#zebra happy birthday again!

[tea-moon-ster]

O'Knutzy week day 1

character credits to @lumosinlove, prompt credit to @oknutzyweek2023 . Also thanks to the wonderful beta @boredbook .

Prompts: Tomato Soup/Bucket hat/Mail/Gardening/Treat

“See, honey bug? That’s our first strawberries.”

“The ones from the plant?”

“The very ones.”

“How?”

Leo suppressed a laugh. Tristan was in full ‘why, how, who, when, and where’ phase. All the previous shyness that had made them think he was a quiet kid had disappeared but, Leo couldn’t bring himself to mind. He readjusted the bucket hat on the kid’s head, a sky-blue thing and with goldfish and carrots floating around. Just like Finn, one minute too long under the sun would have resulted in cute, but nevertheless tomato red, cheeks. Freckles were already spreading on his nose, and Leo had to restrain himself from scooping the kid in his arms and drown him in kisses. I’m a big boy now, Dada, he’d insisted that morning, as he tried to put on his shoes on his own. On the wrong feet. Leo limited himself to cleaning the little chin from soil -he didn’t know how it had ended there.

“Well, we planted the seeds, gave them some water and sunlight, and they grew into fruit.”

“Sunlight like you?”

It took a few moments for Leo to understand what the toddler said. He let a delighted laugh out. “Oh. Oh, my baby.” Tristan’s lower lip fell into a pout, looking away with blushed cheeks. Leo had to lean and kiss him on the head, right in the middle of the little hat. “Honey, sunshine is a name your Daddy calls me. The plants need the sunlight from the sun to grow.”

“Oh. But how?”

“Because sunlight gives them nutrients.”

“Says who?”

“The circle of life.”

“Like the movie with Simba?”

“Yes.”

“But we don’t have lions, or birds, or zebras, or…”

“I know, but-”

“No, Dada, lemme finish please.”

“Yeah, sorry. Go on.”

“Thank you. Lions, birds, zebras, elephants, antelopes, cheetahs, gnus…” Tristan continued to list all the animals from the movie, counting them on his little fingers in a focused frown. He’d been obsessed with the movie for weeks. Leo let him ramble as he finished covering the freshly transplanted herbs with new soil.

“Did I get them all?”

“I think you did, honey pie. Good job.”

“But how does the circle of life work?”

“Huh, everyone has a role to play and it doesn’t work if you don’t do your part.”

“Oh.” The answer seemed to satisfy Tristan, who nodded seriously, and leaned in to poke one of the small, newborn berries.

Leo thought he looked unbearably cute like that, crouched in front of the plants in his overalls. Leo could scream, cry, and sing of happiness while watching Tristan with his small fingers stroking the leaves with big, curious eyes. That was his kid, their kid, to love and raise and take care of. He wanted a picture of him like that. He’d send it to his mother for her birthday. Where was Finn with his camera?

Leo got back on his knees, cleaning his hands on his gardening jeans, and looked around for him. He’d been right there with them, videotaping everything for the memories, Peanut, just a second ago. Leo squinted his eyes in the sun, scanning their yard, and shook his head affectionately when he found his husband. Finn was leaning on the fence, some envelopes in hand and the old camera in the other. He was chatting with Ryan, the new neighbor- probably about golf again.

Leo nudged Tristan gently. “Are you gonna show our new strawberries to Daddy?”

That seemed to do the trick. The next second, the toddler was scrambling to his feet and sprinting. A series of Daddy, daddy, filled the yard, and Leo got to treasure the moment Finn turned around, already smiling radiantly at the name, and bent for the impact. Tristan jumped at full speed into open arms, which lifted him with a little hop, before he was eased on the redhead’s hip. Finn chuckled, adjusting the bucket hat again. He pointed at Ryan, and the kid politely said hi, before filling Finn in with the gardening news. Leo sat back down into the soft grass, taking a moment to look at them. He watched Finn lean down for Tristan to whisper something in his ear, watched the way he looked down at their son with that heart written all over his face. Leo should have taken the camera, he thought. If only he’d kept his own hands clean. Every interaction his husbands had with Tristan was a wonder. A treasure to behold, protect, and replay forever.

“I hear we have strawberries in our lands.”

Leo looked up at Finn, a shield in between him and the sun. He smiled.

“This way, Daddy!” Tristan took Finn’s finger to make him sit with them –which he did, without worrying about his good pants getting dirty. Finn looked the right amount of amazed and curious as their kid pointed at the little berries and explained to him his very own version of the circle of life. And when he turned to Leo for confirmation, the blond made sure to look serious enough while nodding.

Finn let out a low whistle. “Well, that’s impressive, little man. That was all you and Dada, hmm?”

“And the sunshine and the water and the circle of life,” Tristan clarified. “But not the sunshine like Dada. It’s a different kind of sunshine.”

“Oh, got it. Thanks, bud, I won’t get confused now.”

Finn glanced at Leo as the toddler threw himself into a conversation with the little strawberries. They shared a sun-warmed smile. And, damn, if in his twenties, Leo had thought that Heartthrob O’Hara couldn’t get any more charming, he hadn’t considered Finn as a dad. The light in his eyes every time their kid called for Daddy, and the energy he put to make Tristan feel listened to, loved, and to play with him until they got him a sibling. The more pronounced lines at the corner of his eyes, mixing with his lopsided smile, that Leo knew existed for the sole purpose of making him melt.

Finn nudged at the front door behind him. “Why don’t you go inside for a bit, baby? Drink some water, see what’s for lunch. I’ll stay here with our garden gnome.”

“Am not!” Tristan called out from his spot next to the plants.

“You sure?” Leo whispered. Finn nodded.

“I don’t wanna lose the third explanation of the circle of life. Or the fourth. Oh, here-” he added, leaning to push the envelopes into Leo’s jeans pocket. “Just bills. And the thing for the charity event.”

“Did you call Noelle to ask if they can babysit that night?”

Finn’s smile faltered for a second. “I…said I would.”

“You did.”

“I will.”

“I know. Possibly before the charity night, darling.”

 

Leo was welcomed by the chill air inside and low music coming from the kitchen. It was some old, French song about love and spring. Leo could relate. He wasn’t surprised to hear Logan singing along as he would’ve been fifteen years ago, but it was always a welcomed melody.

He quietly stepped into the open space that was their kitchen and first dining room and stopped for a moment to take it all in. Logan’s shoulders were still broad and strong, even years after his retirement. His edges were softer, both in his body and his temper. But the fire was always there, warming their home like he always had.

 •••

Logan was busy stirring the pot, mumbling the song to himself, when long arms circled his waist and a head rested on his shoulder. He smiled as he added cream to the mix. For the next song, they didn’t move at all. Leo adjusted himself so his back wouldn’t be so crooked, and Logan fetched a spoon to taste the red, boiling soup.

“Ah, ouais,” he nodded, satisfied, lifting the spoon to let Leo take a sip. “You’re in for a treat, mon amour.”

Leo hummed. “Tomato soup, the fanciest lunch of them all.” He received a weak, affectionate slap on the shoulder, accompanied by a chuckling sound that vibrated against his chest.

“It’s made with love. Secret ingredient that makes it fancy. It’s a treat.”

“It’s always a treat if you’re making it.”

Logan had to tilt his head for the next kiss.

•••

Leo changed out of his gardening clothes to help Logan fix lunch. He’d taken a sense of pride, in the last few years, in preparing meals for Leo, Finn and now Tristan. He wouldn’t ask for help, so Leo always made sure to stick around. Just in case. But Logan, with his romantic music and the recipe book neatly displayed next to Leo’s spices, was doing a good job.

Once they were all sat down, Leo watched Logan’s satisfied smile being kissed by Finn, thanking him for lunch. Finn told them about the mail, and about Ryan inviting them to golf next weekend, and all the neighborhood’s gossip he’d heard. Then, Tristan decided it was time to go through the circle of life one more time. Papa still hadn’t heard it, after all. Leo nodded along as he placed peas in Tristan’s plate, which immediately summoned a pout capable of melting Logan. He intercepted it with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t wanna hear it, young man. We need the peas to grow. Just like plants need sunlight.”

Tristan seemed to consider the idea. “Is sunlight the veggie for plants?”

“Sure is.”

“Then why isn’t it green?”

A few beats of silence followed. Finn, mouth full, lifted his spoon towards the kid, in a mock toast. “Valid point, kiddo.”

 •••

“…And when your strawberries will be ready, we can pick them and make something yummy with them,” Leo explained.

Tristan gasped. “For dinner?”

Logan swiped off some tomato soup at the corner of his mouth. “They need to grow, mon ange.”

“Tomorrow’s dinner?”

“Maybe in a few weeks.”

“Aw, man.”

Logan turned fast enough to catch the pride in Finn’s eyes at the exclamation. He saw Leo do the same and smiled even more. It was the most wonderful thing to see little bits of them mixing in their child. Logan wanted more than a lifetime of this.

“But they’ll be so good, mon cœur,” he added. “Then we can use them for baking.”

“Yeah, there’s so much you can do,” Finn backed him up. “Jam, pie, cheesecake…”

“Strawberry shortcakes.”

Leo and Finn looked up at him. Logan smiled, involuntary and sweet. A flash of tangled, young bodies on a boat, and the golden sunset in the bayou surfaced. His smile matched theirs. Sweet and not quite nostalgic. Remembering. No matter how many times Leo had prepared that dessert over the years, they’d always associated it to their first night in New Orleans.

“Yeah,” Finn breathed. “That’s a good one.”

Looking up at the clear night sky, drunk on love and pleasure and adrenaline, the Finn from all those years ago would have never dared to imagine a future like this. Made of strawberries in the garden, a fourth chair at the table and wedding photos in the hallway. He remembered the first kisses, soft and hard, because they’d all needed kindness, but also a tangible proof of being wanted and needed. The utter wonder in seeing his hand tangled with the other two. But he hadn’t pictured this. Not back then.

“And you know what? Whatever you make, it’ll be extra good because it’ll come from you,” Leo added with a wink.

Tristan giggled, and Logan rubbed a hand through his soft curls. Finn was amazed to learn that his hair would turn lighter during summer. And a thousand other things, all about a little human being they were raising together. He watched Leo smile at them as he rested his chin on a fist. He had to blink fast a few times. Take a deep breath. Just to take it all in.

Sometimes he’d still get that lump in his throat from all the love and wonder he felt for his husbands. And the little fireworks in the eyes of his younger self at the word husbands. Oh, if twenty-five-year-old Finn could see how good they had it coming. How a rookie entering his frat house and another one in his big, empty apartment would end in this. Sometimes he wished he could talk to younger Finn. Just to let him know that the silence, the tears and the keeping it all inside would be worth it. As Logan had written in his vows, they’d met so many bumps along the way that could have split them out. Fights, trades, the intricate webs that were their minds. But they’d chosen each other over every single issue. And they’d continue to do so.

Finn leaned back on his chair, watching Tristan use Logan’s fingers to count all the animals again because he’d run out of his own. He felt a gentle thumb on his cheek. Leo’s smile warmed him like the sun in the garden.

“Where did you go just now, cher?”

“You’ll teach him how to make the shortcakes?”

Leo’s eyes softened, and the thumb on his cheek pressed a little harder. “Sure thing, strawberry.”

Finn noticed Logan glancing at them with a dopey smile, and had to nudge his feet under the table. He let Tristan pull his hand closer so he could continue his counting as he leaned to rest his head on Leo’s shoulder and exhaled.

“Cheers, sunshine.”

