#fun fact: violins and fiddles are the same thing

[ricky-mortis]

He’s such a goofy silly guy!

[nataliescatorrccio]

Okay, so I've been doing the "re-listen and rate all the 11 albums" thing. I did Debut on Wednesday, so today it's Fearless's turn!

1. Fearless. What an opening!! Easily in her top 3 opening tracks. Seeing this in the Eras and doing the 🫶 was one of my fave moments of 2023. Rating: 10/10

2. Fifteen. While I don't revist this song super often, I still think it's great and quite touching. My favorite lyric is, "But I found time can heal most anything, and you might just find who you're supposed to be". Rating: 9/10

3. Love Story. This is the first Taylor song I ever heard in 2010, so I'll always have a soft spot for it. But it's also genuinely a perfect song. Rating: 10/10.

4. Hey Stephen. Super cute and iconic. "All those girls, well they're beautiful, but would they write a song for you?", you'll always be famous. Rating: 8.5/10

5. White Horse. You guys give this song too much hate. It's s not her worst track 5 by any means. You guys just don't get her like I do. My favorite lyric is "Maybe I was naive, got lost in your eyes and never really had a chance.My mistake, I didn't know to be in love you had to fight to have the upper hand.". Rating: 8.5/10.

6. You Belong With Me. Banger of all time! Been there, too, Nerdy Taylor in the mv. Rating: 10/10.

7. Breathe. One of my fave deep cuts. There aren't a lot of friendship breakup songs out there, so I'm glad she exists. My favorite lyric is, "Nothing we say is gonna save us from the fall out". Rating: 10/10

8. Tell Me Why. The fiddles here give me life. It has a lot of good lyrics, my favorite one is "You could write a book on how to ruin someone's perfect day". Rating: 8/10.

9. You're Not Sorry. Gonna piss a lot of people off, but I genuinely don't like this song much aside from a few lines and the production. I just find it rather boring, and it's really similar to White Horse because both songs are about not forgiving an ex and going your own way after finding out they were cheating on you. I do like the first few verses. My favorite lyric is "And it's taken me this long baby, but I figured you out" and I love the guitars and violins, but yes, I don't have a lot of positive things to say about this song. Rating: 6/10.

10. The Way I Loved You. What a banger!! The guitars, the banjo, everything!! Chorus of all time, which also has my fave lyrics in this song. My favorite lyric is Rating: 10/10.

11. Forever & Always. Another perfect song! And late 2022 me really related to this (fun fact F&A was written on the same day I went through a friendship breakup that had me blasting this the rest of that day). My favorite lyric is, "Was I out of line? Did I say something way too honest, made you run and hide like a scared little boy?". Rating: 10/10

12. The Best Day. I get why some people may not like it, but I love it. Favorite lyrics are, "I'm thirteen now and don't know how my friends could be so mean. I come home crying, and you hold me tight and grab the keys, and we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away, and we talk and window shop till I've forgotten all their names", because yeahh... anyways. Rating: 9/10.

13. Change. Love the production, but lyrically, it is weak. I don't 100% agree this is Long Live 1.0, because Change feels more like a rousing speech, while Long Live feels more like a celebration of their achievements, declaring that in case everything goes wrong she hopes everyone will look back fondly on their times together. My favorite lyric is, "Because these things will change. Can you feel it now? These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down". Rating: 6.5/10.

14. Jump Then Fall. This song is cute and all, but I just think Hey Stephen is better tbh. My favorite lyric is, "The time is gonna come when you're so mad you could cry, but I'll hold you through the night until you smile." Rating: 7/10.

15. Untouchable. I've debated whether rating this song or not since it's just a cover, but since it's on both the 2009 Platinum version and on Fearless TV, I'm rating it. I think her vocals here are quite good, and I love the country rearrangement. My favorite lyric is, "In the middle of the night, we can form this dream, I wanna feel you by my side, standing next to me. You gotta come on, come on, say that we'll be together." Rating: 8.5/10.

16. Forever and Always (Piano Version). Since this is genuinely another version of the song with different vocals and production, and not just a remix, I'm rating it. While it's not my preferred version of the song, I think it's a nice rendition. Rating: 8/10.

17. Come In With The Rain. Soo underrated, her vocals are quite nice, and the production is really good. Rating: 8/10

18. Superstar. I don't get why you all hate this song. Is it the best platinum track? No, but it's not the worst one when Jump Then Fall is right there. Rating: 7.5/10.

19. The Other Side of The Door. Another banger of the century. One of her best outros!! Rating: 10/10.

20. Today Was A Fairytale. Sooo cute, you are mean for hating on this one. Rating: 8/10.

21. You All Over Me. I'm gonna be honest, I'm not big on the Fearless vault tracks, because I feel like most of the truly great material made in either in the standard edition or the platinum edition, so what was left off was overall just alright imo. I don't dislike this song by any means, but I prefer production on the 2005 demo over the one on the Taylor's version because it just doesn't like a Debut/Fearless Taylor song and it sounds a little too polished (idk if it makes sense? Idk, the only time Aaron Dessner has let me down is when it comes to the Fearless Vault). Rating: 6/10.

22. Mr. Perfectly Fine. It's definitely the best vault track on Fearless! My favorite lyric is Mr. "Insincere apology so he doesn't look like the bad guy". Rating: 10/10.

23. We Were Happy. I quite like this song, actually, but I prefer the demo production over the TV one. While it does feel more Fearless esque than You All Over Me TV, I didn't love how they switched it from the orchestral arrangement to a downtempo ballad one. Rating: 7.5/10.

24. That's When. Writing wise, this song makes no sense... but melodically, it's quite nice soooo... Rating: 6/10.

25. Don't You. I kinda hate this song... the lyrics are okay, I guess, but the production??? This sounds like a Midnights demo... why are you doing synths and vocal layering on the most awarded country album??? Rating: 5.5/10.

26. Bye Bye Baby. Well, I hate this one more, actually. I do like the lyric "It wasn't just like a movie, the rain didn't soak through my clothes down to my skin", because of how it contrasts with Fearless the song and her vocals here are nice, but everything else sucks imo. Rating: 5/10.

Overall score: 7.8/10 (counting the vault), 8.6/10 (if we're going off solely the original tracks).

[styrmwb]

Favorite Final Fantasy Music (FFXIII)

Some people hate XIII (a lot of people hate XIII). I am not one of those people (I'm also a Hope and Snow enjoyer so maybe I'm just wrong). I was never quite good at the gameplay, but I really liked the world, and I really liked the music. It's like... the least Final Fantasy out of all the soundtracks? But also in a way that makes it the most Final Fantasy cause of how different it is. The game uses a lot of these 2 motifs (which is cool cause there's like 2 main worlds), and uses a lot of cool vocals and futuristic noises. My man Masashi Hamauzu is back from FFX, and he kills it.

5. The Archylte Steppe Hey! It's everyone's favorite part of the game! This is my favorite version of the "The Promise" motif; the slower tempo befitting the vast field you're running around in. Other than the fact that I love this melody, I'm a big fan of the heavy drums, and that little part where they hold back to let the melody shine through (which is also the part where the notes do that thing where they pull on my heart aaaaa). Perfect song for accidentally getting stepped on by an adamantoise to.

4. Desperate Struggle By all means, considering the context of this song, I should hate it. The amount of times I got doomed or launched into the air and smacked around, is ridiculous. But this song is so fun (especially in theatrhythm). I love the really heavy part where the rhythm gets real bouncy with the triplets, and also the part with the heavy dissonant chords, and the melody they create (buuuuuuuh buuhbuuhbuuhbuuuh buh buuuuuuuuh) it sounds so cool!!!

3. The Hanging Edge After the intro to the game, you're immediately thrown into a fuckin war, and this is what plays. That intro piano is such a unique opening, giving you that feeling of stress very unfitting of the start of most FF games, and then the rest of the song starts to build it up. The strings adding more stress and rising the song further, throwing in the percussion to add that heaviness to the song and the synth to show the vast and futuristic nature of the area, not to mention using the sound of a train stopping as an instrument (wording this as a joke but in context it's fitting)??? This song starts out so cool. But my absolute favorite part is when the fiddle (I think) comes in, and just goes absolutely bonkers with the sickest solo you've ever heard. You can say what you will about this game but goddamn the atmosphere of the opening is amazing.

2. Eidolons Similar to Desperate Struggle, I should hate this song for the very same reasons, but it slaps way too much for me to hate it for any reason. The entire song feels like constant buildup, never truly having a full melody or release, but I think that works perfectly for the stressful and timed nature of the fights it primarily plays on. I love the constant rhythm in the back, the heavy drums and the looping synth; and the guitar is fuckin rocking out the entire time. This whole song is a headbanger, also bringing in the orchestra to keep the same XIII vibe. The echoey nature of the end of the song, the guitar sounding like it's shredding in the distance, is my favorite part.

1. Blinded by Light This is THE XIII song. This is the trailer song, this is the second of the two main motifs, this is the battle song, this returns in the next two games constantly, and all of this for good reason! This song fucking bangs!!! The start is a perfect classic FF battle buildup while having its own unique nature, the drum set and guitar combined with the orchestra perfectly shows you the nature of this entire game's soundtrack, and not to mention. The melody. That violin. That violin is absolutely legendary. I don't really know how to word it, but the way it's composed is like crack for my ears. The high notes it hits, that main BUUUUUUH NUUUUUUUUUH BUHNUHHH NUUUUUUUUUH section is musical gold, and every single time I hear it in any other song that plays in this entire trilogy, I feel nothing buy joy and pure positive emotion.

Honorable mentions go to: The Promise, Defiers of Fate, Saber's Edge, The Sunleth Waterscape, Test of the L'Cie, The Yaschas Massif, Taejin's Tower (boing), and Eden Under Siege.

[gods-no-longer-tread-here]

I'm gonna make instrumentalists mad at me watch this

violins and accordions can be swapped in literally any piece of music and it will sound the same. this is because violins are capable of being silly and fun (case in point: the existence of the fiddle) and accordions are capable of being sad and haunting (case in point: French music). unfortunately, that means polka music is too powerful for the vast majority of humanity, because it requires an accordion and a violin/fiddle.

I just realized that more people will be angry over the fact that fiddles and violins are the same thing than the fact that violins are interchangeable with accordions.

[paradox-psyc-hoe-sis]

Your Energy

Klaus hargreeves x reader, Diego hargreeves x reader (platonic)

Description: You and diego have been friends for a while now, and he finally agrees to you meeting his family. Klaus, in particular, takes a liking to you - but how will they react when they find out you have powers?

Word count: 1.9k

(There's no warnings other than swearing and this tiny tiny tiny moment in the second part that is NOTHING like smut, but I guess it could be implied? Idk, you'll know what I'm on about when you read it)

• Okay.

• You are one of the 43, but Reginald couldn't get you.

• Your power was being able control energy, and that included spiritual energy.

• This meant that you could see people's souls and auras, dead or alive.

• You and Klaus met quite strangely, to say the least. You were one of Diego's close friends, and after years of knowing each other, he finally let you meet his family.

• It was a warm summer's afternoon when you and Diego arrived at the Umbrella Academy. Just as Diego was about to open the main doors, you both heard bellowing screams coming from inside.

• Silently, you both shared a confused glance before proceeding to walk through the doors.

• Standing before you in the main hall was a very large man, who seemed to have somebody on his shoulders. They were seemingly fighting, the larger of the men trying to get the other off his shoulders.

• "Uhh, Diego, does this happen all the time?"

• Before he could answer, the broad shouldered man threw his opponent from his shoulders and directly into you, sending you flying backwards.

• In this case, you'd be able to stop yourself from falling and float in mid air, controlling your gravitational energy. However, this came as such a surprise that you didn't have time to save yourself.

• You were sent back through the open doors, and onto the empty street. The person who had been launched into you laid half on top of you, half next to you.

• Not a second went by before you used your powers to lift the man up in the air. Getting up from the cold pavement, you dusted yourself off.

• "What the fuck is going on?" He asked, in quite a calm tone.

• Diego jogged through the doors, running over to you.

• "I could ask you the same thing." He scolded, standing in front of you. Placing a hand on your shoulder, he asked if you were okay.

• "I'm fine," you responded, "just hurt my back a bit." You looked up at him with a small smile. Carefully, you lowered Diego's brother down until he was back on his two feet.

• You only just realised that your summer dress had ridden up slightly, and you blushed as both Diego and his brother watched you pull it down.

• "Y/n, this is Klaus." Diego muttered under his breath. Smiling, you turned to him and stuck out your hand.

• "It's wonderful to meet you, Klaus. My name's y/n, but you can just call me y/n/n!"

• Instead of shaking your hand, he bent down slightly and placed a chaste kiss on one of your knuckles.

• "It's my pleasure." He replied, a small smirk on his face. Only then did you notice somebody standing behind Klaus; he wore a black hoodie and had his arms crossed, yet wore a bemused expression.

• Instead of introducing yourself to him, you shot a small smile his way. You wanted to wait until you got into the mansion to properly get to know everyone.

• When he saw you smiled at him, he seemed confused, and looked behind him as if to see if anyone else was stood near him. Contently, you turned back to Diego.

• "Can we go inside?" You politely asked, and Diego stuck out his arm for you to hold. "Be my guest."

• Once you, Diego, Klaus and the mysterious man got back into the house, Diego called for everyone to come to the living room.

• Slowly, everyone trickled into the common area, the last being a 13 year old boy. Once Diego noticed the last of his siblings enter the room, he closed the door behind him.

• "Everyone, this is y/n." You smiled, looking at everyone in the room, hearing them all say hello. One by one, they all went around and introduced themselves, until you got back to Klaus.

• "Y/n/n and I have already met." Klaus proudly admitted to group. Next to him, the man wearing the black hoodie spoke. "God, Klaus. Don't act so love sick."

• He looked both irritated yet amused, which made Klaus turn to him and roll his eyes. Laughing, you stuck out your hand.

• "I don't believe I've introduced myself," you replied, "it's lovely to meet you."

• You felt everyone's eyes on you, burning into your skin. The boy in the black hoodie didn't shake your hand, but merely looked at you, a stunned expression plastering his face. Meekly, you took your hand back and fiddled with the hem of your skirt.

