#because How Dare I speak to an actor on set despite the fact that I was responsible for their entire appearance (on that particular film)

[otomeowl]

Impressions of all the villains as of writing-

Routes I Completely Read

William - Excellent starter villain who really went “I could make her worse 💅” Has a way deeper voice than you’d expect and it keeps surprising me every time. I really like how proactive Kate becomes, and it’s nice to have a man decently chill and not super clingy. And I’m fine with clingy, but we go a lot of clingy boys in this game already!

Liam - He’s so sweet he makes me blubber and sputter like a seal. Love how his voice purrs, but despite the game always saying he’s like a cat and super curious his route doesn’t really focus on those aspects. It has a lot of The Sad and it makes you want to give him a warm blanket. Kate and I agree sweet boy must be treasured. And Kate and Liam are also really sweet to each other and the fact that Kate was already into theater and Liam’s an actor makes me happy.

Elbert - SAD WET CAT SUMMER!!! The most interesting thing for me is how despite being The Greedy Queen and thus being the most obsessive out of all the boys once he’s into Kate he’s also one of the nicest? Like even before he’s attracted to her he’s so sweet, tender and gentle and he’s always looking out for Kate’s wellbeing? It makes me sob! Sweet Boy 2!!! It also really showcases how the curse itself affects a villain. Like previous routes there’s some bastards (fucking Jeffrey every time I think of this fucker I wanna-) who hurt Elbie, but what made his past so tragic is directly caused by the curse. Very melancholic. Aside from The Sad he’s also dense and slow-spoken when he speaks, cuteness factor is off the charts! Not to mention his friendship with Alfons I could write a six-page essay on that.

More about incomplete and unreleased routes under the cut

Incomplete Routes

Harrison (Read Summaries but Haven’t Started His Route)- I’m sorry I keep setting him aside 😭😭😭. I want to get his 22 bond first before doing the route but I should probably just read it already after finishing up Elbie. I also haven’t read most of his events because they’re all after he and Kate get together. Strangely this makes me more intrigued by Harrison since I’m purposely leaving myself in the dark. From what I gather though he’s even more chill than William and despite his curse he seems like a decent fella.

Alfons (Japanese Only, Read Summary) - Stay away from Kate 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪. I simultaneously love reading about his character but hate hate hate him using his illusion power to make Kate do things. It’s not my thing and every time he has a scene with Kate I’m like don’t fucking dare 🔪. Love his interactions with Elbert and I’m really intrigued by him but every time he uses illusion power I’m skipping 🛑✋🛑✋. Has a nice voice though. Listen to Kate when she says he is a literal nightmare though.

Ellis (Japanese Only, Read Summaries and Translations up to Ch. 10)- SWEET! BOY! THREE!!! He’s the most outwardly kind to Kate, but he’s also super caring to all his fellow villains. He’s even sweet to Jude, and Jude going “ew” every time he does makes me chuckle. But he’s also one of the most dangerous to Kate so far. Out of all the villains (aside from Vogel that’s tbd) he’s somehow the most likely to kill her. So every time he asks if she’s at her happiest I’m like 😳😳😳 and then she says no and I go 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨. Probably has my favorite voice, so gentle yet so creepy. Out of all the villains (again aside from the newbies) he keeps the effects of his curse close to his chest the most.

Roger (Japanese Only, Read Translations up to Ch. 3) - Another man who needs to practice personal space with my Kate! 🔫🔫🔫. And yet another really interesting character in spite of that. Unlike his fellow Crown members he’s the most determined to fight against curses. I’ve only read three chapters of his route so far (translated by dark-frosted-heart) and so far I’m interested to see where it goes. I’m really intrigued to see how Vogel plays a part since Roger’s the first route to feature them, it’s a good way to draw people in! Voice is nice but I’m not hunting down his voice line the way I am with other villains.

Unreleased Routes

Jude - Rude Boy Rude Boy Rude Boy! One of the funnest villains with his attitude and how trouble follows him around. I’m not into how cruel and disrespectful he is to Kate but sometimes Kate is kinda into it? The amount of events where Jude is surprised when Kate’s a little too turned on by him being a meanie makes me laugh. I’m really interested in his route to see how many fights break out and how many kinks Kate discovers 🤣. Also interested in his attitude towards love and making promises.

Victor - Guys I love him so much I wanna sneak into the kitchen at night and eat scones with him too! So gentlemanly! So suave! So villainous! I want his route NOW!!!! His voice is nice but what really sells it is how cheerful he is! You can really hear the ✨ sparkle ✨ in his voice. And how he’s such a dad to his sons fellow villains! I want to hold this man and give him a tight squeeze and maybe commit crimes for him.

Nica - The literal definition of a Bad Boy who plays with girls’ hearts, hmph! 😤 I can’t stop thinking of a certain German prosecutor in ace attorney every time he injects German in his sentences. The Bad Boy girlies are gonna be suuuuper into him but I’ll have to see what else he’s got. I like how he cares for his twin a lot though.

Ring - S-sweet boy four??? Seems like a strong silent type but it looks super easy to break his tough exterior. His unconditional trust in his brother and Darius makes me feel like I need to hold his hand when he crosses the street! He’s a real cutie but given how all our previous sweet boys have a dangerous side I’m keeping my eye on him! I’m worried that his curse is to have his feelings affected by touch, as a foil to how his brother can cause others to feel affected by his touch, which makes me even more worried for him.

Darius - I’m having Gilbert flashbacks and can’t stop mumbling “this motherfucker” under my breadth. Really interested in what he’s hiding and I can’t stop listening to his voice. I don’t appreciate him hating my Victor though! Guards, put him in a jar and shake him violently!!!

Feel free to reply/reblog with your own impressions of the characters!

[missallanea]

GET TO KNOW THE MUN

TAGGED BY: stole it off the dash TAGGING: steal it yourself you cowards !!

1. FIRST NAME: Missa

2. STRANGE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: My mum once ripped off my fingertip with the strollers... like, sun roof? You can't tell though, they reattached it with no issues.

3. TOP THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU FIND ATTRACTIVE ON A PERSON: Eyes, hands... chest...?

4. A FOOD YOU COULD EAT FOREVER AND NOT GET BORED OF: Potato. Love potato. So versatile. I return to my Polish / Ukrainian roots. Potato.

5. A FOOD YOU HATE: Cilantro, and anything overly soft / mushy. Also mango because how dare you taste so fucking good when you make my mouth hurt.

6. GUILTY PLEASURE: Trash reality TV. We're talking like... Catfish. Garbage TV.

7. WHAT DO YOU SLEEP IN: Not a whole helluva lot, and not in a cute sexy way. In an "I have sensory issues and overheat easily and wake up crying in agony" way.

8. SERIOUS RELATIONSHIPS OR FLINGS: Serious relationships for myself. For other people, do what makes you happy. uwu

9. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN THE PAST AND CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WOULD YOU AND WHAT WOULD IT BE: I wouldn't get my first tattoo when the artist fucking mocked me through the whole damn thing. Fuck you, Jason. My tattoo looks like shit and you blew out the lines so fucking badly.

10. ARE YOU AN AFFECTIONATE PERSON: I think so, yeah!

11. A MOVIE YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN: Atlantis: the Lost Empire. Beauty and the Beast. Carrie, specifically the 2013 one. Yes, yes, inferior remake. I know. I'm aware. But something about it just tickles my brain.

12. FAVORITE BOOK: Carrie by Stephen King. I'm not going to say it's a good book, but it is a book that brought me a lot of comfort in a hard time in my life.

13. YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP ANY ANIMAL AS A PET, WHAT DO YOU CHOOSE: Three words : Norwegian Forest Cat.

14. TOP FIVE FICTIONAL SHIPS [IF YOU ARE AN RP BLOG, YOU CAN USE YOUR OWN SHIPS AS WELL]:Rumbelle, Raeda, Lumity... Romy annnnd... idk man.

15. PIE OR CAKE: Yes. The answer is always yes.

16. FAVORITE SCENT: About to be hyper specific here : Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's Snake Oil perfume.

17. CELEBRITY CRUSH: Carla Gugino.

18. IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO: Japan! There are so many things I want to do in Japan, but I want to be able to speak the language at least conversationally before I go.

19. INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT: Introvert.

20. DO YOU SCARE EASILY: Definitely. Despite this, love me some good horror.

21. IPHONE OR ANDROID: Android.

22. DO YOU PLAY ANY VIDEO GAMES: I do! I've been playing Dreamlight Valley but I recently have been wanting to start a new playthrough of BioShock. I also need to finish Killing Harmony.

23. DREAM JOB: Scare actor for a haunted house attraction and / or an student educator for a zoo or an aquarium.

24. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION DOLLARS: Pay off some debts, buy Mal and I our wedding rings, get us into a new apartment, and then set the rest aside for my inevitable move to the US.

25. FICTIONAL CHARACTER YOU HATE: Gonna cheap out and choose one you're supposed to hate : Terra Snapdragon. Woman gets under my skin in the worst of ways.

26. FANDOM THAT YOU WERE ONCE A PART OF BUT AREN’T ANY LONGER: Once Upon a Time. I wrote in that fandom on tumblr for... years. Still has a soft place in my heart but I don't think I'll ever go back.

[fanficcrossoverprompts]

Encanto Wizarding Info: The Ultimate Collection Part 9

Mirabel Madrigal

Wand:

Apple wood with a unicorn hair core, 11 and solid flexibility

Apple

Applewood wands are not made in great numbers. They are powerful and best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Dark magic. It is said that the possessor of an apple wand will be well-loved and long-lived, and I have often noticed that customers of great personal charm find their perfect match in an applewood wand. An unusual ability to converse with other magical beings in their native tongues is often found among apple wand owners, who include the celebrated author of Merpeople: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Language and Customs, Dylan Marwood.

Unicorn

Unicorn hair generally produces the most consistent magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Wands with unicorn cores are generally the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. They are the most faithful of all wands, and usually remain strongly attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch or wizard.

Minor disadvantages of unicorn hair are that they do not make the most powerful wands (although the wand wood may compensate) and that they are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, meaning that the hair may ‘die’ and need replacing.

Ilvermorny House:

Body: Wampuses are defined by their actions, by what they say, and by how they express themselves. They are experimenters, designers, architects, and servants; they lead by example, learn by doing, speak their minds, and live their truths. Wampuses are the central actors of their world, and their every action is deliberate, intentional, and representative of what they most value.

Hogwarts House:

Gryffindor House

Founder: Godric Gryffindor

Head of House: Professor Minerva McGonnogall

Ghost: Nearly Headless Nick

House Colours: Red and gold

Main Characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Neville Longbottom, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Ginny Weasley

Gryffindor is arguably the most focused-on house in the Harry Potter series and gets the most page-time devoted to explaining the story of its foundation and culture. This makes sense considering the three main characters of the series are all sorted into Gryffindor. However, amongst the series' fans, there are surprisingly few people sorted into Gryffindor house, making it almost like an exclusive club. If you've just been sorted into Gryffindor, congratulations!

"You might belong in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave of heart. Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart."

Gryffindor Traits and Strengths:

Courage: Gryffindors stand strong in the face of adversity and show bravery in everything they do. This can be overt (as in the case of Harry's bravery when facing Voldemort) or subtle (as in the case of Neville who continues to persevere even as he struggles with intense fear).

Daring: Gryffindors aren't reluctant to put themselves in physical danger when they feel there's a good reason. Harry, Ron, and Hermione run unflinchingly into danger time and time again.

Chivalry: Gryffindors feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect the weak and will act nobly, putting others before themselves. This trait makes them highly charismatic and popular with others.

Strong moral compass: Gryffindors tend to see the world as being split into right and wrong and will go to great lengths to pursue and defend the good while fighting the bad.

Gryffindor Weaknesses:

Hot-headedness: Because they're brave and daring, Gryffindors can sometimes react instinctively and ignore logic, leading to them being hot-headed and occasionally short-tempered. In The Philosopher's Stone, Harry chases Draco Malfoy into the sky on his broom over a fairly mild insult, despite the fact that he's never flown before and is putting himself in serious danger.

Recklessness: In addition to being hot-headed, many Gryffindors can be reckless in the pursuit of their goals. This happens when their daring and courage are misused or taken too far.

Arrogance: Gryffindors tend to be popular, charismatic, and good at most things that they do. Because of this, some Gryffindors can develop inflated senses of themselves and become arrogant.

Patronus:

Nightjar

Witches and wizards with a nightjar Patronus are intelligent, quick-witted, and intelligent – like Slytherins. They are very determined and goal-oriented. If you have this Patronus you likely exceed expectations either set by yourself or others.

Nightjars live up to their namesake in that they are mainly active at night. Camouflaged plumage makes it simple for nightjars to blend into their surroundings and supports their skilled hunting habits.

Nightjars are medium-sized birds that many refer to as “goatsuckers” because, as the legend goes, they were seen in fields sucking milk from goats.

The clever, smart nightjar Patronus will outwit any Dementor that dares to come your way.

Animagus Form:

Dog

When the Dog Spirit Animal chooses you, you will have a best friend in the etheric plane probably for the remainder of your years on this planet.

Dog cannot be deterred easily and is particularly drawn to humans who show service and loyalty generously to others. This animal spirit guide also comes when a soul calls out for aid, akin to the St. Bernard arriving just in the nick of time.

If Dog spirit keeps nudging you, be aware. There may be problems afoot that you cannot immediately see. Let your Dog’s nose sniff out the problem.

Additionally, Dog spirit always reminds you to maintain your integrity and faithfulness with all the gentle souls that share your life, both human and animal. This bit of animal medicine is true for self too – you cannot be a good friend to others without having the same relationship with yourself.

As a spiritual companion Dog builds an intense sense of devotion with all your relations. Should your proverbial tribe come into times of trouble, Dog spirit will not run with his tail between his legs but stand firm by your side. Just one word of caution: if your Dog animal guide feels you abuse trust and devotion, it will nip you firmly. Heed the warning.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

[avaantares]

Me: /slaps every character in this scene/

(rant begins below cut)

Spoilers for episode 19 of Guardian (though at this point I think I'm the last C-drama fan on the internet to watch it)

.

Look, I realize this show didn't have a budget. I can handwave the """absolute zero laboratory""" with its five-foot-tall open ventilation fan, vinyl-covered medical exam table, shelves of uninsulated supplies, and several inbuilt LCD screens that would not survive hitting zero Fahrenheit, much less zero Kelvin. I can shrug off the fact that none of our heroes thought of removing the lift-out hinge pins that are clearly visible on the INSIDE of the door and just walking out of the room. It's a little harder to rationalize the choice not to block the relatively small hole through which the refrigerated air is blowing into the room, and it's kind of ridiculous that even though one of the people locked in the lab has the ability to produce flame at will, nobody attempted to build a fire out of any of the flammable materials lying around (like, say, the cotton ropes, or the gauze and alcohol in the first aid kit, or anything in the boxes of lab supplies) to stay warm. All those things are silly but largely forgivable, because constructing a more accurate set or adding in more fire SFX might cost money the production just didn't have.

But WHY. for the love of thermodynamics. did nobody bother to PULL UP GUO CHANGCHENG'S HOOD when he's supposed to be tragically freezing to death?! IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE SHOT, GUYS. It doesn't cost extra!

Even a minute later when GCC passes out and Chu Shuzhi bundles him up in his own hooded coat, neither of the hoods are placed over his head. It's like they're purely decorative and absolutely not intended to be used for insulation.

[phoenixtakaramono]

Character Design Thoughts for Shen Yuan & Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky in ‘The Untold Tale’

(This is a Follow Up to This Post)

Hello, @averydrearydiana! Loved reading through your tags! I’m excited that you’re excited! Since I’m also seeing comments on AO3 speculating about how our transmigrators are going to appear as in The Untold Tale, I might as well give my current thoughts and have this archived on tumblr for future reference.