#o'knutzyweek2023 #lumosinlove #o'knutzy #finn o'hara #leo knut #logan tremblay #lou's writing

[ttylfedora]

April Fools with the Lions: Best Bits

Omg. Hello? It’s so nice to be back! In honour of April Fools and the discord having a bit of fun with it, I bring you… April Fools with the Lions: Best bits!

All characters belong to @lumosinlove. Happy April Fools!!

Logan rubbed his eyes, waking up fully. Leo curled into his neck at the movement. He looked over to find Finn’s side completely empty. Leo stirred once again and looked up at Logan with a sleepy smile.

Logan squinted at Leo, wondering if he was seeing things.

“Leo, why do you have lion face paint on?” Leo’s face was fully painted, as though he had been to Katie’s birthday party and had been forced to sit down and have his face painted during it.

“Why do you look like a zebra?” Leo asked, just as confused as Logan.

Logan grabbed his phone off of the nightstand and opened up his camera. Sure enough, an intricately painted zebra looked back at him.

He messaged Finn, asking if he woke up the same.

All that was sent back was a smile emoji sent by Siri.

-

“You’re going to walk into the rink like that?” Nat asked Kasey, who was sporting a dolphin and a rainbow across the side of his face.

“I need to find Finn before Finn finds me.” Kasey called back. “I know Alex didn’t do this on his own. He has about as much artistic talent as I do in my little toe.”

Kasey and Nat never did find Finn before practice. They did, however, find a Lion stood dead centre of the locker room looking at the Goalies TPed stalls.

“If this was you, you need to do better next year.” Kasey laughed, clapping Leo on the shoulder. Leo laughed.

“No no no. This was Cole and Layla. They were round the corner watching me come in here thinking I didn’t see them.

“Time to recruit Nat, I think,” Kasey whispered to Leo and pulled out his phone.

-

“Layla I have no clue what to do. I can’t go out on the ice like this. I thought I was being nice by just TPing Kasey’s stall!”

Layla only covered her mouth to suppress a chuckle, watching Cole panic over his now upside down name and number on his jersey.

“All is fair in love and war, Rookie!” Kasey howled through the door, Nat howling after him.

-

Pascal let out a frustrated groan. Some the start of practice, not a single one of his shot found the back of the net. Timmy let out a similar sigh, taking his helmet off and wiping the perspiration off his head.

“It’s playoff season! We can’t be doing this,” he gridded out. He watched Finn line up a perfect shot, only to miss as well. Looking over to Coach Weasley, he wondered why he wasn’t angrier. He looked amused, even.

Pascal looked down at his hockey stick. Something felt… off. He held it out in front of him, Timmy and Kuny doing the same.

“It feels small.” Evgeni stated.

Pascal looked up at the rest of the team to find the Triple Threat of April Fools, Remus, Sirius and James, grinning back at them.

“You know, when I locked Remus and Sirius in my basement, I did not expect to be paid back like this.”

-

“Luke! Luke!”

Luke ran into the bathroom, only to burst out laughing upon finding Saint with bright red hair.

“Was this you?” Saint’s face like thunder, he pointed to his bright red hair. Luke fought to keep a straight face and shook his head.

“I promise it wasn’t. Now hurry up, I need to shower as well.”

Two hours later, Saint and Luke rocked up to practice, looking like Rangers biggest fans sporting bright red and bright blue hair. Logan was unable to make a shot that practice, for he was laughing so hard at the coloured sweat dripping down both their necks. He snapped a pic for Leo, his only partner in fools it would seem…

-

Remus and Sirius made a habit of turning up to practice early. Maybe it was the quiet before the storm, maybe it was the control of having the rink to themselves. One thing they did know, however, was that they liked the rink before anyone started playing the practice session joint playlist. ‘Game Day Vibes’ they called it. A playlist comprising of songs from everyone’s repertoire.

Once the rink was full, Coach allowed the playlist to be put on. Except all that rang through the rink was… a nursery rhyme?

Remus looked over at Finn who was in charge of the playlist. He pressed skip. Finn looked up in confusion as a musical rendition of ‘incy wincy spider’ played out.

“Who, in the ever loving fuck put this in the playlist?” Jackson called out, skating round next to Finn as he frantically scrolled through the playlist. “It’s just nursery rhymes…”

James was doubled over in the far corner, something akin to ‘don’t diss my son’s music taste’ coming out in amongst gasps of laughter.

James had his playlist privileges revoked for 6 weeks.

-

“So we did the ducks last year, what are we doing to Remus and Sirius this year, Dumo?” Julian asked, placing his cereal bowl in the dishwasher.

Pascal thought on it, scratching his head.

Katie bounded in with multiple chain links in Rangers colours.

“Look what I made for Logan, Papa!” She held them up with a big toothy smile. Well, almost toothy. She had a visit from the tooth fairy the previous night.

Jules’ eyes widened and looked over at Pascal, who responded with his own fully toothy grin.

“Go get your brothers and sister, Katie. We have work to do.”

Remus and Sirius returned from practice to find their entire front room decked out in Rangers merch, chain links hanging from each light and across the ceiling.

“I swear as soon as Logan and I meet on the ice again…” Sirius looked over at Remus, “it’s war.”

Remus chuckled and pulled out his phone to find a message from Dumo.

‘Thanks for the key, it’s under the flower pot’

-

Everyone was gathered in Sid’s for their monthly get together. Some of the Rangers had made the trip down as well. Thomas was sat at the bar, his arm hooked loosely around Noelle’s waist.

“So no one managed to get either of the brothers?” She whispered in his ear.

Thomas smiled back at her, eyes softened as he moved a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Not yet. Did you manage to get the video?”

Noelle pulled her phone out of her bag and showed it to Thomas.

“It’s hilarious, T. Me and Nat were in stitches.” Thomas smiled slyly, placed a kiss on Noelle’s forehead, and walked up the the little make shift entertainment stage.

“Can I please have everyone’s attention!” He called out, arms wide. Mutters of ‘speech!’ were called out across the bar, paired with smattering’s of applause.

“Now with the close of another successful year of April Fools, we have this years standings. At the bottom, with the most unoriginal prank I think any of us have ever seen, we have Cole and Layla, who took it upon themselves to TP Knutty and Blizz’s goals.”

A round of ‘boo’s’ swept across the bar.

“Yes, yes, thank you. Do better next year” Cole and Layla had their heads in their hands looking mortified.

“Before I reveal the winner, I have one last thing I would like to do. Who here has been personally victimised by a certain pair of red-headed brothers this year?” Hands went up, Logan the Zebra’s face like thunder as people turned around to chuckle at him.

“Yes, now. I set Christmas on a task a week ago. Big love, Noelle,” he held a glass up to her and winked. “A little birdy once told us that our very own Alexander and Finnigan have their own pregame ritual they started when they were kids. Their mom and dad were more than happy to share this video with us-“

“No no no- please Walker I’m begging you,” Finn called out, laughter clinging onto his every word. Alex’s jaw was on the floor.

“If you’d please turn your attention to the screen.”

An old video played. A young Alex was instructing their parent to sit on the couch whilst Finn was in the background rewinding the tv to the perfect moment. The pair did an almost perfect rendition of the handshake from the parent trap.

Thomas looked back at Finn and Alex who were doubled over in laughter.

#lumosinlove #leo knut #o’knutzy #logan tremblay #finn o'hara #Alex O’Hara #james potter #sirius black #remus lupin #pascal dumais #kasey winter #sweater weather lumosinlove #vaincre lumosinlove #coast to coast lumosinlove

[pillowbugs]

a teenage (14-15ish) elesa to go with her fellow baby nimbasa city celebrities here!

(proof of process, notes and hcs under cut)

some notes:

why. why did her ace have to be a zebra of all things. no hate to the animal but fucking hell am i dreading the possibility of having to draw blitzle again, or worse, zebstrika. horse proportions + stripe patterns = a real tough cookie to draw. if i never draw elesa with her pokémon again this is probably why.

(actually while typing the above, i just realised her ace is black and white. really ties her association with unova / submas together which is pretty neat.)

on a more positive note, i had a lot of fun with the design! was going more based on her bw1 appearance (given it's closer on the timeline) but with the preppy popular kid look thrown into the mix.

her original hair colour is black (as in bw2) but here it's dyed blonde with blue streaks.

headcanons time: i was thinking elesa would've come from a rich family, with both her parents being successful businessmen who wanted the perfect daughter to show off. her image is definitely controlled by her parents to some extent - her clothes are fancy and expensive, but fairly normal. even her hair was first dyed blonde to match her father and give her parents the perfect blonde hair blue eyes daughter. fortunately, they aren't at home much, so elesa has some opportunities to make small changes such as the blue streaks and her jacket (more on that later).

despite her parents' expectations, elesa is in fact much more interested in fashion, design and battling. she's an intern gym trainer at the current nimbasa gym (was thinking the gym leader would be a musical actor but nothing concrete) to not only prove that she can strike out on her own without her parents, but also to hopefully secure her future once she turns 18 and can move out and cut contact with her parents. the gym leader has taken a shine to her, encourages her to follow her dreams and is already planning on making her their successor.

by the time of bw1, when elesa talks to bianca and her father to encourage them to let bianca go on her own journey, it's a reflection of her own growth as well - she followed her dream despite her parents and found her own happiness and success, and she wants to inspire other people to do the same.

between the twins, elesa is a lot closer to emmet at this point - in fact, she isn't really close to ingo at all. that comes later after she's known emmet for a longer time. her friendship with emmet surprises a lot of people bc it's literally the popular cool kid befriending the weird kid no one else really cares about (besides his brother).

on the other hand, this is exactly why they're friends - emmet is not only grateful to have any friends at all, but elesa is also someone frequently misunderstood because of her appearance, lonely and the right amount of silly (reminds him a bit of someone...). also she loves electric types which is verrry cool. elesa finds emmet's bluntness and genuineness extremely refreshing compared to how much everyone else works to pretend and fit in. he's also the first person to see her for who she actually is and not her parents or her reputation.

the jacket is a bargain buy she saw in a shop once when she and emmet were out on the streets, and she mentioned her parents wouldn't let her get such clothes as much as she loves the jacket. emmet bought it for her for her birthday.

her closeness to emmet but not ingo is reflected in her design - blue and white feature much more than black and red.

her blitzle's name is chromatic, or chrom for short. she doesn't know about fe awakening for the record.

as a trainer, while she definitely trains mostly electrics, she does have a few off-types for coverage outside work - a lilligant, cinccino, cryogonal and later togekiss.

proof of process

#pokemon #pokemon black and white #submas #my art #gen 5 pokemon #pokemon elesa

[m7nson]

So it's my birthday [July 12] and ik most of y'all's birthday soon😋] it's a tradition to stay up until 12 and sing happy birthday and today my guitar pick necklace came in :( so just imagine this

At exactly 11:30 Eddie of course left, saying that he had a deal. But it's your fault you didn't tell him about your tradition. Now looking at the clock seeing that it's 11:53. You came to spend the night with your amazing boyfriend, you didn't know he would leave. Watching Carrie remembering how Eddie rented it to watch tonight, knowing it's one of your favorite movie.

Eddie tippy toeing into the trailer with a zebra cake box and candles in the brown paper bag. Opening them up and putting the candle on the zebra cake. Looking at the clock 11:59 pulling out his lighter quickly and lighting it up. Walking to his room holding it gently to not crush the sensitive desert.

Opening the door and you saw Eddie with a cute smile on his face he sat down next to you. "Happy birthday sweetheart, make a wish." You smiled, you closed your eyes thinking about what to wish for. You opened your eyes and blew out the candle.

