#Riviera: The Promised Land

[satoshi-mochida]

Riviera: The Promised Land remaster coming to PC, iOS, and Android

From Gematsu

The remastered version of Riviera: The Promised Land, which launched for Switch via Nintendo eShop today in Japan, will come to PC via Steam, iOS, and Android at a later date, developer Sting announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via Nintendo eShop:

About

The first entry in the Department Heaven Episodes, Riviera: The Promised Land, comes to Switch as a remastered release. Various additional features have been implemented, significantly upgrading playability. From newcomers to returning players, it is packed with satisfying elements.

Key Features

Field exploration with simple controls.

A unique battle system in which skills are determined by the items you possess.

Who will you befriend? An affection system that changes based on your decisions.

Over 90 still illustrations that liven up event scenes.

The power to destroy everything… Cooperate with your companions to stop the “Divine Punishment” from being invoked and prevent Riviera’s annihilation!

Remastered Features

Change the background music between five different sound sources.

Play at up to 5x speed.

Skip event scenes.

All illustrations are in high-definition resolution.

Auto-save.

Difficulty level and mode select options increase playability.

Boost feature enables quick skill learning.

A more user-friendly interface.

Touchscreen support.

Freely switch between Japanese and English voice-overs.

-Note: Text is Japanese-only.

And more!

[sandman-vo]

Looking back at some of my first fictional crushes, I have definitely discovered the pattern I think.

I have liked magically gifted redheaded women ever since I first started noticing that girls were pretty, and they’re probably responsible for that too.

[laineriee]

WERE MAKING IT OUT OF ASGARD WITH THIS HD REMASTER 🔥🔥🔥

[kaitopitoo]

You are the most fit to carry on the mission. It's simple reasoning.

[lamborghinea-pig]

nothing like listening to chiptune ost's and letting part of my brain escape to a better time when the game boy advance contained no joke, all of the best games. Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Riviera the Promised Land....

[shadowcatzone]

a rant

I could have imagined a bunch more things for a bunch of games

I wish they didnt discontinue pokemon contests those wouldve been great for the new red games

I wish they had included contests in x and y the way the anime does it. You dress up 3 pokemon, play a random minigame, and then have a little dance

Fantasy life shouldve had dating sim elements. And more classes i always feel like somethings missing. Like musician. Or interior decorator. Model. I wouldve liked something like sage where you could use both light and dark magic. More dlcs.

A prequel to jak and daxter and i dont mean jak 2 i mean literally who is damas? Whys he in the desert? What happened to his son? YOU KNOW.

Balan ww shouldve been an open world nights game

Stardew valley needs more customization. I have crystal paths, why cant i have crystal fences? Or crystal braziers? I think those exist actually. WHY CANT I LEARN MAGIC

Riviera the promised land needs a direct sequel in which it turns out nobody actually died (except malice and hector) is that too much to ask

Kh2: make a beach, bi--ch!

They should remake the disney magical racing game i loved that. With an online mode for which you need to be over 13

So many games could be remade

What else did i even play

Edit: farming. Fantasy life shouldve had farming.

[prnsn001]

Black Demon Castle Lacrima;  Riviera ~ The Promised Land ~  (GBA, 2004)

[redenem]

sooooo riviera the promised land is getting a remaster which is neat i guess except they for some reason felt the need to smooth over the sprites making them look overboiled, which is slightly less neat i guess.

[boobo13cambridge]

🌹 Masterlist 🌹

Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷

Fics

Cliché? Most definitely. | Kylian Mbappé

Genre:  Strangers to Lovers AU | Romance | Angst | Fluff | Smut

Summary: Once upon a time, there lived a girl who couldn't figure out her life and a boy who had the world at his feet. Neither had time for love, and both were absolutely miserable with their current predicaments. As the saying goes, expect the unexpected. Cliché? Most definitely. Does Lady Faith care? Not one bit. These types of stories have always been her cup of tea. At this point, all there is left to do is send a quick prayer that these two don’t get dragged to hell and back to satisfy an ancient deity’s hunger for drama. Alas, the odds don’t look promising. It’s been a while since Lady Faith personally took an interest in two young mortals' lives. The last time she was so meddlesome was with a certain singer and an athlete. What a disaster that was. Now, Faith looked at her two protagonists, and with a quick smirk, let history write itself. 

Chapitre Un. Rien autour n'a de sens

The Summer We Were Young | Kylian Mbappé

Genre:  Strangers to Lovers AU| Romance | Comedy | Fluff | Of course, it has to be angsty | Smut

Summary: Once upon a time, there lived a young woman named Naaz who couldn’t wait to get the hell out of her parent’s house and jet set to the French Riviera to live out her hot girl summer dreams. Tired, burnout, and angry against the world, she decides to be selfish for once and books a ticket to the beautiful city of Nice.

