's tranquill state was quite unsettling at the moment, Race had no idea what he was thinking.

"We'se just wanted to have a bit a' fun, ya know, teenage stuff," The blonde rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Did they'se tell ya 'bout da fine?"

"Yeah, they told me over the phone," Denton said. "I'll pay it and then we'll go home. Jack's waiting for us in the car.”

Race rolled his eyes. "Oh yay."

Crutchie didn't really pay much attention to the scene in front of him, he was too caught up in his own head. Fear and worry filled his thoughts, his grandmother wasn't the most forgiving then it came to things like this. Crutchie remembered once when he was 7 and snuck out of his room in the middle of the night to get one of the freshly baked cookies his grandmother had made that day, the elderly woman had found out about his midnight snack and boy was there hell to pay. She wasn't particularly mean or nasty, she could just be strict at times.

Times like these, Crutchie thought as he saw his grandmother barrel towards him with an expression that would make the toughest of men wet themselves. "Charles Andrew Morris! You are in so much trouble, young man!" Oh no, she used his full name. He really was a goner.

"Race, I don't think I'm comin' outta this alive…” Crutchie said.

Race snorted. "Don't worry, my dude, I got this." Crutchie didn't have time to ask what 'this' was, as Race stepped in front of him and greeted his grandmother.

"Mrs Morris, so good ta see ya 'gain," Race started. That diverted the woman from her path of destruction, as she instead gave the blonde a striking glare. The Italian tried not to shrink under her gaze, opting to continue with his sentence. "So um, ya see, Ma'am. It wasn't actually Crutchie's fault, it was mine. So, err, don't punish him for my mistake."

What?

Crutchie was in complete disbelief. And he wasn't the only one, Bryan shared a similar expression. While Race was a good friend, he was also a bit of an asshole, so him taking all the blame for this (even though it was his fault), was a surprise.

Crutchie’s grandmother eyed the boy suspiciously, before she turned on her heels and walked away. “Come on, Charlie, it’s time to go home.”

Crutchie was slightly dumbfounded, but didn’t question as he hugged Race. “Thanks man.”

Race winked and smiled. “No problem, Crutch. Text me if you ain’t dead!”

“Will do!”

RiceCrutchies - Racer

21:35

RiceCrutchies: Guess who aint dead :)))

Racer: yayyyy

Racer: so what happened

RiceCrutchies: Gran wasn’t very happy but she wasnt too mad

RiceCrutchies: Im grounded for 2 weeks tho

Racer: oh well at least we had 1 last night of fun before that

RiceCrutchies: Yea so how’d it go with Denton???

Racer: not too bad

Racer: im also grounded but they took my cigs at the police station so i need to get more from Albert

RiceCrutchies: You think you would have learnt your lesson but ok

Racer: 👌

Racer: i gotta go crutch see you in school???

RiceCrutchies: Yeah, see you and try not to do anything illegal between then

Racer: no promises

RiceCrutchies: 🤦‍

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fire-bear · 6 years

Note

Character A’s best friend rigs the Secret Santa, because they know Character A has a crush on Character B, RusEng please? Character A Ivan & Character B Arthur? \(｡’▽’｡)

StudentCouncil Santa

“Ivan!” shouted Alfred, startling the teenageboy badly. “Wait!”

Turning, Ivan blinked at Alfred, wondering what hisfriend could possibly want. He was currently very busy with hisStudent Council duties, something Alfred should have been helpingwith. Instead, Alfred was waving around a small, cardboard box. Ivanthought it was the box the pens had once resided in. There didn’tseem to be any in it now.

“Did you need something?” asked Ivan with asmile, always happy to help.

“Yeah! Remember how we were talking about a SecretSanta?”

Perplexed, Ivan shook his head, brow furrowing as hetried to recall any time it had been mentioned. Also, he may havebeen on the Student Council but he had other friends and he wasn’tsure who ‘we’ referred to. “No. It is only November…”

“Gotta get in early, Ivan, man,” said Alfredwith a blinding grin. He seemed excited, if his bouncing was anyindication. “If we leave it too late, everyone’ll be too busytrying to buy Christmas presents for their families and closefriends.”

“Okay,” said Ivan, still confused. “Whois 'we’?”

Alfred rolled his eyes dramatically. “StudentCouncil, duh.”

“Oh. When did we talk about that?” Ivanasked, thinking back over their meetings of the last few weeks.

For some reason, his question made Alfred smirk. “Well,it was that day that Arthur was walking around the room with freshlymade agendas or whatever. He almost caught what you were doodling inyour notebook, remember?”

Ivan instantly turned red. Whenever Arthur was in theroom, he couldn’t help but sketch his likeness or doodle hearts withtheir initials in them. He was both terrified of Arthur finding outand eager to surprise him with a love confession.

Over the past few months, Arthur had been able to shineas the student council president, voted in while only in his secondyear of high school. Ivan was in the year above and had opted tobecome a general member of the council when no-one had voted him infor any of the major roles. He had been quite miffed but, uponwatching Arthur efficiently deal with everything while, apparently,staying close to the top of his class, he had grown quite fond of hislesser role. It allowed him to be in the council room with theopportunity to merely watch Arthur working. Ivan was impressed by himand, as he watched, he learnt more about him, learnt about sides ofhim that some people didn’t see.

His crush had grown and he was barely functioningaround Arthur as it was – it was no wonder that he’d completelymissed the discussion on a Secret Santa.

“Ah,” he said, giving Alfred a sheepish look.

Alfred was grinning even more widely. “You’re soin love with him, it’s kinda awesome. And kinda weird he hasn’tfigured it out yet.”

“I don’t think…” Ivan began but he trailedoff and shrugged.

“Anyways,” Alfred said, getting back to thetask at hand. “Me and Yao are organising it and I’ve justfinished folding names – look!” Alfred shook the box and Ivanpeered inside to find little squares of folded papers staring back athim. “You can be the first one to pick!”

“Shouldn’t we be doing this all at the same-?”Ivan began, puzzled.

“Nah, it’s cool, man. Like, what does it matter?It’s all gonna end up the same, anyway, right?” Alfred shook thebox, rather insistently. When Ivan didn’t move, he sighed. “Look,fine, here,” he said and plucked a square from the box. He heldit out to Ivan who shrugged a shoulder and took it. Using one hand,he flicked the square open and looked at the name.

He stared.

“Who’d you get?” asked Alfred in a tone ofvoice that had Ivan rather suspicious. Frowning slightly, he lookedup at Alfred who grimaced. “Oh, man, is it me?” he said,now seeming utterly oblivious.

Ivan gave up trying to figure out why he felt like hewas being manipulated. “No,” he told Alfred, glancing backdown at the piece of paper. “I got… I got Arthur…”

“Really? Oh, wow, cool!” Alfred exclaimed.“That’s perfect for you!”

“Is it?”