• "Who are you talking to?" Allison asked, not really understanding what was happening.

• "Ben." Klaus answered for you, wearing the same shocked expression as everyone else in the room. The only person who wasn't surprised was Diego.

• He perched on the end of a sofa. "Y/n's one of us, but our prick of a father couldn't adopt her." He looked almost proud and nodded towards you, as if to let you carry on.

• "Oh, right." You added. You were talking directly to Allison, but everyone listened intently.

• "Yeah, I can control energy. It's more complex than it seems, really. I can control all main types of energy like light, sound, gravity, the like. But I can also control spiritual and emotional energy. So if I really wanted to, I could change any of your emotions."

• "Spiritual energy..." five repeated. "That makes more sense."

• Now you were the confused one, furrowing your brows. "What do you mean?" You asked five, sitting down on the chair next to you.

• "What I mean," he started, "is that Ben's dead."

• The air lay thick among you all, as you turned to Klaus and Ben.

• "I'm...so sorry." You quietly spoke, avoiding eye contact.

• "Hey, don't worry about it." Ben said at last, smiling at you. "I've grown bored of only being able to talk to this moron."

• "Hey!" Klaus exclaimed as you laughed. Everyone else was silent as you, Klaus and Ben had your own conversation.

• "This is so weird." Luther whispered to Allison, who nodded in agreement.

• "Why don't we all go and get some lunch?" Diego offered, ending the awkwardness between you all.

• "Sounds good to me!" You replied, grabbing your bag. And with that, all of you were making your way out of the living room, off to Dennys.

☆☆☆☆☆

• All 8 of you were sat in a large booth, you sandwiched directly between Klaus and Ben. The waitress came around and took everyone's orders, and once she left, Diego hopped out of his seat at the end of the booth.

• "I'm going to the bathroom, if the food comes before I'm back and any of you even think about eating me fries, I'll cut you." You were very much used to his knife threats, so didn't dare going near his food. As soon as Diego was out of earshot, everyone bombarded you with questions.

• "Are you and Diego dating?" Allison asked, eyes wide. "How did you two meet?" Added Luther. "Where do you live?" Five questioned, kind of creepily. "Are you single?" Inquisioned Klaus, quiet enough that only you heard him.

• "Jesus christ, guys. I live a few blocks away from Diego, which is how we met. I was at target, and was about to get the last bag of doritos, when we both reached for them. Finally, no, Diego and I aren't dating. However we do have lots of sleepovers."

• Happy with how you answered the questions, everyone turned to each other to star their own conversations. You leaned in to klaus, and very quietly whispered in his ear.

• "And yes, I'm single."

• You weren't going to skip around the fact that you found Klaus attractive; his messy hair, dark eyes and cheekbones chiseled by the Gods did something to you.

• Diego returned, sitting back on the end of the booth, just as two waitresses walked over with arms full of plates and cups.

• You only started eating once everyone had gotten their food; you ordered a bowl of fries and a strawberry milkshake, your favourite. The restaurant hummed with chatter as the people around you laughed and quietly spoke to each other.

• "So Vanya, Diego told me you play the violin, right?" She nodded, taking a sip of her cola.

• "Yeah, I play in an orchestra." She added.

• "That's really cool! I played the flute when I was a kid, but now I-"

• As you spoke, you felt a warm hand on your thigh. Klaus's hand was soft, his slender fingers slowly inching their way up your leg, sliding underneath the skirt of your dress.

• "Now I play the drums." You finished, taking a sip of your milkshake. Before you could swallow, you felt Klaus's fingers get dangerously close to your underwear. You choked on your drink, coughing like it would save your life.

• Klaus removed his hand as Luther passed you a red napkin. "Thank you." You uttered, still trying not to cough up your strawberry milkshake.

• "You better get used to this, there's no escape now you've met him." Ben advised, a smug grin lining his face.

• "You can say that again."

☆☆☆☆☆

• Roughly a week had passed since you met Diego's family, and you couldn't stop thinking about it.

• After you all went to dennys, Allison suggested that a game of bowling would be fun. Spoiler alert: Luther broke the mechanism at the back of the bowling alley by bowling the ball too hard.

• You were sat in bed in your apartment, mindlessly scrolling through your phone. Realising it was just past midnight, you turned your light off, switched off your phone, and laid down.

• After a few minutes of trying to get to sleep, you heard the window open behind you, and the sound of someone crawling through it. Not in the mood to deal with an intruder, you used your powers to slam them against your bedroom wall. With your other hand, you turned on your light switch and found Klaus pressed up against your wall.

• "For shits sake, what are you doing?" You asked, letting him go. Ben stood next to him, leaning again the wall.

• "Go on, Klaus. Tell y/n why you've broken into her home at midnight, despite me warning you not to."

• Klaus was silent for a second, his tired eyes staring in to yours. He wore the same outfit from last week, looking like he came straight from the mansion.

• "Uh, y/n, would you like to go out with me?"

• He actually seemed pretty nervous, despite how he had been acting at Denny's.

• "...now?" You asked, looking at the clock.

• "Not now, but maybe tomorrow? Diego told me you have a day off and I was thinking maybe we could..." he took a deep breath, and looked down at the floor. "Maybe this was a bad idea."

• He made his way back to the window, but you managed to convince him to stay.

• "Klaus, of course I'd like to go out with you."

• You spoke in a gently tone, not wanting to startle him.

• "Plus, if you want to, you could sleep over here?" You knew it was a long shot, but it was worth a try.

• "I'll only stay if you give me a makeover!"

• "Deal."

• That night was filled with a lot of sad movies, you painting Klaus's nails bright pink, and Ben rolling his eyes about 400 times.

[vventure]

Played - Atsumu Miya Must Die, Ch. 3

Series Mini Mlist: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Pairing: Atsumu Miya x fem!reader

Genre: Angst, Drama

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: cheating

Summary: Atsumu Miya is a player; dating three girls from three different friend groups so they don’t find out. What happens when they do, though? And how does [Y/N] play into their plan for ultimate revenge?

A/N: Alright, this chapter really finally gets into the drama. I know it’s longer than the other chapters but it had to be this length in order to fit everything I wanted into it! I hope you guys enjoy it, and I can’t wait to share all the scheming to come with you all. <3

Taglist: @for-ests​ @miyuswriting​ @babyboytsutomu​ @captain-shittykawa​ @writeiolite​ @lunarknox​ @heccingdead​ @yams046​ @infamouswhitepawsies​ @hideewrites​ @lilolpotato @burnthoneymint​ @bb-noya​ - let me know if you’d like to be added (or taken off)!!

Last Time: 

Chika laid down the facts: Atsumu was dating three different girls from three different friend groups. It was a secret to everyone but he and Chika, and now you, that he was doing this. Atsumu would only come to Onigiri Miya when Osamu wasn’t working. He was somewhat of an idiot in that respect, and Osamu had caught him with different girls at the establishment before, but the bleached twin had played it off as him seeing different girls every week; something that wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility for the player.

Chika went on to explain that while Atsumu used to work at the onigiri shop for his brother, he had taken time off in order to focus on university and his club volleyball team at the school. He was arrogant and self-centered, and often lied to his brother even about small things. The picture Chika painted was far from flattering.

You sat looking at her during her spiel, your jaw basically on the floor. 

“So, yeah,” she finished. “He’s kind of a mess and a jackass.”

“Thanks for the warning, I’ll try to avoid him.”

“About that,” her smile strained as she spoke her next words: “He’s moving into the same dorm as you tomorrow.”

The day rose in a blaze of sun, the perfect weather for a barbecue on the quad at your new university. It was too hot for wearing anything other than a tank top and shorts since there was no way you were going to make it through the two-hour long event with no shade if you wore anything else.

A cacophony of laughter and raucous excitement reached your ears as you stepped onto the lush green of the expansive quad, taking in the plethora of grills and the several volleyball and badminton nets set-up to enjoy with fellow students. Clusters of students from every year were scattered about the lawn, drinking from plastic cups and munching on snacks while trying to find the courage to jump into an activity and break free of their timidity.

It should have come as no surprise, but Atsumu Miya had no issues with running head first into a new adventure. He was playing 2-on-2 volleyball at one of the nets, showing off just how high he could jump to slam the ball down on the grass on the opposite side of the net. His athleticism shined here, clearly leaps and bounds beyond the others he was volleying with who looked like they were about to pass-out from heat stroke while desperately trying to match his pace.

It would have been almost comical, the difference in skill between someone who was obviously well-versed in volleyball and someone who had never touched a ball in their life, except that Atsumu looked so smug every time he scored a point for his team. It was hardly a competition and even from this distance you could tell he was letting it get to his head.

Turning your attention away, you nearly collided with another person as you moved to grab a drink from one of the coolers. The person you were now face-to-face with wore a black t-shirt with “RA” in white lettering across the place a breast pocket would be.

“I’m so sorry!” You blurted out, backing up slightly and raising your hands. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Don’t worry about it!” They replied, a genial smile splitting their face in response to your sudden panic. “You look familiar. I think you moved onto my floor yesterday! Yeah, [Y/n], right?”

“Guilty,” you quipped, looking at them closely. It clicked into place once you noticed their black bangs pinned back with their high pigtails. “You’re the resident assistant on my floor...Nanami, right?”

“Yep,” she replied, giving you a thumbs up. Her cheerfulness seemed a bit forced, but you smiled back at her regardless. “It’s actually good ya bumped into me ‘cause I was looking to round up the girls to play some volleyball. You in?”

“Um, sure, I don’t really have anything else to do.”

--

That’s how you found yourself entangled in a lot more than you’d bargained for: an icebreaker activity with Atsumu’s three girlfriends.

“Let’s say our names and then a fun fact about us,” Nanami said once the small group of girls she could find was rounded into a seated circle. “I’ll go first. My name’s Nanami and I love going to concerts!”

Dead silence befell the group as they all looked at her, expressionless. It was hot and she was making you all sit in the sun and tell a fun fact about yourselves? Weren’t you supposed to be playing volleyball?

“Cool,” said the girl clad in sports attire, repping the school’s colors. “I’m Sara, I play for the soccer team here and love kick-boxing.”

Sara used her thumb to point to the girl on her right, taking charge of the situation so they could all get it over with.

“I’m Izumi,” came the soft voice of a girl with her eyes turned shyly downward. “I work in the library in my spare time.”

Could this be any more dull? So much for a fun barbecue. 

The next girl down the line stated her name and a fact about herself that slipped through your mind like water until it was Atsumu’s final girlfriend’s turn. 

“My name’s Aiko, and I play the violin,” she said, flicking her long hair over her shoulder and fiddling with the hem of her pure white blouse. 

Once again, this elicited no response and all eyes now rested on you as they waited for your name and riveting factoid.

“I’m [Y/n] and I work at an onigiri shop off-campus and just moved here from Miyagi.”

A pregnant pause followed your statement as the small group merely blinked in acknowledgement of each other’s existence before Nanami’s voice cut through the heavy air: “Let’s play volleyball!”

The group stood, returning shredded grass particles to the ground and moved like cattle to the volleyball nets.

“I’m gonna ditch, my boyfriend wants to get boba,” the girl whose name you couldn’t remember whispered into your ear before skipping away from the group now composed of only you, Sara, Aiko, Izumi, and Nanami. 

Just perfect, you were going to be playing volleyball with three girls dating the same guy and the person who would be watching every move you made in the dorms for the year, what could be more ideal? You almost wished Osamu had put you on the schedule today, but he’d given you the first week of classes off to acclimate to the new university. 

It was done now, so you’d make the most of the situation and maybe get a new friend out of it. Izumi seemed really sweet and down-to-earth, so you’d give chatting with her a shot. Walking up beside her, you opened your mouth to say something before the realization that you knew a dirty secret she didn’t about the guy she was seeing hit you. You snapped your mouth closed and walked the remainder of the expanse of green to the free volleyball net.

A collective gasp sounded from the group as you approached the net, causing you to look up from the ground you’d been examining in order to avoid tripping. When you saw where their heads were turned, you sighed internally. 

Of course, every single one of them had their eyes locked on Atsumu finishing up his game on the make-shift volleyball court next to the one you’d soon be playing on. He had sweat pouring down his face from what you could imagine was the heat and exertion, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away as he lifted his shirt to wipe at his face exposing the glistening muscles of his abdomen. 

What was this, a teen movie? No one looked that hot after playing a taxing sport and it was highly unfair that someone so vile could look so good.

“Okay, girls,” Nanami said, clapping her hands together yet again. “I’m gonna ref, so choose your teams.”

Aiko immediately flocked to Sara, likely taking in the fact that the latter was a college athlete and would be better poised to win the game. Izumi didn’t look particularly thrilled to be stuck with you as her teammate, but she’d have to deal for the short amount of time you’d be playing. 

Sara served first, landing a solid ace across the net that punted against the grass that neither you nor Izumi received, giving your opponents the first point. Aiko and Izumi looked at each other through the net, their eyes suddenly serious. You furrowed your brow, watching how Sara was now in a fighting stance, until the sound of Atsumu’s voice reached your ears.

“So, yer the RA for the boys’ and girls’ floor, eh?” He said, leaning toward Nanami who looked less than pleased to be conversing with him at the current moment.

“That I am,” she replied stiffly, trying to keep her eye on the ball. “I’m kind of busy right now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“I’m sure ya don’t mind if I stay and watch a little bit?”

Nanami shrugged, turning her attention completely away from him. He didn’t appear to care, and didn’t press her any further. 

Atsumu was watching the game, that’s why these three were acting like their lives depended on winning a casual volleyball game on the quad. This asshole knew exactly what his presence would do to these girls and was eating it up like a Korean drama.

Whatever, he wasn’t your focus and would never be your focus, so you returned your attention to the game. Your heart clenched in your chest as you watched Aiko look over at Atsumu, sending him a salacious wink just to receive a smirk in return. In the time that your eyes left Sara’s serving form, hoping that no one had noticed the exchange, the volleyball was colliding with your head and sending you reeling. 

“[Y/n]!” You could hear Nanami call before her knees were thudding onto the earth next to you, her black pigtails dangling over your face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you responded, sitting up to notice that Atsumu had departed with his hand on the upper back of another tall male walking away. A feeling of impending doom flowed over you as you looked at the girls standing near the net, their faces directed at each other expressing confusion and mounting anger. “What’s going on?”