Unfortunately for her, things never seem to work in her favour. Along the way, she meets the most infuriating man in the world who seems to make it his life goal to make her blood boil and her generationally acquired anger issues to resurface landing her in the most precarious situations. On his behalf, Kylian was just trying to have a good time and forget about the disastrous season he just had. Dealing with loss after loss, the world-famous footballer just wanted to catch a break as he faced great uncertainty regarding his future. Get ready to follow Naaz and Kylian as they prepare to face a summer that will change their lives forever. 

Chapter One. Ridin' in the drop-top with the top down

Requests

Ay, Ay, Captain | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N watches as Kylian play and lead his team to victory at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, feeling proud and overwhelmed. Five goals in one game? Surely, he served something special for such a feat, non?

Honeymoon | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After an eventful journey, you and Kylian finally get to relax on your afternoon.

Meilleur buteur | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Kylian becomes Paris Saint-Germain's all-time top scorer. You couldn't be any prouder of your other half.

Somebody to Lean On | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After being eliminated from the Champions League, you join Kylian while he channels his frustrations into working out hours after the training session is over. 

Magic Kingdom | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After spending the day at Disneyland Paris with his niece and nephew, Kylian wants to start a family with you

Hold On, We’re Going Home | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After attending a charity event with Kylian, who looked dashing in his black suit, you feel particularly needy. Once you arrive home, you realize he hungered for you just as much. 

Unexpectedly Expecting | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: After feeling unusually exhausted and nauseous during your weekly gym dates, you find out some really happy news

O Re Piya | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: It’s the day of your brother’s wedding, and you're running late. The main culprit: your handsy husband who can’t seem to control himself seeing you in a lehenga. 

A Mother's Remedy | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: You fall asleep on Kylian after spending the whole day taking care of the triplets who had the flu.

I’ll take care of you | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Kylian is feeling stressed as the news that he will not be extending with PSG comes out. He seeks comfort in you. 

Send That Picture Promise I'm A Keep It | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: What’s it like texting when your husband is a really busy athlete? 

Drifting Apart | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N and Kylian’s relationship is crumbling as they navigate the most difficult moments of their lives. Will they stay or fall apart due to the pressure?

↳ Part I

Sheila Ki Jawani | Kylian Mbappé

Summary: Y/N is late and Kylian decides to teach her a lesson about tardiness.

Kim Namjoon 🇰🇷

Comfort| Kim Namjoon

Summary: After reading an article about your boyfriend Namjoon's personal information being tracked, you feel quite angry and the only thing you can do is comfort him.

Tom Riddle 🐍

The Heir and His Son | Tom Riddle Sr and Tom Riddle Jr

Summary: Tom Riddle Sr raises his son and it makes all the difference.

↳ Chapter One

↳ Chapter Two

[artzychic27]

since we have a Zombies AU, what about Teen beach? Adrienette could be Lela and Tanner (with Marc as Butchy since he and Mari are HC’s as cousins. And Luka and Kagami could be Mack and Brady, but it would end up as a long-distance kind of poly thing!

On the sunny beaches at the lovely French Riviera, Kagami is a young surfer known around for her impressive moves and skillfull maneuvers

As she's getting back from surfing a wave, she makes her way to The Liberty, a surf shop owned and operated by Anarka Couffaine and her children, Luka and Juleka, to get some board wax

There, she walks in on them watching their favorite film, a 1960s musical titled Wet Side Story, where surfers and motorcycle bikers battle for the privilege to hang out at Big Kwami's, a beachside restaurant

It's surprisingly progressive by showing white and people of color hanging out together and the subtle queer themes

As Kagami and Luka watch the scene where Adrien, the leader of the surfers, catches Marinette, the cousin of the biker leader as she's falling off of the stage during her solo, they can't help but gush over their chemistry

Kagami: For such a campy low-budget film, this scene is truly a work of art.

Luka: Yeah, you can tell by Marinette's reaction that she wasn't expecting a surfer of all people to help her and Adrien... He didn't think about her being a biker, he just saw someone in need of saving.

Soon, Kagami's aunt, Tamika, comes by. Despite being the sister of Tomoe, she's nothing like her. She never excelled at fencing and is always aiming to please and honor her big sister despite the fact that she passed away years ago

When Tamika tells her that she needs to finish packing, this gets Luka's attention

Kagami then explains to him that before her mother died, Tamika promised Tomoe that Kagami would attend the same private school she did in Japan and join the ranks of the school's top-rated fencing team to continue her family's legacy. And she is leaving the next day

Luka: It doesn't sound like you want to go.