“Yeah. You can show Artie how much you like him!”Alfred declared, apparently confident that Ivan would be able to doso.

Grimacing, Ivan shook his head. “I don’t think Ican do that… Let me pick someone else.” And he reached out forthe box.

“No!” exclaimed Alfred, drawing the attentionof students passing by. Alfred jerked the box away from Ivan. “Youcan’t do that! That’s not how Secret Santa works!”

“But-”

“No can do, Ivan,buddy. You gotta figure out the perfectgift for Artie.” Alfred softened a little as he caught sight ofIvan’s worried expression. “Don’t worry about it too much, Ivan.He won’t know who it’s from – it’s a secret, after all. But make itspectacular and he’ll know someone likes him. Then you can startdropping hints and maybe you can do your confession thing onValentine’s Day. Sound good?”

“Not really…”said Ivan slowly, his mind turning to what could possibly be theperfect gift forArthur.

“Great!” said Alfred, evidently ignoring him.“Gotta go find the others now!” And off he went, leavingIvan clutching the Council work he had to do and the piece of paperwith Arthur’s name on it.

Just what could he get Arthur that would impress him?

Later that day, the Student Council had ameeting. Unlike most days, the entire body of the Council waspresent. Usually, someone would miss it for their 'more important’Council duties or they were in other clubs or were just off sick.Naturally, Arthur seemed to be suspicious.

“Hm,” Arthur said, eyeing the studentsstanding around the edges of the room from lack of seats. Ivan wasseated at the table, where he usually sat, with a clear view ofArthur at his desk. Nobody had dared asked him to move but he wasn’tsure if Alfred and Yao had warned them off or if his worried glaringwhenever anyone got close had frightened them more than he thought itwould.

“Is there a problem, Mister President?” askedFrancis, looking amused.

“Not as such,” Arthur said, though his eyesnarrowed. “I’m just… impressed that so many of my Councilmembers are willing to work today.”

“I work when I’m not here!” Antonio piped up.

“I meant, willing to work on Council matters,”Arthur retorted. “Not, willing to work in your family’srestaurant.”

“Ah.”

“Right,” said Arthur, raising his voice to beheard over the murmured conversations still taking place. “Sincethere’s not much room, I won’t bother handing out the agendas. Iwill, however, start with the most important and work our way down tominor matters. This means that we’ll be starting with the issuewith-”

“Secret Santa!” yelled Alfred so suddenlythat everyone jumped. When silence fell in the wake of his shout,people giggled at their reactions. A couple of them gave a smallcheer. All of them stopped when they noticed Arthur’s stony look.Ivan loved that look – it was so powerful.

“What?” Arthur said, flatly.

“I, uh.” Alfred grimaced, glanced across theroom, shrugged a shoulder and took a breath. “Well, we gottastart off with our Secret Santa! While we’re all, y'know” – heput on an accent nowhere near the realm of Arthur’s – “presentand correct.”

“Yes, I understand that sort of necessity,”said Arthur, dryly. “However, I was more referring to whatit was you were saying.”

“Secret Santa,” Alfred repeated slowly. “Youknow-”

“Yes, I do seem to remember what it is,Alfred. But what I want to know is… when did we discuss thepossibility of doing one? I’m not sure everyone here would appreciatethe work needed to get the whole school involved.”

“Not the whole school.” Alfred rolledhis eyes at Arthur’s presumption. “Just us. The Student Council.We thought it’d be fun, remember?”

“No,” said Arthur, shortly.

“Aw, c'mon! It was that day there was an emergencywith one of the clubs – the art one, I think.”

Ivan frowned at that. There hadn’t been an emergencythe day Arthur had almost caught him doodling. What was Alfredtalking about?

There was a short pause. Everyone held their breaths.“Did you perhaps discuss this when I wasn’t in the room?”Arthur asked through gritted teeth.

“Uh… Maybe?”

“And you didn’t think to tell me afterwards? Orask for permission?”

“Do we really need permission?” askedFrancis, raising an eyebrow. “We’re friends and we can organisea Secret Santa without it having to be voted in by the Council.”

“Hmm.” There was another short silence beforeArthur sighed. “Oh, fine. Let’s get this over with.”

“Yay!” cried Alfred, bounding across the roomto Arthur. “Here. You choose first.”

Arthur shook his head in exasperation but dipped hishand in and pulled out a little slip of paper. Slowly, he unfolded it– and his eyes widened. Ivan watched him closely as he slipped thename into his pocket as quickly as possible. To him, it seemed likeArthur was either excited or nervous or both. Had Arthur got someonehe liked? Or someone he wasn’t sure about?

“Right!” said Alfred, turning away fromArthur. He made his way down Ivan’s side of the table, just as Yaostepped forward, hand raised, obviously cutting to the chase. Theycollided and Alfred dropped the box, little slips of paper slidingout and across the floor. “Oh, shoot!”

“Ah, sorry, Alfred,” said Yao, crouching downwith him to help.

Ivan watched Alfred scoop up all the fallen ones intohis box. Yao helped with one hand – while he reached under thetable and dragged out a duplicate box with the other. Blinking, Ivanwatched Alfred shove the box he’d just been holding out of sight andgrabbed the one Yao had pulled out. They both straightened and Yaodipped his hand into the new box to pull one out. When they’dfinished, they both turned and caught Ivan’s eye.

Frowning at them, he tried to psychically ask just whatwas going on. They seemed to understand him: Alfred grinned; Yaosmirked; neither of them said anything as Alfred continued on hisjourney. Slowly, Ivan’s mind turned over the events until, by thetime everyone had a name, he realised what had happened.

Cheeks turning pink, he sneaked a glance at Arthurwhose face was impassive.

In the week leading up to the Christmas dance,Alfred went around all the Student Council members and reminded themof the big meeting that would happen the day before. He not-so-subtlyhinted that they would all be exchanging their Secret Santa gifts soIvan made sure to have it in his bag the night before. And then hechecked it was still there an hour after he’d put it in. Then againjust after his family’s favourite TV programmes had ended. After hislittle sister teased him about it, he had to check, just to make sureshe hadn’t meddled with it. Then he moved his bag and hid it, leavinga note in its place to remind him of what he’d done.

He still had to check when he went to bed and in themorning before he left.

At school, he made sure to put it his locker. Hisnerves made him return there after every class, not caring if he waslate to the following ones. For some reason, the teachers didn’tquestion him. Only his cousin Katyusha, the school nurse, asked himwhy he kept coming and going. Ivan had dodged her questions andhurried off.

Finally, the day ended, the bell rang, and Ivan wasable to take the present out of his locker and carry it carefullytowards the room. It was oddly shaped because of the three thingshe’d bought. He’d actually gone over their limit but he wasn’t aboutto tell anyone that.

Once he reached the door, he paused, a little nervous.He desperately hoped that Arthur would like his present. Even ifArthur didn’t know who it was from, Ivan would settle for watchingArthur’s surprise morph into happiness. Maybe he’d blush. That wouldbe the best present Ivan would get today, he was sure of it.

