#doze

You got it. Clubs Deuce it is.

You have opened your BATTLEDROBE in search of your BACKUP HAT. You also need some more ROPE to retie Doze, who is absolutely tearing through the mansion as we speak.If you don't hurry, he may clear the chair within the hour.

But it's a big mess. You mostly just see a bunch of bombs and cards.

[I] ==>

You're not sure what's what. You can never remember which card to pick up.

You can't believe how shitty your memory is.

[I] CD: Grab the deuce of clubs.

You pick up two LICORICE GUMMY BEARS.

These need to be stored for safe-keeping as soon as possible. Finding your BACKUP HAT has never been more urgent.

[I]: CD: Pick up all of the cards and throw them at Doze.

You pick up a bunch of cards and fling them Doze-ward.

Didn't accomplish a whole lot, other than put some of your private reading material on embarrassing public display.

[I] CD: Pick a card, any card.

You're a busy guy so you just pick up any old thing and put it on your head. Since you are in a big hurry you will assume that it is your BACKUP HAT.

You stand nearby the two remaining cards on the floor. An OFF-SUITED KING AND JACK.

[I] CD: Pick up card depicting stately blond-haired fellows.

You aren't going to stand around jack king off all day long, so you grab the JACK OF DIAMONDS.

Oh.

Here's your BACKUP HAT. Problem solved, you guess.

[I] CD: Forget you are CD. Believe you are Hearts Boxcars.

You suddenly remember you are Diamonds Droog.

Whoever took your hat is about to discover he's the unluckiest man on earth. He better hope you find him dead. What you're gonna do to him will be much less painful that way.

[I] DD: Wear backup hat.

You don't have a BACKUP HAT all you got is this DECK OF CARDS oh wait yes you do.

It's stored away in your BRAWLSOLEUM.

[I] DD: Retrieve hat from brawlsoleum.

You are the only member of this band of thugs who is civilized enough to keep more than one BACKUP HAT, as well as an extensive array of FINELY TAILORED SUITS.

The BRAWLSOLEUM seemed like the best storage option for your exceptional wardrobe. If there's any better sort of compartment to keep your wardrobe in, you'd love to hear it.

Also there's a shitload of guns and cards in there too.

You put on a BACKUP HAT.

[I] DD: Withdraw licorice fish from backup hat.

Whew. Your SWEDISH FISH are there.

This is why it's a good idea to always store your candy in your BACKUP HAT rather than your usual one. Other members of your gang have learned this the hard way and they're finally starting to catch on.

[I] ==>

Suddenly you get cold-cocked in the face from the future.

You'd know the knuckles belonging to that sucker punch anywhere.

[I] ==>

Trace always knows where you've been.

 The spineless rat likes to follow your PAST TRAIL around and mess with you.

[I] ==>

Trouble is, whenever he does, he lets you know exactly where he's going to be in the future. This time you'll be ready for him.

You radio Deuce for backup. Give him a time and place, and exactly what path through the mansion to take.

[I] DD: Resume pursuit of wounded felt member.

You don't know if the wounded guy went up the stairs, or came down. Or who wounded him, and when. Might have even been you, for all you know.

[I] DD: Follow trail of blood up the stairs.

Can't overthink this time stuff.

It was already late into the night, but James and Regulus had yet to make any move to retreat towards their dorms. After dinner they had made their way to the Room of Come and Go, or the Room of Requirement, as Regulus insisted its name was. But James found the name Come and Go more fitting, because that’s what they do — they come and then they go again. If it were the Room of Requirement, they would stay.

Regulus’ Potions book and James’ History of Magic book were still on the coffee table, right where they had left them the last time they had been here. That had been two days ago, on a Wednesday. That had also been the day they had found the initials S and G carved into the wall and had added their own R and J.

They had left early that night, they had classes the next morning, and Sirius had wanted to plan a prank, but now it is Friday. They don’t have to worry about school, and no pranks are being planned. They have as long as they want.

The fireplace casts a faint orange-golden glow over them as they cuddle on the sofa the room had provided. Regulus had dozed off a little while ago, head resting on James’ shoulder. Asleep, he looks more peaceful than he ever is when awake. His face relaxed with a small smile on his lips. It’s the only time James gets to see Regulus so calm. During the day, he always wears a mask of cold indifference. His grey eyes, sharp like the blade of a knife, cool and distant, ready to cut you down and bleed you dry. It makes others look away, but those who stay can see the truth. James can see the truth. He does not see the grey of a blade in Regulus' eyes. No, he sees the grey of the stars. Bright and strong, fierce, burning with love — yet so far away.

I'm currently working on an album that consists of 7 songs.

On the spine of the CD case, "Sabrina Carpenter" is in Dozé Traditional (2020). (The designer of Dozé also makes music.)

"Man's Best Friend" is in CAL Bodoni Terracina (2020).

* * *

On the back cover, "Presenting..." is in Künstler-Schreibschrift (1901).

"Sabrina Carpenter" is in Dozé again, but this time "MAN'S BEST FRIEND" is in Bembo (1929).