Kagami: I don't. But, it's what my mother would have wanted.

However, Luka's not letting her leave without a proper sendoff and without spending just one last moment together. So, he calls Kagami the day before she has to leave, and tells her to meet with him on the beach with her surfboard.

Together, they decide to surf a 40-foot wave that is about to hit the beach. However, the wave proves to be too strong, and they get swept away before they can paddle back

Somehow, eventually, they land on another beach where it's day time and brightly-colored

After their vision adjusts, they find themselves on the beach where Wet Side Story was filmed during the cast's opening number. Deciding not to let this moment goes to waste, Luka joins the film's cast in singing "Surf Crazy" while Kagami is wondering what the fuck is going on

When the song comes to an end, and the two wrap their heads around everything after concluding that this is not a dream, they remember that there will be a storm and giant wave at the end of the film. They can paddle out and it'll take them home. They just have to go along with the film

They go into Big Kwami's and introduce themselves to the surfers- Adrien, Nino, Nathaniel, Myléne, Ondine, Denise, Chloé, Cosette, Aurore, Jean, Austin A, Austin Q, and Austin B- who are all perplexed by the newcomers and don't know what to do or say until Jean just hollers,

Jean: These smoothies are crazy, dudes!

Then a moment later, the bikers arrive, consisting of their leader, Marc, his cousin, Marinette, along with Alya, Ivan, Max, Kim, Alix, Sabrina, Rose, Zoé, Simon, Mireille, Reshma, Lacey, Ismael, and Austin T

Luka: Oh, my God, I love this song.

Kagami: Yeah, and Marc is obviously looking at Nathaniel every time he says, 'Cruisin' for a Bruisin'... Also, is Marinette hotter up close, or is it just me?

Luka: Oh, I was looking at Adrien, but yeah, you're right.

After the start the surf and turf war and the number, "Cruisin' for a Bruisin'", Kagami and Luka are then invited to come to a party at Big Kwami's later that night.

That evening, Luka is enjoying the vibe of the film while Kagami is becoming more stressed by the minute as they need to get back home so she doesn't miss her flight. Luka's attempts at assuring her they'll get home before that don't work, and she starts to storm off as Marinette is singing "Falling For Ya" on stage

As Kagami is about to leave, she trips on the steps because of her flip flops and falls in the arms of none other than Adrien. Seeing this, Luka turns to the stage and sees Marinette about to fall off of the stage, but then catches her, and the two leads fall in love with them

This interferes with the film's plot, and now, none of the characters are sure what to do now. To keep the movie flowing and get out, Kagami and Luka realize that they need to make Adrien and Marinette fall in love to fix things

Luka: Let's just hope Les Moth and Dr. Pavon don't mess things up.

Kagami: Right. Them... Do those villains seem out of nowhere, or is it just me?

Luka: Yes! What is up with that? I get that they have to like, make the Bikers and Surfers get along to save their friends, but why scientists who are trying to control the weather?

Kagami: And the technology seems far too advanced for a 60s film.

Luka: What about Frankenstein?

Kagami: It is based on a book, it does not count.

As Adrien and Marinette express their love for Kagami and Luka, respectively through the song "Meant to Be", they try to subtly suggest to them that there may be someone else they are really meant to be with. Though, they can't lie and say they're not smitten by their damn 60s charm

That night, Luka joins the biker boys for a sleepover/initiation now that he's dating Marinette, while Kagami hangs out with the surfer girls (And Denise) at Big Kwami's as they sing "Like Me."

With Kagami, their relationship advice doesn't match with her modern views on how a relationship should work

Chloé: Invest in a cute sundress. Guys love to see a little knee these days!

Denise: And put those baking skills to use! Feed him a pie, and he's all yours'.

Cosette: Remember to look shy. Bat your eyes and look away to get him interested.

Now, with Luka

Kim: Take the lead. The ladies like a man in control.

Ismael: Don't let 'em know how much you care, alright? You can't be soft.

Marc: Yeah, trust us. The guys will be all over you... GIRLS! Girls! I meant girls! I am heterosexual... Dudes.

Austin T: *Whispering* Nice save.

As the movie progresses, they fail to make any progress on getting Marinette and Adrien together and find themselves falling for the characters themselves. Needing to de-stress, Luka decides to join some of the surfers by the bonfire

They get a little hostile at first when they see his biker attire until Luka correctly guesses the model guitar that Austin Q is strumming, and Adrien invites him to sit with them

Adrien: So, what's a biker doing over here?

Luka: I don't know. What's a cute surfer doing inviting me to sit with him?

Adrien: It's... Wha... What?