“We’re at the quad for the barbecue, do you have a concussion? What year is it?” The RA asked, clearly not anticipating this at the event.

“I’m fine! What about them?”

“Why were you winking at my boyfriend?” Izumi seethed, her kind and calm demeanor slipping away easily to reveal a nasty underside. 

“I was winking at my boyfriend,” Aiko replied, stepping closer to Izumi but remaining on her side of the net. “Atsumu Miya.”

“What the hell did you just say?” Sara bellowed while stomping towards the two already in the throws of their disagreement. “Who’d you say your boyfriend was?”

Izumi and Aiko replied in unison: “Atsumu Miya.”

--

The trio of Atsumu’s lovers sat a safe 6-feet from each other in the grass, ice packs pressed against the bruises they’d given each other during the scuffle that eventually had to be broken up by the University Police. You’d also tried to pry them apart, which only earned you a split lip and a disciplinary mark on your record for the trouble. 

“So, I get the pleasure of explaining what your punishment is,” Nanami said, sitting down on the grass with exaggerated annoyance, producing a map and setting it in the space between everyone. “The resident director thinks it would be a good idea for you guys to clean up around town. So you’ll be tackling the areas I’ve marked every other day and clearing them of all the litter you can see.”

“How long?” You asked, pressing the ice pack to your lip in an attempt to get it to stop stinging so horribly.

“Ten hours, which is pretty lenient,” she explained. “Since you guys don’t have any other infractions she didn’t think it was worth more than that. And she wants you to do it together to learn some cooperation and teamwork.”

The tension in the air was suffocating at this news and not a single girl could look the other in the eye, opting to stare at their feet while nursing their wounds. 

“This is all your fault, Aiko,” Sara spat.

“How is it--” Aiko began before you cut her off.

“I don’t know,” you spoke up, raising your hand in defense as Aiko shot you a glare, her white blouse sullied with dirt. “Seems like you all got played, right? He told you all that he had to keep his relationship with you secret, right?”

A grumble rose around the small area between the 5 of you. 

“Okay, so he was lying to you so he could mess around with other people, so who’s fault is it really?”

You had no idea the trouble your logical mind had gotten you into.

[deathbyvalentine]

Regency Werewolves Chapter 2

The grounds were suitable. The social season could commence.

Of course, there were preparations to be made that had little to do with tooth or claw. There were dresses to be made, ribbon to be pinned and plaited, pocket watches to be wound and shoes to be polished. Not to mention the small stack of calling cards that was beginning to lean a little in the stack. Everyone was curious and the family had been particularly elusive. But now, glimpses could be caught. The women were glimpsed moving from a haberdashery, servant laden with fabrics. The men had waved a greeting to some passing gentleman from some local land known for its good hunting. They had managed to escape the title of 'snobs', instead becoming 'mysterious'.

The first ball of the season, was of course, themed. Lady Robin in all her finery and extensive powder had announced it with a hint of smugness, the type that was unfortunately entirely backed up with ability. Her parties were lavish while still being respectable, decadent without being wasted. Wine would be drank but not quaffed, food served but not scoffed. This was a line many struggled to toe (poor Earl Sussex) but she did to with aplomb.

Obviously, the Williamson house was in uproar, even as Lady Williamson sought to contain it. Elise was of no help whatsoever, stirring the girls up with tales from her youth and recollections of flirting. Even Alice, usually resentful at being squashed into dresses and her hair being brushed within an inch of her life, showed little complaint at her dress and chattered excitedly about the dark woods on the ground, despite her lady mother reminding her there would be no chance for her to explore. Sybil had managed to contain her own excitement but there was a certain tremble in her hands when she spoke of ribbons. Kingsley suffered in stoic silence, his dread of social occasions easy enough to read on his face. His father's face mirrored his own.

Kingsley was often a rather put upon creature. He had not the wild bravery of Alice nor the social graces of Sybil. He found social situations not merely a chore, but much more of a minefield. He was at ease in precisely two situations - looking over his father's accounts and when he shrugged off his human skin and ran under the full moon. He found himself wishing for the moon to come more often - the rules of being a wolf were so much clearer than the rules of being a human.

Meanwhile, Sybil would happily give up her teeth and claws for the gift of a normal life. She fretted over how she would handle her little 'condition' when the time came for a husband, seemingly unaware of the fact her mother had managed it.

Alice was much more a wolf than her a girl - her shape had little to do with it all in her view. She was a wolf when she was in dresses and she was a wolf when she was in fur. Civilisation was a cruel joke.

And what was more civilised than a soiree? From the drinks in clear glass flutes to the steps of a dance, all of it was manufactured. Therefore the children must be manufactured too. They had to blend in, had to look like this was their first or second nature. Tears in dresses had to be prepared, quick tempers soothed before they turned violent, the correct amount of food to eat imparted. Lady Williamson made it look natural and her three progeny strived to imitate that ease.

*

The day came and the evening followed. The evening was summer tones of pink, fading to purple, becoming blue. The drive to Lady Robin's house was packed full of carriages, warm young ladies hanging out of windows and fanning themselves furiously. The only reason why Alice was not among them was because Sybil had hooked her by the back of the dress and pulled her back into her seat with one fluid moment. Alice responded by panting behind her fan.

Even the sisters petty bickering fell silent once the turn on the drive slipped past. The entrance was flung open wide, revealing the light of what must have been hundreds of candles, some lining the meticulously swept stone steps. Garlands of white flowers hung in long strips, attracting the attention of a few lazy bees. Kingsley couldn't help sniffing the air, the smell of perfume, lillies and food almost too much to resist. The entire family took a moment to look and to see and to scent. Alice fidgeted, eager to explore. Her mother shot her a warning look - each of the older women were taking one of the girls to be chaperoned and Alice had drawn the short straw. Selene might have let her have a little fun (Sybil, ironically, was equally as unhappy at her chaperone's identity).

They entered as a procession, with Lord and Lady at the front, the children and their aunt tidily following behind them like ducklings. Curtseys were liberally distributed, as were bows and handshakes. The girls were complimented, the boys were given approving nods. A few of the prouder invitees attempted to be above the buzz of the throng eager to meet the new family, but even they couldn't resist side-long glances their way, measuring up the cut of their dresses and smoothness of their manner.

The dancefloor was currently clear, the band only just beginning to settled down in their chairs, taking up positions and instruments. Alice couldn't help but wince as the tuning up began, the sharp notes of a violin particularly harsh to her sensitive ears. Sybil, though she didn't show it, was having similar trouble with an overpowering perfume an old duchess was wearing. These events were often overwhelming to humans, with werewolves it was a hundred times more stimulating, for better or worse. There was another scent on the air, that made the Lady turn her head. It was there and gone in a quick breath, but the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. It was surely nothing.

Kingsley made a beeline for the refreshments, as teenage boys usually do. It also carried the dual purpose of delaying the need to ask young ladies for their hands to dance. Kingsley rather despised dancing. Though naturally graceful, he never seemed to know the correct steps for the popular dances of the day and tread on toes with impunity. Later Lord Gordon would gently prod him to do his social duty, but for the moment he took pity on the lad and let him dodge the dance cards thrust towards him.

Lord Gordon took a moment to take in the room. It had been a hot summer night much like this one where he had met his darling wife. Fairytale like he had seen her, diamonds looking like starshine in her hair, both dimmed by the force of her smile and strength of her scent. He recognised in her what he had in himself, the howling beast that resided in their chest, making them just a little bit wild. It was love at first sight and the love blossomed between them over the years, making infatuation into the kind of deep fondness on which empires could be built. He wrapped an arm around her waist and she leant into it, thinking of the same memory. Alice pulled a face at the romance, since when were parents allowed such luxuries as romance?

Her grimace didn't last long. As her mother was brushing off her dress and making noises about finding some wine, a young man approached. He was tall and slender, with a bright spray of freckles across an elegant nose. His hair had the unmistakable bearing of curls squashed and soothed into submission, but nothing could dim the brightness of the orange it was. This distracted Alice so thoroughly it was only after a moment she remembered to curtsey. He was introduced and she too was, albeit via her mother.

His name was Leopold, though his friends called him Leo. He was a cousin of the family who owned this place, although slightly distantly. He was studying at Oxford and had came up especially for the season as his younger sister was coming out and he wanted to support her. He liked history and art. All of this Alice found out very rapidly. He spoke like a train rattling down a track and in trying to take it all in, she offered little about herself. He was nervous, she realised, trying to cover up his unease with words. Eventually, he got to the point.

"Miss Williamson. Would you do me the honour of a dance?" His eyes flickered towards the empty dance card at her wrist. At first, she thought it was out of pity. But then, she became aware of all the young men in the room and how many were hovering close by, waiting. It was not pity, rather, eagerness. This shocked her so very much she gave her consent.

A moment later after Leopold had departed, Sybil appeared at her elbow like a horrid specter. "You must attend to me at once Alice. You must not tread on his toes or turn too soon. Don't laugh without covering your mouth and smile like you have a secret. Don't fiddle with your gloves - " "It is only a dance Sybil." "To begin with, yes. But Leopold is one of the most eligible men in this room and it won't be a bad thing to impress him." "He asked me to dance, shouldn't he be impressing me?" Sybil gave her a long look which informed her exactly how foolish an opinion that was to have. Alice flushed, finished her glass of champagne and braced herself.

Across the room, Kingsley had watched the exchange with an academic interest. He was about to go and join his sisters, to gossip and discuss the already rather interesting turn of events, when he realised someone was beside him, also gazing out into the room.

It was a man a little older than himself. He had dark eyes and dark hair that was teased into dreadlocks. He had sharp cheekbones but a soft mouth. Kingsley looked away quickly, but not quite quickly enough.

"I prefer to stay on the sidelines too, don't worry." A small chuckle passed between them and Kingsley relaxed his shoulders a little, recognising a kindred spirit. "Are you here alone?" "No, my entire family are here." He nodded towards Alice and Sybil. "They're my sisters." "I'm here with a niece, though where exactly she has gotten to is a mystery." He held out a hand. "Michael." "Kingsley." His hand was warm and gentle. He turned back to the room and in companionable silence they observed.

Alice had made her way onto the dance floor, trying desperately to remember every tip that Sybil had forced into her mind two minutes prior. It was hopeless, as was she. Ladyship didn't come easily to her. Selene squeezed her arm in passing, hoping to pass on a little of her courage.

Leopold stood opposite her and gave a most ungentlemanly grin, like he was not in a room full of rules and looks, but somewhere else, perhaps a park or school. Inevitably, she found herself grinning back before she remembered the rule and covered her mouth with her hand. The music started, a light tune with much work on the fiddle and violin. It reminded her somehow of spring, of waking up to flowers and birdsong. Much better than the droll solemnity often trotted out in these occasions.

The dance begun. Kingsley, watching from slightly above, thought not for the first time of how much it looked like certain creatures from the animal kingdom, bees in the summer tracing their endless ritual paths. The formality was stifling. All of them would be feeling it, the moment of feeling trapped within stays and lacing, rules and regulations. But he chose to cling to them, using them to retain his humanity. What was more human than this party?

Alice kept her eyes on Leopold, and he kept her gaze evenly. The grins slipped away, giving way to an expression that she could not name. She was acutely aware of every touch between them, despite the layers of gloves and the swapping of partners. She began to be able to differentiate his scent from those around him - there was something earthy there, like standing in a woodland after rain or digging. It felt familiar and welcoming in this place full of artificial perfume.

Lady Williamson and Selene watched from the sidelines, their dancing days mostly done. A respite from the work of courting. Selene lamented it but Elise felt a sense of relief. She had found and kept her husband, and even loved him. No more performing, pretending or showing off. She could be as she was. Well, almost. Some things were not for public consumption. Selene, scandalous as always, made no secret of the fact she was looking for a second husband, much to Elise's dismay and amusement. The two women stood side by side and watched their girls dancing.

[superlockatrocity]

turtle said they’re fine with me starting sherlock without them so here i go :} S1EP1 of BBC Sherlock, a study in pink livewatch:

oh flashbacks! fun. why is my screen so dark

that’s kind of a sparse apartment you got there ― oh hi therapist lady my blog is going very well thank you for asking. why is your office so Big?

“i never get cabs!” ah. time to eat the ric ― pill?? spasming??? why are we focusing on the lady he was having an affair with. hello random people in the rain you are wimps rain is lovely why are you also taking a pill? oh. oh you Assholes why’d you take her keys?? you dipshits she needs those! i know you shouldn’t drive while you’re drunk but we don’t know that she is! aaaa!! see? now she’s taken that weird pill too!

everyone’s phone beeped with a text message saying “wrong”. i remember that this is sherlock texting them so 1) how did he get that text sent to all the people in that room? 2) why is no one reacting to this beyond “oh a text”? seriously this happens twice within the span of a minute and no one thinks that’s weird? 3) how is sherlock reacting in real time to this? is he there? if he’s watching it through a live news report, wouldn’t there still be at least a bit of lag with the camera feed and whatever he’s watching it on?

“well, don’t commit suicide” jesus shit, lestrade, fuck you too. 

this is the third time that everyone’s gotten the exact same text! why is no one mentioning how weird that is!

oh, lestrade doesn’t know how sherlock got the numbers either. alright cool

“i knew him, he was nice : )” “cool lemme just desecrate his fresh corpse in front of you” “ok! this somehow does not lessen my crush on you!“    oh gods i feel so sorry for this woman.

“i play the violin when i’m thinking and sometimes i don’t talk for days on end” oh my ― if sherlock were not such a great stickbug of an asshole i’d love to be a flatmate with him. he can even keep the skull! but no! he’s got to be an enormous string of eloquent flatulence!

this isn’t anything to do with the show, but my dad brought home fried chicken and i just got such a strong sudden aftertaste of it that i couldn’t focus on fuckin anything what’s going on now? oh text messages sent okie

ah! another person taking that pill! hot damn she got shaky fuckin hands

das a lotta boxes. sherlock, did you ever learn how to clean up after yourself? like, properly?

