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julemmaes · 3 years

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What The

Prompt sent by @sayosdreams: Ezra goes on his first date

acotar next gen fan fiction

A/N: definitely not what I had planned for this prompt, but I’m not sad nor surprised. Ezra is 16, almost 17, Andra is 6 and the others don’t appear. But we’re introduced to Dara (MorxAndromache’s son) who is 16, Nia (AmrenxVarian’s daughter) who is 15, and Chelo (EmeriexAzriel’s second daughter) who is 6 and Fabien (FeyrexRhysand’s second son) who is 7 are mentioned.

Fic masterlist

Word count: 6,692

Ezra didn't know he could be so embarrassed for someone else. And so scared for his own personal safety.

When Nia and Dara had told him they'd found him someone to go out with, he'd never expected the guy in question to be...well, like this.

Daniel was peculiar.

When he'd seen him arrive at the bus stop where they'd arranged to meet, Ezra had immediately felt a creepy feeling of unease, which had only increased out of all proportion when the boy whose last name he didn't even know yet had hugged him like his grandmother did every time they visited.

Ezra had stood motionless with his eyebrows pinned to his hairline for a full minute while the other one formally introduced himself, reaching out a hand toward him. He'd seen her nails polished a cheerful pastel blue and had smiled, trying to quell that wrong feeling in the back of his mind, "I like your nails."

Daniel had chuckled disturbingly - the sound still etched in Ezra's mind - and then made a very serious face, "It's to let others know I'm so gay."

The Navarro boy hadn't commented, not wanting to make an immediate bad impression with his date, but he'd found at least five ways to retort to that immense bullshit.

Daniel had linked their arms together and told him he'd take him to his favorite spot, and Ezra had been hesitant with all that physical touch. Not because he wasn't used to having someone around all the time touching him in one way or another, but because Daniel seemed like the kind of person who had no idea what boundaries were and he wasn't keen on being kissed out of the blue.

"So, what are you?" he had suddenly asked him.

Ezra had arched an eyebrow, confused, "What am I?"

"Yes, what are you silly," the other had chuckled. Silly? What the- "Gay, bi, pan?" Ezra had been dumbfounded, and he was sure that if Daniel hadn't been dragging him along, he would have gotten stuck in the middle of the sidewalk. He'd blinked a few times, trying to figure out why someone would ask such a thing for no apparent reason. When he'd still been silent, looking for an answer that wouldn't make him look like a complete idiot, Daniel had asked him again, giving him a light shove.

Erza had looked at him at that point, his expression somewhere between surprised and furious, "I don't know yet, I'm trying to figure it out."

"Oh, poor thing, I'm sure you'll understand after tonight." and again that creepy giggle, "I'll make sure this date makes you realize you're completely gay."

He hadn't told anyone he was going on a date that night, only his two best friends, and in that moment he couldn't have regretted his decision more.

He'd made up an excuse for his parents and Cassian and Nesta were now home chilling, probably doing what they did every Saturday night when they somehow managed to get rid of their kids, but Ezra just wanted to call his mom and get the hell out of that fast food.

He made a disgusted grimace, moving a chip with a handkerchief, too afraid that he would catch some kind of disease if he actually touched that food, when something under the table caught his attention. He opened his eyes wide when he realized it was a cockroach and had to suppress a gag.

"Are you okay, Ezzy?" Daniel asked him in a squeaky voice - Danny, as he'd asked him to call him when they'd arrived at the venue, "You look a little pale."

Ezra looked up at the boy, unsure whether to tell him for the tenth time that he hated that stupid nickname he'd stuck on him almost an hour ago or to let it go and try to enjoy the rest of the evening. Staring at the individual in front of him for a second too long, he gave him the most fake smile he could muster, replying simply, "Everything's fine." even if it was anything but fine. He certainly couldn't tell him that he never wanted to hear another word come out of his mouth, or that the place creeped him out so much that he was sure he'd have nightmares for the rest of his life. Or that the group of guys sitting at the table next to them looked at them so wrong every time he used the word gay that he wouldn't be surprised if they ended the night running away from them.

He'd done so many little things to make him uncomfortable that Ezra was wondering if he wasn't doing it on purpose, if he was on some kind of candid camera and if his friends would be coming out of the kitchen any minute, laughing at his misfortunes.

"That's good." resumed Daniel, then took a bite of his sandwich and some sauce, which should have been any other color but the one it was, fell on the table, "Anyway, back to what we were talking about before."

Ezra winced, closing his eyes and trying not to breathe in the awful smell of dirty water that hovered around the place. He didn't want to go back to the conversation from before. He wanted to run away.

"The first time I came out was when I was eight years old and everyone called me names, like I was telling you." Daniel nodded, continuing to chew with his mouth open, and Ezra could only avoid looking at him for a short time before the boy demanded they make eye contact. He'd explicitly asked him several times.

"Oh and then of course the first Gay Pride I went to was only a few years ago, because you know, they don't do any in Velaris and never will, duh." the boy said making an x with his fingers as he shook his head. Ezra chuckled at that gesture, more out of desperation than anything else, and Daniel seemed to take it as an invitation to continue, because he launched into a detailed description of his first time having "gay sex" with someone.

He shut his brain down, planting a tugged smile on his lips and hoping the torture would end soon.

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out as Daniel said, "I kissed someone for the first time when I was ten, a boy of course." He jumped from topic to topic with such ease that Ezra struggled to keep up with him and was a little grateful for that.

It was a text from Nia asking him how the date was going and that she and Dara were at the latter's house, waiting for him to ask to pick him up. He typed a reply quickly, offending her in every way possible for putting him in such a situation and begging her to come as soon as possible. He turned off the screen, putting his phone back in his pocket and then leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest and furrowing his brow as his brain perceived the words "blood" and "anal."

A not at all pleasant sensation began to blossom at the pit of his stomach.

He breathed through his nose deeply and regretted it soon after. If he hadn't ended up throwing up that night or dying, he would have given himself a weekend at a spa with the full package, sauna and all that crap and he would have forced Nia to pay for it. It was his friend's fault that he was now in this pathetic situation.

Ezra closed his eyes, trying to calm his thoughts and completely externalize himself from the outside world - something he'd learned to do on long trips to Illyria when his siblings decided to have a tantrum all at once. When Daniel didn't stop for another ten minutes and Ezra vaguely heard the word orgasm, he stood up abruptly, bringing his hands close to his ears in case he didn't stop talking.

Daniel brought one hand to his mouth and the other to his chest, startled by that sudden outburst from him.

"Ezzy..." he murmured, "what's wrong?"

Ezra clenched his hands into fists, closing his eyes. The feeling in the pit of his stomach was intensifying more and more, "Stop calling me that, please." then he stared into his eyes, leaning forward, "I asked you to stop two hours ago. Two hours."

Daniel stared at him open-mouthed, some chewed food was visible and Ezra was forced to turn away, trying to erase the image from his mind, but he heard it anyway when he asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

Ezra huffed out a laugh and the group of older boys, who had been watching them since they entered the fast food restaurant, stared at him with somber expressions, then shifted their gazes to Daniel. He brought his attention back to Daniel in turn and said in a low voice so that no one would hear him, "I'm sorry to have to tell you like this, but there won't be a second date and this one ends here."

He didn't even wait to see Daniel's reaction, grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. He shivered in the cold of the city and looked around, lost. He had no idea where he was. He didn't know what part of town that fast food was in, and he couldn't understand how Nia knew the place existed. He walked down the main street, hoping to find something - a store, a bus stop, anything - that would help him figure out where he was.

He had just finished slipping on his jacket when he felt a hand tighten around his wrist and pull hard enough to make him stumble backwards. He didn't even realize he was falling until his back hit the ground and the air rushed out of his lungs so violently that it shocked him. He closed his eyes for a second, trying to catch his breath. Panic didn't have time to make its way through his body that someone was pulling him up by force.

Ezra kicked his feet in the air, looking around, unsure whether to scream for help and trying hard to free himself from the stranger's grasp, when he realized with horror that it was Daniel.

The all too cheerful and bright eyes that had characterized that basic little face until that moment, that had frightened but more than anything else bored Ezra to the point of exhaustion, now shone with a new emotion and he was petrified to realize that he looked like another person entirely. It was anger, pure rage in the boy's pupils.

"Daniel-" he tried to say to get him to let go.

Daniel was still clutching the front of his shirt and shook his head when he said his name, "I don't get it, what is it?" he asked, tilting his head to the side smiling, "You don't like to talk about me being gay because you haven't figured out what you are yet?"

What was wrong with this guy?

Ezra's eyes were wide and he couldn't speak. He was afraid Daniel would hit him.

After all, he didn't know him. He didn't know anything about the person in front of him other than the fact that the only trait in his personality was being gay. He hadn't been able to get anything personal out of him, nothing about what school he attended, nothing about his family, his hobbies.

A sheer, unmitigated terror made its way through his mind as he realized that Daniel could easily have been even much older than he said he was.

"Let me go." murmured Ezra, clasping his hands around his wrists. The only certainty he had at that moment was the fact that Daniel wouldn't be able to pull out any kind of sharp object to hurt him as long as he had his hands on Ezra.

Daniel wasn't that much bigger than him, he was a few inches shorter, but Ezra wasn't the kind of guy who would get into fights and win. No, he wasn't like his brother. He was more the type who got pushed into the fight and ended up with a broken nose because he didn't want to hurt the other guy.

The door to the fast food restaurant opened behind him and he tried hard to block out the shaking of his hands, of his lower lip. He couldn't take his eyes off Daniel's, too scared that if he even moved a finger, the other would snap.

"Everything okay out here?" someone asked, a deep, gravelly voice.

Daniel's eyes snapped over his shoulder and loosened their grip on his shirt. Ezra took the opportunity to push him away. Cursing, he fell backwards again, cushioning his fall with his hands and felt a sharp pain go up his arm. Hissing, he brought the limb to his chest, clutching it with his other hand.

Arms slipped under his shoulders, helping him pull himself up, "Here."

As soon as he was on his feet, Ezra took three steps back, moving away from both men in front of him.

He realized with no small amount of dread that the newcomer was one of the boys who had been watching them all evening. He cursed mentally this time, trying to think his way out of the fucked up situation.

How had he ended up there?

How had he ended up in the ugliest neighborhood in all of Velaris just because he wanted to go on a date?

Daniel was looking at the man now, much bigger and bulkier than the two of them combined, and Ezra heard a bicycle bell ring in the distance.

The heads of all three snapped toward the sound, but the only one who started running toward the two approaching figures was Ezra. He heard Daniel yell his name, but that only prompted him to run faster.

Nia was flailing around, swinging dangerously on her bike, and she didn't seem to notice the condition he was in, because she was smiling like a little girl on Christmas morning, but Dara was.

"Nia, come here." Ezra heard him say even at that distance. The girl must have heard something in her boyfriend's tone too, because she bolted beside him and got off her bike silently. Ezra continued to run at breakneck speed until he was in front of his best friends and got on the bike Nia had just left behind. He ordered them both to take off with short breaths and Dara to pedal as fast as he could before darting off down the road.

The boy in question waited until Nia was safely settled on the rack before turning the bike around and following Ezra down the half-lit street.

What the hell had just happened?

***

"I think we should call aunt Nesta," Nia said, with a grave expression.

Dara shook his head, reaching behind her and resting an arm on the back of the bench, starting to play with a strand of her hair, "She'll riot if she finds out what happened."

Nia looked at him frowning, "So you think we should handle it?"

Dara nodded, reducing his lips to a thin line.

"The us-handling-it ended with Ezra almost getting himself killed," she pointed out to him, "I think we've done enough for tonight."

"Speaking of," Ezra murmured. He sat with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, his eyes closed, convinced that if he opened them he'd start crying. "Where the fuck did you find someone like that?"

A shiver ran through his body and he didn't know if it was because of the memory of Daniel or because they insisted on spending their Saturday nights in the cold backyard of Dara's house.

Nia scratched the back of her neck, "A friend told me she had a friend who was busting her balls because he's been single for too long and he reminded me of someone." she gave him a pointed look and shrugged, "I didn't think he'd be a psycho."

Dara chuckled tiredly and Ezra lifted his head to look at him, "Why are you laughing, that was terrifying." he repeated for the billionth time. "I don't think I'll ever date again."

"Actually as a first date it kinda sucked," mumbled the girl yawning. Erza knew they were both dead tired and it wouldn't make any difference if he stayed over at his aunt Mor's or went back to his house, either way he would find himself alone in a bed. He might as well avoid a sleepless night because of Nia's snoring.

Truth be told, he would have preferred to be cuddled by his sisters, but he would never admit that out loud.

He opened and closed the fingers of his left hand, wincing every time the cut on his wrist joint moved.

Nia was watching him closely, "You should probably disinfect that."

Ezra huffed, closing his eyes and scratching his eyebrow, "I'll do it when I get home."

"Do you want me to call your mother?" she offered, understanding immediately. Dara nodded beside her.

He thought about it and then shook his head, getting up and picking up the phone, "If you call her she'll think I'm dead or something bad happened - which is true," he nodded, dialing Nesta's number, and bringing the device to his ear, "but she doesn't need to know over the phone."

She answered on the first third ring.

"Ezra? What's wrong?" she asked with bated breath.

The boy grimaced, immediately realizing he had interrupted something, and Dara burst out laughing. By now it was common knowledge what his parents did every Saturday night. Even Dara's moms had their Wednesdays after all.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you," he narrowed his eyes, wrinkling his nose, "but, is there any way you could pick me up?"

Nesta didn't answer right away, but Ezra clearly heard the shifting of the sheets and the uncertain movements on the other side of the line and his father asked worriedly, "What happened?"

"I don't know-" Nesta answered him in a muffled voice, then more clearly, "Ezra everything alright? Are you okay?" anxiety lacing her words.

Fuck, this was exactly what he wanted to avoid. Making his parents worry about things that could easily be avoided was perhaps the thing he hated most in the world.

Casting a quick glance at his friends, he replied, "You know what, nothing, nevermind, I'll stay here and be back in the morning, don't worry about it." he tried to fake a smile, even though his mother couldn't see it and Dara scoffed, standing up and nearly knocking over Nia who was leaning on his shoulder, "Pass it to me." he murmured.

Ezra pulled away, reaching an arm out to his friend to hold him back as Dara smiled and reached for his phone.

"Where are you now?" asked Nesta urgently. More frantic movement on the other end of the phone, "I've got you on speaker."