Having perked himself up, he entered the room, blissfulsmile still on his face. Everyone seemed to be there. Arthur lookedirked, drumming his fingers on his desk. A pile of presents was inthe middle of the table, the Council members jostling to see if theycould see their own. Some of them were big, others quite small.Thankfully, Ivan’s seemed to be somewhere between the biggest and thesmallest so he felt a little relieved. Now he just had to set it onthe table…

…without Arthur seeing.

Glancing at the President, he noticed that Arthur waslooking straight at him, evidently impatient to get to the real pointof the meeting. Ivan saw his unamused expression and shrank intohimself a little, though he couldn’t take his eyes off Arthur. Seeingthis, Arthur seemed to jolt and glanced away, pointedly looking atthe pile of presents. Wondering what that was about, Ivan tookanother step forward, checking to see if Arthur was still payingattention.

Suddenly, a hand clapped down on Ivan’s shoulder and helooked around to find Alfred standing beside him. “You’re here!Finally!” He reached forward to tug the tag of the present Ivanheld around so he could read it. Though, Alfred barely glanced at itbefore he looked back up. “Oh, hey, Artie! Ivan’s got yourpresent!”

Ivan froze, eyes wide. He didn’t dare look at Arthur.However, he did have the presence of mind to turn to Alfred morefully, sickly sweet smile taking on a hard edge. Politely, he said,“I thought this was supposed to be a secret.”

Alfred shrank away from him slightly but managed tostand his ground. “Ahahaha! Everyone tells each other, anyway,so it doesn’t matter!”

Narrowing his eyes at Alfred, he remembered the trickhe’d done with Yao. He raised his gaze: no-one caught it. Yao wasflicking through some papers, likely calculating how much money theCouncil had spent on the Christmas party. Ivan watched as a singledroplet of sweat ran down his nose. With a jerky movement, Yaobrushed it away.

Someone cleared their throat and Ivan jumped insurprise. He turned to find that Arthur was on his feet. Arthur wasalso frowning, evidently not amused that Alfred had completelyneglected to keep anything a secret. “Well, then,” he said,raising his eyes to meet Ivan’s. “Let’s get this over and donewith, shall we?” He held out his hand.

Heart beating far too quickly, Ivan took two longstrides and handed the present over as carefully as he could. Then hestepped back, hovering as Arthur sat back down and began to unwrapit. Just like in everything he did, Arthur was careful, sliding hisfingers under the flaps of golden wrapping paper to pry them apart.Eventually, the gifts were bared and Arthur stared down at them, eyeswide and cheeks pink.

Ivan had thought long and hard about what to get Arthurand had settled on something to do with Harry Potter. There were alot of websites and shops which sold such things and Ivan hadeventually settled on three of them: a purple Hogwarts journal with alittle clasp bearing the crest and ribbons to keep his place so thatArthur could write down important things; a cauldron mug for Arthur’sbeloved tea; a unicorn from the official Harry Potter collection.

For a while, no-one spoke. Arthur stayed quite still,having placed each item carefully onto the desk. Ivan swallowednervously and resisted the urge to wring his hands. Instead, hesmiled as genially as possible. “I, um, thought you would likethis. As it’s the twentieth anniversary… I think?”

“It’s…” Arthur stopped, blinking at hispresent before turning his befuddled expression up to blink at Ivan.“It’s perfect,” he quietly said. Then he seemed to shakehimself, frowned and said, louder, “It’s too much. Wasn’t therea monetary limit?”

“Well…” Ivan dropped his gaze to stare atthe floor. “I thought… you deserved it.”

“What? What for?”

Shrugging, Ivan glanced up at him with a fond smile.“Because you do.”

Arthur’s cheeks became even redder. “O-Oh.”

Apparently, Alfred was fed up with waiting, for hegrabbed a parcel from the table and thrust it into Ivan’s arms. “Thisis yours,” he declared. “It’s from Arthur.”

“Wha-? Alfred!” Arthur cried, his facepractically burning from his intense blush. Ivan thought it was verycute.

Carefully, he turned the present in his hands. It wassmaller than his had been and whatever was inside was soft. Wonderingwhat it could be, he slowly unwrapped it, careful not to rip whateverwas inside. Once he’d gotten the plain, red paper off, he stared downat something knitted from pale, blue material. When he shook it out,he gaped.

It was a new scarf.

Ivan stared at it. There was another silence. Someonecoughed, startling him again, and he looked up to find Arthur duckinghis head.

“I-I made it,” he murmured, almost tooquietly for Ivan to hear. “I know your grandmother made yourother one and that’s why you wear it all the time, but I justthought… a new one would be nice? But, well, now that I think aboutit, it’s rather pathetic. I’ll… I’ll get you something else, Ivan,I’m sorry.” By that point, Arthur was looking up at him,apologetically.

Instead of handing it back, Ivan looped it around hisneck. He could hear Arthur’s sharp intake of breath. “No. I likethis.”

Arthur grimaced. “But… it’s nowhere near asexpensive as what you bought me-”

“I wanted to,” Ivan insisted, smile widening.

“There’s got to be something else I can get you.What… What else would you like?”

For a moment, Ivan considered just saying 'you’. But hewas aware how that could be taken and Francis was in the room.Besides, Arthur might get offended or flustered and say 'no’ onreflex. Perhaps… Yes, there was something else he wanted…

“A date,” he said.

That made Arthur pause. “What?” he breathed,his eyes wide again.

“Take me on a date. There’s a nice little cafénot far from my house that does lovely Christmas themed teas andcoffees. Take me there.”

“I…” Arthur stared at Ivan, his eyesdarting across his face. Ivan made sure to smile at him, though itwas probably a little sheepish. He seemed to find what he was lookingfor because he visibly relaxed and smiled back. “Are you doinganything on Saturday?”

“No,” Ivan answered, his smile becoming agrin.

“Then I’ll meet you there,” Arthur told him.

“Yay!” exclaimed Alfred, drawing both theirattention to the rest of the room. Ivan’s brow furrowed at theinterruption. “Finally! Let’s get on with this!” And, withconsiderable excitement he began to distribute presents.

Ivan looked back at Arthur – who smiled upon noticingIvan’s eyes upon him – and was rather glad he’d participated.

#fan fiction #hetalia

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troiboizkid · 4 years

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Big 4 #AlittleblogonCharlie Blog #4

Today was pure chaos yet excitement. Another four years "Snap" gone...just like that.

2011 was the end of a long era for Charlie starting pre school, elementary, Middle School and High School.

Four years completed at Business a Careers High School.

