#i cant promise you the best skills in the art of conversation

[ganyuslily]

at a coffee shop | genshin headcanons

— characters: albedo, childe, kazuha, xiao, zhongli

— category/extra notes: modern!au, coffee shop!au, fluff

— a little summary: u find yourself in that coffee shop down the street quite often — its not your fault they have the best coffee though!

a/n: good evening may i interest you in some modern headcanons? THIS WAS VERY FUN TO WRITE AND I MISS GOING TO COFFEE SHOPS:(( ( @xiaophobic at this point im just!! tagging u in anything that i write thats a modern au and has kazuha in it!! i hope u dont mind!! )

albedo

youre not really sure how he fits here, but his latte art for sure is something else — you catch yourself observing him working quite often and feel a little bit embarrassed when he asks you if you want to learn it too. he doesnt talk much, but in his defense, it is quite hard to do so over the sounds of the coffee machines. he smiles at you after a couple of your visits and starts to chat a little bit and offer you a muffin to go with your order, on the house, as he says with a certain uncertainty in his voice. you sometimes see him bring his younger sister in — klee, as you learn when she hops over to you and introduces herself, telling you that big brother albedo said something about a pretty person in that place he works at and shes pretty sure its you! and even though you see him mortified after he hears what klee says, his hands freezing on the cup hes holding, you only laugh and tell her that you think albedo is quite pretty himself too.

childe

hes the one charming in the clients to buy that cookie for their coffee, because as he says “whats a good coffee without something to go with it?” hes always chatting with everyone, a big smile on his face and some flour on his cheeks, running between the kitchen and the cash register. he seems to be helping out everyone at all times and you often wonder how hes not tired. probably jokes around and flirts with you when he notices you coming back, saying my, my, didnt know i caught your eye so much and when you answer how did you know? a blush spreading across his cheeks. swears he doesnt await your visits, but has your order memorized. kazuha only looks at you with a sparkle in his eyes and tells you that even though he still charms the clients, he looks at you in a different way than he looks at them.

kazuha

to be quite honest, you only see him by accident on the times where youre so early that hes putting out the goods he baked. he talks to you, speaking in a way that makes you wonder if he writes poetry. you converse with him as if you were lifetime friends and he offers to teach you how to bake after you praise his skills. you take up the offer, a hint of surprise visible on his face, but he only smiles and promises to do it when the both of you have time. as the two of you grow closer, exchanging numbers and all, you find yourself sitting at the table near the window, waiting for him to come out. he brings you coffee and some of the cookies he baked, and you sit and chat. you find some napkins with his poetry scribbled on them and you cant help but realize that the person he describes is a little bit too similar to you for it to be an accident.

xiao

he doesnt talk much, opting to speak to the clients in short and curt sentences. you see childe make fun of him quite often and zhongli telling him to be a little bit less harsh. he doesnt seem to mind them, only rolling his eyes at childes antiques, but he seems to be a little bit ashamed when it comes to the older one. you try to make conversation with him and even though at first he looks at you as if you fell from the moon, after some time he warms up. when you pop up in the coffee shop you may find him smiling a little bit when he notices you, ignoring albedos comments when he chirps in that he was waiting for you to come here. you spend his breaks together and even though youre usually the one speaking, he always listens, without a doubt. childe asks if youre a couple and maybe just to make him shut his mouth for once or maybe because he wanted to, xiao actually asks you out for a date. you dont notice his shaky hands or the little thumbs up zhongli gives him, but you notice the way hes trying to be a little bit gentler with his words and you appreciate it.

zhongli

hes the fine gentleman responsible for this establishment. hes the manager, the one that started this little shop that quickly grew into popularity and you think its a crime how beautiful he is. the first time you see him, the sun adorning his figure and creating a halo, your breath hitches and youre not sure what to do. he speaks with so much elegancy and knowledge, telling you all he knows about coffee and tea, especially tea, and upon noticing his interest in it, you find yourself buying tea, even though you came here for coffee. hes the one taking care of xiao and putting childe in his place, the one telling kazuha to finally rest and the one helping albedo take care of klee. and so you cant blame yourself for admiring him, his presence always calming you down. you cant help but keep coming back, not only for the tea, but also for a chance of a chat with him.

[dorky-thighchi]

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT DAISUGA AND CANON MOMENTS

Let’s appreciate these two for leading the team to the nationals (long post ahead)

1. Their goals and hard work for the team:

They’re always shown together planning for the team. When Asahi stopped playing volleyball, Noya got suspended, former coach Ukai stopped coaching. I felt bad for these two, they went through hard times as their captain and vice captain it’s their obligation to unite and guide the team. During their first year and second year they were used to failure and called flightless crows. Their expectations crumpled but they did not give up. It’s Daichi and Suga’s job to bring back the name of Karasuno to the nationals with the help of coach Ukai and Takeda, finally they made it to nationals, that’s why their former captain was so proud of them because they followed his words. When they didn't have their coach yet, they behaved as Karasuno’s temporary coaches (thank goodness Takeda’s an angel). Daichi was shown coaching the team in the first few episodes and Suga helped Tanaka bond Kageyama and Hinata. Suga questioned Daichi’s plan about the weird duo (Daichi’s a matchmaker) but after what Daichi said he helped the two bond and honed their skills.

In the HQ light novel “Melancholy of the third year student”, Asahi stated “with Sawamura leading the team and Sugawara taking care of the members, what could i possibly do to contribute” he witnessed Daichi and Suga walking together in the hallway; Asahi was impressed because of their dedication to guide the team to the nationals despite they’re in college prep class still they gave their best in guiding the team. Tanaka also acknowledged his senpais hard work that’s why he extremely respects his senpais, he was always there supporting the two. Coach Ukai madly respects Suga because he gave his setter position to Kageyama for the sake of the team and Daichi because he’s the best in motivating the team. 

2. They know each other so well: 

Daichi has this proud mode when he talks about Suga. When he told the team that Suga’s an experienced setter he had this “Yes that’s my amazing setter” face and when Suga did that amazing spike he jumped like a kid. In the HQ light novel “Sugawara’s decision” this happened during the first training camp. Suga was anxious to tell Daichi of his plan to give his setter position to Kageyama. When Suga finally told Ukai about his decision, Daichi and Asahi overheard their conversation and promised to win any match as much as they can. When Suga stated “I think in order to win, the person we need right now is Kageyama” Daichi and Asahi expressed their concern because the three promised to step on the court together (i get so emotional when the 3rd yrs play together). Daichi was worried and he told Suga that they can do something about it. THIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE HQ LNs because of what Suga thought after their discussion “He was glad to have sawamura who accepted him the way he is, as his teammate” AND I FUCKIN LOST IT HQ LN SHOULD BE ANIMATED. Daichi supported Suga’s decision for the team, “Daichi was very certain of Suga who had been with him for the past 3 years”, he even stopped Tanaka from interrupting Suga’s monologue telling him to listen. 

Remember when Ukai announced the first lineup for dateko vs karasuno match and the shot was focused to Suga and back to Daichi; you can see Daichi did this weird eye thing glancing at Suga. Daichi’s proud moments of Suga were “I think you’ve revived too Suga” and “I’m glad you still want to fight” when he told Daichi “I do wish my tosses could’ve played a part in the victory”. When Asahi and Noya stopped coming to the team, the only members left were Suga, Daichi and the 2nd years. Suga also took the blame and Daichi was there for him. He was shown secretly listening to Yamaguchi and Suga’s conversation about the mop (and comforted him that he shouldn't blame himself. I’m kinda disappointed they didn't include this in the anime). These panels show their trust and respect for each other.