Ezra grunted when Dara jabbed a finger into his ribs, "At aunt Mor's." he let out a giggle when he escaped his friend and started running around the garden, "But don't worry, I'm here with Dara and Nia, I'll be back tomorrow."

"Love, you never called me to pick you up in sixteen years of living," the woman pointed out to him. She heard her father agree with her as he warned her that he would wait for her in the car, "Even if nothing happened, something has to have and I don't want to put unnecessary burdens on Mor or Em. We're on our way." Ezra was about to retort when the beep beep of the call being closed rumbled through the phone.

The boy huffed, stopping his run abruptly, and Dara slammed into him, nearly knocking them both over. They burst out laughing as they pushed and pulled in a non-violent fight.

As they fell on top of each other, starting to tickle each other, Nia snickered from the porch, leaning against the railing, "How nice it is to have a boyfriend who has a boyfriend."

"You love us." both boys shouted, opening their eyes and mouths wide and looking at each other immediately after, "Aah, twins." they said again simultaneously. They burst out laughing and Nia ran a hand over her face, warning them that she was going into the house.

Dara stood up at that point, pushing Ezra away, but he helped him up anyway and they silently joined her, trying not to wake Mor and Emerie who were resting on the couch undisturbed. His friend asked him to warn his mother not to ring the bell, so that she wouldn't wake up his moms, and Ezra smiled and nodded.

Dara was the only child of aunts Mor and Em. He was only a few months younger than Ezra, but had been adopted when he was already two years old. Of course, none of the three could remember a day without the other two, and although Dara and Nia had been together for a few months now - after years and years of banter - the dynamics of the group had never changed.

Although Nia had become a little more possessive now where Dara was concerned, it was never really about jealousy. Ezra was just scared when she took on that stern expression that also characterized her mother Amren and threatened him with death when he accidentally hurt Dara during one of their friendly fights.

They entered the bedroom and Nia was already sprawled out on the mattress like a starfish. A soft snoring sounded in the room and Ezra shook his head, "How is she already asleep?"

Dara didn't answer him, but smiled slightly, looking at the shapeless mass of hair that hid the girl's face. He walked over to the bed, grabbing a blanket from the chair and trying to cover her entirely, but from the position she was in, an arm or leg would always be exposed to the chill air.

Ezra felt his heart tighten in his chest, "You're lucky." he whispered.

Dara snorted, looking up at him with a curled brow, "Don't go soft on me, you know we'll both start crying then." then he turned back to Nia, moving her hair out of her face, "It's also after eleven, if we start talking about this stuff I could seriously cry." an even wider smile made its way onto his lips and a twin one appeared on Ezra's. Plus, if Nia woke up with both of them crying, she wasn't going to let them live it down.

Dara and Nia had come before Cal and Nora, before Nate, Theo, and everyone else. Ezra didn't know what it would be like without them, and he never wanted to find out.

"You know, though, yeah," Dara whispered once they had settled into the bean bag chairs, "we're lucky."

Ezra looked into his eyes, yawning, "Do you think my mom will let me go to sleep without an interrogation?"

Dara grinned, "Are we talking about the same Nesta who kept us up an entire night just because she kept losing at UNO?" he reminded him of that deadly night a few years earlier, "Because I'm sure that a person who is willing to keep three whining babies awake just to win at a stupid game isn't going to let something that relevant go until they get their revenge."

Ezra groaned, closing his eyes, "I don't even know how to approach the subject."

"What part?" Dara then asked, watching him closely, "That you also like boys or that one guy almost smashed your face."

"Not helping." he deadpanned.

"No, but seriously," he pulled his legs up, crossing them underneath him, "I know your whole-" he moved a hand in midair, pointing to Ezra's head, "thinking and I don't want to make you more anxious than you need to be, but what if they don't react like you always thought they would?"

Ezra had thought about this countless times, about how his parents might react to such an admission, but the outcome had never bothered him much. He didn't really conceive the concept of coming out when you were growing up in a family like his. He didn't like the idea of having to specify to his parents that one day he might bring home someone who wasn't a woman.

One of his father's closest friends was a lesbian and her son was sitting across from him. If his parents had any objections to that, they would certainly have told him or talked about it.

He was sure it wouldn't have sparked any reaction in his parents.

"It'll be fine." said Ezra only.

"Definitely." Dara dropped his head back, "So how do you plan to introduce the I-went-out-with-a-crazy-man instead?"

Ezra shook his head, "I don't?"

"I'm serious." the other replied, closing his eyes.

"So am I."

They remained silent, Dara surely having realized Ezra didn't want to talk about Daniel anymore.

"What are you planning on doing for Valentine's Day?" he asked suddenly.

Dara chuckled, "I have a girlfriend now man, we can't go out anymore, you and I."

"You dumbass," Ezra insulted him, "I meant with Nia. Where are you taking her?"

Dara pulled himself up, stretching his arms overhead. The boy couldn't sit still for half a minute. "Actually I think she wants to take me somewhere and I'll let her," he nodded thoughtfully, "Although I'm kind of terrified she's going to take me into the woods and kill me, I'm going to activate the location on my phone so you'll always know where I am."

Ezra didn't laugh, he just nodded. The phone vibrated in his hand and his stomach twisted again.

"We're out." the message from his mother read.

He looked up at Dara and found his friend watching him, who gave him an encouraging smile.

They bid each other goonight with their secret handshake and then Ezra walked out of the room just as Dara lifted Nia and tucked her under the covers, laying down next to her.

***

"Are you going to tell us what's going on or are we going to have to guess?" asked Cassian looking over his shoulder once he was in the car.

They were already halfway home and Ezra had only said hello to them, in a very controlled tone of voice, but his mother had tossed back in her seat and stared into his eyes for what had seemed like hours before shifting her gaze to her husband and saying, "Yeah, something happened."

She had watched him for so long that he couldn't understand how she hadn't seen the bloodstain on his sweatshirt. He pulled up the zipper on his jacket, already thinking about how he could remove the stain from the fabric.

"Can we talk about this tomorrow?" he tried to ask. He was looking out the window, but he could feel both his parents' eyes on him.

"Can you sleep if you don't talk about it, or are you going to be up all night?" asked Cassian again, "Because if it's the latter, I'd rather talk about it now."

Ezra closed his eyes, thinking about what to answer. "Is Andra home?" he asked softly.

Nesta nodded, "She's been asleep for a couple of hours though. She's been playing all day with Fabien and Chelo and was dead tired." she said in a chipper tone, "How come?"

"I'm taking her to my room." he replied only.

His mother turned to him again, this time with a lopsided smile on her face, "It's not like she's a dog."

"Yeah, I know," he smiled back, "but at least I'll sleep better."

"Alright, we'll talk about it tomorrow though," Nesta told him. He merely nodded.

Not even two minutes passed and Cassian asked, "Did you have a fight with Dara?"

Ezra nearly burst out laughing, "No, Dad."

"With Nia?"

"Cass." his mom admonished him.

The man turned to her with a mock confused expression, "What?"

"He told us he'd talk about it tomorrow, stop it."

Cassian huffed, "Fine."

As soon as they arrived home, Ezra said goodnight to both of them and went straight to his room. He slipped off his jacket and got into his pajama pants, grabbing his shirt and heading to the bathroom to try and clean his sweatshirt as best he could.

He remained shirtless as he searched the drawers for cotton wool and wound sanitizer. He gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists as he spilled some of the liquid on his cut. It wasn't too long or deep, but it had bled him quite a bit, especially considering he hadn't stopped moving his hand half a second, preventing the skin from healing.

He'd definitely done it to himself when he got free of Daniel, but he hadn't realized he'd hurt himself that badly until he'd gotten to Dara's house and Nia had seen the red stain on his sweatshirt. He cleaned the cut from the dried blood, changing cotton balls after the first one had turned completely red.

He turned on the water, running his entire forearm under it, when the bathroom door opened and his mother's head popped into view. At any other time he would have told her that she had to knock before entering their bathroom, that he might be naked, but upon seeing the color drain from her face, he remained silent.

He turned off the faucet, cupping his hand over his wrist as Nesta entered the bathroom and stared in pure terror at the cotton wool and blood on the sink. He hadn't seen his mother so scared since the day he'd broken his arm.

"Mom..." whispered Ezra, stepping forward, toward her.

"What happened?" she asked bringing a hand to her throat. Then she looked into his eyes, "Did you do it yourself?"

Ezra frowned, confused. Then the shock of what his mother's newly spoken words implied hit him and he shook his head, wincing. "No, god- no mom. I-"

Nesta moved until she was in front of him and gently took his arm, moving his hand from his wrist until she saw the cut and sighed. Whether in relief or otherwise, Ezra didn't know.

"You need to tell me what's going on, and no, you can't go to bed without telling me what you did tonight first," she murmured to him, without looking at his face. She had taken another piece of cotton and was dabbing at his wrist with the gentleness that only a mother with her children could have, checking for soil residue or anything else.

"Nesta?"

Ezra winced when he heard his father's voice calling to her.

Mom looked him in the eye, tossing the wadded up bits, "If you promise me that as soon as you get out of here you'll come talk to us, I'll go out now and let you get ready for the night in peace." she told him.

She was looking at him with so much emotion that Ezra regretted even thinking about lying to her and telling her he just fell off his bike. Besides, if it had been about something so stupid, he would have told her right away and she knew it. So, lowering his gaze to the floor, he nodded, "I promise."

Stepping out, she picked up the clothes Ezra had left on the floor and then he was alone again. He brushed his teeth, thinking about how to deal with this. He grabbed a band-aid from Celia's locker - she used more than anyone else put together because of soccer - and then slipped on his pajama shirt, leaving the bathroom and heading for his parents' room. Halfway down the hallway he turned around and stopped with his hand on the doorknob of his room. He closed his eyes, smacking his forehead against the wood, "Let's do this."

He didn't have time to knock that his parents' door opened and Cassian looked at him differently than he always did, looked at him like he was trying to read his mind. Ezra felt himself blush for the first time in a long time and shifted his gaze to his mother, who was sitting on the edge of the bed and smiling at him.

Ezra slipped into the room, sitting down at the end of the bed. Nesta settled against the bedpost and Cassian sat down, facing the wall. He couldn't see his father's face, but he sensed his concern as waves radiated from his body.

"I had a date tonight." mumbled Ezra playing with the blanket, but keeping his eyes on his mother.

Nesta opened her mouth slightly wide in surprise, then closed it again, composing herself, "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I don't know," he confessed.

"How did it go?" asked Cassian, turning to face him.

Ezra scratched his head, "Bad."

"I'm sorry." his mother told him with as much sincerity in her voice as she could muster. Then she cast a quick glance at his dad and Ezra took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come. "How did it get so bad?"

"The other one wasn't exactly sane," he said, brushing the patch with his fingers.

Cassian stiffened and flexed his fingers several times, "Did she do anything to you?"

Ezra felt his heart start to beat a little faster, "He was-" then he stopped, looking at his parents. Neither Nesta nor Cassian seemed the least bit touched by what he'd just said. "He was peculiar."

They waited for him to speak, giving him time to process.

"He immediately started touching me and normally-"

His father interrupted him, "Touching you?" he asked in a low voice.

Ezra had never heard that tone of voice before. He had never seen Cassian's eyes grow so dark, his jaw so taut. Everything in the man's body screamed anger. His mother had pulled herself up straighter and extended a hand toward her husband, as if she needed physical support to deal with such a conversation.

He was quick to specify, "Hugs, he was always trying to find a way to touch my hands, my face, and normally it wouldn't bother me, but it was the first time I'd seen him and god, I don't even know his fucking last name." he didn't bother not to say the bad word. He knew his mother didn't care right then and he needed to vent. Cassian nodded and while Nesta seemed to have relaxed a bit, his father hadn't lost that feeling of hatred that was rippling across his face.

"He talked the whole time about things purely related to the fact that he was gay and he went into detail." he said with wide eyes, "And he demanded that we look at each other while he talked and that made me uncomfortable in no small part and the place he took me to." he shuddered, "It looked like something out of one of those TV shows that Celia always watches about houses full of trash."

Nesta crossed her arms over her chest, with a worried gaze, "Why didn't you call me? I would have come right away."

Ezra looked at her, shaking his head, "I thought about it, but I had arranged with Nia and Dara that they would pick me up with their bikes and I texted Nia and-"

He paused to catch his breath.

"As soon as he said the word orgasm I got up and told him I didn't want to see him anymore and left."

Cassian nodded, "You did the right thing." he told him resting a hand on his ankle, "With these people you never know what can happen-"

Nesta interrupted him, "How did you get the cut?"

His dad frowned and turned to her, but Nesta was just watching Ezra as she bit her lip, growing more and more agitated.

He closed his eyes, sighing, "I fell."

"Yeah, but how?"

He remained silent, trying to find a way to tell the story from the beginning without his parents losing years of their lives before he could finish telling.

"Ezra." his father murmured, tightening his grip on his ankle.

He took a deep breath and tried to say it all at once before they could interrupt him, fixing his eyes on the seams of his pajamas, "He followed me outside and grabbed my arm, but I fell backwards. He grabbed me by my jacket and when I managed to get free again I must have fallen on a rock or something sharp because I hurt my hand." his voice was shaking at the end of the sentence and he hadn't realized how striking it had actually been for him. "Some guy came out of the fast food restaurant and distracted Daniel and I ran. I found Nia and Dara on their bikes and we rode home." then he wrinkled his brow, "I've already blocked his number and his every social account." he added under his breath. When he looked up at his parents, he felt tremendous guilt. Nesta had a hand over her mouth and her eyes slightly glazed over. He could see all kinds of emotions battling there: anger, apprehension, panic, worry. He could see how much it was costing her not to leave that house and go find Daniel on her own.

Cassian had sprung to his feet and was now pacing back and forth between the closet and the bathroom, hands crossed behind his head as he took deep breaths.

Ezra didn't know what to do. They had broached the subject of relationships many times before, there was no reason why they should have to explain to him why everything that had happened was wrong and that it wasn't normal, that it wasn't his fault. He knew.

"Are you okay?" his mom asked him.

He nodded, "I didn't want to tell you tonight because we're all tired, tomorrow morning would have been better." then he shifted his gaze to his dad, "I'm sorry, dad."

Cassian froze, letting go of a trembling breath as he shook his head. He sat down next to his son, wrapping his arms around him and holding him to his chest. Ezra melted into the embrace, wrapping his arms around him in turn.

"You don't have to apologize for anything," he murmured to him. He pulled away just enough to look into his eyes. Then he shook his head again, "I'm sorry you didn't tell us about the date and I'd appreciate it if in the future you would."