Charlie's freshman year he played Golf. I was excited just that he was in a sport. His first tournament I rented a golf cart and drove out on the course to watch him. Now, I didn't know a thing about golf except that maybe your doing good if you knock the ball in the hole. So, when Charlie dropped one in I clapped loud and yelled Yay Pop!!! Charlie cringed, then came over to me and asked me not to get too loud lol. So,I silently followed him around the course in my cart. Yay Pop... The look. Ha ha.

I attended the High School football games because Charles gave all the speeches before the game on the intercom. It was usually a fact on history with a story. He always sounded so professional. I loved listening to him speak.

He stayed busy he wason the debate team, in the NHS, and student Council. He also was in a program that was sponsored by the high school, where he taught kids in middle school who struggled to read. He himself had to take classes to learn how to teach them.

Charlie was also in the Big Brothers and Sisters Program in the last 2 years of High School After school he drove to an Elementary. He had a little boy

( I cannot remember his name) that he helped do homework for an hour then he would take him to the gym with the other kids.

Now, Charlie has always been quiet, structured, and never hyper. This little boy he mentored was full of Piss n Vinegar. Super Hyper. The thing was there were 2 of them. This boy had an identical twin. Then this twin had his own mentor, but he always ran off to be with Charlie. And his twin.

So eventually the program director asked Charles if he could mentor both at a time. He did. I laugh because Charlie came home and talked about how they wanted him to run around the gym, they never stopped , talking, and never stopped calling his name. This was a great challenge for Charles.

Then one day he sent me a video of them. I was laughing so hard. They were so cute. I simply texted back.

"Dad (MeaningCharlie) That is simply God Teaching You Patience"

"You may be all they have to look up to".

He volunteered again in his Senior year and yes, he got his favorite Twin Tornados.

Academically, Charlie cruised out in the top 5 % of his class. Having taken all AP Classes then testing out and getting all college credits.

Besides the academic he focused on his passions. He took an Independent study class on a career in Fashion. He got a great mentor. He did many Fashion shows in San Antonio. He learned lots. From setting up the runways, to the back dressing rooms to dressing the models, picking the models and finally picking the designers for the shows.

He met some very influential people along the way that were very respected in their field. So the last show focused on Stephani Montiel who had been nominated for a Grammy that year. Whichever designers dress won in the show, is the one she would wear to the Grammys.

In this last show the "Project Divina Runway Show" he did not have to work the actual show because he had picked the designers to be in the show.

He sat in the VIP section with the Taboo Girls and the Chanel Make up Artists. He also took a pic with Stephani Montiel....Cause typical Charles he was cool like that....

One more day of graduation. Today at Yankee Stadium 16000 kids graduated all school inside NYU. There where speeches, music and pompous. Tomorrow I see Charlie walk the stage for his Gallitan College at the Lincoln Center. This has been an amazing ride. May God continue to Bless My gift.🙏

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hotdagas · 5 years

Text

E333 Part 1

Microsoft

IT'S DEVOLVER DAY who are these 4 dumbasses at the top of my stream please go away 5 minutes to start

LET'S GO please tell me they're not gonna be down there the whole stream okay i found the xbox stream without the annoying people

idk what this is but i'm interested lookes like space fallout? oh is obsidian now i know why it looks like fallout lmao cool

oh we starting talking already damn i expected constant trailers like last year lmao i like the character desings, looks fun the name.. eh

ori? can't wait honestly holy shit THE IMPROVEMENT

MINECRAFT 2 oh shit wait is actually minecraft lmao HELLO???? minecraft diablo??? MJOLNIR!!! bro this looks dope wtf

MY MAN PHIL okay that was a joke why do they clap for a ceo lmao (clap now) i got it phil please move on 60 GAMES LET'S GO streaming residentsleeper

star wars oooooooh story triler drink every "world premiere"

aw hell nah horror games i'm outta here outlast?? alan wake?? what?? i'm literally not watching lol blair witch? ok

CD PROJEKT RED LET'S GO can't wait for this game weird trailer ngl KEANU REEVES!!!!!! BEST TRAILER EVER BYE HE'S ON STAGE??? HELLO???? if you gonna have someone talk at e3 it better be keanu reeves yay gameplay... or not too much

CATS GIANTS TODS I'M SOLD oh damn full on furry shit aaaaaaaaaaand there's porn drawn on the internet the art is beautiful spiritfarer

battletoads it looks alright

this is cute and looks like a switch game rpgtime i like it a lot

ah it's going too fast all these game look interesting show them to me lots of cool indies

BOND, SARAH BOND i do wanna replay borderlands ngl FOOTBALL MANAGER 2019 POGCHAMP (sarcasm) shit i forgot halo was coming to pc 14 dolars for all that it's not bad sadly probably not available were i am

GEARS PLS forza? GOOGLE MAPS gaming pog a flight game?? LISTEN i'm interesting if i can fly the entire world i'm gonna cry

age of empires 2 remake... meh i mean cool for the people who like those games but i don't really i like the destruction

what is this oh okay then i like strategy games wasteland 3 cool

BOOTY LUL who did they buy now idk that company... OH TIM SCHAFER never played psychonauts

MORE STAR WARS??? lego... idjwaoidwaio kylo

dragon ball battle game number 398834 i was forced to play budokai on my ps2 for years with my friend i have a trauma like i had the ps2 and he flat out buyed the game and brought it to my house everytime

ANNAPURNA LUIS ANTONIO oh shit i'm a slut for time travel if that's what they're implying what's going on lmao i like the persective 12 minutes time loops sign me the fuck up

cute deers UWU the parent is gonna die at the end i know it :( cute MAGIC deers UWU

GEARS okay then... i always liked the coop modes weird flex lmao it's a locust coming out or what??? HELLO???? THE CAMERA WORK???? i hope they update the covers mechanic cause it's kinda old already mixer? lul no thanks listen the production level of this is off the roof lmao TERMINATOR CHARACTER

that controller looks hot i forgot about dying light 2 the first one was ok

drink every microsoft conference with a car on stage FORZA LEGO DLC POG and my internet crashed great.... OH SHIT THE CAR WAS A LEGO LMAO

FUNKO GEARS FINALLY THE GAME WE DESERVE /s remember the trolling last year?? lmao lmao a clash of clans thanks microsoft

state of decay 2 was BIG MEH i mean i'm glad they're still putting money in their franchises but i don't think i'll play

sega? PHANTASY STAR?? FREE TO PLAY POG

no idea what this is just a war game i guess oh shit is that asian counter strike that everyone there plays

tales of... pretty OH NO A LIE :( AZOR AHAI?? NISSA NISSA?? LIGHTBRINGER?? ...arise

BORDERLANDS LET'S GO i'm sold (i already was) MORE A NEW FREE DLC FOR BORDERLANDS 2??? take all my no money because it's free

GRRM FROMSOFTWARE HOLY SHIT THAT DUDE IS BIG elden ring i mean they didn't show shit but like how could you not wanna play that

when your pc is too shit to play and your internet is too shit to stream games how old is the xbox one? 6 years? i mean it guess it's time but it feels like too fast HOLY BEARD DUDE 8K HASHTAG DOUBT i can't stop thinking about that beard... i'll believe it when i see it what can i say i been lied to before scarlett... johansson?? it VORES monsters december 2020 okay it's not that soon

no halo gameplay... is that halo or not i'm confused joel last of us? oh shit it is PLEASE IN GAME why do i feel he's gonna murder him? mission report december 16 1991 the ending looked like a battle royale drop lmao no gameplay :(

it's over? k

Conclusion: It started better than it ended and i wish there was more gameplays of the last few games but overall it was cool

9/10

#e3 #e3 2019 #e3 lb #microsoft #x box #i know it's the first conference but last two years it was my favorite one and it looks like is still gonna be #aside from devolver of course #a #1 EXTRA POINT BECAUSE KEANU REEVES??? HELLO????