He cant even dare to hurt Suga (but lets Suga punch him anytime) and he knows when Suga goes to overthinking mode. Also Suga knows Daichi so well i think i’m gonna cry. Scolding Daichi when he was not vocal during the game; Suga’s known for being the only one who can lecture Daichi. When Daichi told Suga and Asahi that it’s better to hand over the team to the 2nd yrs, Suga knew Daichi didn't mean that; Daichi felt hopeless because they lost again. He knew Daichi wanted to stay and play volleyball and step on the orange court. 

He’s also used to Daichi’s stern mode. Daichi was also shown being the one who can keep Suga in control like “Suga please calm down”. Their relationship isn’t fully conveyed in the anime but i’m thankful that creators created drama cds, light novels, extras, spin-offs and haikyuu stage play to let us know more about the characters.

 3. The team parents: 

They always discuss about their team members like Suga asking Daichi about Kageyama and Hinata (kagehina bond ep) and Tsukishima. In the haikyuu drama cds “what if karasuno’s manager isn’t shimizu kiyoko” and “the reason behind the t-shirts” they were worried about entrusting the manager’s job to Tanaka, Noya and Hinata. When the team was hungry because Kiyoko wasn’t there, Suga told Daichi to take action so he assigned the weird duo to buy foods for the team and they were the ones who planned for the names of the shirts with the help of Noya, Kiyoko was pissed at the two because they were busy thinking of their own shirts. In the haikyuu light novel “the last summer vacation” (Sources: 1|2) Suga watched the team with worry on his face because it was so hot so he approached Daichi and expressed his concern that the team will get sick from the heat. Coach Ukai overheard the discussion and called a meeting. They’re usually seen together in every scene in the anime, stage play, haikyuu light novel, extras, manga, spin-offs and drama cds, scolding Tanaka, Noya, Hinata, Kageyama and Tsukishima; discussing volleyball stuffs; and buying pork buns for the team. In the lets haikyuu and extras (hq spin-off) it’s actually semi-canon they’re karasuno’s team parents. They also have this karasuno christmas bonding tradition.

It was also STATED BY THE DIRECTOR IN THE HQ MAGAZINE AND THE VOICE ACTORS THAT DAICHI AND SUGA ARE THE TEAM PARENTS AND TANAKA’S THE BIG BROTHER (here are the links: 1| 2|3) 

IT’S CANON!!!!!! IT’S DAMN RIGHT CANON!!!!!TEAM PARENTS DAISUGA IS CANON!!!!!!

 4. Teasing, bickering and just them being dorks: 

Suga teasing daichi is my jam. In the HQ LN “Yachi’s delivery mission” (Sources 1|2), this conversation frickin made me squeal like a mouse with laryngitis. After practice the team was thirsty and wanted something cold to eat. “It’s indeed hot, lets get ice pops before we head home” daichi stated then frickin SLY/LIL SHIT SUGA JUST CASUALLY SAID THIS REMARK “Oh that’s not a bad idea, are you going to treat us Daichi-san” HE FRICKIN ADDED -SAN. So the team didn't let the opportunity go away they screamed with joy and thanked Daichi. After what happened Daichi just glared at Suga who was smiling at him. Daichi’s a softie when Suga’s involved. Suga got Daichi to buy ice cream for the team.  I REPEAT HQ LN SHOULD BE ANIMATED. 

Daichi knows when Suga’s about to do something stupid and his antics. They argued about this. When Suga was mad at Daichi because he was implying that the last year shrine visit was nothing; he was so pissed he started fuming at daichi. Suga also told Daichi that steak just being steak is better over diced steak.  Hyped suga and daichi trying to calm him down is the cutest shit. In the HQ LN “Tokyo Expedition: Captains’ Meeting”(Sources: 1|2), Daichi warned Suga about Kuroo because he knows how to read minds and loves mind games and Suga was like ‘you need to chill Daichi’. When it was Suga’s turn to pick a card from Daichi’s deck he picked the joker and twitched his brows, Daichi whispered at Suga telling him whenever he drew the joker his brows twitch so Suga massaged his brows. I REPEAT AGAIN THIS SHOULD BE ANIMATED. The other captains and vice captains are competing against each other but look at these frickin idiots they are helping each other. DAICHI OBSERVING SUGA THEN WARNED HIM ABOUT HIS TENDENCY OF TWITCHING HIS EYEBROWS. IM GONNA FRICKIN DO A BACKFLIP. Also Daichi and Suga love to make fun of asahi but when you frickin hurt asahi these two will frickin punch you in the face. Frickin daisugasting dorks.

 5. They are always together and in sync:

In the manga, anime, extras, stage play, light novel, drama cds and official art/merchandise they’re usually frickin together and always in sync, same reactions and thoughts. Remember when Daichi looked at Suga (S1 ep24) like he was asking for approval then Suga nodded. That was so cute ugh.

Extras: 

Suga is 6 months older than Daichi. June 13 and December 31. Their birth dates makes me go WAIT WHAT. 

Suga and Daichi’s name meanings are compatible.

During the christmas bonding time, Suga received daichi’s gift, a daruma. Daichi bought it as a gift because it weighs like a volleyball (he’s such a volleyball nerd) and he told Suga that they should draw the eye together. (Source link)

Suga thought that Daichi was jealous of his t-shirt because the phrase on his shirt was cooler than his. (Source link)

Suga’s first synchronize attack was a success and he tossed it to Daichi. Coach Ukai assigned these two along with Tanaka to learn synchronize attack.(Remember when Daichi told Suga he borrowed coach ukai’s tablet so they can watch the videos together)

The way they look at each other like there’s nothing else to look at. 

What I truly love about these two is their relationship and trust for each other.They complement each other, which makes them a good combination. They went through obstacles and look THEY MADE IT TO THE NATIONALS, kiyoko witnessed their progress and asahi thanked suga and daichi because they welcomed him again in the team, remember when asahi was not sure if they’d accept him to the team but daichi and suga were just laughing and made fun of him. 

Their vice captain and captain interaction isn't fully expressed in the anime and i hope that everyone will appreciate them more! They made it to nationals! And them being proud of Hinata and Kageyama in the hq time skip is one of the best treasures Furudate sensei gave to us. 

Lets talk about these two. Daisugasting volleyball idiots. 

I rest my case.

[fuzzbuns]

Im in a bad mood because american education system is hell so im gonna ramble about stuff no one cares about for that sweet serotonin aka atsutodo* tho really just Mr Atsushi... Sir Joned arbuck-

*?... like i mean its lowkey atsutodo i will not front but realistically speaking im just gonna talk about thier relationship and whether you see it as platonic or not it is up to you but like just know in my minds eye MY GOD these bitches GAY.... good for them tho... good for them

I just legit don’t understand people who either think/ characterize atsushi as someone who is mean or doesn’t like todomatsu. Like the only person who legitimately should ever feel that way is totty but we will get there. like, i get not everyone stans atsushi and has been following him ever since that one tweet after ep 22 where he is shown baking a totty themed meal (srsly look at this. the second i saw this tweet back in like 2016 i was like “oh i love this dude”)

LIKE.... LOOK AT THAT.......

