đȘŒ
Xuebing Du
Mike Driver
hello vonnie

Origami Around

ç„æ„ / Permanent Vacation
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
NASA
Today's Document

romaâ

No title available

Product Placement
Show & Tell

blake kathryn

oozey mess
occasionally subtle

JVL
No title available

â
sheepfilms
seen from Germany
seen from Brazil
seen from Malaysia
seen from Dominican Republic
seen from Finland

seen from France
seen from Malaysia

seen from Malaysia
seen from France

seen from United States

seen from Pakistan

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from Iraq
seen from Russia

seen from Ukraine
seen from Paraguay

seen from Malaysia

seen from Poland
seen from United States
@theeuissilentgene
Emma rose a brow at the kid as she opened up the bag. âThis time? Let me guess, youâve made a living off of it,â she said sarcastically. Yet one glance downwards into the bag was enough to tell her that yes - he had been doing so. âHow long have you been living like this?â she asked, trying to keep the sympathy out of her voice - to keep it professional. Too many foster kids ended up like this, herself included. Her hands paused, barely pushing a few items carefully to the side as she took in each bit of the bag.
All of the basics. Almost exactly the same things sheâd had in her own bag eleven years ago. âThis lock picker is pretty hardcore,â she commented, lifting it from the bag, but leaving everything else more or less in place. After having her own bag torn apart at the police department, she knew how much it sucked to have it happen. Chances were, Graham had already done the same the night before. âSo how many times has your little pick pocketing business gotten you into the slammer so far?â
Why he felt like talking to her, she had no idea. Honestly, when Graham played games like this, he just got annoyed and angry. But for some reason, he didn't feel that way when she spoke. Maybe it was just because she was new, but he had a feeling she understood more of what he was speaking about then she was willing to let on. "I could make better life choices but I don't." He knew that much, but he also felt like the life he lived was all he could live up to. He shrugged at her question. "Before I got booted from the system, as long as I can remember really. It sure did feel like an eternity."Â
"It cost enough too." Again, why was he telling her any of this. "I'm not sure how I've hung onto it this long. Sheriff has cost me an arm and a leg in IDs but hasn't touched that thing." Maybe he wasn't even aware of what taking it would do to him. Gene had to think about her next question. He honestly wasn't sure how many times he had been in here because of his mistakes. "God, I don't know. Enough that me and the Sheriff have a lovely little relationship going on here. This little cell here, feels like home." He joked sarcastically.Â
Jacob shrugged slightly. âMy reasons arenât near as worthy as some in this bar it seems,â he told the other male with an awkward chuckle. âMerely a rough day at work and the need to unwind a bit. The hustle and bustle in here is rather nice to stop one from thinking of their own problems.â
"I don't think those reasons are bad. There is nothing wrong with needing to unwind." Gene just smiled a bit at the stranger. "I'm Liam, by the way. Since we're being friends tonight, I figured I should probably introduce myself. You have good taste in drinks too."
Brows rose at the way he woofed down the food the second she set it down. If she could sheâd try to make sure she got him some food more often. She couldnât help but have that motherly pull towards the lad, he sure made it easy enough. She smiled softly and gave a hum at the compliment, taking it upon herself to take the seat across from him. Itâd been a long night, one that was starting to wind down, she could take a moment for herself. âNot anymore than usual. Iâm rather used to it by now. How about you, you found yourself a nice girl yet?â
Gene just let his eyes slip towards her as she talked. He was well adapted in actually taking in what people say. It was how he found easy targets to rob later. People tended to talk more then they should. "Well you let me know if they give you trouble." He said with a laugh, knowing good and well she could handle herself. "You know me, I'm not the type to settle down and find a girl. Why buy a goldfish when you can have the ocean you know?" Plus how would he explain to a girl that he had no place to live and often slept on the streets. Or that he stole for money. Yeah, that would go over well.
"That is a shame, you would think the sheriff has something better to do than dealing with petty theft."Â
"You would think, but apparently he doesn't." Gene rolled his eyes a bit. He was still rather sore at the Sheriff. "But I'm in a serious bind right now, I have to unload these or else problems are going to start. Can you help me out? I know I already probably owe you one, but I would really owe you."
