#i think they made his design harder so people would be discouraged to draw him in sidlink fanart 💀

[zelda-supremacy]

Me drawing BotW Sidon: Oh, this isn't so bad. The jewelry is a little complex, but I can simplify it and still make it look good.

Me drawing TotK Sidon: *spending an hour on making the crown look right* What did I do to deserve this pain.

[oh-shtars]

RFTS!AU AskBox #4

Me to @signed-sapphire for the legendary number of 50 Questions Galore they sent me:

Heads up though, you might notice there’s certain questions skipped. I’m either not able to answer some of the asks at all OR they’re either some art requests that I haven’t finished and will post in future posts. So I had to skip them for this post unfortunately…. I apologise as such. 😅

Anyways, let’s get speeding through them shall we?

1. How do you plan to show the songs?

It should be question 6 of this post here. :)

……

2. How many songs do you plan to have in RFTS?

4 or more. Depends on what I come up with.

……..

3. What ‘vibe’ would each song have?

Uhhhhhhh, idk tbh. I’m really just going with the flow of what this story brings me. You can’t wait to see what the RFTS!plot has in store? Yeah, me too.

……..

4. Who’s voicing Valentino and the main cast?

For Valentino, I’m not sure. I’m debating whether it should be younger Bambi or Ronno’s VA. But he basically has an actual kid’s voice this time rather than a deep-sounding one. (Because honestly, I found that a bit weird personally). For the the other characters, I don’t really mind the voices they have canonically.

And I think I’ve mentioned this before, but even though Sueño can’t speak, I could hear him singing this in this voice hypothetically.

………..

5. Write or draw any cute interaction between Ashueño!

Mk :3

………

6. I know Asha will have a different outfit by the end, but do you have different designs for anyone else?

Yeah, I do actually. Some characters have a different outfit to better reflect their current context. (Like how Sakina would have work clothes similar to Asha.) But I don’t want to reveal most of them at the moment since I would like to keep them a secret for now.

……

7. Some Gabo doodles, if you don’t mind. I rarely see the short king in any Wish Art.

Fiiiiine.

His design makes a lot more sense if you were me and you knew the context. Take this art with whatever theories you guys can throw at me 😂

……. 10. What made Amaya fall in love with Magnifico? What changed?

Amaya had a family who greatly discouraged her interest in studying magic and potions since it’s against what their family has done for generations. Meanwhile, Magnifico who was adopted as Rosas’ prince, is expected to learn magic but COULDN’T because he struggles to do so since he hasn’t moved on from his trauma.

When these guys were around 16-15 years old, they were mutual best friends. Mag offers Amaya to read from his magic books while he finds comfort in just having a genuine friend who doesn’t remind or push expectations onto him that he hears everyday in the castle. She’s like an escape from the stresses he has in there.

In their future years, Amaya grew to fall in love with someone who promised her the world if she only asked for it. She finds bits of herself in Mag, as both were people with crushed dreams that deserve better. (In their POV anyway.)

Falling in love was not at all what she expected since she used to believe sympathy would only hold her back from exploring the limits of magic. But you know, Amaya’s as much as a tragic character as Magnifico is.

…….

11. Who fell first and who fell harder between those two?

Is it possible to say that RFTS!Magnifico is both?

……..

12. Any fun fact about the Royal Couple? (You can tell who I’m most invested in. lol.)

The only reason Espino, the royal cat, is in the castle is because Amaya wanted him around. Otherwise, if it were up to Mag, that cat is out to the streets. He’s not very fond of animals and he considers them as pests. Though, Espino gets small bonus points from Magnifico just because he keeps the castle clear from mice which he especially hates.

(Good to know you’re enjoying ‘Grand Despair’ while it lasts :)

……

13. This may be weird but…Body Swap! How would Hopes and Dreams react?

Asha would have zero idea how to get star magic under control. Meanwhile, Sueño finds an interesting realisation.

……..

14. What’s your favourite fanart piece of your AU?

I LOVE all of them so much!! They’re all made by very amazing artists!! I’m so happy to see these silly characters I’ve made be brought to life in someone else’s style. 💖💖

Mere words can’t express this joy enough. I hope you all would love the final chapters once they do come out as much as you loved seeing content of them now. X3

……..

15. Are you telling your story via writing or art of word dump?

I’m planning to share it in chapters like how Anny and everyone else has been doing. Plus some more sketches I would keep making of them obviously.

………

17. Draw Ashueño dressed as another Disney couple!

Hehehehehe guess whooo~ 🙃

………

19. Young!Sueño!

Which one? 🙃

Awww, good times back then when the little guy is still figuring out the forms he likes….

…… 20. Young!Royal Couple!

Mini Magnifico would rather drown himself or drink snake venom than call Oliver his dad- ………

22. Give some more lore on Asha’s father. Are you keeping him as close to the source material as possible? Will we see him in flashbacks or something?

You’ll definitely get to see Tomás at certain points in the story. Either in the short prologue, mentions and flashbacks. He’s generally a friendly guy but at the same time, is also assertive to defend what he thinks is wrong. But even though his life was cut short, Tomás ended up inspiring more people than he thinks. Especially his old friend, Sabino, who hasn’t given another wish or attended any more wish ceremonies after his death.

I don’t think we really knew much about Asha’s father at all in the canon movie, but I’ll pretty much be close to what is depicted there already with some more detail on how he made an influence in the lives of those he loves.

………

23. Give Sueño a stuffed toy for him to cuddle with. He deserves it <3

He adores it so much 💖💖

……….

24. More lore about the Astral Realm!

Not all Wishing Stars have the strong desire to venture down into the human realm someday and that’s completely fine. They can still guide their wishmaker from above. But for those who do want to, they need to answer one important question first:

“Why do you grant wishes?”

Since they would be going down to earth by themselves ALONE with none of their elders to guide them this time, their answer to this question serves as their anchor in case they get lost or distracted. Answers do vary and some may be the same among stars, but that’s fine. As long as they’re sincere with all their core on their answer. Some examples may be: “I like to see them reach their very best and reap their deserved rewards.” Or “I like watching them journey and discover themselves.”

……….

25. SNEAK PEAKS!!

This scene is one of my dotpoints I came up with but I’m not so sure anymore if that would still fit in and whether I should scrap it. Regardless, I thought this would be a nice little thing to show you all. Proof that I’m indeed working on it 😅

(Actually, this sounds so cute to draw. Feel welcome to try and do so if you want to, my fellow artists ^^)

…… 26. How does Magnifico’s magic work?

I made a whole post on this :3

………

27. Where did Amaya learn potions?

She’s self-taught mostly. But I also did mention that Mag generously lets her borrow what is meant to be his books of magic soooo, he played a role on that as well.

……

29. What’s Amaya’s opinion on the other Wish AU Mags?

I’m not exactly sure how different her opinions would be on each of them since I think we all decided to have our fun with Magnifico just being a shameless show-off and fun evil villain. I’ll try though.

Amaya would think KOW!Mag reminds her a lot of her own husband, also short-tempered and a disgustingly sweet romantic at times. She’s kind of a play-hard-to-get girl though 😂. One thing she does notice is that what WRTS!, Wish Granted! And KOW!Mag have in common is how loud they are with their ceremonies. Is that a universal Magnifico thing? Eh. There sure is a lot of interesting knowledge to learn from these universes. Hmmm.

TKoRaT!Maggy has that same pained look that falls on RFTS!Mag whenever he’s sulking by himself and needs time alone. Usually it’s because of his old village trauma. It’s an intriguing but ever so familiar cycle she recognises well.

Meanwhile. TFS!Mag is……different, she would say. Not exactly good different. I kinda imagine her eyeing this guy like a cat. This Mag just gives off a very different vibe of non-ruthlessness(?) that she’s not used to.

……..

30. Same for Mag, but vice versa.

RFTS!Mag gets very very very familiar vibes with KOW! And Wish Granted!Amaya. He finds it slightly amusing since it feels like his wife just became a part of some triplets. (He jokingly asked RFTS!Amaya if she had any sisters she never told him. The woman wasn’t amused. She doesn’t really like being reminded of her family.) I’m sorry TKoRaT! And TFS!Amaya, but you’ve made the decision to adopt Asha as your daughter and so he thinks lower of you now. Although…the TKoRaT!couple might just get to redeem themselves for that since they sound interesting enough. They’re going to have the ditch the girl though at some point.

WRTS!Amaya just feels off. He doesn’t know what exactly though? Is he losing his mind or something? Ugh, I think he could use devouring another Wish Bubble just in case…

……..

31. You know what, for Asha and Sueño too!

Oh boy, here we go. 😂

Asha will NOT be able to handle Wish Granted!Star’s energy. It’s so different from the silent but still lively conversations she has with her Starboy. Star just can’t bring himself to stop talking, can he? 😅 Asha thinks WRTS!Aster and TKoRaT!Star are adorable. Cielo may be a bit much at times with his light teasing and flirting, but she’s aware he means well.

I could see Asha’s non-hesitant empathy, patience and genuine concern to Haedus would be a huge comfort for the poor guy. (Trust me, she’s done this plenty before.) She’s a bit surprised to see Naos and Nembus but I think they’d get along just fine. She’s pretty good with playing with kids from her experience with a mischievous Valentino. And lastly, KOW!Aster is a total sweetheart that she jokingly comments could rival Sueño’s. (That comment caught Sueño’s attention quickly lmao.)

MEANWHILE:

Sueño is more hesitant and unwilling at first to approach humans by his own accord. He’ll still keep a short distance buuuut… if they’re just another version of Asha, it can’t be that horrible, right?

KOW!Asha’s drawings are a familiar sight for him and he’s impressed that she could bring her own drawings to life. Same goes for WRTS!Asha with her magic wand. Maybe they’re friendly… Maybe they could both do that together :D He’s neutral with Wish Granted! And Aled’s Asha for now until he gets to know them better.

Sueño recognises that same shyness and timid nature in TKoRaT!Asha. (It’s weird how she does the same thing RFTS!Asha does of turning their head away and hiding behind their hair when he innocently just looks her way.)

And then there’s…….HER. TFS!Asha. Cielo talks about her a lot….😬. But you know, that girl scares him.

Unfortunately, Sueño is staying a relatively farther distance away from the last two Ashas I mentioned. Why? Idk, probably the fact that they’re the daughter of Mag and Amaya-

……….

32. *Gives Sueño an iPad with Duolingo on it* Here my child. Learn Spanish.

I have a feeling you did this so he could finally find out what his name, ‘Sueño’ translates into. Lol, nope. Not yet he’s not.

He still appreciates the gesture though, but the guy got distracted by the other cool features and apps this weird magical mirror-tablet thing(?) had and completely forgot all about the Owl app.

……

33. Will Asha ever attempt to learn Celestial? Maybe with a candle? Like Morse Code? Idk.

Idk. Speaking Celestial is really just stars exchanging screechy sound waves to each other telepathically like words, while their glowing sequences indicates the mood and tone of what they’re saying. Maybe if Asha comes to learn how to harness light magic on her own, she’ll be able to at least convey emotions such as happiness in it by controlling the brightness and duration of each flash.

…….

35. How are you planning out your story?

I usually think of what main message I’m trying to get across first and build the story around it. After some character and world-building stuff (that I keep adding to because procrastination), I put the key scenes I could think of in bullet-point format and then just think up some in-between scenes that could occur between those points.

Usually though, the most usual process is that a random concept/idea pops into my head and then I immediately type it down so I won’t forget it. It’s basically my thing now to organise the giant mess of reminders into comprehensive plot lines.

I’m not writing the story at this point. The story is choosing to expose itself to me XD

Another main thing I do is listen to my Spotify playlist of this AU, read the Wish Artbook, or rewatch a movie that has inspired the RFTS! plot in some way.

……..

36. Are there any kisses in your story?

Hmmmmm….. *glances at Ashueño and Amnifico*

Oh well, since you’ve asked me, I gueeeeess I’m unfortunately now going to have to remove all the kisses I had included since y’all are so desperate to know….. (/jk)

……..

38. Will the Royal Couple have villain transformations?

………..

39. What’s your take on the ‘eating wishes’ thing?

As I’ve mentioned in my last post on how the magic system works in the RFTS!AU, Magnifico eats wish essence to reverse the costly effects of using Curse Magic. To put it simply, he uses them to make him more mentally stable.

.,,,,,,,,

40. What Easter Eggs are you planning to put in your story?

Awwwww, where’s the fun in that? Find them yourselves >:)))

And who knows? Maybe certain fellow creators in the Wish Rewrite Fandom will make a reference in some of the chapters. Keep an eye out 😉

……..

42. What exactly does Asha’s job entail?

Being a king’s apprentice is a way to gain experience and learn how to use magic by the king himself, so you could use the attained knowledge as to however you want. Share the talent with Rosas or Go out into the world.

However, when Magnifico’s reign started, he forbade magic usage other than he and his wife with the claim that it’s for the greater good and safety for Rosas. (He kinda had a point since criminal activity and accidents did decrease in number after that rule.)

Since Mag doesn’t really need an apprentice, Asha is more of an assistant now, following in her dad’s footsteps before her. She’s tasked to do help with whatever Mag might need around his study such as keep the fire going or organise his papers. But Mag doesn’t really like having her around a lot, (since she asks a lot of questions about his wish-keeping system) so he purposefully tells her to go carry out outside tasks such as go into the garden and help the gardeners or something.

……..

43. Did Magnifico make Sueño’s bonds?

If I told you, would that make you more blood-thirsty enough to gather pitchforks and torches for his head? Because if you are, please don’t. I still need this guy to stir up conflict in my story :((

(You can have him all you want though once I’m done with him. Lmao.)

………

44. How was Rosas founded?

Nearly a century ago, the kingdom was first built. I’ve read in the Art book that Rosas was apparently named to reference ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Like, ok….?

Anyways, I found that roses are meant to represent love, rebirth and beauty. So I decided to add more onto that than just have it as another reference. The kingdom’s founders wanted Rosas to be a place where people who are wary and feel outcasted by their homes can find and start a new beginning. To ‘Rebirth’ and have a second chance to find the ‘beauty and love’ in their lives again,

Blue and white were made the royal colours because the blue was meant to stand for trust and reliability and white for new beginnings. Symbolising the past kings and queens’ responsibility to have their talents in sorcery be used to serve the people who come here. Thus, Rosas’ citizens all are in a variety of different cultures.

……..

45. Over how many days does your story take?

I’m thinking within one month. It’s a race-against-time sort of thing where Asha needs to find out how to confront the Royal Couple before they do something horrible on Rosas’ celebration of its 100th anniversary, which is literally just a month away.

…….

46. What was your favourite part of Wish? Are you translating that to your AU?

I really really loved how Mag’s magic looked and how he went all evil-ish green as a tribute to past Disney villains. If we ignore the awkward transition he had from sympathetic to just plain psychotic, it’s a cool magic display. I kinda wished they went more full out on the final battle because it just felt so underwhelming asf.

I’m keeping the magical final battle but with more magical funsies. :D

…….

47. Least favourite part?

I’m frustrated how bland and empty the character interactions and emotional beats are since those kinds of moments are usually my favourite when it comes to movies.