Ok so back to the point : like i get most people do not care to keep up with the guy who had 19 seconds of screen time in ep 22 LIKE I GET THAT but literally the very second you look at his characterization in literally anything it is just so clear that he genuinely likes totty and seeks out his company!

And like i know some people saw how totty reacted to him in the movie and went “uh.” But you guys are literally forgetting that todomatsu is a matsuno.... plus totty literally tried to maul his own siblings? IDK to me it just kinda shows to todomatsu clearly feels close enough to atsushi in order to treat him like his siblings because totty is the kind of person who values what people think of him (including atsushi. In ep 7 season 2 he literally is apologizing to atsushi even when atsushi isnt even there which means he clearly cares about whether he is on good terms with him or not) so like....? If he really didnt like atsushi he just wouldnt hange out with him. He just got pissed off,,,, not very deep. Plus atsushi didnt even react.... which to me is just like.... he is close enough to totty to know he is dramatic and is use to having totty be a drunk menace to society. Also? People think he was being mean with the whole ‘neetville’ thing WHICH LIKE..... WHAT ABOUT IT.... like im not even convinced he meant it like that but even if he did, he is just teasing them....it really not that deep..... it is one negative interaction out of the many postitive ones they have had and its is mostly totty who is making a stink (which is a common theme.... BUT THAT DOESNT MEAN HE HATES ATSUSHI WE WILL GET THERE)

Back to atsushi, i feel like seeing him in highschool made me kinda get his character more (tho its just my interpretation so idk. I literally do not know how they characterize him in tabi or the spin off because i just havent seen translations for that stuff? Tho i know i heard that in one of the tabi events he was in people said he was nice to totty (aka he was a good guy... like we have known this.) but thats like.. it.) We barely see him talk! He is super quiet! Which is... going back to the last part.... kind makes the lines he has make sense? I feel like he isnt really the best at taking the lead in conversations and isnt really even that good of a conversationalist but he knows what people what to hear so he just says that and it usually works out fine? Like he can fake it well, like when i write a paper and think “idk what im talking about” and then i get it back and the prof is like “wow..... this was.... breathtaking...” like thanks my head is empty! idk if that makes sense but he just seems like the kind of person who was forced to get good at conversing when he finished highschool in order to network and shit but like deep down he would rather not. Like he is friendly! He has friends and he likes being with them but i feel like if it was up to him he would be a bit more reserved. And the fact he likes totty kinda speaks to this?

Before we get to that i should probably prove he likes totty but i feel like it is so obvious i shouldnt have to..... he set totty up with the girls in ep 7, he apparently goes to the gym with totty every now and then and like. Looks forward to it. The hesowars sprite where he is waving totty as if totty was some kind of celebrity (in front of the girls who clearly dont want to see him. Like atsushi is so oblivious to the fact the atmosphere is awkward because he is too busy being.... gay??? Sorry homies i decided it is gay.) also the offical art of totty and atsushi on a totally-not-a-date.... even if you take the subjective gay subtext i put on there off its still obvious atsushi and totty hang out and atsushi puts effort in in order to do so. I feel like the fact he is still in touch with totty after highschool speaks to just how much effort atsushi put in to keep him around because lets be 100%. Todomatsu seems like a NIGHTMARE to actually have a stable friendship that lasts more than a year with. This is the guy who literally does not get the concept of friendship... and yet here atsushi is.....very much being his friend

I feel like unless you are someone who is very good at reading inbetween the lines/a good listener, it would be impossible to be todomatsus friend just because of the front he puts up. I honestly think since they are highschool friends, totty doesnt put up as much of a front with atsushi cuz like... he saw totty at his most baby..... like you cant come back from that. But totty puts up fronts even with his own siblings so he definitely still has to put up some kind of front with atsushi. So i think atsushi being this quiet kid in highschool gave him the skills to deal with totty. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS MEAN I PROMISE I LOVE TOTTY IM JUST BEING REALISTIC. when you arent doing the talking and you are just listening and taking in what people are saying you start to pick up on a lot of little things. And because atsushi knows what totty was like in highschool i feel like he genuinely understands todomatsu as a person. Like totty can act self assured and dismissive but we (and atsushi) know that deep down he really craves affection and validation. Which is why atsushi sticks around with him and even goes as far as setting him up on dates. Atsushi is a quiet dork at heart. I will not budge on this.

So like where does the asshole rich man idea of atsushi even come from?? Because atsushi isnt really like that (tho i will admit it is very funny... rich asshole atsushi is very funny i can not lie)? The line about him having a car never came off as snobbish to me tbh it just seems awkward (like you know... a quiet kid who is forced to converse). Remember how i said we would come back to that? We are finally doing it. Todomatsu matsuno has too many insecurities and he projects them on the people around him. Notice how we always see atsushi from todomatsu perspective! Totty see atsushi as the guy who always one ups me and takes girls from me.... the guy who said neetville,,,, the guy who likes to look down on commoners..... but .... totty isnt a reliable narrator. Todomatsu has a hard time seeing other people as being genuine because he himself cant be genuine. So when atsushi hangs around him, he assumes that he must be looking down on him, because why else would someone like atsushi wanna be around someone like totty :( (i suggest “because he is gay” but like-) i think totty genuinely likes atsushi but he is so self sabotaging that he cant accept the idea that anyone who knows who he is could ever want to connect with him so he tries to keep atsushi at a distance and lashes out whenever atsushi unknowingly proves his warped perspection of him (an asshole rich guy) right because the idea of someone using ur misery as entertainment is upsetting to say the least.

Its 2020 and i cant believe i just rambled about atsutodo but i was thinking about atsushi recently plus...... i dont keep up with the oso fandom but i saw shit about people who thought atsutodo was.... bad??? And like I genuinely just cant see how you could get to that conclusion? It doesnt have to be ur thing but to reach and say its somehow “Problematic” ??????? The only messy thing about it is just totty being a matsuno like..... atsushi is genuinely such a chill guy i just... its not clicking for me.

Anyway atsushi is a dork man. Quiet highschool kid rep. Coconut head king. jon arbuckle. And if he wants to hold hands with todomatsu matsuno?? Who am i to stop him.... insert image of fma love is love thumbs up

In fact after all the effort he has put in? He deserves to hold his hand..... AND TOTTYS HAND DESERVES TO BE HELD/??/

Ok i have work to do bye

[onwesterlywinds]

Nothing to be Feared

Ashe cursed at herself for wearing white. Now that she was in the Undercity with the coat she'd picked out that morning, she felt rather like she was glowing throughout her trek into the waterways; without any indication of who might have been watching her, the sensation was unnerving. Less importantly, she'd already received some sort of grease stain on the front of her coat, and the smear did not inspire any confidence in her own preparedness as she arrived at the proposed meeting place.

She did not have to wait long for Hawthorne, whose arrival was audible only from the barest movement of fabric. The man strode into view straight-backed, with the result that Ashe, not recognizing him in the dim lantern light without his customary slouch, very nearly made to ready her gun.

"Oddly appropriate location," he said by way of greeting. There stood between them an ancient table, perhaps more than six fulms in breadth, and Hawthorne approached it with long and languid strides. "Apologies for asking you to come alone. But - one of us does have a reputation for grandiose... 'retaliation.'"

Already she was uncertain which of them he was referring to.

"And," he continued with a slight nod, "I in particular am not sure how this conversation will go. Good to see you're well, however."