"Yeah," Nesta indulged him, moving around on the mattress until she was next to them and could place a hand on his face, "we don't care who you go out with, but at least know where you're going so that if something happens we know where to come get you."

Ezra nodded.

Then Nesta opened her arms and he released herself from his father's grasp to find comfort in his mom's.

"I'm sorry, love." she whispered to him.

Ezra shrugged, saying in a muffled voice, "Don't worry, I'm fine."

And he was indeed fine.

He felt his father's hand caressing his back and they stayed there for a while longer, while Nesta and Cassian exchanged a look full of emotions and worries, but also of relief because the evening could have ended in a completely different way.

It wasn't until the next day that they would ask him if he wanted to press charges and how it would all play out should he decide to continue, only after they had talked about it a whole night between the two of them.

In the meantime, Ezra would come out of their room after saying goodnight to them for the second time and crawl into Andra's bed, where the little sister would immediately attach herself like an octopus to his neck and where they would fall asleep peacefully hugging.

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#nessian #TSOU nessian fic #TSOU #the seven of us #nesta archeron #cassian #acosf #acotar next gen #acotar fic #nessian fic #nessian angst #family angst #acomaf #acowar #acofas #a court of silver flames #nessian child #nessian children #nessian baby

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weepingpaperconnoisseur · 3 years

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Top Iranian and Persian Food Products

Desserts, Desserts, Saffron and Rice

I know you're anxious to hold on to peruse this post, since you are a foodie. I'm simply joking.

Today we are examining about Persian food items like desserts, treats, saffron and rice.

Rundown of Content.

Diverse Type of Persian Rice

Persian Saffron Rice

Different Iranian Sweets

Renowned Iranian Desserts

Delectable and Spicy Iranian Pickles

Kind Of Iranian Spices

Diverse Type of Persian Rice

Gerde, Domsiah (dark tail, since one end is dark), Champa, Doodi (smoked rice), Lenjan, and Tarom are a portion of the numerous assortments of Persian rice found in Iran. Cooking strategies shift dependent on the sort of food and the event for which it will be served.

Berenj is a typical term for rice grains

Polo, as often as possible called Persian rice pilaf in the West

Steamed Persian white rice is alluded to as "chelo."

Presently you are considering, How I can discover iranian grocery store or shop ?

Persian Saffron Rice

Rice has been changed over into an astonishing side dish! This heated Persian Saffron Rice, otherwise called Tachin or Tahchin, is firm on the outside and soft within. It's somewhat zesty enough to eat all alone, yet combines well with even the spicier principle courses. That covering is unbelievable!

I didn't create this Persian Saffron Rice. It's called Tachin, and it's a genuine Persian feast.

Plans containing a little chicken or other protein and veggies are normal.

Different Iranian Sweets

Halva is Iran's most seasoned sweet dish, tracing all the way back to the Achaemenid period. It's fundamentally eaten as a sweet these days. Sweet breads, beside Halva, were some time ago the most famous treats. Desserts in Iran have not been modernized, as per the overall agreement. Conventional desserts can in any case be appreciated with no contemporary embellishments. A portion of the fundamental Pesian desserts are recorded underneath.

Koluche

Halva

Sohan Asali

Gaz

Noghl

Komach

Zulbiya Bamiye

Popular Iranian Desserts

Persian desserts are particular, scrumptious, and tasty, while not getting similar worldwide approval as French pastries or Caribbean food.

Every pastry will have its own unmistakable flavor dependent on where it comes from, notwithstanding there are a couple of fixings that show up in numerous Persian treats.

Almond or rice flour is utilized in a couple of something else. To add additional taste, a few group incorporate dates, raisins, and nuts.

It's possible you've never eaten Persian desserts except if you invest a ton of energy attempting food from various nations.

Some of them are underneath here !

Persian Almond Cookies

Persian Chickpea Cookies with Pistachio and Rosewater

Saffron Zulbia

Persian Raisin Cookies

Yazdi Cake

Delicious and Spicy Iranian Pickles

Torshi

Torshi is a fundamental segment of Persian food, except for morning, since it is vinegary, sharp, and as often as possible hot. It is regularly given with enormous suppers in Iran since Iranians think it further develops absorption of hefty dishes. Torshi bandari is a hot polo khorsh (rice and stew) sauce that functions admirably with kotlet (meat and potato patties) and sheep hotpot (abgoosht).

Bandari

Bandari in the names of Iranian dinners alludes to the Persian Gulf ports of Bandar Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, where Indian and Arabic cooking styles are intensely impacted and the food is amazingly zesty. This harsh and zesty torshi is easy to get ready and might be consumed right, yet it will likewise save for something a few months in the cooler.

Torshi Seer (Iranian garlic pickle)

Cured garlic, otherwise called "Torshi Seer" or "Soothsayer Torshi," is a flavorful and notable pickle that works out positively for Adas Polo or Lubia Polo. Pickling fluids incorporate white vinegar, date vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Here are a couple of the best Persian cured garlic plans.

Kind Of Iranian Spices

Flavors are a blessing from Mother Nature, and they give remarkable properties, smells, and flavors to our culinary encounters. Since they are comparative fit or shading, two flavors are not generally exchangeable. Figure out how to appreciate and comprehend your flavors, and afterward use them fittingly to get the most delight out of them.

Cardamom

Cayenne

Cinnamon

Coriander

Dried Lime

Persian Meat Spice

Dried Rose Petals

Saffron

Vanilla Powder

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#food products #persian #iranian

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ebola-kun · 4 years

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Snooze brunch dining establishment to open in midtown Phoenix az's old songs store

A picture of the building and construction internet site of the future Snooze, an A.M. Eatery downtown Phoenix metro site.(Image: Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant)

CONNECTOPINION E-MAIL

inline-share-btn-label inline-share-btn-label-more"> ADDITIONAL A well-known breakfast chain is rejuvenating the outdated Circles Records as well as Tapes in midtown Phoenix for its own latest location.Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant, will move into the area that housed the past music buy decades."Moving in to Circles Records is actually an aspiration happened with for our team," mentioned Beth Cochran, local bad habit president for Snooze." It was love prima facie.

"When the structure opened up in 1947 on McKinley Road and also Central Pathway, it was house to the Stewart

Electric motor Co., which displayed its own Studebakers in the display room. In 1972, Groups relocated right into the building

up until it enclosed 2010. The partially torn-down structure has been actually unused since.PHOTOS: DOWNTOWN PHOENIX AZ BUILDINGS THAT POSSESS BEEN DEMOLISHED A web link has been actually submitted to your Facebook feed.The Fox Theater (left behind)was actually when the grandest flick theatre in Phoenix metro. It was taken down in 1978 to create means for Phoenix az's downtown bus terminal. The State

The Lodging Adams was folded up in the 1970s to give way for other structures. The Republic The Fleming Building was completed in 1883. It was actually dismantled virtually 100 years later on in the 1980s. Thanks To Fennemore Craig PC Stewart Electric motor Co. is actually revealed at Central Method as well as McKinley Street in the 1940s. The internet site later on housed Circles Disks as well as Tapes. Angela Cara Pancrazio, Phoenix Metro Historic Preservation Office In 2015, this structure on Roosevelt Street as well as Third Road was actually demolished. It was when the well-known gay bar 307 Lounge. Dave Seibert/The State

The Sahara Motor Lodge opened up in 1956 at the section of First Street as well as Polk Road. It became the

Ramada Lodge in the 1960's. The Commonwealth

The Lodging S. James was developed in 1928. It was destroyed in 2012. The Commonwealth

The Industrial Congress Structure at Central Opportunity and also Madison Road was actually constructed in 1914. It was dismantled in 2014 to make method for the Luhr's Town hall that features a brand new Marriott tower hotels and resort. The State Intrigued in this subject matter? You might also wish to check out these picture galleries: When the midtown Snooze opens up late this year, it will certainly be the

Denver-based chain's sixth Valley location, participating in others all over Phoenix and also the East Valley.The downtown decoration will appear like the other Snoozes, from the dynamic color design to the iconic circular displays. Building and construction starts this month on the 5,390-square-foot area that includes a mezzanine degree, an attribute one-of-a-kind to this location. The initial establishment front are going to remain intact.The Bravocado Toast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. (Image: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery)

The provider are going to hire regarding 75 workers, known as "Snoozers."

Snooze food selection

Snooze projects a character that is anything but sleepy. The location is actually known for occupying dishes along with lively labels (Ooo La Frittata, OMG! French Tribute), mind-blowing cocktails and also a lively restaurant setting ("Satisfied Times" finds "The Jetsons").

The OMG French toast at Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant.

(Photograph: George Lange Digital photography)Crowd-pleasing layers feature:

The breakfast weed pie at Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant.(Photo: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery )Among the

buzzy drinks are: A lineup of grisly Marys at Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant.(Image: Snooze,

an A.M. Restaurant)Main area Snooze's downtown location at 800 N. Central Ave. is actually one stop away from the public transportation and also beside The Stewart Apartments, a deluxe 19-story structure slated to open early this year.

The Stewart's ownership was actually hoping to include a bistro, while Snooze desired to be midtown, as well, Cochran said.A making of the potential midtown Phoenix az Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.(Picture: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery) "I enjoy how midtown Phoenix is actually thriving and also viewed it as a great opportunity for our company to create that a brand new neighborhood and neighborhood to communicate to," she said.As along with all Snooze places, 1 per-cent coming from the midtown restaurant will definitely return to 3 neighborhood nonprofits. In 2014, this plan given much more than $800,000 to nonprofits nationwide, she said.Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant Blueberry upside down pancakes at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.(Photograph: Snooze, an A.M. Restaurant)Where: Position in overdue 2019 at 800 N. Central Ave., southern of Roosevelt Street, Phoenix.Hours: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. everyday(all sites) A hyperlink has actually been submitted to your Facebook feed.

EARLY MORNING GLORY CAFE|The farm-to-table brunch menu consists of favorites like the B.E.S.T. Morning Meal Sandwich($13.95), a cooked sandwich with applewood-smoked bacon, eggs, green spinach, tomato, Gruyere cheese and also mayo provided along with Farm house french fries. Filled along with house-smoked steelhead trout, the smoked trout board ($14.95)possesses cooked bagel, cream cheese and also capers, cut red onions as well as Campari tomatoes. On weekends, Julia's hen enchiladas($14.95)has ended up being a custom along with chick, corn tortillas, house-made condiment verde, softened cheese and pair of over-easy eggs. Offered 8-11 a.m. Tuesdays-Fridays as well as 8 a.m.-1 p.m. weekend breaks.|PARTICULARS: The Ranch at South Hill, 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix Az. 602-276-6360, thefarmatsouthmountain.com/morning-glory-patio. Early Morning Magnificence Cafe DORIAN|Approaching its initial anniversary, the Old Town Scottsdale bistro serves breakfast 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Yearning something hearty? The chilaquiles($14 )is made along with tortilla potato chips, red or even green sauce, 2 eggs, Machaca, Oaxaca cheese, creme fraiche, avocado cream as well as salsa. Avocado, poached egg as well as saffron hollandaise on toasted Noble breadstuff($10)is actually the answer when you require something gratifying. For sunlight hungers , there are 3 kinds of parfaits($7) along with fruit product, granola and honey Greek natural yogurt.|DETAILS: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. 480-907-5635, dorianscottsdale.com. Dorian POMELO AT THE PLANTATION|The brunch food selection obtains a breath of clean sky with brand new things like the short rib Benedict made with braised short ribs, poached eggs, drew pig, environment-friendly chile, mozzarella and condiment, served along with morning meal potatoes($16 ). For$twenty per individual, the new infinite Rosé Throughout the day enables for 2 hrs of infinite increased. Served 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends|PARTICULARS: 7100 N. 12th Street, 602-633-2600

, pomelophx.com. Pomelo at the Plantation ROTT N'GRAPES|This new restaurant on Roosevelt Row offers breakfast foods like crepes loaded along with mascarpone whip, in season fruit as well as goat's milk caramel ($ 9); and also a three-egg backyard scramble along with corn, cauliflower, Capital sprouts, reddish pepper, onion as well as Fontina($11). An eggs Benedict food along with Nueski applewood-smoked Canadian sausage as well as crispy potatoes($14)costs a review. Provided 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. weekends.|DETAILS: 1001 N. ThirdAve. # 1, Phoenix az. 602-346-0068. 4750 N Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-888-1667, rottngrapes.com. Rott n' Grapes TACO CHELO|Restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin's brand new taqueria on Roosevelt Row features brand-new breakfast dishes foods like chilaquiles ($7), huevos rancheros($7)and morning meal burritos($7.50). For a mimosa substitute, use the Mezcal Paloma, brought in with Agave de Cortes mezcal, lime, ginger root, Peychaud's bitters and also grapefruit soft drink. Provided 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends.|INFORMATION: 501 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix Az. 602-368-5316, tacochelo.com. Taco Chelo COLOR SCHEME|While enjoying the sights, delight in an assortment of brunch things, such as the Farmer's Omelet ($thirteen) with green spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and also Crow's Milk goat cheese; or the challah French tribute ($13,50 )along with clean berries, sugar-cinnamon butter as well as dulce syrup. Drink on$5 mimosas and Bloody Marys, inside or even on the patio area in the Sculpture Garden. Provided 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekends .|PARTICULARS: 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Az. 602-257-2191, phxart.org/palette. Phoenix Craft

