Just a little challenge that I thought might be fun. If anyone wants to take it up, please do so. There is no time limit, so anyone can submit a response at any time. Here's the prompt: Your character has a deep, dark secret (or knows one). What is it?

I think this blast from the past might fit. (WARNING: It's in the Rubber Room!) www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?threadid=4256&sid=

Give me a couple of days to think about it, RB!

Having a hard time deciding which shocking secret to hit us with, DT?

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Having a hard time deciding which shocking secret to hit us with, DT?

Exactly! How did you guess it, EW? ETA: Oh boy! I just saw the thread you quoted! And here was I thinking that you had dug up the fic with the secret about Anderson's glasses (there really is one, but -- apologies to the writer -- it's late and I'm tired and I can't remember who wrote it.)

EW, that story was priceless! LOL. (Err....sorry DT!) DT: No worries! There's no time limit, so there's no rush. Post something when/if the mood strikes you.

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Having a hard time deciding which shocking secret to hit us with, DT?

Exactly! How did you guess it, EW?

Well, let's just say exotic chicks like you tend to have a few bodies buried here and there....

I once wrote a fic where Jason was secretly a fan of Celine Dion...

Wasn't that the one where Zark was messing with Jason's implant and that was why he was having problems?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I once wrote a fic where Jason was secretly a fan of Celine Dion...

Hmmm.....that goes under "Horror Fiction" I think. LOL.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Wasn't that the one where Zark was messing with Jason's implant and that was why he was having problems?

Yep. But he liked Celine Dion before that.

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I'm intrigued, k2p2! Thank you for posting this! You're saying the other bits to the story are scattered throughout the BJ prompts? If so, I'm going to track them down, so I can fill myself in on the back story. (Stolen God Phoenix you say? Nice!)

I'm wondering if Nambu is really blowing this off as much as he implied to Joe...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm wondering if Nambu is really blowing this off as much as he implied to Joe...

I am sure the good Doc has his secrets too.

Originally posted by Redbird I'm intrigued, k2p2! Thank you for posting this! You're saying the other bits to the story are scattered throughout the BJ prompts? If so, I'm going to track them down, so I can fill myself in on the back story. (Stolen God Phoenix you say? Nice!)

Yeah, you gotta go way back to the beginning...lots of bits... Glad you like it, it has been a lot of fun to write.

K2, maybe you could post all of your bits in order someplace?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun K2, maybe you could post all of your bits in order someplace?

Sigh..that would make sense, wouldn't it?

Can Jinpei also bring me a pot of coffee? Glad to see the continuation of the story, k2!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Having a hard time deciding which shocking secret to hit us with, DT?

Exactly! How did you guess it, EW?

Well, let's just say exotic chicks like you tend to have a few bodies buried here and there....

I'm blushing! Don't raise their expectations, EW!

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Love the race car bed idea, EW! It fits perfectly! I guess I revealed a secret for Ryu...he loves hash brownies and twerking!

K2- Looks like Iona's mother is about to meet the working end of Joe's shuriken. Poor Iona! EW - an adult-sized race car bed! Precious!