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writetohell · 7 years

Text

13 Lives Preview pt 2

I wrote this poem for Damon on his 23rd birthday:

The last thing I want to be is misconstrued, but when we first met I wanted to kill you. And yet now that I know you a little bit more, I’ve realized that killing you is too much of a chore. But if a bus should ever hit you and cleave you in half, I would sit myself on the curb, point at you, and laugh.

He got a kick out of it, laughed himself to tears. Inside the card (which I made myself with pink construction paper and magic markers) was a $50 gift card to Guitar Center, because that was the next place I ran into him after I spilled beer on him.

I was looking for a present for my younger sister at the time. She was breaking into her guitar lessons, and was big into distortion pedals, particularly the rough, fuzzy sounds. She gave me a list of names, thank the lord, elsewise I’d get lost up my own sphincter. And yet, when I stepped up to the display case in the middle of the room, most of the store empty save the echo of an acoustic guitar from some secluded corner in the back, I began second-guessing myself. All these fancy sound-making machines looked like doorstops with knobs and loud paint jobs. I lingered in front of a Pro Co Rat, one of the names Minnie had texted me. It was the lowest on her list, but it was also the cheapest.

You would have thought I was trying to beat the pedal at a staring contest, looking at it for so long, making sure it was quite right, the one I needed.

Damon snuck up on me like an assassin, and greeted me with a sharp, “Hey, there!” that scared me like a knife in my ribs.

He was standing right next to me, maybe a little too close, beaming at me like he’d lost me and oh thank god found me at last he was starting to worry … I did not respond right away, couldn’t even breathe right. I was clutching at the cloth situated over my chest, trying to hold my heart into place, lest it scramble straight out of my body in a burst of terrified adrenaline.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, but he was still smiling. “I don’t know if you remember me, but you spilled beer on me a couple days ago at Midtown Malt? I gave you my number?”

I remembered. I wished I didn’t – I had committed a particular few slots of my time in the past nights trying to forget, for both his sake and mine. His face was no longer stunned and blank. In fact, he looked quite like the only thing keeping the sunshine from straight up busting out of his asshole was a careful clench of the cheeks. I noticed he was holding out his hand, presumably for me to shake. I looked at it, but could not bring myself to move toward it.

“Hi?” I breathed out, almost whispering, because I’m not so sure I wanted to put in the effort to actually talk to him.

“I’m Damon,” he said. His hand was still out.

“Hi, Damon.” I readjusted my purse strap and tried to inch my attention back to the display case.

“Hi! What’s your name?” His hand was still out.

“Margot,” I said, now fully looking back at the pedals.

“Margot.” I didn’t like the way he said it, like he was on a Mentos commercial and his saying my name turned his breath to icy freshness. He dropped his arm for a moment and made a motion like the holy spirit was moving through him, like he had just learned to walk again, jerking his limbs out in a big celebratory “yay” out into the air.

I sidled to the opposite side of the display case, clutching at my purse for dear life.

I’m going to take a moment right here to breech a truth that is not totally vital, but might save Damon some embarrassment in this retelling: Damon ain’t a bad-looking dude. He’s actually quite the looker, got that tall, dark, and handsome angle working for him. He likes to wear his dark wavy hair styled back, and he wears nice button-ups with the top opened just a bit. He looks like the poster boy for Cadillac commercials or a cologne designed by Antonio Banderas. It’s part of the reason I was so mortified to spill beer all over him.

When he ran into me at Guitar Center, though, I didn’t care at all how attractive he was; good looks don’t count for shit if you’re being a creep.

I thought I was making that clear by, you know, not talking to him and trying to get away from him. But he only persisted.

“Do you play guitar?” he asked, peering at me through the other side of the glass. “You need a pedal? I saw you looking at the Pro Co Rat.”

I kept my eyes down. “No, actually, I think I’m getting the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff.” I thought if I talked like I knew what I was doing, he might be intimidated and lay off. This wouldn’t be the first time I’d be wrong.

“Oh, good choice! Are you big into Smashing Pumpkins or Weezer? Looking for that thick fuzz?”

“Actually, I’m going to get the Fuzz Face.”

“Oh, then you’re into – ”

“I’m going to get the Fuzz Face and leave,” I said louder, looking wide-eyed at the cashier behind the counter, who began filing through some keys.

“Oh.” Damon sounded disheartened, but he was still smiling at me. Songs of serial killers started to come to mind.

Damon didn’t say anything else for a while, but followed me all the way up to the cash register, his smile never faltering. I was scared to even glance at him out of the corner of my eye. I didn’t want to give him any more excuse to talk to me.

I picked up my bag, and bolted for the door, Damon close at my heels.

“We should grab a drink some time,” he said out in the parking lot. “Catch up.”

“Catch up?”

“I mean … get to know each other.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so.”

“What?”

I stopped in my tracks and turned around to glare at him like I was trying to shoot lasers out of my eyes.

“Please leave me alone,” I said, clear as a bell.

The smile on his face finally crumbled. “But - ”

“Thanks, bye.”

I marched with my shoulders hunched all the way back to my car, throwing my stuff in, closing the door behind me, and locking down before my butt even touched the seat. I sighed, revved up, and backed out of my space.

As my car squealed out of the lot, I spied Damon in my rearview mirror right where I had left him standing under the spotlight of a lamppost, watching my car drive away.

I did circles around the police station’s block before going home that night, just to make sure no one was following.

#prose #fiction #original fiction #fantasy #urban fantasy #modern fantasy #write #writer #writing #write to hell

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gokinjeespot · 7 years

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off the rack #1149

Monday, January 30, 2017

It's the Chinese Year of the Rooster folks and there's a cock in the White House. We are living in interesting times indeed. I am trying my best not to get riled up by the d-bag but it's difficult. The empathy I feel for others means I cannot ignore the affect the changes have on everybody. I just hope we all get through these difficult times relatively unscathed.

I'm going to have a fun Sunday on February 5. I'll be at the Walkley Arena for the Capital Trade Show where my partner Chris and I will be flogging old comic books. Then it's Super Bowl 51 with two gun slinging quarterbacks. I am cheering for a high scoring affair.