"Why should this conversation go poorly?" She winced slightly at her own tone of voice, at the way its high pitch carried along the brick-lined tunnel. She continued in a whisper, "You said you may have need of a favor?"

His letter hadn't requested a favor outright, but she knew Hawthorne. She knew, too, that she yet owed him much - not only for the role he'd played defending the Undercity during the day of Ala Mhigo's liberation, but for the guidance he'd shown her throughout the past year at the least. "...I wouldn't outright refuse a favor for you, of all people."

Hawthorne gave a slight wave of his hand, coupled with a shrug. "The 'favor' is that we came to talk at all: a request that you pull away from your work and your business and your friends - pleasant as I am to talk to." Before she could compose a response to his sarcasm, he went on, "This is about your new position within Gyr Abania's brand-new circle of representatives. ...So maybe you're not pulling yourself away from work. Regardless, we'll start with a premise: do you know of any men named Lodewijk?"

She mulled the name over but shook her head.

Hawthorne pulled out a chair from the table and invited himself to sit in it. He performed the gesture with such self-certainty that Ashe found herself somewhat in awe: it was as if the scene around them - the dimly-lit nook, the stifled air, the clandestine meeting - molded to him rather than vice versa. He might as well have crafted that table with his own hands. He looked as though he belonged in the Undercity, and she envied him for it.

"Lodewijk Silverbrand," he clarified. "He does not make himself particularly known except to those who garner his attention. And, with everyone and their third cousins axed off at the hands of Ala Mhigo's many pitfalls, that's gotten a bit easier. Which is also particularly why you're talking with me, and not my father. It could well be believed that all the Alliance aether in the air would abysmal for the old man's health." He smiled. It was not quite a kind smile. "Gods know my father's estate was sodden with the air of 'valiant efforts' for several months, after he asked your father over for tea to discuss his actions at the Temple of Rhalgr."

Her gut clenched at the mention of the Fist's destruction. "I take it he wasn't fond of my father." The words felt trite at once. Anyone who remembered twenty-five years of Ala Mhigan history would have great cause to despise the name Riot.

Sure enough, Hawthorne shook his head. "No, no. It's that it's quite difficult to be fond of a man that keeps putting his foot in the family business." He leaned back in his chair and gave a quiet chuckle, counting off on his fingers. "No smuggling - king's orders. No trafficking - king's orders. No substance abuse, no highwaymen, no prostitutes. No downtrodden scavenging their way through life, or unlucky fellows working for the tithe. Though he did thank Ashley for gifting me more free time. And that's mostly what he's seeing now. One Riot, the hand of the King, working to make a more able working class. And now, Riot Junior, the 'spokeswoman for the Undercity', looking to..."

Hawthorne trailed off, raising an eyebrow in her direction as he let the pause linger, and linger it did. Anyone less skilled in the art of enduring difficult conversations might have withered under the weight of that silence. It was a silence fit for the Undercity.

"You are not your father," he said at last.

And thank the gods she was not.

"Can you tell me first what you anticipate to come of shoving the Undercity into the light?"

Even with the full intent of his gaze upon her, she summoned an almost definitive answer. She had prepared it. "I do not seek to bring the Undercity to any public notoriety. However, I wish to ensure that its people are given a voice in the city's future, and that they will be accounted for if the city needs to be defended again. Anyone who knows of the Undercity knows that the moment the Garleans set foot in its cellars was the moment Ala Mhigo was truly lost." She cleared her throat and continued when Hawthorne did not interject. "And in the event that someone seeks to control the Undercity as a tyrant would - as has happened in the past -" It was as direct of a reference as she could make to the things that she had heard from her father about the assassin Blackram - the man who had killed her grandmother. "-council recognition of the Undercity would enable swifter and more direct action to be taken."

Hawthorne only nodded - a simple token of acknowledgement that revealed nothing.  "Well," he said, "that is a venerable cause," He leaned away from the table, twisting his brawny frame to rest an arm against the back of the chair without breaking his eye contact. "And are you equipped to handle any retaliation that may suggest, say, cutting off this den of thieves at its head? Lyse and Raubahn both have hearts that stretch further than their gaze, but I do not expect the citizens of Gyr Abania's townships to want to put in protection for the kind of people that would beat their brothers and toll their caravans. When most people learn about the Undercity... they see it as an invitation to rid their livelihoods of the men and women that tend to cut short a life. Your father, notably." And then he smiled - a dangerous smile, not directed at her or at anything in her vicinity, which made the expression all the more unsettling.

"At the risk of being overly sentimental," she interjected, "what of the countless, untold children for whom the Undercity is the only life they will ever know? Plenty may succeed as cutpurses or even as honorable people in their own right, but-"

Hawthorne cut her off with an exaggerated gasp, lurching forward in his chair so suddenly that she nearly startled. "Children?! I didn't know there were children in the Undercity!"

She continued as though he had not interrupted her. "I am, of course, prepared to defend the Undercity's traditional and varied ways of life as I possibly can. And I have no intentions of becoming its savior in any sense."

"Yes, we all know how the infallible charity of adoption centers and foster homes of the overworld can be. But... I would urge you to work on your rebuttal. I'm not wanting to get into any kind of mock argument with you about how much easier the governing of a new Abania would be, were we rid of all the deceit that goes on only underground, and never in the governing house or the homes of 'good' men. But those whose hearts fill with light are always rapt with retaliations that show only how much they care. For the good men, of course." He cut himself off abruptly, only for a much sterner expression to cross his face. "Tangents aside, I'll move on. And, trust, I do intend to get to the point somewhat quickly. How much of the Undercity then do you know? Do you know the roads? The gates? Family names outside of 'Silverbrand'? Do you know things like the Undercity's cant, or bespeakings of passageways? Or all the little bureaucratic intricacies that dark hearts are obsessed with?"

"I know more of the passages than one might think." How much of it can be attributed to her father, not even she knew, but she could suspect that it was a fair amount. "I know that the magicks binding doors and gates are called sigils, and that their keys are shared either through a spell or a relic or both. I know of the Duskwight clans living in their own caverns and the limestone quarriers and others; I know of the underground market that changes location with each meeting. I don't remember as much of the cant as I used to, though I believe I knew more of it as a child. And I know of some... relatively recent histories. Dark things hidden in the catacombs that my father put to rest. I believe you helped him in that regard, did you not?"

Hawthorne let out a loud laugh - the first thing he'd done to betray the secrecy of the atmosphere that had been lain for their meeting. The laugh echoed, crashing agains the walls and the motley of boxes around them, following into the deep and dark that surrounded them where they sat. "I have never helped Ashley Riot with a thing in his life," he said, still grinning. "And whether or not your old man attests to that, I can promise I will only ever continue to be that proverbial thorn in his side.

"Now, Ashelia, Grand Steward of the reformed and not-aligned-with-the-crown Riskbreakers, helping hand in the liberation of Ala Mhigo, Fiend to the Imperials and Spokeswoman of the Undercity - you're gaining quite a lot of titles, aren't you? - I am going to urge you tonight that you put your best into getting very very good at lying."

The word gnawed at her heart, but Hawthorne continued before she could so much as open her mouth.