A fun fact about TUT is that a lot of the imagery in the story is inspired by Chinese PVs and popular C-dramas and literature. Since TUT is conceived as a lovestory to SVSSS, one element that I’d wanted to incorporate is playful attempts at satirical genre deconstruction. With that comes with me playfully poking fun at some clichés or things I’ve noticed in Chinese works.

Shen Yuan’s Celestial Design

Before I talk about his mortal appearance, I have to give a lil context about his celestial design in the story. We already know what he looks like as the celestial fortuneteller in TUT’s cover art that I’ve already posted on tumblr. As everyone knows, I was heavily inspired by this Chinese PV:

undefined

(TUT ch1 - Excerpt)

Among the things I’ve noticed are the fictional characters with white hair. We have a whole subculture of fans liking male character designs with white hair in anime and animation. Taking that a step further, they’ve even shown up in C-dramas, i.e. Teng She from Love and Redemption (technically more blond than platinum white, but shhhhh, just let me have this), Dong Hua Dijun from Eternal Love of Dream aka Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (rest assured, I’m aware of the source material’s controversy, but let’s not get into that here), etc. One of the tags for TUT is Opposites Attract. Luo Binghe’s color coordination is aligned with black and red mostly. Now, visually speaking, what’s the opposite of that?

The yin yang symbol.

Fun fact, besides black vs white, green (SY) is the complementary color of red (LBG) on the color wheel. Now taking everything I’ve said, to take it even one step further, my thought process at the time was, “why not go the extra mile then and just have SY be albino? Within context of the Heavenly Realm, that character design makes sense.” TUT is me subtly riffing off what I can (for the good ol’ meta humor), but making the content come across as a legitimate story experience. As Protagonist A and Protagonist B, LBG and SY have to look visually striking together. With all that said, let’s talk about....

(In reference to the original tumblr post)

Shen Yuan (Mortal)

I’ll keep some elements of his albinism from his celestial form (light sensitivity and pale skin mostly), but SY’s mortal form is essentially SY pre-transmigration but within context of the xianxia genre.

For his appearance, let’s just keep this Author’s Note^ and TUT’s summary in the back of our brains. This is the fanvid I was originally inspired by for SY’s mortal appearance:

undefined

(TUT Summary - Excerpt)

For what he wears, I’m currently feeling very heavily inspired by this PV:

undefined

His mortal appearance wouldn’t be considered as “strange” or “otherworldly” compared to the “ethereal fairy-like beauty” SY retains in the Heavenly Realm, but as a side-effect of the 【PROTAGONIST’S HALO】 and his +20 CHARISMA stat, he would still be considered attractive to people even when he takes on a mortal appearance. (Mainly, I like the idea of Bing gē taking large shots of vinegar seeing SY turning heads no matter which appearance SY takes on, and Luo Binghe glaring at these “insects” for even “daring to lay their unworthy eyes on his fated person.” The thought of it just makes me laugh.)

What I mean by how SY’s mortal form being very much based on how SY appeared pre-transmigration but in the xianxia genre context, I mean he’ll have his dark hair (but longer), a “scholarly air” (as a nod to his novelist background), dark eyes, and even his glasses technically (the divine monocle mentioned in ch3, which is also a subtle nod to Sha Po Lang and a riff on men wearing monocles in other Chinese works andit’salsoforeshadowingbutshhhh).

(TUT ch3 - Excerpt)

Shen Yuan originally was an author in his forties pre-transmigration, so I like the idea him having a mature air about him in the Cultivation World as well. So for both our Protagonist B’s celestial and mortal appearances, the idea is that you can look at him and immediately recognize him as a protagonist of the danmei setting. My only two prerequisites are that his appearance screams “hello, I’m Protagonist B” and that he appears in “scholarly” attire.

Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky (Mortal)

Keeping in mind the original tumblr post where I wrote my thoughts on who I’m transmigrating him as, currently I’m thinking it’s a combination of these two PVs for his mortal form:

undefined

undefined

As a nod to him being a successful novelist, I wanted him to also appear scholarly. A scholarly crown prince, if you will. For his attire, imagine all the C-drama clothing you’ve seen actors wear in period dramas, and you already have a good idea already of the direction I’m heading down.

As the prince of the cannon fodder emperor, I very much like the idea of Airplane perhaps having a baby face and brown hair (as a small nod to fanon!SQH from SVSSS) but with a great body (a huge source of inspiration are clothing worn by Prince Yu and Prince Jing of the three princes from the C-drama Nirvana in Fire). Since Airplane will also be able to select his Character Creation stats like Shen Yuan had, one thing I’m fairly certain is that he will max out his CONSTITUTION—because “game logic” and not wanting to die. (For those who don’t know, the CON stat in tabletop RPs essentially indicates a person’s overall health, wellbeing, and vigor checks...so him maxing it out is equivalent to him being as invulnerable as a cockroach. A high CON means overall healthiness, which means your character probably is full of energy and vitality, can heal rapidly, and will rarely get sick—if ever. Low CON usually means a higher susceptibility to sickness and disease, wounds that fester and linger, and a general fatigue would haunt you, etc.) Like how SY zeroed in on his CHA, Airplane would have prioritized +20 CON (+5 modifier), especially knowing the fate that’d await him as a prince and the vicious environment that is expected for palace intrigue plots (the harem is a big factor, with concubines and consorts and even the empress sabotaging each other—just to win the favor of one man). Against poison or whatnot which is a cliché in palace intrigue plots, rather than relying on luck, you typically stand a better chance of passing the CON check if you have a high modifier aiding your checks. He’s basically become impervious to illnesses, most poisons (probably being able to spring back quickly), and is considered the healthiest prince in all the mortal imperial line. <- This could be taken both seriously and humorously simultaneously.

Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky (Deity/ Celestial)

For Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī’s “actual divine body” that is currently asleep and won’t be awakened until Airplane completes his mortal trial to “regain his cultivation powers,” the face should obviously be similar but, as Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī, he would appear regal and dignified as a god of this world:

Imagine something along the lines of mortal Airplane as the man on the right, celestial Shen Yuan in the center, and deity/ celestial Airplane as the man on the left. I envision a respectable appearance that would knock the air out of Mobei jūn and make him recognize Airplane despite any visual dissimilarities, and in a way we have the Four Beauties of China: Luo Binghe, Shen Yuan, Mobei jūn, and Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī.

I will say I currently have an idea of making Airplane have “golden” eyes in both his celestial and mortal forms. (Spoiler alert: in my notes, I’d written down to give Airplane yellow eyes as an Easter egg to Yanxi Palace, I believe, where there was an episode where someone of the imperial harem schemed against the empress and almost had the newborn baby killed because that and the yellow skin was an inauspicious omen. We later find out through a timely intervention that the true reason was due to jaundice—because of the diet/ pregnancy cravings she ate for a period of time which resulted in her son’s symptoms. With Airplane’s high CON and another trope I’m bringing in which’ll have to do with the Medicine King’s Valley/ Valley of the Medicine King, his yellow eyes are the only side effect that lingered from that traumatic event which would have killed him had they gotten away with their scheme. A lot of palace dramas have to do with the vicious harem plots, so this would potentially be one such example.) The reason being that this is the identifying marker for MBJ to clue in that they’re the same man he will have loved. And I think that has romantic potential.

Misc.

Now addressing the other tags, yes, essentially speaking, Mobei jūn might just very well experience his very own Big Damn Reunion trope that Bing mèi had suffered from SVSSS. Poor MBJ. He’s in a tumultuous ride of his own with him considering Airplane as his own fated person, hahaha. But for the Moshang dynamic, I want him—a demon—to find himself taken with Airplane in his mortal guise—and subsequently his true celestial appearance once he finds out. I very much also want SY to jokingly snark to his fellow transmigrator-and-writing-colleague about him getting in a relationship with his own “creation” (MBJ). And Airplane would jokingly snark back about SY “ruining his ‘first son’ as well” (LBG). If you can read between the lines of that, then kudos. I’m glad to hear you’re looking forward to the palace intrigue.

I’m especially very happy to hear you’re looking forward to the descriptions! I personally love worldbuilding in the stories I consume I’m an interior designer and realtor irl, so I’m glad my love of house details and landscape, etc shows in TUT. For the pseudohistorical vibe, in the Mortal Realm, I will be referencing the Forbidden City of our Chinese history and a couple popular period C-dramas. Take the settings of period C-dramas like Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace, Yanxi Palace, and Nirvana in Fire as examples for what will be awaiting us when we finally meet Airplane in his mortal body. In the Heavenly Realm, the descriptions will be heavily referencing shows that contain aesthetics such as those of Ashes of Love, Love and Redemption, and Eternal Dream.

Take this with a grain of salt just in case I change my mind later on, but in the chapter when we meet Airplane for the first time, I probably won’t say which character he is in the first scene. I’ll give plenty of hints in the first scene so that you all can make your guesses before the big reveal, but I’m fairly confident you all or most of you will be able to pinpoint who he is among the cannon fodders. We’ll meet the emperor, who is discussing with his sons about the matter regarding the approaching calamity that is Luo Binghe. Then when we transition into the second scene, we’ll know exactly which “royal prince OC” it is that our beloved Airplane has transmigrated into, hahaha.

(*Keep in mind, for everything written above, some details are subject to change. Nothing is official until it appears in the story, or I’ve actually drawn my ideas out and posted online to both my tumblr and twitter. These are just my current thoughts.)

A goal of mine for TUT is to make the story widely accessible, meaning it doesn’t matter if the reader is new to the SVSSS fandom or aren’t familiar with the Easter egg references or meta jokes or subtext or even the Chinese culture, or even if English is not their first language. Having knowledge beforehand might help someone notice more hidden details in TUT, yes, but it is a humble wish of this writer for her esteemed readers to be able to dive into the story and get the enjoyable feeling like they’re reading a genuine danmei novel. It really makes me smile whenever I hear feedback that I am able to emulate that experience.

Very exciting developments indeed are in store!

[angelkurenai]

Subtext - Sebastian Stan x Reader

Title: Subtext

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Reader

Warnings: None

Prompt: Hii, could you do a Sebastian imagine where you're his costar and he has a crush on you, and you're doing a interview together and the interviewer is being very flirty and checking you out and you're oblivious to it.

“You look at some of those suits and wonder: How did they even get in them in the first place? Because it's so intricate, it makes me wonder. About the actors and actresses I mean.” the interviewer added, his eyes mostly on you, but his words going out for the both of you.

“Superheroes have it so much easier all the time.” you said with a sigh “It's such a struggle to get in those suits, not to mention get the makeup on and whatnot.”

“For some it takes up to five hours for the makeup, like Karen, and I remember hearing someone once had an issue on set with the suit while we were filming Civil War and they-” Sebastian paused in thought “Yes, it took about half an hour to get on their suit. Which, by the way, is no easy thing to keep on in the scorching heat of- of the location we were filming in.”

“Oh my gosh, that day-- I still remember. A nightmare. But-” you said, your eyes mostly on Sebastian before you met the interviewer's eyes again “See? And then people wonder why I'm such a fan of the Phoenix force. Like, that thing enters your body and gives you a different outfit without the trouble of having to chance or be careful for your makeup and hair! And it has plenty of different outfits. The moment I saw that I was like: sold! Get me one, where can I get me one?”

Sebastian laughed next to you, shaking his head “I mean she's got a point. Personally speaking, though, I can't say I have to complain. I mostly wear normal clothes and a glove that covers my supposed metal arm. And even when I do have to wear the arm itself it's just the easiest. So yeah, my suit is just that and I certainly have the fastest dress up on set. Plus it's not as uncomfortable as most.”

“A lucky asshole is what he is.” you teased, trying to say with as much seriousness as you could master at that moment before breaking it with a laugh, focusing back on the question “Personally speaking, it is rather time consuming to get into my suit. But given that we've managed to keep it on two pieces I usually wear the upper part with like a pair of shorts and only when I have to film I wear the lower part. It's only then that it gets a bit uncomfortable, but again it's not for like the entire time I'm on set so it's good. Even though the look itself is... tragic, to say the least. I'm still comfy so that's what I care about though.”

“Shorts?” the interviewer's eyebrows shot up in surprise as his eyes did a once over of your body which only made you giggle “I've seen photos and let me tell you, they were far from tragic. You always look amazing, but- Along with half of the suit? Well, that's what I call one heck of a look!”

“Well, it's a lot sillier than it sounds.” you admitted with a laugh, completely oblivious to the way Sebastian's eyes narrowed “Because Scarlett had gotten me those shorts as a gift and they have tiny (Y/S/N) signs in them that earn laughter from my friends when it's topped with the top half of my suit.”

“I assure you I would most certainly not laugh.” the man in front of you said in all honesty “Not at such a sight, believe me. I would be more, like, thanking my lucky stars for being that blessed.”

But despite all the honesty, or maybe because of it too, the way the man look at you was unmistakable. Just as unmistakable as the feeling rising in Sebastian's chest. He clenched his jaw and tried to bite back any words that could so easily pour, especially if the man kept it up, and he knew it would lead to no good. Not being he was technically working but because it wasn't really his place. You were friends, granted the closest of friends and he knew and admitted it (at least to himself) that he had stronger feelings for you but that didn't necessarily mean it went both ways and he couldn't risk what you already had for it. And that itched him more, it frustrated him more and it annoyed him more, more than anything else.

He was annoyed and not just with the interviewer but with himself as well. It was this annoying feeling of wanting to do something when other men looked at you this way, when they were being too friendly and too flirty, an annoying feeling that put him on edge and ready to do something, anything, to make it stop -jealousy Chris had called it with a knowing smile -and each time his mind provided him with the word he tried to deny it as much as he had done that day to Chris. But for how much longer?

His patience, will and all-around strength was seriously tested and he had to clench his fists along with his jaw to hold himself back.

“Aw thank you, you're too sweet to me-” you insisted too oblivious to everything that was happening, unlike Sebastian next to you who highly doubted he was being only sweet to you “But I can take the hard truth: It was silly to say the least. Though, if I am completely honest, my character has had plenty of different suits and variations of the main suit and yet none of those were nearly as good as the shorts Scarlett got me. I also have an over-sized T-shirt that goes with them and there are times I seriously consider turning that into my suit for a movie. Let's add matching socks and boom, best superhero costume ever!” you laughed and Sebastian only forced a chuckle as he noticed the raised eyebrow and look of interest the other man in the chair gave you “Not that I am sure if there is even a single person that would like to see that to be honest.”

“Oh trust me, I gladly volunteer! And I'll be the first one to buy a ticket to that movie!” the man smiled, a smile that could easily be considered one of his most charming ones, no wonder one of those smiles that he used on women at bars that would have them falling or him in seconds if they weren't as oblivious as you at the moment and accompanied by a sulking- no, scratch that, by a glaring and broody man that is. And he went on “Not as if I'm not already one of the first people to get tickets to your every movie anyway.”

“Oh my gosh, stop- I can feel my face heating up!” you grinned, and Sebastian recognized it as one of the most genuine and heartfelt ones you reserved for the people you wanted closer to you “I am seriously doubting you'd want to see it, though, or anyone else. I think the fancy suits are a great factor in drawing in crowds, you know?”

“But I mean, so is good acting, right? And you're undoubtedly one of the best if not the best actress of our era, and I dare anyone to fight me on that cause I and the Oscars got all the facts on this.” and after the easy smile came the really flirty one that was hard to miss, at least to Sebastian; who only shifted in his chair and took a deep breath to calm down and listen the rest of it cause there was more “Plus, I don't know about others, but I love a woman in baggie clothes, in tight clothes or with no clothes at all. Honestly anything that makes her comfortable. However she feels beautiful is what matters. It's not my business what she does with her body too, you know?”

“A catchy line with a lot of subtext, of course he would.” Sebastian thought bitterly.