Nino: Dude, did he just flirt with Adrien?

Nathaniel: That's... Cool?

Jean: I wanna flirt with guys!

Cosette: Fuck that. I'm flirting with girls.

As Luka plays "Meant To Be Reprise" on the guitar and sings, Adrien is just smitten and sings along as the surfers find themselves thinking about the crushes they can't have for two reasons

Meanwhile, Kagami goes to surf, and catches Marinette's eye. When she returns to the beach, she's confronted by Marinette, who asks her to teach her how to surf

Kagami, after falling off her board while giving Marinette and lesson, realizes that she and Luka are morphing into the film when she falls into the water and her hair does not get wet

Kagami: Why isn't my hair wet?!

Marinette: *Giggles* Everyone knows you don't get wet when you get in the ocean or a pool. God, you're every bit as funny as Luka says you are.

Kagami: ... He talks about me?

Marinette: Yeah... Is there something going on between you two? I-I wouldn't want to-

Kagami: I wouldn't mind if you had a crush on Luka. That is to say, if we were dating, but we're not. But, I am polyamorous, so it would not bother me if you liked Luka.

Marinette: ... Poly what?

Now back to the real issue at hand. Luka and Kagami can't get wet, and they then begin to spontaneously sing and are unable to stop, leading to a song that is nowhere in the movie's cast album, "Can't Stop Singing"

They are then captured by Les Moth and Dr. Pavon and taken to the villains' lighthouse lair before their respective dates with Adrien and Marinette on the beach

Instead, Adrien and Marinette meet. And after some awkward conversation, they find they have a bit in common. However, before they can talk some more, Adrien spots a strange signal coming from the old lighthouse. In morse code, someone's saying "Help us. Kidnapped. Kagami and Luka." Good thing his character bio says he can read morse code

They round up the bikers and surfers to convince them to save Kagami and Luka and expect some reluctance, but to their surprise

Jean: That biker taught me things I didn't think were possible! *Seizes Austin T by the face and kisses him* Hell yeah, I'm saving him!

Zoé: Sure. Fuck it. *Kisses Cosette*

Marc: I'll help you if you do two things for me. One... Quit holding my cousin's hand, pretty boy! *Adrien quickly lets go of Marinette's hand* And two!... Tell me where that cute redhead surfer is.

Nathaniel: *Giggles* Hey, cutie.

Marc: *Smirks* I'll get to you later.

Meanwhile, Kagami admits to Luka that she is glad that she ended up in the film and does not have to attend private school and live up to the expectations her mother had in place for her

When she confesses that she thinks Marinette is braver than her for stepping out of the role the movie had set for her, Luka denies that, saying that she is the bravest girl he knows. And, noticing the little tint to her cheeks when she talks about Marinette, he asks if she likes her

Kagami: ... Don't think I didn't see you almost kiss Adrien.

Luka: Okay, that's fair. But, um... He's not the only person I like.

Kagami: I know, you like Marinette. Who doesn't?

Luka: Yeah, her too. But, I also meant you.

The surfers and bikers storm the lighthouse and in a typical queer teenager fashion, they trash the place with weapons they somehow obtained, and make out on top of the expensive equipment as Elvis plays in the background and disarm the machine... But now it's gonna explode

They escape just seconds before it explodes, and the scene takes them back to the beach. The film's plot returns to normal, and Luka and Kagami realize they are able to return home

Kagami: ... Fuck it. *Kisses Adrien and then Marinette*

Luka: Well, if she's doing it. *Kisses Adrien and then Marinette*

Austin A: Wait, we can just like, date more than one person? That's a thing people do?!

After saying goodbye to everyone, Kagami and Luka get on their surfboard and return to the real world, where no time has passed since they left. Kagami successfully surfs the 40-foot wave without getting dragged into a movie, and all is well... But, Tamika's upset about her delaying her flight

Kagami stands up to her aunt, telling her to stop trying to impress her sister when she's no longer around and to finally take the weight off of her shoulders. It takes a bit of convinving, but Tamika relents and agrees to let her continue her education in France.

Now all is well, and Kagami and Luka start dating

*Post Credits*

*Drenched and coughing up water, the bikers and surfers drag themselves onto the beach*

Marc: Guys! Guys, my hair is wet!

Alya: WHAT THE HELL?! So is mine!

Chloé: My mascara is running!

Kim: My beautiful quiff! Someone get me some grease!

Nathaniel: Why is it so hot outside?! It's boiling!

Austin A: Ew! The water tastes like salt!

Modern surfer: Hey, dudes. Are you lost? You're like totally wiggin' out, bruh.

Bikers/Surfers: ...

Sabrina: ... Hello. What year do you come from?