"A woman whose soul aches for the many impoverished that exist beneath the salt, but does not know the entryways. The cant, the families. Of course everyone knows Silverbrand, and of course everyone's met one or another soul that's climbed their way out. But in short, however good you get at getting people to believe there is some spark of this world worth saving, the reason we are having this conversation tonight is because my father is quite concerned for the city's safety. Do you understand you are a threat?"

"I understand," she replied, before the word and its possibilities could begin to settle on her. "And I can imagine that it won't be as simple as convincing him of my 'good intentions,' or that I'm nothing to be feared."

"Many people with good intentions fuck it up," Hawthorne pointed out. "I have no belief that you are going to come rushing down, gun in hand, to set a city right after you have gained the trust of any of the suffering. Nor do I believe that you are looking to weave your way into the ranks of politics and 'accidentally' light a fire that would see Ala Mhigo cleansed of every man's suffering. But a smart man puts just as much fear on a crusader with a righteous vision and an axe as he would on a capable young woman who probably has too much experience with deep waters and getting into things over her head."

He smiled at her again - this time an encouraging smile, the sort of smile that made her want to smile back. Before she could do so, it dropped from his face like a hundred-tonze weight.

"What I mean is, should anything happen in the Undercity - even should the Resistance place one foot too far - it would be all too easy to tie it back to you, truthfully or not. A lapse in speech, a political suggestion worded a bit wrong. The wrong person noticing the wrong thing about the girl who wants to save the villains but treads to odd places at night. And then, well... you and I would be having an entirely different kind of conversation about that."

Once again, she could only ponder his words. "I'd like to thank you for your... candor." Perhaps that was the wrong word, given that so much else yet remained for him to divulge. "Given everything you've told me, do you have any recommendations for how I should proceed? Aside from dropping all involvement with the Council and never setting foot in the Undercity again, that is."

Between Gisfrid's reemergence and a thousand other tiny threats, she had too many things clamoring for her attention - too many people asking for her favor with the new government. It had already become exhausting, nigh on overwhelming, and yet she would have to manage so much more of it in the days ahead.

Hawthorne leaned forward again and crossed his arms atop the table. "Steel yourself." He stared up at her. "Not against Garleans or horrors, but against the good-meaning people of Gyr Abania, above and below, who want only to keep their families safe. And maybe, too, against your morals. As I said, there's worth in what you want, and even my father can agree there can be benefits to him as well from this..." His head tilted, like a visual discard of one or several words that he rifled through quite quickly before landing on one. "...new opportunity for the Undercity."

"If-"

"Those we can talk on at a later time. But you will be the subject of no shortage of scrutiny from any angle, and you will need to be ready for what is asked of you. Work on your rebuttals, polish up your lying, pretend you don't know anything; that will put you at a good headstart from both your political opponents and my father's ire. But, do be aware, after all that gets cleaned through, if your head is still where it should be on your person, Lodewijk will also have requests of you and your representative position that will be a lot harder to counterpoint than the ones I am sure you are already receiving. And I suggest you make ready for that, in whatever way you best see fit."

"You're saying I should... act as if I know nothing about the Undercity." The proposal felt counterintuitive, particularly since she was still doing her best to learn more about it day by day; she doubted she could feign ignorance while searching out more answers about the passages beneath Ala Mhigo and those who lived there.

"You cannot accidentally reveal information you do not, figuratively speaking, know. If you are explaining the need of, say, children, to use your example... you hear about them all the time. You have friends who came from that life. You have children at the Sandsea who you have found stranded in the mountains that have such an affinity with locks or a strange way of talking about things. 'But, no Lyse, I do not know what they're saying, or exactly where they were found. The mountains are big, after all, and I grew up in Thanalan.' You know the Undercity is ripe with drug addicts who are looking for recovery because you have met them here in the Ala Mhigan Quarter, and they only want a chance at hope. But, where had they gotten their supply? 'No, I do not know. They are making a strong recovery and it would be unsafe to reopen wounds.'" Hawthorne nodded at the understanding surely dawning on her. "You might get kickback about being a shortsighted upstart who needs to do more research into the causes she's helping, but you can tell them you're guided by your heart and all that flowery, earnest talk they love. After all, you're the one who raced into a fight against Garlemald headlong. I think the image is fitting."

She nodded again. His words offered a reassurance - a tenuous one, but even so. "And as for Lodewijk, I should simply keep to my own business and hope that he does the same?" It felt presumptuous in a way that she was not comfortable with; relying on chance and leaving her wellbeing in another's hands had never been her preferred strategy. Yet perhaps her only other choice would be to launch a full-scale surveillance initiative against one of the most notorious men in the Undercity, and not even she was that reckless. "That should be simple enough." She smiled a little wider, though she could not suppress the barest hint of a smirk. Hawthorne mirrored the expression. "Was that all? I am grateful to you for your guidance, of course, but I was under the impression that you had summoned me here to discuss a way in which I might help you. Unless that's simply by keeping my nose clean."

"That is precisely it. That, and the favor of allowing me to to talk uninterrupted and at length, a task which at least your father loathes." She giggled. "At least, he makes it seem very tasking. If anything my father does needs to concern you, you will be told about it. Otherwise, as everything else, my suggestion for him is that you keep yourself in the dark and remember that I do not have my sister's blessed disconnection from my family. Very many things still reach my ears, though I am just an old and out-of-date man with too many plates in my house and too many adventurers trapping about my ceiling."

"I think you have the perfect amount of plates," she teased.

Hawthorne laughed, and stood in a single movement. "Focus on your politics, and a public image - and the Silverbrand family will continue to see that the Undercity both thrives and serves its own."

Ashe inclined her head in a gesture that was almost a bow, and when she looked up, the former monk was gone. Only once she was back in her house did she start to wonder if she made a mistake in meeting him in the Undercity of all places.

[ecmlol]

“ my dads think I can’t keep a secret.”noah say

“ so you want to prove them wrong?”jude says

“ yes and I dont want to deal with my sister when it comes to our baby deal”noah say

“ are you afraid of her?”jude asked

“ I don’t like her being mad at me”noah say while thinking about his little sister.

Jude thinks about his sister being upset with him and it’s almost unbearable to him.

“ I can understand that”jude says

“ she’s all ready upset with us as it is.”noah says

“ true”jude says

“ I don’t want to deal with it “noah says

“ ok fine no baby talk with your side of our family got it” jude made a mental note.

“ thanks what about your dad?”noah asked

“ I don’t know”jude says

“ have you even thought about it?”noah asked

“Not really. He just started to act like my dad I don’t know what to say to him.”jude says

“ well seeing our dads seem to get along I doubt we should say anything to him either”noah suggest

“ good idea”jude thought

Jude’s phone rings.

“Can you answer it for me “jude say

“ sure” noah grabs the phone off the dash.

“It’s your dad”

“It is?”

“Hello”

“Noah hello”

“Hi how are you”

“I will be fine when I figure out what trouble my son in”

“ hi “jude say in a uneasy tone

“ Jude what’s going on?”Oscar demands

Jude pulls over because he wasn’t ready for this conversation.

“ Jude “Oscar demanded

“ Fine you want to know what my problem is ? Its . My brother my brother is the problem. Why didnt you tell me about him??”jude demanded

Oscar is silent for a moments.

“ well ?”

“ Brandon is different. His mind doesn’t function the same way. He didn’t know about you until recently either. He found all the newspapers article about you in my desk “.Oscar explains.