“there’s another bedroom upstairs, if you’ll be needing two bedrooms” ok so . . . . either there’s something about john that makes mrs. hudson think “oh he Gay” or there’s something about sherlock’s behaviour that leads her to believe sherlock bringing a man home means a romantic and/or sexual relationship. like, this is the first episode. we’re fourteen minutes in. this is the first instance of someone mentioning/bringing up john and sherlock being together in some way ― the first episode. jesus.

why is it dark now? how far away are they from . . . . uh. wherever lestrade said the thing was?

“the police don’t consult amateurs” FHRUIGHIRHG THAT LOOK IS SO OFFENDED “yeah no SHIT they don’t consult amateurs nimrod the fuck do you think i am? ‘amateurs’, sure.” oh there’s that chicken taste again don’t like that

“you never see those marks on a sober man’s phone, never see a drunk’s without them” yeah my wholly-sober-blind-around-the-edges-shaky-hands-having-ass self would beg to differ.

alright. in all honesty, sherlock’s reaction to john’s “that . . . was amazing” is kind of endearing. he pauses for a moment, as if to give john time to take it back, then asks “really?” just to make doubly sure. this says that no one has ever reacted like that before to his analyzing ― well, anything. or if they have, they’ve been few and far between.

yeup, that’s a dead body. actually, that’s a. really tidy dead body? like, the others were curled up or something and she’s just. plap flat on her face. s’weird.

i mean i didn’t really see any difference between her ring and the rest of her jewellery (disregard my being blind ‘round the edges for a moment thank you) so you don’t think she could’ve. y’know, fiddled with her ring all the time? it’s what i do with mine ― in fact i’ve fiddled with it so much the resin came off, so.

“PINK!”

aaand john is left to make his way home by himself. nice, sherlock.

“he’s not paid or anything” wait so. sherlock WHERE are you getting whatever amounts of money you have from. sir?? do you. are you still getting an allowance??? sir? hello?? like i get that y’ain’t too well off given you’re looking for a flatmate to share the rent with, but if you’re not being paid for literally the ONLY thing you do professionally then how the fuck are you managing your finances?

“’cause he’s a psychopath!” ahhh. we love ableism in this house :)    okay yeah so one instance of iffy language isn’t this huge indication of ableism, but it really doesn’t sit well with me that sherlock is called a psychopath just for being an observant asshole

“i’m watching you through street surveillance cameras! no, this isn’t creepy and invasive :) i don’t know what you’re talking about! aren’t i cool and mysterious?”

hot diggity damn this car ride is awkward and i am uncomfortable hahahaha :)))

“and since yesterday you’ve moved in with him and now you’re solving crimes together. might we expect a happy announcement by the end of the week?” ok that’s the SECOND character ― still within the first episode ― to comment on how close john and sherlock are, and he’s doing it while making note of how weird it is that they meshed so quickly! and the way he says “do you plan to continue your association with sherlock holmes” fuckin sounds like a shovel talk.

YOU SNITCHED HIS THERAPIST’S NOTES??????

hhhhh more awkward car rides help me

i thought you did violin playing when you were thinking? why the nicotine. i ― sherlock you are such a little shit.

“a friend??” “an enemy” “oh, yeah that makes way more sense. i got multiple, d’you know which one it was?” “the. the dramatic one.” “well that narrows it down.”

oh jesus fuck my neighbors are getting physically loud now i’m concerned

jesus sherlock CHILL. people can’t type that fast on a phone alright? yeesh

hey what the fuck did you just step on dude

i ― SHOES ON THE FURNITURE. SHAME. SHAME, SHERLOCK, GET YOUR SHOES OFF THE FURNITURE YOU UNCIVILIZED UNCULTURED FOULMANNERED HEATHEN. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

wh ― no mrs. hudson! why’d you take the skull? was good skull. listened well. why you take it. Q_Q

“disappeared from busy streets” i mean technically one of them disappeared from an empty street but you can’t know that so.

aaa! *pointing aggressively* aaaaaa!! that’s the third person to think there’s something going on between john and sherlock, he’s just the only person to be so blatant about it!    and then. and then. john himself brings up the idea of sherlock having a male partner ― and sherlock doesn’t actually deny being attracted to men, he just sort of looks over like “my attention’s been caught what is it” ― and then talks about the both of them being single. and then sherlock taKES THIS AS AN ATTEMPT AT FLIRTING.

okay i. i have to separate this into parts i’m only halfway through the episode and i’m exhausted. gonna take a break (hopefully tune out my neighbors’ drunken screaming) and come back with the rest of this in a reblog. see y’all later.

―mod mouse

[takonei]

Beta AU - Main story, Chapter 3, daily life (Part 3)

Note of the author: I legit finished this chapter a few days ago but I wanna keep a regular update schedule.

Day 11 since the beginning of the game. 8:00 AM.

The morning announcement played, waking up Shuichi.

The motive the monokubs gave them was still on his mind. Even though the disease was very unpractical, why would anyone kill because of it?

He shook his head. Perhaps he could try to visit Rantaro after breakfast.

After getting dressed up, he left his room to go to the dining hall.

Almost everyone was already here, not counting the ‘hospital team’.

“Hey there! Did you sleep well?” Miu asked him.

Shuichi hummed, still a bit tired. “How are the others?”

“I gave the hospital team breakfast and they looked fine according to Rantaro.” she replied.

“And what about him?”

She sighed. “He says he’s fine but he looks really tired. I told him to get some sleep but he says he ‘already took a nap’.”

She clearly didn’t believe him. He probably lied so he wouldn’t be scolded by an overprotective Miu.

Who knows how much longer this is going to last. They could only hope the Monokubs would give them a break.

They finished breakfast in silence.

Shuichi decided to pay a visit to Rantaro.

After going to the fourth floor, he realized he didn’t hear a thing. He approached the corridor with the three rooms and noticed him sleeping on a chair. Or so he thought, because the medic immediately opened his eyes and turned to him.

“Hey there. Did you sleep well?” Rantaro asked.

Shuichi blinked. “Yes, what about you? You did have to take care of the others, did you even sleep?”

He chuckled. “Yes, yes I did. Well sort of. I’m pretty much trained to keep myself in a half-sleeping state. Of course it doesn’t help me rest as much as normal sleeping but at least I can keep an eye on those three in case something goes wrong.”

Shuichi was still a bit worried. “Are you planning on sleeping on a chair until the disease disappears?”

He shrugged. “I don’t think I’ll keep up alone for more than week at most. But I don’t think Monokuma will let us do nothing for an entire week. So either he’ll try to put a stop on the illness or...”

He trailed off, then sighed. “Please keep an eye on the others for me, okay?”

Shuichi nodded. “Count on us.”

By the sound of his voice, Rantaro really felt powerless over the situation. Of course he volunteered to take care of the patients, but he sounded almost sure that something was going to happen to the rest of the group.

Shuichi wanted to say everything was going to be okay, but seeing how he was right the last time he said something similar, he could only prepare for the worst.

He left the fourth floor, a part of him still hoping things would go their way.

Just as he entered the dining hall, he noticed Himiko talking to Miu, the former looking visibly worried.

“Listen, I know you’re worried about him and it’s really nice of you to go check on him, but Rantaro told me there’s still a risk if you stay in the corridor 10 hours of the day.” Miu said, arms crossed, a disappointed look on her face.

The petite girl slammed her palms on the table. “But I can’t leave him like this! He isn’t taking any of this well and I’m the only one he listens to!”

Shuichi felt like he came at the wrong moment.

Miu turned to him. Her gaze screamed “Help me. Please.”

He approached the two. “What... Happened?”

“Himiko stays way too much time in front of Kokichi’s door and Rantaro is worried there might be risks she gets the disease.”

“You guys don’t understand anything! You haven’t... You... He...” Himiko trailed off. “... He constantly panics about what the disease does to him... To them and to us... I try to tell him that everything’s okay but he says he can’t help it...”

Shuichi hummed, trying to think of a solution.

“Whenever Kaz felt sad or was made fun of at school, I cooked him a batch of cupcakes. It never failed to cheer him up.” Miu muttered, voice low. However she had a weak, nostalgic smile on her face.

“Cupcakes?” Himiko raised an eyebrow.

“Good idea! You two could make some, right?” Shuichi smiled.

The street artist crossed her arms confidently. “Walls aren’t my only canvas you know?”

“You know how to make cupcakes??” the astronomer asked her with wide eyes.

Miu laughed. “You underestimate me, twinkle! I’m more than capable of baking cakes!”

Himiko suddenly jumped to get to only a few centimetres from her face. “Then teach me!!”

Miu instinctively backed off. “Sheesh, twinkle! You’re determined aren’t you?”

Himiko’s gaze was intense, even though she wasn’t exactly intimidating.

Miu blinked a few times, then raised her hands like she was surrendering. “Alright, alright. You got me.”

She stood up and scratched Himiko’s head. “It’s decided! You’re coming with me and we’ll do the best cupcakes spooky boy has ever tasted!”

“Spooky boy?!?”

“What, you got a better nickname?”

“I just call him Kichi!”

“That’s a ‘you’ problem, I’m sticking to spooky boy!”

The two cheerfully bickered, Miu dragging Himiko to the kitchen. Shucihi smiled. It looked like the problem was solved.

Shuichi wasn’t really in the mood to do much this morning. He more or less knew what the others were doing.

Angie was finally talking to Kiyo in the courtyard.

Kaito and Keebo were once again in the warehouse for an attempted maintenance.

Kirumi was in her lab, probably making sure everything was still in place.

And finally, Miu and Himiko were baking their cupcakes.

He decided to go to his own lab to play some violin.

Stepping in the room was enough to make him feel guilty.

After all, his last audience consisted of both Kaede and Maki, who were now together in the afterlife.

He looked at the spot the two were sleeping at only a few days ago. Maki was resting on Kaede’s shoulder, their hands intertwined. They felt peaceful back then.

And then Maki, out of desperation accidentally killed Kaede when her goal was to make the two of them escape.

As much as he told himself this wasn’t his fault, the guilt wouldn’t go away. They had sent Maki to her death. A brutal death, that is.

He shook his head and grabbed the violin to try and make those thoughts go away.

Several music sheets were scattered across the floor. Was he always that messy?

He took one that was isolated from the rest and read the title.

“Autumn by Vivaldi... Why not?”

He placed the sheet on the desk, made sure the door was closed and started playing.

Playing violin was very relaxing, and Shuichi understood why Kaede was writing so much in her notebook when she was stressed.

When he finished the song he exhaled a deep breath and opened his eyes. He just needed the first few notes to remember the whole song, so not looking at the sheet wasn’t much of a problem.

He suddenly turned to the bench in front of him.

Kirumi was sitting here, silent. She clapped her hands once his eyes landed on hers.

“H-How long have you been watching?” Shuichi asked nervously.

“Not so long, do not worry. I was headed to the fourth floor to ask Rantaro if he had any preferences for lunch and I heard you playing so I thought I could pay a visit.” she replied, standing up. “You have a wonderful talent Shuichi. This really was pleasing to the ears.”

Shuichi blushed a little and scratched the back of his neck. “T-Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I shall head to the fourth floor, but I look forward the next time you play a song.”

The violinist chuckled. “I don’t have much to do, so I’ll probably stay here for a while.”

“Well, Miu and Himiko are using the kitchen if I’m correct, so I might as well stay here when I’m done checking on the hospital team. If it doesn’t bother you of course.” she fiddled with a lock of hair.

“No, not at all! It’s just that I’m a bit surprised you like my music.” he shook his head.

Kirumi briefly smiled. “You are not the ultimate violinist for nothing, Shuichi.”

She left the lab to check on the others, as she said.

A few minutes later she came back, as Shuichi was going through different music sheets.

“You know, I had heard your name several times during my missions.” she explained.

“Huh? Really?”

She nodded. “Of course you never were the target some were paying me to kill. But I heard several times your name from high-ranking clients and targets.”

She let out a dry laugh. “Some of them joked about how I shouldn’t kill a violin legend like you even for an extremely high amount of money. Hypocrites.”

This sent a shiver down his spine. Even if Kirumi claimed no one wanted his death, the fact that the ultimate mercenary had the same clients as him was disturbing, to say the least.

“I see... Wait ‘hypocrites’?” he asked her.

“Those people are literally asking me not to kill someone for money and then pay me hundreds of thousands of yens to see their target dead.” Kirumi continued.

Shuichi had some trouble understanding her intentions.

“Um... If it’s not too personal... Why did you start this job?” he asked.

Kirumi’s expression didn’t change, but it was clear she wasn’t going to answer. “Unfortunately I can’t give you the full details for your safety. All I can tell you is that I wasn’t born in the best place in order to live a normal life.”

Shuichi nodded.

The two continued to switch between violin music and discussions about various topics, but avoiding talking about Kirumi’s life.

He didn’t want to know what would happen if he knew more about her, he just knew the consequences would not be pleasant for him.

-

Around noon, the others reunited to the dining hall to eat.

Miu and Himiko had finished the cupcakes, and from what Himiko said, Kokichi was confused at first because he didn’t know what a cupcake was, but was very grateful for the gesture.

Angie finally talked about her issues to Kiyo. However the therapist decided to keep those informations for himself, but assured Shuichi that things were going okay.

Keebo was still glitching from time to time, but Kaito managed to help him maintaining himself for the time being.

Afternoon came and as usual, the others went their own ways.

Angie decided to spend the afternoon locked in her lab doing sculpture.

Kiyo and Kaito were talking in the courtyard.

Keebo and Kirumi were in the latter’s lab to relax.

Himiko was again in front of Kokichi’s door.

Miu was walking around the casino, so Shuichi joined her.

“What’s up? You here to play?”

Shuichi shrugged. “I don’t really know, I mean some items from the machines are nice but I’m not looking for anything in particular...”

She scratched the top of his head and gave him a tap on the back. “Don’t sweat it! The more the merrier!”

The two joined the casino and played various games for a while.

After collecting a great amount of medals, they headed to the premium exchange counter. There were various weird items here, so they bought a bunch of not-that-necessary items for themselves or to offer.

Shuichi didn’t miss Miu getting a love key, even though she tried to hide it.

Even though the bar was devoid of people, they sat there to compare what they bought.

Miu examined the plant Shuichi had bought. “I wish I had time to take care of these... I already got a son and an artist career to maintain.”

He smiled. “Say, you look happier these days. I’m glad you manage your issues correctly.”