Modern Surfer: ... It's 2015. Seriously, do you need to call someone? *Holds up a flat phone, and the bikers and surfers scream*

Adrien: This is a phone? *Slowly takes it* Where's the dial?

Marinette: Maybe you open it?

Phone: You have one new message.

Bikers/Surfers: *Scream again*

Max: Guys... There's a woman inside of it.

Cosette: What sort of witchery is this?

*They crowd around Adrien as he taps the screen, and they scream at the image of Jagged Stone as the Home Screen*

Marc: Men can wear makeup?!

Jean: I am in awe of the future! *Sees a bunch of tan shirtless guys* And the awe continues.

[arrowtossingtournament]

Contestant list (full list below the cut)! If you would like to send in an image for me to use in the poll, please do it via the ask box!

Legolas (Lord of the Rings)

Link (Legend of Zelda)

Robin Hood (folklore)

Merida (Brave)

Bow (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)

Madoka Kaname (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Sniper (Team Fortress 2)

Artemis and Apollo (Greek mythology)

Oliver Queen (Green Arrow/DC comics)

Chris Yukine (Symphogear)

Aloy (Horizon)

Kagome Higurashi (Inuyasha)

Decidueye (Pokemon)

Yukara Takeba (Persona 3)

Yona (Yona of the Dawn)

Hanzo Shimada (Overwatch)

Omega (The Bad Batch)

Alec Lightwood (Shadowhunters)

Susan Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia)

Equius Zahhak (Homestuck)

Vex’ahlia (Critical Role)

Pit (Kid Icarus)

Uryu Ishida (Bleach)

Sera (Dragon Age: Inquisition)

Varric Tethras (Dragon Age)

Zane (LEGO Ninjago)

Marcy Wu (Amphibia)

Big the Cat (Sonic the Hedgehog)

Wolfgang (Skylanders)

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Theon Greyjoy (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Silk (Epic Seven)

Huntress (Shadow Pixel Dungeon)

Hugh O’Connor (Ace Attorney)

Veralidaine "Daine" Sarrasri (The Immortals)

Akura Mercy (Cradle)

Anna (Epic Battle Fantasy)

Hela (When Jasy Whistles)

Barbatos Bachiko (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun)

Bard (The Hobbit)

Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke)

Hayakawa Ken/Kaiketsu Zubat (Kaiketsu Zubat)

Junna Hoshimi (Revue Starlight)

Archer (A Practical Guide to Evil)

Beet Cookie (Cookie Run)

Lina (Riviera: The Promised Land)

Yoichi Saotome (Seraph of the End)

Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama Love is War)

March 7th (Honkai Star Rail)

Elysia (Honkai Impact)

The Hunter (Enter the Gungeon)

Hornet (Hollow Knight)

Halt O’Carrick (Ranger’s Apprentice)

Archer (Fate)

Revali (The Legend of Zelda)

Venti (Genshin Impact)

Ganyu (Genshin Impact)

Clint Barton and Kate Bishop (Marvel comics)

Roy Harper (DC comics)

Sagittarius (the sky)

Wilhelm Tell/William Tell (folklore)

Shamir Nevrand (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Petra Macneary and Ignatz Victor (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Fingon (The Silmarillion)

[satoshi-mochida]

Riviera: The Promised Land remaster launches for Switch on February 28 in Japan

Gematsu Source

Sting will release Riviera: The Promised Land for Switch on February 28 in Japan for 2,860 yen, the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu reveals.

Although originally announced as Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster, it seems the term “Remaster” has been dropped from the title.

Sting has been regularly publishing mini updates on the remastered Riviera: The Promised Land since July 2023. The full list of updates is as follows:

Mini Update #1: Remaster Based on the PSP Version, But with the Good Parts of the WonderSwan and Game Boy Advance Versions (and Improvements)

Mini Update #2: Switch Between Three Background Music Sound Sources

Mini Update #3: Two More Background Music Sound Sources Added

Mini Update #4: Most User Interface Screens Adjusted

Mini Update #5: Event Dialogue Screen Overhauled

Mini Update #6: Battle Screen User Interface and Tempo Adjustments

Mini Update #7: Save at Any Time Outside of Event Scenes

Mini Update #8: Some Sound Effects Can be Switched to the Game Boy Advance Version