“Wow I might have a terrible memory but I don't think a man has ever told me that?” you gasped your smile getting bigger “What have you been all this time? I gotta have my friends meet you!”

“Oh just here and totally ready for grabs if you're interested!” he spread his arms wide and grinned, easily earning another laugh from you, before he let them drop and added “Though, to answer your question, you probably haven't been looking in the right place.” the man laughed, again a warm and charming chuckle, that Sebastian didn't doubt could have many women falling for him yet fearing at the same time that you'd be one of them.

The thought, as small and quick as it might have been, when it flashed through his mind, it was greatly disturbing for his entire nerve system. He felt the unpleasant shivers as his back straightened and his muscles tightened. His breathing stuttered as it came out of his lips and he could swear he felt his heart do a scary leap to his throat.

“Sorry, on her part, for not paying attention. Since (Y/n) can't come up with an answer now, I'll speak on her behalf.” Sebastian said with what he hoped looked like a small easy smile and it probably worked because you chuckled.

But before you could open your lips to speak, he beat you at it and this time every hint of a smile had vanished “We were under the impression that this was a professional interview.” he heard a small sharp intake from next to him but he ignored it “Maybe we should have checked before we came in here. Do you do this with every actress that walks in here by the way? Wonder how's that working out for you so far.”

“Seb” you muttered, but once more he ignored you.

“Must suck that I'm still the one she'll be walking out of here with and spending the rest of the day and you'll be left daydreaming about how her bed looks like. I don't need to.” he shrugged “But hey, I can always give you a tip of two for the next one that walks in, how about that?”

“Oh my- How many more minutes are there to this interview again?”

[shamandrummer]

Winona LaDuke: Native Environmentalism

I had the opportunity to meet Winona LaDuke and hear her speak at a conference years ago. LaDuke is a renowned Anishinaabe environmentalist, economist, writer and past two time vice-presidential candidate (with Ralph Nader), known for her work on tribal land claims and preservation, as well as women's rights. She is from the Makwa Dodaem (Bear Clan) of the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota. LaDuke was raised in Ashland Oregon, the daughter of Betty Bernstein and Vincent (Sun Bear) LaDuke. Her Anishinaabe father worked as an actor in Hollywood in supporting roles in Western movies before establishing himself as an author and spiritual leader in the 1980's. Her mother is an artist and writer who has gained an international reputation for her murals, paintings and sketches. LaDuke attended Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Antioch University. She has testified at the United Nations, U.S. Congress, state hearings, and is an expert witness on economics and the environment. She advocates primarily for the protection of the environment and the rights of women. In 1985, LaDuke helped found the Indigenous Women's Network. She worked with the Native organization Women of All Red Nations to publicize American forced sterilization of Native American women. In 1989, LaDuke founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project in Minnesota with the proceeds of a human rights award from Reebok. The goal is to buy back land in the White Earth Indian Reservation that non-Natives bought and to create enterprises that provide work to Anishinaabe. LaDuke is humorous, enlightening and above all political. She speaks with a Native voice without altering her language for non-Natives. Her words differ from establishment thinking and offer new ways of understanding the world and the solutions we need for the great issues of climate change. She conveys a beautiful and daring vision of political, spiritual and ecological transformation. LaDuke spoke at length about Native environmental issues and challenges. Despite making up a tiny fraction of the world's population, Indigenous peoples hold ancestral rights to some 65 percent of the planet. This poignant fact conveys the enormous role that Native peoples play not only as environmental stewards, but as political actors on the global stage.

All over the world, Native peoples are engaged in battles with hostile corporations and governments that claim the right to set aside small reserves for Native people, and then to seize the rest of their traditional territory. They are confronting the destructive practices of industry and leading the charge against climate change, while defending the rivers, forests and food systems that we all depend on. At the same time, they are blocking governments from eroding basic rights and freedoms and turning to the courts of the world to remedy over 500 years of historical wrongs. Native peoples are putting their lives on the line and fighting back for political autonomy and land rights. And all the while, they are breathing new life into the biocultural heritage that has the potential to sustain the entire human race.

Native Americans often articulate alternative environmental perspectives and relationships to the natural world. Indigenous mythologies and oral traditions express a non-anthropocentric environmental ethic. Indigenous groups offer ancient tried-and-tested knowledge and wisdom based on their own locally developed practices of resource use. And, as Native peoples themselves have insisted for centuries, they often understand and exhibit a holistic, interconnected and interdependent relationship to particular landscapes and to the totality of life, animate and inanimate, found there.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Indigenous cosmology is the conception of creation as a living process, resulting in a living universe in which a kinship exists between all things. Thus the Mother Earth is a living being, as are the Sun, Stars and the Moon. Hence the Creators are our family, our Grandparents or Parents, and all of their creations are children who are also our relations. LaDuke captured the essence of this concept when she said: "Native American teachings describe the relations all around--animals, fish, trees, and rocks--as our brothers, sisters, uncles, and grandpas...These relations are honored in ceremony, song, story, and life that keep relations close--to buffalo, sturgeon, salmon, turtles, bears, wolves, and panthers. These are our older relatives--the ones who came before and taught us how to live."

The industrialized West is largely unaware of how Indigenous societies have functioned, and the strengths they possess that industrial cultures have lacked. Our notions of progress are based on the idea that high tech means better and that industrial cultures are somehow more advanced socially. The current state of our threatened environment demands that communication channels be opened for dialogue and engagement with Native environmental ethics.  

When describing Indigenous environmental activism, LaDuke said, "Grassroots and land-based struggles characterize most of Native environmentalism. We are nations of people with distinct land areas, and our leadership and direction emerge from the land up." Each nation and community has its own unique cultural traditions linked to the land.

LaDuke detailed how different groups of Native people are contending with environmental issues and are seeking to address them at the local, community level. They are also forming national and international organizations that seek to help individual nations, in large part through information sharing and technical assistance. In the final analysis, however, each nation, reserve, or community has to confront its own issues and develop its own leadership. This must be stressed over and over again: each sovereign Native nation will deal with its own environmental issues in its own way. There is no single Native American government that can develop a collective Indigenous response to the crisis we all face. LaDuke emphasized that the environmental awareness of many Native American groups translates into a high level of respect for women in their communities. A good deal of evidence has shown that when women have high status, education, and choices, they tend to greatly enrich a community and to stabilize population growth. Many traditional American societies have been able to maintain balance with their environments because of the high status of women, a long period of nursing for infants, and/or the control of reproductive decisions by women. Many of the leaders in the Native struggle today are women. LaDuke pointed out that respect and humility form the foundation of Native lifeways, since they not only lead to minimal exploitation of other living things but also preclude the arrogance of colonial missionary activity, secular imperialism, and the oppressive patriarchy. She noted that: "In each deliberation we consider the impact on the seventh generation from now. Everything we have today we inherited, we are very, very fortunate today that our ancestors were strong people. We’re very, very fortunate that our ancestors took care of this land so well. We also know that those who are not yet here are counting on us not to mess this up…they’re counting on us to make sure that there will be water for them to drink, that there will still be fish, that the air will not be so poisoned or so hot that they cannot live."

Native people are not only trying to clean up uranium tailings, purify polluted water, and mount opposition to fossil fuel extraction; they are also continuing their spiritual ways of seeking to celebrate and support all life by means of ceremonies and prayers. As LaDuke told us in closing: "In our communities, Native environmentalists sing centuries-old songs to renew life, to give thanks for the strawberries, to call home fish, and to thank Mother Earth for her blessings."

[thorne93]

History Repeats (Part 4)

Prompt: Life’s hard, right? Well throw in a not so great job, a broken heart, and chasing a pipe dream in LA. But could someone come along to make all the bad shit disappear? Or is he just another heartbreak waiting around the bend?

Warnings: language, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, angst/heartbreak, adult themes (??)

Word Count: 2386

Note: Aesthetic made by @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​ because she’s absolutely amazing Beta’d by @like-a-bag-of-potatoes​ and @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​ . Brainstorming from @carryonmyswansong​​

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before you knew it, you’d fallen into a routine with Hayden, somewhat. It wasn’t like clockwork, but there was definitely something that had become part of your pattern.

It seemed that Hayden would drop by a few nights a week and ask if you wanted to hang in his room after you got off. You always said yes because for the first several nights, it was a good way to vent and relieve some stress. You two swapped stories of hard working days, then it always seemed to work into the heartbreak you were both still going through. Realizing that not being with your exes was best, and accepting that fate were two very different things, especially for Hayden, having a daughter made it all the worse. 

But after a while, the visits went from bonding, being each other’s support, to being fun filled and like normal friendly hang outs. The two of you talked about Rachel and Jason less, and talked more about yourselves. At one point, he even hooked up his video game console and for several visits, they turned into video game tournaments between you two. It was a fun, easy way to blow off steam after work. 

Of course, sometimes you couldn't meet because he had an early day or you were exhausted from your shift, and that was okay. This was just two friends hanging out and there was no pressure for either of you to constantly want to hang out. In fact, for both of yours’ sakes, and for the sake of the anxiety that you both had, you didn’t over do it, knowing that being sociable for a long time wore on you both.

He listened to you about wanting to be a singer and you shared some of your lyrics with him and he told you stories of his aspirations as an actor and things he was proud and not proud of. Every time he talked about his acting, you felt awful because you were pretty sure you’d only seen two or three of his movies, so you couldn’t tell him your thoughts on any of his work. But he never seemed to mind, he was just happy to have someone that even wanted to talk with him about it. 

Tonight, nearly a month after the first time you’d hung out, you’d gotten onto the topic of how you got into singing, and feeling that it was the only thing you were above average at.

“You can’t be serious,” Hayden admonished.

“No, I am. Come on, name one quality about me that’s better than average,” you challenged, knowing he wouldn’t come up with anything.

“You’re an excellent manager,” he noted.

You laughed, throwing your head back. “Oh, thanks. I’m so good at my job. I’m good at organizing people and running a shift. Big whoop.”

“Okay, fine. How were you in school?”

“Average. I made B’s most of the time.”

“Well you kick my ass on Overwatch all the time, so there’s that,” he said and you wrinkled your nose at him. 

“Har, Har. No. I’m talking real, true talent. Like you! With acting!” you said, pushing on his leg slightly.

“I’m not so sure,” he remarked with an eyebrow twitch and half smile. “But I will say I was fairly good at tennis. Almost got a full scholarship and almost competed on a professional level.”

“See? Like that. That’s amazing. I can’t swing at a damn ball to save my life,” you said, falling back on the couch and throwing your arm over your face, tired from your work day. 

“I bet that’s not true,” Hayden tried in an overly sweet voice.

“You’d lose that bet,” you said, your arm still covering your eyes.

“Good thing I’m not a gambler,” he joked with a laugh and you returned it. 

“I’ll just stick to what I know best,” you said, sighing. 

“Or...I could show you,” he quietly said. So quiet, you weren’t sure that’s what he said.

“What?” you asked as you sat up and removed your arm, looking at him.

Clearing his throat, he repeated himself, speaking up as he did so. “I could show you. How to swing at a ball. Then maybe, in your eyes, you’ll be good at something.”

You eyed him for a moment suspiciously, then you began to laugh as if it were absurd. 

“No...Why?”

He shrugged, his eyes darting forwards, his elbows on his knees as he was leaned forward. “Like I said, to help you.” 

“That’s it?”

“Jesus, Y/N, why are you so skeptical of someone wanting to help you?” he asked, and it meant to come out as a tease, as a joke, but his tone was harsher than he intended. 

He went to apologize, opening his mouth to do so, but you stopped him. Hanging your head, and toying with your fingers, you softly answered, “Because I’ve never had it happen and it be innocent. People don’t just...help people for the hell of it.”

“Well I do and I’m going to help you be a good tennis player,” he vowed.

“Oh, really, Hayden, you don’t want a racket in my hand. I’ll kill you,” you said, shaking your head. “It’ll fly out of my hand and crack your skull. Or I’ll launch a ball right into your chest.”

He laughed, not taking you seriously. “I doubt any of that will happen.”

“I’m serious! This is a terrible idea!” you said, raising your voice, despite the fact that you were about to laugh too. “You really don’t want me handling sports equipment!”

“I’m sure I’ll survive,” he assured. “We’re going.”

----------------------------------

Now, it was three days later, it was your day off and his, and Hayden was taking you two a recreation center to teach you tennis.

You dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, something comfortable because you had a feeling you’d be moving a lot more than usual. Hayden was looking rather adorable in shorts, a polo, and a baseball cap. He really did look like a tennis player.

The two of you grabbed the equipment and made your way to an indoor court, setting up. All the while you were so worried you wouldn’t be able to hit a single ball. He got everything in place, handed you a racket, then took his place on the other side of the court.

“Have you ever played?” he called across the court.

“A few times in high school.”

“So you remember the rules?”

You shook your head. “No, not really.”

“Okay, no problem,” he said before diving into the rules and logistics of the game. If the ball landed here, this happened, if you hit it here, this happened. If the ball comes at you like this, swing the racket like so...so on and so on. He was a really good teacher. He kept things simple and concise, perfect for you since you never played sports.

Then, the batting began and you were a disaster on the court. You couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn, you were flailing wildly everywhere, and you were slow. Hayden laughed once or twice, but you couldn’t blame him, in fact, it was kind of cute when he laughed at you, because to be honest, you were laughing at your efforts too. 

“Time out,” Hayden suddenly said as he walked over to you. “I think I see the problem,” he noted as he approached you, getting so close you could feel the heat off his body. 

“What?” you wondered as you looked down at your hands, feet, and racket, curious as to what he saw.

“Your footing,” he explained. “Half of tennis is making sure you’re setting your body up to accept the ball, no matter which direction it comes from,” he said as he moved behind you and put his hands on your hips and pivoted them and you followed the motion, trying to suppress the shiver  that wanted to escape due to his nimble hands on your sides. Hayden was your friend, and the last thing you needed was to develop feelings for him. 

“Now set your left foot a little more towards the net,” he instructed softly and you did as you were told. “Now bend slightly at the hips, a little more forward. Great!” he said, stepping back and eyeing you. “You’re holding the racket all wrong. It’s not a baseball bat, you don’t need to grip it like this,” he said, showing you how you were doing it. “If we were playing baseball, that would be perfect. A nice, strong, hold. But in tennis, you need a looser wrist, some range of movement, so that if the ball goes a little farther than you expected or comes back to the left, rather than the right, as you anticipated, you can pivot and shift quickly.” 

You nodded, understanding. 

“Okay, so take your racket,” he said and you took it in both hands, and he slid behind you once more, his chest pressed flush against your back as his body molded around yours in order to show you better. “Now put your hand here,” he said quietly, his voice practically right beside your ear as he took his hand and held yours and placed it on the racket correctly. “And the other, here,” he instructed, physically moving your hand again, adjusting your fingers as need be. “There we are,” he said, a smile in his voice and you turned to smile at him proud that you were finally in a good stance.

Yet, when you turned your head, he was gazing at you already, his eyes were smoldering. Your mouth went dry as your eyes went between his stare and his lips, his hold still firm around you. There was a charge in the air that was nearly strangling you two. Neither of you dared move, your eyes just holding the gaze that you shared, afraid to do what you wanted to do so badly. 

Eventually you both of you moved at the same time, clearing your throats.

“Thanks for showing me that,” you quickly said, trying to erase the tension still hanging in the air.

“Yeah, yeah, any time. I’ll just...go over here and we’ll try again, now that you know how to hold it.”

You nodded, as he took his spot on the other side of the net. He served the ball, and you didn’t hit it the first time, but on the third try, you did, and it felt great. You cheered and jumped, excited that you were finally getting the hang of this, while he congratulated you and ran up to give you a high five which you happily returned.

The two of you continued to play, and it was actually fun now that you could somewhat play. You still were no where near his level of expertise, but you were much better than you had been when you started this afternoon. 

----------------------

After tennis, the two of you had worked up an appetite so Hayden offered to take you to dinner.