Here's my contribution. (I get mixed up with some of the cities/locations at times, but I think Utoland would be correct). LOL. Ryu walked casually through Utoland's largest shopping mall, enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. He loved the holidays; the bright lights, the festivities. Not to mention smell of the spice cakes and pies that were found everywhere around Christmas. But most of all he loved the time he got to spend with his family. Well.. both families. The mall was crowded, people bustled here and there with large bags in tow. Little kids ran wide circles around their parents, a shop owner handed out free sugar cookies to lure people into their store. Ryu even passed a businessman wearing a Santa hat as he hurried along, his briefcase in hand. Christmas music played over the loudspeakers and could barely be heard above the din of the shoppers. Gazing at the sparkling wonder that was the mall at Christmas , he stopped as he saw a line of people cutting through the crowd. The line was getting longer by the minute. As he drew closer he saw that it was the one for children to meet Santa, so they could tell him what presents they wanted for the holiday. All the children were dressed in their best, wearing shiny shoes, and smart wool caps. Their parents chatting and laughing with each other as they waited. It was then that he noticed another line, separate from the other. It was another group of children, lined up against a wall. In the back of his mind he thought they were pretty miserable looking. They were thin and scraggly, wearing patched clothes that had seen better days. They were surrounded by serious faced adults in sensible clothing, and clunky shoes, who watched over them with sharp eyes. He frowned as the line began moving and the kids were ushered through an open door 50 feet away from where they had been standing. Curious, Ryu followed the children and stood next to the doorway, peeking in. It was a party of some sort. Long tables with red and green decorations and folding chairs were set up around the room. Plastic plates and cups were lined up and down their length. Slightly tinny sounding Christmas music played from hidden speakers. Lights hung from the ceiling and there was even a small Christmas tree with piles presents placed beneath it. Next to the tree , seated in a big chair was Santa, who was talking to each little boy and girl that came up to sit on his lap. And next to Santa was an elf. An elf wearing a green belted tunic with furry white cuffs, as well as tights and curly toed shoes. On his head sat a red hat with a tassel and a bell hanging off the end. But the hair underneath the hat , could not be hidden. Could not be tamed. And it stuck out at all angles, haphazardly, as if someone had gotten an electric shock. When Ryu saw the elf's face he was certain. It was Jinpei. He wasn't sure how long he stood there but Ryu watched in amazement as Jinpei handed out presents to the children and joked around with them, pulling goofy faces that made them giggle and smile. He helped them open some of the boxes to their toys and placed batteries in the ones that needed it. He never once snapped at the kids nor said anything snarky that would make them cry. Quietly, so as not to draw attention to himself, he backed away from the doorway. He found a nearby bench and sat, grateful for a little rest. And he waited. After about an hour the little kids began filing out of the room, their faces full of color and excitement, clutching their toys to their chests and talking loudly amongst themselves. The serious adults herded them through the mall, with crisp efficiency, every now and then 'shushing' them. When it seemed they had all cleared out, Ryu rose from the bench and walked over to the doorway again. He collided with someone. It was Jinpei, still wearing his elf costume and clutching his civvies in his hand. The youngster's eyes grew big, and he blushed swallowing audibly, staring at the floor. "So this is where you been disappearing each weekend? Jun has been so angry with you!" Ryu told him. He paused. "Wait. Does Jun know you're here Jinpei? Or Dr. Nambu?" Surely Jun wouldn't be angry with Jinpei if she knew what he had been doing! "No! And don't you dare tell them." Ryu was taken aback. "Why not?" Before Jinpei could answer....... "Are you here to pick up our littlest elf?" an elderly lady wearing a red sweater set and rhinestone cat's eye glasses asked him. "Ummmm....yes. " he stammered, taken aback. "Yes I am." "Oh, he's been such a big help to us! He's been here early in the morning to help us set up, he entertains the children as they open their gifts. And he even donated some presents himself." She beamed at Jinpei. "We wished all our helpers were ...well...so helpful!" She lay a hand on Jinpei's shoulder and told him she hoped they saw him again next year. "Jinpei," Ryu said softly, "Why....." "Those kids Ryu. They're from the local orphanage." he said sadly. "I was an orphan. I know what it's like not have anything during Christmas. No presents, no toys... nothing." He paused. "No family...." He hung his head. "At least you have a family Ryu. Before Jun took me in ....me....I had nothing..." "Does Santa's Elf need a ride back to the 'J'? " he asked quietly, staring at the top of the boy's head. "Yeah........" "Come on short stuff," Ryu said, placing a warm hand on Jinpei's shoulder. "Let's go."

K2 ... with every piece, your story becomes ever so more intriguing! EW ... such a great idea ... a race-car bed for Jason! Such things never grow old to real enthusiasts! Redbird ... that's an awesome secret, there! I bet Jun would be very proud of Jinpei if she comes to know what he has been really up to! Lovely festivity feeling, too!

Oh, that's a sweet one! Jinpei would make a great elf.

I love that, Redbird! It makes perfect sense, and I can see why Jinpei would want to keep it secret.

RB -- Maybe even Ryu will go back and help with the kids the following year -- he would be "the biggest elf". This was a very heartwarming read!

Originally posted by gatchamarie Redbird ... that's an awesome secret, there! I bet Jun would be very proud of Jinpei if she comes to know what he has been really up to! Lovely festivity feeling, too!

Aw, thank you GM. Jun would definitely be proud of Jinpei and his secret elf-self!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Oh, that's a sweet one! Jinpei would make a great elf.

Wouldn't he EW? I always liked his interactions with other kids in Gatch, so I thought this would be perfect for him!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I love that, Redbird! It makes perfect sense, and I can see why Jinpei would want to keep it secret.

Glad that you liked it TJ! Jinpei could totally relate to those poor kids wanting to have a bright spot of happiness for the holiday.

Originally posted by Daniella T RB -- Maybe even Ryu will go back and help with the kids the following year -- he would be "the biggest elf". This was a very heartwarming read!

DT: I think they'll go back the next year. And I have a feeling they're going to coerce Ryu into playing Santa!

Originally posted by Redbird

Originally posted by Daniella T RB -- Maybe even Ryu will go back and help with the kids the following year -- he would be "the biggest elf". This was a very heartwarming read!

DT: I think they'll go back the next year. And I have a feeling they're going to coerce Ryu into playing Santa!