Mini Update #9: More Difficulty Options at the Start

Mini Update #10: “Original” and “Standard” Modes Introduction

Mini Update #11: “Much EXP” Mode Adjustments

Mini Update #12: “Return” Feature Added to Battles

Mini Update #13: Hint Display Added for Event and Battle Items

Mini Update #14: Event Scene Sneak Peek

Mini Update #15: Semi-Transparent Feature Added for Field Screen Triggers

Mini Update #16: Pixel Effects Feature Added

Mini Update #17: Pixel Colors Change Feature Added

Mini Update #18: Battle Screen Adjustments

Mini Update #19: Item Screen Adjustments

Mini Update #20: Enemy Illustrations Colored

Mini Update #21: “Standard” Mode Effects Details

Mini Update #22: Extra Contents Screen Introduction

Mini Update #23: Action Trigger Scene Adjustments

Mini Update #24: Background Music Sound Sources Introduction

Mini Update #25: “Easy” and “Hard” Difficulties Added

Mini Update #26: Item Synthesis Feature Added

Mini Update #27: Battle Preparation Screen Adjustments

[theseshipsshallsail]

Chapter 3

The next quarter hour is spent gathered at the kitchen island: Oliver sipping some iced-lemon concoction whilst Mafalda prepares a passel of olives for Vittoria’s roasted panzanella . Elio - having commandeered his luggage - sought a tactical retreat once threatened with potato peeling, and when Oliver predictably follows he smooths his fingertips over the zigzag bannister; reading the past like braille as each notch and newel finds him beset with nostalgia for the home and inhabitants who’d long proved instrumental in unearthing his authentic self.

In the eternal summer of ‘83, he’d wanted desperately to be worthy of their high opinion. To carry on being that person independent of his Riviera idyll. Yet three months later - trapped, bereft, miserable enough to be borderline clinical - his pandering to familial conventions put paid to it all. Self-doubt and cynicism were his constant companions - harmful beasts he’s fought tirelessly to slay - but to see them reflected in Elio’s hunched demeanour as he scales the upper landing brings it all surging back with a vengeance.

“Everything alright?” he asks cautiously, prompting Elio to stiffen where he’s stood.

“I shouldn’t have assumed,” he replies, tucking a rebellious curl behind his ear. “But you never said elsewise. And the sleeping arrangements are rather… restricted.” 

Oliver’s shoes squeak on the final tread. “Restricted?” 

“Un peu.” A come-hither dare. “Our old rooms are set aside for Ollie and Miranda,” Elio says, the possessive pronoun doing something to Oliver’s insides as he closes the distance. “When they’re not in the city, that is. Manfredi uses the attic space for his beekeeping, and Maman’s arthritis keeps her downstairs, so I took on the master bedroom when she signed over the deeds.”

Ah, Oliver thinks, quickly weighing his response. “A full house?”

Elio winces. “In all likelihood? Even a cough won’t go unnoticed.”

“I see.” Oliver steadies his frantic pulse. Smiles at the plastic Darth-Maul watching them from a squat, geometric vase. “And you’re hesitant?” he asks, gesturing to the end of the hallway where his heaped belongings are partially visible. “Of sharing, I mean?”

Mercurial eyes roll in fond exasperation. “On the contrary.”

“Then what -”

“Those who spit at history are doomed to repeat it.”

“Colourful.”

“But true,” Elio reasons, skimming the ridge of Oliver’s knuckles. “Isn’t that why we agreed there’s no rush? To escape the same mistakes as last time?”

“It is,” Oliver assures, immensely proud of the rules they’d established. “And we will.” Of that, he’s adamant. “I’ve had Micol. You’ve had Michel. Just as I’ve loved a younger you, and you a younger me. But we’re more than the sum of our actions, yeah? We’re in this as equals.”

“The good, the bad, and the ugly.” 

“Nothing about you was ever ugly.”

“Smettila. That’s my line,” Elio demurs, rising up on tiptoes with a rueful sigh. “I’m borrowing trouble, aren’t I?”

“A trait we have in common,” Oliver soothes, buffing their foreheads together. “But it’s just a room,” he tells him then. “It’s just us.”

“Oh?” The laugh he receives is tremulous but sincere. “Is that all?” 

“That’s all.”

“Fair enough,” Elio mutters, the tension leaching out of him in increments. “We’ll play it a piacere.” Blinking twice, he bites at his thumbnail. “Swear not to hold it against me if I steal all the blankets?”

Oliver captures his bicep; saving his cuticle any additional injury. “Swear not to kvetch if I get cold feet?” 

“Ask me again when you use my shins to warm them,” Elio counters, and spinning on his heel makes short shrift of leading him to the furthest doorway. 

To the charmingly cluttered domain synonymous with the promised land.