Her eyes widened for a second. “I’m... Just glad I managed to get back to my old mom habits.”

“You mean how you always prepare breakfast for the others and make sure the hospital team stays healthy?”

She blushed at the indirect mention of the Rantaro. “I-It’s nothing I- It’s just- It’s-” she stuttered, then groaned, putting her head in her crossed arms on the counter. “I can’t help it, I have to take care of someone or else I’m nervous.”

Shuichi gently tapped on her shoulder in comfort. “It’s alright, it’s not hurting anyone anyway.”

She put her head in her palms, elbows on the counter. “Yeah but doesn’t it feel weird for you guys that I’m starting to treat you like my own kids??”

The boy shrugged. “As long as you’re not the overly protective mom then I don’t mind. You said it helps you relax so I don’t see why you shouldn't do it.”

Miu weakly smiled and scratched his head. “... Thanks, Shuichi.”

“No problem.”

The two left the casino to join the others, since it was already starting to get dark. How long had they stayed here?

They quickly put the items they got in their dorms and returned to the main building.

When they arrived, everyone was either chatting in the dining hall, except Kirumi, who was preparing dinner.

Miu joined her to give her a hand, but was ordered to give the meals to the hospital team. She called Shuichi and the two brought the plates to the fourth floor.

Rantaro walked out of Ryoma’s room.

“Hello there.” he said.

“We got the meals!” Miu cheerfully announced.

He gave them a thumbs up. “Can you put mine in my lab like yesterday please?”

“I’ll do it. Thanks a lot for your service, Rantaro.” Shuichi said.

He left a plate to Miu and brought the other one to the medic’s lab.

When the girl came back to the dining hall, she explained to Shuichi that Rantaro usually waited until the others ate before doing so. Mostly to make sure they were actually eating.

The group had dinner peacefully and everyone parted their ways to the dorms, or stayed outside for a bit.

Shuichi returned to his room. he would usually talk to Rantaro, but since he was busy taking care of the others, he simply went to his room, having nothing to do.

He took a look back at the items he got. He placed the plant on the small table, read a bit of the travel journal and tried to understand how the strange card game he got worked.

He went to sleep, still worrying about the hospital team, but there wasn’t much he could do.

-

Day 12 since the beginning of the game. 7:20 AM.

Since Shuichi went to sleep early, he woke up earlier than expected.

After taking a quick shower and dressing up, he headed to the dining hall. Keebo was the only one there.

“Oh, good morning, Shuichi.” he said.

“Good morning... I suppose Kirumi and Miu are preparing breakfast?” he asked, taking a seat.

The robot nodded.

Just as Kirumi entered the dining hall, a plate of toast and a carafe of orange juice in hand, Monodam entered the room as well.

“...”

The three looked at the silent robotic bear. He was usually with his siblings, chanting their annoying catchphrase.

“Why are you here?” Kirumi coldly asked.

“YOU-GUYS-DID-NOT-GET-ALONG.”

Keebo frowned. “What are you saying?”

“ONE-OF-YOU-MADE-A-MESS-IN-THE-SHRINE-OF-JUDGEMENT. THIS-IS-NOT-GETTING-ALONG.”

The three looked at each other, worry growing inside them.

The bear left them without answering any questions.

Shuichi took a deep breath. “We should... Try to see what happened.”

Kirumi frowned. “I have a very bad feeling about this.”

He was almost certain something bad happened. Something really bad.

It looked like the other two thought the same, so they hurried to the shrine of judgement.

They opened the door.

A horrifying sight appeared before them.

On the ground, was scattered several blood stained sharp objects and hammers.

And in the middle of it, drowning in a pool of blood was the mangled, almost unrecognizable corpse...

... Of Himiko Yumeno, the ultimate astronomer.

[silversoulstardust]

bokukuroakatsukki/ third gym musician au!

part 1 of ??

ok i was bored waiting in line at the bank so i drafted this. im not a musician and have little to none basic musical knowledge but hear me out

 • pianist tsukki, cellist bokuto, violinist kuroo, conductor akaashi

 • tsukki and akaashi are proper orchestral musicians, you know, the whole black suit and bow tie kinda stuff, play at concert halls

 • whereas kuroo and bokuto are aspiring rockstars who use classical music instruments for rock rendition of classical music and modern rock music using classical instruments

 • imagine: vivaldi winter but rock version

 • bokuroo play anywhere they can! outside a subway station, in the middle of touristy street, at a park, a club where indie band usually perform

 • they even have their own youtube channel! mostly its them messing around during practice and other times its amateur recordings of their performance on the street. they only got like, 100 views and 7 likes, but hey, they just want to spread the love for classical instruments, ya know? it's fun!

 •  also before y'all start going up my arse on how hinata and lev are a part of third gym too: lev is a drummer and hinata is an electric guitarist. they cameo in bokuroo videos sometimes and gawdddd their practice videos are so chaotic its entertaining

 • extra hc you didn't ask for but imma give anyway: kuroo's best friend kenma is dating hinata bc ya know how the guitarist always get the best girl/guy? yup

 • also: you know that phantom of the opera rock rendition in The Umbrella Academy season 1? they watched it once on their usual Neflix Fridays and bokuto was like "my dUDES wE ARe PlaYING THIS!"

 • best believe they nailed it and have it uploaded on youtube

 • it got like 570 hits and 19 likes but who cares! music is fun!!!

 • kuroo is the kind of person who can play by ear (hear it once and can immitate it) whereas bokuto is a fast learner and can catch up with kuroo easily

 • anyways. tsukki and akaashi. tsukki is a struggling child genius who is having a hard time to accept the fact that as he grows older, he's not as special as he was lead to believe. you know. the curse of being a gifted child. he's a very talented pianist, no doubt, but he used to being laid back on this whole practice thing and now younger people are catching up with him and it is bothering him

 • so tsukki started to let go and let himself fall off the bandwagon

 • akaashi is the new conductor for the orchestra and he is a talented musician too

 • akaashi can play violin, piano, cello, thrombone and flute

 • he is a nervous bean who is always worried he can't live up to the expectation, being a conductor at such a young age

 • he too, have forgotten about the joy of music because he's stressed all the time

 • tsukki and akaashi's talent were discovered around the same time when they were like, 10, 11?? so they literally grew up together

 • young akaashi was first chair violinist when he first started out but he has always been interested to conduct

 •  because of their close age gap, whenever they travel around for performances they always share the same room

 • young tsukki is the type who can't sleep well in a new environment and it always affect his performance during opening day

 • even though he tries to act tough like he have it under control, akaashi can see right through him

 • so after 2 or 3 bad opening performances akaashi suggested to tsukki they should sleep in the same bed bc akaashi's mom always did it whenever he had difficulty falling asleep. obviously tsukki protested at first, but it's not easy saying no to akaashi

 • young akaashi bows to tsukki "sorry for the intrusion" before gracefully lifting the heavy duvet and sneaking under it

 • it got awkward at first. they can feel each other's shoulder touching and warmth radiating from each other's body. between the two of them, akaashi eventually fell asleep first while fiddling with his fingers. his head shifted to lean on tsukki's shoulder in his sleep bc well you tend to gravitate towards warm things in your sleep

 • cue little tsukki's first gay panic

 • but damn it akaashi's hair smells so nice and tsukki soon drifted asleep too. the first good sleep during his entire travel and he owes it to akaashi

 • so they did it. they slept in the same bed together. and it continues on for the next 10 years, well into adulthood

 • platonically, mind you. nothing sexual.

 • tsukki loves waking up to akaashi all wrapped up around his midsection, smelling and playing with his soft hair

 • and akaashi loves watching tsukki when he's asleep bc he looks so innocent when he doesn't spout salty shit (to other people not to akaashi)

 • anyway, the theme is: mutual pining

 • whereas bokuto and kuroo are more like bros 4 lyfe who do stupid shit together like watch porn and jack each other off every now and then

 • but no homo, bro

 • they met when they were 18 at college and rented a small apartment together and bc they wanted a home studio, they turned the master bedroom into one and ended up sharing a small bedroom together

 • so waking up to morning woods is a pretty normal occasion

 • bokuto's "bro im so horny right now" and kuroo's "want me to blow you?" is also a normal occurance

 • neither can get a long term girlfriend bc they are broke musicians who always chase after the next new music to try. so they resort to each other when they needed a quick fix

 • anyway, so they're some broke ass musicians/college students trying to make a living in metropolitan tokyo playing gigs everywhere

 • and on a fateful cold autumn evening, the four of them crossed path.

Tbc I guess.

Probably add on your ideas too?? lol

I'm posting this from mobile so I'll add the read more later k sorry y'all have to see the whole thing for now

[mamapeach7]

Daeul

Preview / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8 / Chapter 9 / Chapter 10 / Chapter 11 / Chapter 12 / Chapter 13 / Chapter 14 / Chapter 15 / Chapter 16 / Chapter 17 / bonus

Chapter 16

-

Hyuk smiled warmly at Daeul before patting his head and taking a seat next to him at the dining table. “Sleep well, Daeul?”

“The host came by early and dropped this off.”, he said as he gently placed a bag of peaches on the table, flashing Hanji a smile.

She grabbed the bag and took the contents out to wash them, trying to distract herself from Hyuk’s warm gazes.

“Alright, I have some work to finish up today so...You two okay with being alone?”, Hyuk asked with a brow raised.

Hanji looked toward Daeul and didn’t miss the look of disappointment on his face upon hearing what his dad had said. To reassure him she spoke, “We’ll be fine -- I think he said he wanted to go for a swim so I-I’ll take him.”

She pointed lightly to the backyard of their temporary home, directing to the small pool outside.

Hyuk nodded softly before patting Daeul’s head once more and pecking his cheek lightly.

“Alright, I’ll see you later then.”, he said with a small smile toward Hanji before leaving, making her hold her chest when he wasn’t looking.

~

Their three days had been spent either walking by the beach, eating or just lazing around the house waiting for Hyuk to return so they could actually do something productive.

The doorbell rang when Daeul and Hanji sat by the pool, making them turn to each other in confusion.

Hanji wrapped the boy around with a towel before grabbing her black silk robe designed with roses, to cover herself up. Afterall, she wouldn’t appreciate a stranger eyeing her down even in a white one-piece.

When she opened the door, there was no one there rather a small envelope on the doormat.

She allowed Daeul to wait behind her as she picked it up and pulled out the contents of it, which was a small note with writing all too familiar to her.

Meet me at The Leo by seven o’clock.

Jerico will come by to pick up Daeul at six.

Hyuk.

Who the hell is Jerico?, she furrowed her brows and turned to Daeul who jutted his bottom lip as he waited to get changed out of his wet clothes.

~

Well apparently Jerico was an employee from the nearby villas who ran the daycare for families. He certainly came by at six o’clock sharp to pick Daeul up who cried loudly upon being sent away.

Not being able to bear seeing him so upset, Hanji herself volunteered to come along with them to drop him off and she would find her own way to the restaurant which Hyuk had informed her about.

She felt a slight tinge inside her with the remembrance of the incident they had been through months before -- their hands tied together with tape and rope and guns pointed at their heads.

But then Jerico let her know that they had the boy’s father’s full consent and that he would be safe under any circumstances, and she certainly trusted Hyuk at this point.

They were generous enough to bring her to The Leo, dropping her off at the front.

She walked through the open doors in her long white dress, another white cardigan placed on her shoulders as she wore her hair down. She made sure to wear a long-lasting perfume and lotioned her arms thoroughly.

“Miss Oh.”, she heard a voice say.

“This way please.”, the voice belonged to an usher of sorts who led her past the chattering customers and toward the back of the restaurant.

When he opened the door, she hesitantly took a step in and instantly her eyes laid upon Kwon Hyuk himself who sat at a small table for two, swirling the ice in his water.

He lifted his head and met her eyes, smiling instantly upon seeing her. Standing up quickly, he pulled a chair out for her which she was shy to take at first but eventually did thanks to the warm smile on his face.

“You made it.”, he said once he sat down in his own seat, making her smile tightly as a shy blush crept upon her cheeks.

Leaning his elbows on the table, Hyuk lowered his head. “I uh...I’m sorry I’ve been so busy with work -- I-I didn’t bring the two of you here all to leave you alone.”

“No, no! I-I get it, and it’s not like you’re not trying at all. And D-Daeul knows how to have fun, anyway.”, she giggled.

Just then the same usher, now a waiter it seemed, delivered them a bottle of red wine and poured a small amount into their glasses. Two other waiters brought what Hanji guessed their appetizers were -- Polynesian chicken wings, which made her smile at Hyuk’s simplicity.

“I hope he hasn’t been giving you too much of a hard time.”

“N-No, not at all!”, Hanji said as they shyly picked up a piece of their meal. “Y-You know, he looks so much like you. I-It’s almost as if you gave birth to him yourself.”

She laughed in between her words, making Hyuk laugh loudly himself. He threw his head back making noises which made Hanji widen her eyes.

Is he choking? Oh my gosh, he’s choking!

“I...Haven’t...Heard that one before.”, he said laughing throughout his sentence. Okay, you’re okay.

“Yea he uh, well I’ve been told he looks and acts a lot like me but in a way...he’s like his mom too.”

This made Hanji freeze in her spot, awkwardly holding a small chicken wing between her fingers. “H-His mom.”

He seemed comfortable talking about her -- continuing to break apart a chicken wing as he spoke. “Yea, but we haven’t spoken since he was born.”

“C-Can you tell me about her?”

~

He comfortably explained to her that Daeul’s birth mom had held a relationship with Hyuk since his early twenties, and that when he was twenty-seven she had gotten pregnant with his son.

“At that time she was applying for a job in Australia and I wanted her to stay here for the sake of the baby and of course...I-I thought we would become a family.”

Two months after Daeul was born and after having lived with Hyuk and his family in the grand home of his parents, she had gotten the job in Sydney. However, she promised that she would return one day for Hyuk and their child and they would continue their life together.

“That was almost three years ago.”

Hanji looked longingly at him, her eyes beginning to show pity which was possibly the last thing he needed.

Sighing heavily, he said, “She’s married now, though.”

Hanji closed her eyes momentarily in both shock and disappointment, not knowing exactly how to comfort him.

“I...I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I got to keep Daeul.”, Hyuk smiled warmly.