“Are you sure you want to?” you asked, knowing he sort of hated being out due to potential media coverage.

“Yeah, it’ll be fine,” he assured with a shrug and a smile as you two got back to his car. 

“I don’t want to make you do anything you don’t wanna do…” you said uneasily. Of course, you’d love to hang out outside of his hotel room, but if it would put him in a situation he didn’t want to be in, then you didn’t want to do that.

“No, I’m more than happy to go,” he said with a smile. 

“Well if you’re up to it, I’d love to,” you agreed with a grin.

With that, you two found a nice restaurant that was tucked away from everything else, off of main streets and areas, a perfect place for a man not wanting to be seen. The two of you had a great meal, chatting about tennis and he said maybe one day he’d teach you hockey and with an instructor like him, you actually jumped at the chance. Laughter about your performance today went between you two as you shared old stories about your little experience with athleticism and he told you all about his experience and how he almost went pro. 

All in all, it was a wonderful day, and it didn’t stop there. The two of you went on a stroll in the park that was just a couple blocks over. Walking side by side, taking in the beautiful, simple sights of nature, it was so serene. Being around Hayden was so easy and effortless.

You hadn’t really talked to your old friends in a while and Jason and you hadn’t spoken since the breakup. But you didn’t really miss them. You didn’t miss constantly pretending to enjoy being out and about all night. You didn’t miss that when you and Jason broke up, no one really checked on you or cared too much. The first day or two, you got a couple of texts from friends, but after that, it was radio silence. No one asked again how you were doing after that, and for you, it sent a pretty big signal that they weren’t the type of friends you could count on in a bad situation. That made it evident they didn’t need to be in your life. 

Same for Jason. He didn’t talk to you about your issues, he just decided for the both of you that he didn’t want to be in a relationship any more so he just ended it. No talk. No discussion. Just a “this isn’t working out” speech and he was out of your life. He didn’t even respect you enough to talk about it or give you much closure.

Hayden didn’t seem like a man who would do that. A man who would abandon friends in their time of need, or just up and leave without much of an explanation. That’s what you liked about him. He was sweet and reliable and it was refreshing. 

After the walk, he drove you back to your place, where you hugged him tight and thanked him for a wonderful day out. Thank your lucky stars you had a friend like him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forever Tag:

@essie1876​​​

@magpiegirl80​​​

@letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​​​

@marvel-imagines-yes-please​​​

@missinstantgratification​​​

@thejemersoninferno​

@rda1989​​​

@munlis​​​

@thefridgeismybestie​​​

@bubblyanarocks3​​​

@igiveupicantthinkofausername​​​

@kaliforniacoastalteens​​​

@feelmyroarrrr​​​​

@kaeling​​​

@friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo​​​

@damalseer​​​

@heyitscam99​​​

@yknott81​​​

@sorryimacrapwriter​​​

@glitterquadricorn​​​

@bittersweetunicorm​​​

@alyssaj23​​​

@sea040561​​​

@princess76179​​​

@thisismysecrethappyplace​​​

@sarahp879​​​

@malfoysqueen14​​​

@ellallheart​​​

@breezy1415​​​

@marvelmayo​​​

@lyniboy​​​

@paintballkid711​​​

@pandacookieowo​​​

@beiroviski​​​

Hayden Christensen:

@coldlilheart​​​

@haydens-moles​​

History Repeats:

@multifandomblog315​​

[gildedmuse]

So I seem to remember promising more Sora: Warrior Of The Sea Beach Episode. And by "seem to remember" I mean, it's in writing and thus hard to ignore. So despite the fact that none of you care, guess what? You're getting more of this ZoLaw AU.

First off, every member of the cast and crew understands the purpose of a beach episode: to waste time at the beach. Which means that everyone pulls up with swim trunks, blankets, grills and umbrellas. They are basically there to have a beach vacation.

I say everyone. Not Law. Law does not come prepared to party, he comes prepared to be pissy. But like everyone else (Yes, even Mihawk. Though technically only due to Shank's influence. Shanks forces him is what I'm saying. "Hey, even Beckmen is joining in the fun!" / "Benn always joins in these ridiculous games." / "What? My Beckmen? No! He's usually so mature and serious." / "He only seems that way compared to you. Because you are a child.")

The resulting shoot is pretty much pure chaos. Perona and Hancock are more interested in sunbathing than acting. Killer is kicking everyone's ass at volleyball. Franky and Ace are having a grill off to see who makes the better hamburgers and hot dogs (Sanji would totally win except that Pudding-Chan is right there and in a bikini and look, at some point it's difficult to care about things that aren't that.) Zoro and Luffy, meanwhile, are pretty much exactly the children you expect them to be, much to Robin's amusement. Look, she wrote a scene where Sora and Daichi "play wrestle" in the sea, but it has nothing on the actual thing. Because Zoro can often be oblivious and because, you know, Luffy she is sure they don't mean for it to look so homoerotic. It's just a shame Nami isn't here to capitalize on this. She could definitely sell Zoro pinning Luffy to the sand or Luffy wrapping around Zoro like he's made of rubber for more than a few quid.

Law is not enjoy this shoot.

Even when Benn finally gains enough control to start getting actual work done (you'd be surprised how authoritative Mihawk can be even in purple swim trunks) it soon becomes clear that this is going to be a longer than normal shoot. Not because the logistics, just people are not even trying. Ace will just start smiling in the middle of a scene where he shouldn't be smiling, and because Zoro really takes his cues on acting from Ace he'll immediately start smiling regardless of the line. Then Sanji will get angry with them both, which Pudding will think is adorable, thus leading to Sanji forgetting the script entirely to pay attention to her. Perona will tell Zoro off and get too close in his face, which will make Luffy jump in to "protect his virtue" (on order from Nami) which will make Boa jealous because how dare another woman be so close to her Luffy. Which will make Ace and Zoro annoyed which will make Robin giggle, which will distract Franky which will ultimately lead to the effects not working like they should, which will cause Shachi, Penguin, and Ikkaku to huddle up (definitely not them just laying on the sand and enjoying the day out) which of course gets Shanks and Mihawk's attention. Shanks tries to separate Perona and Luffy while Mihawk gives Zoro and Ace The Look which, despite his still authoritative aura is SLIGHTLY less effective when he's standing there in just swim trunks. Curse Shanks. So in the end, with a heavy sigh, he has to go train instruct Zoro in what he should actually be doing in the scene which somehow ends up with his hands at Zoro's bare waist as he goes through it all yet again.

Law HATES this. Fucking. Shoot.

Which is why he is so close to just leaving, as per Robin's suggestion. They don't need him there. Clearly. They can all get along quite well without him. It's obvious now that Law's real job is babysitting and at this particular location all attempts to be an adult are fruitless.

So Law is all set to leave but then Zoro gets out of the ocean, dripping wet, and heads towards his drink which Law happens to be standing beside. Not watching. Definitely. If anything, glaring. And he tries to keep glaring out at Luffy and Ace messing around as Zoro takes a nice long drink, eyes clearly focused on Law.

Which isn't distracting.

Zoro: Aren't you hot?

Law: *Takes a second to process what that actually means, covering by his continued glare* These are work appropriate clothes, Zoro-ya. Not all of us have forgotten why we're here.

Zoro: *Snorts* RIght. You can't be seen having fun, isn't that so Torao?

Law: *Turning his glare towards Zoro which is maybe a mistake because skin and water and mouth and eyes* I'm only being practical.

Zoro: That sounds boring *Reaching out to grab the end of Law's shirt* You should come have fun with us, Torao. You might even enjoy it. *Sideways smirk that is far too dangerous in nature, anyone with self preservation instincts would run*

Law: *Doesn't run* I… *Is older than Zoro and more experienced than Zoro and always the one to make suggestive comments to Zoro so how is it Zoro has currently got his hands wrapped in Law's shirt while Law seems unable to speak?* I didn't even bring-

Zoro: *Stepping closer, raising Law's shirt up a few inches to show his intent* It's just the crew, it's not like anyone will care.

Law: It wouldn't be very appropriate, Zoro-ya…. *Come on! He's half stripping you down! Be flirty or clever or mysterious or hell just step back and make him stop if you can't come off as at least competent. What the hell is wrong with you? Fuck, he's so close. And there's this trail of water falling from his hair to his lips. Fuck.*

Zoro: Look around. No one here is trying to be "appropriate" Torao. *Steps closer, feeling safe. Feeling cocky. Today has been all sword fights with Killer and sea fights with Luffy and Ace. Can you blame him for being in a good mood? And Law needs to join in, obviously. He's standing up here on the beach looking so miserable and serious. What he needs is to be dragged into the water and force to actually have some fun.* Unless…. *Cocks his head, looking Law over* You can swim, can't you?

Law: I - *It'd be nice if he could swallow right now because it definitely feels like he's going to start drooling. That damn water is curving up on the underside of Zoro's lower lip and he's so close. Law could lap that up for him. Could pin Zoro down and just….*

Zoro: *Beaming* It's alright. Luffy can barely swim, either. *Nods out to the water where currently Luffy is splashing around, riding on Ace's shoulders*

Law: *Eyes go to Luffy and Ace for once second and when he looks back Zoro seems so much closer.*

Zoro: *Still smiling even as he starts to peel off Law's shirt* Come on. *Tugging him by the arm, despite the fact he's still in his jeans and no wait he didn't agree to this!* We'll go together.

Law: *Manages to get Zoro to stop long enough to peel off his jeans so he's down to his boxers, which Zoro flushes at and isn't that what he meant? He can't be so inexperienced. Fuck, Law just wants to ruin this boy, he really does. But then Zoro is back to shoving him towards the sea, happily announcing to Ace and Luffy that he has a fourth and what does that even mean? What has Law gotten himself into?*

It turns out to be an overly competitive game of chicken (both Ace and Zoro really take it far too seriously while Luffy is clearly there for fun but also will break Law's nose if it comes down to it). Which means Law has his legs wrapped around Zoro, whose hands are curled up around his thighs and this could not get any worse.

He thinks.

Totally unaware that Robin has her phone out and is capturing this entire magical moment. And when Franky sits beside her asking why she's filming them fighting she just gets this smile that makes him want to unask because he knows Robin.

Mihawk has to eventually call the boys out to shoot a scene. He stands at the edge of the water with his typically displeased look. Law would feel so much more ashamed if Zoro hadn't chosen to just drop him slightly so Law's legs are wrapped around his waist, and carried him out of the water like that. Law tries to give his boss an apologetic look but it's difficult when he's so wrapped around Zoro, and Zoro's hands keep finding new places on his legs to hold him up. (And maybe Mihawk shouldn't look at actors who work for him that way. And maybe Mihawk should spend less time instructing Zoro. And maybe Mihawk can go to hell because Law has called dibs on this one. This one is his.)

(Also, thank you for this opportunity, Mihawk-san)

(Also, did Zoro really need to flash that smile at Mihawk? Did Mihawk's face just soften slightly? Isn't he like twice Zoro's age? He should really-)

Then Zoro drops him on the sand, and he's leaning over Law, practically on top of him. All other thoughts basically stop.

Zoro: *Beaming* See? Wasn't that better than just sitting around?

Law: *Forgets how breathing works for just a moment, and is way too out of breath by the time he recalls the process. So his mind goes into default Defensive Mode. He frowns* You just wanted a chance to beat Mugiwara-ya.

Zoro: Well… *Shrugs, like obviously. That isn't really the point, is it? Since he chose Law?* You did well Torao. For a beginner.

Law: *Crossing his arms across his chest, which is difficult with Zoro right there. Looks to the side, determined not to give a single inch* I don't like being used Zoro-ya.

Zoro: Right. *Frowns, pushing away from Law* It was Luffy's suggestion anyway.

Law: *Carefully glancing back* What was?

Zoro: *No longer looking at Law* To come get you. Tch. Like I would ever want to pair up with you, Torao. *Pushes off the sand, stalking off towards Mihawkk and the shoot*

Law: *Pushes himself up onto his elbows, watching Zoro go. Can't help feeling like he really messed up.*

Robin: Perhaps you should be more careful with our stuntman's feelings.I suggest next time you be more honest with him.

Law: *Doesn't jump at Robin's sudden appearance next to him. Totally.* There won't be a next time. This is a pointless waste of an episode and the studio will see that.

Law: *As an afterthought* And I was honest.

Robin: *Sets a hand on Law's shoulder in a quiet moment of commiseration*

Also Robin: I have it all on tape if you wish to watch it back. *Leaves*

Law: *Hates this fucking episode*

Law: ….. *Maybe wants to examine that tape.*

[kinkymagnus]

okay im fucking LOSING MY MIND LAUGHING

normally i like block anon hate and i might do a quick generic response but i don’t necessarily show the ask but this is too fucking funny not to. this is genuinely the best anon hate i’ve ever gotten. i’m almost wondering if it’s a joke surely someone isn’t this goddamn stupid???

ok ok ok so.

first of all. i actually was joking, mostly because while magnus’s actor, harry,  is very attractive he’s like late 30s and it would be kind of weird for someone that much older than me to have sex with me. and while magnus is, again, super hot, i also ship him with alec more than i actually want to have real sex with him or something, particularly again given the age thing and my own unrelated issues, so like, if somehow magnus bane became real, i would not want to have sex with him. although that’s irrelevant, as he isn’t real, and fantasies are harmless even if i was fantasizing about that, but whatever.

second. even if i wasn’t. what the fuck. i literally wouldn’t even be doing anything wrong.

anon please tell me what’s disgusting about being attracted to a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. it’s not like i’m out here thirsting over a 12 year old anime girl with huge tits or something, so i honestly don’t see the issue. he’s a fictional adult, and also he’s hot. people have fantasies about fictional characters all the time?? this is normal?????

like 1. on a more serious note some people only feel comfortable with sexual fantasies about a fictional character because it’s more coherent than vague “and then im having sex with...someone” but also its unattainable and like, can’t hurt you, and also, you don’t feel weird being attracted to someone (although you never should anyway unless they’re way younger than you or something??) and also again 2. WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM? DO YOU THINK THIS IS LIKE BESTIALITY AND THE FICTIONAL CHARACTER CAN’T CONSENT TO [checks notes] YOU FINDING THEM SEXY??? WHAT THE FUCK they’re not REAL, karen 

and even so no one needs consent to find someone attractive lmao what the fuck it’s attraction not action

i genuinely can’t get over this it’s so fucking funny “ERRRM just learned that you think a fictional character is hot. [vine voice] blocked and reported” i????????

or is this about the specific use of the word “topping” which is referring to the fact that i personally prefer being on the receiving end of things, but would be willing to be the “giver” so to speak for him? it’s a joke, i’m not even necessarily classifying him as A Bottom and me as a A Top in that post (although even if i did mlm joking and/or seriously headcanoning this shit is not the same as like Cishet Women clowning about it)  like..... ok??????? 

also “writing porn of characters is one thing but WANTING TO FUCK THEM YOURSELF? TOO FAR. IF YOU WRITE SELF INSERT YOU’RE GOING TO HELL.” i??????????????????????? I????????????????