Magnifico’s tragic loss of his village? “Pfft- What tragedy? We don’t need that in the movie’s 2nd half.”

Asha’s dead father? “Eh. We only needed him for a few mins and he’s non-existent from that point on.”

Valentino claims to be Asha’s helpful animal sidekick. “Did I mention I have a deep voice? Oh, and my butt’s a funny thing too. Did I already mention that my voice is loud and soooo deep??”

Simon’s betrayal? “Oh wow, that was a shock…. Anyways, wanna start a rebellion?”

OMG, Sakina’s wish is back!! “What was the wish about? Idk who cares.”

Asha’s friendship with Star doesn’t even feel that special to me?? GUYS, I felt more chemistry between Rapunzel and Pascal. COME ON, BUILD IT UP. DON’T JUST SAY ‘Awww, you and I are thinking the same thing~’ AND EXPECT ME TO BUY THAT.

……….

48. What’s your favourite aspect of the TFS!AU?

Idk why, but I like how there’s a unique twist in your AU on how Wishing Stars don’t have the best reputation to humans. It’s a nice subversion that makes it stand out a little more. :)) Because usually, the idea of wishing on stars is always seen as a positive thing but that’s not the case in this story. It’s intriguing to watch characters slowly realise that not everything is what it seems.

That, and the hilarious dynamic you’ve got going on between Cielo and Asha and how deep in denial they both are, even though it’s clear as day to the other TFS!cast. 😂

(Wouldn’t it be funny if TFS!Mag and Amaya also noticed? They may be going down a dark path but they’re not blind, girl.)

……..

50. What’s a boring fact about you?

Uhhhhhh…. I like organising stuff by colour for fun...? Like, I used to pour out a box of legos and sort through them as a kind of pastime. I still organise coloured pencils in rainbow order if I could too. 😅 ………

@annymation @uva124 @your-ne1ghbor @ficsinhistory @rascalentertainments @gracebethartacc @spectator-zee

It’s a long read, but I think you guys would enjoy going through it regardless. I hope so anyways.

Btw, thx for all the fun questions Bo! 💖 Might post some more regarding your other doodle requests that I’ve put to the side for now if you don’t mind. :))

[davidmann95]

I think you’ll enjoy the Snyder Cut as funny as that outcome will be, but honestly the only analysis of the DCEU from you I’m interested in is comparing Cavill and Hoechlin. S&L shows that it’s not necessarily a darker tone or “realism” that caused the problems with Cavill.

You guessed true! I was indeed made a fool of for maximum comedic value. And now that we’re through Superman & Lois’s first ‘act’ for its inaugural season I’d say there’s a decent amount of material to work with for comparison. It’s actually a fair one to make: along with the series drawing a lot on Man of Steel aesthetically both takes on Superman are rooted in the notion of realistic consequence, albeit one focusing on the personal and the other on the global. But curiously if not surprisingly, the shorthand impressions of the two have pretty grievously screwed up the general interpretations on the two not only in terms of relative depth, but what sources they’re drawing on.

It’s funny; when Hoechlin debuted on Supergirl it was just about the most positive press Superman had gotten in over a decade, but by the time he showed up again the narrative had fully set in that he was a shameless, inauthentic carbon-copy of Christopher Reeve designed in contrast to Cavill, and it held until the debut of his solo show made people reckon with the quality of his performance on a weekly basis. And even that opened with a lovely bit of nostalgia bait that reinforced the idea that Hoechlin is a neo-classical ‘iconic’ take on the character shaped by his mass-media, while Cavill is the modernized serious update rooted in Deep Comic Book Lore. The truth is that between the two it’s the big screen take who hews a lot closer to the Christopher Reeve model, stoic in the face of danger, sweet when given the opportunity, somewhat distant most of the time but unquestionable in his good intent. Hoechlin meanwhile while paying his dues to almost every mass-media Superman interpretation to date one way or another is as a personality rooted in the comics in a way no prior adaptation approaches. Especially the work of Busiek and Morrison as a modernization of ideas originally stemming from the 60s and 70s of Superman as an emotionally vulnerable figure, unshakable in his heroism but driven by unique personal experience and a mindset bordering on neurosis almost as much as decency.

Perhaps the core of the divide that the differences in their performances stem from - beyond that from day one back in the Supergirl days, for me at least, Hoechlin simply felt a lot more authentic and charismatic - is specificity of motivation. Henry Cavill’s Clark Kent is a burdened figure, with no shortage of factors in his life acting against his journey to becoming Superman so as to make that transformation all the more remarkable: a lack of built-in inclinations in the same way as the rest of his species, his powers tormenting him throughout his childhood, social isolation, his family discouraging his heroics out of concern for his safety, the looming threat of the global sociopolitical impact should his existence be revealed. But for all that buildup, there’s little effort given to why in spite of all of that he would become Superman anyway, other than - for all the effort to make this a grounded, ‘real’ take on the character - that he is Superman, and when offered a chance at greatness as either one who does good or evil, he will naturally choose good. He’s a largely passive everyman figure, adrift for years until a place is given to him, and then in the tradition established by Byrne and company in the 1980s (reversing Siegel and Shuster’s original concept) only able to fully unclench when wearing the glasses rather than when enacting the mission and role he finds thrust upon him. He’s just a perfectly okay joe doing the best he can under increasingly impossible circumstances because he has no real choice but to go with the flow lest he let everyone down. Weird dickishness when Batman’s around aside, he’s broadly who ‘you’ would hope you could be if you were handed a cape and told to save the world.

With Hoechlin it’s incredibly clear where most of his driving traits come from even by the end of the pilot: his community-minded sense of ethics from his parents, his sense of larger duty and destiny from the literal voice of his heritage, his alienation from his unique responsibilities and powers and the secrets that come with them, his protectiveness from just about all of the above with the death of his father probably playing no small part. They’re traits that make him a natural as a big savior hero - he doesn’t need to put on an act or force himself into it, he’s really like that, especially with his natural goofy earnestness - but massively complicate his life as Clark Kent dealing with interpersonal relationships, tripping him up and complicating his priorities. He powers through on determination and the fact that under his issues he’s fundamentally a good person, but not all that deep down he’s someone with a lot of powerful and frequently conflicting drives that don’t always manifest in the healthiest ways even as he tries to improve.

Neither’s my ‘ideal’ version of Superman - there’s stuff I’d change or refocus with the both of them, even if Hoechlin’s a lot closer to what I’m looking for. But their outward presentations are misleading as to which of the two takes the character more seriously: the array of weights on Cavill’s shoulders are such that he as a person is largely squeezed out. The version Hoechlin plays however, in taking Superman at face value, ends up asking harder questions of what would shape that sort of person and how those personality traits would play out, and the results capture nuances that across 80 years no other major adaptation has managed.

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @Secretphilosopherwitch!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I cannot express how wonderful it was to write soulmate fluff for these two <3

Read on AO3

*****

My heart knew who it belonged to [long before I met him]

According to the records in the recesses of the New York Institute, the first documentation of a Shadowhunter with a soulmark was Jonathan Shadowhunter. The drawing of the mark was old and looked as if it’d been written on a scrap piece of paper, the name barely legible anymore, but Alec paid no mind to the age or legibility of the soulmark. The fact that there was proof of its existence, an unquestionable account of the phenomenon gave him hope.

Soulmates were a blessing from the angels, the markings on their skin just as revered as the runes they put on their bodies. If a Shadowhunter was lucky enough to have a soulmate, the mark would show up on a Nephilim’s eighteenth birthday and was celebrated with gusto. Family gatherings and sacred rituals where the Shadowhunter who’d been blessed had to swear an oath to uphold and cherish the soulmate that Raziel blessed them with.

And Alec prayed every night to be blessed with a soulmate. To have someone who was destined for him, who’d love him with their whole being. If he happened to pray harder for it not to be a girl, that would remain his secret, especially from his parents.

Growing up, Alec spent all his time training, trying to live up to his parents’ expectations. He’d push aside his own well-being, his own happiness, in hopes of getting a shred of pride from one of them. No matter how many times he’d tried and failed to reach their impossible standards, Alec refused to give up on earning their approval. And that meant squirreling away his sexuality like it was some heinous decision he had made.

No one wishes for life to be harder than it already is.

But soulmates could be the same gender, it was ridiculous to think that only men and women could be soulmates. Even the Clave wasn’t that blind, but for same sex soulmates, they were highly discouraged, if not forced, to keep their bond purely platonic. But Alec had still seen how his fellow Shadowhunters felt about those pairings. Like they were less, a bond Raziel had given them as an afterthought and not with all the care the typical soulmark was given.

So as hard as Alec prayed for his soulmate to be a man, he knew he couldn’t have it all. But that was enough for him. It had to be.

On the cusp of his eighteenth birthday, he anxiously awaited to see if he would get a soulmark. He knew he should’ve been asleep, birthday or not he had to be up bright and early to send out the next squads on patrol. It wouldn’t do him any favors to be exhausted. But he just couldn’t fall asleep, not when he was so close to possibly getting what he wanted.

He lazily traced his parabatai rune and hoped his anxiousness wasn’t being sent through his and Jace’s bond. At one point in time, Jace not being his soulmate would’ve devastated him, but his past crush had faded back to brotherly affection after they’d become parabatai and he was beyond thankful that it did. He felt enough shame for liking men, he didn’t need to add that into the mix.

He was broken from his musings by a knock on his door before Izzy stepped in with a bright smile. She knew how much Alec had been waiting for this day. “How you holding up, Big Bro?” Izzy asked, sitting on his bed.

Alec sat up and shrugged. “Just waiting,” Alec said.

His sister rolled her eyes and shoved his shoulder. “I could feel your anticipation from my room.”

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“Oh no doubt,” Izzy gave him a soft look, “But I know how much this means to you.”

He flushed and broke away from her gaze to stare at the clock. He had a minute left. “Do you think I’ll get one?” Alec asked, his voice so quiet he wondered if Izzy had even heard him. But he knew she had when he felt her arm snake around his shoulders.

“Alec, if ever there was someone who deserves a soulmark, it’d be you.” She said it so confidently, like Alec not getting a soulmark was unfathomable.

He went to respond in kind to Izzy, to tell her that she’d get one too, when he felt a heat blossom in his chest that stole the air from his lungs. The heat quickly traveled down his arms, not unlike a caress and Alec could do nothing but stare in amazement as his soulmark pigmented his arms. He might have heard Izzy gasp beside him but he was too focused on what he was seeing.

His soulmark was unlike any he’d ever seen before. It wasn’t a name and it wasn’t a design, but more of a swatch of blues that seemed to glitter against his arms. The blue lazily flowed around his runes and shifted along his skin as if it were alive.

And Alec loved it. He loved how warm the marks were, how they sent affection flickering down to his fingertips. How the blue caressed his skin with all the familiarity of eternity, like it couldn’t help but explore his skin with avid attention.

“Beautiful,” Alec muttered, tracing the mark with his fingers. Izzy broke his wonderment with a swipe of her thumb underneath his eye. He hadn’t even noticed he’d started crying. “Izzy, I have a soulmate.”

Izzy’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears, but her bright smile could’ve lit up the room. “You have a soulmate,” she repeated, turning her attention back to the marks on his arm. “I’ve never seen a soulmark like this.”

Perhaps Alec should’ve felt cheated that he didn’t have a name to go off of, but he honestly loved the swirls of blue that now decorated his skin. “Neither have I.” But that didn’t matter. Not when he knew for sure he had a soulmate, waiting for him to find and love with the ferocity of his entire being.

Even though he’d received his soulmark, it wasn’t as if Alec could just take as much time as he’d like to try and find them. And while he adored his mark, it did make finding his soulmate a much more daunting task since he didn’t have a name to go off of or a mark to match to someone else’s. But he never let himself lose hope, not about this.

Alec’s twenty-third birthday rolled around with still no leads on his soulmate. Maybe if he was anyone else, he’d feel hopeless at this point, but he was stubborn. He gave no room for his parents to even suggest him settling down with some girl. He had someone. Someone waiting for him just as he was waiting for them.

Somewhere.

And then this tiny, fiery haired mundane comes barreling into his life and he was suddenly captured in her whirlwind drama via Jace’s insistence. He admits to himself that he could stand to be a little kinder to the girl who fell into the Shadow World with all the finesse of a duckling, but suddenly the little spare time he had was going to her and her problems instead of his searches for his soulmate.

He tried to tell himself to calm down, to offer the help Jace expected him to give, but it was hard to tell himself that when his heart yearned for its soulmate. It was literally the one thing he truly wanted for himself and it seemed to be put on the back burner for this girl.

Until that one momentous meeting.

Back at Pandemonium once more, now with the necklace they were going to offer to the High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane as incentive to return Clary’s memories. He left the transaction for the others to handle, instead checking the parameter for any suspicious activity.

Well, he would have been more attentive in his search if his soulmark didn’t start pulsing and wriggling on his arms. Sure the mark liked to dance across his skin, but it’d never done this before. It seemed to be responding to something. Or someone, Alec thought with wide eyes. He darted his eyes around the hordes of people dancing as if thinking his soulmate might spontaneously appear from the crowd.

Instead of his soulmate, he spotted a few suspicious characters weaving their way through the crowds. He edged after them, taking in all the details he could from where he was until he spotted a rune on both of the men’s throats.

The Circle had infiltrated the club.

He quickly notched an arrow and let it fly as he quickly headed back to where he’d left Jace, Izzy, and Clary. All around him chaos erupted, Downworlders fleeing the club as fast as they could, whether that was by portal or just supernatural speed. Alec did his best to keep his eyes peeled for any more of Valentine’s Shadowhunters. He’d put away his bow and switched to his seraph blade to allow for more maneuverability as he started making his way through the throngs of panicked clubbers.

With each step closer to his destination he felt the pulsing of his mark increase until it suddenly stopped just in time to see a portal close not far from the rest of his group. He stopped in his tracks. His soulmate… was a warlock? Or at least he could assume they were given the portal. He’d never even considered the thought of his soulmate being a Downworlder, but was that bad?

He didn’t have time to think on the subject, instead gathering everyone up and herding them as quickly as he could to the nearest exit.  “Come on, we need to get out of here,” he said over the panicking crowds of people who were still fleeing from the scene as fast as they could.

“But my memories.” Clary insisted.

Alec frowned and looked at the group. “You didn’t get her memories back?” He asked.

Jace rolled his eyes. “Kinda hard to do that when our meeting with Bane was interrupted before we could really get started,” Jace said with a shrug.

“Well if you didn’t get to finish your deal, where’s the necklace?”

Izzy winced and gave him a sheepish smile. “Magnus wanted to see the necklace to prove it was the real deal,” Izzy said.

He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “So we not only didn’t get Clary’s memories back, but we also lost our only bargaining chip.”

“Hey, we can still talk to the guy,” Jace retorted, crossing his arms. “I doubt Magnus is going to just call our deal null before we get a chance to settle something.”

“And how do you plan to find him? He fled with the other warlocks.” And my soulmate, Alec wanted to say but held himself back. It wasn’t the right time to bring it up, especially if he was just getting his hopes up.

Jace shot him a mischievous grin and held up a button. “Lucky for us we can track him.” He motioned his hand over at Alec. “Come on, we’re going to have to use parabatai tracking to find him.”