“D-Do you still think about her?”, Hanji asked hesitantly, fiddling with her thumbs under the table.

Jutting his bottom lip, Hyuk nodded softly making the woman in front of him lower her head with a certain clench in her heart. You’ve no right to feel jealous, Oh Hanji.

“Every now and then. But don’t worry...There’s been someone else on my mind as of late.”

Hyuk tilted his head and waited for Hanji to raise her head and once she did, he locked eyes with her. A small smirk on his face let her know that whatever she was thinking in that moment, she was correct. That maybe, just maybe she was that person occupying his thoughts lately.

Just then they heard the soft sound of cellos and what Hanji could only make out, a violin. She smiled tightly, looking over to the balcony right on her left side and saw a small quartet on the floor below them.

Then she caught a glimpse of the setting sun right before her, the orange and yellows merging together with the turquoise water, making her wonder where the sea ended and the sky began.

“Do you want to dance?”

Ripping her eyes away from the view, she saw Hyuk’s hand to her right and they travelled to meet his gaze, now standing right next to her.

I’ve never danced.

He gently grabbed a hold of her hand which made her stand up on instinct before he wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her close. She felt awkward. His face which she had admired from afar now just mere centimeters away from hers and his eyes piercing into hers.

She gently wrapped her arms around his shoulders lowering her head to avoid his gaze.

“I haven’t done this in a while.”, he softly said to her.

I haven’t done this ever.

“Are you feeling alright?”, he asked with slight worry in his voice.

Hanji still kept her gaze away from his. “I-Is this alright? I uh, I don’t know how people will react to a caretaker dancing with her employ--”

“Are you afraid of what people will say?”, he questioned and she knew the way his brows looked without even glancing at him.

She nodded slowly, feeling slightly embarrassed of her pride. “Are you afraid because you don’t feel the same way?”

If it wasn’t the tension that made her finally look at him, it was definitely his question. They stopped swaying as she stared into his eyes longingly, her mouth slightly agape.

“W-What do--”

“I know you still think about what I’ve said -- about know-knowing your place…”

“...But now...I-I want you out of that place.”

He tightened his grip around her, pulling her even closer to his chest. “C-Can we try something?”. Hanji quickly glanced at his lips before nodding softly.

“I-In this moment, right now. L-Look at me as me. Not as your employer, Oh Hanji…”

And with that, he closed the mere distance between them by softly attaching their lips to each other. To say Hanji melted would be an understatement -- she could feel her body pushing itself into Hyuk’s as her eyes finally closed to enjoy their moment.

The instrumental of John Legend’s Ordinary People complimented their shared kiss -- soft moans exchanged every now and then as they entangled their lips with open-mouthed kisses.

Somewhere in the middle, Hyuk slightly raised Hanji from the ground by her waist, her chest still pressed against him, twirling her around making them break apart from their kiss as she giggled quietly into his ear.

When he placed her down, he kissed her once more before pulling her into a tight hug with his nose nuzzled into the smooth skin of her neck.

--

Fun Story Fact #16:

Hanji’s silk robe is inspired by one the writer owns.

[zontiky]

Day 17: Violin

@totallyevan again, not late at all.

read it on ao3

_____

Vanya’s tuning her violin when Diego bursts into her room. She almost drops the instrument. Diego throws a quick glance at her fingers plucking the strings and nods decisively, moving towards her and taking her arm. “Keep the fiddle,” he says already dragging her out of her room.

“It’s not a fiddle,” Vanya protests. “Where are we going? I was in the middle of practicing.”

“The fiddle and the violin are the exact same instrument,” says Diego. He’s walking down the stairs, grip still firm on her forearm. Vanya’s other hand is pressing her violin close to her. “The name just depends on what kind of music you play.”

Vanya thinks back to a little boy who she’d taught for a while. He used to spout fun facts whenever he wasn’t playing, rambling on and on about music and composers and space and did you know that Beethoven was deaf? Diego’s right, the violin and fiddle are one and the same.

“How do you know that?”

He glances back at her. Vanya stumbles. Doesn’t quite fall because Diego rights her again. “I know things, contrary to popular opinion.”

“Nobody said you didn’t.”

Diego rolls his eyes, and without a hint of malice says, “The first day Five came back he immediately called me an idiot.”

“That’s not fair,” argues Vanya. “Five is just like that. Besides, he’s getting better at his people skills now.”

Diego snorts. “Tell that to the guy he nearly decapitated last week.”

Vanya tilts her head in acceptance. “That’s fair. So where are you dragging me?”

Diego grins. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“I would.”

“It’s a surprise.”

Vanya sighs. “Can I at least put my violin back?”

Diego shakes his head. They’re off the stairs now, walking through the hallways of the ground floor. “You’re gonna need it.”

Vanya looks down at her violin awkwardly clutched in one hand and her bow held in the other. Diego is still firmly gripping her forearm. She tightens her fingers on the wood of the fingerboard.

“Here,” her brother says as they stop in front of the door to the courtyard. “Get ready.”

“What?”

He pushes open the door, finally letting go of her arm.

Vanya flinches back because- It’s so loud. Not noise-loud, but just… loud. The scene itself is loud.

“Oh!” yells Klaus. “Guys, Vanya’s here!”

“Did she bring the violin?” Ben’s head pops up from behind… A piano? Why do they have a piano? Where did the piano come from?

“Yep,” says Diego.

“Oh, sweet!” Ben cheers. “Five, look! Vanya’s here!”

“I know, dipshit,” Five says. “I’m literally right here, I can hear what you’re saying.”

Vanya looks around, but with the grand piano and the trombone case and music stands, along with chairs arranged in a half-circle and a drum kit, she can’t see Five. There’s a cord trailing from a set of speakers back to the house, and she carefully steps over it. “Where is Five?”

“I’m right here,” he calls again. Vanya swivels her head, but still can’t see. “Here. Vanya.”

“He’s in the piano,” Diego says.

“I’m in the piano,” agrees Five. “It’s kinda nice.”

Vanya audibly inhales through her nose. “You can’t- you can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Five says from inside the piano. “I mean, I fit alright. It’s a bit cozy but I can jump out just fine. The strings are cool. I didn’t know there were so many.”

“Yeah you did,” counters Ben. “You’ve watched the inside while I played before.”

Vanya can picture Five shrugging. “I guess. Huh.”

“Get out of the piano, Five.” She bites her lip, eyeing the body of the instrument. It looks like Five is somewhere in the center. The lid is open, but she can’t see any part of him peeking out. “You’re going to break it.”

“But-”

“Get out.”

There’s a sigh from Five and a mumble of “it was just getting good” from Klaus, and then Five is standing in front of the piano, slightly disheveled. He brushes off his button-up, smoothing the creases. “Killjoy.”

“I’m not a killjoy,” Vanya says. “I just don’t want you to ruin an expensive instrument. Whose money did you buy that with anyway?”

“Dad’s,” Ben pipes up. “Not like he needs it anymore anyway, and I needed a piano.”

“You didn’t need anything. You were playing the keyboard just fine.”

“Shut up, Diego.”

Diego shrugs. “Just saying.”

“It’s not the same,” says Ben. “Keyboard just… Doesn’t cut it. Piano reigns supreme.”

“Whatever you say, Benny,” Klaus says, breaking his previous silence. “We all know that the true superior instrument is the-” He cuts himself off to cough into his fist and then to raise it to the sky in a cruddy imitation of an opera singer. “-voice.” He sings the last word in a wobbly falsetto. Vanya resists the urge to slam her hands against her ears.

“Why is all this stuff out here anyway?” she asks.

“What stuff?” Luther says as he appears from the doorway. “Oh. Like, everything?”

“Yeah.”

He shrugs. “Family Bonding Fun Time.”

“What?”

“Klaus’ words, not mine,” he tells her. “Besides, it’s kind of accurate.”

Klaus whoops. “Hell yeah it is! We’re a family! We’re gonna bond! And have some fucking fun!”

“Do you have to shout so early in the morning?”

“It’s like, one in the afternoon,” Diego corrects Five.

“Still too early.”

Klaus shrugs one shoulder, his scarf falling off of it in the process. “Sorry.”

“Whatever.”

There’s a loud screech of feedback from Luther’s direction. He’s crouched over the speakers which are now plugged in apparently, tapping the mic. “My bad,” he says. “It all works fine though.”

Klaus cheers. Ben gives an enthusiastic wave. Diego does weak jazz hands. Five only snorts and rolls his eyes, not even bothering to conceal the fondness behind the gesture.

“Where’s Allison?” Vanya asks. Luther throws a glance to where he came from.

“She’s coming,” he says. “Mom is too, they just needed to finish some stuff.”

“Stuff?”

Luther shrugs. “I don’t know. Ask them.”

“Mom was making sandwiches,” Diego says.

“You shouldn’t play an instrument and eat at the same time,” points out Ben. “It’ll get food inside it.”

“Yeah,” agrees Luther. “Food inside a trombone is… gross.”

Five, their resident clarinet player, nods sagely.

“Well, they should be done soon,” says Klaus. “We need them here for our band.”

“Band? It’s a band now?” Vanya says with curiosity.

“Family Bonding Fun Time,” corrects himself Klaus. “Which happens to be a band.”

“Fair enough.”

Allison chooses this moment to appear with Mom, each one carrying a platter. Mom’s carrying two, one in each hand, because… she’s Mom. Vanya doesn’t think she’ll ever run out of impressive things she can do. Allison is smiling.

“Food’s here!” she calls even though everybody knows.

“And then band time,” says Five. “I wanna honk a high G.”

“Please don’t,” says Vanya.

He shrugs as if to say, no promises.

They eat sandwiches. Vanya’s has cucumbers and mayonnaise, and she chews it with a smile. Then they’re all finished, and sit themselves in the chairs around the speakers. Vanya is standing next to the electronics, violin at ready position and bow hovering just above the strings.

Luther presses a button on the speakers and a simple beat sounds. Vanya plays.

It’s really loud. Five is honking his high notes and Luther is blasting his low ones on the trombone, and Ben is playing one glissando after another. Diego is plucking away at his guitar strings and Klaus is singings, still falsetto. Mom is smiling, swaying to the rhythm of the music. Allison can’t play an instrument so she’s dancing to the side next to Mom.

Vanya can hear so much noise, all of it scraping at her ears and making her glow a little bit. Her violin feels warm in her hands. She smiles and looks at her family fully engaged is Family Bonding Fun Time, and thinks that she wouldn’t trade this for anything.

[mister-maiden]

Outlast 1: Oh dear

Rating: 8/10                    Genre: Adventure/Horror                  Difficulty: Medium

TIME SPENT COMPLETING: 4-5 hours

Dark clouds signal your arrival at the iron, rusted gates of what appears to be a psychiatric hospital. You check your precious camera and battery supply before reviewing the file that led you here. You slowly move out of your vehicle…and as you peer towards the towering windows above, you could swear you are being watched. Several abandoned cars lay in the lot, webs and rust collecting on the exteriors. With the eerie sound of wind accompanying you as you make your way inside through an open window, you can’t help but think you may have made a dire mistake. This is Outlast. Developed by Red Barrels and released in 2013.

You are Miles Upshur, an investigative journalist who received a lead from an anonymous source about experiments on patients and violence occurring within Mount Massive Asylum. Armed with only a camera, batteries, and a few bandages, you make your way inside to find the story of a lifetime, only to come face to face with the evil inside all men. You’ll make your way past some of the worst of humanity mankind has to offer. People burned to the muscle, nearly skinned men walking around, torture, sacrifice, and more. Full of mental instability rather than healing, Mount Massive Asylum holds the most unstable people imaginable, and the surroundings to match. Chunks of building have fallen from a lack of care. Blood and other bodily fluids smear the walls and ceiling with religious signs. In contrast to its purpose of healing, it has become a festering blister that’s ready to pop.

Outlast’s soundtrack is a thing of beauty. Rather than focusing on loud, sudden jump scare sounds, they choose the violin and fiddle as a way to slowly play the character into a false sense of security. In some cases the player may feel himself ease up to a simple, empty hallway due to the near religious harmony of the music’s instruments. Then in other cases the player will find their hearts pump out of their chest as the music becomes a blitz of fear and panic. It forces the player to never feel safe while inside the asylum. Making the player feel sane and safe before shoving him into an unsafe situation with clashing, fast paced instruments and horrifying events is what Outlast is all about.

The game’s game play takes a note from Amnesia by having your character unable to fight back against the denizens of the asylum. Not every person wishes to harm you which makes it worse when someone you walk by suddenly wishes to shove a knife into your back. As the lead said, most, if not all of the men inside of the hospital have been experimented on. Be it losing their eyes, their limbs, or their sanity. There is no defense against your attackers. The only defense you have is using your camera’s night-vision function, lose them within the darkness, and pray they won’t find your hiding spot. You’ll need to be crafty and have a sharp eye to find batteries laying around so your camera doesn’t die, or you will be the one traversing in the abyss without a light, (and it is not a fun experience having someone’s face pop onto the screen because you were walking forward without a light). Some rooms are entirely black and relies on the night-vision in your camera to traverse which becomes horrendous when the battery is low. Remember to search every area, otherwise you may find yourself in a dire situation.

It seems Outlast took another piece of game play from Amnesia and had much of its lore placed in notes around the asylum. You can choose to hunt and find these notes to discover the full extent of evil doings happening within Mount Massive, or you can focus on finding a way out. It’s your choice. Nothing will really change of course as you will still need to find a way to escape to publish your findings.

Rating: 8/10 Mental Asylums. Every character was memorable, every chase is a horror in its own, and the surroundings was just a wonderful place to have the game set in. Mental asylums are often thought of for the crazies and most unstable of minds. Outlast took advantage of this and played on the strings of horror to bring a nail biting escape through the hell that is Mount Massive Asylum. If it would have introduced some sort of different game mechanic rather than just sprinting down hallways and turning valves and finding keys, this could have been perfect; however, with too similar mechanics to Amnesia, I feel as though it can’t be a perfect score. It tried too hard to mimic the mechanics of a game that was successful in the past. Granted it brought new mechanics of a camera and made the horror more fast paced rather than slow, it still felt almost too similar.