"There is seriously something wrong with them." Eugene mumbled to himself as he stood off to the side at Dark Star Pharmacy. He shouldn't be here right now trying to make out with things but he was hungry and had stuff he had to get. Plus this bozo up front was causing enough of a scene it almost made it too easy. "I mean, just pay for your shit and get out." He was one to talk.
"A few watches? Thatâs all you could get your hands on? Is the sheriff cracking down on your little operation?."Â
"You don't even know the half of it. I had a really nice stash the other day, and he picked me up. Been on my ass ever since."
"Good plan." Â She smiled gently and gave the lads hair a light ruffle before turning to go see what she could rustle up. The bar food might not have been the best, but it was certainly better than nothing. Burgers usually on the over cooked side, but people came here to drink, not eat so it wasnât as if they were expecting much. A cancelled order was conveniently left behind and Charlotte was quick to pick it up, along with that coffee she promised and a small cup of cream. She swiftly shifted the plate down in front of him, with an arch of her brow. "Isnât much, but itâs still warm at least. Canât promise you itâll be anything of flavor."Â
Eugene picked up the burger as soon as she sat it down and started to shovel it down. He hadn't really eaten in a little while, so it tasted more then amazing to him. He would never say no to a free meal. He made up the coffee, without taking so much as a breath and poured some of it into his mouth before smiling at her charmingly. "Thank you, doll. You really are my favorite you know." He took another bite and let out a small sigh. "Anyone giving you trouble tonight?"
Emma hesitated at that. She had been just like the kid once. Slammed into a cell feeling like it was her against the world. Not knowing when her next meal would be, or when sheâd be free of the small for walls. She stared intently at the kid for awhile, debating on calling Grahamâs phone to let him know to pick him up something to eat.
On second thought, Emma decided, Graham already knew the kid was here. He could pick up the breakfast if he wanted to. If not, oh well. âSure you can have your bag back, but only after I search it to make sure youâre not lying.â Her senses told her he wasnât, but she might as well make absolute sure anyways. Pushing off the desk, she walked around, looking around the office until she spotted a bag that definitely hadnât been there the day before. âSo what types of stolen possessions happened to find their way into your bag?â she asked as she picked up the bag and brought it over to her desk.
Gene sighed and leaned his head back against the wall. He was so tired of people rifling through his bag. He didn't expect anyone else to realize that was his home. The only clothes he owned were tucked away neatly. His wallet with his real ID pushed safely to the bottom. A cheap pay as you go cell phone for emergencies only next to it. A notebook that he tended to write and draw in. The only lead into his world that he never shared with anyone. Even Graham knew better then to try and open it. A bottle of water that he refilled at whatever fountain was nearest. And of course, a lock pick set that he was shocked Graham hadn't actually confiscated this time around. It was the third or fourth time he had replaced that.Â
"A couple of nice watches, and some jewelry this time." He shrugged. Normally he'd be full of attitude, but he had burned it all out on Graham last night. He didn't have time to screw with the Deputy right now. "They honestly weren't that great though. I mean, there is way better silver out there." He couldn't help the laugh as he ran his fingers along his knee and watched her as her hands went into his home. It was literally the worse feeling watching someone go through his bag. The worse.
It all seemed rather strange to Jacob. While he could see how the psychology behind it all would be fascinating, sitting at bar each night to watch others suffer⊠how could one live in such a way? âI see,â he murmured. âWell so long as it suits you, I hope that you find enjoyment in it.â
"Well what brings you out here tonight?" He asked, kind of curious now. This wasn't the normal kind of guy he saw in here. Which kind of made him interested in what his story was. Gene liked knowing other people's stories. Mostly because he hated his own so much.Â
"If youâve come to me then there must be something youâre needing. So what will it be?"
"I know it's not my usual haul, but I have a few watches to barter with. Things have been hectic lately."
Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam
She nodded her head, smiling with the hint of a laugh dancing on her features. She was doing what she could to hold it in, âYes, you donât like my voice. Thatâs really what it is but, youâre still here and listening to it so it canât be that bad.â She shrugged looking back over at him now. âItâs alright, I get that not everyone likes everything about everyone and a suppose my voice being on the squeaky side isnât the worst thing possible.â She knew he was joking about this by now but, making him think it actually hurt, for some reason was interesting. She was more confident than that, even though she had paid attention to her voice more often than not since heâd mentioned it. Still not sure why heâd said that since itâs what she was used to so, it wasnât sounding off. Maybe she needed to record it back and listen but, then, didnât everyone think they sounded funny when they did that? She shook her brunette head again, âLiam, itâs really not that difficult. Sheriff Humbert doesnât go out looking to bust people, heâs fairly easy to avoid on that really.â She nodded, she worked in The Rabbit Hole. She saw him often enough for various things, even sometimes just knocking a few drinks back. He was a fairly normal guy from what she could tell.
She laughed at the wall support comment, âIf you say so. It was nice of you to lend yourself to make sure it could have a break for a little while.â She walked next to him, occasionally looking his way but, her eyes continued to survey the area around them. She wanted to take in all the signs of Spring finally showing itâs face and she also need to make sure there was no sign of Mabel. If she saw her sheâd need to just run and find somewhere that wouldnât lead her back to where she was living. So far though, things were going well and he didnât seem to bothered by her lack of talking for a bit. She smiled, âThank you.â She stepped inside the diner and motioned for him to lead where he wanted to sit, âI am hungry. I skipped lunch so, something to eat would be nice right now.â She looked up at him as they made their way further into the establishment, âAre you hungry right now?â
"Trust me, I know the Sheriff pretty well." He shrugged. It wasn't something he wanted to get into. Because honestly that was part of his life he didn't like talking about. Plus it wasn't like she would probably want to still talk to him if she knew. "But don't worry about that. Like I said, I know how to manage."
Like on cue his stomach growled. He looked down at it. How long had it been since he had a decent meal? He had eaten at the bar a couple days ago when Charlotte had fed him. Maybe a little bit here and there. He was honestly so used to it that it was hard to keep track of anymore. "I guess there's your answer then." He couldn't help but laugh and shrug as he walked inside and slid into a booth.Â
What little caring Graham had tonight was now just on the back burner. Â Now he was well past trying to talk him into anything. Â âI suggest you not tell me how to do my job, Eugene.â Â He shook his head, walking over to sit back down at Emmaâs desk, pulling out the papers heâll need. Â âItâs going to be a long night and I have no intention of you getting a good nightâs sleep right now.â
"Doesn't mean I have to keep answering you." He mumbled as he laid down and closed his eyes. He hated feeling like this. He wanted a drink, and he wanted to be left alone. But since neither were going to happen, he'd just slip away into his own world. He was very good at that. "Good night, Sheriff."
Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam
She shook her head, âSure I donât. Behind every just joking is a hint of truth so, thereâs something about my voice that bothers you, even if itâs not that itâs squeaky.â She observed with a shrug. She didnât know what it was and honestly there was not point in stewing over it too much. It was her voice and it was the way it was. She couldnât change it, unless she wanted to go take hormone supplements and she didnât see the need or reason in that so, it was the way it was. She smiled and nodded, âSee, look at that, you staying out of trouble. Even if itâs your middle name and just seems to find you.â She nodded, âItâs not that hard to keep yourself under the radar. I get that itâs going to happen every now and then, itâs just how life works but, Iâm glad to hear youâre capable of dodging bullies.â Truth was Cara did try to see the best in people and she knew he liked to drink, was probably underage, liked to gamble but, she more worried about him being beat up by the guys sheâd come across the other day.
She laughed and shook her head, âNo, itâs not fun. Itâs just work.â She took in a breath with a shrug, âYou get used to it and it helps time pass by so, itâs not completely bad. A lot of the regulars are actually nice to talk with. You get to know them, you know?â She wasnât sure if he did but, it was one of her favorite parts about working at The Hole. Even if some of the people could be shady they were all interesting in their own way. They had unique stories and she loved hearing them whenever she could get one of them talking. Which was fairly often since alcohol consumption was high at her place of employment. She nodded with a light laugh at his joke, âYou were holding that wall up pretty amazingly but, I think it might be alright if we start to walk. Canât be too sure about that though.â She smiled with a teasing tone to her voice. Itâs why Ry had her work in the bar. She was easy going, let things roll off of her but, wasnât afraid to stand up for herself either and she could make light of most things.