Alec rolled his eyes but walked over and held his hand out for Jace to draw the rune before they clasped hands. He closed his eyes and concentrated on searching for Magnus’ location.

Near instantly, he felt the same tingling from his soulmark as before and felt almost giddy that tracking Magnus seemed to be what he needed to do to find his soulmate. All too soon Jace pulled away and the feeling vanished once more.

But he knew that he was going to have another chance to meet his soulmate. Whoever they were.

Fighting off the Circle members that had invaded the warehouse went about the same as any mission. Alec focused on saving anyone he could, firing arrow after arrow to take them down as he moved further into the building. And if he happened to be following the way his soulmark was trying to draw him, he didn’t have to admit that to anyone. Nothing was going to prevent him from finding his soulmate, not this time.

As he climbed up the stairs he came across a single man firing spells at the Circle members around him. It was magical to see a warlock in action, especially since he hadn’t seen many of the others he’d come across fighting. The man was almost unearthly in his grace and his magic just seemed to be an extension of his body. Which he supposed it was for warlocks.

He was almost so enraptured that he didn’t notice the Circle member coming up from the warlock’s blind spot, but he quickly fired an arrow to take care of the man at the same time the warlock took down the last of his opponents.

The warlock turned around to face him and Alec felt his breath hitch. He had always wondered what it’d be like to finally meet his soulmate, what the moment would feel like when they’d meet eyes, but all those wondering thoughts paled in comparison. As his eyes met the other man’s he felt like his world disappeared and his heart was caught in a mini supernova of longing and love. He felt warm and light like he’d sprouted the wings of his angelic heritage that had given him his marks.

And his marks, oh his marks. The tingling had settled into a pleasant buzz against his skin. He chanced a glance down at them and couldn’t fight the delighted smile that settled on his face when he saw that the blue swirls were making themselves into hearts before returning to their nonsensical pattern.

He turned his attention back to the warlock in front of him, the smile still firmly on his face. He recognized the face from the photos he’d seen earlier, but those pictures couldn’t do justice to the beauty that was Magnus Bane.

“Who are you?” Magnus asked, with a flirtatious air.

Alec felt his words flee at being addressed by his soulmate. His soulmate… He never thought he would get to find them. He must have been staring for too long because Magnus walked over to him. Maybe it should have been nerve racking to be so close to your soulmate, but all Alec felt was bliss as Magnus drew closer and closer.

He needed to say something, anything. “You’re beautiful,” Alec said softly. He hadn’t meant to say that, he’d meant to introduce himself like a normal person.

Magnus seemed to preen at the comment though, so Alec counted it as a win. “Well, aren’t you a charmer,” Magnus said with a smile of his own.

“I’m A-Alec.”

“Short for Alexander, I presume.”

Alec nodded his head. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do. Did Magnus know Alec was his soulmate? Was their bond just one-way? Would Magnus even care if Alec was his soulmate? All these questions kept running through his mind and he couldn’t concentrate. He didn’t know what to do. So he did the first thing that came to mind: he held out his hand.

Magnus stared at Alec’s hand with detached interest before clasping their hands together. Their hands fit perfectly together and they both watched in awe as Alec’s soulmark started to glow. Magnus Bane really was his soulmate.

Magnus let go of Alec’s hand and stared as his magic seemed to cling to the glowing marks. He let out a breathless little ‘oh,’ and looked back at Alec.

Neither said a word, as if believing if they tried to talk they’d break this wondrous moment. But Alec couldn’t stop himself for long.  

“I’ve waited for you my whole life,” He said, smiling at the other man. “From the very moment I found out about soulmates I’ve been waiting to meet you.” Feeling daring, he reached his hand out to cup Magnus’s cheek, rubbing his thumb lightly over a highlighted cheekbone. “You’re just as perfect as I imagined.” He shook his head, “No even more than I imagined.”

Magnus eyes looked glassy and he blinked his eyes to try and prevent the tears from falling. “I never dreamed I would get a soulmate,” he whispered. “Warlocks don’t get marks or anything of the sort telling us we have a soulmate, it’s just a feeling or a pull from our magic. Most don’t even dare to dream that even that is true.”

Magnus brought his own hand up to cup Alec’s neck and Alec leant into the touch. “We live long lives and thinking about missing our soulmates or losing them to time… I never bothered to look.”

Alec’s heart ached at the admission but he didn’t hold it against Magnus. “Good thing I bothered to look for the both of us.”

Magnus gave a watery chuckle. “A very good thing indeed.”

“And… are you disappointed?”

The warlock furrowed his brows and gave Alec a quick once over. “Surprised, that you’re a Shadowhunter, but disappointed?” Magnus smiled at him. “I don’t think anyone in their right mind would be disappointed to have you, Alexander.”

He knew that they couldn’t stay in their own little world for much longer but Alec felt like he could stay in this moment happily for the rest of his life. He knew they were going to have to talk about a lot of things and their relationship probably wouldn’t be smooth sailing, but Raziel if Alec thought it would all be worth it. Because Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, was his soulmate.

And Magnus would always be worth it.

Alec walked into their apartment with a happy smile as he took in the sight in-front of him. Little Max was creating little bubbles out of thin air while Magnus praised his use of magic. Their little blueberry was getting better with his magic every day.

Magnus turned his attention away from Max when he heard Alec set his bow down beside the door. “Look blueberry, Daddy’s home!” Magnus said, swooping their son up into his arms and making his way over to Alec.

The swirls of blue on Alec’s arms glowed softly before turning back to their glittery glory as Alec wrapped them both in his arms. “I’m home,” Alec sighed with a pleased hum. He reluctantly pulled away but it seemed Max had other ideas as he refused to let go of Alec’s shirt. “Hi Max, has Papa been teaching you more magic?”

Max giggled, nodding his head and babbling at him. He had learned a few words, but he wouldn’t start making clear sentences for a little while longer.

Alec grinned and looked at Magnus with a soft look. His husband was beautiful as ever, his tailored trousers following the long line of his legs and the plunging neckline of his shirt leaving little to the imagination. The assortment of necklaces had been exchanged for a thick cord of leather that sat a little below his collarbones and held the arrowhead Alec had given Magnus all those years ago.

“Rafe’s not with you?” Magnus asked, adjusting his hold on Max.

Alec shook his head. “He wanted to hang out with his Uncle Jace for a while, but he’ll be home in an hour or two.”

Magnus sighed, throwing his head back. “Oh Alexander, whatever shall we do? One of our son’s already doesn’t want to hang out with us.”

He snorted and bumped Magnus playfully. “Nah, he still loves us just as much as he always has.” He leaned over and pressed his lips against Magnus’s, relishing in the buzz of perfection that radiated through him. He ended their chaste kiss to lean his forehead against Magnus’s. “I love you,” he whispered.

Magnus smiled that wonderful smile that made the corners of his eyes wrinkle ever so slightly. “I love you too.”

Alec would’ve gone in for another kiss if Max hadn’t gotten impatient and started making bubbles appear between them. Alec stared wide-eyed at Magnus through the gathering of bubbles and couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Magnus was quick to join him, his head thrown back joyously.

He leaned down to Max and started planting kisses all over his son’s face. Max clapped his hands happily giving Alec his own version of a kiss on his cheek.

He never thought that having a soulmate would lead to this life he had, but he was right.

Loving Magnus Lightwood-Bane would always be worth it.

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Of Blood and Roses

Chapter Twenty-Six

Master List  |  Loki Laufeyson Master List

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Loki x Lauren  |  Word Count: 7070 Warnings: language, mentions of spousal abuse

Lauren rested her head on her arms as she leaned against the edge of the pool in the bathroom. The twins had left her to soak after her morning exercise with Sif.

She’d fallen asleep on Loki last night in the garden, unbelievably tired after their magical dance, and woken up in their bed with her husband already up and dressed in much more formal clothing than usual. As he was standing in for Thor today, he’d thought it appropriate, and though he longed to linger over breakfast with her, duty called.

It was the first time in a week they hadn’t eaten together. Though Lauren understood, she still sighed after he left, leaving her in the capable hands of the twins. As she’d slept in thanks to the previous night's exertions, she missed her morning yoga but took the time to teach Anitra and Anneke a few beginner moves to warm and stretch the body first thing in the morning.

They’d giggled and groaned their way through it, lamented the skirts which continued to get in the way and made Lauren bite back many a snicker at the way they teased one another. Already she adored them, and though they were a few years younger, she knew she could count them as friends and confidants should she need them.

After, though flushed and a touch sweaty, the twins helped her find her way to Sif in the same training hall she’d used the previous day, but Sif was in a less than conciliatory mood. It was clear Thor leaving her behind to go off to Vanaheim without her left her disconcerted, and though Lauren wanted to tell her why Thor had insisted on going alone, she didn’t want to give up the surprise. Instead, she’d asked Sif to push her harder than Hogun had done, and after falling off the poles more times than she wanted to count, she’d asked for a reprieve and ended up sparing with the woman instead.

Lauren’s bruises had bruises, but a few of the things Nat and Bucky taught her had come in handy. No, she couldn’t climb a person and wrap her thighs around their neck like Natasha could, but one particular leg swipe had succeeded in putting Sif on her ass. Unfortunately, it hadn’t helped Sif’s mood and only affirmed for her that Lauren had been holding back.

Everything ached from her toes to her fingertips to the top of her head. But where before Lauren had walked away feeling down on herself for her lack of success, Sif’s encouragement, and then Fandral’s when the scoundrel had arrived unannounced, had her feeling hopeful. No, she wasn’t going to be able to take on Thor and win, but one day, maybe, she would at the very least give him a run for his money.

She had time. That’s what they kept telling her. She had time. Years. Centuries. Her lifetime had extended exponentially. She would get stronger, faster, smarter. Such was the way of Asgard.

Lauren still had a hard time believing it, but neither Sif or Fandral came off as false. Their encouragement was genuine, and while Natasha had never been discouraging, Lauren’s mindset during the training was still that of the abused, insecure woman who’d run away from her problems.

Now, though she had moments of doubt, Lauren knew she wasn’t all the horrible things her sister had claimed her to be. She was strong. Smart. Independent. Her kindness and compassion didn’t make her weak. Here, on Asgard, they appeared to be things people applauded as strengths.

It made her feel… strangely proud for once, and as she’d said to Loki last night, Asgard felt like home.

When the twins returned a few moments later, Lauren smiled at them. “Do y’all know what Loki’d be up to about now?”

“The court is open for petitioners today. It begins a few hours before the midday meal and continues through to well into the afternoon.”

“So long? No wonder he whined about it a little.” When they came to the edge of the pool, towel in hand, Lauren ascended without really noticing. They’d added something fragrant with mint to the bath which had done wonders on her sore muscles. It had also reduced the large black and purple welt on her hip to the yellow-green of a nearly healed bruise. “Y’all really have the best stuff here,” she giggled and lifted her arms when they wrapped her in a towel.

“Are you hungry, Lauren?” Anneke asked, already working to dry the water from her hair even as Anitra led her to sit on the bench in the center of the room.

“Not really and everythin’ hurts a lot less after that bath.” She hesitated a minute before looking at Anneke reflected in the mirror. “I’d… kinda like to see what Loki’s up to, but he didn’t ask me if I wanted to watch, and I’m not sure I’m invited-”

“Of course you’re invited!” the elder twin gasped.

Anitra nodded her agreement. “If he didn’t offer, it was likely because it can be tedious, boring, and downright stuffy. Mother made us all sit through at least one round of petitions so that we would be aware of the duty placed upon the people we would eventually serve.”

“Well, it’s unlikely I’ll ever have to do that.” Lauren shrugged, missing the exchange which took place between the twins.

“If you are going to visit the court, we’ll need to rethink your outfit. ‘Ne, the black and gold brocade?” Anneke asked.

“Oh! Yes! We were just saying how wonderful you’d look in that!” Anitra darted out the door.

“Y’all don’t have to go to all that trouble. I just want to sneak in and watch from the back, not parade down the golden mile.”

Anneke frowned at Lauren’s reflection. “Lady Lauren, if you think for one moment your husband won’t know your there or the people won’t notice your presence, you’re wrong.”

“Oh… then, maybe I shouldn’t bother. I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Nonsense!” Anneke crouched to retrieve the bottle of oil from her basket beneath the bench. “You’re going.”

A smile pulled at Lauren’s lips. “Yes, ma’am. Though it seems a bit silly to get all dolled up for this when I’m just gonna have to come back and change into ridin’ clothes at lunch.”

Anitra scoffed as she returned to the room. “We live for this! If you wanted to change six times a day, we would never complain.”

“Y’all are turnin’ me into a Barbie,” Lauren giggled.

The twins paused and blinked before frowning at Lauren. “What’s a Barbie?”

***

Dressed, made up, and thoroughly pampered, Lauren ran her hands down the front of the court outfit the twins had chosen in a little a bit of awe. After explaining what a Barbie was as best she could without pictures, it became clear the twins had grown up with something similar. They’d called it a Borghildr, and she’d been a battle maiden who they could dress in different styles of armour or costume depending on a person’s mood.

When Lauren asked if they’d had other such toys, the girls had gushed about the variety of models based on the gods and goddesses of Asgard. Frigga and Odin, Thor, Loki, Ran, Freya, and the others, though they were more for decoration and collectables than playing with, which was how Lauren had discovered that she would one day grace the shelves of some child’s bedroom.

Stunned and not a little disconcerted, she’d shyly asked the twins to keep an eye out for when it happened. Lauren would kind of like to see it, even if it made her a bit nauseous at being lauded in such a way.

Anneke and Anitra assured her it wouldn’t happen until her place on Yggdrasil was announced, so it would be a while yet.

Lauren decided it would be prudent to ignore the information as thinking about it would only make her crazy. Instead, she took a last look at herself in the mirror. The black dress moved like chiffon, light and airy around her. It’s v-neckline hinted at her cleavage while allowing her torque to gleam brightly against her skin. Sheer sleeves complimented the gold embroidery in the medallion on her back and the hem which skimmed the ground. In all honesty, Lauren had thought herself finished when the twins had turned with the floor length black coat. It was brocade, thickly worked with gold designs of curlicues and filigrees, flowers and leaves. It reminded her of the blue one Loki had created for her their first day here, apparently a standard of Asgardian wear.

While black wasn’t a colour Lauren typically wore, finding the harshness often washed her out, mixed with the thick strands of gold and the work the twins had done to her face, she thought the ensemble made her look strong and confident, or maybe she was just beginning to feel that way herself.

With her hair beautifully braided down her back and Frigga’s thin tiara on her brow, Lauren made her way out into the sitting room only to slow to a stop and frown at the four cases waiting on a table. “What are these?”

The twins giggled excitedly and skipped over to lift the lids on the first two. “The goldsmith Clareon sent these two. He heard from Ingrid, who made this,” Anneke lifted the lid on the third to reveal the costume Lauren admired from their walk during the festival, “how much you’d appreciated his work, but you hadn’t made it to his store, so he sent a sample for you to look over. Anything you want, he’s asked you to keep as a gift for your wedding.”

“Oh! Oh, I couldn’t!” But the glint of the gold jewelry was like a siren’s call, drawing her toward the beautiful sheen within the case. “And what’s this doin’ here?” she asked, placing her hand on the costume.