----------------------------------SPOILERS----------------------------------

My experience with the game + Discussion

When I want to play a horror game, I obviously want to be scared. When Outlast came out, I was overly excited to try it and boy was I impressed.

To begin, the introduction to the asylum was absolutely beautiful. It was the best way to introduce a game’s setting to the character I have seen in a while without becoming ridiculously difficult to remember every detail. All the player knows is that you’re an investigative journalist looking into a story suggested to you. It’s best to leave much ambiguity to the game’s context to the player rather than telling them outright, “Oh, this game is about this and this.” Throughout your stay in the asylum, there is always this sense of the supernatural due to religious symbols being placed around and strange events happening; however, if you read all the notes found strewn around the hospital, you will find that everything can be explained and pointed down to scientists performing horrible experiments, and their new invention. The Walrider.

The Walrider is the primary antagonist of the story. It’s body is made entirely of small nano machines invisible to the human eye unless they are grouped together. All of the random movements, killings, and religious worship can be brought down to this single antagonist as it has spread its influence among the denizens as an experiment gone wrong. Mount Massive Asylum is just a front for a secret laboratory hidden deep within the earth, experimenting on the tormented minds of patients in order to find someone to become a host for this swarm of nano machines. Only someone who has seen or been through so much horrendous trauma can be strong enough to control it, and who would be a more perfect host than someone suffering from mental instability?

I thought this antagonist was an amazing twist to a villain because everyone expects horror these days to be all about the supernatural or some shape of demon, but instead it is a contrast and it is completely man made. In the beginning of the game, running away from an insane doctor and butcher twins, you never get the sense of the horrors of the asylum being man made and something supernatural must be occurring. I was absolutely shocked at the conclusion of the antagonist being made of thousands of tiny machines that have been desecrating the asylum from within and it took me ages to really twist my mind around the idea. In fact, the game is filled with characters I just can’t forget because of what they did to my character. For instance, the twins.

The twins are two characters who seem to appear at the worst of times, naked, with machetes. Their theme was all about silent killing which was horrifying because no other enemy in the game would walk silently and not talk at all. This completely changed the game once these characters were introduced. It went from constantly having to flee in a panic, opening doors quickly and sprinting inside, to planning what doors to open, sneaking about and hoping the other twin wasn’t at your throat already. They were patients gone mad at the hands of the Walrider and experimentation, with temptations of wanting to eat your tongue and liver. They are very loyal to Father Martin, the self proclaimed priest of the asylum who worships the Walrider like a god.

There are several other characters that are worth mentioning. Chris Walker, the giant man who simply wishes to kill you. Rudolf Wernicke who is one of the primary researchers behind the Walrider experiments. If you look deeply into the notes and find hints around the asylum, you will find that the true evil is a corporation called the Murkoff Corporation. All of this death and destruction is simply for their gain to learn more about the human mind. I thought this was a brilliant idea to have an entire corporation behind the evil rather than this being just one big accident from experimentation done within the Asylum because not only does it give the REAL antagonists a face and mysterious chain of command, it also helps make a story for the newer addition to the Outlast series, Outlast 2, which is set in the swamps...but that’s for another review.

The chase events in this game made my heart pound, some more than others. For instance, one chase I vividly remember had me drop out of a vent and into a room with a man strapped to a chair who suddenly begins to scream. The calm sound of air now changed to an adrenaline rush of violin and drums as the insane make their move and begin to try to destroy the wooden doors separating me from them. It was so sudden that I began to panic and look around before staring directly at an iron plate blocking a door. As soon as I moved it, the doors burst open and several men with bloodthirsty visages shuffled on inside. Once I locked the door behind me, I had to sprint into several new rooms, each having more revolting images than the next with no time to process what I was seeing. The adrenaline rushed while I continuously closed the doors behind me to slow my pursuers, trying to find any means of escape I could before crawling into vents, windows, all with the same music pounding in my ears and the sound of my character’s heavy breathing constantly on my mind. Every exit began to scream danger as the sounds of fists against the doors filled the hallways. The pursuers constantly screamed to get after me as I made my escape through a mini elevator helpfully provided by a rather friendly voice on the end of an intercom. With no time to react and judge whether this was a good idea or not, I had to choose to enter the elevator, only to find myself face to face with a man with wires in his arms, a surgical apron around his waist, and the same friendly voice saying “You made the right choice here, buddy” before suddenly being punched into submission and falling onto the floor.

If the developers wished to make a game that forces you to panic and make dumb decisions based on the information and time given to you, they damn well succeeded. I was horrified every second of my play through and would recommend this game for anyone to try. It often goes on sale with its counterpart Outlast 2 and is a fantastic example of a quicker paced, modern horror game.

VERDICT: I’d recommend getting this game on sale. It is worth the full price, but this game goes on sale alongside its sequel, Outlast 2 far too often to not be taken advantage of. Have fun you guys c;

[astraltickles]

(n.) something lovely discovered by chance

[Trouvaille]

Summary: After reminiscing on childhood antics -  Klaus, Luther, Diego, Allison and Five realise that they don’t know as much about their sister as they thought they did. 

Ticklish!Vanya

Word count: 1917

One could use many different adjectives to describe the Hargreeves family; extraordinary, cunning, powerful, dysfunctional or arguably- ‘one-of-a-kind’. A word that most wouldn't choose however, would be observant. In many aspects of life, but especially when it came to the 7th sibling, Vanya. Being in a famous crime fighting organisation from before they'd hit puberty could be considered rights for justification for her 6 siblings, but the fact remained the same - her brothers and sister could count the number of things they knew about Vanya on one collective, super-powered hand.

Being the only ordinary one in her family, her powers limited to that of playing the violin; she found herself celebrating most of her victories alone. Aside from having most of her milestones in life ignored, such as the name of her first boyfriend, when she first learned how to ride a bike, the time she got accepted into a high-end music school or when she got her first client at her independent business - it bothered Vanya the most that they didn’t know the little things; what was her favourite colour? her favourite song? Where did she go to college? she gave up hope of hearing the correct answer leave her beloved siblings’ lips long ago.

It was an abnormally still evening at the umbrella academy mansion, each sibling silent in their respective rooms, feeding into the awkward and slightly tense atmosphere that seemed to linger within the household no matter the circumstance; the only sound being the soothing tune of Vanya’s Violin. This was until the peace was broken by a familiar ruckus in the living room. Allison, Klaus and Five descended the staircase out of curiosity to find Diego and Luther wrestling over what seemed to be, the television remote?

Allison considered sharing her thoughts on the immature yet unsurprising scenario unfolding before her but chose instead to simply prop herself down on the armchair and observe, smiling internally at the childish tenancies of her siblings. While its not the most peaceful pass-time, anything that wasn't fighting for their lives (or the fate of the universe) was a breath of fresh air. Her siblings did the same, getting comfortable and enjoying the show; adding comedic  commentary when they (Klaus, mostly) deemed necessary. 

This went on for quite some time before Diego executed a game changing tactic - he dug his fingers into Luther's armpits, causing the much Larger man to let out a strained yelp and buckle over before falling completely to the ground. Diego took the opportunity straddle the oh so mighty moon boy and unleash a series of squeak inducing pokes to the belly and chest. 

“Cut it out, 2!” Growled Luther, his dignity hanging by a thread as he’s reduced to a giggling mess by someone barely half his size.  

He swiftly grabbed Diego by the knee and squeezed desperately, effectively making the master of knives gasp and refrain his tickle attack immediately, rolling quickly off of Luther’s large form. They remained frozen, staring at each other with narrow eyes before Allison suggested a truce, and they both backed down and relaxed. 

“Still as ticklish as you were when we were kids, I see” Teased Diego, Remote long forgotten. 

“watch it, Kraken. Don’t think I’ve forgotten your spots” Luther replied, in a threatening yet teasing tone. 

“Okay okay, cut it out you two” Allison intervened, laughing softly.

“We get it, you’re both ticklish wittle soldiers” She cooed, high-fiving Klaus who naturally, cracked up at her playful mockery. 

“I wouldn't test us, chipmunk” Snarled Diego, wiggling his fingers in mid air while Luther recreated the facial expression and high pitched laughter that earned number 3 the nickname chipmunk when they were kids, after being tickled ruthlessly by her brothers. Allison glared at them, while Klaus laughed along at the memory.

“Do NOT make me rumor you, again” She huffed, crossing her arms and turning slightly pink.

“That reminds me” Started Diego, “Does anyone remember the time we tickled Klaus’ feet until he cried and promised to do our homework for a full week?” 

“Or Christmas Eve, when we got Five to beg for mercy after only 3 raspberries and give us his extra pudding?” Luther added, smirking. 

“Glad I wasn't around for much more of that” Five muttered under his breath, focusing on reducing the blush on his youthful features.

“And Ben” Allison smiled, “Poor kid would all but hyperventilate when you’d get his neck” 

Klaus laughed out loud at this, probably at some remark from Ben that only he could hear. 

“Good times” Diego smiled, looking over at Luther who nodded in response. They really were the tickle monsters of the group.

The 5 of them sat in comfortable silence for a couple minutes after that, the air thick with the joyful reminiscence of their childhood. Vanya came down the stars shortly after, assumingly having finished practising for the day, gave her siblings a kind, shy smile and plopped herself down on the couch in front of the television, she picked up the prized television remote and began flipping through the channels. 

It was then that Luther made eye contact with Diego, Five with Allison and Klaus with Ben (Or just stared off into space, it’s hard to tell with number 4). All of them having the same thought. Klaus was the first to move, he went and sat himself on the couch to Vanya’s right; smiling wide. Five did the same, but to her left. Allison, Luther and Diego positioned themselves leaning against the coffee table in front of her, blocking the television from view. Vanya looked around curiously-

“Is..everything okay?” She asked

“Everything is perfectly fine” Five reassured, in a tone that could only mean that he knew 100% what was to come.

“Vanya?” Klaus began

‘..Yes?” Number 7 replied hesitantly, already flushing slightly at the amount of attention that she was currently receiving from her siblings. All eyes on her, this was certainly new.

“Are you ticklish, perhaps?” he propped his elbows on his knees and stroked an imaginary beard, pondering mockingly.

A wave of guilt overcame numbers One through Five at this question, ashamed that it even had to be asked. It was now more than ever that they wished they’d included Vanya in their childhood antics. She however, began to shift her weight from side to side and avoided meeting any of her siblings eyes. 

She was. Extremely so. She had found this out about herself as a young teen, when her boyfriend at the time snuck up behind her and squeezed her sides. She had left that situation with new found knowledge, and him; a bloody nose.

While she had always yearned to be apart of the fun as a kid, watching her siblings ganged up on tormented with tickles was one of the very few times that she didn't mind being left out. 

She stuttered slightly, feeling the the pressure of her siblings (nay, superhuman siblings) surrounding her. 

“uh, not really” She spat out finally, fiddling with her hands in her lap.

“why?” She asked innocently 

Klaus’ smile didn’t falter at her response, knowing that no matter what she said, Vanya was about to receive a whole lot of family love - Hargreeve style.

Five, on the same page as his brother, promptly jabbed a finger into Number 7′s left rib cage (Coincidentally her worst spot) causing her to shriek and jump into Klaus’ awaiting arms. He pulled her onto his lap in a tight hug from behind and whisper/sang into her ear “Liar, Liar pants on fire”.

“Actually, It’s her face that’s on fire, isn’t it Van?” Pointed out Five very matter-of-factly, bringing attention to her blush and causing the rest of her siblings to collectively ‘awww’. Which only worked to intensify the crimson patches forming on her cheeks. 

“Guuyyss” Vanya whined, wondering why she couldn’t stop a smile from creeping up onto her freckled face.

“This is no fair, c’mon lemme go” But she didn’t want to be let go. Her heart was certainly going a hundred miles a minute and she was scared shitless for what she knew was coming but above all that, she felt loved. 

“But Vanya, we have to make up for lost time” Allison pointed out, as Diego approached, showing off his most devious of smirks.

“No no it’s okay! Really it’s fine we don’t have to” She rushed out, preemptively letting out bursts of giggles and halfheartedly trying to escape from Klaus’ grip.

“Oh, But we want to” Diego reassured, before reaching into the gaps left by Klaus’ hugging arms and digging into her ribs.

Vanya tensed every muscle in her body and squealed at first, before dissolving into uncontrollable giggles and letting her head fall back onto Klaus’ shoulder. She shook in her brothers arms, trying to twist and turn away from the tickles - but to no avail. Diego was only poking and prodding at her, very clearly going easy on her to avoid making her overwhelmed, but it was enough to get their ultra ticklish sister squealing (something that they were all very happy to find out). 

“Diego!” She cried out, between giggles. “Stop!”

“Stop? fine - Five, you want a turn?” 

“Do I? Why i’d love to, Diego” Five replied, squeezing Vanya’s left knee as Diego returned to his position next to Luther.

Vanya screeched and kicked her legs while her (younger?) brother administered his tickle attack above and below her knee’s. This seemed to be a good spot on her because one particularly calculated squeeze earned five the most adorable fucking snort any of them had ever heard. Vanya could hear Klaus’ cackling in her ear.

“Fihihive, quite it! I swear to gohohod” She stammered out, kicking wildly yet never escaping his skilled fingers.

It was then that Klaus made the impromptu decision to blow a raspberry on the side of Vanya’s neck - which may have just been the winner.

Her siblings watched in awe as she broke down into silent laughter, her mouth wide open - smiling wider than any of them had ever witnessed. 

Klaus and Five stopped their attack, while Vanya got the chance to catch her breath. 

“You’re all evil!” She breathed out, the grin on her face giving away any undertones suggesting that hadn't enjoyed every moment of it.

“well well well, looks like Vanya is more ticklish than all of us combined” Pointed out Luther, a genuinely loving smile dancing across is usually hard features.

“Our dear sister, who would have known?” Klaus, continued. Morphing his hold on his sister into a more hug-like position 

“We should have” Allison chimed in, softly. 

“Well we do now” Exclaimed Diego

“And whether it’s a good thing or bad thing for you, sis, we’ll definitely have to make up for all that lost time” He smiled sincerely at Vanya, shooting her a playful wink

“Oh that’s not necessary” She replied, with a mock death stare in Diego’s direction

“And if it makes you feel better, you’re without a doubt number 1 on the ticklish sibling scale” Luther declared, earning a symphony of agreements from his siblings.