Civil War II: The Oath #1 - Nick Spencer (writer) Rod Reis, Raffaele Ienco, Szymon Kudranski & Dono Sanchez-Almara (art) VC's Chris Eliopoulos (letters). Didn't see that coming. While it makes sense to appoint Captain America as the new Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. (again) the surprise is that I don't think it's Steve Rogers under the mask. I don't particularly like the new political landscape that the Marvel U is headed towards but it does make for some easy enemies for the good guys to fight with. Nick put in a lot of rah, rah patriotism in this book so it was a tough slog trying to get through it but the payoff at the end is worth it.

Kamandi Challenge #1 - Part One: Dan Didio (writer) Keith Giffen (pencils) Scott Koblish (inks) Hi-Fi (colours) Clem Robins (letters) Part Two: Dan Abnett (writer) Dale Eaglesham (art) Hi-Fi (colours) Clem Robins (letters). He's the last boy on Earth and he's going on a wild adventure to find his parents. One of Jack Kirby's creations is getting a round robin of comic book creators to excite fans like never before. Each part of the story will be done by a different team that will end with a cliffhanger that the next team must find a way to resolve. I have a nagging feeling that this stunt has been done before but I can't remember when so I'm going to tag along to see who does what. I'm not a fan of Kamandi but I want to see who all are going to be involved on the creative side.

Loose Ends #1 - Jason Latour (writer) Chris Brunner (art) Rico Renzi (colours). The cover says that this 4-issue mini is a southern crime romance. They got that right. We're looking at a trailer dwelling war vet whose friend gets him mixed up in running drugs. You can expect that the vet and the friend get into a heap of trouble and they do. I like how Sonny and Rej each wind up where they do at the end of this first issue so you bet I'm going to keep reading. Not much romance so far but I'm sure Jason will get to that.

Star Wars #27 - Jason Aaron (writer) Salvador Larroca (art) Edgar Delgado (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Yay Yoda. Root for him I will.

Batgirl #7 - Hope Larson (writer) Chris Wildgoose (art) Mat Lopes (colours) Deron Bennett (letters). Part 1 of "Son of Penguin" introduces Ethan Cobblepot and I don't care if there is no reference to him anywhere else in the DCU because he's going to be a great adversary for Barbara Gordon. I like how Chris draws her older than Rafael Albuquerque did. This is going to be fun.

Briggs Land #6 - Brian Wood (writer) Mack Chater (art) Lee Loughridge & Jeremy Colwell (colours) Nate Piekos (letters). I really like Grace Briggs. The risks that she is taking will hopefully keep her people safe. Brian has crafted a story fit for cable TV.

Totally Awesome Hulk #15 - Greg Pak (writer) Mahmud Asrar (art) Nolan Woodward (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Greg continues to feature heroes of the Asian persuasion in this story about Amadeus hanging out with Jake Oh, Kamala Khan, Cindy Moon, Shang-Chi, and Jimmy Woo. It does play on some stereotypes but I think it's okay because they're true for these guys.

Odyssey of the Amazons #1 - Kevin Grevioux (writer) Ryan Benjamin (pencils) Richard Friend (inks) Tony Washington & Tony Avina (colours) Saida Temofonte (letters). This 6-issue mini has a lot of women but not a wonder one in sight. Kevin features Diana's sister Amazons in a tale worthy of Homer. If you like classic sword and sorcery, you'll like this.

Dead Inside #2 - John Arcudi (writer) Tony Fejzula (art) Andre May (colours) Joe Sabino (letters). The plot thickens like congealed blood and murder suspects start to emerge. Linda has plenty to deal with inside the prison but she's surprised when she gets home after work by a sight I did not expect to see. This mystery is crazy good.

Inhumans vs. X-Men #3 - Charles Soule & Jeff Lemire (writer) Javier Garron (art) Andres Mossa & Jay David Ramos (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). There are three more issue to this mini but it seems to me that Charles and Jeff have already come up with a solution to the Terrigen cloud that would end the war. The mutant Forge has built a machine that can collect the Terrigen gas and compress it into a solid in this issue. Wouldn't that solve the problem of the gas killing the mutants? Works for me.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #6 - Joshua Williamson (writer) Howard Porter (art) Alex Sinclair (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). All is well that ends well. Both teams join forces to defeat Eclipso and Max Lord is at the mercy of Amanda Waller. Batman sees the light and gathers another team together to fight evil forces. Get ready for a new Justice League of America #1 hitting the racks on February 22. DC is sure spreading Bats pretty thin these days.

Skybourne #3 - Frank Cho (writer & artist) Marcio Menyz (colours) Ed Dukeshire (letters). The identity of the bad guy was a nice surprise. I like Frank's comic books because they're simple stories about good versus evil that are beautifully drawn.

Hulk #2 - Mariko Tamaki (writer) Nico Leon & Dalibor Talajic (art) Matt Milla (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Waiting for Jennifer to Hulk out is one of the things I like about the new book. She has a lot more self control than I have. The scary thing about the eventuality of her losing control is that this new Hulk will be an uncontrollable creature of rage but we'll have to wait and see what happens. Until then I'm enjoying Jen's life so far.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #13 - Robert Venditti (writer) V Ken Marion (pencils) Paul Neary & Dexter Vines (inks) Alex Sollazzo (colours) Dave Sharpe (letters). Now that the planet Xudar has been saved, what now? It's time for a bedtime story that's what. This is a nice interlude issue before we launch into the next story. I've been enjoying this team book now that my loyalty to the Avengers has waned. We'll see if Robert can keep me hooked with his next adventure.

Saga #42 - Brian K. Vaughn (writer) Fiona Staples (art) Fonografiks (letters). And fade to black. No, really. It's hiatus time again but this issue didn't leaving me screaming profanities about the long wait until the next issue hits the racks. There is a new character introduced who I will be very interested to find out more about.

Doctor Strange #16 - Jason Aaron (writer) Chris Bachalo with Cory Smith (art) Al Vey, John Livesay, Victor Olazaba, & Tim Townsend (inks) Antonio Fabela & Java Tartaglia with Chris Bachalo (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Dormammu is finally going to get his chance to kill Doctor Strange after he has been weakened by his fight with the Empirikul. Jason does find a neat way to save Stephen however. The next bit of nastiness involves someone close to the Doc. Oboy.

Wonder Woman #15 - Greg Rucka (writer) Liam Sharp (art) Laura Martin (colours) Jodi Wynne (letters). Part 1 of "The Truth" finds Diana in a mental hospital. How she got there has yet to be explained but I'm sure I can handle it.