There’s an antique writing desk along one damasked wall. A gilt-mirrored bureau and scattering of shabby dog toys beside it. Directly opposite, a wrought-iron bedstead boasts a pair of mahogany side-tables, upon which a marble representation of Patroclus and Achilles seems almost prosaic abreast a digital clock-radio, five family photographs, and a half-eaten packet of hazelnut wafers. Somewhat strangely, a trio of orange Nerf balls sit equidistant on the south-facing sill - their inky silhouettes creeping wraithlike over the herringbone floor - but it’s the bountiful array of cinematic posters, CD racks, and bespoke bookcases, that intrigue him most.

“Did you usurp the library, too?” Oliver asks, identifying several Pre-Socratic monographs amongst a haphazard section of Mary Renault paperbacks and Doctor Seuss.

Elio grins. “For all intents and purposes,” he replies, perching himself on the king-size mattress. “Dad condensed his Milan collection when the cancer spread to his liver. Donated the rarities I didn’t want to various institutions.” Pursing his lips, he traces the spiderweb veins at his wrist. “Remind me to stop by your shelf when I give you the tour?” he advises. “We’ve remodelled the pianterreno for Maman’s sake, but the study is pretty much how he left it.” Elio’s eyebrows pull in. “They both vacationed here after the divorce, you know?” A shrug. “The perks of an amicable separation, I suppose.”

Oliver quits leafing through a copy of The Charioteer to sit down also. “The best friendships derive from understanding,” he says, a situation he’s thankfully au fait with himself. “Micol’s already planning to - wait.” His next exhalation is a tougher job than usual. “I have a shelf?” 

“Bien sûr!” Elio exclaims, still trading unknowns like currency. “My father kept everything you sent him.” 

“Even after the purge?”

Elio fiddles with the onyx signet ring he wears on his pinkie. “Like begets like, mon rêve. Tragic hoarders, the lot of us.” A beat. “Speaking of which…” He nudges him with his elbow. “Did you bring it?”

Oliver snags the strap of his holdall. “Did I bring it, he says…” Truth be told, he never travels without it: the A5 rectangular package currently parcelled in last Thursday’s edition of the Boston Globe. “Surely the key issue is where we’re going to put it?”

Elio waves him off with his usual laconic grace. “Oh, I’m certain we’ll find a spot…” His tone is distinctly reverent when he unveils the turn-of-the-century postcard: its frame dual-sided to show the assorted inscriptions. “And there it is,” he murmurs, poring over Oliver’s poignant addition. “Cor Cordium...” 

A repetition and a vow.  

There’s wonder in Elio’s gaze when he drags it away from the tempered glass. Desire, likewise. A question and a plea all in one. It would be easy, Oliver thinks, to eliminate the hairsbreadth between them. To strike a match to their inhibitions. Let the dormant pyre of potential consume them whole. But it’s essential they reconnect properly before taking that leap - that they be mentally prepared for what comes next - and hooking an espadrille around Elio’s bony ankle he wills his body into compliance.

Slides a recalcitrant palm to the other man’s spine.

Tries not to flush like some touch-starved adolescent at the bodement of suspense.

“What was that you mentioned about giving me a tour?” 

“We switched the dining room to the smaller salon,” Elio explains as the grandfather clock chimes three p.m in the lofty foyer. “Refurbished la biblioteca. Created a maisonnette. Then brought in Maddalena on a full-time basis.”   

“And you’re positive my being here won’t disturb her?” 

Elio flinches. “If it does, please don’t take it personally,” he replies with a grimace. “Maman’s grown reliant on her routines, so yesterday’s trip to Pavia was… disconcerting.” Hugging his abdomen, he stalls beneath a sepia map of the Byzantine Roman Empire. “She asked about you over breakfast, though - ensured we had enough apricots for juicing - so she’s aware of your arrival. Excited, even.” Elio frowns. “But the afternoons are often a little…”

“Disorientating?” Oliver’s uncle was much the same. 

“Précisément.” 

“What did the neurologist have to say?” 

“Nothing helpful.” Elio’s expression is willfully blank. “Nothing we haven't gleaned for ourselves, in any event. They’re optimistic these new meds might stabilise her moods, but perfecting each dose in lieu of her insomnia sounds a bit like Russian roulette.” 

It’s a sobering prospect, and Oliver’s thoughts harken to the Grecian statuette upstairs; thoroughly resolved to support his own philtatos - to buoy his spirits post-battle - in whatever trials lay ahead. 

“She’s lucky to have you,” he says, rucking up his shirt sleeves. 

“The feeling’s mutual,” Elio replies, rapping on the threshold, then ushers him into the private apartment where Maddalena - Annella’s live-in carer - catches him up on the morning’s affairs.

A subtle note of jasmine infuses the suite: perfume or fabric detergent, he’s unable to pinpoint. Nature’s chorus seeps through the unlatched windows - the cooing purr of turtle doves supplementing the high-pitched buzz of varying insects - yet Oliver’s ears hone on one thing only, and not even the crackle of Annella’s vintage record player distracts him from the mellow humming of the venerable woman, herself. 