“And now we know that you snort when you laugh too hard!” Klaus gushed

“And that your smile is one of the most beautiful there is” Countered Allison

“And that our family antics aren’t complete without you in them” Concluded Five

And that’s three more things than they knew yesterday. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a damn good start.

[faces-in-unexpected-places]

💋💕💍🍒🌈💤💗🍓

Wow, somebody wants to know the really juicy questions, huh? Hahaha, well, this is what you sign up for when you reblog the memes so, here we go!

💋- kissing in the dark or kissing in the rain?

Hmm, this one is tough! I guess I would say… kissing in the dark! The rain sounds romantic, but I feel like when you actually do it, it’s gonna be like “this kinda sucks actually, my shoes are wet, it’s cold, this is not very comfortable.”

💕- are you crushing on someone?

Yes, this beautiful, tiny darling bb.

Figure 1: Abbey’s graduation

Figure 2: Playing Cornhole (in the midwest)

Figure 3: Abbey frowning while I take a picture of her playing that one game that only exists at cracker barrel (otherwise known as “Crack Bear”)

💍- your current relationship status?

Hahaha, I am currently taken by the woman in the pictures above. We met here on tumblr, and have been dating for about 3.5 years!

🍒- how do you act when you have a crush?

Oh man, okay let’s see. I will try to find ways to spend time with them, a lot of times! I’ll probably be very silly or sarcastic about things (but not in a negative way). I like to ask a lot of questions or start a deeper conversation to get to know each other better! I tend to be a bit more outgoing and entertaining, heh. When I had a crush on Abbey (see figures 1-3), I would basically try to share as much of the thoughts I had about things as I could, being very open with her, and asking her what her thoughts were on things. It’s very important that people feel listened to when they talk to me, and I want them to know that me talking a lot does not mean I only care about what I am saying, but that I have so much that I want to talk to THEM about and then hear what they think. I will also try to invite them to do things just one on one with me so we can spend quality time together (N/A with abbey because we met on tungle.hellsite)

🌈- things I find attractive in girls/guys

Hmm… I feel like the things I find attractive aren’t necessarily limited to girls or guys. I really like positive people! One of the things I really love about Abbey is how caring she is. If I am not feeling well, it’s pretty much her (volunteer) mission to find out what the problem is and neutralise it (like an antibody!). I like people who are open minded and non-judgemental. Pretty much what I find attractive is just if there is a person that I can connect with, be it through humour, ways of thinking, creativity, work-ethic, interests, etc..

💤- date someone younger, older, or same age as you?

I’m not sure how drastic the age difference that we’re talking about is here, but I would probably want to date someone about the same age as me. Give or take a few years. At the end of the day, what actually matters to me is somebody’s mental age (and obviously I mean to say that they would have to be over 18). Abbey is a little over a year younger than me, but that makes no real difference in our relationship, because we are both mature people! So long as I don’t feel like there is a disconnect in maturity, it doesn’t matter to me.

💗- who do you miss?

A few people at the moment. The most often person is Abbey because we only get to see each other every few months (although that will change soon!). I understand why people say “long distance relationships never work,” because it can be hard. They’re wrong, because we are about to no longer be long distance. But it can be really tough and frustrating at times. Schedules don’t always match up and spending time together is limited, we can’t do a lot of simple things that standard relationships have, sometimes the internet is just too bad for us to do Skype calls, etc.. So I miss her a lot because being in person is way better, heh.

I miss my dad too. He and I have had a... rocky relationship for most of my life, whether we realised it or not. But it’s gotten a lot better over the last few years, and I’d like to be able to spend more time with him this summer before I leave for grad school. I think we’re kind of catching up on lost time. I miss some old friends that I don’t talk to much anymore, too.

🍓- one secret about yourself

Oh god. This one is hard because I don’t really even feel like I have any secrets. Uhhhhhhmmmmm, I have like a fun fact maybe? That I don’t mention much here. When I was 16, I played violin for about a year. I mostly played irish fiddle tunes that my teacher recommended to me. I didn’t know many songs with violins that I could learn so she took the lead on that. But after a year, I decided to stop because I didn’t feel interested enough in it. I kind of applied myself, kind of slacked off, depending on the week. But one week, I decided that I wanted to practice as much as I could just to see how good I could get in one week. When I showed up to my lesson and we went through the song, my teacher told me that I showed outstanding improvement and that my technique was advanced for only practicing a week and only having been playing violin for a few months. I look back on that time and feel both proud and a little sad because it’s awesome that I was so good (maybe just naturally because it’s a string instrument), but also it’s too bad because I could have been so much better if I kept playing. Instead I just chose to not do it anymore. But I still stand by the decision anyway, because I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I thought I would, and it didn’t make me very happy, playing songs I’d never heard of before. All in all, I think it was the right choice. Maybe one day I will pick it back up, if I feel differently!

[docholligay]

Silverleaf 15--Hidden Futures

We’re getting down to the final entries in this story! Please thank Benjamin for sponsoring it! Yu can see all of Silverleaf here. This entry is a little over 2000 words. 

Michiru looked through her little black book with a sense of intense disinterest.

This feeling was hardly new to her, as she had spent the greater part of her life with a unique and specific sense of boredom. Once she had discovered what it was that she was meant to be, and the line was laid out clearly for her, there was no need to have any sort of curiosity over the matter. She took violin and art classes and learned languages and English riding, pruned herself into every classic social grace and became an elegant hostess and clever conversationalist. She grew and she learned and she turned off the place in her mind that imagined there might be anything else.

When one is reared with the idea that nothing is beyond one’s reach, the specific idleness of the very rich sets in, something Michiru had long abhorred and found unavoidable. She was impossibly wealthy, terribly beautiful, and endlessly talented. The only fun that could be had was to see how far one could take all of that power.

And she had taken it masterfully far, until she had flown too close to the sun and slept with the wives of the Chinese ambassador, the head of Singapore Airlines, and the conductor of the New York Symphony Orchestra. Though, not all at once, she was quick to correct otherwise. She was a lady, after all.

Her parents had pulled her home after that, still being woefully alive and thus in charge of her trust, no longer feeling secure with her being across the sea bearing their name.

And so, the boredom persisted.

But whatever shadowy darkness--and it was too interesting and dramatic to even call it darkness, when it was clearly more of a pale shade of flat and very fashionable grey--lay within her, that sad unlit room where she waited for something that might be release, she still had a sense of duty, and a sense of propriety.

Which led her to consider her options for the ball. Her dress would be lovely and couture, as it always was, though the ball hardly called for it, and it would be perfectly acceptable for her to wear something from an earlier occasion, or, in truly dire moments, something off the rack. But there was something to be said for being an example to these girls of what they could be, what they were expected to be in future. Silverleaf had long been the garden soil that grew the blooms of society. Michiru had been educated there herself.

She was a prize rose, decorated and celebrated, whatever she might have gotten up to a world away.

Her mind turned to Haruka, the same as one touches a burn to see if it still stings, and her foolishness in ever entertaining the idea that Haruka could be even a casual affair. Her hair could bounce and shine as she walked down the hall, and her bright ties might be charming, and her smile might radiate all the way to her eyes, but that did not make her an appropriate mate for Michiru.

She had learned nothing from the affair with the English teacher, it seemed. Wildflowers grew in bunches, daisies and dandelions and Queen Anne’s lace all tangled together, but roses like her grew in lines, one next to the other.

But while she was required to pay whatever sacrifice of fantasy her station demanded, she was not required to make a monk of herself. And so, the book. She would find in it a girl of great family and intelligence and breeding, and she would be dressed neatly in fine suiting, and Haruka would see then that her rejection of Michiru -- which had been a kindness to them both, really, for Michiru had been so very silly to ask her in the first place-- was more foolishness on Haruka’s part than anything else. That she could have had the golden key, but lacked the strength to hold it. That Michiru was a prize.

She opened the book, but the door to her secret garden would remain locked.

___

“Okay, so I might be wrong, but were you on the national track team? Back about seven years ago?”

“Oh my god,” Haruka put her head on the table, “It’s been seven years. How did it get to be seven years?”

Elsa laughed. “Sorry to say, but we’re all adults now. Hurdles, right? I even remember you from middle school, I dropped to regular distance running because no one had a hope in hell of catching you.” She laughed again, the first rolling into the second, her dark hair that seemed almost magenta in its red curling around her face.

“Yeah,” Haruka took a wing and snacked on it thoughtfully, “never did make it to the Olympics. Got hurt.”

Elsa seemed chided for a moment, and this made Haruka feel worse, her tragic backstory once more bringing down the general mood.

“Fucked it up pretty bad, huh?”

Haruka nodded.

“Well,” Elsa picked up another chicken wing, “Guess I should have stayed in hurdles,” she grinned at Haruka, “played the long game.”

Haruka let out a peal of deep and appreciative laughter. Elsa was fun. She was charming and calm and Haruka felt at ease around her, and if she was not quite Haruka’s type, all messy hair and polo shirt, it could be forgiven for the way her laugh came easy, and made Haruka’s come the same.

They both had crashed and burned in their former romantic lives, though Elsa so much sooner, and Haruka could tell it bothered her simply by the way she never spoke of it at all, the kind of girl who put on a cartoon bandaid and carried on. Haruka wished she were a bit more like that, that she did not take the world so much to heart, but she could only be herself. The experience of life had taught her enough about what it did to her to hold it in ike she used to, and so she managed to vent the steam of it all, but still, there we times she wished she were more like the sunny and slightly goofy girl next to her.

“Home run!” Elsa hooted and held up her hand for a high five.

Haruka had, in many ways, learned to adapt and to compromise. If there was no initial spark, why not see if she could make one? Wasn’t friendship the better beginning to love? She did want to be friends with Elsa, very much, and that could become something else.

Love at first sight only happened in stories.

“Hey Elsa,” she fiddled with the label of her beer bottle, “you doing anything two weeks from now?”

___

Hotaru Tomoe thought she’d used up her life’s worth of disasters, and then she went to high school.

She was very used to the idea that she would die, and what thinking about that felt like, but it was more of a surprise to her the feeling of desperately wishing she would die on the spot. It didn’t even have to be a medical emergency, a well-timed bus could give her all the peace she greatly longed for as she stood in front of the house where Cere lived, larger than Chibiusa’s and even more grand, a monument to whatever things her parents had done to get here, which Hotaru was sure were underhanded at best and maniacally evil at worst, if she trusted the things said about Cere.

“Oh, you...you worry too much.” Sakiko said, but she sounded as if she hardly believed herself, “I’m sure she’ll have us do some stupid chore for her or something to give us back the letter. We’ll feature her in the yearbook, she loves the look of her own face.”

Hotaru listened to Sakiko’s chuckle, even as the wind carried it away into the night, wishing it was closer at her side and not slipping away as if it had been hardly heard at all.

“I guess,” she shrugged, as if unsure of what else to say. She had her doubts that Cere would be so reasonable. She had her own ideas that Cere might also have feelings for Chibiusa. That would at least explain her need to torment Hotaru in a way that didn’t have to involve Hotaru’s ability to be bullied.

Interrupting them both, the door swung open, a young women in a neatly pressed outfit before them standing tall, with keen eyes and a natural bearing that suggested this amount of ceremony was in her blood.

“We’re, uh,” Hotaru suddenly forgot why she had come at all, for a moment, “We’re, we’re--” her brain caught the hook again and remembered why she’d come, “We’re here to see Cere!”

It came out too excited for the eggshell and black formality of the entrance behind the woman, and she looked at Hotaru curiously.

“It’s for school,” Sakiko quickly interrupted, “we have a piece of homework we have to get from her.”

“I’m sure she could email--”

“It’s for a diorama.”

Hotaru envied Sakiko’s ability to confidently lie to adults, though she reminded herself that they were fifteen, and this should be normal. They were supposed to be stealing lip gloss and getting into scrapes and it was only Hotaru who was awkward and outside of the world instead of living in it.

The woman stepped to the side neatly and ushered them inside, and yet she had such an air of authority that Hotaru could hardly stop watching her as she removed her shoes, slipping her feet into one of the pairs of slippers that stood at the door in vast array. She took their coats and nodded to them, offering up an understood command that they were meant to follow.

Cere’s house not only looked rich but it had the smell of wealth, as well, that unique quality that is somewhere between aspirational and suffocating, the call of a siren and all the same promise of drowning.

She knocked at the door to a large bedroom where Cere sat on her phone, ankles crossed one over the other on the bed, her back straight against the pillows, and for a moment she very much reminded Hotaru of Ms. Kaioh. She waved away her the woman who greeted them and set down her phone, smiling.

The door clicked behind her, and Cere leaned forward.

“What can I do for the two of you?”

Hotaru toyed with the end of her sweater, unable to look Cere in the eye and all the more angry at herself for that fact.

“I’d like my letter back.”

It was a small mew of a request, barely audible on the air.

But Cere heard it, and Cere simply flipped her and shook her head. “I have no idea what you could be talking about.”

“Oh come on!” Sakiko popped, years of being in the same grade and school as Cere finally coming to a head, “Hotaru never did anything to you, Cere.”

But Cere did not react, simply grabbed a brush from the edge of her nighttable and began to brush her hair.

“What sort of a letter was it?”

Hotaru’s blush bloomed on the pale of her skin. Don’t make me say it. Please.

Hotaru did not know Cere, not really, and as she looked at her, she saw a strange look in her eye, something that she would not understand until many years later, long after Cere had matured and apologized for the whole affair, long after Cere had moved to more adult manipulations.

This was fun for her.

“I--it was personal.”

Sakiko looked at her, with a mix of pity and confusion. Hotaru was a bird caught in a net, and there was little either of them could do now. What was she meant to do? To tell Cere it was about Chibiusa, to hear her laugh over those secret and awkward pinings?

Cere nodded. “Well, I’ll be certain to let you know if I come across it.”

Hotaru looked out the window, where the great grey clouds had come and stolen any of the light of the night, and felt an overwhelming sense of despair.

The weakness of human beings is that we sometimes see only what is in front of us. The gate of the walled garden, the darkness of the night, or not yet realizing you are only at the middle of your story. We accept what is nw, not knowing that walls often crumble, the wind blows the clouds, and all stories come to their ends.