Punisher #8 - Becky Cloonan (writer) Laura Braga with Iolanda Zanfardino (art) Frank Martin (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). That little old lady toting the double barrelled shotgun from last issue is named Ethel. She looks scary but she's not what you think. The change in art took some getting used to but it isn't bad enough to make me bench this book. I do have a couple of complaints though. If you're going to call a motorcycle a Harley, don't show what looks like a BMW logo on the gas tank. Also, draw the bad guy from the chest up when Frank says that he opened up his guts, not a full body shot that clearly shows an abdomen without any wounds at all. I don't know if the art had to be rushed after Steve Dillon passed away unexpectedly but that's just shoddy editing.

Action Comics #972 - Dan Jurgens (writer) Stephen Segovia (pencils) Art Thibert (inks) Ulises Arreola (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). Trust Dan to come up with a non-violent way to stop Lex from being executed by the bad guys. It also served to show what possible futures are in store for this new Superman. DC has managed to revive my interest in this iconic character.

Daredevil #16 - Charles Soule (writer) Goran Sudzuka (art) Matt Milla (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). We find out why Daredevil put out a hit on himself to lure out Bullseye. There's some soul searching this issue which leads into the next storyline. I liked how Charles sets it up.

Detective Comics #949 - James Tynion IV & Marguerite Bennett (writers) Ben Oliver & Szymon Kudranski (art) Ben Oliver, Gabe Eltaeb & Hi-Fi (colours) Marilyn Patrizio (letters). The finale of "Batwoman Begins" is a very good prelude to Batwoman's solo book which hits the racks on February 15. It looks like James and Marguerite are going to have a Raymond Reddington and Agent Keen thing going on between Kate and her dad. That's got me interested.

Infamous Iron Man #4 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Alex Maleev (art) Matt Hollingsworth (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Brian must have a thing for mother and son stories. He did it in International Iron Man where he introduced Tony's biological mother. Now he's showing us Victor's mom. I really do believe that Doom has reformed and I hope he stays a good guy.

Spider-Man/Deadpool: Monsters Unleashed - Joshua Corin (writer) Tigh Walker (art) Rachelle Rosenberg (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). The boys save Toronto eh.

Thanos #3 - Jeff Lemire (writer) Mike Deodato (art) Frank Martin (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). It's the Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar versus Thanos. A perfect opportunity to give a history lesson on the life of the Mad Titan.

Spider-Woman #15 - Dennis Hopeless (writer) Veronica Fish (art) Rachelle Rosenberg (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). Jessica subdues the new Porcupine and finds out who put the hit out on her friend Roger. Now she's gunning for the Hobgoblin but he's protected by an army of super villains. I hope little Gerry doesn't become an orphan.

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yawednesdays-blog · 7 years

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MOXIE is more than just a book, it’s a call to action! We talk all things Riot Grrl, music and our misspent youth with author Jennifer Mathieu.

The Riot Grrl movement was born out of the feminist punk scene of the 1990s. Nearly 20 years later and so much has changed, but even more has stayed the same. There is still a need for female unity. There is still a need for feminist activism. There is still a need for Riot Grrl. Jennifer Mathieu’s new book MOXIE reminds us of all the reasons we need REVOLUTION GIRL STYLE NOW!

YA WEDNESDAY PRESENTS:

An Interview With Jennifer Mathieu

Q: The dedication of this book is badass but it makes me think this story is personal. What inspired Moxie?

A: Writing that dedication was, truly, the most fun I have had writing in years. It was very cathartic. I think I was inspired to write Moxie not only because of my personal interest in Riot Grrrl and feminism (which really started during college) but also because I wanted to write the sort of book my high school self would have wanted to read. My high school was very conservative, stifling, and especially restrictive when it came to gender roles. It was the early 90s in the suburbs and it was hard. The teacher to whom I dedicated the book also bragged about giving his wife a frying pan for her birthday. The vibe was just gross and in my gut I knew it. But I didn’t have Moxie or anything like it, so I decided to write the book I wish I’d had when I was 15.

Q: I grew up in small town not unlike East Rockport High and Vivian’s story felt very real to me. Was your high school experience like what was described in Moxie?

A: Yes, in a lot of ways. I didn’t grow up in a small town, but the sports teams were very important at my school. My school was religious, too, so in many ways it was very conservative. I don’t mean to imply you can’t be religious and progressive or religious and a feminist, but my school was very conservative in its approach to social issues. It put a high premium on conformity. I had several bad experiences there. The teacher to whom I dedicated the book was one of them. I also had my cheerleading coach imply I needed to lose weight. It was really gross.

Q: Music was such a large part of the Riot Grrl movement and Vivian’s story. What songs fueled you while writing Moxie?

A: I remember the first girl punk song that blew my mind was Cherry Bomb by the Runaways. I discovered it in high school because it was on the Dazed and Confused soundtrack, which I played obsessively on cassette – lol! When I got to Northwestern for college, I met up with people who I really connected with, and they introduced me to punk. I listened to a lot of those songs as I was writing Moxie, including a ton of Bikini Kill, of course. I listened to Cool Schmool by Bratmobile repeatedly as well as a lot of Team Dresch songs. I listened to a lot of music by bands that came a bit after the RG movement, including Sleater-Kinney and Cadallaca. I don’t always listen to music when I write, but for this book I definitely did!

Q: In Moxie, Vivian finds a box of paraphernalia from her mother’s high school days called “My Misspent Youth” box. What would be in your My Misspent Youth box?

A: Great question! It’s funny because after the book went to print I wondered if I should have called that box something else because I don’t think Vivian’s mom thought her youth was misspent – she was mostly being tongue in cheek about it! Her youth was important and revelatory for her as was mine. I’m 40 years old, and I think I would include my ticket stubs from all the shows I went to – Fugazi, Sleater-Kinney, The Queers, etc. as well as some of the books that made a real impact on me, including Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion and the Sisterhood is Powerful anthology, edited by Robin Morgan. I’d include some of my journals and the letters and postcards my friends and I wrote to each other – we were part of the last generation to write to one another instead of just email or text. I would also include Zine, the Pagan’s Head zine anthology by Pagan Kennedy, which introduced me to zine culture and what zines are all about.

A few item from Jennifer’s “My Misspent Youth” box.

Q: Vivian was inspired by the Riot Grrl movement from the 1990s. What historical movement or individuals inspired you both in high school and now?

A: For me personally, looking at feminism’s second wave, I am deeply inspired by Gloria Steinem and Audre Lorde. I had the opportunity to hear Gloria speak when I was in college and it was an amazing experience. Audre Lorde’s “Sister Outsider” collection is as relevant today as ever, especially in regard to feminism needing to be inclusive and not just a movement full of middle class white women. As far as RG, I was and still am inspired by Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of Bikini Kill and later Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin. I know in her early years she shunned off the “leader” title, but she is so charismatic, inspiring, and hilarious it’s no surprise that word kept getting thrown at her. I have also been so impressed by Beth Ditto, who led the band Gossip and is now a solo artist. I recently read her autobiography From Coal to Diamonds and was so touched by her insight and honesty. She was really influenced by the Riot Grrrl movement as well. And finally, Roxane Gay is one of the most important feminist voices out there right now. She should be required reading in schools, and that’s why I name dropped her in Moxie! LOL!