Museum THE HOT TOAD|A Cave Spring institution for greater than four many years, The Horny Toad includes a new morning meal food selection along with convenience foods like poultry and also Belgian waffle ($ 9.99)and huevos rancheros($9.99 ), helped make with chorizo refried beans and also house-made ranchero sauce. A twist on custom, the taken pork parfait($5.99 )features barbeque took pork split along with mashed potatoes and also top secret dressing. Offered 8 a.m.-noon weekend breaks and also Monday holiday seasons.|INFORMATION: 6738 E. Cavern Spring Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-9542, thehornytoad.com. The Horny Toad WASTED GRAIN|After a current remodel, the downtown Scottsdale bistro added a Garden Breakfast Expertise, offered 10 a.m.-1 p.m. weekends. Rest on the new dog-friendly outdoor patio and munch on hot cakes($11 )packed along with nostalgic grains, coming from Froot Loops to Sugar-cinnamon Salute crunch. Attempt Southern-style biscuits and gravy boat and also mimosa birthday cakes( $12), which are actually champagne-infused pancakes with pulled cream and also orange passion.|PARTICULARS: 7295 E. Stetson Travel, Scottsdale. 480-970-0500, wastedgrain.com. Wasted GrainRNR|This gastropub resumed in overdue August after a seven-week remodelling that featured design and also menu updates. At breakfast, attempt the green chile took pork morning meal taco ($10) along with scrambled eggs, green chiles and also pepper Jack cheese; or the Chambord French salute($thirteen)topped along with fresh raspberries, Chambord-infused cream cheese as well as Chantilly cream. A lighter option is actually the avocado toast($10) is topped with roasted corn, a hard-boiled egg and also feta on Noble bread. Served 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends.|INFORMATION: 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-945-3353, rnrscottsdale.com RnR THIRSTY COUGAR GASTRO CLUB & GRILL|Along with 15 entrees on the breakfast food selection, it's easy to discover something you like, particularly on the spicy edge. The adobo pork Benedict($12.95 )features chile pig atop jalapeño corn bread with a poached egg and also chipotle hollandaise dressing. The Planter's Hash($ 12.95)is actually created along with walnut sausage, tomatoes, spicy Italian sausage, whites potato, peppers and onions covered along with Port cheese and a deep-fried egg. The spicy panned fry chicken as well as waffles ($ 13.95 )gets it kick from a jalapeño buttermilk batter. Served 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekend breaks.|PARTICULARS: 2212 E. Williams Field Street, Gilbert. 480-899-0119. Scottsdale Fashion Trend Square, Scottsdale and Camelback roads, Scottsdale. 480-284-7292. Other areas at thirstyliongastropub.com. Thirsty Cougar Gastro Bar & Grill CIDER CORPS|Receive "Breakfast and also Cidermosas"as well as try the new Cidermosa ($4), a mix of Danzeisen Dairy products's orange juice along with Cider Corps'conventional bottom cider. Biscuit Addicts, a meals vehicle, provides the breakfast menu. Offerings consist of the Hammer Club sandwich($9) along with Creepy potatoes, scurried eggs, African-american Rainforest ham and also Swiss as well as nacho cheeses packed in a Cheddar cookie; and also the Green Chile Fan($9 ), a dark-green chile biscuit surrounded in dark-green chile pig, cheese and a over-easy egg, offered on a bed of whites potato. Offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays.|INFORMATION: 31 S. Robson St., Mesa. cidercorpsaz.com. Cider Corps CASA DEL MAR CAFE|Searching for a smoking cigarettes package? Head listed here for a breakfast smorgasbord($12.88)that gives all-you-can-eat foods like Hawaiian French tribute, cherry-smoked sausage and also scurried egg whites with spinach and tomatoes. Served 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.|INFORMATION: 18209 W. Calistoga Drive, Goodyear. 623-296-0991, facebook.com/beachhousefoodandspirits. Casa Del Mar Cafe HAYMAKER|Longing breakfast for supper? This bistro with 2 West Lowland sites has actually launched a brand-new food selection stuffed with all-day brunch choices, including country fried meat and eggs($12)with home bratwurst gravy provided on a buttermilk biscuit and also choice of potato. The Haymaker Benedict($15 )helps make an effective situation along with pounded potatoes, panned fry

chicken, sauteed green spinach, hickory-smoked bacon, barbequed tomato, Cheddar, scurried eggs as well as chipotle cream sauce.|INFORMATION: 1800 N. Litchfield Roadway, Goodyear. 623-536-9000. Also, 24762 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria. 623-566-1515, haymakeraz.com. Haymaker AMUSE BOUCHE|Enjoy French breakfast foods like quiche du jour

, made with gourmet chef's choice of vegetable as well as Swiss cheese, country whites potato and also an eco-friendly mixed greens ($thirteen ). Make an effort a savory crepe full of green spinach and tomatoes, topped along with Mornay sauce, as well as likewise served along with whites potato and salad ($10); include 2 scurried eggs for $3. Hat your brunch with New Orleans-style beignets($5-$ 7). Offered 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.|DETAILS: 17058 W. Alarm Street, Surprise. 623-322-8881, amuseboucheaz.com. Amuse Bouche Appealed to in this subject matter? You may also wish to check out these photograph pictures: Want more headlines like this? Visit this site to subscribe to azcentral.com. Most likely to for a personnel list, for even more information

concerning the newsroom and for information about upcoming occasions. COMPLY WITH AZCENTRAL'S ASPECTS TO DO Facebook|Twitter|Instagram CONNECT REMARK E-MAIL MORE Check out or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/01/07/snooze-breakfast-restaurant-opening-downtown-phoenix-old-circles-records-tapes-building/2455623002/

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yoiinchi33 · 5 years

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You've Got a Line On Me

This is intended as a moment between episodes four and five at the end of the “summer of pining”.

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

"Good, Yuuri!" Minako called as the dancer took his last step and stilled in the middle of the studio. Yuuri panted, his brow wet with sweat. He turned and bowed to Minako. "I'm happy to see you've been keeping up with your dancing." Yuuri smiled. He found it a wonderful way to work through some of the emotional turmoil that simmered in him. He looked forward to his time with Minako today, as lately those emotions were past the point of simmering and verging on boiling.

"Thank you, Minako Sensei."

"I'm surprised Victor let you go on your own today..." Minako mused aloud, "you two have grown very close since he came here."

Yuuri nodded, but said nothing. He knew many in Hasetsu secretly assumed there was something deeper between him and the Russian. They trained together, ate together, even bathed together in the onsen after dinner. When they were out in the city, Victor never left his side. So maybe they were on to something.

"Victor's coming here when he's done with some other work. We're grabbing lunch. If you'd like to join us, you're welcome."

"Thanks, Yuuri. And as much as I want to find out just how big a Yuuri Katsuki fan he is..." she lifted an eyebrow playfully. Yuuri blushed, "I have to mind the store downstairs." The instructor's phone rang-an alarm marking the end of practice. "I have to go, but you can stay and wait for your Victor to come. Just lock up after, ok?" Yuuri blushed a deeper red at Minako calling Victor 'his'.

"Hai. Thank you, Minako," Yuuri bowed. As Minako left the studio, Yuuri paused to let that phrase roll around in his head.

'My Victor'

There was some truth to it. He had Victor's full attention, and almost all of Victor's time since he stepped foot in Yu-topia. Time that Yuuri still wasn't sure he deserved. He turned and looked at himself in the mirror, critical eyes gliding from the tousled hair pasted to his forehead, down across the rest of him. Ordinary. Plain. Victor was here for Yuuri, but Yuuri couldn't understand why. It was still possible Victor would find out there really was nothing extraordinary about the skater-no reason to stay-and would leave. He felt he had to consider the possibility, as unpleasant as it was-had to prepare for it. His shoulders fell. His gaze lowered. "I've been so lucky," Yuuri thought to himself, "to have the time I have with Victor now. I need to make the most of it. If I work hard enough, improve enough, maybe I can convince him to stay?"

Yuuri glanced at the clock. Victor would be there soon, but he had the studio to himself for a while longer, so he loaded up another song, hit play and moved to the center of the room.

His first moves were slow. Deliberate. The beginning of the song depicted a struggle. Possibly a loss or sorrow. Like 'Stammi' was to Victor, this music seemed to share a similar desperate plea and Yuuri moved with it. The sway of the music's tune swept the dancer up and carried him along. Soon he was so wrapped up in the song that he failed to notice Victor let himself in and was standing in the doorway, wide-eyed and still.

Yuuri reflected on the time he and Victor shared. Recently, he suspected the relationship they had was growing into something far more intimate then coach and student. Was it love? Yuuri wasn't sure. It felt like a rope was binding him to Victor now. The further away Victor was, the tighter and more painful the knot around Yuuri clenched. The closer, the more it eased. No matter how hard Victor pushed him on the ice or personally, being together was always better than being apart. On this realization, his brows scrunched together in a concerned frown. The song swung into a gentle crescendo, conveying hope and promise of brighter things. Yuuri drank it in. He hoped he and Victor still had more time, hoped that he would still be good enough at the end, hoped that Victor felt the same way back?

Fear started tainting that hope. His anxiety certainly knew when to strike. As the music ended its slow last phrase, Yuuri halted-facing away from Victor. He wrapped his arms around himself and clung tightly as if to crush the insecurity inside.

"How do you DO that, Yuuri?" Yuuri jumped in place and, eyes on the mirror, caught Victor's reflection. He spun around to face the older man. "Victor, I-" Yuuri began, but Victor was already across the room in long impatient strides and gathered Yuuri up in a big hug.

"That was magnificent."

"Victor, I'm all sweaty..." Yuuri mumbled against Victor's chest.

"Don't care."

The rope slackened. Yuuri snaked his hands around Victor.

"Thank you, Victor," A small smile tugged at Yuuri's lips, "how much did you see?"

"Not enough." Victor said, loosening his grip enough to gaze at his student. Yuuri blushed a bright red as he pulled away and went to turn the stereo off.

"Where are you going?" Victor asked.

"To get my stuff. We're getting lunch now, right?" Yuuri turned to face Victor again, his brows furrowed as he saw Victor shuck off his coat and toss it in a corner of the studio.

"Sure...but I want to try something first. Queue the music back up. The song you just had on." Yuuri tilted his head to the left. What did Victor want to 'try'? Victor chuckled in response and said, "Go on...restart the music. Then, come back to the center with me." Yuuri turned and restarted the music. The soft notes carrying their way across the studio again. Victor told him to start dancing the way he did before, and took a step back. Keeping his eyes on Victor, he began to move. Victor stayed still until the chelo came in, and he began to mirror Yuuri's choreography. When Yuuri moved to the center of the floor, Victor came in also to meet him, occasionally their hands would touch briefly before swinging away.

Now that he was paying more attention to the movements he was making, it seemed like his body took the rope metaphor literally. During the sadder parts of the song, they were on opposite ends of the studio, facing away. On the more hopeful strains, they moved together, in the center, facing each other.

A touch here, a glance there...

"You're telling a story Yuuri," Victor said quietly, "it's one of struggle, and hope that at the other end you will find peace. You feel a pull-like an invisible force-to another. The farther away you are, the more pain-the more heartache. The closer you get..." they once again moved to the center, but lingered as Yuuri waited for Victor to finish his thought. Instead, Victor cupped Yuuri's cheek in his hand and slowly drew his thumb across it in a caress. "...the more comfort and hope. You struggle to get ever closer...just a little bit closer..." Victor's face briefly betrayed a hidden longing as he gazed into Yuuri's eyes.

Yuuri froze. Eyes widening. He couldn't hear the music anymore over his heart thumping in his ears. Victor's hand was warm and dry and soft. Soothing. Instinctively Yuuri leaned in to the touch for a moment, before remembering himself and moving away, his eyes going from Victor's face to his chest. The music ended and cloaked the room in silence.

"Yuuri, do you know it's very easy to tell when there's something on your mind?" Yuuri again met Victor's eyes, "Care to share?"

An eternity of silence spread over three ticks of the clock on the wall. Victor cocked an eyebrow. The dancer took a deep breath as if inhaling courage from the outside air.

"I...uh..." Yuuri stammered, the words just on the edge of his tongue would fall right out if his mind gave them a nudge, "I think I..."

love you, Victor.

"It's just us here, Yuuri," so close. He wanted to tell Victor. Say it. Get it out of his head. Maybe he never would, but he desperately wanted to express how he felt to the man he'd thought about every day for the past ten years. The silver-haired Russian who was looking at him that way, with those penetrating eyes.

"I don't...don't..."

want to let you go. Ever.

His hands suddenly warm, Yuuri looked down at Victor's hands holding his, gently rubbing circles with his thumbs. It felt right, like the world clicked into place when they were together. Being alone with Victor. Holding hands. Dancing with him and skating with him every day. But he knew in the back of his mind it couldn't last. The grand prix final-that was the expiration date on this relationship. His eyes closed and brow furrowed tightly in a vain attempt to force those thoughts away.

For now, he wanted to enjoy their time together.

"Victor..." Yuuri said, forcing his eyes to meet the Russian's patient blues. Victor simpered. Yuuri pulled his hands away and wrapped them around Victor's body, pressing his face into Victor's chest.

"I'm really glad you're here...that you'd...that you came all this way. F-for me..." It wasn't what Yuuri really wanted to say, but he figured he'd find a way to tell Victor someday, maybe.

Victor gasped, taken by surprise by the sudden affection, but chuckled and squeezed Yuuri back. "Oh Yuuri...", it may have been Yuuri's imagination but it seemed Victor's voice became wobbly for a moment before he cleared his throat and continued, "...I only wish we could have met sooner." Yuuri melted into Victor's embrace, savoring the warmth he found there for a few moments until he pulled back. Victor reached a hand out to Yuuri's chin and guided it up to face his.

Victor's eyes had a playful glint to them as he said, "But hey, now we have the rest of our lives to get to know each other better, yes?"

The rest of our lives?! Did he really mean that? Yuuri nodded his head and laughed, "Yeah!" How did Victor know just what to say to ease Yuuri's mind?

"And no better time to start than now," Victor released Yuuri and moved to grab his coat, "so Yuuri, what I want to know now is...where do YOU want to go for lunch?"

#victuuri #viktuuri #yoi #yuri on ice

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bilalicia · 3 years

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Islamabad Tourist Spots

Travel

Travel to Islamabad:

If you are travelling to Pakistan, you will almost certainly pass through the Islamabad on your tour, especially if you are going to the north, where adventure awaits. A city like Islamabad may not be as interesting as the northern part of Pakistan, but with my ultimate guide in hand, you'll have a great time there while experiencing a side of Pakistan that you wouldn't see otherwise by visiting touristic places like the mountains.

MUST VISIT SPOTS!

In compared to the Lahore historical village or other old buddy, Karachi, Islamabad is rather a young metropolis. However, as it is the capital of the country, there are numerous locations in Islamabad to visit.

1: SHAH FAISAL MOSQUE

The Shah Faisal Mosque is Pakistan's largest mosque, named after Saudi King Faisal, who provided financial assistance for its development. Between the late 1980s and the early 1990s, it was also the world's biggest mosque. The lack of a domed construction, which is characteristic of mosques all around the world, is what makes this mosque really unusual. The mosque, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay in 1986, resembles a tent erected in the desert, with four spires rising from each corner. The mosque can accommodate over 70,000 worshipers, with roughly 10,000 individuals seated in the central prayer area.

2: THE PAKISTAN MONUMENT Pakistan Monument, located on the western slopes of the Shakarparian Hills, is one of Islamabad's most well-known monuments. It has a distinctive architectural style that will capture your attention from the moment you walk in. Traditional Mughal architecture is included in the structure, which mimics petals. The national monument is historically significant since it represents the Pakistani people's togetherness. Many courageous men and women gave their life for the country's peace and togetherness. After you've finished viewing the monument, visit the adjacent Pakistan Monument Museum, where you can learn about the events of the Pakistan Movement via a collection of exhibits.