“ what do you mean different. Wait you kept ever article about me?”jude says

“He’s brilliant with no social skills. He’s a intervert. His therapist says he has a problem with showing and dealing with his emotions. He lives with me in my estate here in new York . He’s been missing for about 5 days. Did he find you?“ Oscar says ignoring all of Jude’s question.

“ he was raised by you of course he has problems with his emotions!” Jude said loudly rolling his eyes at Oscar ignoring his question.

“ he was in boarding school the same one eve was in actually “Oscar says

“ great he went to the school of nut jobs.” Noah say.

“ he can be reasonable most of the time and rather sweet if he’s around you long enough.”Oscar says

“I don’t understand ” Noah says

“ he’s skeedish and non confrontational. The problem is he has a slit personality.”

“ you cant be serious.”jude says

“ wow this is insane “noah says

“ his normal personal is artistic mild manners and creative nothing like you jude. He went to law school at 18.”

“ cooks? “noah asked

“ yes .paints draw colors whatever he get his hand on he turns it into a thing of art.” Oscar say.

Noah couldn’t help but to look at jude when Oscar says colors.

“ anything else?”

“ if he’s mad becareful Jude he can have a temper. He’ll call himself Kyle. Kyle is his way of protecting himself “Oscar explains

“ thanks for the heads up. I don’t have anymore siblings you have being hidden from me. Never mind two siblings are enough. “Jude says

“ have a safe Journey back to LA “

“ thank you “ noah say before he hangs up.

Jude is speechless.

“ wow is it me or is everything going to hell and a hand basket.”Noah ask

“ I’m starting to see why people like getting high on a regular basis”Jude says

“Because we would be laughing our ass off right about now and eating nachos.”noah say

“ exactly “jude say

Jude sighs and rubs his hand through his hair.

“ what’s wrong besides the obvious?” Noah said as he notices that Jude was not starting the car.

“ I guess I’m just mad that Oscar doesn’t know me at all!”jude says

“Hell I feel like I barely know you sometimes”noah says

“ well you have only been in my life for what almost a year.”jude say

“ yeah true

“ Oscar has had 28 years to know me big difference “jude says

“ oh ok.i feel like I’m missing something.”noah say

“ I’m more like my brother then he knows”jude say

“ oh the cooking and coloring thing?”noah asked. Noah wanted to say please tell me you don’t have split personality too.

“Yeah and I use to paint too”jude said

“You did?”noah asked

“ yes all of my paintings are in the attic “jude says

“Why?”noah asked

“ I didn’t want zero to see them”jude say

“ why?”noah asked

“ I wasnt sure what his reaction would have been.”jude says

“ so I could have taken you to a drink and painting date and you would have love it?”noah said

“ hey my birthday is in a few weeks remember that.”Jude saids

“ yes my libra baby “noah says smiling.

Jude sigh

“ when we get home you are going to show me all your hidden treasures . Painting porn and toys ok . All of it and I’ll bust out my box of goods when I move in.”noah say

“ box?”jude says with raised eye brows

“Yes box. I’m old enough to have dvd of porn.” Noah says proudly.

“ ok I don’t own any porn”

“ well you are from the digital age .”

Jude gets back on the highway .

“ yeah a few porn sites here and there”

“ I figured that much you had to have something to jerk off to when you where single”

“ is it me or is it weird we are talking about this now”jude asked

“I’m trying to get your mind off the madness go with it please”noah say

“ thank you”jude says

jude continues to drive.

“ so I was thinking of keeping the beard .”noah says trying to keep jude distracted.

“ you are?”jude -“asked

“ yeah I liking it what do you think?” noah say as he admires his beard in the mirror “

“ I like it even with all the grey what about you do you like the greys?”jude

“ even the grey. The grey reminds me that not everyone lives long enough to have them.”noah said

Jude squeezes noah hand because he knows he’s thinking about his dead ex

“You think Lionel will go for it?”jude asked

“ I doubt it “ noah say as he runs his hand over his beard.

“ I can hear her now. “ your not a lumberjack your a reporter “ noah says

“ she would say that or “I’m paying you to report not chop wood you can do that on your own time behind closed door” jude say

Noah starts to laugh.

Jude smile then reaches for Noah’s hand .

“ I love you so much.” Jude says

“ I love you too”noah say and kisses Jude’s hand.

For the rest of the trip they listen to the radio and and enjoyed each other’s company.

When they arrived to the airport noah cant help but to think that everything will change.

As they get out of the car noah stops and looks over at jude who is busy popping the trunk to get the bags out.

Noah decided to not say anything until they get out of security.

“ we need a plan.”noah says

“We do? I thought we had one”Jude said

“ not for your brother “noah says

“ then for what?”jude asked

“ us. I’m going to miss this the laid back I’m wearing hand washed underwear Jude.”

Jude’s not proud of that fact but he somehow thought he had underwear that was clean in his bag.

“ I’m not going to change mid flight.”jude says with a slight grin.

“ no but when we land the stress will be back and all the pressures of being a team owner will be staring you in the face again.”

“ every time I open my phone it was staring me in the face noah.I have been working off and on this whole time ”Jude say 

“I figured that much but you didn’t have any long meetings to go with it.”Noah says

“I just want to make sure we make time for each other during the season Jude.” Noah says

“Last season was a mess. We went for days without seeing each other.” Jude said sadly. 

“This season will be different ok we will make time for each other. We are going to have to with the baby coming.”Noah say

“Your right we do need to come up with a plan.”Jude says

“Promise me we will eat at least one meal a day together Jude.” Noah says as their taking a seat by the window to wait for their flight back to LA.

Jude joins him and sits back and sighs.

“That sounds like a plan.” Jude says

“So no matter how  busy we are we will find each other and eat and if that’s not possible I’m grabbing you and we are hijacking the elevator.”

“Why a elevator?”

“It has music and a dance floor.” Noah says

“Ah dancing. So we are taking your pops advice.”

“of course if you want. They have been together for over 40 years”Noah say proudly

“I guess if anyone knows how to keep a marriage together it would be them.”Jude says.

“Exactly” Noah says with a smile.

Noah and Jude have a 2 hour before there flight.

Jude’s phone rings

It’s patty

“ hi mom”

“ Jude my jude bear is gone!” Justice says in tears.

“Justice? What happened”

“I had to go potty and left him outside with mommy and the phone rang and it was gone when we came back how.I think he took it.”

“ who ?”

“Evil Jude” Justice said crying into the phone.

“ hey it’s ok. I’ll try any get it back for you.”

“ you will?”Justice asked

“ of course I’m sure I’ll catch him at some point.”jude

“ promise?”

“Can’t promise but I will try my best”

“Ok mommy wants to talk to you”

“Ok”

“ Jude honey?”

“ hey what’s wrong?”

“I’m just noticing things are missing I think he took some pictures.”

“ pictures? And a bear?”

“ yes”

“Weird”jude says

“ why cant he just knock on the door and introduce himself” patty says

“ are you sitting?”jude says

“ yes”

“ Brandon has two personalities.“

“ what?”

“ apparently he has a artsy side and a ruthless side.”

“Oh my this is my fault I shouldn’t have made the deal with Oscar . I just wanted to get him out of my life. I thought with all his money he would have given him the world “patty say

“Yeah apparently he is skeedish . I’m thinking he’s scared to actually face anyones.”

“ Jude this is awful”patty says

“ I know I feel bad for him.”

“I wish I know how to approach him with out making him run away.”patty say.