Some of the woman that inspire Jennifer Mathieu. Take note ladies.

Q: In Moxie, some students are less than enthusiastic with the idea of a feminist agenda at their school. What would you say to anyone who thinks “feminist” is a dirty word?

A: I would be really gentle with them because arguing back isn’t going to help change their minds. I would ask them why the think this way. For a lot of people I think it’s the media’s influence or just stuff heard at home. Feminists are man haters or can’t wear makeup – just dumb stereotypes that get circulated online and elsewhere. I would ask them if they think women and men should be paid the same. I would ask them if men should be able to cry in public and not get shamed for it. I would ask them if childcare and housework should be valued no matter who does it. Feminism isn’t scary if you think about it like that – it’s really about liberation for everyone from stifling and repressive stereotypes. As the great bell hooks said, feminism is for everybody. It’s about love, inclusivity, and living authentically. I think approaching the conversation that way might help.

Q: After finishing Moxie I was ready to take over the world! What would you suggest for girls who want to continue the Moxie movement after they finish this kick-ass book?

A: I’m so glad you felt this way! I didn’t want Moxie to be the ending point but rather the starting point, so with the help of my former student, Lexi Acevedo, I created the Moxie Tumblr which can be found at moxiegirlsfightback.com. There you can find resources, a playlist, and tips on starting your own Moxie Club at your school! You can also Ask a Moxie Girl a question or submit original art and writing to be shared on the Tumblr. It’s my hope that the Moxie movement really becomes a community. The book is already out in the UK and I recently heard from two young women over there who are working on their own zines and starting a Moxie Club! i wanted to scream with excitement! Actually, I did!

Q: So, the rights to Moxie have been acquired by Amy Poehler’s production company (yay!). What songs would be on your dream Moxie soundtrack?

A: Yes, right now the screenplay is being developed and we’ll see what happens from there! As for my dream soundtrack, I would recommend every song on the Moxie playlist, which you can find on the Tumblr. For sure Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl” and “Feels Blind” would go on there, but I would also want to include some contemporary lady punk, including a song called “Mujer Moderna” by this kick ass San Antonio band called Fea as well as “Dream Number Nine” by a UK band called Big Joanie.

San Antonio band FEA

UK band Big Joanie

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu: The Review

From the book flap:

MOXIE GIRLS FIGHT BACK!

Vivian Carter is fed up. Fed up with a school administration at her small-town Texas high school that thinks the football team can do no wrong. Fed up with sexist dress codes, hallway harassment, and gross comments from guys during class. But most of all, Viv Carter is fed up with always following the rules.

Viv’s mom was a tough-as-nails, punk rock Riot Grrrl in the ’90s, and now Viv takes a page from her mother’s past and creates a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to her classmates. She’s just blowing off steam, but other girls respond. As Viv forges friendships with other young women across the divides of cliques and popularity rankings, she realizes that what she has started is nothing short of a girl revolution.

Moxie is a book about high school life that will make you wanna riot!

Overall: There are times when the problems of the world seem too big to handle. Climate change, racism, politics…Problems- so, so BIG. Me- SO, SO small! To stop myself from sliding into depression and retreating to my bedroom with a quart of gelato, I remind myself that no problem, no matter the size, gets solved with inaction and even a small act creates momentum, the opposite of inertia. MOXIE is that reminder. Moxie proves that small acts can lead to BIG change. Alright ladies-go read this book, then go change the world!

Judge a Book by its Cover: Black, white, pink and pissed! The Moxie cover fits the book’s vibe perfectly.

Me Talk Pretty: Jennifer pretty much channeled me at 17 while writing Vivian. This quote especially sums up my high school experience.

Audiobook Narration: Audiophiles, you’re in luck. Moxie will be available as an audiobook on September 19th and the reader is audiobook veteran Suzy Johnson.

Kick-Ass Factor: The Kick-Ass factor for Moxie is high! Don’t get me wrong, this is not a book about a girl who suddenly finds out she’s got secret martial arts skills and starts challenging bullies in hand to hand combat. No, Moxie kicks ass in a way that is real, believable and accessible to anyone. Vivian just gets fed up with the misogynist status quo at school and she decides to do something about it. It’s not something that would be considered overly grand or reckless to everyone, but for meek Vivian, it’s huge. And from her one act of defiance, the Moxie movement is born.

Body Count: While this is not a book with a literal body count, there are definitely casualties.

The Chosen One: The plot of Moxie could have slipped into the cliché if not for the skillful writing of Jennifer Mathieu. Moxie is Vivian’s story, but this is not one girl against the world. There are other girls in this book who are fighting their own battles in their own ways. Moxies girls fight back, but there are consequences.

Just. Why. One thing I couldn’t understand was Vivian’s love for frozen dinners. Please Vivian, stop with the Stouffer’s!

He Said/She Said: Moxie is told from the perspective of Vivian, a girl who does a lot to go unnoticed. She’s smart, but afraid to speak out in class. She clever, but doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. She’s got ideas, good ones, but she’s too scared to voice them. Vivian’s inner dialogue proves this girl has a voice, she just needs to learn to use it.

Bizarre Love Triangle: Jennifer introduces the sort of love triangle that is way more common in real life than the usual YA trope: The Platonic Love Triangle. It’s easy to feel pulled in two different directions when a new friend threatens to shake-up the friend equilibrium between you and your old school bestie. Especially when the new friend is a badass girl from the big city with all kinds of subversive ideas. Is there room in Viv’s life for old friends and new ideas?

Don’t Believe the Hype: When Amy Poehler endorses your book and wants to turn it into a movie, the bar is set pretty damn high. And for me personally as a self proclaimed Riot Grrl, this particular bar was 20 feet above eye level. But Moxie is worth all the praise it’s receiving. ALL. OF. IT.

Open tab/Last call: Jennifer Mathieu proves that Moxie Girls can be both gentle and tough. This is why the perfect Moxie drink is Fortified Lemon- sweet and sour with a hidden kick! We’ll keep the punch bowl full for you, Jennifer!

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu, Roaring Brook Press, 336 Pages, September 19, 2017

Ann-Eliza

First Reads Friday Presents: MOXIE by Jennifer Mathieu, Author Interview + Review MOXIE is more than just a book, it's a call to action! We talk all things Riot Grrl, music and our misspent youth with author Jennifer Mathieu.

#Audre Lorde #Bell Hooks #Beth Ditto #Big Joanie #Bikini Kill #Bratmobile #FEA #Fierce Reads #Fugazi #Gloria Steinem #Jennifer Mathieu #Joan Didion #Kathleen Hanna #Moxie #Pagan Kennedy #Riot Grrl #Roaring Brook Press #Roxanne Gay #Team Dresch

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