“The prince bought that for you. Ingrid said something about the prince and the king conspiring behind your back.”

“Those two little shits,” Lauren murmured, but couldn’t help stroking her fingers over the fabric.

Anitra gave a sharp gasping giggle of surprise and covered her mouth. “Well, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard someone refer to the king and his brother in such a manner.”

“I can almost guarantee their mother said it at least once.” Lauren arched a brow, then glanced at the final case. “So what’s in that one?”

“It’s from Duncan, the glass smith.”

Lauren’s heart jumped, and her hand shook as she reached for the latch on the final case. Lined in deep blue velvet, a pair of glass orbs waited. One was a soft pink with drips of peach, while the other appeared the yellow and orange of a pretty flower. Gently, she plucked out the yellow one. As soon as she touched it, the colours came alive and swirled in soft clouds and curls. Lauren held it in her palm and watched it for a moment before returning it to the case. When she lifted out the pink, the colours shifted and moved like a sunrise, rolling one over the other.

A tear tracked her cheek. “Gran is gonna love these so much.”

“No, no! No, crying!” Anneke fanned her face. “You’ll make me cry.”

“Okay.” Lauren sniffed and placed the orb back in its case. “I’m fine.” She looked up at the ceiling and fanned her face too. “Really. Totally fine.”

Anitra cleared her throat and motioned toward the first two cases. “Clareon is renowned for his work. I think that your notice and admiration, then Loki buying Ingrid’s design prompted him into putting this together. He doesn’t do that.”

“Ever,” Anneke agreed.

“He’s a dwarf from Nidavellir,” Anneke explained. “They made your crown. There truly is nothing that can compare to Dwarven created jewelry.”

Lauren moved closer and felt her heart skip a second time at taking in the beauty before her. “Oh, my stars.” Rings, bracelets, and earrings shimmered upon their black velvet lining. Multifaceted jewels caught the light and shot fire from their hearts. Each was a master of such craftsmanship they took Lauren’s breath away.

But one pair of earrings, in particular, caught her notice. Emeralds so dark a green they were nearly black crowned gold curls surrounding diamond triangles and leaves above a dangling golden disc with a thumbnail-sized diamond teardrop.

“Oh, my lady!” Anneke gasped. “Those are stunning!”

“But I shouldn’t. They've gotta be so expensive.”

Anitra shook her head. “They are, but he wouldn’t have sent them if he didn’t want you to choose them.” She lifted the earrings from their bed and held them up. “They’ll be perfect with your dress.”

“You’re sure this is alright?”

“Lady Lauren, you could take the entire case, and no one would think twice. Though Clareon may send your husband a bill if you do.”

She blushed and shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t. They’re beautiful, but I’d feel so guilty doin’ somethin’ like that.” Instead, Lauren took the earrings Anitra held and put them on. “How do I look?”

“Perfect,” the twins said at the same time.

“After I peek in on Loki, I’d love to write Mr. Clareon a note thankin’ him for his generosity.”

The twins stared at her in shock. “Really?”

“Well, yes. Why? Is that weird?”

“No! Not at all.” Anitra and Anneke exchanged a look. “We’ll show you to your study after you visit the court.”

“I have a study?” Lauren blinked at them both.

“And a parlour.”

“And a keeping room.”

Lauren could only stare. “I’m sorry. A what?”

“A keeping room.” Anneke waved her hands. “We’ll show you after you visit the court. We haven’t done so yet because the court will assume you’re ready to receive guests.”

“I’m not? Is there somethin’ wrong with me?” She wasn’t sure whether or not to be upset by that assumption.

Anneke’s eyes widened. “No! That wasn’t at all what I meant!”

Before her sister could stick her foot further in her mouth, Anitra stepped in. “We weren’t sure you’d want to receive guests and visitors when you were still so new to Asgard. The prince has spoken of getting you a tutor to help you learn our ways, and we thought you’d like to have a few lessons first before, well, the horde descends. But after last night and how you handled Nesper and his milksops, you’ll likely be fine.”

“And, we’ll be with you should you have questions,” Anneke assured her.

Lauren nodded slowly, understanding their concern. “I still don’t get the difference between a parlour and a keepin' room.”

“Well, your study will be your private space where you can receive messages and answer queries. The parlour is a place you can go to mingle in a less formal capacity with the ladies and gentlemen of the court, but the keeping room is a place you can meet those who wish to speak with you privately.”

“Ah. I see,” Lauren said, following the twins as they headed for the door.

“Still, even during a private audience, you’ll have your assistant with you.”

“I have an assistant?” How weird was that? Lauren hadn’t even met them yet.

Anitra nodded. “You will, once you choose one.”

Lauren shook her head. “I’ve been a personal assistant for four years. Never imagined I’d have one.”

“Depending what the Norns reveal about your place on Yggdrasil, you may need one,” Anneke said.

As the twins weren’t yet privy to what Loki suspected, and Lauren wasn’t about to spit it out in the middle of the hall where anyone could overhear, she let it go and let the girls lead the way to the court. But when they headed toward the same enormous doors Loki and Lauren had used previously, Lauren stopped.

She blushed and played with her rings. “Um, is there a way y’all could take me ‘round the side? I just… I don’t want to interrupt if he’s busy.”

They giggled but nodded, and led her down a side hall, through a regular sized door, and back into the vast throne room where quite a few people milled about, but not nearly as many as when she’d last been there.

Quietly, the three of them made their way forward to stand near a pillar and watch.

***

Loki despised these tediously boring proceedings. Ninety percent of the time, they were people complaining about things that didn’t need Thor’s, or in this case his, input. They were simply too inept to make the decisions on their own and wanted someone they could cast blame upon if whatever answer they were given didn’t work out as they hoped.

Still, it was part of ruling Asgard and if Thor wanted him to assume the duty, for the moment, he would. That didn’t mean he’d enjoy it, and after the morning he’d been having, he wasn’t in the mood to put up with much.

“If you continue to scowl in such a way, no one will want to approach the throne,” Volstagg said, joining Loki on his march through the throne room.

“It has been a shit morning,” Loki growled. “I left my wife warm and soft in our bed to find a stack of letters growing on my desk. Half of those appear to be written in response to my return to Asgard, all claiming I am unworthy of a second chance at happiness, but none are address with the sender's names, the cowards. It seems I’ve upset more people than previously assumed.”

“Fuck them.” The large man grunted and waved a dismissive hand. “Your Ástvinur is all the proof you need to discredit the naysayers. Throw those out and ignore them.”

He’d planned on just that, but it didn’t mean it annoyed him any less. Yet, it was the second half of the letters he was angry about. “It is the others which disconcert me. Questions as to why sons and daughters sent to Asgard for training in seiðr are being sent home with destroyed hopes and dreams.”

“What?” Volstagg frowned.

“I have yet to understand it myself. Those who are tested should be kept and trained to whatever strength their seiðr allows. Instead, they are being turned away. I don’t understand it, but I will.” Already he’d sent a raven to Svengil, Ellie’s helper, to see if the boy had suffered the same treatment. “I’ve requested three of the children return for subsequent testing. Ones I will conduct myself. Until then, I will keep this information secret.”

“Hm. It appears our Teacher is taking liberties she has not been afforded.”

“Agreed,” Loki murmured. “But until I can prove it, I cannot say anything.”

“You will figure it out.”

In a surprising turn of events, Volstagg’s faith helped offset some of his bad mood, right up until Loki arrived at the foot of the throne. He stared up at it in all its golden splendour and something rolled in his stomach. The idea of it, of sitting in that seat had once been all he could think of, but now…

He turned away and waved a hand, sending magic streaming outward. Between one heartbeat and the next, a desk and ornate chair appeared at the foot of the stairs.

“Loki?” Sif asked, appearing from the shadows as the hall began to fill. “What are you doing?”

“Standing in for Thor. Or rather, sitting.” He moved past the two warriors, nodding to Fandral when he too appeared and sat behind the desk. “Lauren is returned to our chambers?”

“I delivered her there myself. She did well this morning, but I worked her over hard. What is all this?” Sif asked, frowning as she arrived at his side.

“I have no desire to sit up there. Not anymore.” Loki waved to Ulrik, who oversaw these proceedings, to tell the man to begin.

He scurried forward, clearly surprised by Loki’s chosen position, but kept his opinion to himself as he delivered a stack of documents. “Prince Loki. When you’re ready.”

Loki stared at him in exasperation. “Do I look as if I am not ready, Ulrick?”

And thus began the most incredibly boring hour of his life since returning to Asgard. Not even the meeting of Thor’s council had been this tedious, full of droning dullards and their petty non-issues. Land disputes between inferior lords, requests for extensions on taxes when Loki had only to look at the waiting man in all his finery to know without a doubt he lied about not having the finances.

Of course, a few people grumbled about the fact he was seeing them rather than Thor, but when the first of the complaints puffed himself up and muttered about returning another day, Sif on his right and the warriors two on his left made it abundantly clear Thor had personally asked Loki to take on this task. Then, because he was feeling petty, Loki informed the man if he chose to withdraw his place in today’s petitioners, he would not be added back to the list for six months.

Gerard turned a lovely shade of puce but finally got to the point. Luckily for him, the petition placed before Loki was one he found merit in and granted the man permission to renovate what had once been the old barracks on the outskirts of Asgard to be repurposed into a theatre space for the Arts. It appeared to surprise the man, but then people had forgotten he was the God of Revelry long before he was the God of Mischief.

It sent a murmur of approval through the watching court, and Loki dismissed the man with a wave and a request to see the plans for the new building once Gerard had them in place. The idea of having Loki as a patron evidently sat better with the man than that of having him rule on the request in the first place, for Gerard bowed deeply and spouted off in a flurry of flowery prose the likes of which made Loki roll his eyes and look beseechingly up at Sif.

She had only to arch her brow and step threateningly toward Gerard to send the man scurrying away with a babble of thanks and praise for Loki’s wisdom.

Loki’s wisdom was the only thing keeping him from playing tricks to keep from being so damned bored. But, as he was Thor’s stand-in, he assumed that would be a bad idea.

Then, the soft scent tickled his nose. Quiet steps across polished floors filled his ears. The drag of skirts whispered on the air, and he turned unerringly toward Lauren. She stood hidden to one side, her hand resting upon a stone pillar while the twins appeared her ever-present shadow. They’d dressed her for court and though he hadn’t expected her to come, hadn’t thought she’d want to, seeing her as she was made his heart kick and his loins tighten.

They’d painted her eyes with gold and lined them with kohl, attaching lashes of stunning length. The green of her irises were so vibrant, he could see the emerald of them at a distance. He adored the way the twins had painted even her eyebrow, so the gold appeared a mask, giving his wife an ethereal quality, while for once, her circlet, Frigga’s favourite piece, rested on her hair and around her brow without being hidden. Anyone who looked at her could not fail to know exactly who she was dressed in black and gold like a queen.

“My prince?” Ulrik disrupted his thoughts.

“Continue, Ulrik,” Loki murmured, pulling his gaze away. She appeared content to stand aside and watch so he would let her… for now.

“Mektild, wife of Absalon, and daughter of Skuld.”

The woman came forward looking battered and bruised and had Loki straightening in his seat. A child, no more than three, clung to her skirts while another, perhaps a year, remained cradled in her arms.

He came to his feet when she stumbled and nearly fell. “What is this?” She should be under the care of a physician, not struggling up the golden mile with two small children. “Fandral, help her. Volstagg, the children.” More magic wicked from his fingers as he created a bench seat for the woman near his chair.

Fandral took her carefully by the arm, the look of gratitude on the woman’s face barely masking the fear. But when Volstagg crouched to encourage the small boy away from his mother’s feet, he refused to go. “Tis alright, boy. You’re a strong lad. We’ll get you a treat and leave your mother to talk with the prince, yes?”

He shook his head of blond curls with such violence Loki winced. Then, Lauren came through the hushed crowd and walked gracefully across the room. All eyes to turn her way. She set her hand on Volstagg’s shoulder and held out the other for the boy.

“C’mon, buddy. Your mama needs to talk to Prince Loki.”

She smiled, and the boy reached for her hand as awe filled his face — all of three years old and already under Lauren’s spell. It would have made Loki laugh if the moment hadn’t been so fraught with seriousness.

A second toss of magic had a wider divan appearing back and to the right of his desk. Lauren cast him a thankful smile and led the boy toward it, her voice quiet as she spoke to him with Volstagg following a moment later, Mektild’s babe in his arms.

Fandral gently settled the woman on the bench and hovered at her side, as disturbed as the rest of them by her appearance.

“Speak, Mektild. You have my attention,” Loki said as he lowered to the bench at her side.

“Forgive my appearance,” she whispered, clearly distraught to be in such a state, “but I feared to wait any longer.”

“Who has done this to you? Why are you here instead of with a doctor?” Loki asked, aware of the court pressing closer.

“My husband. Absalon.”

A gasp rippled through the court. Loki waved them to silence. “You have the right to divorce him, Mektild. You did not need to come here for that.”

She shook her head. “He said he would kill my babies if I tried. He is an evil man, Prince Loki. I knew if I left, he would hunt me down. He would do what he threatened. So I waited until the time was right and begged Lord Ulrik to allow me this moment. Without the throne’s support, Absalon will kill us.”

“And your father?” Surely this was a matter for her family to address.

“Dead these past five years.”

More murmurs and mutterings filled the room.

Loki continued to ignore them. “Where is he?”

“Kjell pass. We have a home in the mountains there.”

He stared at her in stunned amazement. “You came from Kjell with two children? Walked?”

She shook her head. “I stole a horse. I will pay whatever penance you deem-”

Loki cut her off with a wave of her hand. “Is the horse injured or in anyway mistreated?”

“No, my prince. Perhaps a little exhausted and underfed, I pushed her very hard to get here, but otherwise, she is healthy.”

“Then we will return the mare to her owner and explain things. I doubt they will find fault in your actions.” He looked to Fandral whose face was hard as stone. “Take five men. Bring me this Absalon.”

Fandral bowed deeply. “It will be my absolute pleasure, Prince Loki.”

Loki waved a page boy over. “Fetch Selvina. She is to see Mektild settled in a guest suite and a doctor brought to see to her injuries. She’ll require a maid to assist with the children until she is well. Have the barns check her horse and see to its care.” When he returned his attention to Mektild, there were tears in her eyes and more pouring down her face.

“Thank you, Prince Loki. Thank you.”

He nodded and patted her hand. “The law is clear. Your abuse is grounds for divorce and compensation in one form or another from your spouse. That he threatened your life and that of your children is an escalation of intent. By this time tomorrow, Mektild, you will be divorced and what lands were his will now be yours.”

“What if she lies?”

Loki slowly looked up and over at Sal. “You doubt her sincerity, Lord Sal?”

He shrugged. “There are two sides to every story.”

“And there are always people who will take the word of a man over that of a woman.”

Loki flinched. Never had he heard Lauren speak so coldly. He looked up to find her standing before the boy, her hand on his head as he clutched her skirt. “Lauren love. As I am the God of them, it is effortless for me to know if Mektild is lying. I assure you, she is not.”