3: MARGALLA HILLS

If you reside near the mountains, it goes without saying that you will want to spend some time by visiting them. Tourists visiting Islamabad and people who wish to view the wilderness up close have similar feelings. Hiking paths may be found all throughout the hills, and hikers frequently backpack through them at their leisure. Many types of birds make the hills home, making them excellent for bird watchers. Exploring the Margalla Hills is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that rewards you with panoramic views of Islamabad once you reach the summit.

4: MONAL RESTAURANT

Monal restaurant, located a short climb upstream from Daman-e-Koh, is Islamabad's greatest restaurant, giving not only wonderful cuisine. Monal is well renowned for its Pakistani cuisine, which includes everything from pizza, and pasta to continental and oriental cuisine. Handi, Biryani, and a variety of barbecue meals are among the must-try menu items.

5: GOLRA SHARIF RAILWAY MUSEUM

The British erected Golra Railway Station in 1882, and the Golra Sharif Railway Museum is a must-see for train enthusiasts. Even if you are not a die-hard train enthusiast and are just interested in the history of Pakistani railroads, you should visit the museum. There are many artefacts and memorabilia within that explain the narrative of how this method of transportation arrived to the country, with a focus on the British Raj era.

6: PAKISTAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Stop visit the Pakistan Museum of History to have a great time learning about earth sciences, zoology, and botany. Expect to see reproductions and skulls, among other things. The museum will also assist you in learning more about Pakistan's environment and palaeontology. Bring the youngsters along for an entertaining and instructive day

7: JINNAH SUPER MARKET

While Centaurus Mall is the greatest mall to visit in Islamabad during your stay, This Super Market in Sector F-7 Markaz is the best market for high-end products. It is round in form, having stores on both the inside and outside of the circle. This is the place to go for shopping in Islamabad. It has everything from branded apparel to fine restaurants and jewellery stores.

8: SHAH ALLAH DITTA CAVES

You might want to put museums on hold for a bit and instead spend time outside. If you want to reconnect with nature in Islamabad, you have to visit this spot, which hase been around for millennia. Shah Allah Ditta is an old hamlet with several caverns thought to be utilised for meditation by monks. Relics from the Buddhist era can also be found here. You may marvel at the scenery of the surrounding hills in addition to the caverns.

9: DAMAN-E-KOH

While many might argue that they are the same, Daman-e-Koh, translated into ‘foothills’, is actually a viewing point on Margalla Hills, from where you can get a fabulous bird’s eye view of the entire town spread out in front of you. The beautiful Faisal Mosque is also visible from here. You can choose to visit the point while you hike through Margalla Hills.

10: GIGA MALL

You have to visit the Giga Mall. Giga Mall is located on the top of Pakistan's main GT road and is home to some of Pakistan's biggest brands. Giga Mall offers a range of retail centres, food stores, play areas, a food court, an ample parking and a theatre, as well as other high-end malls

FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY :

1.THIN CRUST PIZZA FROM PIZZA ORIGINALE

They provide the finest, most crispy and leanest, thin-crust pizza in town, and the extremely varied menu is different from other pizza locations.

2.CHELO KEBAB FROM OMER KHAYYAM

Chelo Kebab's Omar Khayyam is one of the city's most famous meals. This Iranian site is a religious classic with a little fidelity. It must provide you with the finest kebabs, hands down. Although the presentation doesn't seem as good, it's Chelo Kebab, which is a deadly combo for you paired with doogh.

3. HALWA POORI FROM CHATTA’S

Chatta’s is known and loved for its authentic desi breakfast by all residents of the capital. Their Halwa Poori paired with a good old sweet Lassi will rejuvenate your insides and prepare you for a long day of touring.

Islamabad is a beautiful town with a varied variety of locations to explore and taste foods that will leave you with really nice memories when walking into the heart of Pakistan.

#travel #pakistan #islamabad #traveltopakistan #tourism #tourist #touristplaces #touristspots

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johnstreetdaydreams · 6 years

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Writer/Artist Lauren Moya Ford’s essay about my work:

Lauren Moya Ford

Un detalle

Yesterday I entered an old church that happened to be open during the siesta hour. Statues of Mary and Joseph on the altar were surrounded by gilded arabesques and angel heads. Tall white candles flickered soft animation into the carved forms while clusters of chrysanthemums withered below, turning the scene into tableau vivant. Like the altar, Ashley Thomas’ meticulous, large scale drawings are also containers for contemplation and meditation. Made for long views, her works create a space to slow down and hold. And like this scene of slow wax, petals, and shadows, the objects in Thomas’ work are mechanisms of meanings and memories that move and shift.

I remember him... with a dark passion flower in his hand, seeing it as no one has ever seen it, as though he might look at it from the twilight of dawn til that of evening, a whole lifetime...

-Jorge Luis Borges, “Funes the Memorious,” 1942

In Spanish, the word detalle means detail, but it can also mean an unexpected gift or thoughtful act. Like so much women’s work, the execution of detail in Thomas’ drawings is both painstaking and generous. Drawn at life size or larger, the works recenter traits that women have been taught to invest in the people and things around them- patience, focus, and care- into the precision of her work. And so the drawings constitute a visual document of her labor, a register of beauty and effort. Representing subjects in this hyper-focused manner reconfigures their function and connotation inside and outside of the picture, what Gabriel Orozco calls “analyzing the economics and politics of the instruments of living” (2003).

The objects that Thomas portrays are carefully chosen, and the artist’s hand and attention lends them new meaning. As Thomas’ subjects cross from materiality to two dimensions, they also cross conceptual, geographic, and temporal borders. In several pieces, monarch butterflies appear. This endangered insect’s annual immigration from the United States to Michoacán, Mexico remains unobstructed despite ongoing border control debates. In other works, a single rose may signal a number of Mexican American tropes, from Juan Diego’s rose-filled tilma in the legend of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Selena Quintanilla Pérez (1971-1995), a fellow Corpus Christi native who continues to play a fundamental role in tejan@ identity, to popular tattoos and others. Femmy and firm, natural and man-made, here and there, Thomas’ subjects function as beautiful objects while they also link to a specific place and experience- the narratives that propel environmental, personal, and political lives between the US and Mexico.

A fringed leather cowboy vest, a pumice molcajete, and votive candles are all familiar objects to those from Texas, especially to those who grew up in Mexican American families. The objects are proofs of the female labor that we have observed in the daily lives of our mothers and grandmothers, but may not repeat faithfully in our own. Still, we hold onto these relics (clothing, utensils, and candles) and rituals (dressing, cooking, and praying) as talismans of something close, like a ring that we don't wear but will not allow ourselves to lose. We grow up hearing stories about our mothers’ and grandmothers’ lives, lives that were harder and more Mexican than our own. But memories are shapeshifters. The stories become so ingrained in us that they begin to blur. Which of us didn’t go to the dance because we knew we wouldn’t be allowed in? Which of us ate rose petals out of hunger? Which of us was hit by that hand? Thomas mines the memories that exist between our female antecedents and our own present realities. These stories form a personal archive that she translates onto the subjects of her drawings. Her gracefully drawn arrangements evoke an empowered imaginary space where meaning is opened, events can shift, but remembrance remains a strength.

Where do my artists go

with the beautiful treasure

of the Aztec monarchy?

You all have the sap

so that immense knowledge

does not rust.

-from Consuelo González Amezcúa, Artistas de Talento (Artists of Talent), date unknown

Votive candles are found in the grocery stores, botánicas, and altars of Texas. The candles exist in a loose relationship to the Catholic faith, but they increasingly function beyond the bounds of dogma. Unlike the unmarked candles found in churches, these votives’ glass exteriors display saints, good luck charms, and other iconography, along with Spanish and English prayers. The images show the candles’ intended purpose- bestowing positive energies (blessing, protection, peace), attracting material entities (new lovers, jobs, money), or even inflicting revenge or malice on others. Regardless of their aim, these candles serve as containers for and executors of the holder’s wishes. As time passes, their disappearing wax marks the increment of the votive’s operation and the stamina of the holder’s devotion.

It is fitting that Thomas depicts the candles in triptych, a format tied to the material shifts between god, flesh, and spirit. Produced by bees and ignited by fire, candles embody the natural and the corporeal as they mark the passage of time. Wax has long been a sacred stand in for the human body. Indeed, at a church in the Portuguese countryside I saw a cabinet full of life-sized wax body parts, and another time I found a Spanish cave with wax figurines of body parts hanging from the ceiling. Like the votives in Texas, these wax figures represent human afflictions that require or have been granted divine intercession. And since the votives depict holy figures and prayers, their proper disposal, like a human body, is by burning or burial.

The votives in Thomas’ drawings belong to the domestic sphere, where memories are kept, things are made, and prayers are said. Lighting these candles is an act of faith that puts the holder in direct engagement with the power of objects. To light a candle for someone or something is to keep it in your thoughts, to hope or wish for it, or to simply show that you remember it. Thomas’ votives are body-sized, a scale at which their life spans would far surpass hours, days, and even weeks. As long as the candle is lit it’s alive and working. We see that Thomas’ candles will protect for a long time.

There are many that I knew and they know it. They are all of them repeating and I hear it. I love it and I tell it. I love it and now I will write it... This is now a history of the way I love it.

-from Gertrude Stein, The Making of Americans, 1925

Thomas’ practice is based in a lineage of women- makers, mothers, writers, thinkers, sisters, and singers- who act as catalysts in her work. Consuelo “Chelo” González Amezcúa (1903-1975) is one of these women. She and Thomas share a geography- the South Texas Borderlands- and a fascination with the layers of identity they experience as women, artists, and tejanas. Like Thomas, Amezcúa was a maker of detailed drawings. She was also a poet. Thomas treats one of Amezcúa’s poems as the subject of her recent work, Consuelo González Amezcúa's Handwriting (2017). In the 1965 poem, Amezcúa proclaims herself to be a “Mexico Texan / Raised in the city / of Del Rio Texas / Citizen of the U.S.A.” This first line evidences the confluence of identities that Amezcúa and so many others like her continue to navigate in today’s fierce and uncertain political climate. Later on, Amezcúa credits a list of encouraging teachers who are mostly Anglo, something my grandmother also did when asked about her too-brief encounter with institutional education. This recognition parallels the tribute that Thomas pays in her 2017 drawing by placing another woman’s words and life story at the center of her own work. Thomas’ piece amplifies Amezcúa’s poem to body-size, so that the words hang like the text of a banner or flag. As an additional offering, Thomas has drawn daisies and roses around the edges of the poem, a nod to the flowers that one leaves at an altar.

Amezcúa has been labeled as an outsider artist, and her artwork and especially her poetry is not widely seen. Thomas discovered Amezcúa’s work in a book at an antique mall, and then investigated further at the Special Collections of the University of Texas Benson Library. The artist excavates Amezcúa’s text from the archive and re-presents it at a large scale, re-figuring it in the context of a visual artwork in which Amezcúa’s handwriting is a disembodied stand in for the poet herself. By making Amezcúa’s words a pictorial subject, Thomas foregrounds Amezcúa’s writing practice and autobiographical voice, returning agency to this lesser-known figure of Texan art history. And so there is a continuity in this work, not only because both women are meticulous drawers from South Texas, but also because one woman’s experience and outlook is grafted onto another through the creative works that Thomas and Amezcúa produce decades apart. A dialog is transmitted back and forth between past and present, between drawing and writing, and between Thomas’ and Amezcúa’s hands.

The artist’s relationship to antepasadas (female antecedents) like Amezcúa is a close one- she engages their ideas and personae through research, reexamination, and commemoration in her work. For Thomas, memory is an ongoing, ever-widening site. She keeps vigil for the women who came before. She does not forget. She lights a candle for them and keeps it burning.

#lauren moya ford #ashley thomas #essay #art essay #writer #artist

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shamefly · 7 years

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Haunted Woods Team Headcanons

..This is a really pretty long intensive list of the headcanons I have for the HW altador cup team members (including retired ones) :( I just love them a lot.

Krell Vitor

- Born in Neovia - Was bitten and afflicted with lycanthropy sometime in his teens - His family tried to cover it up best as they could because while Neovia is part of the Haunted Woods and they’ve become more accepting of mutants, were-creatures, ghouls etc. since the TOW plot many older residents still regard them with a lot of fear and suspicion. - As he got older the fact that he’s a werekyrii got harder and harder to cover up until it seemed like he could no longer revert to his original form. - IDK but I imagine him with a really thick english accent.

Fanetti

- He uses potions which allow him to play in broad daylight (without y’know, turning to ash. Poor vampire) - Like a classic vampire he has to be invited into a house to enter it. It gets really annoying when he goes out to get neocola or takeout or something to bring to his teammates places and NOBODY WANTS TO ANSWER THE F*KIN DOOR.

Zo Junior

- When he first started he was the youngest altador cup-level yooyuball player in history. Full of pride for this fact and also desperation to prove he’s a serious player and not-just-a-kid he’s got...quite an ego, to put it lightly. - Used to be the king of trash-talk but Krell and Chelo Binay’s guidance have helped him calm down from that over time. Now he just does so quietly in his head, or to his teammates. - He loves messing with his teammates, Krell especially. If it’ll piss Krell off he’s down for it. (he really does respect him tho, deep down) - He can be a real little shit but he’s like the teams annoying younger brother.

Brains Mortigan

- A PURE BOY. A GOOD BOY. - Really tho, after replacing Autrey HW fans had no idea what to expect from Brains but he’s become a real fan favorite. - Zombie though he is Brains isn’t stupid. He speaks slurred and really slow, but he’s actually a lot better at communicating through letters (you can take your sweet time when writing). Derlyn Fonnet can vouch for this. - At first the team had a hard time trying to communicate with Brains and adjust to his reaction time. The team spent special practice time focusing on working with Brains. It was really sweet tbh. - DON’T MESS WITH BRAINS. Unless you want to be cursed/haunted/torn to shreds by his teammates don’t do it. Also, don’t call him dumb or a mindless zombie in front of Derlyn unless you want to get beat up really bad.

Wan Dirx

- Wan was originally born in Qasala but moved to the woods with his family when he was young. - He’s the teammate that Krell has known the longest. They’re best of friends and have very strong trust in each other. - Aside from the cup Wan’s other passion is business (his parents were merchants) and culinary, his desire to open up a spooky shakes store was one of his main reasons for retiring from yooyuball. - When Wan was thinking about retiring he talked to Krell about it first. Krell was heartbroken but was understanding about Wan wanting to pursue his other dream.