He kissed the top of your head handing you the "what did you wish for?" You gasped "you know I'm not supposed to tell anyone what you wish for, that's the rules.." he chuckled as you took a bite out of your zebra cake. "But, I'm gonna tell you anyways." He laughed kissing your head again "what in the world did you wish for?" He said before taking a bit out of the other side.

You smiled looking up at him "nothing." He tilted his head swallowing his bite "nothing?" You nodded smiling while taking the last bite. "I have everything I want right here." He smiled kissing your hands. He took one hand to his pockets and took out a little black string baggy.

"Happy birthday my love." You looked at him smiling while taking the baggy pulling open the bag to find a guitar pick necklace. You gasped looking at him while pulling it out admiring the black pick "turn it around." He said as you turned it seeing a little heart in the middle.

You smiled at him "thank you so much my love." Putting it on and you looked at Eddie who has the biggest smile on his face. Putting your arms around him "I love it so much, thank you." He looked at you smiling still "I'm happy you love it." He gave you a little kiss, short but passionate.

"I love you."

"I love you too, happy birthday sweetheart."

#°｡☆ -> [ EDDIE MUNSON 🎸 ] #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #eddie munson imagine

[pbandjesse]

Me and Jess are on the ferry boat back to our hotel. We are real tired. I am thankfully not in as much pain as yesterday. Still hurting but it is not as bad. And today was a lot of fun.

Last night we did get to watch cars and I was surprised by the emotional intelligence and lack of actual racing. The way that little boys seem to like it so much I expected more action and was pleasantly surprised. Don't know about the second and third but the first was solid.

I would sleep okay but not enough. Waking up was really rough. But besides feeling a little out of it we were doing good. I got dressed and ready and was done and waiting for Jess. I was excited to head out.

We had not done the rope drop thing. Instead we slept an hour later and had a slow breakfast. We shared a lot this time. Basically all of today we shared our food. Which is fun. Get to try more things. The only bad part about breakfast was when we got stuck apart because of a big cart blocking the entrance to the area where we were sitting. And Jess's coffee was very bad. But we struggled through.

We headed to the bus. And while we had joked about all the buses being Epcot today, we were a little delayed by the first three buses actually being Epcot. Finally an animal Kingdom came and things were fine. We were starting a little later but that was okay.

I didn't realize how much longer the ride to Animal Kingdom was going to be. So I was extra glad we got seats. There was actually plenty of space on our bus but a lot of people were stuck squished up front because one guy absolutely would not move back. Just completely unaware and that kind of thing makes me a little crazy. Like when people were getting in the elevator before letting people get off. Just super obnoxious.

But it wasn't a bad ride at all and soon we were there!

Again this entrance surprised me. But it was closer to what I thought it would be. Our first goal was to get Jess Starbucks. I decided that in the end I didn't actually want to do the kids scavenger hunts. To many people, to busy. I just wanted to enjoy the experiences of the immersive spaces. And I think that was the right call.

We got Jess her coffee and I got a cake pop. The girl at the counter was really sweet about us celebrating our birthdays. Everyone was today. And it made me feel really happy.

We did a lot today and saw a whole lot of animals. We started with a walk through zoo. We saw hippos and gorillas and meerkats and so many other little monies and birds. The birds were extra fun because we got a big paper with all the birds to help us identify them and I insisted on asking the staff their favorite birds so I could look for those specifically. And it was just really fun.

One of the workers was from Baltimore and she told.me her brother was at the game on Sunday that James was at. Very bad loss. No more super bowl. But Baltimore will recover emotionally I'm sure.

After our exploration and seeing a bit of Asia, and taking pictures, we decided that we could get in the long 55 minute line for the ride on safari.

And this was really awesome. The wait wasn't horrendous, even though it's longs, we talked and had things to look at. I had ran out of line to go fill my water and enjoyed seeing a little.of Africa. I would find out where we could get corn on the cob. And when I got back to Jess we just kept moving and when we finally got to the front of the line we lucked out and got the entire back row to ourselves. Prime animal viewing.

We saw some amazing animals. Giraffes. Elephants. Wild dogs. Zebras. Even the trees were incredible. I wish it was long but it was about 20 minutes and that was great. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

Once we were off and out of the safari area (after stopping to look at the gift store and hugging a cheetah plush for a long time) we went to find the African street corn I saw. We would get two of those and a churro. And at the last second I saw they were selling three packs of baby bell cheeses and I thought that might be nice to have for later.

The corn was incredible. Just such an unexpected flavor. Curry and pepper and some underlying sweetness and I would absolutely have that again. We got to watch some drumming and it just felt like a festival. The whole atmosphere was fabulous and I loved all the small details. The torn signs, the graffiti, the minutia that makes things feel real and lived in. I was pretty blown away.

We decided that we would not go back to the hotel for a break and instead power through and just leave early, have a nap before dinner. And while this was risky I'm glad that's what we decided to do.

We went to dino land. Traded pins. I didn't know there were carnival games at Disney. I didn't want to play any but it was interesting to see. And the prizes were cute.

I didn't realize, or more so didn't remember, that there is a dinosaur ride. The movie Dinosaur. And it's about going back in time to bring one of the main dinos back. And I vaguely remembered going on it and even though it was a "dark bumpy car ride" I convinced Jess to indulge me. It wasn't a terribly long wait and I really wanted to do it.

And I'm so glad we did. The wait was well timed. With dinosaur fossils and videos. The immersion in the storyline was really well done (even if I recognized the actors), I was very excited.

We got to buckle into the time machine car. And I turned to Jess and said that I wished it could be tighter but I didn't know how to do that. And man was that a bit of foreshadowing.

This ride was crazy. It was basically one step below a rollercoaster the way we were being whipped around. It was loud (I'm very glad I suggested Jess put her ear buds in) and dark and flashing. There were animatronics dinos coming from every direction. It was an absolute blast.

But my feet didn't fully reach the ground. My toes did but not my heels. And I wasn't tightly buckled. And with the sides of the car being open I was pretty concerned I was going to call out of the side. So I tilted my body so I could get one foot firmly planted and just really tried to hold on. I was screaming and laughing and it was a rush in the best ways.

We were both shaken up at the end. For different reasons. She hated it. Rated it a 1/10. I absolutely adored it and thought it was the best thing. 10/10. Only downside was the line and the seat belt. Would do it again. She was so funny though telling me about why it was bad because all of her bad points were my good points. I appreciated her going along with me. It was great.

We went and used the bathroom. Washed our hands. I sat in the sun for a bit and oriented myself on the map.

Our next stop was Pandora to see the avatar stuff. We wanted to go to the river ride but the wait was going to be about an hour again. So at least we would start to head over there. And it was a nice walk. It was beautiful out and we were both in a good place. Sore but not to bad. We considered a snack. But as we got into Pandora I was a bit mesmerized. I bet this would be beautiful at night. The plants were amazing. Between the real and the fake it was all integrated so well. Something I have been really appreciating is the music. It transitions from one world/space/country to the next so senselessly while still keeping you immersed. And this was no different. It was so cool. We went to look at the food but I wasn't sure about it. We went in the gift shop and I was excited to see the baby Navi plush. They have so many babies of every character and I have been excited every time we see a "new" one. It is just very fun.

I decided we should go get in line for the river ride. No snack. Even though we probably could use it. And just use that time to scroll on our phones and chat and enjoy the scenery.

As we were standing there waiting, I went in my bag to put my sunglasses away and realized. The baby bell cheeses!! The snack I had saved!! You should have seen how stupidly excited we got about these. We each had one and a half baby bells and shared some of her water and it was perfect. Made the hour so much easier.

Right before we made it to the end of the line my feet and ankles were really bothering me. Standing still hurts a lot more then walking. I took my boots off for a moment to stretch them out and that helped. And then it was time for our river journey.

This ride, on the whole, probably wasn't worth the hour wait but it was worth it because of the animatronic at the end. The ride is a boat, and you are literally going through the woods. And it was beautiful and the music and singing was lovely. But it wasn't particularly exciting. It was just nice. There were some screens, but they were better integrated so it wasn't to hokey. But when we got to the animatronic I was blown away. This thing moved in such a realistic way. Like it took my breath away I could have just sat with it and watched it for so long it was so real. I have no idea who she was. I never saw the movie. But she was incredible.

We got off of the boat and I felt like it was just to soon. I wished there was more. But that was okay, it was time to try the food.

There was a frozen drink that was apple and pear (desert leaf specifically, which Jess had misread early as dessert pear and we were trying to figure out for a long time what that could be and we had a big silly laugh about that) and a cream cheese and pineapple wonton wrapped treat. We got those and found a sunny place to sit.

I really enjoyed my wonton thing. I did not like the drink. It was to sweet. And I love sweet things so that's saying something. Once we were to got sitting in the sun we continued our journey. And headed back to Asia.

Jess wanted my feedback and rating/ranking between the two parks. And I think overall Animal Kingdom is better. The counties were fabulous and felt like like a show case and more real, I loved the animals, I liked that it was less hamfisting movies into the different spots. We also got to see Pocahontas twice! And she was beautiful. I really loved our day.

We would have French fries with spices and Sriracha mayo in Asia. And then wander around into a few more shops. Backtracking to Maharajah where we had started our day. And that's where we called it. Time to go.

We would get back towards the gate and go in the last few gift shops. Jess got a really nice animal Kingdom pin. We went to the last little shop where they had pin trading and had a nice conversation with the girl working that table, just about the concept of pin trading and how it's so nice. And as we were talking I saw in the shop behind her the cheetah backpack from earlier. I had not stopped thinking about it. Jess said I kept bringing it up. So I went back in and after checking online and finding it for the same price, I decided this would be my last plushie of the trip.

We named her Margarine (Margorie as a nickname). And I love her. She's so soft. I was holding her when we headed over to a bench so Jess could wait for me while I ran to a bathroom when we noticed that she still had a security tag on her! The ink releasing kind! Ugh oh. So we had to go back to the shop to get them to remove it and the guy at the counter felt so bad!! He also struggled to get it off but he got his manager and it was all fixed. Margarine was free.

We went and got the bus back to the hotel. And it was right there. No waiting. We had much better luck the rest of the day when it came to that. We got back to the hotel in one piece and we're only mostly dying. Thankfully the bottoms of my feet weren't as painful as yesterday. It was mostly my shins and ankles. Jess had gotten stiff and slow from sitting on the bus but after a few yards we were able to walk about the same pace and got back to the room as my body started burning and I desperately wanted to lay down.

After stripping down and putting away my jewelery I was able to sleep for most of an hour. Jess said I was making funny squeaking sounds which James has also said I do. She thinks I should go back to an ENT. I will consider it.

I felt kind of bad when Jess woke me up. She said it was 6 and I was like AM?? But no. PM. It was time to get dressed again and go to dinner. I got myself out back together and just felt a little quiet inside. We went to take the ferry this time. And we had to speed walk a little bit we made it to the one that was at the dock. And got to Disney springs before 7.

We had a plan. Rings, pins, dinner. Jess wanted a ring that said "baby" and the man who did this one was super fast! 15 minutes!

So while he was doing that we went to look at pins. And talked to the nice old lady at the desk. It was nice.

We had to get to our reservation though and that was about on the other side of the water. So we walked to Summer House. And this was much fancier then I expected. But it was great!

Our waiter was so nice and the food was excellent. We got a bunch of stuff to share. Potato salad deviled eggs, chips and a flight of salsa and guac, cheesy bread, and a split order of gluten free pasta. It was so much food and it was all so so so good.