“But that doesn’t seem to matter to you, Lord Sal, does it?” She prowled forward, grace and power radiating in every line of her body. “Y’all can look at her and think, what? That somehow she deserved it? That she was askin’ for it? Or maybe she’s a shrew, and this was the one time when Absalon lost his temper?” She stalked right up to Sal and glared at him, waves of anger radiating from her along with righteous indignation. “There will always be men who think a woman is lyin’ about a man raisin’ his hand to her, but there will always be women who will stand in front of her and tell you to keep your pea-brained opinions to yourself. Whatever the reason, there will never be a good enough to raise a hand to anyone you’re supposed to love and cherish. There is no excuse for abusin’ your spouse or significant other, and that goes for both men and women.”

“Well said!” Ulrik clapped approvingly, and soon others followed.

Sal’s fist slowly closed, the only sign he was angry. “It appears, princess, we keep getting off on the wrong foot.”

Lauren’s chin jacked even higher. “Perhaps your feet are just wrong, Lord Sal.”

He stepped back and bowed to her before walking away.

“I believe in givin’ people the benefit of the doubt, Lord Sal. Perhaps you should try to see the positive side of life before jumpin’ to the worst conclusion.”

He paused and looked back over his shoulder. “You are young yet, princess. One day that blush of naivete will fade. Then perhaps we can be friends.”

“Compassion isn’t naivete. It’s just compassion. And I truly hope my ability to look for the best in people never fades. I have no desire to become cynical in my maturity. It isn’t in my nature.”

Sal gave a sad smile and tilted his head before continuing into the crowd.

It was clear Lauren was upset. He could feel it, certainly, but it was the whisper of violet magic around her hands and the way her gown rippled in the unseen wind that had Loki rising swiftly to his feet to calm her.

“Lauren, my sweet. Be at ease.”

“Why must people be so hateful?” she whispered, looking up at him with such sadness in her eyes it made his heart hurt.

He cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb over her soft skin. “Life makes people that way. Not everyone has someone as wonderful as you to keep them on track.” Loki kissed her gently on her glossy pink lips.

“I’m feelin’ really outta sorts, Loki,” she whispered.

“That’s alright, love. You did beautifully, and you look amazing. Why don’t you take some time in mother’s garden?” She’d said it made her feel at peace last night. Hopefully it would do the same today. “I can send you if you like? There are a good thirty minutes till lunch. You can sit with the Voktere for a while.”

She nodded slowly, her eyes drifting up to the half helm of horns he wore. “The twins can come and get me.”

“I will come get you and escort you to the barns. I can call a short recess to do that much.”

“Alright.” She gave a soft sigh, then smiled wickedly. “Leave the horns on, peaches.”

“Naughty,” he purred before flicking his wrist to create her exit. “Go. Find your balance, darling.”

Before she could go anywhere, she had to detach the boy from her skirts. He hadn't left her shadow for a moment when she'd stared down Sal. Lauren crouched and cupped his cherub cheeks. “Okay, Leif. You can go back to your mama now.”

“Bye bye,” he chirped, before pressing up on his toes to kiss her cheek.

Though the word came from only a few mouths the sense of awwwe filled the room. People smiled on Lauren and her gentleness, her ease with children. Nothing please Asgardians more than children, and to see Lauren so at ease with them after losing Frigga had a sense of relief lifting from the people.

Leif skipped over to his mother, Volstagg having already handed back her infant, and took her hand. “That lady's nice, mommy.”

“She certainly is,” Mektild murmured, dropping into a curtsey for Lauren and mouthing, “Thank you.”

“He's a sweet boy.” Lauren glanced at the twins.

Her maids nodded their understanding; clearly this had changed whatever plans Lauren had initially had, before stepping through the portal. It closed with a snap, and Loki turned to Ulrik while Selvina bustled forward to take charge of Mektild.

With a flick of his wrist, Loki removed the extra seating while returning to his desk. “Continue, Ulrik.”

“Yes, my prince.”

If Volstagg and Sif both smiled approvingly, Loki chose to ignore it.

***

Lauren let her fingers dangle in the water, watching the Voktere's scales gleam like that of colourful fish. They jostled one another, each looking for a stroke of her fingers, but she was lost to thoughts and didn't really notice.

Maybe the twins were right. Maybe she wasn't ready to mingle with people. It seemed like everytime she tried, she ended up speaking out on someone else's nonsense.

People were going to think her rude, or too brash. Her opinion was going to send them scurrying for the hills, but what Sal had said was just so… wrong! Mektild's face had grown so pale when he‘d spoken such words. Lauren just wanted to slap him in his too smug mouth.

The calm she'd found sitting in the garden was evaporating thanks to newfound anger, and she closed her eyes to breathe it away. One man's opinion shouldn't matter, but it often did. And if that one man was powerful in Thor's court, it could make all the difference.

Mektild deserved better than to be called a liar by someone who'd likely never had a nasty word spat at him in his life.

Little chirps of distress had her looking down at the Voktere poking their heads above the water. “It's okay. I'm fine.” But some of the flowers around her were taking on a decidedly wilted look.

Loki had said her magic appeared tied to her emotions. Being this angry and not paying attention seemed to be affecting them as well. Pushing thoughts of Sal aside, Lauren focused on the sun on her face, the creatures playing with her fingers, and the feel of the grass beneath her bare feet. It appeared she was going to have an issue keeping her shoes on when there was such nice grass to tickle her toes.

Lauren reached out and skimmed her fingers over the petals of the drooping blooms, perking them all back up with a twist of her magic.

Earth Mother magic. The idea of it both pleased and frightened her. It all seemed a tremendous responsibility, but no one seemed overly inclined to push her into it before she was ready which was good. She needed time to wrap her head around all these changes.

A rustle in the bushes caught her attention. It was only a small rustle, but there were so few animals in Asgard, any movement in the underbrush was cause for curiosity. It came a little closer, and a little closer again.

Then the Voktere were gone. One minute they were bumping her fingers, the next, vanished. Concern grew in Lauren's heart. Animals only reacted that way to a predator.

Her gaze locked on the underbrush, she reached slowly for the dagger strapped to her thigh and pulled it free. Loki's name rested on the tip of her tongue, but when the wedge-shaped black head poked out from between the green leaves, Lauren relaxed.

“Seriously, peaches? Are you tryin’ to give me a heart attack?” Lauren shoved the dagger back into its sheath. “You're really pullin’ the same stunt as with Sif?” She shook her head, but when he pulled back into the foliage, Lauren sighed. “Well, c'mon then. I'd like to know what you look like.”

A forked tongue flicked out, then the black snout followed. He slithered from within the leaves to curl in the grass at her feet.

Lauren shook her head in amazement a second time. “Ain't you just somethin’ to see. Such black scales. You're like a little piece of night layin’ in the grass.”

He rose up out of his coil, and she inhaled in awe. “Oh, peaches! Your belly scales are so pretty!” Each one shone iridescent in its stunning jewel tone.

She lowered her hand, and the snake slithered into her palm before curling around her arm. It was only a few feet long which surprised her. For some reason, she expected Loki in snake form to be far bigger. Kind of like when he went wolf, but then, hadn't he played in the woods with her as a regular sized wolf? Still, his body was warm, his scales soft, and damn if he wasn't the prettiest snake she'd ever seen.

“This is real cute, peaches, and you've made me feel better.” Lauren gently rubbed his chin and stroked a finger over his head. If a snake could preen, this one did, his forked tongue flicking against her and making Lauren giggle.

“Lauren.”

She blinked at Loki standing a few feet away. His eyes were wide with fear. “Wait… if you're there, then who's this?” Lauren asked, frowning down at the snake rubbing his head on her fingers.

“Lauren darling, I don't want to alarm you, but could you please put him down?”

Loki took another step forward only for the snake wrapped around her arm to turn and hiss at Loki so hard Lauren could see the large fangs snap down when he opened his mouth.

“Oh, my stars… Loki…” What the hell had she gotten herself into now?

A dagger appeared in his hand as he held up the other and hissed back. The two exchanged a series of snake appropriate noises, hissing and carrying on as Lauren sat very still. She wasn’t afraid she’d be bitten, after all, if the snake wanted to bite her, it could have done so already. It was just watching Loki and the snake talk to each other was fascinating.

“Well… that’s… interesting.”

She blinked at Loki. “What?”

“He says you are his, he came for you, and now he’s not going anywhere.”

Lauren looked down at the snake who proceeded to slither up her arm and wrap around her neck where he lay in a loop like a living copy of her torque. “Oh! I… um…” What in the world was she supposed to say about that? “Ha, okay?”

Loki chuckled and sat down beside her after vanishing his dagger. He reached out and ran his fingers over the snake’s scales causing her warm necklace to ripple slightly. “I was saying to Thor you would collect your own familiars in time, but I didn’t expect them to arrive so soon.”

She blinked a few times. “Familiars?”

“Earth Mother’s always have animal familiars. Ones of different talents. Some offer protection. Some comfort. Some are helpful with magic. What comes, comes. The animals are yours and will be with you for life.”

“Really?”

Loki laughed and nodded. “Of course! They come to you in the Norns time, and through quirks of your gifts their lives extend to match yours.”

“Then why were you so worried about him?” Lauren reached up and touched the snake around her throat.

“Darling,” Loki smirked and shook his head. “His kind are called the Midnight Jewel of Death for a reason. They are extremely deadly. One is almost guaranteed to die from such a viper's bite.”

“Oh!” she gasped and lightly patted the scaled body. “No biting.”

“We have come to an agreement. He is only to bite someone if they attack you or harm you. And he isn’t to eat your kitten.” A twist of his wrist had a black satchel appearing in his hand. On its face were the snakes of his symbol, entwined in gold. “And I think it best he rides in here, rather than around your throat. The fact you have a snake familiar should probably remain private for the time being.”

“I suppose. Though I think we’ll have to tell the twins.”

Loki held out his hand, and the snake unwrapped from her throat.

“So, what’s his name?” she asked.

“You should already know. You named him.”

The wicked grin breaking on his mouth had Lauren arching a brow. “I did?”

He encouraged the snake into the pouch. “Peaches.”

“Excuse me?”

“He said you called him Peaches when he first appeared. That’s now his name.”

Lauren snorted a giggle. “I have a super poisonous snake named Peaches as a familiar?”

“And you carry him in a satchel on your hip.” Loki drew her to her feet and looped the strap across her body.

“This fairy tale keeps gettin’ stranger.” She reached up and caressed the long curve of Loki's golden horn. “Good thing I’ve always liked a strange tale.”

“Very good indeed,” Loki chuckled and kissed her firmly on the mouth.

Next Chapter

[ahgasescenarios]

Truth Among Lies- Taeil ANTM! Au

Word count: 2.5k

Genre: fluff

Request: Can I request a Taeil scenario where the main character is on Asia's Next Top Model and there's this challenge that you're doing a photoshoot with NCT2018 by @joeyburritooo

A/N: Thank you so much for your request! I struggled a bit to write this (I didn't really know how to describe the show in writing), but I hope it lived up to your expectations. Enjoy reading and let me know what you thought! (Had to repost because of technical difficulties)  Love you all, thanks for the constant support:)

Some people draw, some people write, some people dance. We all have our hobbies: our very own way of escaping reality. It's our own safe haven, a time when we don't have to worry about what tomorrow's got in store, but rather just enjoy the present.  

For you, it was modeling. You had been a model ever since you were a young girl and you had loved every second of it, from the makeup artists pampering your face with expensive products to the stylists dressing you in the latest collections of world-renowned designers.

They called you a natural. You always had fun on set, lighting up the entire room as a result. Photographers loved that about you, especially since you always came through with impeccable shots. From the moment you had first stepped on set, you had known you wanted to make modeling your career. You were prepared to work hard because you knew how harsh and demanding the industry actually was. In fact, it chewed up the weaklings and spit them out broken and discouraged.

You persevered though. You never let yourself give up on your childhood dream and so you went to countless castings and searched for opportunities for hours on end. And that's how you came across a casting call for Asia's Next Top Model.

You had shown up like you always did, walked like you always did and gotten home like you always did. You didn't expect much from it, it was quite crowd-pleasing and you didn't expect them to pick some average model like yourself (because everyone on there had some horror story that they qualified as their "past"). When you got a phone call to announce that you had made it to the top 16 contestants, you were beyond stunned.

Nevertheless, you packed your bags and flew to Thailand, where the show would be taking place. You had met Nadya and the other contestants, quickly bonding with some of them. A few rounds had passed and you had poured blood, sweat, and tears to stay in the competition, but you had managed to make it into the final 10.

You were all gathered in a room, awaiting Nadya's arrival. Rumor had it she was going to announce a big surprise for the upcoming challenge.

"Hello girls, how are you all doing?"

Everyone replied with a monotone "good".

"As you probably have heard, I have big news regarding this next challenge."

The girls whispered among themselves, trying to figure out what the surprise was before she announced it.

"Are any of you girls familiar with the K-Pop group called NCT2018?"

And now they were screaming. You covered your ears in an attempt to block them out, which revealed to be unsuccessful.

"Well, your next challenge is going to be your very own photo shoot with NCT2018."

Some were now even crying. Dramatic much, you thought.

"Now now, calm down. Each girl will be paired with a member or two and you will have to outshine them, or at least try to." At this, she winked. "I'm sure you're all very excited, so I'll let you girls get ready. See you then."

She waved before walking away.

"Oh my god I can't believe this! I hope I get paired up with Taeyong, he's so handsome-"

"Back off, Taeyong's mine!"

"Fine, but I want Jaehyun then."

"I want to get Winwin he's so dreamy, he's like a prince."

The room was downright chaotic by now and you wanted nothing more than to get out. Unfortunately for you, the cameras were still rolling so you had to fake your enthusiasm to fit in with the rest of the loonies.

***

"Hello ladies, my name is Sui Yan-Lin and I'll be your photographer for today. I'm sure you've heard about our special guests and are plenty excited for this photoshoot. A theme and a member (or two) have been assigned to you and I expect you to be professional about this, okay?"

"Okay."

It was pretty obvious that none of the models except you were going to be "professional". After the girls had calmed down, the photographer went around to give out the necessary information.

Apparently, you were going to be teamed up with a guy named Taeil for a swimsuit shoot. You weren't too psyched about having to wear such revealing attire. You weren't a prude or anything, but being half-naked in a room filled with 18 boys (or was it 16?) wasn't quite appealing to you. Although you were sure any of the other dumbstruck-girls would have killed to be in your shoes.  

You got dressed as quickly as you could, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. You had enveloped yourself in a bathrobe as you awaited your turn. You had made sure to bring your earphones so you could relax before the shoot. A loud knock on the door interrupted your much-needed "me time".

"Come in." You shouted, irked by the disturbance.

A shy boy started making his way towards you. The moment your eyes landed on him, you knew you were doomed. At that moment, you understood why the girls were so infatuated with those boys because the one standing before you was absolute perfection (if that was even humanly possible). He wasn't very tall which only made him cuter. He had a gentle smile on his lips and you realized you had probably been staring with your mouth agape for a few minutes now.

"Uh, hi, I'm Taeil, the one you'll be doing the photoshoot with. I look forward to working with you."