Chelo Binay (holy shit this is getting long)

- She’s a veteran player and a legend. Like, special vintage baseball card legend. - Though she doesn’t admit to it she’s probably hundreds of years old. - Other than being a famous athlete Chelo is also well-known in the woods for her services as a witch. - Chelo introduced Krell to yooyuball and is the one that taught him everything he knows about the sport. - Chelo met Krell when he was still a gangly, skinny teenager. He sought her out because he was desperate to find a cure for his lycanthropy and hoped that Chelo had a spell or potion, anything that could cure him. She did not. - Instead she helped Krell accept himself and his werekyrii form. She taught him the ins and outs of yooyuball as a positive outlet for his strength and aggression. - TEAM MOM EVEN THO SHE’S RETIRED. they’re all her children really. She babies Zo to the point of smothering, her little talented baby-bat. - OH YEAH, she’s totally married to Edna and they live in her tower as the grumpy old witch couple they are.

Crade Talvos

- He was turned into a wraith somehow during the events of the faeries ruin. - Crade was a longtime fan of the HW team before joining them. - HE’S TRYING HIS BEST :( . - He feels responsible for the teams recent low standings and he knows the fans don’t have a lot of faith in him. I mean, replacing Wan Dirx is no easy thing. - Krell’s told Crade not to let it get to him, but he still feels a lot of pressure to turn things around for the team and please the fans.

Autrey Fulse

- I don’t have a lot to say about him tbh :( - Quiet guy and alright for the most part but he liked playing tricks on the other players, sometimes these tricks went too far.

#neopets #neopets headcanons #altador cup #haunted woods #team haunted woods #krell vitor #zo junior #brains mortigan #wan dirx #crade talvos #fanetti #chelo binay #spend too much time thinkin bout this #POSTED IT!!!

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alwaysmarilynmonroe · 7 years

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One of the great things about Makeup is that it’s constantly growing and changing, with many new Brands being created and discovered every week. Therefore, it was with wonderful surprise, that I opened my post last week and discovered an unexpected Blogger Package! The parcel was from Misslyn Cosmetics, a Brand that was completely new to me and aesthetically, is my absolute dream.

Misslyn Cosmetics was founded in Italy over 30 years ago and is now distributed by Chleo Enterprises. For UK fans like myself, it can be purchased online from the wonderful Beauty Bay.

As soon as I saw the beautiful products I’d been so kindly gifted, I fell in love with them straight away – even before trying anything out! The packaging has a gorgeous retro vibe, reminding me of amazing Brands such as, Benefit Cosmetics and The Balm Cosmetics.

Misslyn aim to release a new Collection every six weeks – which is already incredibly impressive if you ask me! Plus, as I mentioned before, I was kindly gifted the perfect summertime makeup; their new Festival Vibes Collection. These products are simply a must for the Summer Season, when practically every week there is a different Festival happening. However, fear not, if you love the Festival look but aren’t going to any then don’t worry – you can still fit this Collection into your weekend look or if you’re like me – every day!

The Festival Vibes Collection features the following items, Lip Candy Palette: Red Kiss Edition, Eye Love It Eyeshadow Palette: Eye Got It From My Mama, Nail Polish No. 139: Just Be Free, Nail Polish 394A: Endless Road and Jewellery Body Tattoos No.6: Mystery Land.

What’s wonderful about all of the makeup is it’s perfect for carrying around in your bag all day, they’re petite and easy to store!

If I had to choose a favourite product from the Collection it would have to be the Lip Candy Palette: Red Kiss Edition. There are two lip palettes available, a Red Kiss as shown and a Pink Kiss, so if you’re not a rouge lover like myself, there’s always another option! The palette comes with six different shades, which saves you carrying around a million lipsticks and prevents you losing any too – huge bonus! The colours are as follows: Popcorn Lovers, Candy Cane, Cherry Glaze, My Sugar, Honey Pie and Soda Pop; definitely a theme of all things sweet, which I love. I don’t know about you, but a good product name is a big plus for me and this palette without doubt passes that test! Furthermore, only three of the shades are hugely red, the other three have a brown and nude tone, so there’s even more options to mix and match with. Last but not least, the palette comes with a mirror and a lip brush, two very important things to have when applying lipstick and especially when you’re at a Festival.

Lately within the world of makeup, it seems that everyone is loving eyeshadow palette, myself included, although a lot of them are very big and not easy to travel with. However, the Eye Love It Eye Shadow Palette is the perfect product for on the go, not only is it a great size, it also features six different shades! As with the Lip Palettes, there are also two different ones available, Eye Got It From My Mama and Eye Got My Eyes On You. Both products feature matte and shimmer colours, which are perfect both separately and together, giving you plenty of options. The eyeshadow names are: Daddy’s Girl, Daddy’s Darling, Daddy’s Credit Card, Mama’s Advise, Mama’s Favorite and Mama’s Genes. How adorable!? Within the compact there are three bold shades and three neutral shades, I usually wear a lighter shadow shade to contrast with my bold eyeliner, so I will definitely be using those frequently! I’m also excited to experiment with the bolder shades and branch out of my comfort zone.

If you’re like me and don’t have any art on you, then the Jewellery Body Tattoos are perfect for trying something new! They are all temporary, so you can pick and choose which ever is suitable for you at a certain time and know that it will last for five days. Two products are available in the Festival Collection; No.5 Indian Spirit and No.6 Mystery Land. If you’re after a bold, colourful look then I’d definitely go for No.5 Indian Spirit and if you want a more subtle look then I’d choose No.6 Mystery Land. My personal preference would be the former, however, both feature metallic gold and silver luster that reflect light, which is such a cool idea! Plus, they’re quick to apply and pain free – what could be better?

The last products I was kindly gifted from the Festival Vibes Collection are two Nail Polishes; Just Be Free and Endless Road. There are two other shades available from this specific range, but if they aren’t to your liking then there’s sixty other polishes to choose from – so plenty of choice! Just Be Free is a beautiful coral summer shimmery nude, definitely the perfect shade for this season and the daytime. Endless Road is a nude shimmery shade which contrasts wonderfully with Just Be Free and would be just right for the night. Both have a ultra glossy finish and dry in just sixty seconds! Furthermore, the polishes features a special widespread applicator brush which is meant to adapt to the shape of your nails, meaning it can be applied in one swipe. I can’t wait to test this out!

For today’s look I chose to wear the shades, Candy Cane as a base coat and Cherry Glaze over the top. Both colours glide on perfectly and are very pigmented with a matte but glossy finish. Plus, did I mention they smell absolutely gorgeous too?! For my eyes I wanted to create a subtle summer glow, that would contrast with my winged eyeliner. So I used the shade, Mama’s Genes for the overall base coat, Daddy’s Credit Card for my eyelid and Mama’s Favorite for above. Each shade is pigmented but buildable and is nice and simple to apply. Ultimately, I can’t wait to try out all of the shades and create more looks!

Please note, I pride myself in making sure I write honest reviews and although I was fortunate enough to be gifted these items, I was not told to say any of the following statements I have made.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Michael from Chelo Enterprises for gifting me these amazing products!

Follow me at;

BLOGLOVIN

INSTAGRAM

TUMBLR

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

For inquiries or collaborations contact me at;

[email protected]

Misslyn Cosmetics. One of the great things about Makeup is that it's constantly growing and changing, with many new Brands being created and discovered every week.

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uno-duo-triotale · 7 years

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TRIOTALE

HEY FOLKS its your local V-mum introducing something im working on as a project of mine.

writing out the ENTIRETY of select character’s Timelines up to a Present Day. I’ve begun this with Sayrus; below we will find the first Segment of his life and Pre-life detailed information. my goal with the project is to cover Sayrus, all the Key Alternates, Koyol (that will be one hell of a timeline), Svet, Chelo, and others.

See Below for Sayrus’ World and his Creation

---Wartime Era

Monster-Human War (approx 70 years)

End-of War: Human Victory

1 months time to until Human Decision: Monsters are sealed into the underground

6 days time: BARRIER is Erected

NEW HOME is established in the deepest cave caverns.

---Historic Era;; CHARA and ASRIEL

THE FIRST HUMAN is born [[DETERMINATION: CHARA]] on the Surface.

ASRIEL DREEMURR is born to the KING and QUEEN.

True constructing of NEW HOME began with the hope of the new prince.

CHARA falls into the underground, in the garden of the KING and QUEEN’S home.

CHARA is discovered by ASRIEL and brought home.

CHARA is announced as the adopted child of the KING and QUEEN, Decision to ‘‘Officially’’ end war with humans.

New hope of Peace and the new child inspire monsters to expand from NEW HOME and explore the caverns.

SNOWDIN, HOTLANDS, WATERFALL, and THE CAPITAL are established. NEW HOME begins to be referenced as OLD HOME, or THE RUINS.

Research is changed from primarily BARRIER Removal to increasing capability of life in Underground and it’s zones. GASTER is appointed ROYAL SCIENTIST by KING ASGORE to head efforts.

The CORE is now under development by GASTER.

CHARA and ASRIEL begin conspiring a plan to free the monsters.

CHARA falls ill. CHARA later dies.

ASRIEL absorbs the SOUL of CHARA and reaches the surface with chara’s body.

ASRIEL fails to retrieve the required souls to destroy the barrier.

ASRIEL returns and, shortly after, dies.

CHARA and ASRIELS combined souls persist following ASRIEL’s Death and are stored protectively by ASGORE.

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 2

The underground is devastated and hope is crushed; some monsters begin to Fall Down.

Monster RESEARCH becomes once again primarily directed toward BARRIER destruction.

THE SECOND HUMAN falls into the underground. [[BRAVERY: SINA]]

The CORE’s construction is completed as the human wanders the RUINS.

Following the completion of the CORE, the underground is celebrating GASTER and his invention when news reaches the underground. Several monsters are being dusted wildly in SNOWDIN, including the parents of young UNDYNE who is taken in by GERSON.

The HUMAN is stopped and killed by GASTER in SNOWDIN outside the Royal Scientist’s own home.

ASGORE re-declares WAR with humans under advisement from GASTER.

The HUMAN SOUL is preserved and stored by ASGORE.

UNDYNE challenges ASGORE for the first time.

GASTER requests and receives the soul for examination and experimentation.

Undyne begins training with AGORE.

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 3

UNDYNES first day in the royal guard.

The THIRD HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground. [[INTEGRITY: SUSAN]]

The human progresses through Snowdin unharmful but dustings begin in waterfall.

UNDYNE encounters the HUMAN. UNDYNE captures the HUMAN and brings them to ASGORE.

The KING and QUEEN argue over the necessity killing the human, as reports indicated the child had only attacked back out of fear.

GASTER requests to observe and study the human instead of killing it. His request is granted.

Monster hopes are improved as news spreads that another human soul has been obtained.

Research on HUMANS and their SOULS becomes a primary focus.

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 4

The THIRD HUMAN dies in captivity from experimentation.

TORIEL is horrified the child has died, and becomes weary of GASTER.

A FOURTH HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground. [[PERSERVERANCE: SARRAH]]

The HUMAN advances unknown through SNOWDIN before being spotted in WATERFALL. Reports indicate they are highly docile and nervous.

TORIEL orders they be captured with minimal force and brought to the CAPITAL.

The HUMAN comes willingly with the escort of several royal guards.

The HUMAN is very sickly and Toriel demands they spend the remainder of their days in comfort with TORIEL despite ASGORE’S disagreement.

ASGORE, under GASTER’s advisement, agrees for the scientist to humanely put the HUMAN down without Toriel’s knowledge.

THE HUMAN CHILD dies of poisoning. Official Death: Natural Illness.

GASTER requests the SOUL for experimentation. ASGORE convinces TORIEL to accept and give the child’s soul.

GASTER begins experimentation on creating ‘ARTIFICIAL HUMAN SOULS’ using essence from the collective human souls and magic.

Undyne is promoted to head of the ROYAL GUARD.

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 5

GASTER’s attempts to create a soul repeatedly fail. It is deemed a human SOUL cannot be created without a host.

GASTER requests the BODIES of the fallen humans. His requests are accepted.

A FOURTH HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground. [[JUSTICE: MARSHALL]]

GASTER deems he cannot use a deceased body to create a soul as it can no longer be used as a vessel once anatomically dead. His research turns to creating an ARTIFICIAL HUMAN.

The HUMAN does not leave the RUINS, and instead finds GASTER’s HUMAN LAB still located there. The HUMAN discovers the souls, and that monsters are killing humans.

The HUMAN decides to enact justice and begins attempting to kill all the monsters, rapidly advancing through the underground, dusting all that they see.

UNDYNE defeats and nearly kills the human in HOTLAND.

GASTER requests the human alive and ASGORE accepts, despite TORIEL’s advisory of suspicion and concern.

GASTER harvests human male reproductive cells and stem cells before the near death human does indeed die of its wounds.

GASTER uses his own body, his own magic, the human cells, and pieces the human souls to finally successfully begin an experiment to create ARTIFICIAL LIFE modeled after humans.

Two ARTIFICIAL CREATURES survive culture stage: SP-WD-01 and SP-WD-02 (INTEGRITY and BRAVERY, respectively, the most stable souls at his disposal).

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 6

GASTER introduces ASGORE to his until-then Secret Project. ASGORE puts the project as a premium as begins assigning greater funding and personnel to the project. The project is relocated from the RUINS to an underground lab in HOTLANDS; however, the only two entrances are through THE CORE, and a long tunnel connecting to the previous lab in THE RUINS.

GASTER is granted knowledge of the SOULS of ASRIEL and CHARA, and his requests to perform study on them is granted by ASGORE. Toriel is unaware.

ALPHYS is dubbed the Secondary Head Scientist to head all other matters while GASTER focuses on the ARTIFICIAL HUMAN project. The main focus of her research is the Health of Monsters, as the yellow Human’s advances had caused mass Falling Downs, and on underground Security to prevent future Human Attacks.

The human watch system of cameras are put into place.

METTATON the robot is ‘created’ as a ‘human hunting robot’ that is also ‘built as an entertainer’. Falling down raits decrease.

ALPHYS begins researching on Monsters who have Fallen Down.

The SIXTH HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground. [[PATIENCE: JAMES]]

ALPHYS’ human watch cameras capture the HUMAN entering SNOWDIN, and UNDYNE is immediately dispatched with the Royal Guard. UNDYNE chases the human back into the RUINS and KILLS them immediately.