I ACTUALLY WANT TO KNOW THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS I WON’T EVEN BLOCK YOU YET. because despite the whole “blocked and unfollowed” someone only sends anon hate like this when they want attention, and i have no doubt you are going to be checking my blog to see me crying or angry about this. of course, now that i’ve said that you might not respond out of spite or some childish willingness to be like “NUH UH” but like, we both know the truth. and i mean, congrats, you got my attention, look at how fuckin long this response is

anyway despite how hilarious i find this....  like i just... “oh...i......its wrong to joke about wanting to top a fictional character who literally couldn’t care less....it’s WRONG TO BE ATTRACTED TO FICTIONAL CHARACTER....WRONG TO GET OFF ON FICTIONAL CHARACTER (why do you think people read my porn, buddy, for the intellectual stimulation?) WRONG TO WANT FICTIONAL SEX WHEREIN YOU COMPLETELY SET THE BOUNDARIES AND WHAT GOES RIGHT AND WRONG AND IT IS SAFE AND THE FICTIONAL CHARACTER CANNOT HURT YOU IT’S THE FICTIONAL CHARACTER WE AREN’T EVEN MAKING WEIRD COMMENTS ABOUT THE ACTOR--”

[ahem] despite how funny this is, anon hate isn’t cool, and also, dude. if you really were upset by me.... [im about to start giggling again] being. being attracted. to a fictional character. like................ just......... unfollow. hell, you can block me if you want to, god knows i understand blocking people who make content that doesn’t feel comfortable to you. 

but like, sending a petty anon ask (anon! coward! if you’re gonna send hate show me your face!) being like “WELL I HOPE YOU’RE HURT, BECAUSE I HATE YOU NOW, YOU DIRTY SLUT, HOW DARE YOU DO THIS CONTENT I DON’T LIKE” is wrong! even if i was actually doing something that really was gross! even if i’m following someone and i find out they’re into j*lec incest or something, i don’t go into their inbox and go “DISGUSTING. THAT’S WRONG AND RACIST AND GROSS. BLOCKED AND UNFOLLOWED.” even though it is, and they are, because i have class. i unfollow, block, and move on! 

but like, this is even worse because it’s something so mind blowingly trivial it’d be like if i went into some poor person’s inbox like “YOU MADE A POST SAYING YOU THOUGHT AN ACTOR WAS CUTE. FUCK YOU. THAT’S DISGUSTING. BLOCKED AND UNFOLLOWED.” like??? ok??? bye. good riddance

anyway you’re really hurting yourself more than me. i mean, i’ve got [checks notes] holy shit my follower number has gone up one. 

oh my god this is so fucking funny i’ve got one new follower and as far as i can tell it doesn’t look like anyone’s unfollowed unless there’s another new follower buried in the notifications and/or you unfollowed ages ago. did you even unfollow or are you just trying to shame me for thinking magnus is hot, which he is???

that is so fucking funny oh my god i’m just laughing harder the longer i look into this

anyway i was going to make a joke about 601 going down to 600, a nice round number, and like, i wasn’t going to miss you, i block book stans that follow me all the time and people unfollow me for various anti reasons all the time, i’m used to losing followers, you’re the one who is apparently missing out on my porn--speaking of which, why do you like my porn? you can’t be attracted to the characters, right, because that’s a sin? or is it ok if you’re only watching but not involved. like the “it’s not gay if you’re watching and not touching” kind of rule. 

i just.......

“but then wanting to have sex with a FICTIONAL character???wtf??” LKGJFLGKHJFH I CAN’T GET OVER THIS THIS IS SO FUCKING FUNNY “i expected better of you” FROM ME? THE PORN BLOG? DID YOU THINK I DIDN’T FIND THEM FUCKABLE IN ANY WAY???????? I?????????????????????? 

also did you send a similarly childish ask to all the other people on that post? not that i’m encouraging you do but tothetrashwhereibelong sadly had their inbox closed and has personally expressed interest in a dumbass rant from you when we were laughing about this, so you can send that to me and i’ll carry the message! they’d be delighted to hear it.

anyway i’m actually not going to block you just yet because i honestly want another response but i’ll give it a few days, maybe longer. i’m so curious and also this is so funny lmaooo 

[patandpran]

The Nuisance and the Handsome Prince - A Sarawatine Medieval AU - Chapter 20

Tine is an aspiring Squire who has been training his whole life to work alongside the Kingdom’s finest Knights. Sarawat is a Prince who, on the outside, seems fierce and unapproachable. He is disinterested in any of his royal duties, namely his Knight training. What happens when Tine is assigned to be the fierce and handsome prince’s Squire?

Mil burst into Phukong’s quarters without even knocking. He knew it was likely very inadvisable but he didn’t care. It was the only place that felt safe at the moment. After he had left the Infirmary, Mil had quickly found out about Sarawat and Tine’s disappearance from whispers in the halls. Sarawat didn’t just run away - it wasn’t like him.

“Kong?” Mil called out desperately.

Mil ran deeper into the set of rooms that made up the Prince’s quarters and found Phukong being dressed by a servant for the evening’s Revelries. The Prince had a midnight blue outfit on that made Mil come to a halt and forget for a moment what his actual reason for being there was.

“Mil?!?” Phukong’s eyes widened in surprise as he drank in the presence of the Knight.

Phukong nodded dismissively to the servant who was helping him dress and the servant curtly bowed before making his leave. Silence hung in the air until they both heard the sound of the latching of the door that led to the hallway, marking the fact that they were truly alone.

Mil’s breath hitched as the Prince slowly walked toward him, studying him as if he was a phantom or a dream. Phukong made one circle around Mil before the Knight couldn’t stand it any longer.

He put one hand on either of Phukong’s shoulders to stop the Prince and asked, “Are you all right?”

Phukong sighed, letting down his guard in a way he didn’t for anyone else. “Not exactly but knowing that you are awake again has lifted a great weight from my shoulders.”

“There is great unrest in the Kingdom.” Mil responded, his brow furrowed with concern. “I have missed so much because of my blindness.”

“Blindness?” Phukong repeated, confusion in his eyes.

“You were right all along, Kong.” Mil rambled, the words spilling from his mouth at an alarming rate. “I let my sense of duty get in the way of what is right. I know that my past actions have had dire consequences and I pledge to you that I will make up for them. Starting now.”

Mil was not exactly a man of many words so this was all very new for Phukong, especially the part where Mil admitted he was wrong. Phukong questioned again whether he was dreaming but could still feel the pressure of Mil’s hands on his shoulders so he knew he was quite awake.

“I promise to be different.” Mil continued and Phukong relaxed even more. “I want to better… for you.”

“But what about your Father?” Phukong wondered, knowing that Mil had always been pressured by his Father’s command.

“He has never treated me like a son, only like a weapon to be used for his own gain.” Mil responded with conviction. “I would rather fight for a decent cause than a selfish one.” Phukong could barely believe what he was hearing but it was unlike Mil to speak anything but the truth, a value that had caused Phukong to fall for the Knight in the first place. Without thinking, Phukong murmured, “But he’s your family….”

“You and Sarawat are more my family than my Father has ever been.” Mil answered, not missing a beat.

Phukong wished he could kiss Mil right then and there but it didn’t seem like the right timing. Unconsciously, though, his eyes fell to Mil’s lips and Mil took this as an invitation to lean forward and press his lips to Phukong’s. Of course, the Prince did not put up a fight.

Never had anything felt so right to Mil. All his life he had felt like he was fighting for something he couldn’t quite right but now, with Phukong in his arms, he felt complete. As long as he could keep the Prince safe, there was nothing else that Mil needed. Finally, he was at peace with who he was and what he wanted.

“I wish we could just stay here…” Phukong whispered against Mil’s lips. “But we do have a kingdom to save.”

Mil chuckled and pulled away from Phukong slightly. He put a determined look on his face. “All right. What is the plan?”

+++++++++++

Sarawat could feel hope draining from him at every passing moment. He had shed blood and literal tears to get the message to his Mother but he wasn’t sure if it had worked.

The previous evening, the Prince had worked up the strength to scale the dungeon wall to the small window in his cell. He had draped several scraps of his outfit over the side, hoping desperately that someone might notice it and recognize it as his clothing, signalling them to his whereabouts.

Tine had protested the action the entire time, warning Sarawat that if he fell, he would only damage his head even further. As much as he cared for his Squire, Sarawat’s determination to free them had won out against Tine’s rationality.

But now it was morning and no one had arrived to save them. The sun had replaced the Moon in the sky and Sarawat worried that the message had gone unseen. Sarawat looked over to the opposite cell and saw that Tine was sleeping fitfully against the dungeon wall, twitching so often in a way that told Sarawat he was having a nightmare.

“Tine!” Sarawat hissed, hoping to save the man he loved from the danger in his dreams but quickly realizing that maybe it was not as bad as facing the doom that reality brought.

Tine shifted and slowly woke before rubbing his eyes. He winced at the sunlight that streamed through the window. The Squire sighed, realizing that no one had come to their aid, despite the hope that had settled in him when he finally fell asleep early that morning.

“Are you feeling any better?” Tine asked once his eyes had adjusted to the light. Sarawat nodded slowly, even though he still had a splitting headache. The Prince opened his mouth to respond to Tine when a clunking sound of loud and nearing footsteps interrupted his thought.

Anger spread like wildfire through Sarawat’s chest as he saw who it was: The Head Knight.

“Good morning, Your Highness.” The Head Knight sneered mockingly before turning his attention toward Tine. “… And the Traitor. What a pair you are.”

Sarawat charged forward and rattled the cell bars violently. “Listen to me. The only traitor is you. Tine has done nothing wrong. Now, I order you to release us now!”

“I don’t answer to you.” The Head Knight scoffed as he paced in front of the cells, dragging his sword lazily along the bars. “I don’t answer to anyone!”

“That’s your problem…. PRIDE!” Tine cried out in disgust. “There’s not a shred of honour in you. Only action fuelled by jealousy and hatred.”

“Now, that’s just a bunch of ridiculous words.” The Head Knight retorted angrily. “What I want is power and I’m going to take it.”

“You are betraying the crown. The crown you have served your entire career.” Sarawat expressed, confusion in his words. “For what?”

“It was a game of patience, Prince. Something you know nothing about.” The Head Knight explained as he continued to pace. “I have worked my way up through the ranks, using pawns to do my dirty work and feigning loyalty. You see… I am a very good actor. Just like your Father, Tine.”

“Don’t you dare mention my Father.” Tine spat venomously, his brow furrowed.

��He had me convinced me for a while, you know, that he was going to be a great Squire, that he would eventually lead by my side but then he acted so… stupidly, leaving me behind and for what? A normal life? How boring…” The Head Knight ranted before pausing in front of Tine’s cell. “But then you appeared at the Squire Trials and I thought… well, what an opportunity this is! What an added bonus to my plan!”

“You get away from him.” Sarawat growled, struggling to his feet.

The Head Knight ignored the Prince and thrust his sword between the cell bars, aiming it at Tine’s throat. Thankfully, Tine still had enough strength to keep his wits about him and he scrambled back a few feet, avoiding the blade.

“TINE!” Sarawat cried out, shaking the bars with all his might.

The Head Knight turned on his heel and laughed spitefully at the Prince, who’s anguish only fuelled his entertainment. Tine hated looking so scared in front of others but the Head Knight was so unhinged that he couldn’t predict what the man was going to do.

The Head Knight sighed and pulled his sword from the shell. “You two are much too easy to read. I am doing the Kingdom a favour by taking over. No one would every accept two men on the throne. The thought is so ridiculous that it disgusts me.”

Tine recoiled, shame spreading through him but Sarawat barked out, “You know nothing of love! You have never loved anything but your own reflection.”

The Head Knight barely flinched at the Prince’s words which only validated the truth of them. He sheathed his sword and continued on with his pacing.

“You two will remain here as collateral.” The Head Knight explained. “Just in case the King does not give up the throne, you will be used to convince him.”

“What do I have to do with anything?” Tine wondered and quickly regretted his words.

“You will keep the Prince cooperative until he is no longer needed.” An evil smile spread across the Head Knight’s lips. “And then you will be discarded.”

“The wrath that will come your way if you harm even a hair on his head.” Sarawat called out to the Head Knight. “Plus, our wait won’t be long. My family will continue to search for me.”

“That’s the thing, Your Highness, they won’t.” The Head Knight laughed as he turned back toward the Prince. “They believe you have betrayed them and fled with your Squire, scattered to the wind to ensure the traitor’s freedom. The best part is that I’m hiding you right under their nose…”

“Someone will come down here.” Sarawat objected, although his voice revealed that he was losing hope by the minute. “Someone will hear our screams!”

“The Guard has been strictly prohibited from entering the Dungeons aside from those I trust and as for your screams… they will be drowned out by the Revelries that are about to begin so I suggest that you save your breath.” The Head Knight turned on his heel and stalked down the hallway as Sarawat collapsed down into defeat. “Soon you will be calling me the King!”

“I don’t understand…” Tine murmured as soon as they heard the slam of the Dungeon’s door. “What is he going to do?”

“… He’s going to overthrow my Father and take over the throne.” Sarawat answered, his voice small. “His rank is high enough that is he challenges my Father to a duel and he wins, especially without an Heir present, he will take the Kingdom from my Father’s trembling hands. That’s why he needed me out of the way. God, I am so stupid…”

“I’m so sorry.” Tine breathed out, his throat catching with emotion. “This is all my fault.”

“No, Tine, this would have happened one way or another.” Sarawat looked up to meet Tine’s gaze. “The Head Knight has been planning this for a long time. We are just his pawns. Who could have know that this was what he was planning?”

“I knew of his true nature, I should have exacted my revenge on him as soon as I got through the castle walls.” Tine should his head with regret. “Then, none of this would have happened.”

“You would not have been able to even raise a sword in front of the Head Knight without all the entire Royal Guard descending on you first.” Sarawat protested firmly. “And that’s not to take away from your fighting skill. This is just the reality of our situation. The Head Knight has everyone wrapped around his finger, even my Father.”

“The King won’t see the betrayal coming…” Tine realized with horror.

“No.” Sarawat agreed. “He won’t.”

+++++++++++++++++

The Revelries were in full swing when Ohm entered the Ballroom. Green had fashioned an outfit for him as well as many others for those who were working for the cause. Rumour had it that Sarawat would return that evening so Ohm was ready for anything. Weapons were concealed in all parts of his outfit which made it quite uncomfortable but worth it to know that he would be ready if anything was going to happen. Weapons were not allowed at such events but thankfully Green’s fashion kept them well hidden enough to pass the inspection at the entrance of the ballroom.

The King, the Queen and Prince Phukong sat up on their usual platform above the crowd. One throne sat empty where Prince Sarawat would usually sit and the site made Ohm’s stomach turn over with worry. What exactly was Tine and Sarawat’s plan and why had they fled in such a manner? What was going to happen tonight?

Fong had insisted on working beyond the kitchen for the evening’s event and Green had even fashioned him a pocket where he had slipped a butcher’s knife, just in case he was also called into action. Ohm kept a firm eye on Fong as he made his way through the crowd, offering chalices of who knows what to the members of the group.

Ohm nodded for Fong to make his way over to him and as much as wanted to slug down one of the drinks offered on the tray Fong was holding, he knew he had to keep his wits about him.

“Sir Green has really outdone himself with your attire this evening.” Fong tried his best to lighten the mood as he could tell that Ohm was more on edge than he had ever seen him before.

“That kind of suggestive language does not help me stay focused on the task at hand, Fong.” Ohm murmured and earned himself a devilish grin from Fong.

The dance floor was lively with spinning couples and Fong looked out at it longingly. Ohm noticed this and leaned in to whisper in his ear, “When this madness is all over, I’m going to take you dancing.”

The blush that spread across Fong’s cheeks was well worth it but the moment didn’t last as a scream sounded from the edge of the room as the Head Knight charged across the dance floor toward the platform where the remaining members of the Royal Family sat.

Ohm watched in confusion as the Head Knight jumped up onto the platform and a flood of Royal Guards dispersed amongst the crowd evenly. Several members of court fainted in surprise and many tried to flee but the doors of the ballroom were quickly barricaded by Guards, blocking anyone from escaping.

“What in the hell…” Fong whispered and dropped his tray in shock.

The chalices clattered to the floor with a clang and Ohm stepped in front of Fong to put distance between him and the platform. The King, Queen and Phukong all gave the Head Knight a look of confusion and Ohm’s stomach twisted in a way that told him that this was the event they had all been waiting for.