“ yeah I have thinking about that too..”

“ it odvious you talked to your father ask him for advice then call me back.”patty say before hanging up.

Jude sighs and shoves his phone in his pocket.He looks up and see noah smile at someone . He follows noah line aview. About 7 feet away there is a little girl the same complex as Noah with for little puffs on top of her head being held by Jude can only assume is her father. Jude have no idea how old she is but he knows she’s adorable.

“ she’s really cute don’t you think”noah asked

“ yeah she is”jude says

Jude notices the father just figured out who his daughter was ignoring him for. He gets their tickets and start to head over to their direction. A nother man walks up to him and joins him with Starbucks. One man is Asian and looks a little older and the other look man is young and white.

They take a seat across from jude and Noah .

They smile and start to bicker a little.

Noah and Jude look away.

“ so hows your mom?”noah asked

“ apparently Brandon is stealing pictures and children toys.”jude explains .

“ interesting “noah say

The little girl tosses her shoes in Jude’s and Noah direction.

“ I’m sorry she can be a little bossy when she trying to get someone attention.” The older man says

“Ollie just ask you know you want to ask”the younger man says

“ I’m not going to ask that”

“Are you guys together like husbands?”The younger man asked

“Yes we are married” noah says

“I told you she has gaydar Ollie”

“ gaydar?”jude whisper

Noah gives him a strange look along with the two dads.

“ excuse my husband he’s not fluent in gay as he is in other gay things.” Noah says with a laugh.

“Give me a second “jude say

“Seriously you don’t know what gaydar is”the younger man

“Don’t be a ass Connor “Ollie say

“ that’s when you can spot someone gay right?”jude says

“Right Jude”noah says

“ you sure he’s gay” Connor say

“ I promise he’s gay” noah say as he laughs and smiles at jude.

“So how long have you two been married “Ollie asked

“ 6 days you?” Noah says

“ wow newbies congrats “"Connor says

“ so what’s parenthood like “Noah asked

“Wow congratulations we have been married for two years“ Ollie say

“ poop a lot of poop” Connor says

“ come on Connor its more to it then dirty diapers. Connor and you know it.”

“ your right it is lots of crying too”Connor say

Ollie rolls his eyes

“ are you trying to get them to never have kids?”Ollie says

Ollie just shakes his head.

“ excuse him he like to forget the little things like how happy Annie is to see him everyday after work or her first time she laughed at him or how she loves to sleep on your chest while you work.”

“ ok fine that too don’t forget story time she lives for that.“ Connor says

“ she does” Ollie say

“ so you two thinking about rugrats already?”Connor asked

“ it was sorta a shotgun kind of thing but he didn’t know it” noah says

Jude looks like he was about to protest and then he thought about it then chuckles.

“ he’s right i didn’t thing about it like that.” Jude says

Connor keeps staring at Noah

Out of the blue Connor had to ask noah something.

“ have I meet you before?”Connor asked looking straight at Noah.

“ no I don’t think so.Are you a gamer ? Or play sports?”Noah says

“ wait wait your Noah that reporter that was in out with his boyfriend a couple a months ago”Oliver say as he looking through his phone to find it online.

“ hold Annie for a minute I can find it quicker “Ollie says as he hands over Annie to Connor.

Ollie pulls up the pictures and the article.

“Found it”Ollie says

Jude and Noah stay silent as the other couple founds the article.

Jude didn’t know what to think of being recognized.

“ yeah that’s us” noah say

“Man you guys must to avoid carb for weeks “Connor said

“ it was hard work getting in that great of shape” jude says

“ I’m sure”Ollie say trying not to stare at jude and Noah.

“ so what do you two do?”jude asked to get the attention off of them.

“ I’m a stay at home dad that does legal research when need.”Ollie says

“ I’m a civil rights attorney “

“ wow impressive “ noah says

“ I’m very proud of him”Ollie say as he smiles at Connor. Ollie tells them about the major Supreme Court ruling that Connor helped with a few years back.

“ wow that’s amazing if you are ever looking for a change in pace my organization could use talent like you”Jude says

“Really a job offer wow I’m flattered”Connor says

Noah was proud that jude seem to be social without being awkward.

Ollie was waiting for Connor to turn it down. He was proud of the work that Connor is doing at his job.

“Thank you but I’m doing a lot of good where I am” Connor say as he tried to juggle a wiggling Annie in his arm.

“ I totally understand.” Jude says as he takes out his wallet and hands Connor a business card.

“Da.da.da da”Annie say trying to get to Ollie.

“ oh I see how you are fine go “Connor blows a raspberry on her cheek and hands her back to Ollie .

“ don’t take it personal”Ollie say welcoming Annie back will open arms and kisses.

“ she is really cute!”noah say looking at her big brown eyes and brown hair and tan skin.

“ thank you.” Ollie and Connor says

“ do you mind me asking about her adoption. I’m sorry if that’s too personal “Jude asked out of the blue . Noah was surprised he asked but was happy he did.

“ we got luck my best friend got pregnant and she didn’t figure it out in time to do something about it so she gave the baby to us”Connor says

“Is it a open adoption then”noah asked

“She comes over all the time. “ Ollie says

“Does it work having the birth mom around all the time”noah asked

“ she’s like a reluctant aunt” ollie says

Connor shakes his head in agreement.

[the-big-short]

What a time this is...2 be alive for this shit

Hello creatures! What a fucking time to be alive! You might've heard this phrase before as entertainers,public figures,athletes and so on have put it into their respective art over the last couple years and boy are they right. If you don’t take a second to plug out or for a large amount of the population get plugged in a little just to see what the world has to offer you might be feeling a little unbalanced and that’s ok. (been there)

  The five second genius is a very common thing in today's world because anybody can look up anything at any given moment in time and all of a sudden they’re an expert on said topic. Not only that, people are so afraid to not know what you’re talking about that they feel they must spew out some random fact that isn't pertinent to the conversation.  Now we all live different lifestyles and hopefully have a unique perspective on the world. With that being said it doesn't make you an authority on a subject just because you can get an answer in a blink of an eye. I could look up a video on how to cut hair and that doesn’t all of a sudden make me an expert on cutting hair. People read a couple articles about climate change or watch a video and all of a sudden they’re geniuses. Don’t get me wrong I've been guilty of the same thing but, I continued to work on myself so that my intellectual capabilities and overall growth continued to rise and for the first couple of years it was a somewhat unconscious endeavor I can admit. I just thought everything was normal the way i was computing information. I knew nothing of consciousness (still don’t lol) I just felt so strongly that something was completely missing at the age of 19 and this comes from someone who was in college...who was on a basketball scholarship. People look at you and think, “he really has it going on”. Meanwhile, I’m like what about all of this stuff and people just kinda went... ehhh that’s the way it is or they didn’t know the things I knew or thought I knew at the time lol which was nothing except that we are not paying attention to anything that really maters.