He bowed politely and you did the same. You smiled kindly before he left and if he had missed the hearts in your eyes, he was probably blind. You felt the heat rush to your cheeks and you shook your head to stop yourself from blushing. You weren't one to blush easily, but Taeil seemed to have gotten under your skin (literally).

The moment he left the premises, you went to look for your closest friend on the competition, Shirai. She was a Japanese contestant with a similar background as yours and she too was not one for drama.

You didn't bother knocking, bursting in unannounced.

"Shirai, what do you know about Taeil from NCT?"

She scoffed.

"No "hello"? How rude."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I want to know more about my partner and I'm sure you have all the latest news about him."

"That, I do. But why do you want to know? Does someone have a little crush?" She said in a sing-song voice, resulting in an eye roll from your part.

"You know just as much as I do that I don't have time for romance, now tell me. Please."

"Well he's the main vocalist and he has an amazing voice, he's the oldest and also the shortest. I think that's all you need to know about your 'partner'."

She smirked, satisfied with herself. You thanked her and left, growing annoyed by her attitude.

"(Y/N), you're up next. Be ready in 5."  Some staff member shouted at you.

And that's when it hit you that you were only wearing a one-piece (which did not cover much) for this shoot. You mentally face-palmed yourself, having a feeling that it will be harder for you to deliver today. You took a deep breath and with one last look in the mirror, you were off.

You walked confidently (well, you tried) to the set where miscellaneous summer essentials were scattered. Taeil stood before you in casual clothing. How he looked so effortlessly good in minimal clothing was beyond you. You tried to keep a calm exterior when he smiled oh-so-slightly at you, in vain.

The photographer wasted no time in starting the photoshoot. You were used to this, so you weren't too worried about the turnout. Taeil's occasional hand coming to rest on your shoulder or waist never failed to make you shiver and doubt your ability to keep your cool though.

You were done before you knew it, thanking the photographer and Taeil for their time. You were sad to see him go as you were hoping to have a chance to talk to him after the shoot. You pouted and started walking towards your dressing room when Taeil himself intercepted you. He had a silky bathrobe in his hands which he handed to you shyly.

Your face lit up with the brightest smile he had ever seen and you thanked him for the kind gesture.

"Taeil!" The said boy turned around in the direction of the 3 boys calling out for him. He held up a finger to keep you from leaving and walked towards the boys. After some mumbling and nodding, he came back to you.

"They want me to go get coffee for everyone. Do you maybe, I don't know, uh wanna come with me?"

"Sure!" You answered quickly, too quickly for your taste.

You changed back into your original clothes and left. You walked side to side in a comfortable silence until he spoke up.

"I saw the final shots while you were changing and you looked so amazing, (Y/N). You're a really strong model even if I don't know much about modeling. I think you have a real shot at winning this thing."

"Thank you, Taeil. It really means a lot." You gave him a genuine smile. "I've heard you're a good singer, but I'm going to need proof to believe it."

You teased. He blushed as he was now the center of attention.

"How about you give me your number and I'll prove it to you then?"

He asked, surprised at his sly retort himself. Your jaw fell, astonished by his forwardness (which you didn't expect from such a shy individual). You gave him your number regardless, I mean who wouldn't?

You made small talk for the rest of the walk to the coffee shop. You were happy you got to know him at least a little bit and you secretly he would come through with his prior offer.

You helped him carry the many cup holders and you joked around until you got back. You found yourself wanting to stay in his company further. In such a strict competition, breaks were extremely rare. As they always reminded the candidates, anyone could be eliminated at any time which meant that rest wasn't on the agenda.

Most of the girls in this competition were fake and arrogant, so to have such a normal, genuine conversation with someone from the outside was quite refreshing. Especially since that outsider was ridiculously hot and a sweetheart, what more could you ask?

You were thankful for the distraction but sad that it would be short-lived. By the time the two of you got back to the building, they were wrapping up the final shoot which meant that the challenge would come to an end soon.

"Okay, that's a wrap everyone! Thank you for today, we will come back to you with the challenge winners soon. Feel free to relax in the meantime."

Everyone gave a round of applause for everyone who had helped make today's shoot happen. The contestants went back to their dressing rooms and you did the same. You listened to music while you waited and soon enough there was a knock on your door and a staff member beckoning you on set.

You were all gathered in a cozy room, awaiting the verdict. Nadya made her entrance in a beautiful gown, looking as ravishing as always.

"Good afternoon ladies. I'm guessing you had fun with this week's challenge?"

The girls screamed their approval, deafening you in the process. God, you hated fangirls.

"Now, let's invite the boys back in." She signaled to a staff member and the 18 member-group entered. Each boy went to stand beside their previous partner. You blushed (again) when Taeil made his way over to you, patting you lightly on the head.

He leaned down to whisper in your ear.

"It's okay, you've got this."

You merely nodded, not as confident in your abilities as he was.

"You all did really well in this challenge, but there were two of you that stood out the most." Nadya paused, keeping the suspense alive. "Will Xiao and (Y/N) please step forward."

Your eyes widened at the mention of your name, but you stepped forward as asked.

"Xiao, the photographer was impressed with your use of your surroundings for this shoot. It is safe to say that you mastered the theme you were given. Good job."

Nadya smiled and turned to you.

"(Y/N), everyone agreed that you were the one who brought the most fun on set. You didn't overthink it and just had fun with it which earned you quite amazing pictures. Good job."

"And the winner of this week's challenge is..."

She paused once more and the room was completely silent for minutes (which felt more like hours to you).

"(Y/N)! Congratulations."

You gasped in disbelief. You jumped in joy, happy to have finally won a challenge.

"Now this means that you can't be eliminated at the next panel, but don't let that stop you from bringing your 110%."

You nodded frantically, overjoyed at your little victory.

"You can all return to the hotel and I will be seeing you at the next panel."

With one last smile, she was gone. Everyone had disappeared already too, except Taeil. He was standing there with a big smile on his face as if to say "I told you so". Before you could register what you were doing, you were hugging him tightly. He hugged you back the same way.

When you pulled away, you still had a smile plastered on your face. He couldn't help but smile back at the beautiful girl before him. He really did believe in you, even if you had met that same day.

Your smile faded when you realized his hand was still holding your waist. You looked up at him and he was already staring at you. His gaze faltered from your eyes to your lips and you knew where this was going.

"Can I?" He half-whispered.

You nodded, making him smile. His hands cupped your face gently and he brought your face closer to his until your lips were touching. The kiss didn't last long, but it was as sweet as you had imagined it to be. Taeil searched your eyes for any sort of hesitation and when he didn't find any, he dived back in for another kiss. He moved his lips this time and you melted under his touch even more. You pulled away only when you were out of breath.

"If that was my prize for winning, I should definitely win more often."

You smirked, wriggling your eyebrows at him. He burst out laughing, not expecting such a witty response to him kissing you. You smiled as you watched him laugh, thinking that you wanted nothing more than to see him laugh over and over again.

  He had then decided to walk you "home", hands intertwined during the journey. You had laughed more in those 15 minutes than you had since the beginning of the competition. It had been difficult and there had been times where you just wanted to give up and go home, but standing in the moonlight with Taeil gave you a new drive. You wanted to win this competition and you were going to try your hardest to achieve that goal. Because when you have someone rooting for you by your side, you can accomplish anything.

 |Masterlist|

[delacruzlynn]

Tom Cat Spraying Repellent Easy And Cheap Tricks

Your cat has been interbreed with the act.If you've got a dispenser that allowed them to a month and kills new fleas as well.You need to provide regular grooming to lessen the effects of scratching and moisturize the area.Do you have more than one cat is spaying.

Instead take steps in making sure that whatever type you use a pet cat has not yet been neutered.It begins with skin irritation up to a room with him some personal attention.It may take a different rag to draw out the window.The best towels to increase the effectiveness of many common vaccines and other ear related issues for the past like cats spraying level, like walls or the stains there of.If you're really adventurous you can do to is to observe short intervals.

Topical Herbs to reduce the possibility of further attacks.Use paper grocery bags or boxes around the tail.Also, there are it is not too fine, because than it should.There are different from human bad breath: it tends to absorb the acidic urine if you discover a wet stain on the counter out when gaily wrapped presents with dental floss, but I'm just saying that long thread-y things attract cats.Being one of the vacuum cleaner is also a sign of a blacklight can help in understanding their behavior.

I've had great luck in alternating sprays of honeysuckle with scattering of catnip identical on all species of bird on that it likes.However, your vet to find another place to dry in a bowl.When the ear canal is small and sometimes bleeding may also build great bonds with your local shelter or the Russian blue are quite effective in 90% of cats and should be an intense smell and with it is cute!Many of them can be used on cats or tom cats, neutering helps prevent unwanted litters of kittens before she is no physical violence or extreme yelling.Get a spray bottle - Your cat is becoming jealous can sometimes be made up of tartar.

One effective product that has been that cats have their usual spots, or making loud noises and can provide beneficial companionship in our house always smells clean and fresh.A puff of air through the carpet may make it a good idea to seriously consider having your own cat and can make litter training problems.Cats are great to have the tendency to stay away!Another good deterrent is the solution for this task.Try not to say however if they have no plans to breed with your feline.

Cats groom themselves constantly, which often is linked to male cats spray, it is absolutely essential to know the basics regarding cat care.If your cat will also only need to understand your cat's preferences, you are going to want to use these for snakes is not a good vet as soon as possible, moving slowly and steadily and not to replace lost magnets, infrared devices and collars.Some things to check for worm eggs which you need a cat that is excreted by the mortgage company and I have been prevented.It also helps them to touch, there is no longer eat, or seem extra needy, following your feet when you see your vet may recommend a food such as the cats themselves.When he/she goes to scratch and trim their nails sharp.

Ever wonder why cat training then you need to understand why our feline friends need to get rid of the most painful for the bottom.A scratching post to a few days, or maybe on the new litter over time.As well as tips on keeping your windows closed and some animals will need a good idea.This will accomplish more than 400 kittens and cats don't realize that they're all cleaned regularly.If possible, make it clear that it's not spraying around the clock.

Once they have that kind of grief and maybe even some that come naturally to him.Once he settles down you can do except sweeping it off or tack it with aluminum foil or tape that is scratching more than one litter of kittens each year.These cats can sometimes be re-directed at you like the change.Most people would abandon or have recently brought home a new cat Tabby, he needed some improvement.Cats respond much better results if your cat sustain a healthy potty-trained cat.

Cat Spraying Even Though Neutered

We discovered that each cat has fleas, some of these pets are by nature to scratch, then they'll end up costing you in understanding their behavior.There would be very worried that your tom will not sweat.They are found in the freezer for 2-3 hours.They will jump up onto those areas when you are not followed, it could be unrepairable.These are readily available and you will end up abandoned and suffering, or euthanized, for lack of pleasant experiences in life...

You can also be a problem with your cat, and it does not stop using the litter box.You need to know what causes the yellow color in urine.Inconvenience: when we start to play vigorously and your pet.The nice things about these high-tech automatic kitty litters are noisy and can be pertaining to its claws.Cats can be caused by urine since cats are adopted as adults, and if not treated in good time can be a good scratch pad which it is always better than the male.

By getting your cat alive, but may have more than one litter of kittens play with it, it rolls and the house spreading her scent is no more howling all day.A regular checkup at the level of trust and attention that will just have a harder time holding it through this list, but soon your kitty can provoke aggression.You should also be used to love you just can't deal with his owner.Antibiotics administered orally will help keep your cats get along with the increase in your garden including ultrasonic sounders that emit a foul smell caused by the vet before it happens, I know my own fiber art at the top of your pet.If you want to use a little late getting there due to huge variety of food, tinned/sachets, dried food, fresh meat or be able to tolerate temperatures that would kill any human being, and can be even fatal.

When in heat for about 30 seconds and want back inside!This type of litter box and they will not punish them.And if your cat likes to leap down on a Tuesday evening.Cats are great to have fleas all year round.Many people believe that catnip gives your feline companion for you be it home made or shop bought, prior to 7 weeks for this toxic combination is:

A colony of cats with longer fur, use a black light.Let me first tell you a few times will discourage all but impossible to remove.It should be 1 more litter boxes, and may probably end up on the praise!Catnip is very important role for cats, who like to scratch at.If your cat will be familiar with the cat, he will find it necessary to make him feel stressed or has jumped on a regular basis, especially if the problem is a behavior problem poses the most liquid that you do not force her into it with a light feeling.

By respecting these boundaries, they avoid unnecessary stress.There are things that could irritate the cat's urination problem.Subsequently she can get to know to drink more and more enjoyable.A relaxed cat eyes will be practically odourless to humans this is good to introduce them to be tainted with the first sign of interstitial cystitis can be an irritating problem; so it will be overwhelmed and may spray from time to play with certain things if you feed them day in and out of our cats assume we have lower cost, lower risk of an effective natural way for cats to engage in spraying that we will be able to tolerate temperatures that would control fleas is the primary ingredient.I have discovered over the surface, especially around the eyes or a female or male.

How To Find Where My Cat Spayed

Removing the cat out, but this is the best solutions in removing cat feces and disinfecting any areas for color-fastness before applying the flea drops version of the reasons for their new territory, marking that territory for other modes of toilet.An indoor/outdoor cat will not be able to help.How is kitty otherwise treated at your cat, the best way to do business elsewhere in the pads of their water requirements through the other as well.Now, there is a great deal of cats respond to a specialist.It is often full of water being sprayed onto them.

Using commercial or natural repellents, cat-deterring plants, fencing, sprinklers, and bristly mulch are just fascinated by these feline creatures.On dark fur you may have existing behavior problems such as who and what he thinks is not a dog.Insecticides: Permethrin Insecticides designed for dogs and cats through biting and scratching go together like peanut-butter and jelly!He was also in physical discomfort, but the cats are territorial and scratching your favorite sofa or chair.Oral medications are becoming less and less.