With the sheer net curtains rippling idly behind her, she cuts a dignified image. Salt-and-pepper hair braided in an elegant top-knot. Pearl-drop earrings multifaceted as they disperse the dappled light. Her enigmatic smile is virtually indistinguishable to that of her youth, but any pipe dreams of spontaneous recognition are ultimately scuppered when Annella’s contemplative focus reverts to the vellum-bound novella nestled in her lap.

A crushing blow; though not altogether unexpected. 

“Salut, Maman!” Elio says, his cavalier attitude belying his agitation as he joins her by the couch. “Je t'ai amené un visiteur.” Crouching, he fixes the crocheted shawl about her delicate shoulders. “Depuis l'Amérique.”

“D'Amérique?” Mascara lashes flutter sluggishly: an adagio swish as Annella examines his face, askance. “Oliver?” she whispers; cashmere soft. “Est-ce vous?”

He almost caves to the physical pang. “Hey, Mrs P,” he murmurs, brandishing the Valrhona signature box he’d purchased at the airport. “Rumour has it these are your favourites,” he adds, lifting the embossed lid, then all but fumbles the lot when Annella reaches up, stroking a thumb over his unshorn cheek.

“Un cauboi bearing gifts…” she says, and Oliver fights back traitorous tears at such unfettered tenderness. 

“Far be it from me to show up empty-handed,” he replies, heart tripping over itself in its haste. “Shall I put these on the sideboard?” 

“Bonne idée,” Elio answers for her, the hand at Oliver’s forearm keeping him grounded. “Mafalda will read us the riot act if we spoil your appetite.”

Annella giggles. “Sami always saves her la praliné pistache,” she informs them gleefully, releasing Oliver’s jawline with a gentle pat. “You’ll be sure to tell him, won’t you, mes trésors?” 

“Of course...” he manages; breath stripped from his lungs.

“First chance we get,” Elio says: a seasoned professional.

“C’est merveilleux.” Annella flips the page of her book. “He was only saying last week how he hoped you’d make it home for Christmas,” she muses, her nexus turning inwards, and Oliver curses the cruelty of the human condition in the thousand-mile stare that follows.

[nomorepixels]

Riviera: The Promised Land

 ©️ Sting Inc. / Atlus 2006

Image sourced from mobygames.com

[theflowofthesoul]

Recreation of art frame of Serene from Riviera - The Promised Land

[matt-erialgirl]

DD / Chine Collé: Prologue

Chine Collé Masterlist | Matt Murdock / Daredevil Masterlist

Chapter warnings: None

I can’t say I’m surprised.

I didn’t think I would find myself standing here, getting ready to walk down the aisle, only to realise that I might not at all. 

Disappointed? 

Sure. 

Surprised? 

Not really.

I stood there, one hand wrapped around my father’s arm and the other holding on to the most gorgeous bouquet of sunflowers. If they could feel the dread spreading across my chest, they would have wilted instantly.

Everyone’s heads turned to look at us, their eyes full of what could only be described as pity. Even under the tulle of my veil, I felt more exposed than I’d ever felt in my life. My eyes danced nervously across the rows of all of my guests until they landed on the altar. 

He wasn’t there.

My eyes finally met Foggy’s, his hands clasped in front of him, lips pursed and a frown etched on his face before he shook his head slightly.

Embarrassment started to set in. All of a sudden, the lace of my dress started to feel scratchy against my skin and the corset around my middle felt like it could crush my ribs in on themselves. My face felt too warm, my hands were sweating and my heart felt like it was crawling up my throat.

“Where is he?” 

I didn’t need to look at my father’s face to know he was angry – the sound of his voice was indication enough. 

“If I knew, we wouldn’t be here, baba,” I whispered, my voice coming out shakier than I thought it would, “I need to get out of here, or I will have a fucking meltdown in front of everybody.”

“I think we’ve been embarrassed enough, apísteftos,” he mumbled in exasperation, placing a hand against my back as we turned around to walk back out, frustrated tears already clouding my vision.

It was one day. All I wanted was this one day to go as I’d planned it. 

Just once, I wanted to feel like I mattered more than the cursed red suit in his closet. That I could count on his word. That his promises weren’t always void.

One

Hey guys! This is some really exciting stuff for me - I’m starting an elaborate fic project with a really cool plot, very loosely inspired by one of my favourite shows of all time, Riviera. The prologue is in first person for dramatic effect but the rest of the fic’ll be in third.

Can’t wait to share it all with you!

If you want to be / don’t want to be tagged, please let me know xx

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