It’s… been a minute, and I did work on my first novel a good bit during the break. But honestly, loads of personal stuff along with moving! But things are doing really well at the moment.

This one was fun. I am reading Seanan McGuire short stories, so I decided to play with the format a bit.

A couple of things of notes with these (a disclaimer for every post):

• I do roll up a word count aspiration, but I am trying not to view myself as a failure if I don’t hit it for some reason.
• These are all one-shots. They’re to get me in the writing headspace, as well as play with some characters I love.
• I do post these on my blog, as well as on AO3, as well as on my Tumblr. So, the off chance you see it somewhere else, that’s why.

Today’s Prompt

A(n air)ship captain wants to perform a forbidden seaside ritual in a helicopter but it will open old wounds.

I honestly was going to go the Criminal Minds route no matter what I rolled up, but honestly, the Gossip Girl roll was too good to pass.

Here’s the rolled up sheet:

If this prompt isn’t doing it for you, here’s the cards used for today. Make your own prompt, and please drop your story below!

This conversation is private. 

DanManDan created this chat on Monday, July 14, 2025.

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Today 18:55

DanManDan: Okay you asked for the most secure chat server I could set up, Nate. We’re a go.

ArchieLacrosseDad: You’re sure this isn’t trackable?

DanManDan: I’ll remind you once I was GG for seven years. And Georgina is dead. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Right. I’ll get right to it. The Spectator is in trouble. I’m not asking you and Serena for money or investment.

DanManDan: Because it isn’t money problems, or because…

Today 19:23

DanManDan: Nate?

Today 19:34

ArchieLacrosseDad: Sorry, Archie got home. Right — not a money issue. But it’s definitely cursed. 

Today 19:41

DanManDan: Cursed how?

DanManDan: Still can’t believe you found out about a kid — how is that going?

ArchieLacrosseDad: Honestly? It has been pretty great. He’s a good kid, smart as hell. Like as smart as you but as cool as I was.

DanManDan: Thanks, I think? 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Anytime, man! So the newspaper is cursed, right? We’re losing staff writers left and right. And I mean. LOSING. Not going to competitors. They’ve gone missing. 

DanManDan: Do you need me to do some sleuthing, GG style? 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Nah man, appreciate it though. Well, actually hadn’t thought of that. If you don’t mind, yes please. 

Today 19:45

ArchieLacrosseDad: Uploads picture attachment

ArchieLacrosseDad: But that’s not why I asked to chat. I met a woman, and she said she’s a witch. Like an actual can lift a curse kinda witch. 

Today 19:59

ArchieLacrosseDad: Dan?

DanManDan: Really thought that kid of yours took over somehow. You’re claiming you’ve met someone who is undeniably magical? Were you sober when she showed the proof?

ArchieLacrosseDad: Oh I didn’t tell you? I went straight edge a few years ago. Had a heart scare. Occasional whiskey, but it’s rare man. So yeah, sober.

DanManDan: Having a hard time not questioning if you were on hospital meds at the time. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: No man, cold sober. Look if you can meet for coffee tomorrow, she’ll be there and you won’t regret it. She’s down from the Boston area. Friend of Blair’s who I hadn’t seen since a summer on Martha’s Vineyard years ago.

DanManDan: Look, I want to get your employees’ info so I can dig into if they’re okay or not. If she happens to be there while we’re drinking coffee, fine. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Tea, actually. 

Chat erased by DanManDan at 20:00. 

This conversation is private. 

ArchieLacrosseDad created this chat on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

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Today 11:13

ArchieLacrosseDad: So have you had a chance to think about our meeting? She’s pretty chill, right?

DanManDan: She was, surprisingly, normal. I ran all twelve names through several of my algorithms, all definitely reported missing and not by just one person. All so no John or Jane Does with their respective descriptions. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Weird, right? Any pattern you can see?  

DanManDan: I mean, I’m no private eye. But I’ll see if I can see anything. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Thanks, man. I truly appreciate it. So, did you give Sabrina’s idea for how to break the curse?

DanManDan: Nate, you can’t be serious. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: Look, I don’t want to go through the argument again. All I need is your beach house. 

DanManDan: Absolutely not. It’s not even Hampton’s season. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: That’s the point, Dan. No one will be out there. 

Today 16:45

ArchieLacrosseDad: You know if I ask Serena, not only would she say yes, but she’d join. And we don’t want her to be there for her own good. 

Today 17:02

DanManDan: That’s low, man. 

DanManDan: She’s also in Switzerland currently. 

DanManDan: I don’t believe she’d come back immediately for the promise of magic. 

Today 17:10

ArchieLacrosseDad: Uploads video attachment

DanManDan: Fine. You can use it. 

DanManDan: You can’t use my boat though. 

ArchieLacrosseDad: I just need your helipad, man. It’s got the best in and out over the ocean. 

DanManDan: If you die, I’m claiming you didn’t have permission.

Chat erased by DanManDan at 12:17.

This conversation is private. 

DanManDan created this chat on Monday, July 21, 2025.

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Today 6:00 

DanManDan: Nate, you good?

DanManDan: I haven’t heard from you since Saturday. 

DanManDan: I did some research, and yeah, I think I found a pattern in your missing staff. If I’m right, you or your CFO is in trouble. 

DanManDan: I checked the security cameras and didn’t see you out at the Hamptons.

Today 8:46

DanManDan: Nate. I’m hearing about a police helicopter crashing just south of my house?

DanManDan: Nate, Sabrina Spellman is from a comic book. She doesn’t show up in my algorithms. Who was that woman at the coffee shop?

Today 12:07

ARC0FD00M has joined the chat. 

Today 12:07

ARC0FD00M: Is this Dan Humphrey?

ARC0FD00M: I’m Nate Archibald’s son, Archie. Archie Abrams. 

ARC0FD00M: Uploads picture attachment

Today 12:10

DanManDan: Archie? Have you heard from your dad?

DanManDan: Wait, your last name is Abrams? Your dad told me your last name was Hamilton… no wonder I couldn’t find your information. 

DanManDAn: Abrams as in your mom is…

ARC0FD00M: Yeah, my mom is Vanessa. She knows I’m telling you this. It’s an emergency. 

ARC0FD00M: I got into the Bass’s security cameras. 

DanManDan: That’s— does  Chuck know?

ARC0FD00M: Yeah, He pays me to break his security. 

ARC0FD00M: I wish I hadn’t today.

DanManDan: I’m calling your mom and coming over.

Chat erased by DanManDan at 12:17.