 Now I understand a lot of things are necessary for a civilization to run and run effectively and it’s not easy nor pretty at times. Not everyone has the time especially if they aren’t willing to go out of there way to find these things on top of their 40hr week job.. I understand this. I also understand that this is newer for older generations..the technology, the finding out that a lot of things you believed in for the majority of your adult life is and was a complete ploy to expose the kindness in your heart. These things aren’t easy to come to grips with so I do understand and I’m sorry. But, a lot of people like me didn't have that luxury and I call it that because if you don’t think at all or don’t have any critical thinking skills especially when you’re young you tend to just go with the flow and going with the flow in some ways brings no “pain”(pain has many different forms) and definitely will not widen your eyes. These two things can and will still find you know matter what it just may come later which is what it is. I’m not pointing fingers here, this is not your generation this my generation that,stupid people /smart people this is all intended to help so I’m sorry if things rub you the wrong way...at the end of the day we all have difficulties and hardships. All I can do is try to imagine your pain in certain circumstances so that I can come in to the situation with some compassion and understanding. I’ve no idea what it was like growing up in the Vietnam War period. Knowing any day you could get drafted and be in a foreign land not by your choice. I can imagine the fear, the unknowing of what is going to happen next. I can try and understand as much as possible the fact that you lost people you just had lunch with the day before and how often that occurrence probably was. I can imagine the trauma you probably still carry with you to this day because you cant shake the things you've seen or done and then you came home to a country who tossed you aside and expected you to just get on with your life. I can imagine these things because I’ve been scarred too..I’ve also been to war but it was a different war. Knowing and understanding so much at a young age can be a terrifying thing and damaging at that...So damaging you forgot it was ok to laugh and smile... to enjoy your fucking life. See I might not have lost friends in a war but I knew at an early age the truths of war. The money in war, the manipulation, the propaganda, the mass indoctrination, the realizing that everyone around you has no fucking clue what you’re talking about or how you can compute things people are not understanding. This was before “fake news” was mainstream. This is being years ahead of people 40 years older than you and this is just one subject...we’re talking about people walking their whole life without a fucking clue about much of anything and even if they did understand some things they made absolutely zero attempt to change anything about themselves on even the smallest scale....Just be nicer lol..you don’t have to go save the world just be nicer because we’re all connected and whether or not you believe your actions to be inconsequential that’s bullshit because how you interact with people will determine for a lot of beings how they go on to interact with others. (Quantum physics/mechanics enters) Any who,I began to understand the quotes that say “hell can be with you every day..everywhere you go because I used to live there.”

 This isn’t a pity party, this is a we all can relate our struggles and difficulties if we just take the time to pay attention and listen...to really share our emotions and to not be afraid of the truth even if it scares us, even if we don’t like it. Even if it makes us so uncomfortable we can’t breathe. Things have gotten better and will continue to get better for myself and you if you are willing to put in the fucking work. We still live in possibly the safest time in recorded history but some things can’t be known for sure. Once you are aware that only the Akashic records hold the full truth will you understand we really know nothing on the macro scale of things and this is ok...this shouldn't frighten us. Learn to thrive in it....Go all out. 

Live today for tomorrow is never promised.

I hope this brings you some sort of insight into my mind but more importantly opens up a door way for you to explore new avenues inside your own. 

Have a blessed day creators. 

P.S.

I can’t fit every interconnected dot into everything i try and write about..i’ll miss things , the context might not always gel with you but i do the best i can without rambling to much. Thank you!

[extraquarterblog]

Hyper Light Drifter, isnt just Great, Its Beautiful

When Hyper Light Drifter first appeared on the scene back in 2014, it was instantly on my radar. The unique art style, beautiful music, mysterious giant robots roaming around. It pretty much captivated me at first glance. Now generally, when I see a new title, I get excited, but when I see its from a new indie studio, Heart Machine, that's running a Kickstarter campaign, I get worried. New Studios combined with Kickstarter, have a long history of failed projects and empty promises. So as much as I wanted to love Hyper Light Drifter and give Heart Machine Studios tons of support through kickstarter, I remained optimistic. 

Thankfully my worries were never necessary. 

Through the following years, Heart Machine studios proved to be hard at work, keeping fans in loop with an occasional art piece or animation. Showing off, that the project was real and moving along. While it was a painful wait, for an indie title, running on Game Maker Engine, it would prove well worth it. Starting up Hyper Light Drifter for the first time, I knew right then, I was in for a good ride. 

Upon entering this world, only seconds into this game, the first thoughts running through my head were What the hell did I get myself into? That's a good thing, within the first moments I wanted to explore, I wanted to learn more of my character, the world and its cast that roam it. For most people, the first thing that will grab you is its fantastic art. Truly some of the best retro pixel inspired art I've seen in a long time, that plays so well for this game. Each area has a great contrast from each other, as you further explore each part of this world, you'll find a great attention to detail. If you ever attempted at making pixel artwork, you can appreciate the effort and love put into Hyper Light Drifter appearance.

Hyper Light Drifter isn't the type of game that holds your hand. It more or less tosses you into this world with very little answers and for you to explore any which direction you like. If I had to compare it to any title, it's what if Journey and Metroid combined together. You'd get this game. There no real spoken language that you can understand, the NPCs are all various animal-like races, and almost all writing in this game is in a foreign language. So you really have to fill in the gaps at times and come to your own conclusion with whats presented. 

It's very much like Metroid in a sense that almost everywhere you go, there lies hidden secrets. You see that random edge at the corner of the screen, with a single lonely bush? Yeah, go over there, check it out, and low n behold, there's a secret invisible air bridge for you to run across. Seriously, practically every location you go, you'll find multiple secrets laying around, giving that very Metroid feel of exploration and discovery. 

My first play-through, I managed to complete a decent amount, beating the final boss around 6hrs. Thankfully to my delight, there was a New Game Plus mode, which I eagerly jumped back in. I would imagine, giving an estimate here, if you were wanting to complete everything, 100%, id imagine it could take you over the +10hr mark, not including multiple play-through for New Game Plus. 

So, it's not the longest game, and it can be a bit repetitive, not to mention pretty straight forward. Here you are, here's the map, and over there is the Boss. Get busy. Rinse and Repeat. I wished that there was more exploration, additional new areas to uncover. Over all, just more content. Because that's what this game does to you, much like Bloodborne, you'll scavenge around trying to uncover any clues to the story, but sadly, desperate as you may search, there just inst much. 

Also I wished there was more to the upgrading or leveling to this game. Most of the game involves around collecting yellow chips that you can trade at various shops to upgrade your abilities for your dash, sword or gun abilities. However even those upgrades are pretty shallow, there's no real skill tree leveling or much in variety. 

Moving past that, though, the game, abate short, it does however deliver a top notch experience. The story details are slim, it hasn't stopped numerous conversations online about it, people desperately scavenging around to find any detail that can help piece together just what in the world is going on. Everyone coming with different conclusions and opinions about Hyper Light Drifter world. 

Typically, when you see a game like this, at first glance, things come to mind like; Retro, Indie, old school, pixel art, ect. But honestly, after diving so many hours into Hyper Light Drifter, I cant imagine it being any other way. The artwork is damn gorgeous and the musical score grips you, shining at the perfect moments to really bring in the scene. Recalling a moment, when almost reaching a top of a mountain on the north part of the game, you see a giant Titan like beast, gripping on the side of the mountain, dead, frozen in place, with the musical score right on queue, kicking it up to eleven. Making you pause, appreciating, then eagerly continue on.  The pacing is done spot on, you never feel you have to grind, nor do you have to constantly deal with the same annoying foes or puzzles. 

The Heart Machine Team have done a fantastic job, not to mentioned much of this sprung forth from a Kickstarter project, being their first go around, I cant really complain all that much and i was able to pick it up for under $20 too. Basically making this game impossible for me to pass up. 

Now I eagerly await for more.