The Head Knight pulled his sword from its sheath and for a moment it seemed like he was about to turn away from the King as if to protect him from something but the sneer on his lips told the crowd that there was something much more menacing afoot. The King, the only person aside from the Knights and Guards who was allowed to bear a weapon, reached for his own sword but the Head Knight quickly reacted to this.

“I suggest, your Highness, that you don’t make another move.” The Head Knight held his sword out toward the King’s throat. “You will surrender the throne in my name or face the consequences.”

The King rose slowly and the crowed became eerily still. Never had Ohm heard a room so silent. He slipped his hand into Fong’s and squeezed it before reaching into his own shirt to take out one of his concealed weapons.

“I don’t know what this big charade is about, Head Knight, but the show is over.” The King put one hand down onto the blade of the Head Knight’s sword. “Stand down or the guards will take action against you.”

“You see, that is where you are wrong.” The Head Knight chuckled. “The Guard follows me, their Future King and not you… Your DISgrace.”

“How dare you!” The Queen jumped to her feet but Phukong quickly acted and held his Mother back from getting any closer to the altercation.

“I think this will make you both more agreeable.” The Head Knight retorted and gave a nod to one of his Guards.

“Father! Don’t stand down. Please!” Prince Sarawat’s voice sounded across the ballroom as Lord Mil dragged him into the space.

Sir Boss quickly followed with Tine in tow who was putting up the fight of a lifetime. Both young men looked battered and bruised, as if they had never been truly free as had been rumoured.

“We were kept in the dungeon, I never ran away!” Sarawat called out, equally as resistant to his captor as Tine was.

“If you do not listen to my commands, I will kill your son right here and now.” The Head Knight explained, turning back toward the King.

“No!!” The Queen cried out, fighting against Phukong’s grasp. “My son - not my dear son!”

Ohm looked to Green for direction. Green held out a steady hand which signalled Ohm to stay in wait, as much as he wanted to spring into action and help his friend. Sometimes it was better to wait in such situations than to cause a scene.

The King’s upper lip curled in a defiant sneer. “Do not lay a hand on my son.”

“Mil, NOW!” Prince Phukong cried at the top of his lungs.

As the Moon became full in the sky that evening, the Bear followed the direction of the younger Prince and released the Wolf, passing him his sword and hoping that the Wolf was ready for the Hunt of his life.

Teeth bared, the Wolf jumped into action.

[sidespromptblog]

Apologies

Summary: Roman has something that he wants to tell Logan, and ordinarily, it could wait until morning... until they were all well-rested. But he knew that should he turn away now... he'd never tell Logan, and he'd spend the rest of the night calling himself a coward. 

Word Count: 2900

AO3 LINK

Its already well past midnight when Roman walks to Logan’s room, and its already well past midnight when he just stands there pondering on whether he should even knock or just walk right back to his own room and go to bed. Or… in the very least try to go to bed, and just lay awake staring at the ceiling with his own internal thoughts running him in circles until the morning sun were to rise. He very well could do that, Logan would never know that he was there, and he could go on acting as if nothing were wrong. He was an actor after all… such a skilled actor to keep on acting and acting like nothing was wrong. 

It would be easy, so very easy to do so. At least had it not been for…

“Shut up nerdy wolverine!” The very same lines that his own brother had spoken to Logan, it really was just the latest slap in the face that he was no better than his brother. Sure he didn’t quip about sex jokes, and he didn’t throw ninja stars at people’s head, but… he had hurt them in other ways. Much more personal ways in the way that his brother too was very adept at doing as well, he had hurt… oh, he had hurt. 

“Hush sub-astute teacher!” 

“Stupid!”

“Book germ.”

“You’re alone!” 

His fingers itched and itched the longer that he stood there, and the longer that he stood there the more he was coming to regret just being there in the first place. Who was to say that Logan would even be awake at this time? With such a stickler Logan was about getting to bed on time, surely he’d be asleep and he’d be even more upset at Roman for interrupting his much-needed rest. He could already imagine the lecture now, Logan with his crossed arms and his pursed lips forming a frown. Especially with what had happened after today, after being wounded multiple times by Remus and being put through the wringer he’d need that rest and-

A shadow moved under the doorway.

He was awake, after midnight no less.

He could still leave and… 

“No,” Roman roughly shook himself, was he a prince or wasn’t he? “No running, you came here to do something, so do it gosh dang it!” He scolded himself, feeling almost ashamed to how close he had come to just dropping everything and running like a coward. There would be no running today from this, not now and most certainly not ever in his opinion. 

Not about this. 

But that didn’t necessarily make it any easier on him, that was for damn sure.  

Swallowing thickly as he raised his clenched fist to the door, Roman took in a deep breath before his short terse knocks connected to the door undoubtedly alerting Logan that someone was there. And just like that, with that one little realization that soon enough… Logan would answer the door and he’d have t deal with the awkwardness of asking to come in, that set Roman’s nerves ablaze. So without so much as giving it a second thought, he seized the doorknob and stiffly jerked the door open as if his wrist had been attached to a marionette string and not his actual body.  

And upon opening the door, slammed it right into Logan’s face. 

Almost immediately a hundred apologies spilled from his lips as he scuttled into the room slamming the door behind him in order to check and make sure that he hadn’t irreparably hurt the logical side. 

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to! I should have waited for you to open the door, like a normal person would have. I didn’t do this on purpose, are you alright? Can you still see? Can you think? Can you count? How many fingers?!” Despite this… despite everything that he had come here to do tonight… he had still managed to hurt Logan with something as simple as opening a fucking door. Even Remus could open a door without managing to kill someone, even Remus could apologize in his own ways when he managed to upset Deceit. 

Even Remus… was better than him.   

His fingers gingerly ran over the red mark on Logan’s face, as if his touch alone could take such a mark away as if it had never existed in the first place. “I’m sorry,” He whispered, guilt and grief coloring his tone, “I’m so very sorry… for everything Lo. I… I’ve been a bad friend.”

Logan impassively stared back at him, his hooded eyes layered with a look of thick exhaustion that Roman’s words clearly weren’t getting through. He really looked… dead tired, with the dark circles seemingly etched under his eyes and his tie discarded on his bed and the first few buttons of his shirt haphazardously undone. His clothes were wrinkled in the tell-tale sign of someone who had tried to fall asleep, but had ultimately failed to do so and was now just staying up until morning. Honestly… Roman had never seen Logan look so tired, true he usually only ever saw Logan after he’d had some coffee and was out of his pajamas, but this… 

He’d never seen this before. 

“I said,” He began softly, just in case that Logan truly didn’t hear him. “I-”

Before he could so much as finish his sentence, Logan almost ruthlessly interrupted him. “I heard you the first time,” He blandly replied, sleep depravation stealing all of his tact and poise. “And I am choosing to believe that this is a hallucination due to my lack of sleep. Because even on a good day, there is no way that you would come to my room and be humble enough to apologize to me for anything.” Logan straightened his shirt a little bit, “So clearly following all logical explanations, you are either a hallucination… in which I should probably get some sleep. Or you are Deceit, in which case… go fuck yourself right off into Remus’ dicks and die for even thinking to try this on me.”  

Roman could only wince, as it turned out Logan with little to no sleep had less care and composure than Virgil did in those very same circumstances. Patton would turn as white as a ghost if he knew that Logan spouted off the profanity that he just had. However, all of that in its entirety paled in comparison to the fact that… despite everything, Logan thought that he knew for certain that this very occurrence happening right here and now was impossible. 

He thought the sheer idea of Roman coming to apologize could only be the works of dreams or manipulations… not the creative side himself.

“Logan…” He softly uttered as he took a step forward, “I am sorry Logan,” Roman hated the break in his voice as he softly repeated the other’s name, but clutching their dear logical side’s hands even tighter he forced his words past it as he stared into those hooded exhausted eyes of his friend. “I said that I was going to be better after Virgil, and that I was going to try harder not to push anyone else away with my actions and words. But I’ve been doing that to you, and I’m so so sorry. It won’t be happening again Lo, I pro-” 

“Don’t.” 

Came the single soft word as Logan’s hands easily slipped out of Roman’s grasp, leaving the creative side startled more than anything as he gaped openly back at the logical side. There was an unreadable expression on Logan’s face, and while he might not have known what such a look meant just the fire scorching the insides of Logan’s eyes made Roman’s stomach twist and turn the longer that he dared to look back. He’d only ever seen that fire once in Logan’s eyes, and he could remember that day as clearly as any of the others. It hadn’t been his fault, or really Patton’s or Virgil’s… but that fire that looked as if it could burn down forests had been there for a reason. 

“What?” He softly asked, only daring to take the smallest of steps forward only offering to reach out yet again. To offer the physical comfort to whatever had created that turmoil inside of Logan. “Why?”

A rough snort answered him before he even had a chance to recoil, “Roman,” Logan bared his teeth in a mockery of a smile, a hurt smile but a smile nonetheless. “I said it once… and I’ll say it again. You can’t make fun of Virgil anymore so you moved to me, so logically speaking if you don’t make fun of me who are going to go to next? I can take it. I can take all of it. But Patton can’t, Deceit and Remus won’t take it. And Virgil… Virgil won’t be able to handle it if you just go back to tormenting him like before, and that will make Patton angry at you. So…” Logan roughly rested his cheek against his clenched fist, this time not even bothering to look back at Roman as his eyes stared blankly ahead as if he was no more than a ghost and was seeing right through the creative side. “I can handle it… I did before and I can do it now. I can take it...” 

 Roman wanted to be sick. 

His stomach twisted and turned inside of him, to the point that Logan’s desk-side wastebasket overflowing with crumpled up notes was looking like the only place he could properly throw up in. What had he done? How on earth had he allowed this to get this bad? His nicknames were meant as jokes, especially towards Logan… but that didn’t negate the fact that.. that Logan had this outlook towards something like this. He wanted to hit himself, to stand in front of his brother and take whatever the other half of creativity could throw at him. What had he done? This was…

Bad. 

“You shouldn’t have to.” His words came out as no more than a whisper, and yet Logan’s head snapped up as Roman had just slapped him. Gingerly reaching forward, his hand shook and trembled until he cradled the curve of Logan’s cheek, his thumb slowly brushing over it as if wiping away imaginary tears. The words twisted and turned on his tongue, he needed to say this right… he needed to say this in a way that Logan would actually understand. “Logan… you shouldn’t have to deal with it, this isn’t a healthy mindset for you to have Lo… I don’t want to just keep hurting and hurting because I don’t have a filter. And you are hurting, you are… and there’s no shame in admitting that to anyone. I just…” Warmth burned at his eyes, and Roman internally cursed himself. “I want to help. I want to do better.” 

Just then in the slightest way possible, Logan’s bottom lip trembled as glassy eyes stared back at him.

Without even thinking about it, Roman seized the other side, pulling him into his chest and wrapping his arms so tightly around him that Logan would undoubtedly be able to feel his heart slamming against his ribcage. He cradled the back of Logan’s head as the other’s fingers dug into the fabric of his shirt, and as… as the wetness seeped into his shoulder. 

Logan.. Logan didn’t cry like anyone else he had come across, he had never really thought about it before but... He didn’t loudly weep like Patton did when watching a sad movie or being overcome by negative emotions, he didn’t shake and shiver as Virgil did in the throes of an anxiety attack, and he didn’t curl in on himself like Roman did when he tried to make himself as small as possible. He just stood absolutely still, the only evidence of his actions being the tears that were staining the creative side’s shirt and nothing more. His actions were so quiet… so precise, that it was impossible to be anything other than practiced.

Roman hated that, more than anything he had ever hated in his entire life. The mere image that it conjured, of Logan weeping to himself in the middle of the night trying to stay as quiet and emotionless as possible so that nobody could hear him. That he had practiced it, or even learned how to do it after being insulted one too many times… 

It tore at his insides unlike anything else.    

“I keep waiting for the shoe to drop,” At the sound of Logan’s hoarse voice Roman’s ears perked up a little bit, “Please just tell me, tell me when you’re going to be mean again. I don’t think that I can stand the waiting, so just… please.” 

Roman’s heart felt like it was tearing itself to shreds over the use of that one tiny little plea that escaped Logan’s lips, it hurt in ways that even the most worst battle on the feild could never compare to. He wanted to hold the other side tighter, to hold him so tight that Logan would never even question the fact whether Roman hated him or loved him, he wanted to wipe away those desperate pleas until there was nothing left but understanding, he… wished that he had never acted the way he did in the first place. But he had, he had hurt Virgil with his black and white views, he had hurt Patton by always assuming that he had nothing to offer but sunshine and fluff, and… he had hurt Logan by verbally throwing barbs at him even when it was obvious that Logan had long since grown tired of their little games. He wished that he had never hurt them in the ways that he did, but… he did, and there was no going back in time to fix that. 

He had hurt, and now he needed to mend. 

“Logan,” He whispered the other’s given name as if it were a promise, “I can’t promise that there will never be another insult. I’m not the best at changing, but… call me out when I do. I want to change and I am going to change, I will try my hardest to ensure that shoe never ever drops, I can’t promise that it will never happen. I will slip up, and wh.. if I do… Tell me. Don’t ever think that you just have to deal with it to save the others from being hurt, because… Because, I love you, Lo. I don’t want you being hurt either, it doesn’t matter what it is that I’ve done. If it’s hurt you… tell me, and we can figure something out. I promise, I swear it to you.”  

In response to his words, Logan only clung to him that much tighter, not saying a single word as he held onto the creative side like they were the last two people left alive in a desolate world. But Roman was alright with that, Logan didn’t need to say a single word to get his feelings across right now, because there was always the morning and there was always a later time they could discuss this. 

He wasn’t in a hurry, and yet…

“Can…” Once again he perked up at the sound of Logan’s scratchy voice, “Can you stay here? Just.. just so I can be sure in the morning that this wasn’t some hallucination or dream? I really don’t want this to be a dream.” And his heart, as well as all of his insides, turned to mush at the simple and yet so very delicate request coming from the logical side. He would have conqured mountains for anyone of his friends, and yet Logan’s only request was… that he stay and not leave. In compared to anything he could ever do for Logan… this was almost too simple. 

“Of course,” He merely whispered.

Leading the exhausted side over to the bed, he didn’t hesitate for a single second before crawling under the sheets with him. Curling his arms around Logan he felt the other side curl up tightly, resting his head against the creative side’s chest where his heart was once again firmly thumping against his ribs. In that moment he felt all too warm as Logan’s breath tickled his skin, but he didn’t say a word about it as he rested his cheek atop the logical side’s messy pile of hair listening to steady rise and fall of the other’s chest. He listened for as long as he could, resisting the heaviness of his own eyelids as well as his own exhaustion that tugged firmly at his mind. But eventually after being awake for as long he was, he was unable to keep up with the battle being waged. As his eyes slipped shut one last time finally allowing him to slip off into a well-deserved slumber. 

“Sleep,” He tiredly mumbled into Logan’s hair, pressing a tired kiss against those messy curly locks of his. Only offering a ghost of a smile at the faint snore coming from the dear logical side. “I’ll be here, for as long as you need me. I promise.”

[elizabethplaid]

Obere Wasserschlosskammer

This post is presented in a narrative style, because just having you watch this video is NOT ENOUGH. You must join me on this emotional journey of wtf-ery.

   So like, I follow this one dude on youtube who clears out blocked storm drains and stuff. And in one of the recommended vids on the side, there's the inside of a concrete building. Kinda dark, prolly a good place for a murder. Title's in German. I watched a few “creepy rabbit hole” videos yesterday, so I’m like, "Fine, I'll click it".

   According to the video’s description, this room is 80 meters by 15 meters. Hmm, the floor is wet? There’s a slide that ends at a big hole in the floor, some stairs on the side, okay. And an above-ground pool? Summer fun is tough to achieve in the nuclear bunker, I see.