We got some of it to go for snacks later. And after laughing with our waiter for a minute we headed into the night.

We decided to check out some of the stores we missed. I couldn't stand to be in the candy or m&m store for long it was so sickly sweet and powdery. But we still had a lot of fun.

I really liked the Coca Cola store. I decided to get myself a cup. I know I do not need a cup. But I loved that it looks like a diet Coke can and it has a straw. I have actually been so good with not buying nonsense this trip. I am really happy with all my things so far. And I have said no to many things! I'm having a great time.

We would continue our walk. Going in and out of shops. I liked the Lego store but it was to warm. We would end our journey getting a coffee for Jess to save for the morning. And then we headed back to our boat.

We did get a little lost and turned around. But when we found the exit and the dock the boat was right there and it was an easy journey back.

We are back in the hotel now. Showered and clean and holding it together. We put on a movie, Luca this time, and so far I love the art style. I have no idea what the story is so I am looking forward to how it unfolds. I am also really looking forward to sleep.

Tomorrow we go to HollyWood Studio. I have the least amount of expectations for this one. But I'm excited for the journey. If should be warmer but the wind will be stronger. So I am just hoping for a lovely time.

Sleep well everyone. I love you! Goodnight!

[hournites]

The Sleepover

Stargirl Fic!

Happy belated birthday @president-zebra !! 

~.~

Courtney rearranged the spread of blankets and pillows covered all over the floor of her bedroom. “We need to do this more often.”

Yolanda, who had claimed dibs on Courtney’s actual bed the second they walked across the Whitmore-Dugan threshold, propped herself up on her elbows, an arm’s reach from the bowl of popcorn and chips. They allowed her bed claim because of the white bandages peeping under her tank. Just because Wildcat lands on her feet doesn’t mean she can’t get hurt on the way down. “We never have sleepovers unless there’s something bad happening. We should be having sleepovers all the time. Not just because I’m hiding cracked ribs from my mom.” 

Beth was on her back next to Courtney, staring up at the ceiling. Her belly grumbled, full from too many slices of pizza. It was her first girls' night out. She was having the time of her life. “Agreed.” 

“I’m just glad Abuelita picked up the phone,” continued Yolanda. Her hair was unbraided, raven cascades flowing down the length of her back. “I didn’t think she would ever convince my mom.” 

Buddy and Cosmo were in on the fun too with their sixth sense of excitement. Cosmo by Courtney powered down, and Buddy sprawled out with all fours up in the air, snoring away. 

Courtney nodded solemnly. “We thank your Abuelita.” 

“Do you want to watch a movie now?” Beth asked when the latest Netflix episode rolled to credits. 

Courtney reached over and slammed against the space bar. “No movies,” she vetoed. “We’re playing a game.” 

Yolanda groaned, tossing a pillow at the girls on the floor. “Court, don’t, your games are so dumb.” 

Courtney gasped when it hit her smack in the face. “My games are so fun! What do you mean?” 

“What game?” Beth took the pillow from Court, squeezing it tight. “A board game sounds fun.” 

Yolanda groaned again. Courtney shot her a harried look before returning to Beth with a face intended to be very reassuring, however with the pink tint of excitement flushed on her cheeks, it became quite the opposite. “Not a board game, no, it’s a sleepover game I came up with my friend Mary in California. It’s called…Secrets.” 

Beth, expecting Chinese checkers, slumped ever-so-slightly with disappointment, but she still managed a nod and a smile. “Oh?” 

“It’s basically a confessional booth turned into a game,” Yolanda whined. “I do that enough as it is at church.” 

“But it’s such a great way for us to bond.” Courtney pouted, stretching herself thin to grasp both of her best friends' hands, so excited, she practically vibrated on the spot. “If we do this we will come out stronger, I promise.”

“Fine!” Yolanda threw her hands up. “What the hell, I’ll play Secrets!” 

“Yes!” Courtney shrieked. Beth almost fell over from the volume of it so close to one of her precious eardrums. Cosmo itself hummed to life, mistaking Courtney’s screaming as a call for help. Recovering, only partially deaf now, Beth squeezed her poor ear against the fluffy star pillow, facing Courtney. “How do you play?” 

“It’s so easy. We go around in a circle and we tell everyone a secret. It has to be something that you’ve never told anyone before, and it stays in this room.” She waved her hand. “Unless it’s dangerous or something, obviously, but that’s not the point of this game.” 

Yolanda nodded. “It’s how I found out that Courtney had a huge celebrity crush on–” 

“Yolanda!” Courtney yelped with wild panicked eyes. “It stayed in this room!” 

“Court, this is that room.” 

“It’s alright, Court,” Beth reassured her, eyes bright with mischief. “I’ll find out one day.” 

Yolanda laughed.

 Beth dunked her hand into the bowl of popcorn again, stuffing it into her mouth. She was supposed to have come to the last sleepover that Court organized at her house, but she caught a cold and wasn’t able to come over after all. Instead, she spent most of that evening texting Rick and deciphering what she was missing out on via Instagram stories until sleep pulled her under.  “Okay, so we spill secrets. That’s it?” 

“That’s it!” Courtney said gleefully. “I’ll start!” It took a moment for her to think of something. Yolanda and Beth stay silent in quiet anticipation. “Back when Mom and Pat were about to get married, we had professional photos taken as a family and I sabotaged them. My parents never found out.” 

“You didn’t!” Beth let out a long sigh, disappointed but not surprised. “Court, that’s terrible!”

Yolanda shook her head. “How did you pull that off?”

“When the proofs came in the mail I threw them out and then I changed the contact phone number and email address for us on the studio’s website on my mom’s laptop and phone. She thinks they were a scam business front for money laundering to this day.”

At the troubled expressions from her friends, she held up a hand. “We retook them after we defeated the ISA, and they look great now! So, it’s not like it’s the end of the world. Yolanda, your turn!”

“Alright…” She was still fixating a small frown from the sabotage story, but took half a minute to reply, “Sometimes I mess up Grumpy Joe’s orders on purpose.” She sighed. “I know it’s wrong, but he’s just so rude.” 

Courtney pumped a fist. “As you should!”

Beth said, “Maybe you should just ban him from the diner?”

“I don’t think the owner ever let us ban anyone. They wouldn’t even let us ban…” She glanced aside, picking a piece of lint from Courtney’s duvet. “...You know.” 

The girls did know. Matt Harris. 

It was Beth’s turn. This was a harder game than she originally realized when agreeing to play. The problem was that she’s pretty bad with real secrets. There’s so much of her life that she’s always eager to share that she ends up revealing most of it to her friends. And, thanks to her goggles, she was privy to a lot of information about other people, but she wouldn’t consider those to be secrets. It also wasn’t her place to reveal them. Health facts, birthdays, ages, criminal records. That, combined with the lie detector feature, Beth practically knew it all. 

There was one thing, though. 

The time was ticking. The sheets on Courtney’s bed moved with Yolanda’s shifting around. Courtney sat tense and focused, ready for whatever juicy gossip Beth was about to unleash. 

Beth closed her eyes tight and squeezed the pillow in her hands. 

With one rushed breath she said, “I have a crush on Rick.”

It could have been two seconds between the time the words fell out of her mouth and the time they reached her friends' ears, but to Beth, it felt like a century. The relief, the anxiety, the excitement, even, that lept to her throat was so much all at once. But even if this ended in disaster, she knew it would be better than not being honest with her feelings at all.  Finally, Beth said it. 

She peeked an eye open and found both of her friends with their jaws hanging open. “...Say something.” 

“You have a what on who???” 

“Girl, are you serious?” Yolanda slowly crawled off the bed, shaking hair out of her eyes with a long hand sweep, revealing the way they were bugging out with disbelief at Beth. 

Courtney whipped her head around between both girls. “On Rick?”  

“Yes?” Beth sat up. Her heart raced like crazy as heat reached her cheeks, burning as she’d never felt in her entire life. “He’s cute and sweet and–”

“...Rick?” Yolanda repeated like Beth spoke a different language. “Cute and sweet?” She shuddered. 

“He is!” Beth insisted. “He’s very sweet to me!” Into the pillow, she also mumbled, “...And when he puts on the suit, as Hourman he’s very attractive.”

“Stop! It's just one secret at a time!” Courtney stuck fingers in her ears, la-la-la-ing. “Stop!”

“We like Rick!” Beth reminded them. “He’s our best friend!” 

“Yeah, he’s like, our bro!” Courtney said, hands still clasped over her ears. “Our best dude. Not our resident hot guy!” 

“...So I’m the only one into Rick?” 

Courtney collapsed onto the floor, well into a performance of overdramatic gagging. 

Yolanda put both hands on Beth’s shoulders, tearing her attention from Courtney’s, who had now laughed herself to tears and looked her dead in the eyes. “You are the only one.”

“Good!” Beth said, somewhat chipper, taking Courtney’s extravagant display of disgust in stride. “I was worried it wasn’t just me.” She bit her lip once Courtney pulled herself together. “...Do you think he might like me too?”

Yolanda and Courtney glanced at each other and shrugged. 

Beth leaned forward. “What?” 

“It’s hard to read Rick. I need to think about it.” Courtney stood up. “This calls for cookies.” She gave Buddy a light shove and ran out for the kitchen. 

Yolanda hummed. “Now that you mention it, maybe you’re right. He is sweet to you.” 

“I thought about it!” Courtney called from the hallway, she returned with a huge stack of Oreos. She plopped it onto the bed and then dropped right next to Beth again, pointing seriously at her. “He always gets you out of the way first when something dangerous happens.” 

“And he never gets mad at you,” Yolanda pointed out. 

“I wouldn’t say never…” 

“Almost never,” Courtney amended. “That’s practically love, dude.” 

“Oh my god, I know what to do.” Yolanda hobbled back to Courtney’s bed. She grabbed her phone and swiped through her JSA album in her photo app, scrutinizing any photographs with both Rick and Beth in them. She clicks her tongue. “I don’t know…” She singsonged. “...He looks at you a lot.” 

Beth scrunched up her nose, still feeling timid. She didn’t want to get her hopes up. “You don’t have to make things up now.” “I’m not!” Yolanda said. She blew up the picture to share with the girls.  “See?”

They peered over the photos. There was Rick. Looking...less-Rick-ish when smiling at Beth. 

“Do you think I should tell him?” 

“Yes.” 

“No.” 

Yolanda and Courtney glanced at each other again. 

“No.” 

“Yes.” 

“Guys!” Beth complained. “You’re no help at all.” 

The doorbell rang downstairs. 

“A suitor, perhaps?” Court raised a playful brow. “Coming to sweep Beth off her feet?”  

A collective groan. 

Courtney’s mom called up. “Courtney? Artemis is here!” 

Beth sat up straight. Artemis might be Courtney’s new neighbour, but it was going to take a bit more time for Beth to trust Artemis with something as personal as her crush. “Remember that this stays in this room!” 

Courtney’s face fell. “So I can’t drop hints to Rick at all?” 

“No!” 

“No!” 

She crossed her arms and fell backwards onto the blankets with a pout. “Damn it.” 

Quick footsteps bounded up the stairs–The door swung open. “Sorry, I had night CrossFit.” Artemis tossed her duffle and then herself onto the bed. Yolanda bounced to the other side, holding her side with an “oof.”  She flicked her messy bun into a lazy ponytail. “So what are we doing?” She wrinkled her nose at the snacks. “Ew. Oreos.” 

Courtney grinned, and everyone knew more trouble would follow.  “It’s called…Secrets.” 