"Is that what we're going with Sunshine? That secretly deep down I really have some vendetta against your voice. You are a crazy one now aren't you." He couldn't help but laugh as he let his eyes gaze over her just slightly again. She seemed a bit familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it. It didn't matter though. He probably just recognized her from the bar. "No it's not that hard to stay under the radar." You just don't get to eat, or really do much of anything. He didn't know this girls story but surely she had a life. There was no way she would understand what he's been through. "But I'm doing my best to stay out of trouble just for you." He teased her a little, trying to lighten up the mood he was quickly falling into.
He really couldn't understand the pains of working. He didn't even want to try. Maybe one day he could get his life right and do that, but he honestly didn't want to. Because that meant relying on someone else, and he refused to do that. He could only rely on himself. "Well I make an amazing wall support. What can I say?" He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips as he started walking. At least they didn't have to walk to far. Eugene walked beside her, eyes glancing her way as they did. It was kind of nice walking in silence. It didn't actually feel awkward. When he saw the sign for the diner, he tilted his head a bit. "Hope you're hungry." He told her as he held the door open for her.
So he was a bit of a troublemaker from time to time, didnât make him a bad person, at least she never saw him as such. Then again considering her previous life it shouldnât surprise her that they got on so well. Charlotte gave off a small shrug, âYouâre young, hate to see you in a bit of trouble is all.â Her sigh was small, pausing a moment before taking  up the glass on the table. Feeding him was really the least she could do, was probably all heâd let her do in the end, but it was a start. She gave his hair a ruffle with her free hand, and flashed him a grin. âBack in a bit then, yeah? With a coffee too. I wonât be responsible for letting you walk out of here pissed off your arse.
Eugene just laughed a bit and nodded his head. "I don't think I'll get into too much trouble right now. I'm kind of trying to lay low for a bit." He didn't mind casually talking to her about things like that. She may not know the real him, but she did know the gambler who had a bit of a problem. But it wasn't her job to keep him his money. After all, the more money he spent, the better off it was for her boss. "I'll take the coffee too. Since you won't let me drink my worries all away." He had never really known his mother. So sometimes it was nice to have that figure present.
"Sounds like a very sad way to spend your nights. Living vicariously through those around you and their dark stories," Jacob mused with a frown. Now that the other male had opened his eyes, he couldnât help but try to see unwritten stories behind each attendee of the bar.
"I guess one could look at it that way." He shrugged a bit. He wasn't about to get into what was sad about his life. There really wasn't any reason to speak that way with a complete stranger. "But to me it's just part of life."
Emma shrugged, âNot really, itâs just not a name Iâve heard before. Except maybe in grandparents.â She really didnât like this kids attitude, and kind of wished that Graham had beaten her into work today. Couldnât he have called and left a message on her phone to let her know there was an annoying delinquent locked up? âSorry kid, Iâm the deputy, not the breakfast lady. Maybe youâll be lucky and the sheriff will bring you in something. I can get you water though.â
Uncrossing her arms, Emma placed her palms on the corner of her desk, drumming her fingers against it. âI could look it up, but why do that when I have you right here to tell me the truth?â she shot back with a raised eyebrow. His lie about the whole breaking and entering thing was so obvious that Emma wouldnât have even needed her superpower to sense it. âRight, and Iâm sure youâre just a victim in all of this,â she scoffed. âStolen possessions donât just appear in a persons bag.â She ought to know, considering sheâd stolen enough things in her lifetime.
"I guess it's alright. I shouldn't expect so much anyway." He walked back to the bed and sat down on it before looking over at the deputy. He put his head in his hand and sighed a bit. All he wanted to do was get out of here. Even though he was really hungry. It wouldn't do any good to try and explain that he hadn't had a proper meal in days.Â
He shrugged a little bit. "It doesn't really matter now. Sheriff took them all. Everyone can go back to there happy lives. Even though it sure was a pleasure to meet you." He closed his eyes and let out a groan. "I know you can't let me out, but can you at least let me have what's left of my bag? Sheriff already went through it and took everything he could out of it."