   There’s no dialogue, despite the camera dude and some other guy (up by the yellow bridge) standing in the room. All you hear is the sound of water rushing. Nothing is really happening on-camera, but the water is getting louder, while echoing in the empty room. Are they gonna send water down the slide? Gotta fill up the above-ground pool somehow, I guess.

  Around the 30-second mark, they zoom in on the pool and slide-pit. After 40 seconds, the roar of water gets quieter. And a couple seconds later, the water starts flooding in, at the base of the slide.

  Just huge rush, bulging over the floor opening. Before the water floods over to the pool, there’s mist rising from within it. Little vents at the bottom edge start pouring out water, too. What the fuck, watthefuck! NO! Now the pool is overflowing?! Someone grab the plunger!

I am ONLY a minute through this damn video.

   This is absolutely a horror-movie set. Someone’s gonna drown here. Fearless henchmen standing atop the walkway, watching as their boss’s next victim pleads for their life.

  The pool-water runs back to the slide, a short wall of water across the width of the room. The camera zooms out again, showing the floor-water bulging to the height of the stairs at the side. Somehow the lighting has become brighter? More cheerful? And the water is so incredibly blue.

   I’m sure that a veteran background actor is having PTSD-flashbacks to their experience filming “Titanic”, even aside from the food being drugged.

I am only 20 seconds further in the video.

   The water is still flooding. The room gets more and more blue. The top of the water finally becomes higher than the bulging influx from the floor.

The stairs are gone. We confirm this... by zooming in on the stairs.

   There are lines marked on the wall-corner, by the slide. The water is almost at the 2-meter mark. The water is no longer flowing from the top of the pool, though it could still be coming from those bottom-vents.

   20 seconds later, we zoom out to see a whirlpool form above the vent in the floor. The lighting turns pinkish and hopeful, atop the foam created in the swirls. The water’s roar softens again. Perhaps the villain’s heart has also softened, and he grants us mercy?

I’m only halfway through this ordeal.

   The whirlpool is really fast, and the edge of the opening in the floor soon becomes visible again. We confirm this, again... by zooming in.

   I wanted to make more jokes about stuff like, “The bathroom gods heard our prayers! The clog has been passed through the pipes!” But the way the water is shaped around the floor-vent... I’m sure you can infer the jokes on your own.

   The water turns to tones of brown, yellow, pink, green, as the water drains and the concrete is revealed again. The camera zooms out again, revealing the whole room. The flow of water almost seems defeated - such a contrast from a couple minutes earlier.

Finally at 4-minutes. I don’t know how to feel now.

   The henchman in the background walks along the side of the room, toward the camera dude. His jacket glows with retro-reflector stripes, while his hat reminds you of the days we spent hunting in the woods, above-ground.

   We dare not shoot the radioactive deer now. They glow much more than they used to.

  As the video draws to a close, there’s only a thin layer of water on the floor. It reflects many rippled lines, highlighting how the concrete was shaped to aid drainage. There’s a sense of loss. But it conflicts with the earlier sense of betrayal, when we saw the water first rising.

   The villain lets us go, but boy do we have ~some memories~! We will not find the appropriate materials for this page of our scrapbook at Michael’s. No discount shall be deep enough to match our pain.

   In the last few seconds, we finally hear a bit of dialogue from the henchmen. Do they say they will miss us? Do they hope we stay dry in the future? The water is still too loud for us to understand what they say.

And there’s the fact that I don’t speak German. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

  The title translates to “upper water-lock chamber”. This room is part of a hydro-power facility, and this was to test how it handled overflow if the turbines are somehow turned off.

   The camera guy, Edgar Müller, posted another view of the same room, without the flood. It’s a lot more scary. Definitely reminds me of “Portal 2″, especially with that yellow bridge.

   And now my recommended videos look like this. Do I regret this? Only because it’s stormy outside and after dark, and those thumbnails are tempting.

Thanks for coming to my TEDtalk.

[estamos-destinadas]

Snapshots

Here are 6 short fics based on items from this post.

I decided to write this for @randomregularmd, who’s a doctor, as a way to thank her for her service. 🙇‍♀️

(There’s more under the cut.)

. . .

37. Tender Kiss

Valentina glances up from her magazine to look at Juliana, whose eyes are focused on her laptop’s screen, her brows furrowing adorably.

It’s a typical weeknight for them. They’re sitting on the couch in one of the Carvajal mansion’s living rooms, both doing their respective homework. Juliana is leaning against the couch’s arm, her legs stretched out over Valentina’s lap.

Valentina, who will be graduating from university in a couple of months, has been going through one of her assigned readings. Juliana is browsing the internet, looking for ideas for one of her class projects, which requires her to design a full ensemble based on the works of female artists. Juliana has been spouting off facts about the likes of Frida Kahlo, María Izquierdo, and Leonora Carrington at random times for the past few days. Valentina thinks it’s the most adorkable thing.

Juliana looks up just then, meeting Valentina’s gaze. “Qué?” she asks, giving a lopsided smile.

“Qué de qué?” Valentina returns, smirking.

Juliana starts chuckling at the familiar rejoinder.

Valentina is overcome with a wave of affection. She leans forward, caressing Juliana’s face before capturing her lips in a leisurely kiss. She can feel Juliana’s smile against her mouth, so sweet she can almost taste it. When Valentina pulls back, Juliana is still smiling.

“What was that for?” Juliana asks, her voice as soft as the look in her eyes.

“Nothing,” Valentina says, shrugging slightly. “Es que te amo.”

If possible, Juliana’s expression gentles even further. “Te amo también, Val.”

⁂

47. True Love’s Kiss

Juliana approaches Valentina’s sleeping form as she buttons up her white shirt.

They’re in Valentina’s bedroom, Juliana having spent the night there. She has just taken a shower and is now getting dressed for school. Valentina, who only has afternoon classes that day, is having a well-deserved lie-in.

Not wanting to disturb her girlfriend’s slumber, Juliana bends down slowly to give Valentina a light kiss, but it quickly becomes clear that Valentina isn’t asleep as she reciprocates with little delay.

When she pulls back, Juliana giggles at Valentina’s bright smile, eyes disappearing and dimples showing. “I thought you were asleep.”

“I was asleep,” Valentina says, the gleam in her eyes telling Juliana that she’s about to say something really cheesy. “You woke me up with True Love’s Kiss.”

Juliana bursts out laughing. “True Love’s Kiss?” she repeats once she has recovered.

“Sí,” Valentina insists through a grin. “Eres mi Principe Azul, remember?”

Juliana can only shake her head and smile before Valentina draws her in a longer, deeper kiss. Her heart feels so full of love for this girl who has made a fairy tale out of her life.

⁂

2. Nose Kiss

“I mean, he does have a crush on you,” Erika declares casually.

Erika is one of Juliana’s old friends from fashion school and is now working as a costume designer for a popular telenovela. Juliana has visited her on the show’s set a couple of times. Presently, they’re talking about one of the actors who was apparently too chatty with her.

“No way!” Juliana denies vehemently.

At the same time, Valentina exclaims, “I knew it!”

Juliana has told her about the overly-chatty actor, of course, and she had some suspicions about his crush. Valentina didn’t say anything because she wasn’t really sure, but Erika has just confirmed it. Valentina already dislikes the actor on principle, but unlike when they were younger, she doesn’t get too irritated about his crush on her fianceé.

She used to get so jealous of anyone who would even dare to look Juliana’s way. It’s not that she didn’t trust Juliana, she just hated the thought of anyone else desiring her girlfriend. It took her a while, but she’s come to realise that she can’t stop people from having good taste. Besides, they can crush on her fianceé all they want, Valentina’s still the one who gets to go home to her every day. It also helps that Juliana never takes kindly to being told that some guy fancies her. She seems to take it as a personal insult that men would find her attractive.

“Ugh!” Juliana says, her nose wrinkling in distaste. “I’m never going back there again.”

Valentina lets out an involuntarily squeak at the adorable sight. Unable to help herself, she leans over and places a kiss on Juliana’s nose. “You are too cute, mi amor. No wonder Mexico’s most eligible bachelor fancies you.”

“No. Just… no.”

Valentina chuckles before putting an arm around Juliana’s shoulders and turning to Erika, who is sitting across the table from them, looking quite entertained. “Erika, you can tell that guy that this eligible bachelorette--” she points at herself, “--has already claimed Juliana Valdés’ heart.”

⁂

34. We Survived Kiss

The dirt road is unlit except for their little vehicle’s dim headlights. They’ve been on the road for what feels like hours. Their flight was delayed so they missed the car that was supposed to pick them up. They had to take a bus to the town centre, and now this motorised rickshaw to the private resort that they booked for their holiday.

“We’re going to die, we’re going to die, we’re going to die,” Valentina chants repeatedly, gripping Juliana’s hand tightly. “We survived the drug cartels and kidnappings just to die here, in a remote island in the Pacific.”

“Val--”

“What was that?” Valentina asked, letting go of Juliana’s hand only to throw her arms around her neck.

“What?”

“There’s something on the side of the road!”

“I don’t see anything, Val,” Juliana says. “Maybe it’s just the way the plants are moving in the wind?” she tries to reason.

Valentina falls quiet then. The only sound they can hear is the thrum of the rickshaw’s engine, sputtering whenever they drive over a particularly bumpy part of the road.

Just as Juliana begins to think that Valentina has calmed down, she starts talking again. “Juls,” she says seriously, “I want you to know, if this is our last day on this earth, that I won’t rest in our next life until I find you.”

Juliana’s heart stutters at Valentina’s declaration. Trust her girlfriend to say the most romantic thing during a moment of fear. She maneuvers them so she has her arms around Valentina instead, and she starts rubbing soothing circles on her back.

“Me too, Val,” she says. “But we won’t die here, mi amor,” she adds soothingly. Juliana knows Valentina will recognise that once she starts thinking rationally. It’s just that sometimes, Valentina, with her writer’s brain, can sometimes let her imagination get the best of her. “I promise.”

It’s not until their rickshaw stops almost a mile away from what looks like a big house and their driver tells them abruptly in broken English to get off, that some of Valentina’s fears start creeping into Juliana as well. After they’ve gotten out, the driver flatly tells them to “stand where they are,” and Juliana can’t help but think that he is going to attack them.

“Val,” Juliana starts quietly as they stand staring at their driver, gripping each other’s hands. “When I say the word,” she says, thankful that the man doesn’t speak Spanish, “run to that big house okay? I’ll hold him off.”

“What? Are you out of your mind? I’m not leaving you with this man. If anything, I should hold him off.”

Juliana is about to argue back when they’re interrupted by a car approaching from the direction of the house. It’s one of the resort’s staff, apologising profusely for not being able to meet them at the airport because they thought they cancelled their reservations. Serving as translator, the staff explains to them that their driver, who knows someone in the resort, texted ahead to inform the staff of their arrival. The resort is situated on a hill, and it’s too much of a climb for the little vehicle.

After thanking their driver -- and giving him a more generous than normal tip for thinking he was going to attack them -- Juliana and Valentina climb into the car. They get checked in quickly, then one of the staff leads them to their bedroom and politely wishes them a good night before closing the door behind him.

Finally alone, Valentina throws her arms around Juliana and kisses her soundly on the lips. “We survived,” she says, relief clear in her voice.

“Morrita,” Juliana says, laughing, “I don’t think we were in any danger to begin with.”

Valentina only responds with an embarrassed smile and a slight shake of her head. She steps away from Juliana only to grab her hand and pull her towards the bathroom. They’re due for a long, hot bath.

⁂

44. Public Kiss

The allure of #juliantina has drawn fans from all over the globe ever since Mexican heiress Valentina Carvajal went on national television to declare her love for one Juliana Valdés.

The aftermath of that declaration, coming on the heels of the Carvajals’ drug and money scandal, ran the gamut of possible reactions: from frenzied excitement, to reasonable scepticism, to toxic cynicism. Time can shed light upon truth, however, and in the months that followed, the cynics have fallen silent, the sceptics have been converted, and the fans have become even more excited.

The fans’ primary source of content is Valentina Carvajal’s Instagram. With permission, she talks a little more about her girlfriend in some of her stories: like how Juliana grew up in the USA but is still very much a Mexican; or how Juliana made Valentina beautiful blouses when they were still getting to know each other, and how she’s now studying fashion design. Valentina’s page, which went quiet after her father’s death, is now regularly updated with pictures, some of which are of herself and Juliana. The two women look so happy and in love that anyone seeing the pictures feels privileged to witness such beauty.

Despite Valentina’s occasional posts of the two of them, her relationship with Juliana remains private. The more dedicated fans have followed their family and friends -- and tried to follow a locked account that most definitely belongs to Juliana -- in the hopes of witnessing more of their moments, but they’re met with little success. They have seen Valentina and Juliana hug and throw their arms around each other, but they have never seen them kiss.

That changes almost a year after the famous declaration, thanks to one of the couple’s friends. The name of the friend is irrelevant, what’s important is that they’re posting stories of what appears to be a pool party in the Carvajal mansion.

Valentina seems to have gotten herself into a contest with a guy about who is the faster swimmer.

The first video clip shows people around the pool counting down; at zero, Valentina and her opponent dive into the deep end of the pool. The next video shows Valentina progressively gaining ground on her competition. In the next one, she’s won, climbing out of the pool and throwing her hands up in the air in victory. In the fourth one, she runs up to Juliana, who’s waiting for her with a towel ready.

It’s the next few video clips that send fans into a frenzy.

Juliana wraps the towel around Valentina, who, undeterred by having her arms trapped in the fluffy cloth, leans over and plants a triumphant kiss on Juliana’s lips. As if that wasn’t enough, Valentina takes the towel from Juliana’s grip and swings it around her shoulders, then she throws her arms around Juliana to give her a longer kiss.

Their friends cheer.

Less than an hour later, #juliantinabesos trends on social media.

⁂

20. Reunion Kiss

Adrenaline continues to course through Valentina’s body even half an hour after her interview with Victoria, making her more anxious with each passing minute that she’s still in the studio. Victoria and several of the crew wanted to congratulate her after the interview, and Valentina found that she couldn’t dismiss their kind words after enduring so many rude ones from her so-called friends and her own sister.

Finally, however, Valentina thanks the last of the crew who came up to talk to her. She checks her phone as she stands up, her stomach dropping when she sees that Juliana hasn’t replied to her text. She already tried to call her once, but the call cut off after more than a minute without being answered.

.

She’s met with more people as she leaves the studio, one particularly bold interviewer asking her to say a few words to the LGBT community. She glances down the corridor -- the exit -- before answering as safely as she knows how to. The reason for her coming out is a very personal one. She did it to be true to be herself. She did it to let everyone -- especially those who tried to tell her it was wrong -- that her love for Juliana is abiding and unshakable.

Valentina glances down the corridor again, and there, like an angel granting her wishes, Juliana is walking towards her.

For the past half hour since her interview, Valentina has felt like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Now, with Juliana smiling so sweetly as she approaches, Valentina feels her heart lift.

*

Juliana practically stumbles out of the taxi that she and Lupé took to get to the El Centro building. She looks back at her mother, who’s still paying the driver, only to be hurried off with frantic waving. Not needing further encouragement, Juliana turns back towards the building, takes a deep breath, and goes inside.

The whole place seems to be in a furore. The two men standing guard by the door are listening with great interest to a woman, whose tone suggests that she’s sharing some gossip, allowing Juliana to go by unnoticed. There’s a crowd gathering by the receptionist’s desk and another one by the elevators. All of them have Valentina’s name on their lips.

Eavesdropping on their conversations -- and blushing at hearing her own name -- Juliana manages to figure out where to find Valentina.

.

The noise of the press reaching Juliana’s ears tells her that she will find Valentina as soon as she takes the next turn in the corridor.

She pauses, hesitating, as the realisation sinks in that she will have to show her face to the reporters and their cameras if she wants to go up to Valentina right at that moment. Then she thinks of Valentina’s words from half an hour ago, reflecting everything she’s done since they confessed to each other that they were in love. Valentina has always believed in their relationship, and now she has braved the judgment of a nation just to stand by it.