#stargirl #beth chapel #rick tyler #hournite #rick x beth #stargirl spoilers #Dr Mid-Nite #hn fic #fluff #sleepover #tkv fic #stargirl fic #artemis crock #yolanda montez #courtney whitmore

[narrators-journal]

For that Red Riding Hood P3 au.

Tiny Birb Monster Ryoji bringing Minato ‘gifts’ like a Kitty?

Gifts= Dead Animals

I got insanely happy when an ask for my AU came up, and I love that it was such a simple, kind of goofy request. This was fun to write, I hope you enjoy this addition as much as I do <3

Despite often walking on all fours and being a monster born from the night, Ryoji Mochizuki, as Minato's...companion had named himself, was a nightmarishly intellegent creature.

Upon first glance, he had seemed no smarter than perhaps a crow when Mitsuru had given him a few tests. Able to identify shapes, people, and maybe even himself in a mirror, but unable to speak or seemingly understand them beyond inflection or tone. However, after a particularly odd spat, Minato and his co-workers had learned that his new Shadow was not only smarter than a crow, but was scarily so. Showing that he could not only identify shapes, but write in shockingly neat handwriting.

With all of that said, whatever unnerving depths of intellegence Ryoji hid didn't keep him from behaving like a spoiled brat of a bird. Demanding pet, yowling and cawing when he wanted food, and demanding to be bathed despite Minato being almost certain that the same creature who was capable of opening doors and locked phones could do it himself. Or, in tonight's case of his stubborn game. Bringing home dead animals to be, what Minato could only assume to be, some form of gift.

            "Ryoji. Where the FUCK, did you get a zebra in Japan?" Minato asked, gesturing to the dead, striped horse that the monster had dropped onto the porch the night, and now laid on the pavement baking in the sun. Yet, of course, the cat-sized Shadow on his shoulder did nothing but trill and press his head into Minato's cheek gently, cooing and fluttering his four wings in innocent joy. Obviously, he wasn't going to answer. So, with a heavy sigh, the blue-haired Shadow hunter admitted defeat on the conversation front. Simply decided to try and look the animal over instead.

Not that this had been the first dead 'gift' he'd found, Ryoji had brought him a wide collection of dead things in the two months that he'd claimed the midnight-haired male as his favorite person. But, this was the first one that was far too big to toss into the dumpster and forgotten about. So, the hunter was left to find some other method to get rid of the poor thing while he looked the corpse over for a cause of death.

Judging from the lack of a blood stain, the zebra hadn't been cut into. That, or it simply didn't have any blood left in it, but, it's course fur didn't seem to be hiding any thin cuts or puncture holes at the throat, so Ryoji being vampiric didn't seem to be the case.           "So, like, are you going to eat this thing?" He asked after a finishing his half-hearted investigation of the scene, but the odd shadow only looked up at him in silence. Frozen in his attempt to get a ramune marble out of a discarded bottle to gawk up at Minato as if he'd just spat in his birthday cake. "I'll take that as a no." The hunter sighed, looking back at the corpse on the dormitory porch as he thought again.

He tried lifting the horse, but it would at least take two very determined people to do, and the blue-haired shadow hunter wasn't exactly in the mood to put that much work into it. Especially since burying it would require him to dig a hole as well.

So, he came to a different idea, and turned back to the cat-sized monster fighting the glass bottle. "'yoji, why don't you bring this thing inside? We'll eat it, or something." He told him, which got a trill as the creature dropped the ramune bottle and began extending himself and stretching himself out into a bigger size with a soundtrack of skin-crawling cracks, ripping, and bone-scraping noises that was enough to make Minato cringe a little bit. But, he wasn't about to shame the monster for the noises when he could just pick his catch up like it were little more than a bag of cat food and haul it inside.

Mitsuru would inevitably be pissed about the dead zebra, but that was an issue for later.

#little red riding hood au #persona 3 au #Ryoji Mochizuki x Minato Arisato #persona #Monster!Ryoji #persona 3 #ask #Ryoji Mochizuki #Minato Arisato #male persona 3 protagonist #Makoto Yuuki

[dru-reblogs-stuff]

15 Questions 15 Mutuals Tag

Thanks for the tag, @sync-eqm!

Tagging... Anyone that sees this? Still don't have a gen tag list...

Are you named after anyone? My parents say no; my brother likes to say I'm named after a girl he liked at school XD My middle name is hereditary though - my Mum and maternal grandmother have/had the same. I think I may be after another female relative back the chain, but I'm not sure.

When was the last time you cried? What level of tears here? Because I had a medium sprinkle on Wed... Work was a bitch, the blood tide rose, I was exhausted and couldn't cook. I asked the Gent for validation that I wasn't a terrible person, and his response made me cry in relief. Last time full out sobbing? I had a dream about my dad that messed me up to the point of waking the housemate up to sob on her shoulder.

Do you have kids? Not biologically.

Do you use sarcasm a lot? I try not to. I know a lot of people who have trouble picking it up, so it's unfair to use it around them.

What’s the first thing you notice about people? Their hair

What’s your eye colour? Not to sound *~❁special❁~*, but I'm told the colour is 'sea green' - nominally they're blue, but they hue shift towards green sometimes.

Scary movies or happy endings? Neither; bittersweet/ tragic endings

Any special talents? Pretty good sense of direction, pretty good sense of time, apparently I make an excellent cup of tea.

Where were you born? SW UK

What are your hobbies? Vidya games, TTRPG, writing, '''media consumption''', making graphics, travel

Have you any pets? Nope. Unless plants count? Fuck it, I'm telling you about my plants. * Bird of Paradise - I've had this since it was a wee babby. It's 17y/o now, sadly never flowered, but lives quite happily in its massive white pot and occasionally causes problems by being Huge and In The Bloody Way. * 'Alo Vera - I had a small Aloe and tried to pot it on but it died. So Sister In Law gave me one of hers. I water it when I remember and in the meantime it pretends to be a triffid. * Blueberry Bush - Mum got this for my birthday 2 years ago. It was brilliant the first year, but I went on holiday during the really hot weather last year and it didn't give many berries. Fresh bluebs for breakfast is amazing though. * Winter Heather - This came from someone my Mum works with. No one wanted the poor thing so I took it in. It's very pretty. * Strawbs - It was like 50p last year. I thought it wouldn't survive but I got a few berries off it. Last summer was not kind to it either. It's still got greenery so hopefully it'll fruit again this year. * Dianthus - Another one bought last summer, because I said Fuck It, I Want Flowers. The petunia didn't last, but surprisingly the dianthus is still growing well. * Sammy the Littlest Cactus III - A tiny cactus I bought 5 years ago for my office. It's doing really well, but it needs potting on and I'm a bit afraid to... because guess what happened to Sammy I and II? * Spiky mcWTF - A zebra plant I adopted when its person left our company. I'm surprised it survived because it got left in the office during lockdown and was over-watered by the Boss. Also needs potting out... * Amarilys - technically this one is the Housemate's but it lives on my desk and I look after it. Very pretty. Hopefully it flowers this year, it might need some plant feed though.

What sports do you play/have played? I used to swim competitively and I also use to kayak. I still enjoy sea swimming in the summer and medium hikes. But I never was and am not still very sporty.

How tall are you? Allegedly Average at 5'4" / 1.63m

Favourite subject in school? Geography.

Dream job? IDK. I used to say I wanted to be a librarian or a coder. Working as a H&S assistant was really fulfilling. Now... Travel writer?

#wandering words #I should buy the Bird of Paradise a beer next year because it'll be old enough to drink & vote... #get to know you tag

[maybeimamuppet]

picking teams- chapter 2: cady

hellooooo happy wednesday! omg two chapters in a row who is sheeeeee 

in all honesty i just had this one ready to go already, and my birthday was yesterday so i figured i’d give you guys a little present from me :)) 

i don’t think i need any tw’s for this one but as always if you notice something please let me know so i can add it in !

enjoy!

—————

“Binti!” 

“Yeah, Mom?!” Cady calls across the savanna, popping her head out of the watering hole she had been taking a dip in to cool off and scaring away one of the zebras in the process. “Sorry, Zara.” 

“Dry off and come inside, please! We need to talk to you,” her mom calls from the ‘door’ of their tent. 

“Uh oh,” Cady mutters to herself. She wades over to the shore and sits to talk to a gazelle as she uses her small towel to dry off and tugs her clothes back on. “That can’t be good. How am I in trouble this time?”

The gazelle just honks at her and returns to its snooze. Cady nods. 

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Hopefully my punishment isn’t picking up the elephant dung again. I’ll see you later, Imani.” 

With a quick pat to her friend’s head, she ties the last knot into the laces of her boots and jogs back home. 

“Whatever I did, I’m sorry, I’ll be less clumsy,” she begins. Her parents laugh. 

“You’re not in trouble, Monkey. We just need to talk to you,” her father says, gesturing for her to sit by them at their ‘table’. It’s actually just an elaborate construction of wooden crates, but they all love their little dinky dining table. 

“So you didn’t find out about the…” Cady says, realizing after she begins that she shouldn’t continue. 

“About the what?”

“Nothing! Nothing,” Cady says with a sheepish grin. Phew. “So what’s up?” 

Her parents lock eyes with each other in concern before looking to her. Her father nods, and her mother begins speaking. “I’ve gotten a new job. We’ll have to move soon.”

“Oh.” Cady says. “Where are we going?” 

“Just outside of Chicago,” her father says. 

“America?!” Cady squeals excitedly. “We’re moving to America?!” 

“Yes,” her mother says. “I thought you’d be upset. We’re sorry to take you from the only home you’ve ever known.”

“Are you kidding?!” Cady laughs. “This is amazing! Maybe I’ll meet an obese person! And-and I can finally try Starbucks, and skateboarding, and real high school! And I won’t have to practice my tumbling in clay and mud anymore, we might have real grass! Or even a real gym!” 

“I told you we didn’t have to worry,” her dad mutters to her mother with a small grin. “We leave in a week, so you’ll have a bit of time to say your goodbyes to everything here.”

“Thank you!” Cady squeals, knocking their tiny table over as she pitches herself to hug her parents. 

“You’re welcome, Binti. Dinner’s in an hour, go finish your chores,” her mother chuckles, kissing her hairline. 

“Okay!” Cady says eagerly. She trips over her feet on her way out the door as she calls for her favorite lions. “Nala, Zuri, Mtoto, guys! I get to go to real school! In America!” 

—————

A week later finds her at the airport in Nairobi. She’s managed to fit the last twelve years of her life into one backpack. It hurt more than she expected, having to say goodbye to her animal family and Kenyan home. But she faced it bravely, and now is eager for her next adventure. 

She peers out the window as they take off on their very, very long flight to her new home. Her new life. The oranges and browns and greens of the savanna gradually fade away, and soon all she can see is the sky. 

Her dad notices how quiet she is from his seat next to her. Of her parents, he’s always been slightly more understanding of her nature. “We found a gym for you near our new place. They have open gyms every Friday afternoon.”

“Really?” Cady asks eagerly. “Will it be like the videos?” 

From a very young age, Cady climbed everything she could get her hands on. She’d earned the nickname ‘Monkey’ almost as soon as she could walk. If it could support her weight, she’d be up it in a minute. Even if it couldn’t support her weight, she’d at least give it a go. She learned the hard way that that’s a bad idea. 

But in Kenya, climbing things isn’t the safest hobby. Nor is running and rolling everywhere, as a younger Cady was also wont to do. Lots of dangerous predators live both on the ground and up trees, who wouldn’t think twice about making a meal of a rambunctious five year old. 