ASGORE is delivered the soul, dubs UNDYNE the head of the royal guard, and makes the announcement that the 6th human has been killed- but several in that encountered the HUMAN are distressed and exclaim the human had been nothing but kind and helpful.

TORIEL is outraged that ASGORE has allowed the death of a total innocent child but ASGORE refuses to hold back on his acclimations of great things to the underground. Their fight ensues and gets worse as TORIEL learns ASGORE has given their children’s souls to GASTER for testing and experiments.

TORIEL flees the capital and locks herself into the ruins. The underground is decimated at the loss of their QUEEN.

GASTER is given the SOUL and a warning from Asgore that he must soon remove the barrier and nothing else has any merit.

GASTER uses extracted DETERMINATION from CHARA’s soul and energy from the half that belonged to ASRIEL to fuel the ARTIFICIAL SOULS and their cellular/magic bodies. The growth is dramatically increased.

The project is devastated to discover that they have not made ARTIFICIAL HUMANS. But hope still remains, as the two SKELETONS that have formed do not have MONSTER souls, or HUMAN souls, but have developed sentience. They prove to be young children of a new breed; like 3 year old human children. GASTER laments ironically that their soul cultures were in fact started 3 years ago, so it is only fitting. The Secret Project is renamed the Skeleton Project.

ALPHYS begins using the DETERMINATION and other soul traits to experiment as falling down rates increase again.

---Historic Era;; HUMAN 7

GASTER and ASGORE take the SKELETON CHILDREN and the HUMAN SOULS to the BARRIER to see if it can be broken as 6 human souls and the two artificial ones. It fails.

GASTER and ASGORE argue over terminating the experiment; it is deemed GASTER will have 6 months to try and make them strong enough to either break the BARRIER or shape their souls into capable ones that can be used to break it with the others.

Despite accepting to stay with TORIEL from now on and live in the ruins, the HUMAN stumbles upon the old LAB, and the access tunnel. The HUMAN follows it, reaches the Project Lab, and is confronted with scientists.

TORIEL follows the HUMAN’s trail after they vanish, frantic. They discover the lab, and eventually, the SOUL of the children, but then worse, the two captive skeleton children locked in a dark cell. TORIEL is horrified and flees again into the tunnel to retreat but stops upon hearing ASGORE and GASTER arguing. The 6th month deadline is, the project is a failure as all augmentation and editing of the subjects has not made them strong enough, and ASGORE has demanded it be terminated. As GASTER prepared, angry for the waste and loss of his work, to terminate the two subjects, they panic and the two FUSE together, something unseen before in monsters. The resulting creature is powerful, defensive, and frantic and ends up killing two of team members on sheer impulse before everyone pulls back. Left alone again the creature unfuses, and TORIEL listens as GASTER begins convincing ASGORE that the project should not be terminated now- promises of something strong enough to destroy the barrier, and then, a weapon for the war ASGORE will wage on humans; a sure victory in a war they’ve lost before. ASGORE approves this plan. TORIEL emerges then, furious. TORIEL cows the KING into rights to see the subjects and authoritarian view over GASTER, but that is her limit.

It takes TORIEL a while but she slowly gets to know SANS and Papyrus, the names she gives them herself, over a course of time. The SKELETONS are then quickly becoming attached to the only kind figure they have.

The SEVENTH HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground, in the safety of the ruins. [[KINDNESS: MAX]]

TORIEL meets the HUMAN and is determined to be a caregiver.

TORIEL gets to interact with the FUSION child of the two for the first time one day when she comes to the lab and finds it hunkered in the back of the cell. She expects it to be emotionless and aggressive as the other times she has seen it- fighting against GASTER or the other team SCIENTISTS or in the process of an experiment- but is surprised that it is quick to recognize her after a moment of defensive reaction. She’s surprised it has its own personality- although the only signs of it are its voice, the way it distinguishes SANS and PAPYRUS as separate entities from itself, and that it has very minor details in its mannerisms that align with neither SANS or Papyrus, as well as its own entire SOUL (also neither monster nor human).

TORIEL convinces the HUMAN CHILD to stay in the ruins and that beyond them is only danger. The HUMAN stays and lives with TORIEL.

TORIEL tells the HUMAN all about their friends, the child SKELETON MONSTERS, as a group of THREE BROTHERS instead of as two that can become one. The HUMAN wants to meet them but she reminds them that they are only safe in the ruins.

TORIEL tells the brothers one day that they have a new child as well. SANS and PAPYRUS are amazed to hear about another child and thought they were the only ones.

GASTER captures the HUMAN alive and temporarily puts it in the cell to hold it while waiting for ASGORE. The brothers are quick to think the other child is the one TORIEL told them about, and vice versa. They talk about TORIEL happily and are fast friends.

ASGORE eventually kills the child for their soul himself. ASGORE also authorizes the next segment of alterations and adjustment to the SKELETON BROTHERS.

The next day after searching all of the ruins, TORIEL returns to the lab after following the child’s trail. She discovers the child’s SOUL in one of the sealed containers in the lab and is devastated, only worse when she hears ASGORE did it. When she enters the cell to see the skeleton children- she finds a full grown SKELETON MAN huddles in the corner who reacts immediately and violently to her presence- GASTER pulls her back out the door in time. He informs her the rest of Asriel’s soul magic and parts of the other souls have been used to rapidly grow the boys to approximately 19 or 20 years of age. Experimentation to have SP-WD-03 produce large amounts of the chemicals RAGE, and DETERMINATION within all three bodies and increase their magic production were underway, and the subject was currently unstable and not communicable at that moment.

TORIEL waits outside the cell until she can feel that the SKELETON MAN is no longer attacking the very walls of the cell before carefully reentering, calling out the BROTHERS names as she enters to make her presence known. It takes time but, again, the FUSION recognizes her. He alerts her that neither is present at the moment. TORIEL sits with the FUSION for hours until it deems that it is safe enough to allow itself to UNFUSE.

GASTER must inform ASGORE that they now only have 5 souls again; The FUSION had taken half of the PERSERVERANCE soul to stabilize after a sudden buffment procedure to increase the weapons capacity for RAGE went wrong and the remnants of the SOUL it is too unstable to ever be used to take down the barrier. The procedure had caused the fusion such a panic that it’s leg was permanently damaged; later that afternoon GASTER would bolt and weld metal in place just so it could walk; this would have to be re-screwed in every time the fusion was re-fused for training or a lesson.

ALPHYS’ experiments have lead her to accidentally creating the amalgamations of Fallen Monsters. She and GASTER consult.

FLOWEY is accidentally created with DETERMINATION and a BUTTERCUP SEED. They have no RESET CAPABILITIES. The FUSION, unknowingly, has those powers affixed to them but it does not know, and cannot use them anyway.

The FUSION is forced to fuse more and more until the point it’s strongly punished for staying unfused too long. TORIEL ends up interacting with it more and more, but it only seems capable of sitting in silence with her or holding minor, easy, direct conversation. She thinks it looks miserable, possibly, when she mentions how sad that she’ll never get to see SANS or PAPYRUS as little kids ever again. It’s noted that the FUSION is indeed capable of emotion, and not just anger or fear.

---Historic Era;; FRISK

The EIGHT and FINAL HUMAN CHILD falls into the underground. [[DETERMINATION: FRISK]] they, also, do not have the RESET CAPABILITIY. Still it remains with THE FUSION.

FRISK is attacked by FLOWEY but is rescued by TORIEL. FRISK is taken home to rest.

TORIEL leaves to go to the lab and mentions to the FUSION that they have another child at home. The first time ever, but Toriel witnesses that it is in fact happy. She decides that this is no longer an it and he needs to have a name.

TORIEL names him SAYRUS. He’s so surprised to have a name the FUSION defuses back into the BROTHERS. They’re both delighted.

GASTER, in the observation, takes note of TORIEL’s news. He informs ASGORE- and UNDYNE and the Royal Guard are sent to capture FRISK, while TORIEL is still in the cell with THE SKELETON BROTHERS.

FRISK is KILLED by GASTER and their SOUL is taken back to his lab via the tunnel- his path crosses with TORIEL, who is immediately enraged with sorrow. She ATTACKS to try and take the SOUL back. GASTER both defeats her and crushes her arm and takes her back to the lab to be healed when she accepts her defeat. She instead goes back to the brothers, where PAPYRUS heals her. Her arm is quite scarred and always will be.

ASGORE is furious- telling GASTER to work harder. If he hadn’t of lost the PERSERVERANCE soul wasting it on SAYRUS, the barrier could be broken by now.

GASTER takes SAYRUS to the BARRIER and orders him to try and break it. SAYRUS fails.

He is taken back to the lab, and the team is authorized to enact any experiment that they have left to improve Sayrus as a weapon, as well as final training exercises.

GASTER begins working on a separate idea to possibly salvage the PERSERVERANCE soul by using whats left of CHARA’s, using the amalgamation process Alphys created accidentally.

SAYRUS is put into the most difficult and dangerous experiments and is drastically warped and reconstructed.

GASTER begins the SECOND FUSION EXPERIMENT using all of the collected human souls.

AOU, the HUMAN AMALGAMATION, is complete. It’s in pain.

ASGORE and GASTER take AOU to the BARRIER, and the BARRIER… can be unlocked and removed.

GASTER advises ASGORE to wait before taking it down. The second it’s open, They will be at war. Wait until the WEAPON, SP-WD-03, is ready. ASGORE agrees; a single weapon to eradicate all humans instead of a long war killing on both sides.

THE CORE needs a vital repair. A MALFUNCTION occurs- GASTER has fallen into his creation.

The second GASTER’s presence is gone, SAYRUS feels it. SAYRUS, half way through another experimental process to increase the strength of his bones, ERUPTS with DETERMINATION, and then RAGE.

---Historic Era;; FRISK

...To Be Continued.

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anachef · 5 years

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Restaurant Holiday Gift Card Guide 2018

Following are restaurant chains offering special deals on gift card sales this year. Be sure to check the restaurant’s website or your local restaurant for full details.

Abuelo’s – Purchase $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 bonus card. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Andy’s Frozen Custard – For every $10 you spend on Andy’s Gift Cards, you can get a free Small Cone or treat card for later. Buy $20 you spend on Andy’s Gift Cards, you can get a free Concrete or treat card.

Applebee’s Grill + Bar – Get a $10 bonus card when you purchase $50 in gift cards. Bonus card expires March 3, 2019. Promotion runs through January 6, 2019.

Aspen Creek Grill – With every $50 in Gift Card purchases you’ll receive two $5 “Lift Passes” for your next visits. With every $100 in Gift Card purchases you’ll receive a $25 “Lift Pass” for your next vist.

Azteca Mexican Restaurants – Receive a $20 bonus gift card for each $100 in gift cards you purchase. Online only.

Bahama Breeze – Buy a $50 gift card, get $20 in bonus cards. One $10 bonus card valid on dine-in, January 1 – February 28, 2019 (except on February 14th); One bonus card valid February 1 – March 31, 2019 (except February 14th). Offer expires January 2, 2019.

Bakers Square Restaurant & Bakery – Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 coupon card. Coupon card redeemable January 1, 2018 through February 8, 2019. Offer available in-restaurant and online only. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

bd’s Mongolian Grill – For every $25 in gift cards purchased, recieve $5 in bonus cards. Buy $50 in gift cards and receive $15 in bonus cards. Offer expires December 31, 2018. Bonus cards valid January 1 through March 31, 2019.

Beck’s Prime – Buy a $50 Becks Prime gift card and receive a $10 gift card. Offer available now through December 31, 2018, in-store only.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card. Buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card. Bonus cards valid January 1 through February 28, 2019.

Benihana – Purchase $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 promotional card. Promotional cards valid January 2, 2019 through March 31, 2019. Offer available through December 31, 2018.

Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant – Receive a $5 Thank You card for every $25 purchased in gift/eGift cards. Thank You card is redeemable January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019. Offer ends December 31, 2018.

Billy Sims Barbecue – Get a free $10 gift card when you buy $50 in gift cards. Get a free $5 gift card when you buy $25 in gift cards. Promotion expires December 31, 2018. In-store purchase only.

BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse – Give $50 in eGift Cards, get a $10 bonus card. Buy $100, get $25. Plus receive a 20% off VIP card. Bonus card and VIP card valid January 1 through February 13, 2019.

Black Angus Steakhouse – For every $50 in gift cards purchased, receive $10 bonus bucks. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza – Buy $25 in gift cards through December 31 and get a free Pizza Pass. Pizza Pass valid between January and February 2018.

Blimpie – Get a $10 bonus eGift with every purchase of $30 in Blimpie gift cards. Online only. Not valid in-store. Offer expires November 30, 2019.

Bonefish Grill – Receive a $10 off coupon for every $50 you purchase in gift cards. Bonus cards valid January 1, 2019 through February 10, 2019. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar – Purchase a $50 gift card and gete $10 back. In restaurant gift card purchases only.

Bravo! Cucina Italiana – Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $25 bonus card. Bonus card valid January 1, 2018 through March 15, 2018.

Brick House Tavern + Tap – Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 reward card. Offer expires December 24, 2018. Reward cards are valid January 1 to May 31, 2019 (excluding Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day).

Brio Tuscan Grille – Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $25 bonus card.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – When you buy $100 in gift cards through January 6, 2019, you receive an additional certificate for $25.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $10 reward card to use from January 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019. Offer valid through December 24, 2018.

Buca di Beppo – Through December 31, 2018 – Buy a $50 gift card and receive a $10 Reward Card. January Reward Card valid January 1, 2019 – February 28, 2019.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Buy $25 in gift cards, get a $5 eBonus. $5 eBonus can be redeemed January 1, 2019 through February 28, 2019. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Buffalo Wings & Rings – For every $25 in gift cards purchased, you’ll receive a $5 bonus card to use on a future purchase.

Burger 21 – $10 free bonus cards with every $20 gift card purchase. Offer expires December 30, 2018. Bonus cards valid January 1 through February 15, 2019 and February 16 – March 1, 2019.

BurgerFi – Get a free $5 Bonus Card when you Buy a $25 Gift Card. Available in-store only. Offer valid through December 31, 2018. Bonus card expires February 28, 2019.

California Pizza Kitchen – Purchase $100 in gift cards, receive a $20 promotional card. Promotional cards valid January 7, 2019 through February 24, 2019. Offer expires January 1, 2019.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Buy $50 in gift cards by December 31, 2018 and receive a $10 bonus card. Bonus card valid January 1, 2019 through February 10, 2019.