Juliana isn’t about to let her face everything by herself.

With a deep bracing breath, she starts moving again, turning the corner to see Valentina talking graciously with a crowd of reporters.

And then Valentina is turning in her direction, catching sight of her, and the nervous smile she sends Juliana’s way has Juliana falling in love all over again.

*

Words are spoken.

Juliana asks if Valentina means everything she said, as though she doesn’t already know the answer to that. Valentina tells Juliana that she can’t imagine her life without her, just to convey the extent of her feelings. She tells the reporter that what she has with Juliana is the most beautiful relationship in her life, because the world needs to realise that there is nothing wrong with their love.

More is said by Juliana’s wide smile and the sparkle in her eyes, by their synchronised giggles, by the way Juliana reaches out for Valentina’s hand, by Valentina’s kiss on Juliana’s hand as they walk away from the reporters, by Juliana’s head on Valentina’s shoulder, by the way Valentina kisses the side of Juliana’s head.

And so the world knows.

But, like Juliana said what felt like a lifetime ago, their relationship and love for each other is for no one else to judge. It’s between them, it’s theirs and theirs alone.

*

They manage to evade the reporters as well as the groups of people discussing the now-famous interview. Valentina leads them up to the top floor of the building and to the chief executive’s office.

“This was my dad’s office,” Valentina says, closing the blinds as Juliana looks in awe around the bright and airy space. “Lucía moved here after he-- after we thought he died, and now she’s-- we should be left alone here…” she trails off, thinking of her stepmother, and thinking how, the last time she was in this room, she was crying to Lucía because Juliana was kidnapped.

Juliana turns to her. She closes the short distance between them and grabs both of Valentina’s hands in hers. They stand toe-to-toe as Juliana waits for her to continue.

Valentina takes heart at her presence, at the love and understanding shining in her eyes. “Juls…”

Juliana smiles at the way Valentina says her name, like it’s the most precious one in the world.

“I’m glad you came,” Valentina says. She was worried that Juliana didn’t see her interview, and then she was worried that Juliana did see it and wasn’t pleased with what she did.

“Me too,” Juliana says honestly. “I can’t believe you said all that,” she adds.

Before Valentina, she never thought that love is in the cards for her. And up until the moment Valentina said her name on national television, she never thought that someone would shout their love for her to the world. It feels surreal.

Valentina bites her lip. “Was it-- was it too much--?”

“No. No, Val,” Juliana is quick to correct her. “It’s just… you said you were worried about your family. No one has ever-- I’ve never-- I mean, I don’t--” Juliana huffs in frustration at her inability to express exactly what she feels.

Valentina thinks she knows what Juliana is trying to say. She leans closer, making sure that Juliana is meeting her gaze before speaking.

“Te quiero, Juliana,” she says clearly, squeezing Juliana’s hand. “Te quiero mucho, te quiero tanto. This, what we have, it’s ours, but I will shout it to the world over and over if it means that we get to keep each other. It’s what I should have done long ago. I love you, and I’m not afraid of who knows that. I want to be with you, if you’ll have me?”

“Val, of course,” Juliana replies immediately. “Yo también, te quiero tanto. I’m sorry I broke us up, but--”

“No, Juls,” says, shaking her head. “Please don’t apologise over that. Everyone was trying to separate us, and you were worried about so many things. You’re not to blame for that.”

“I still hurt you, Val, and I’m sorry for that,” Juliana insists. “But I promise,” she swallows, “I’ll never let anything or anyone make me stay away from you again. I want us to be together.”

Valentina leans forward to press their foreheads together. Juliana inches closer so their noses are touching, their lips millimetres apart, their breaths intermingling. And then they’re kissing, soft and sweet at first, then deep and all-consuming, lasting for minutes and minutes until the need for air draws them apart.

They smile as they gaze at each other, all bright eyes and flushed faces and swollen lips and mussed-up hair.

“Te amo, Juliana,” Valentina says, trying to convey the depth of her feelings in her voice as well as in her words.

Juliana sucks in a breath. No one has ever said those two words to her before, but she knows without a doubt that she feels the exact same way. “Te amo, Valentina.”

.

.

.

[honeypiehotchner]

Covered Memories -- part four

Phew! It’s been a hot minute, hasn’t it? Anywho, this is back as well! I hope you enjoy xx. 

No big warnings for this chapter! Just some banter and a little fluff with Mrs. H. Small warning for mentions of death.

“You mentioned something last night.”

           My eyes open, meeting the back of the couch. Sunlight streams through the curtains, letting me know I actually fell asleep. Despite my protests last night, my body must have given in.

           It’s Sherlock who speaks to me now. “I know you’re awake,” he says. “So I’ll just continue. You mentioned the paramedics setting up an air mattress, and you said something like what I fell onto when I jumped.” Ah, damn, he heard that. I really need to be careful when I mention details from the show. “How did you know that’s how I did it?”

           Okay, so John doesn’t know about Mary, but Sherlock has already jumped and come back. This must be after Reichenbach, but if it is, where is Mary? She should be here.

           “No one knows how I faked my death,” Sherlock continues. “Not even John, but he doesn’t care how— So you can imagine my own surprise when I hear this nonexistent person mention it so casually.”

           I roll over onto my other side, using my arm as a pillow. The one John put out for me is hardly comfortable. My eyebrows raise when Sherlock turns his head to look at me. “Are you done?”

           Obviously not expecting that response, Sherlock stammers.

           “Listen,” I pause to sit up, placing both my hands on either side of my hips. “I told you. I watch the show. It’s revealed—Well, kind of. That’s one of the theories, part of one. It’s on the show. That’s how I know it.”

           “Hm,” Sherlock nods. “What was the name of the rabbit that glowed in the dark?”

           “Bluebell?” I ask. “Why are you asking me about him?”

           Sherlock doesn’t seem convinced still. “How long did it take for my brother to realize I had used his ID to get into Baskerville?”

           “23 minutes,” I say tiredly. “Mycroft’s getting slow, I think you said.”

           Sherlock narrows his eyes. “What’s Lestrade’s name?”

           “Are you sure that you even know the correct answer?” I deadpan. I can’t believe he thought this was a harder question. “It’s Greg, by the way. You really should try to get it right. He’s a good friend. I think he’d appreciate it if you’d get his name right every once in a while.”

           “As a matter of fact, I would,” Lestrade says from the doorway, offering me a smile. “Good morning, you’re looking better.”

           “Did I look that bad yesterday?” I groan.

           Lestrade realizes his mistake and immediately corrects it. “Uh, no, not at all, just tired. Anyway, Sherlock, have you found anything?”

           “He’s been sitting there watching me sleep, what do you think?”

           Sherlock glares at me. I glare right back. He’s exhausting.

           I stand up with a huff. “I’m going to take a shower.”

           “You can’t,” Sherlock mutters.

           “Why not?” I cross my arms over my chest. “You can’t keep me here and refuse to let me shower, you know. That’s cruel and inhumane.”

           Sherlock gives me a smug look. “John is in the shower at the moment.”

           “Oh, leave the poor girl alone,” Mrs. Hudson calls as she bounds up the stairs. I turn to see her coming into the room with a tray of tea. The porcelain clinks as she sets the tray down. “Come with me dear, you can use my shower,” she smiles. “And we can get you some clothes.”

           “I don’t think she will want to wear any of your clothes, Mrs. Hudson.” Sherlock smiles as he says it, like he’s pulled one over on her, but he hasn’t.

           “If you paid attention for more than five minutes, Sherlock Holmes, you’d see that your brother brought some clothes earlier this morning for Miss Singleton.”

           I stifle my laughter with my hand as Mrs. Hudson leads me down the stairs and into her flat. It’s much more welcoming, which isn’t what I expected when I arrived, but Mrs. Hudson has that motherly sense to her.

           “The shower’s just this way, dear,” Mrs. Hudson points down the hall. “Everything in there is for you, even some clothes. If you don’t like what I laid out, you can look through everything else once you’re done. Mycroft brought quite a lot.”

           I don’t know why he’d do that. But then again, even in the show, Mycroft’s actions have never made much sense to me at all. At least he’s living up to his character.

           “Thanks so much, Mrs. H,” I smile. “You’re a joy to be around compared to that lot up there.” I’ve gone full British. Might as well accept it.

           “Don’t I know it,” she laughs sneakily. “Take your time, dear. I’ll make you some breakfast.”

           “Thank you,” I say again, unable to help myself, but she waves me away. She disappears into the kitchen, so I disappear into the shower, not wanting to disobey her.

           I’ll listen to Mrs. H any day. She doesn’t nag me. Sherlock, on the other hand, is a pain in my ass, I’m learning. I have no idea how I saw past all of it on the show. It’s impossible to forget now.

+++

After I finish showering – which was much needed and dare I say it, has made me feel a million times better – I get dressed in the clothes Mrs. Hudson put in the bathroom for me. It’s a pair of jeans, new underwear, and a tan-colored sweater (thank God, or else I’ll freeze to death). I’ll have to look through what else Mycroft bought, mostly out of sheer curiosity, but also because I think I’ll need a coat at some point.

           I leave the bathroom and venture to the kitchen, following the smell of food. Mrs. Hudson’s breakfast in the show was known to be legendary, and by the way this smells, it’ll be just the same.

           “What smells so good?” I comment as I walk in, joining Mrs. H by the stove.

           “Oh, dear, it’s just eggs,” she chuckles. “And some bacon. I’ve got some bread in the toaster if you want to check on it. I’m not sure how toasted you like it.”

           I look to the toaster and pop the slices up, smiling. “They’re perfect.” I place them on the plate on the counter, grabbing the butter to coat them while they’re hot. “Thank you for cooking for me.”

           “It’s not a problem at all,” she assures me, stirring the eggs, then she stops and sighs. “Oh, I forgot to ask how you like your eggs.”

           “Scrambled,” I smile. “They look great.”

           She goes back to stirring, but with a smile this time. “Does your mother ever cook for you?”

           I still, putting the butter away. When the silence has stretched long enough, I finally say, “No, she doesn’t. She’s um…She’s passed on.”

           “Oh, dear,” Mrs. Hudson murmurs. “I’m so sorry.”

           “It’s okay,” I say. It sort of is. It’s been years now, five to be exact. Eight since dad. “Your boys upstairs – Lestrade included– They really kept me company and got me through it. Them and my sister.” I pause. I miss her. I don’t know how, but in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve forgotten about her.

           “Yes, I heard about your story. It’s a show on telly, you said?”

           “Yeah,” I nod. “It’s called Sherlock, though I’ve heard Martin—He’s the actor who plays John. Oh, that’s confusing. Anyway, I’ve heard he writes John in big letters over the script as a joke.”

           Mrs. Hudson laughs as she piles the eggs and bacon onto my plate. “It’s a funny thing, a show about those two, but I believe it. They certainly entertain me. I can see how they’d entertain everyone else.”

           I sit down with my plate, and my mouth is practically watering. Mrs. Hudson pours me a cup of tea and fixes it for me. I never really drank tea before, but however she makes it is stunning. It tastes the best. I’ll have to pay attention the next time she makes it so I can take it home with me.

           Whenever I get back home.

           I take a deep breath, chewing on my piece of toast. I didn’t think I’d miss home this much, but I also didn’t think I’d ever be in this situation. This is something even my imaginative mind couldn’t have predicted.

           And yet here I am, having breakfast at Mrs. Hudson’s while Sherlock, John, and Lestrade discuss my case above us – oh, and not to forget, while Mycroft watches the building because apparently, I’m now a person of interest, too.

           This is insane.

+++

“She doesn’t exist?” John questions. “You’re serious?”

           Lestrade shrugs, not understanding it either. “Nothing. Unless the name she’s giving to us is wrong, but she’s got no ID, so we have no way to know for sure if she’s lying. Her fingerprints didn’t match anyone’s, but that means next to nothing.”

           “Doesn’t it?” John asks.

           “It only means she doesn’t have a criminal record,” Sherlock explains quickly. “This is tricky.”

           “Oh, here we go,” John rolls his eyes. “He’s about to check out. You said she’s downstairs?”

           “Taking a shower,” Sherlock supplies, closing his eyes.

           John shares a tired look with Lestrade before nodding to the door.

           Lestrade nods. “Alright, well, I’ll go back to digging while he…” The Detective Inspector waves his hands.

           “Yeah,” John shakes his head, following Lestrade out the door and grabbing his coat off the hook on the way.

[lost-in-austen-books]

Belgravia by Julian Fellowes

Synopsis: Belgravia is a novel by Julian Fellowes aka the man behind our beloved Downton Abbey. Belgravia is mainly set in 1840, although the story opens with a faithful night in 1815 in Brussels before the battle of Waterloo. Certain events take place that night which will begin to unravel 25 years later in London. The story focus around the family of Trenchard who are moving up within the London society through Mr. Trenchard’s business. He used to be a supplier for the army but as the years have passed he has been able to grow his trade and he is in fact a partner of Thomas Cubitt who is indeed a real historical person and in the book (as Cubitt did in real life) they are planning and building a new wealthy district in London called, you guessed it, Belgravia. It is difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling it. Let’s just say that this is a book absolutely filled with secrets, misunderstanding and improperly acting characters. Much what you can expect from Mr. Fellowes, I dare say.

Analysis: I gave this book a 3,5/5 stars, which is the lowest one yet this year but still a decent review. So let’s look into it a bit closer!

Well, the book is filled with all sorts of characters, you have the snobbish old-money folks, the new money social climbers, those who perhaps would rather just stay where they are without trying to improve themselves despite other people around them having big dreams, those who are limited by the social rules and then there are those who can’t see their own privileges and pitfalls and those who are simply pure and good for the most part anyhow. So as you can imagine from Fellowes it is a book filled with characters with different backgrounds and aspirations working against the backdrop of class and social rules. I haven’t seen the tv-adaptation yet, but it’s actually coming to YLE (which is basically the Finnish BBC) this week! So I don’t have much to wait anymore, and the tv-series was actually the reason I wanted to read this book this year. I had actually started it few years back when it first came out but quite honestly - did not have the strength to finish it at the time.

Why I managed to get through this book now is probably because I listened to it as an audiobook narrated by Juliet Stevenson whom I thought narrated this very well. The book is surprisingly lengthy as there are so many characters in it and they all must “do their bit” and have their own version of events take place so to speak. As in - they all got things a little muddled a lot of the time and so they are all anxious about different things and we spend a quite a fair bit of time with each character and seeing the plot from their point of view. It all adds up to over 400 pages, which to be honest is not that much considering a lot of the books I read but I don’t know, reading this one just felt a bit exhausting. Juliet Stevenson however kept the story fresh and light and added a nice bit of color to all the different characters by giving them all a distinctive voice and accent. To be quite honest I would’ve dropped at least half a star had I merely read the book and not listened to Stevenson’s narration of it. But it was a nice book to listen to whilst preparing food or baking or cycling to work in the summer!

What I must say is that Fellowes certainly knows his audience well, however, I do think he does his best work writing for screen not for well - covers? I believe that Belgravia will work well on screen and I’ll be able to share my thoughts on that soon enough. I just feel like Fellowes’ language or style weren’t anything game changing or enlightening. There wasn’t anything particularly enjoyable in it, nor any great passages I might return to. Sometimes his descriptions were rather blunt which makes me think that they might work better when portrayed by an actor instead of simply stated in the pages of a book. He knows how to build up intriguing plots and how to carry plot lines with multiple characters and he knows how to work against the period background and he knows how to tell stories of class but the format his stories take works better in a tv-series than on page - in my humble opinion.

So if you’ve enjoyed Fellowe’s works before in any format, be sure to give Belgravia a go, but don’t feel bad if you can’t actually get through the book - try the audiobook instead! That way it isn’t half bad and does offer a nice way of passing the time of day.