So, to appease Cady’s natural urge to move, but in a safe way, her father had found an old VCR, and some VHS tapes of Olympic gymnasts. Cady got her own special nook of the large tent they called home, and a spotter in the form of one of her parents.

And Cady tumbled. 

Over the years, she got better and better at it. She’s always been exceptionally clumsy, but something in her seemed to click when she was flipping or cartwheeling or the like. Her dad always jokes that she walks better on her hands than her feet. 

“Better,” he says. “Better than the videos.” 

“Really?” Cady asks again. Her dad nods, a knowing twinkle in his eye. Cady grins at him, and it grows when he offers her a piece of their favorite watermelon gum to help with the strange pressure in her ears. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“Anytime, Monkey.”

—————

Cady has an incredible first week in America. 

Her house has air conditioning, a marvel she had spent almost a whole day trying to figure out. She finally got her venti chai from Starbucks, and adored it even though it didn’t quite live up to her expectations in terms of the taste. Her dad took her to the gym he had mentioned so she could practice her skills, and she had a great time learning what a trampoline is. 

The Wednesday after they arrive is her first day of school.

“Are you sure you have everything, Binti? Your map and schedule? Kälteen bar? Water bottle?” Cady’s mom asks, brushing a non-existent piece of lint from her shoulder. 

“Yes, Mom, I double checked everything before we left,” Cady says. “I have to go.”

“Have fun. Call if you can’t handle it and I’ll come get you,” her mother says. 

“I will. I love you,” Cady says, giving her mom a tight hug. 

“I love you too. Have a good day,” her mom says as she returns her embrace. Cady gives her mom one last squeeze before she sets off through the doors of her first real school. 

She goes to the main office first like she was told to. Luckily for her, it’s been labeled with a large sign. “Hello!” 

“Hello, how can I help you?” the secretary asks kindly as she hangs up the phone. 

“Um, I’m new here,” Cady says, suddenly anxious. “They told me to come here for some things.” 

“Ah, yes,” the secretary hums, rooting through some papers on her desk. “Caddy Heron?”

“Uh, it’s Cady,” she replies. The secretary tuts something about ‘modern names’ under her breath and marks the pronunciation down for… someone. 

“Alright, here’s your map and schedule if you need a fresh copy,” the secretary says, handing over some papers. “And this is the room number and contact information for the junior activities committee. They handle all the events for your grade. They’ll help show you around and can help you get connected to clubs and things that you’re interested in.” 

“Cool!” Cady chirps. “Is that all?”

“Should be. Do you think you can find your classroom on your own?” 

“Yep! Thank you!” 

Cady sighs and holds her backpack straps as she closes the door behind her. Time for my next adventure. 

—-

The next adventure turns out to be finding the right classroom. The numbering system is so strange. She winds up in the English wing when she’s supposed to be in the math wing, and is almost running to make it where she’s meant to be on time. 

And then it turns out she’s not supposed to be in the math wing at all. Homeroom is after first period. Who came up with that? 

Her homeroom teacher helpfully gives her some navigation pointers to get to her study hall. Cady looks at her schedule as she runs and sees that she also has her for math. How nice. 

Cady slides into the only empty seat left and rests her head on her desk. What a day, she thinks. And it’s only first period. 

—-

She continues stumbling around like a baby giraffe until lunch. She’s barely managed to scrape into classes on time so far, since people keep shoving her around in the hallways like some sadistic pinball machine and she doesn’t even know where she’s going in the first place. This place is more like the jungle than the actual jungle. 

“Wait, why don’t I know you?” a high, falsely sweet voice rings out as Cady makes her way across the cafeteria looking for a place to sit. 

“Me?” Cady asks, freezing in place and pointing to herself. She finds herself face to face with a leggy blonde in a very expensive pink outfit, looking at her almost the way one looks at a cute animal. The blonde nods slightly as if to say, duh. “O-oh, I’m new here. I was homeschooled before.”

“You’re, like, really pretty,” the blonde continues, standing and stalking over to observe Cady from multiple angles. 

“Thank you?” Cady says. What the fuck do I do how do I talk to people oh god. “I-“

“So you agree?”

“Huh?”

“You think you’re really pretty?”

“Oh, no! No, I-“

“You’re really gonna get noticed around here,” the blonde says. “You need good friends. You should totally sit with us.” 

“Really?” Cady asks shyly, trying not to let on how relieved she is. Finally, some decent humans. 

“Totally!” one of the other girls at her table says, hopping up to join the blonde. “But you have to know the rules if you’re gonna sit with us. You can’t wear a tank top more than two days in a row, and you can only wear sweatpants or track pants on Fridays. You can only wear your hair in a ponytail once a week, and-“

“On Wednesdays we wear pink!” the other girl says, gesturing to her clothes. “But you’re, like, panic emoji, totally new, so it’s okay for today.” 

“O-okay,” Cady says, pulling her peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of her bag and shyly sitting down across from them. “Um…”

“What?” the blonde hums. 

“What are your names?” 

“Oh my god, of course!” the brunette one says. “That’s Regina, she’s, like, the queen of the school. You’re so lucky she invited you to sit with us.”

Cady nods, like she’s still trying to convince herself of that. 

“I’m Gretchen, Regina’s best friend. I’m basically her second in command,” Gretchen continues. “And that’s Karen.”

“My teeth are shiny!” Karen chirps happily. Cady nods kindly. So, apex predator, beta, and… here for her own protection. Got it. 

“I’m Cady,” she says. She notices the stack of papers Regina has next to her. “What are those?”

“Oh, these? Just some dumb flyers we have to put up around school for cheer tryouts tonight,” Regina sighs. “But that’s, like, way too much walking, so I’m just gonna make one of the boys do it for me.”

“What’s… cheer?” Cady asks in confusion. All three of the girls turn and gape at her. 

“You don’t know? How homeschooled were you?” Gretchen asks in shock. 

“Uh… very,” Cady says. “I’m from Kenya.”

“Shut up,” Regina says with something akin to awe. “Shut up!”

“I… didn’t say anything,” Cady says sheepishly. Gretchen suddenly shoves her phone in front of Cady’s face, somehow already having found a video of this ‘cheer’ to show her. Cady watches eagerly. “Oh, so it’s like gymnastics! That’s fun!”

“Better,” Karen says. “It’s better than gymnastics. Because we get pompoms.” 

“Pompoms are those sparkly things in their hands,” Gretchen explains kindly. Cady nods. 

“Cool! Can… what does try out mean?” she asks. 

“It means you try out,” Regina tuts. “For the squad. Come show some basic tumbling and cheering and stuff and see if you have what it takes. Duh.”

“Oh,” Cady nods. “Can I try out?” 

“Of course! Regina is cheer captain, and Karen and I are both on the varsity squad. If you make it on the squad too that would be, like, totally perfect!” Gretchen says eagerly. 

“No promises, though, Cady,” Regina says. “If you don’t have the skills, I can’t let you on. It’s, like, the rules for all of us.” 

“I understand,” Cady says, nodding boldly. “Can I have one of those, please?” 

Gretchen reaches across the table to the stack to grab her a flyer, since Regina makes no move to hand her one. Cady takes it with a thank you and pulls out her phone to text her mom. 

monkey: Hi mommy!

mama lion: Hello, binti. Is everything okay? Do you need picked up?

monkey: No, I’m fine! But can I stay after school today?

mama lion: Why?

monkey: I made some new friends! They do something called cheerleading and I want to try out too!!

mama lion: Oh, of course. Do you need better clothes? 

monkey: No, I can move pretty well in this stuff, I think I’ll be okay. Love you!

mama lion: I love you too, binti. Text when you’re ready for me to come get you. 

monkey: Okay! Bye!

“Okay, my mom says I can go,” Cady says. “But I’ve never done anything but gymnastics before.” 

“You did gymnastics in Asia?” Karen asks in awe. 

“Africa,” Cady corrects gently. “And yeah. I didn’t have teachers or anything, but I taught myself some stuff. And my parents helped a lot.” 

“Aww, how sweet, your mommy and daddy helped you?” Regina titters. 

“Mmhmm!” Cady says eagerly. “I even got my own-“

“That’s great. 120 calories and forty-eight calories from fat, what percent is that?”

“Forty-eight into 120?” Gretchen confirms anxiously, flipping to the calculator on her phone. 

“There’s no way of knowing,” Karen replies, as if she’s some sort of not quite all-knowing deity. 

“I’m only eating foods with less than thirty percent calories from fat!” Regina huffs.

“It’s forty percent,” Cady pipes up. “You just put forty-eight over 120 and then x over a hundred and cross multiply.”

All three of them blink at her in shock. Regina is the first to snap out of it with a, “Whatever, I’m getting cheese fries.”

“Yooo, Africa, those fractions were tight,” a voice says, looming behind her. Cady whirls around to see a boy from her homeroom. What was his name? Karl? “Kevin G. I’m team captain for the North Shore Mathletes. You should think about joining. Ms. Norbury says we’d get more funding if we had a girl on the team, and we really want to get jackets.” 

“That sounds co-“ Cady begins to say, getting interrupted by Regina returning with her cheese fries. 

“Ew, why is he by our table?” 

“I’m right here. I can hear you,” Kevin huffs. 

“Can you hear me now?” Regina hums haughtily, kissing her fingertips and waving them in his general direction with a whispered, “Bye.” 

“Think about it, Africa. Jackets,” Kevin says as he heads back to his own table. 

Cady is floored. Regina totally chewed up that boy to protect her, without hesitation. Whoa. 

She knows now what she has to do. She’s found the apex predator of North Shore High. Stay in Regina’s good graces, and she has full protection for the rest of her school career. No more being pushed around in the hallways, no more almost eating lunch in the bathroom, no more teasing. 

The only way to stay in Regina’s good graces? 

Observe, and adapt. Fit in at any cost. Whatever it takes. 

monkey: Do you think we can go shopping when you pick me up? 

————-

After school, Cady stumbles her way to the gym, frantically checking her map and only getting horrifically lost once on her way. A tall, almost scary looking girl with half-blonde hair helpfully points her in the right direction, seeming to notice the wide-eyed look of fright on her face. 

With mystery girl’s help, she manages to make it to the gym on time for tryouts. She wanders over to a crowd of people; mostly girls, but with a few boys scattered in. 

“Cady! Over here,” Gretchen calls, waving her over to their group on the bleachers. She’s now clad in workout clothes, instead of the tight pink top and mini-skirt she had on at lunch. “Is… is that what you’re wearing to try out in?” 

“Yeah?” Cady shrugs, looking down at her cargo shorts and flannel. “It’s what I wore all the time in Kenya, even to practice in. I don’t see why it’d be different here.” 

“…Fun!” Gretchen chirps hesitantly. “Here, I’ll watch your stuff for you. Go get your number from Regina.”

“Thanks, Gretchen,” Cady replies thankfully, heading to the table Regina and a lady she doesn’t recognize are sitting behind. “Hey, Regina.”

“Hm?” Regina hums, not looking up from her phone. Finally, after tapping away for a good while, she glances up. “Oh, hey Cady. Good luck.” 

“Thanks!” Cady chirps, sticking her number to her hip and heading back to Gretchen and Karen. 

“So, usually tryouts start with, like, basic dancing and cheering and stuff,” Gretchen explains helpfully. She continues explaining, in great detail, everything Cady can expect from tryouts. Cady can barely keep up, she talks so fast, but she’s still thankful to have a friend to give her a heads up. 

Once all the numbers have been taken from the table, the lady Regina was sitting with blasts a very loud whistle and calls them off the bleachers to spread out around the gym. 