Carrows Restaurants – Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card. Bonus cards valid January 3 through February 6, 2018.

Champp’s Kitchen + Bar – Free $10 bonus card when you buy $50 in gift cards.

Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill – Purchase a $50 gift card, receive a $10 bonus voucher. Purchase a $100 gift card, receive $40 in bonus vouchers. Bonus vouchers valid January 1 through March 15, 2019 (not valid February 14-16).

Cheeseburger in Paradise – For every $25 spent on gift cards, receive a $5 rewards card.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille – Buy a $50 gift card and get a free $10 gift card. Buy two $50 gift cards, receive two $10 gift cards. Buy three $50 gift cards, receive three $10 gift cards.

Chili’s Grill & Bar – Free $10 bonus card when you buy $50 in gift cards. Bonus card valid January 1, 2019 through February 6, 2019. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Chompie’s – Buy $50 of gift cards and receive a $10 gift card for free. Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon – Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $10 reward card. Reward cards valid January 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019. Offer expires December 24, 2018.

Clyde’s – Purchase $100 in gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. Bonus card valid January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018. Offer expires December 25, 2017.

Coco’s Bakery Restaurant – Get a $5 bonus card with every $25 gift card purchase. Bonus card can be redeemed January 3, 2019 through February 6, 2019.

Copeland’s of New Orleans – Free $25 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards.

Corner Bakery Cafe – Customers will receive a $5 bonus card with the purchase of a large Cinnamon Crème Cake or $25 Gift Card before December 28th. Guests may redeem the $5 bonus card between January 1st -31st, 2019.

Cotton Patch Cafe – With every $25 purchase, you’ll receive a $5 Cafe Cash Card. $5 cash card valid from January 1, 2019 to February 28, 2019.

Country Cookin – Buy $50 worth of gift cards, get $10 Bonus Bucks. Offer valid through December 24, 2018.

Cowboy Chicken – Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card free.

Crispers – Get a $5 bonus card when you buy a $25 gift card. Bonus card valid January 1, 2019 through February 28, 2019

Cristy’s Pizza – Get a $30 gift card for $25.

Davanni’s – For every $25 in gift cards purchased, receive a $5 bonus reward card. Reward cards are valid January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019.

Del Taco – In Store Bonus Offers Beginning 11/20/18 through 1/2/19: Purchase $15 in gift cards and receive one coupon good for 2 FREE Grilled Chicken Tacos or purchase $25 in gift cards and receive two coupons each good for 2 FREE Grilled Chicken Tacos. Online Bonus Offers Beginning 11/20/18 through 1/2/19: Purchase $30 in gift cards online and receive one coupon good for 1 FREE Small Size Combo Meal or purchase $100 in gift cards online and receive four coupons each good for 1 FREE Small Size Combo Meal.

source http://www.restaurantnews.com/restaurant-holiday-gift-card-guide-112618/

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thebaginvestigator · 6 years

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PayMaya the leading innovator in cashless shopping and The SM Store the country’s leading shopping destination has revolutionize shopping experience with cashless shopping at all SM Stores nationwide.

To encourage more Filipinos to experience cashless convenience, PayMaya is offering an introductory promo where shoppers can get a 10% rebate (up to P100 per branch per day) on their purchases whenever they pay using PayMaya QR at all branches of The SM Store from January 15 to April 15, 2018. For every P1,000 spend, shoppers also get the chance to win an iPhone X.

“We are happy to have a new way to make shopping more convenient for our shoppers,” said The SM Store President Chelo C. Monasterio. “The retail landscape is changing, and The SM Store is proud to lead the way with partners like PayMaya.”

“More and more Filipinos are using cashless payments with PayMaya, and we’re excited to work with like-minded companies such as SM in innovating on the retail shopping experience with the help of our payment technologies. With companies like SM taking the lead, we’ll see PayMaya QR in a lot more stores and establishments all around the country,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman at PLDT, Smart, Voyager, and PayMaya.

So what are you waiting for? shop now at your nearest SM Mall and use your PayMaya to get rebates and win the latest iPhone X!

PayMaya and The SM Store teamed up with the latest shopping experience! PayMaya the leading innovator in cashless shopping and The SM Store the country’s leading shopping destination has revolutionize shopping experience with cashless shopping at all SM Stores nationwide.

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bluebookweb · 7 years

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Delivery Robots and the Drive-Thru of the Future … Now

The TGIF version of MRM’s Daily Bite features news from Freedonia Focus Reports, Beyond Meat, Long John Silver’s, Toast and Hotel Jen.

Send news items to Barbara Castiglia at [email protected].

Restaurant and Foodservice Forecast

US restaurant and foodservice revenues are forecast to total $990 billion in 2021, according to Restaurants & Foodservice: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Increases in the population and disposable personal income will drive overall gains in restaurant and foodservice revenues. Consumers are expected to dine out more often and purchase higher-priced offerings as their incomes rise.

Revenues from fast casual restaurants, the fastest growing service segment, will see gains as millennials obtain higher incomes, supporting sales of higher-priced menu options. Additionally, new restaurant concepts will further drive sales among this key demographic.

These and other insights are featured in Restaurants & Foodservice: United States. This report forecasts U.S. restaurant and foodservice revenues in nominal U.S. dollars to 2021. Total revenues are segmented by service category in terms of:

full service restaurants

quick service restaurants

fast casual restaurants

snack, bakery, and coffee shops

bars and taverns

buffets and cafeterias

other foodservice providers such as contract management companies

More information about the report is available here.

Beyond Burger Popularity

Beyond Burger® from plant-based leader, Beyond Meat®, has experienced explosive growth in recent months, mirroring a growing consumer trend around plant-based meats and better-for-you food options. In September, The Beyond Burger was selected as part of Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions program and since then, has been added to the menu at more than 2,000 new food service outlets including restaurants, hotels, college campuses and professional sports teams’ training camps.

“In the first three months, we’ve sold more than 20,000 Beyond Burgers which equates to about 10 percent of burger/sandwich sales and is exceeding our sales expectations. Those numbers continue to grow each week,” said David Friedman, Founder & CEO of Epic Burger in meat-centric Chicago.

Nationwide, The Beyond Burger is now available in more than 5,000 restaurants and grocery stores.

As distribution of The Beyond Burger rapidly increases, Beyond Meat partners include:

NATIONAL PARTNERS

BurgerFi: The first national burger concept to carry The Beyond Burger, BurgerFi is focused on sustainable, quality ingredients. BurgerFi offers both a vegan and non-vegan build to appeal to all consumer preferences at their more than 100 locations nationwide.

iPic Theaters: The Beyond Burger is soft launching at the iPic’s Dallas, Austin, Houston and Chicago locations in late 2017, with an expected roll out to all 16 iPic locations in 2018.

Twin Peaks Restaurant: Sports-focused Twin Peaks is satisfying hearty appetites by serving The Beyond Burger at their more than 80 locations nationwide.

COLLEGIATE PARTNERS

CalPoly, San Luis Obispo

Central College

College of William & Mary

Columbia

Duke

Florida State University

Grinnell College

James Madison University

Kirkwood College

Northwestern

Notre Dame

Old Dominion University

Portland University

Principia

San Jose State University

Stanford

The College of Wooster

Yale

WEST COAST PARTNERS

BOA Steakhouse (2 locations in Los Angeles)

CHARburger, Fresno

Delilah, Los Angeles

Golden Road Brewery (2 locations in Los Angeles)

Hamburger Mary’s, West Hollywood

Modern Times Brewery, San Diego

Next Level Burger (4 locations throughout Oregon and Washington)

The Hotel Congress, Tucson

Tipsy Cow (2 locations in Los Angeles)

Treasure Island Hotel Las Vegas, The Coffee Shop

Union Public House, Tucson

Veggie Grill (30 locations throughout California, Oregon and Washington)

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Las Vegas

MID-WEST & SOUTH-EAST PARTNERS

Burger Study, Indianapolis

Christopher’s Kitchen, Palm Beach Gardens

Cider Press Café, St. Petersburg

Cody’s Original Roadhouse (15 locations throughout Florida)

Duluth Grill, Minnesota

Empire Burgers & Brew, Naperville

Epic Burger (8 locations throughout Chicago)

Morels Café, Louisville

The Moonlighter, Chicago

EAST COAST PARTNERS

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille (8 locations throughout Rhode Island)

P.S. Kitchen, NYC

Tattooed Mom, Philadelphia

The Distillery, NYC

The Hamilton Inn, Jersey City

The Regal, Brooklyn

The Steer, Buffalo

The Tipsy Turtle (3 locations throughout Pennsylvania)

Tops Diner, Harrison

The Drive-Thru of the Future

Long John Silver’s plans ti install the most technologically-advanced digital drive-thru platforms in the restaurant industry, laying the groundwork for a fully automated drive-thru in the future. Up to 400 Long John Silver’s flagship units will be transformed over the next two years, with the new platform that includes three 55-inch, high-definition video screens, high-definition audio and a computer platform that will dramatically improve the ordering process for Long John Silver’s customers. Long John Silver’s partnered with Allure, a division of Christie Digital Systems USA, for this next step in the legendary brand’s revitalization and transformation program.

“We have made tremendous progress in revitalizing Long John Silver’s,” said James O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer. “As we transform and update our restaurant base over the next two years, we want to make a bold statement to our drive-thru customers. More than half our sales occur at the drive-thru and we want our customers to enjoy that experience with the best technology available.”

The Allure platform provides digital order confirmation and full-color, high-resolution animation, video and graphics for an engaging and interesting experience for customers. Importantly, the new system allows for quick updates of menus and promotional updates. Promoted specials can be linked to historical sales trends, special events and local weather forecasts.

“Allure’s drive-thru digital signage provides accurate information and engaging food displays while delivering a positive drive-thru experience for Long John Silver’s,” said Craig Chapin, President of Allure. “The data-driven digital signage installed outside the leading seafood restaurant chain is proven to increase ROI, reduce operating costs, and enhance guest experience,” he added.

Toast Wins Fast 500 Accolade

Toast was ranked third on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy technology companies in North America. This is the company’s first year on the prestigious list.

“We’re experiencing yet another exceptional year at Toast, all thanks to our loyal customers, employees, partners and investors,” said Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast. “Our team is thrilled to be recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. and will continue to deliver on our promise to be obsessed with customer success. Without our restaurant clients and industry-leading team, we could not have been ranked third on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™.”

In other news, Toast announced new integrations with SynergySuite and Yellow Dog Software. The SynergySuite integration enables customers to combine data from Toast’s robust point of sale system with SynergySuite’s restaurant management software, creating a seamless operating solution with breakthrough intelligence and algorithms. Toast and Yellow Dog now offer recipe management, physical inventory, and food costing analysis capabilities.

Through this partnership, SynergySuite equips Toast customers with a full set of mobile tools. SynergySuite’s online platform uses POS order data to help streamline back office operations and improve profitability through intelligent purchasing recommendations, optimized staff scheduling, and food safety monitoring.

Additional benefits of the Toast and SynergySuite integration include:

Lowered food costs with optimized inventory and purchasing: suggested ordering, full recipe management, automatic purchasing, and invoice processing

Reduced overtime/overstaffing costs with time and attendance: manage shift swaps and approvals, maintain compliance, staff records and onboarding checklists

Increased food safety procedure monitoring: HACCP compliance reporting, temperature monitoring alerts, and cleaning schedule reminders

Expanded sales analysis and cash management capabilities: real-time business intelligence, daily P&L reports, cash tracking, transaction reconciliation, and variance alerts

Yellow Dog pulls sales data from Toast’s database and deducts inventory based on recipe setup. This sync is usable from any location with Toast access. Additional features include:

Full item and recipe management, waste tracking and purchasing

Vendor EDI integration and invoice export to accounting systems like Quickbooks and more

Easy single or multi-unit operations management

Turnkey implementation, 24/7 in-house support and free training for life

More than 200 customizable reports available, including “actual versus theoretical” reporting

Delivery Robots in Asia

Hotel Jen welcomed its newest mobile and automated colleagues, Jeno and Jena, as the first international hotel brand to use autonomous Relay robots in Asia. Jeno and Jena will independently zip around Hotel Jen Orchardgateway and Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore to deliver amenities and room service to guests.

Both Jeno and Jena are one-meter (about three feet) tall and are unmistakable in their bright Hotel Jen turquoise and pink uniforms featuring a signature bicycle image to evoke a sense of travel. Inspired by the concept of a butler, Toby Tan from the art community Band of Doodlers designed a jacket and tie for Jeno and a scarf for Jena.

Jeno and Jena can move unmanned around the hotel at a safe speed of 2.5 kilometers per hour (about 1.5 miles per hour), about half the average human walking speed. They can ride elevators, make phone calls to rooms upon arrival, and are equipped with sensors that know to avoid obstacles in its path and make deliveries efficiently.

Both automated colleagues are integrated with a software system that can easily track their to-do list once an order is placed. If a guest orders an extra towel or bottle of water, the guest can expect one of the pair to deliver the items within 15 minutes from the time of request. Jeno and Jena can ease midnight hunger pangs with a supper menu featuring local flavors from midnight to 6 a.m.

How they work:

Jeno and Jena are stationed in the hotel lobby on standby 24/7 to carry out deliveries.

Guests can request for amenities or room service from the supper menu by telephoning the hotel’s front office.

Upon receiving an order, the requested amenity, food item or drink is prepared and placed in the robot’s compartment.

A hotel colleague unlocks the robot’s compartment with a pin number, places the items inside, and keys in the guest’s room number for delivery.

Once the room number is keyed in, the robot travels to the hotel’s elevator landing, enters the elevator and travels to the correct floor and room.

Once the robot arrives at the designated room, the robot calls the room to alert the guest about the delivery. When the guest opens the room door, the robot’s compartment lid automatically opens. (After arrival, the robot waits five minutes before returning to the duty manager in the lobby.)

When a delivery is completed, the guest presses “All Set” and can rate the stay experience from one to five stars. If the guest selects five stars, the robot displays “Yay!” and dances side-to-side in excitement.

Once the delivery is complete, the robot returns to the docking station in the lobby.

“Hotel Jen is proud to be the first brand in the Shangri-La group to introduce this technology,” said Cetin Sekercioglu, executive vice president of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. “The new “colleagues” will be great team players, get important things done well and deliver in Jen’s distinctive style. Known to curate playful experiences, Hotel Jen, through the Relay robots, yet again proves that it can surprise and delight urban adventure-seekers.”

Delivery Robots and the Drive-Thru of the Future … Now posted first on happyhourspecialsyum.blogspot.com

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