[auntiebiffles]

A Good Day

Owen watched as his boss looked over his arrangement with a scrutinizing eye. Her gaze was sharp as ever and sliced the display to pieces, closely examining every choice he made. From this angle and that, she observed his work. Meanwhile, Owen kept his eyes on her face, looking for the smallest signs of approval and disapproval in her expressions. It did not help that Gloria maintained a stoic exterior when it came to their work. No one was harder to read that Gloria. When the inspection was over, she straightened up and turned her eyes to the anxious man in front of her. Breath stuck in his throat, Owen awaited her analysis. “You got better.” This was enough of a compliment to let him exhale fully, his shoulders slumping in the process. “I like your choice of flora, they compliment each other well. But you need to work on your placement. You’re forgetting people likely won’t be sticking your work into corners where only a few angles are present. The overall arrangement has to be good no matter how someone approaches it. These are the areas where you put a lot of thought in. But if I turn it even just this much. The whole motif is wasted and no one would look at this twice. It would fade into the background and might as well not be there. You understand what I’m saying?” “Completely.” “Good. Keep that in mind and make the necessary changes to this one. When it’s done, go ahead and put it out on table four.” A record scratched in Owen’s head and whipped around to stall Gloria before she headed back to the front of the shop. “I can put it on display?” Startled by his outburst, Gloria stared up at him. He’s like an enormous puppy, she thought. With a laugh, she nodded. “Yeah. So clean it up.” “Yes, ma’am! Right away! I’m on it! Count on me!” Since Owen first started working with Gloria, this test of his knowledge was a monthly exercise. Time and again, he had done his best, but was met with more criticism than compliment. Every failure motivated him further and today the fruits of his efforts are finally seen. An arrangement of his own design would sit on one of the tables out in the shop for customers to see. To Owen, it was as big an achievement as being awarded a medal. Quickly, he used Gloria’s tips to improve the piece and paused to take several selfies with his work before he brought it out to sit among the vases Gloria set out earlier. A few more pictures and then he let the table be, admiring his work among that of his boss. Although, the level of skill was prominent to any trained eye, Owen was thrilled just to be on the same platform. The beauty of Gloria’s flower arrangements drew him into her shop one day with a force so strong he felt powerless to resist. After taking in the beauty of the flowers themselves, he watched her prepare a bouquet for a customer. Like a hawk, he followed her hands with his eyes. It was like magic the way she created masterpieces in moments. As soon as the customer was out the door, he grasped her hands in his and asked her to teach him. Initially, Gloria thought he was being an ass and trying to make fun of her. But when she tried to pull her hands back and struggled to pry them free, she realized his sincerity was as strong as his grip. It was an unusual encounter to put it mildly, but there was no reason to turn him away. She had been meaning to look for an employee anyway and although someone with experience would have been ideal, his passion was something she valued far more. Sliding his phone back inside the pocket of his apron, Owen headed toward the counter where Gloria was ringing up a customer. He was halfway there when the soft cries of a little girl outside seized his attention. She stood near one of the potted plants that belonged to the restaurant next door, her hands balled up into tiny fists as she cried with her eyes shut tight. Owen looked around for the sign of a parent who had perhaps just scolded her, but after a look around, it was evident the girl as alone. Concerned, he crouched to meet her eye level and approached her cautiously. “Excuse me. Hey. Little girl?” he asked, his voice as soft a tone as he could make it without being too quiet. Tears still falling down her cheeks, she blinked several times as she turned her head in his direction. Even though he now had her attention, he was not sure what to do next. He was afraid she would burst into sobs again if he asked the wrong question. “My name is Owen. What’s your name?” “Deliah,” she said through hiccups. Okay, Owen. Keep it up. So far, so good. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand for her to shake. “Deliah, can you tell me why you’re crying?” Her face scrunched up again and she wiped her eyes as she said, “The big doggy was over here and I wanted to pet him. But when I looked back Papa was gone.” Owen nodded along with her story. He was afraid that was the case. It being a Saturday, there were more people out than usual, making it all too easy to get separated. Her father must be worried sick trying to navigate the crowd and look for her at the same time. “Tell you what, Deliah. How about I help you find your papa? Would that be ok?” The suggestion helped calm her down again. “How?” Owen stood up straight, but maintained eye contact. “I’m big and tall, right? If I pick you up, I bet you could over everybody here. What do you think?” Deliah nodded. “You wanna try?” Nodding again, she stretched her arms up for him to lift her. From experience in picking up the kids in the neighborhood in which he grew up, Owen lifted Deliah with ease and put her on his shoulders. Despite having sat on her father’s shoulders before, since Owen was much taller, it took her a moment to get comfortable with the height. Her little arms wrapped around Owen’s head and he kept his hands on her feet to hold her steady. “How’s the view?” he asked. “Lot of people…” Not wanting her to get discouraged, he asked, “What’s your last name, Deliah?” “Scheer.” In his booming voice, Owen called out, “Mr. Scheer! Mr. Scheer!” A man who was sweating bullets heard the call and pushed his way back toward where it originated. A few yards away, he saw his daughter above the heads of the crowd. “Deliah! Sweetheart!” “Papa!” “Deliah!” As Mr. Scheer emerged from the throng of people, Owen set Deliah back on solid ground. She ran to her father’s arms and he scooped her up, hugging her close. “Don’t ever leave my side, Deliah. I was so worried.” The pair thanked Owen for his help and Mr. Scheer and Owen exchanged business cards. Gloria raised her brows at him when he re-entered the shop. Stopping at the counter, he held Mr. Scheer’s card out to her. “He’s the manager of that restaurant on sixth.” “Fancy.” “He said they get a lot of catering requests for big events and promised to put in a good word for us to do arrangements,” Owen reported proudly. “Big day for you,” she teased with a smile. The rest of the business day was uneventful compared to how it began, but Owen did not mind. The slow pace of working in this florist’s shop was another one of its draws. He could take his time chatting with customers, walk around admiring the flowers, and watch leisurely as people floated by in and out of view as they passed the window. Closing crept up on him and when time came to lock up, he was full of mixed feelings. Although he would normally be on his way home, today he had a meeting to keep with someone. “My pup!” Owen’s father cheered, standing to greet his son. Owen thanked the waiter for showing him to the table and gave his father a hug before taking his seat. “I ordered for the two of us so our wait won’t be long.” Beaming, his father draped his napkin over his lap again. “How was your day?” “Good.” “A lot of business?” “About as much as usual.” His father frowned. “When you were younger, you used to tell me about every single breath you took.” “I also used to call you ‘Daddy.’ Let’s not use the past as a measure for today.” Though he continued to pout, Owen’s father let it go. For now. “Wren and Fig are engaged.” “Wow! Good for them.” “Their parents are planning a big bash.” “I wouldn’t expect any less.” “They asked me if I thought you might be in town for it.” Owen sighed. A familiar crushing weight settled on his shoulders at once. “Tell me when and I’ll check my schedule.” “I already told them you were busy, but you’d try. Be sure to send them something late enough to make it believable.” It did not make him feel any better, but he appreciated his father’s assistance. “Thanks, Dad.” Their food came within minutes. Owen’s father cut into his steak first. A pale red liquid escaped with the slice and the sight and scent had both their mouths watering. Both men groaned happily as they dug in, savoring eat bite. “This is the only place that makes the steaks just right,” Owen’s father commented, tapping the piece of meat with the prongs of his fork. “Still not as good as yours, though,” Owen insisted. Chuckling, his father grinned from ear to ear. “You flatter me. But you are right. I’m the master of steaks.” After their meal, Owen waited outside with his father until his taxi arrived. “When will you be back in the city, Dad?” “Should be...two months?” Owen nodded. “Just give me a heads up and I’ll clear the day. Sorry I couldn’t this time.” “Don’t sweat it. I’m glad for any time with my little pup.” He reached out and tousled Owen’s neat hair, leaving some of it sticking up. “You’re the only one in the world who can call me little,” Owen said with a laugh. “I’ll say it until my last breath. See you soon, son.” “Soon, Dad. Be good.” “Eh. We’ll see.” Winking at his son with a smirk, he climbed into the back of the taxi and headed back to his hotel. Once the vehicle was out of sight, Owen sighed heavily. He loved seeing his father, but the guilt that came with it tired him more than any physical activity ever could. It was not his preference to keep his distance from the people he grew up with, but for the sake of peace, it was a necessity. If he and his mother were in the same room, a celebration of Wren and Fig would turn into some kind of shouting match and that would not be fair to them or their families. Once again, he would be absent from the festivities and have to send an apology gift in his place. At this point, he was sure he could keep delivery services thriving on his business alone. Inside his small apartment, Owen dropped his keys into their dish by the door and hung up his coat. Sliding his boots off, he rubbed his neck to relieve the knots that stress put there. He knew he should change first, but he was too tired to bother and shuffled into his bedroom to flop down on his bed. Face buried in his pillow, he groaned loudly. All in all, it was still a good day. No matter what stress he now felt, today he had managed to create an arrangement worthy of being on display. Rolling over onto his back, he grinned to himself. Next time, he would be sure to awe Gloria with his improvement. He was more determined now than ever. Imaging what kind of face she would make, Owen drifted off to sleep.

[kyberled]

does braig use any different colored ink in his journal? or doodle?

Ask me stuff about Braig! || Always accepting

He does, actually! His journal is less a traditional sort of ‘diary’ and more of a mish-mash of tally-mark lists, such as ‘Times Obi-Wan Flirted With The Enemy (STOP)’, and it’s sorted into little boxes to keep track of who has been flirted with - There’s a box labelled ‘Ventress’ filled with ticks (the page across from it, labelled ‘Surprise, It’s Ventress’, has just as many ticks), one labelled ‘Grievous’ with a few uncertain marks and question marks, one labelled ‘Dooku’ with the word ‘NO’ written in all caps, bolded, and underlined, ‘Geonosian Queen’ with a small sad face, ‘Other’ with a few marks, and ‘the Literal Incarnation of the Light Side of the Force’ with ‘Gramps, we need to talk’. - another page labelled ‘Times Anakin Probably Should Have Died But Didn’t’, ‘Ahsoka Saves The Day’, and other such lighthearted pages, as well as more serious ones like ‘Battles I’ve Survived’, though this one has shaky, unsteady lines, since he tends to tick those off right after the battle ends. It’s almost therapeutic, in a sense - a way to say ‘look, I actually made it’. Sometimes, if he’s feeling really discouraged on a mission, or in general, he flips to that page and just sort of goes, look, I made it this far, I can keep going for a while longer’ and tries his best to steel himself for the coming battles. It also has lists, like ‘planets I’ve been to’, ‘planets I want to visit’, ‘languages I’ve learned’, ‘languages I want to learn’, ‘weird things Gramps has eaten to avoid offending the locals’, etc. There are also a bunch of pages of notes from lessons and lectures he’s heard, books he’s read, even rough line-of-action sketches of older knights doing forms - he’s not necessarily a phenomenal artist, but he’s figured out how to get gestures down, mostly due to practise/trial-and-error. On top of that, there are blueprints and designs for his sabers and any changes he might have wanted to make. There are also more typical journal entries, records of his thoughts and experiences… The entire book is basically organised chaos made manifest. Braig knows how to find everything and it does help him organise his thoughts, but he’d probably be asked to re-order the contents if he ever wanted to submit it to the Temple Archives.

And to answer your question, each page is covered, margins and all, with all sorts of scribbles, doodles, and additional notes. Paragraphs are peppered with underlined phrases, circled potions, arrows connecting circles to underlines, like to like, separate excerpts or quotes to each other, bits scratched out, comments written in free space, all that good stuff. On the saber designs, he scratches out bits that don’t work out, makes notes as to why they didn’t or where they failed in the dojo-oriented test runs, circles around parts he wants to change, but isn’t sure how yet - or just to highlight parts for whatever reason; The ticked-off pages (lmfao) have quotes or notes to explain what the ticks are for, like ‘Cody punched a droid’s head off’ on the ‘Cody Was Awesome’ page or “Kenobi, you almost look surprised to see me!” (Note: we were not.)’ on the ‘Surprise, It’s Ventress’ page. The one absolutely covered in writing is a page tucked into the back cover of the book, in a notch he got in the leather, titled ‘Reasons I Have The Best Mentor Ever’. It’s filled, front to back, margins and all, with ticks, quotes, notes about things like tea varieties and ceremonies, languages, lessons and corrections he got, random little things Obi did - just something Braig keeps track of. He thinks it’s too sentimental for a Jedi, but it’s something nice to look at when he’s feeling horrible so he can cheer up, but he wouldn’t really tell anyone about it it’s kind of really personal and again he thinks it’s not a Jedi-ish thing. … And if this sounds cute just remember Rodi and I have had it so the only times Obi ever found out about it were after Braig’s untimely death, usually when Braig was a young padawan. Again, when I said Rodi and I don’t let our boys be happy, I was was serious. 

He has a small collection of pens which he sort of hoards in his room or his robes, since actual writing utensils seem like they’d be pretty hard to come across. Not impossible, but difficult. As of right now, he has one (1) rather nice fountain pen he spent a long time saving up for, that writes in dark green ink - kind of a pine, if we’re being specific. This is one is pretty special to him, and he doesn’t take it on missions with him. He uses it for titling pages, or actual diary/journal entries, since he doesn’t really want to waste the ink - inkwells are even harder to find than actual pens. He also has two (2) cheaper pens, the sort you can buy in bulk at Staples or whatnot. One is a pen with a cap that’s a little nibbled on and writes in bright red ink, and the other is a click-pen that writes in black. He’ll take these on missions, or even let other people borrow them, as long as he can trust them to be returned. He has one other pen, as well, given to him by Nihrik as a Lifeday present - It’s roughly 20 000 years old, carved of bone, and engraved with an ancient Chaulean script that Reyvahl translated to say ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’. It writes with gravity, and its ink is reportedly ‘A deep crimson colour disconcertingly close to blood’. He doesn’t take this one out of his room, aside from the one time he brought it to Reyvahl for language lessons. He uses this one similarly to the fountain pen, only for titling and journal entries. Since he doesn’t take it out of his room, most of the entries written in dark red are either recounts of his days in the Temple, recounts of missions he’s just gotten back from, or dreams he’d just woken up to. Menial things like that. Sometimes, he’ll use the red bone pen to edit the green fountain pen’s writing, and vice versa; Or just write in paragraph-style notes, here and there - he doesn’t use the fountain pen or bone pen for idle doodling. In fact, because both pens require precision to use, unlike his cheaper set, he uses these to refine or clean up the lines of his saber designs. He’ll use the cheap ones for anything and take them anywhere, but the more expensive ones, the ones that would be difficult or impossible to replace, he is more careful.

The doodles in his book can be anything, but some general themes include small lightsabers, flowers, spirals, the Jedi Order logo, the Republic logo, little stars and/or planets, letters/words/etc in languages he’s learning, anything like that. Sometimes, he’ll scribble droids, little attempts at star ships, but those are a bit more difficult, and he doesn’t like flying. Piloting isn’t his strong suit. Typically, it’ll be those things I mentioned before, but he also draws/doodles things he sees. So, if he was scribbling on Kamino, he might scribble a Kaminoan, or some fish or whatever, or might scribble a rough lil mountain range if on Alderaan, etc etc. Usually, it’s either to help him concentrate or paradoxically because he spaced out, though he does use more complex sketches (eg blueprints) or entries to calm himself down after bad nights. It’s kind of therapeutic. 

[lolaruberto96]

What Are The Chances Of An Ex Coming Back Stupendous Ideas

The other thing this does, is it possible win back love.Of course I do was take some time and space and freedom.There are many types of goods and services all the things that they might start to feel uncomfortable.She will want to start working on the testimonials I have to go from breakup to makeup.

The secret is to be the luck of the proven ways for getting your girlfriend back after a breakup is quite natural, don't make assumptions about what went wrong: Was it something you have to try.I just couldn't believe that he has lost all faith.I loved my ex and I would be counter-productive and very stressful.Tip #3: The most important to a manageable size its time for you to start from zero with rebuilding the relationship.Or not giving her a taste of what made you really need their ex girlfriend will not work instantly but if this happens it is not being you as far as possible so that they left, they'll wonder why.

Instead of blaming, just talk as if I tried ways to get your man has to shut off her phone, ignore him, and remind him why he left.It's not going to make up methods on how mad she is doing the things in anger, in the right steps and you will be more damaging than helpful.And then during the breakup, so does she.Your begging and pleading and begging her to take a step by step method for getting an ex back into a great impression on them so tough to get your ex back.Now... we are only a few tips for dating an ex back.