“Alright, ladies and gents, listen up! I’m head coach, Regina here is team captain, and our assistant coach had to go get her kid from daycare because of a lice outbreak so she’s not here. If you make the squad you’ll meet her later,” she begins. “We’re gonna start with some basic choreo and cheering! Follow Regina as best you can, and if we call your number, leave.” 

Bit harsh, Cady thinks. She jumps as some loud music starts blaring over the loudspeakers, but tries to snap back to attention as Regina starts moving in the front row. 

She follows along as best she can, but she stumbles a few times and is late on a few moves. She can practically feel the coach’s eyes boring into her, scrutinizing every move to see if she has what it takes. 

Numbers are called off in small groups as they keep going. Cady has to strain to listen over the cheering the whole group is doing, and checks her own number in a panic every single time. 

But, somehow, she makes it through that round. She can tell that she’s on thin ice, however. 

The coach blasts her whistle again when the song ends, and they all head up to the front again to listen for the next instructions. 

“Okay, nicely done! If you’re still here, we think you have good potential in that regard,” she yells, even though they’re directly in front of her and could hear her perfectly fine. “Next up! If any of you have any gymnastics, tumbling or previous cheer experience, go sit on the bleachers for now! Those of you who don’t, we want to see what you can do based on instinct!” 

Cady heads back to the bleachers with Gretchen and Karen, facing them as they face the gym. She snatches her water bottle out of the pocket on the side of her backpack and sucks down as much of it as she can in one go. 

“Holy cow,” she gasps after she pulls back. “That was… a lot of work.” 

“Just wait,” Gretchen chuckles, almost ominously. “Tumbling and stunting are up next.”

“But tumbling is easy,” Cady says in confusion. She shrugs and rests her head in her hands as her arms are folded on the gross seats above her. 

She barely gets to catch her breath before the first crowd of tumblers is done, sufficiently weeded through to find those with enough skill to move on. 

“Alright, those of you with experience, you’re up! We’re just looking for basic know-how, some general skills. We’ll work on form and more specific stuff as the season goes. Number twenty-seven, you’re up first!” 

Nobody moves for a moment. Until Cady looks down at her number. Twenty-seven. “Oh!”

She kicks off her sandals, having learned from experience that tumbling in them does not end well. A few steps on the ground help her assess the material. Hard wood, covered in lacquer. Slippery, not as much give as she’s used to, but also means she won’t sink in as much. She won’t need quite as much force, but she’ll have to mind her form and footing.

Next, she sees how much room she has to work with. The gym is about 105 feet long… if she’s careful, she can do all of her favorite tricks and then some. 

With a deep breath, she begins. Roundoffs, back handsprings, cartwheels, flips, everything she can think to do. She keeps her eyes on the far wall, and ends with an almost perfectly stuck landing when she gets too close for comfort. 

She pants for breath and turns to the crowd. 

Dead silence. 

Some people’s mouths are even hanging open, and everyone is staring at her. 

Embarrassed, she slowly shuffles back over and goes to whisper to Gretchen. “Was it that bad? Everyone’s staring. I knew my form was off, and I didn’t stick it, but the floor was different. I didn’t think-“

“Cady, are you kidding?!” Gretchen says, almost in awe. “That was incredible! Nobody’s, like, ever tumbled like that before. You didn’t even use the mat!” 

“Oh,” Cady replies. “Wait, I did good?”

“You did great,” Karen says, remarkably comfortingly. 

“Oh. Thanks,” Cady says sheepishly. 

“Alright, uh…” Coach says after another blast of her whistle. “Very well done, twenty-seven, but for the rest of you, please stick to the mat! You’re all a legal liability otherwise!” 

Oops, Cady thinks to herself, shrinking in on herself sheepishly and heading to drink more of her water. 

A tall, kind looking boy heads over to her after his turn. “Hey.”

“Hey-hey me?” Cady asks nervously, pointing to herself. 

“Yeah, hey you,” the boy chuckles. “Sorry. I’m Damian. I just wanted to say you were… fucking amazing just now.” 

“Oh! Thanks!” Cady chirps. “I’m Cady. Cady Heron.” 

“Nice to meet you, Cady Heron,” Damian replies, holding a hand to shake. Cady takes it with a smile. “So how long have you been cheering?”

“Today,” Cady replies. Damian gapes at her. “I’ve been homeschooled until… today. So I never had the opportunity until now. But I’ve been tumbling since I was three or four, I think.” 

“It shows,” Damian says. “So where are you from? I haven’t seen you around town.” 

“Kenya,” Cady replies. Damian chokes on air, making Cady look at him in concern. “Are you okay?” 

“Fine, fine!” he coughs. “Sorry. Just wasn’t expecting that.”

“Most people aren’t,” Cady giggles. “My parents are zoologists, we moved there when I was little to study wildlife. But my mom got a new job, so we moved back here a week ago.”

“Only a week? You poor thing, being subjected to North Shore so soon,” Damian hums sadly. “Have you found any friends yet? I’m co-chair for the junior activities committee, I can help you. I mean, you’re already here, so good job there, but, like, if you need help elsewhere. I’m your man.” 

“I think I’m okay, but thanks,” Cady replies gratefully. “I found some girls at lunch and they seem really nice!” 

“Regina, right?” Damian asks. Cady nods. “Be careful around her. She’s not as she seems.” 

“What do you mean?” Cady asks in concern. 

“Nothing,” Damian says quickly. “Just… watch yourself.” 

“Okay…” Cady says in confusion. “Oh, wait! You’re in my French class, I remember you now! You’re the one who wanted to go by Chanel!” 

“Guilty as charged,” Damian chuckles, seeming almost too proud of himself. He looks down at the crowd, and his demeanor suddenly changes again. “Uh, I gotta go. Nice meeting you!” 

He’s gone before Cady can even say, “Bye.” leaving her blinking at the empty spot next to her in confusion. What was that all about?

Cady looks back to the gym and watches the other people tumble. She claps politely for everyone when they finish, earning herself some strange looks. She doesn’t care, and cheers extra loud for Gretchen and Karen. 

It takes a fair bit, but eventually, everyone has shown their tumbling skills. Cady listens intently as more numbers are dismissed, but her number never comes. 

Up next is stunting. Cady gets grouped up with Gretchen and Karen. She’s the smallest of them by a notable amount, so she’s told she’ll be something called a flyer. Of course, she has absolutely no idea what that means. 

A few other groups go before them, allowing her to learn that she’ll be the one being thrown in the air. And just barely caught. Great. 

Their group is led onto a stack of thick, cushy mats when it’s their turn. Cady is thankful for their presence. She may be good at tumbling, but heights aren’t totally her deal. You climbed Kilimanjaro, she reminds herself. You can do this.

Hesitantly, she relaxes in the grip of her teammates and braces as she’s thrown up in the air. She can feel her hair flowing behind her as she flexes her muscles and forces herself upright. 

Karen and Gretchen each grab one of her feet, looking at her carefully to help her maintain her balance. Cady takes another deep breath as they hoist her up over their heads and hold her there, striking a few poses she had seen some of the others do. 

After a few seconds, she’s tossed again, and lies herself back to horizontal to be caught in a cradle and gently lowered back to the ground. 

“Nicely done,” the coach says, gesturing for the group to head back to the bleachers and wait, yet again. 

“That was terrifying,” Cady mumbles shakily as she drinks more of her water. 

“You get used to it,” Gretchen replies, almost a huff. Cady blinks in confusion. 

“Did-did I do something?”

“No,” Gretchen replies through grit teeth. “I’m… just usually the flyer. I’m not used to being a base.” 

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Cady replies sadly. 

“Just leave it, it’s fine,” Gretchen sighs. Karen rubs her back comfortingly as they watch the other groups go. Cady isn’t totally sure what to do, and just sits behind them to watch in silence. 

—-

Before too much longer, there’s only a few people left in the room. The coach and Regina spend a very, very long time talking in hushed tones, presumably about who made the cut and where to assign everyone. Everyone waits patiently, some in silence, and some chattering nervously with their friends. 

Eventually, the coach heads back over to their group and gives a blast of her whistle. “When I call your number, come down to see us, we’ll tell you if you made the squad and what to do from there.”

“Yes, coach,” everyone replies. Cady doesn’t, having barely been paying attention. She wasn’t expecting to be so nervous, but she hardly gets out a, “Wait, what?” 

Gretchen is called up first, and Cady watches anxiously for her new friend’s reaction. Judging by her smile and repeated thanks, she got what she was hoping for. Cady gives her two thumbs up and a wide smile, which Gretchen returns with slightly less enthusiasm. 

Karen also makes it, along with Damian, the boy Cady had talked to for a while earlier. Several other girls also seem to make the squad and run out of the room with varying degrees of excitement. Others don’t, and dejectedly shuffle away. 

Cady gets nervous as the time goes on and her number is never called. Surely there can’t be that many spots on the squad. What if she wasn’t actually good enough? 

Finally, she’s the only one left in the room, and the coach calls her number. Anxiously, she heads down to the table. Regina and the coach both look quite grim. 

But suddenly, the coach’s face splits into a wide grin and she gives Cady a rather aggressive congratulatory clap on the shoulder. Cady tries to hide her wince and massage the pain away covertly. 

“Congratulations, you made varsity,” Regina says as if this is the most boring news in all of history. “You’ll be our head flyer, you’re kind of head of the show. Besides me, of course. You’ll be doing a lot of tumbling and stunting.”

“Great,” Cady says, sighing internally. Not more stunting. She tries to sound more genuine when she says, “Thank you so much.” 

“Mmhmm,” Regina sighs. “You have to work on your face.”

“What?”

“Your face. You don’t look happy,” Regina explains. “While you’re cheering, and especially while you’re stunting.”

“I wasn’t, I was terrified,” Cady replies. 

“Don’t let the crowds see that. Work on keeping a smile and high energy,” the coach says kindly. “Here’s the order form for your uniform and everything you’ll need for the season, you’re free to go. Congratulations again.”

“Thank you,” Cady says, taking the paper and going to get her things. She waits until she’s out of sight and earshot before she does a little happy dance. “I made the squad!”

She goes running out to the parking lot of the building and to her mom’s car, where she’s waiting to pick her up. “Hi, Binti, how was your day?”

“Awesome! My classes are all really great, and I found some people who aren’t mean to me,” Cady bursts out rapidly, getting the whole sentence out in one breath. Her mother struggles to keep up, but does seem to register everything she says. “And I made the cheer team! I’m the… head flyer? But look, here’s the order form! I get a whole uniform and everything!”

“How wonderful,” her mother hums, taking the form and looking it over with the same critical eye she uses for her work samples. 

“What?” Cady asks, knowing her tone. 

“Nothing. I’m proud of you, Monkey,” her mother says. Cady beams. It’s rare to hear that particular nickname from her. 

“Thanks, mom.” 

“Just one thing,” her mother says. Cady nods.

“Yes?”

“Where are your shoes?”

“Ah, shuck!” 

—————

hope you enjoyed!! 

just a note, i am still working on oneshots! if you’ve given me a request and i’ve accepted it i am working on it, my motivation just went here for the time being. but the oneshots will be finished as soon as i can manage and published alongside these chapters :) 

have a great day!

lots of love,

ezzy 

#cadnis #paint by numbers #space safari #cady heron x janis sarkisian #cady x janis #cady heron #janis sarkisian #damian hubbard #mean girls #mean girls musical #mean girls broadway #mean girls the musical #mean girls on broadway #picking teams

[bluexiao]

Happy birthday, Blue!!! I hope you have a fantastic day! ^u^

ZEBRA !?! OMG HELLO AGAIN AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! HOW HAVE U BEEN ???