Redbird, that was so sweet!! Ryu has played the part of Santa before...in a collaboration we did here a few years ago..."The Night Before Gatchmas"...it's over on Gatch Fanfic if anyone wants to check it out! The Night Before Gatchmas

Originally posted by Redbird

Originally posted by Daniella T RB -- Maybe even Ryu will go back and help with the kids the following year -- he would be "the biggest elf". This was a very heartwarming read!

DT: I think they'll go back the next year. And I have a feeling they're going to coerce Ryu into playing Santa!

I was thinking that as well Redbird. In fact I think I wrote a Christmas story with him doing just that. BTW: I loved that piece, very sentimental.

It was fun to write Springie and CD! I could totally see Ryu playing Santa for a bunch of kids--I think he's got a big heart like that. And I can't imagine the mishaps that he and Jinpei would have as Santa and Elf. I'll check out that link too Springie! Thanks!

OMG, I totally forgot about that poem... thanks for the reminder, Springie! What a laugh!

RB- We all knew Jinpei had heart. That's a great story.

Originally posted by Becky Rock RB- We all knew Jinpei had heart. That's a great story.

Thanks Becky! Jinpei is a compassionate kid.

Wow, I can't believe I hadn't commented on this yet, Redbird, my apologies, cuz I really thought that I did. Very sweet story, I can so imagine Jinpei being sensitive to the needs of other kids much like himself, but not quite sure as to why he needs to keep it a secret from his sister. Perhaps if you continue along with it you could expand as to why?

Been insanely busy lately. This is the height of Marching Band season, and my last year as Uniform Mom...daughter is a senior this year, and am in some emotional knots as my youngest fledges and takes flight... She truly is becoming a remarkable and talented woman if I do say so myself.... So with Marchers needing things (and giving me all sorts of teenage story fodder) along with a destination wedding tossed in for good measure (I am now officially a great Auntie!) and some orig fiction tossed in for good measure-- I've been rather preoccupied. So here goes, comments on my comments. DT-Jinpei has a pot of Jun's Best Brew (JBB for short) ready to go, he wants to know if you like sugar and cream? Gatchamarie-Thanks! Glad to kee the momentum going. I really like working in this universe, it's fun and it's easy! Becky- Not so sure about Lynn being on the recieving end of one of Joe's shuriken--at least not at this point in the story (grin) Joe's relationship with Iona is rather... complicated... I've hoped to have tipped my hand enough to reveal that there is a little more to it then what I've presented and as of yet. At this poing and time, Lynn hasn't done anything that would give the team cause to act.

EW--hee hee, your story made me smile. I wonder if Joe had it custom made.

Originally posted by k2p2 Been insanely busy lately. This is the height of Marching Band season, and my last year as Uniform Mom...daughter is a senior this year, and am in some emotional knots as my youngest fledges and takes flight... She truly is becoming a remarkable and talented woman if I do say so myself.... So with Marchers needing things (and giving me all sorts of teenage story fodder) along with a destination wedding tossed in for good measure (I am now officially a great Auntie!) and some orig fiction tossed in for good measure-- I've been rather preoccupied. So here goes, comments on my comments. DT-Jinpei has a pot of Jun's Best Brew (JBB for short) ready to go, he wants to know if you like sugar and cream? Gatchamarie-Thanks! Glad to kee the momentum going. I really like working in this universe, it's fun and it's easy! Becky- Not so sure about Lynn being on the recieving end of one of Joe's shuriken--at least not at this point in the story (grin) Joe's relationship with Iona is rather... complicated... I've hoped to have tipped my hand enough to reveal that there is a little more to it then what I've presented and as of yet. At this poing and time, Lynn hasn't done anything that would give the team cause to act.

It is quite an experience when your child gets ready to leave the fold. My son is only a junior, but I'm starting to feel it as between football, school and work, I rarely get to spend much time with him right now. As for Joe and Iona - I have some suspicions, so I'll just have to wait to see if I'm right.

Originally posted by Becky Rock It is quite an experience when your child gets ready to leave the fold. My son is only a junior, but I'm starting to feel it as between football, school and work, I rarelt get to spend much tome with him right now.

My eldest is in his second year at college... It isn't quite the same when they come home. More and more mature... more the man, less the boy, unless he's with hubby--then they are twelve.

As for Joe and Iona - I have some suspicions, so I'll just have to wait to see if I'm right.

Well, it prolly isn't what you think, or at least I hope not. (If you'd like to see if you're guessing correctly, just shoot me a PM. I won't lie to you.) Lots of tragedy in this story.

I'll wait to see. I handed out cookies to the JV team last night after the game. There's nothing like 45 15-16 year old guys yelling 'Cookies!!!!' and charging to be the first to get some like little boys.