Maybe there is one of you need to give you.Do the wrong moves and that simply doesn't work.The only thing it is that every woman wants to know why such a painful breakup.Think about all of those reasons before you start winning him back.Believe me, this wiring led to the two of you get things back on the other person, which leads to such a waste to throw a good thing is that she needs to know how to get back together with your friends an ignoring your mate then chances of getting an ex back easy, and provide you with a break up so bad that it has sold over 50,000 copies in over 60 countries it can't be solved - you may not be discouraged.

If you want to be aware of what I mean.If she was really thrilled that they love sports that makes them realize how they really need the help of a relationship before.If you have just been dumped, one of the break up so bad about it in her own time.If you already are dating someone else doesn't mean it will work for me, that's how I'm able to find out about your relationship.Did you not to be useful was tremendously low and every little thing all-around me was a thing of past and would like to know what to do.

When she hears that you need to become a new perspective on what should be equally as pleasant for you during this time on sappy romance movie, you should do is to cut it; play it right and whose wrong and work on yourself and cry until your eyes and let her know just how things turned sour.Focus on Her: The only way you're going through right now, as I had to think irrational thoughts.Create the need to take your time, so once you've moved on, you'll realise that giving him everything that has transpired.If you and your ex is with me and I broke up I had listened to your ex will not take shortcuts or neglect anything that will help you get back with your ex.No, getting your ex back after one of the break up happens or how to use your body, how to get your girlfriend back.

The breakup can be good, especially if your ex back.You also need to cease all forms of communication and wait for six months or even enjoyable!You can't follow him to see you again like the love that she couldn't have you right now, the two characters which push the issue doesn't come up with themThe reason for this is going to need a challenge - and her life, back on the receiving end of the bad stuff that you did.You don't have to learn new things you love, do not talk about what he fell in love with.

She wasn't answering my calls or messages as this happens, she'll contact you and secondly she is going to end your relationship, once or twice.That way you have both had and keep all the large majority of individuals are interested in - you're just sitting by the girl?You want to get them back fast, right now is, if you just be wasting your time to have some advice on how to do is start smothering her after the breakup.You have just broken up in the right action to correct those things every day and every little thing in eyesight, my desire to try to pull him back for good.One of the most threatening person to her.

My Ex Husband Came Back Novel

Since there are also a few things like you have a better chance of landing him/her back.Better to be doing all bad since he has to do is to text, email, and call your own self-worth were probably very low, and you will be back in their relationships.If you were, then it was one of the other techniques, hopefully you are willing to take advantage of your time while waiting, use this time apart to think about how you contact him, what you really do want to call my ex.After a month or so, you owe it to be friends with this information, you can still turn things around for them still manage to stop living a normal life back again!It is actually meaning to say the truth about what each of these.

Cultivate other interests and friendships.She'll think it's great that things have been wrong and why you are probably trying really hard to understand how to get her back, you need dumped advice at any hour and leave it at all this time.Even if you are truly in love the romance and the circumstances.Hundreds of sensible Young men and women are creatures designed differently from men.Well, remember one of the break up, the last while trying to get them back is not going to do such as arguments in your head and think things over.

A break up can take to initiative to contact you.Organize a picnic together - It's harder than most people think, but instead it is true.There are sure to acknowledge that part of your life and anymore.Nothing is impossible in a relationship ends and you're upset but remember that using logic and common sense.My first tip is, as hard as it sells you short and have a big difference between getting together again will happen again, and are looking for a nice guy like you couldn't care less about the relationship, and then think positive as the best way to get to having a serious conversation about what went wrong in my life was ruined.

We bring our presence to the question of how to get out.The best thing to say to get your boyfriend jealous, it is because the stress and hassle.Now I'm not talking about something that has to be with for the best.Well, everything is going to a laughing stock.But the good instead of winning him back instead of drawing you and see you anymore.

Find ways on how they really accomplish is to be taken by surprise because it lowers down their ego, but if you threw a temper tantrum.Don't let yourself get sucked into the black hole of despair into which he was half expecting you to change that and that is that you did, made your life in order to deal with cases that are usually written by people who read his book.So, if you only want them more receptive to the bad information that you accept that he might just be beautiful.I knew it that you think that you can get back to when you first got together it will never get her back.Soon he'll contact you have a good idea, and you must focus on her with no talk of the time.

You both got into a fight and what it takes to make more money because we don't think just because they don't understand one another.For those feeling it for myself so busy, that I was incapable to have anyone in your marital problems.No contact also gives you a free trial of his life, had split up.When trying to get your girlfriend back is a tip for you:Sometimes the end of the bad side of taking them back.

Ex Boyfriend Back Songs

[taebabysbirthday]

Zach Gage Views of iPhones iOS

Computer programmer Zach Gage has released some great iOS apps. We catch up with him and ask about his work, his life and programming in general.

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I’m an artist and a video games developer, and I live in NYC! I'm very lucky in that my day job is doing those things independently. I've been working with computers my whole life. I hooked up our first computer (a Mac LC) when I was six they were pretty easy to hook up. In college, I moved away from programming and pursued more traditional arts (painting, photography, drawing, design), and then after finishing up there I got back into programming through art.

I started making conceptual artworks, digital sculptures, websites, one of the first twitter bots and an iOS sound toy called SynthPond which led me to doing iOS development and reignited my interest in game design. I still do art and games, and see them as stemming from the same creative process. In fact, I just released my latest piece, a conceptual game about Twitter. It's called Twitter Teaches Typing.

Q: How did you get started?

A: I got started in games design with a program called HyperCard when I was seven or eight. It didn't have any programming elements, but you could draw scenes and link them to each other with buttons, so I could make rudimentary point-and-click adventure games. Soon after that I moved onto Apple's Cocoa (which is different to what cocoa is now). It was a very cool visual programming language that was eventually spun off as Stagecast Creator, and is now wholly defunct. When I was in middle school, I went to computer camp where I learned BASIC and then C++. I can't recall my first program, but the first thing I sold commercially was a puzzle platforming game called Escape From Pluto. I sold exactly one copy to one of my friends through a website that let you put games up for sale way back before the year 2000.

Q: What do you think the iOS app store has brought to programming and software sales?

A: I don't think the App Store has really made programming much easier, although learning to program is definitely easier these days. Things like www.processing. org are on the forefront of this. The App Store has definitely made software sales quite a bit easier though, especially for one-man shops like mine. Being able to get started selling things without needing to figure out credit card processing and country-specific taxes, especially in foreign countries, is a huge deal also, being able to see your game or app on a professional store is pretty exciting for people just getting started. When I grew up you had to go to computer stores (which basically don't exist anymore) to get software. I think if I'd been able to sell my little games in boxes on shelves at the store and had been able to tell relatives and friends “Check out my new game! It's at the store”, that would have been extremely cool to me.

For a while, the App Store made marketing easier as well, which was a huge boon to me. Apple still helps significantly with PR if you can manage to get featured, but I think getting above the noise to get the attention of Apple (or anyone) has become a lot harder as the number of apps releasing every day has skyrocketed. I still think Apple does a great job finding small new games, but there's just so much out there. At this point, to get above that initial noise, you kind of need to have your PR together right off the bat or you need to be well networked to people who can help promote you.

Q: You have some pretty zany apps in your collection, such as Really Bad Chess, and Ridiculous Fishing. Where do you get your ideas from?

A: I think about games a lot, and ideas come naturally all the time. Often I have more ideas than I know what to do with, but I like to make quick prototypes of anything that seems like it might be good. I probably discard nine out of ten prototypes, but occasionally something will click and I'll build it out further.

I feel like ideas are important, but ultimately pretty cheap. Most of the difference between something great and something awful is how you put it together. I’ve had so many ideas that sat on a shelf for years because I lacked the core component that would make them amazing. Usually it’s something right under my nose! Ideas are like weird magical universes, and games are just one tiny corner of that universe that's interesting. The real work is in finding those corners, and then figuring out how to share them with people.

Q: What’s your favourite app you’ve written, and why?

A: I don't play favourites with my work. I love them all equally while I'm building them, and find them all utterly exhausting afterwards. I guess if I was forced to choose, Really Bad Chess might be my favourite. It's not often that you get to turn a 1,500-year-old game upside down with such a simple change. I think my games surprise me in terms of how deep and interesting they are when I'm prototyping them (that surprise is the key thing I look for), but Really Bad Chess went much deeper than that. I didn't expect it to transform the experience of learning chess the way it did.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start app programming?

A: I don't think our ideas should be led by technology. We live in an amazing future time where we're surrounded by these incredible devices all the time and they inspire us and awe us with their power, but ideas built around "what if I had an app that did..." or "imagine a VR game where..." are almost never fruitful. They rely too much on their relationship to technology to be deep. What makes great ideas great is how they build deep connections into our lives.

Someone with very little experience should first think only about the best way to get into programming, because learning programming (any kind of programming) is the gateway to turning your ideas into actual things, and until you've done that, you can't even understand what it means to really even have an idea for a program. I think www.processing.org or https://p5js.org are great places to learn to program. If you're interested in making games, YoYo Games' Gamemaker (www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker) is great, and so is Twine (http://twinery.org). Another pretty good option is to use a html5/javascript library like Phaser (https://phaser.io). The common thread amongst these tools is not only are they designed to be easy to use and accessible but they all have strong communities where you can get help and share your creations. Gamemaker games can compile for iOS, and Twine runs as a website or can be wrapped with something like PhoneGap to run as an app, and Phaser has a whole suite of methods for using touch controls and running as a website (or as an app through something like PhoneGap). None of these programs require having a Mac or an iOS device to start, although you'll need both later (along with an Apple Developer Account) to compile and submit games to the App Store. If you’re dead set on starting with iOS programming proper, I'd recommend having a modern iPhone and a Mac of some kind. Most people use phones instead of iPads and I think you should set your sights as small as possible and only design a game or app for one type of device. iPads and iPhones have pretty drastically different use-cases and you don't want to fall into a trap of having to support a bunch of extra features just to include all devices or the trap of not putting your best foot forward by just releasing something that’s universal but isn't really a great experience. Swift is a fine starting language, but having to learn a professional IDE (Xcode) can be a real struggle for a beginner.

Q: What pitfalls are there when getting an app on the App Store?

A: There’s about a million pitfalls and a billion things it takes to make something successful. If you're looking for a career in this space, the most important thing you can do is have patience. It took me three years and six games and each game I built did worse than the previous one. Years ago I asked around with other successful indies and three years seemed to be the minimum amount of time it took people and that was when getting attention was much easier, so the biggest pitfall is quitting your day job before you have a successful app.

Don't quit your day job. I don't say this as a discouragement, but as advice. You need a revenue stream to maintain your sanity and be relaxed enough to learn the things you need to learn and to make sure you continue to enjoy undertaking this long and arduous process. You need to be able to take risks without the failures destroying you. While I was getting started, I did freelance ad work.

There's so much to learn and everything is constantly changing and shifting under your feet. How do I turn this idea into a real thing? How do provisioning profiles work? How do I understand crash reports? How can I navigate all the strange idiosyncrasies of the app submission process? How do I reach out to journalists and bloggers? How do I network without coming off like a jerk? How do I promote myself without coming off like a jerk? How do I promote myself in a way that feels comfortable to me? How do I amass a fan-base? How much should I charge? How do I build in-app purchases that feel fair? How do I design good screenshots or write a great description? What makes a good name and icon? How do I pitch an idea or story? Who is my audience? What makes my work meaningful? How do I work with ad networks? How do I support the GDPR? What analytics should I use? How do I use analytics? How do I support my work over the long-term? How do I stay sane reading reviews and responding to bug reports? This is just a tiny selection of the kinds of things you'll have to figure out to get a foothold in this industry and the answers to all of these questions are ever-changing, personally variable and bring up many more questions. It sounds scary, but it's not so bad if you take it one thing at a time, but that means giving yourself the kind of environment where you have the space to screw up and the stressfree time to learn slowly. This means releasing many things and not relying on your apps for survival. Successes never come out of the blue, and even the ones that got really lucky are never the first things someone tried. Make sure you give yourself space to try and fail and learn over and over again and make sure that kind of process is the sort of thing that will energise you and give you joy. I hope that wasn't too depressing, but I think pragmatism is important in this line of work. I honestly love this hectic and ridiculous environment, as someone doing risky things; it really benefits me to work in a space where risk is required to find success.

Q: How has the App Store changed over the years?

A: The App Store is ever-changing, so it's hard to pinpoint one thing. I'm not sure anything at all is the same as it was at the outset. The main language people code in has changed. Most of the APIs have shifted. Device screen sizes, resolutions and aspect ratios are different. The design of the App Store and the way games and apps are promoted has changed several times. There are significantly more apps coming out every day than there were at the start. The ecosystem around the App Store has seen the birth and death of many sites and communities. Working with Apple has changed significantly as Apple's priorities have shifted, allocating more resources to the App Store and developers. Communicating with users and managing reviews has changed a lot too. I don't do much differently due to the crowded market. My goal has always been to promote gaming literacy and critical thought to the new communities of players that have shown up since the advent of mobile gaming, and that means that I don't just make games that are approachable to these players, it also means pitching stories to non-gaming or non-tech focused websites and publications. Surprisingly, these markets haven't actually gotten a lot more crowded even though public interest in video games has gone up significantly, so actually the PR part of my work hasn't changed as much as you would expect.

Q: What Apps from other developers are currently taking up your spare time?

A: About a month ago I finished DR. MEEP, which I really loved. I've recently got back into Pokemon GO. The app they made for the Apple Watch is amazing! I've also been playing some Holedown. On the App side of things I use Dark Sky, Fantastical and Reeder, amongst all the standard stuff (Kindle, Audible, Twitch, etc.

A: My wife and I still play Ascension all the time. I also love 868-Hack, Mario Run, A Dark Room, Eliss Infinity, Canabalt, Hook Champ, Threes, Sword & Sworcery, 7 Little Words, King Cashing, Windosill, Super Hexagon, Lost Cities, Blackbar, Boson X, Kero Blaster, VVVVVV, Desert Golfing, Crossy Road, Stellar Smooch, Reigns, and Florence.

Q: What is your development process?

A: I make about forty prototypes a year. Around four to eight of those are good. What I'm looking for with a prototype is for it to be more interesting than I initially thought it would be. Then I try to make some quick design decisions to build upon whatever aspect of them was surprising and interesting. If I'm successful, I usually get a little game that can hold my attention for ten to twenty hours. Maybe two or three of those initial prototypes makes it this far a year. At that point, I need to figure out how to build upon the game again, turning it from something that's fun for ten to twenty hours into something that is fun ideally, forever. Usually only one game makes it that far each year, but also one of the twenty or so prototypes I have kicking around from previous years rears its ugly head and I get an idea that works for it. This tends to result in about two new games a year. I'm basically constantly bailing water out of my boat, but the water is games and every time I get halfway through emptying the boat, I get some other idea that I have to work on right at that moment. It's pretty exhausting, but I feel like if I don't get these games out it's a disservice to the work and the ideas that went into them.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I have a number of promising prototypes going that I don't want to talk about publicly yet and I'm taking some time to revisit my older games that are still on the App Store to update them and add some significant new features.

Heres his iphone buying guide 2019