#📨

[genuflectx]

Happy New Years everyone! 🌟

Here's a list of things I did this year for funsies :3

Closed my Patreon to free up time! It can feel aimless sometimes, but I've enjoyed more personal time.

Started writing Desiderium and made a plushie blog

Completed several commissions and a handful of large art pieces

Brushed up on 3D and made a bunny blob with bones + texture

Started joining Discord channels to socialize... some went nowhere, others more enjoyable, but still not quite what I'd hoped for.

Started playing VRChat at least once a week, and made several acquaintances who are very kind and fun to hang with

...As well as a handful of bad apples who I sadly had to unfriend, mostly for suddenly saying slurs/racism/sexual assault jokes, etc u.u

Celebrated our beagle's birthday for the 1st time, and sadly our other dog passed, may she be at peace

Went camping with fiance and saw bears up close AHHH

Officially began wedding planning after being engaged for years

Took a trip across state for fiance's friend's wedding, roooadtrip

Started going on more dates to spend more time together

Indulged in a few nice things for the bedroom, like a unicorn blanket for the wall and nice new soft sheets

Got more Daycare Attendant merch nyehehe

Took tons more awesome bird photos, even saw a kingfisher

Went to the zoo and saw some zebras up close, and petted sheep and goats

Developed special interest in large language models and went insane over it for a good few months ToT

Started doing a few ERPs more actively again

Reduced my caffeine intake

Got a permanent position at work, with a great raise

I'm sure there's lots more I'm not remembering, but after the last two years were really hard on us this year was a relief. A combination of doing things for my own health plus a reduced amount of tragedy really makes a difference. I think loneliness coupled with intense stress was reeeally doing me in.

I'm hoping to keep up the momentum come 2024, and I wish only the best for everyone! <3 Have a yummy snack today and think of good things.

#new years #2024 #new years 2024

[ausetkmt]

HotNewHipHop: French Montana Gets A Zebra For His Birthday: Watch

French Montana turned 39 earlier this week, and to celebrate, the performer hosted a party in LA. The party's theme was "Playboy Nights," and French Montana had an impressive guest list. He was joined by Offset, Chris Brown and more for an evening of live music, fire dancers, and other entertainment, making it a night to remember. Chrisean Rock even pulled up, posing for photos and leading the artist's "Happy Birthday" singalong.

While French Montana certainly made the most of the evening, his party wasn't the only highlight of his birthday. He also received a pretty exciting, and unexpected, gift. In a new clip, he's seen surrounded by various animals, accepting a zebra to ring in yet another successful year.

Read More: French Montana Celebrates His Birthday With Chrisean Rock, Offset And More

French Montana Turns 39

In the clip, he's all smiles as he greets his new pet, though he opted not to disclose the identity of the friend who gave him the extravagant gift. "I can't tell y'all who gave me this gift, but this is the gift I got for my birthday," he says with a big grin. "Welcome to America." The unique surprise was just the cherry on top of an already thrilling celebration.

It's no secret that French Montana's an animal lover, making this the perfect gift for the newly-39-year-old. Back in August, he turned heads when he trotted into a Bronx Bodega on horseback, again flexing his affinity for four-legged friends. He explained that he had to find an alternative because his driver's license got suspended, doing whatever it took to grab a snack. "They suspended my license so I went and bought me a horse," he captioned clips of the moment.

"F**k it let's go to the store chikithinggg #goodsummer #wishuwell #cokeboys." 

What do you think of French Montana getting a zebra for his birthday? Are you shocked by the unexpected birthday gift? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: French Montana’s Jet Searched For Contraband In Colombia

#French Montana #French Montana Gets A Zebra For His Birthday #hiphop #artists birthdays #Youtube

[lunarscaled]

"Hey, there Scales. Gotcha somethin' so have a seat."

Hanekoma disappeared into the kitchen for several moments before finally emerging again with a plate containing a small, personal cake. Since Hanekoma didn't quite know Lyric's preferences yet, he'd just made a simple spice cake with a white chocolate glaze drizzled over the top.

"Roman filled me in," he explained, passing the plate over and returning to his place behind the counter, "so I just did my best. You got a preferred drink, boss?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYRIC

-> Lyric intermittently visited the café as a reprieve from their guild work since they had become better acquainted with Hanekoma; it wasn't more than twice a month or so, but occasionally Hanekoma extended invitations to them through Roman to visit for one reason or another. Lyric wondered if some of it stemmed from some want for company that wasn't human---as Lyric understood it, the barista wasn't able to reveal the truth of himself to the people he cared most for, lest he put them at risk in a way he would never be able to mend. And they respect it: they do not tell Roman about Hanekoma's secret, and they do not push Hanekoma to speak, and in turn he sometimes let's them bum a coffee from the cafe or vegetate in total silence for an hour while they avoid the outside world. But today it seemed he had planned something ahead of time; Lyric would like to know why Roman was giving away their birthday, a confidential piece of information, but it is immediately stifled by the thought that Roman would nervously hash out his ideas for birthday gifts in front of others, thus spilling the beans.

-> Lyric takes a seat at the bar. He brandishes towards them a little cake ( though still slightly more than a single serving. they're lucky they hadn't had lunch yet ) that smells sugary under their nose, freshly baked. It's glaze leaves little decorative lines back and forth over the top like zebra stripes. They hold the plate with both hands, somewhat unsure how to respond to the unexpected gift. Having people to celebrate their birthday with wasn't the standard for them, let alone near strangers gifting them sweets. Lyric was used to many hours alone, sometimes in the dark, thinking about the other piece of their day that could not be filled by any gift or cake.

"... ... Lemon tea, if you have it."

-> They pause, still looking at the cake, making no motion to eat it beyond setting it down in front of them. ( they think sudden grief has smothered their appetite. ) They wonder if Hanekoma, in his position as an angel, was an omniscient reader of their life's story. They wondered if he knew they were thinking of their death-lost brother so much it filled their mouth with salt and left them unable to taste anything except the carefully restrained tears. But even then, a welling of saline wets their eyes.

"Thank you for the cake... I'm sorry if I won't eat it right now..."

#strawberry barista #* questions and answers. #🌙 you're the first starlight reborn through the night ( main. )

[lpfreakification]

Day 1 of Mall of America

Bcuz I got a lot to talk about, I'll use Tumblr for this :)

It all started at 3 in the morning. We were merrily on our way until my dad saw the check engine light on 😬 We were 25 miles away from home. We were lucky we were still in-state. We also had a bright idea on the spot: our sister ubered back to our house to grab my small blue car while we waited for her return at a 7/11 gas station.

One hour later, we were able to move our things into that tiny car. Surprisingly, it all fit nicely 👌 Next thing I knew, i really knocked out.

I did open my eyes a bit to peek at passing by Wisconsin Dells :) In + out of sleep, the rest I can remember was a "Cheese... Food" sign, rain, silos, + arriving to the area. Finding our hotel entrance, ate breakfast at IHOP right next door. Then, the adventure began.

Of course, the sister + mom take the longest, so I tagged along with my dad to walk around + explore. We watched the rides pass by, seeing other attractions on display, + took pics with a Zebra + a red M&M.

Day 1 Session 1's items:

A vaporeon keychain from Anime Fix

A sticker of Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach from Anime Fix

A card game called "Dos" from Legacy Toys

Chic-fil-a

3 (yaoi) Manga 😃 from Barnes N Noble

My dad + I were quite beat from 3 hours of being in the Mall of America. Our room was ready at 2:30 but we didn't settle in until 4:22. I knocked out yet again for another hour. Note: I didn't take meds bcuz I needed to tired myself out at this late hour (it's 12:24 am rn).

After we rested up, we explored more of the Mall of America. We went to a 4d ride called "Flyover America". It's pretty much the same ride we went to in Disney's California Adventure called "Soarin'" many, many years ago. Funny how much my mom sceamed in that calm ride 😆

Day 1 Session 2's items

2 new pairs of pants from L.L. Bean

A pink plaid long sleeve button-up shirt from L.L. Bean

2 new Linkin Park shirts X3 (Meteora20 + Breaking The Habit from Hot Topic)

A Boba drink :) from Uni Uni

I gotten some sneak peeks at stores I want to spend more time in tomorrow, such as the Crayola store + Ebisu, a Japanese grocery store X3

Ordered pizza, had a half a beer, went to the pool for a good 45 minutes, showered, finished up my beer, + poof! Now we're here... on my 29th bday! 🤩

Happy Birthday, Perla!

#life

[katsukes]

BAKUGOU KATSUKI, CLASS 1A happy birthday zebra @reddriot ♡

#bnhaedit #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha #bakugou katsuki #bnhasource #dailybnha #anisource #m #m: edit #m: colouring #m: boku no hero academia #m: prt #zebra happy birthday again! #thank you for being such a great friend #1k #3k #5k

[srbachchan]

DAY 5166

ObHtl, grg,Del                    April 8/9,  2022                  Fri/Sat 12:50 AM

🤍 , 9th April .. the birthday of Ef Sharmila ,, and Ef Megha .. greetings and the loving wishes of happiness , peace , and safety .. 🕊️💮🌼 ✨ .. and a sad news of passing away .. Ef Vikas Mishra lost his younger brother on April the 4th after a severe battle with illness 😔 .. prayers 🙏🏻🕉️

passings of the near and dear is always a pain that never leaves us .. we pray for the strength to bear this loss Vikas .. 🙏🙏🙏

Back from work and the streets of Daryaganj and the authentic locales that bear witness of the theme of the film .. and the drive to and fro through Lutyens Deli or rather New Delhi among the greenest streets seen in recent times .. neat clean environs, the bushes and plants and flower beds all about on traffic islands .. the traffic paying attention to the signals and stopping respectfully behind zebra lines .. home of the high and mighty that run and rule over the country .. significant memories of the past and the houses we visited then .. the gardens in the finest upkeep and the streets and roads ably marked and painted .. such a joy to see the cleanliness and order .. seats of power all over the World reflect in such .. each power having their own creative instincts and inputs .. but altogether they be in order .. they must , for they are the welcome brands for the foreign dignitary who shall carry an impression .. 

past the midnight hour and the FT with wife to wish her birthday 9th April and to admire the modern technology that allows us the benefit of seeing and hearing in real time .. 

and then to the grind again .. 

... but before that a word of distress .. regarding the ☝🏽 this .. that the Ef with dedication and devotion make .. dedication and devotion , not be undone by one that photoshops the photoshop original, wipes away traces of the author, plants his or her name and claims originality .. this is wrong .. I know the names but for reasons of harmony shall refrain .. but this practice needs to stop .. 

off to work in what can best be described as having no bearing to any kind of traditional or non traditional wearing .. the salwar kameez for comfort of mobility .. the nike ‘s  for speed of movement  .. the bandana for the unkempt hair to be dressed later in the vanity .. the namaskaar to the staff of the Hotel who show the politeness of presence to their visitors .. and so there ..

.. into the drivers seat for the scene against ‘green’ and then into the night on the 3rd floor terrace , lifted by cherry picker crane to save time and climbing stress of three floors of steps .. at 80, and the medical history its physically an adventure so cancel, get the picker and deposit him to the top for the scene ..

its important at times to know what and where we do what we do, in our living earning history ..

pensive at times to think of the loss of opportunity in travel to meet dear ones soon .. but shall give the patience and all shall work out soon ..

I must retire .. GN

Amitabh Bachchan