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dansnaturepictures · 3 years

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23/08/2021-Day off at Shipton Bellinger: Butterflies, moths, flowers and more

With today booked off work also we explored somewhere we’d never been before, some renowned butterfly habitat around Shipton Bellinger near to Hampshire’s border with Wiltshire. We had come to see if we could see a Brown Hairstreak a butterfly we’ve never seen which a few people we know locally have seen here recently. We didn’t see this butterfly today so may try again but it was still a very enjoyable walk. It was a lovely stretch of countryside with nice meadows and trees and I really enjoyed taking this in it had some great panoramic typical countryside views too as we walked around an initial meadow type area we found as suggested by some of the people we knew who’d come and parked at. I took the one, fourth, seventh and eighth pictures in this photoset of views at this bit.

Wildflowers really caught the eye again throughout the day here with especially lots of lovely pink and green wild basil I tweeted a photo of some on Dans_Pictures tonight and other species seen included; self-heal, rosebay willowherb, agrimony, red bartsia, ragwort, yarrow, carrot, fennel, woolley thistle, other thistle, bird vetch, hawksbeard, viper’s-bugloss which I do really like, bindweed, field scabious as shown in the third picture I took today in this photoset, eyebright, a few poppies, traveler’s joy, tiny black medick, white clover, possible weld and some lovely yellow goldenrod adorning some hedges which I learnt today. There were some charming wayfaring tree berries around too looking a divine combination for me my favourite colour scheme of red and black which was interesting to see. On our first of two stints here it was nice to see some Holly Blue and Meadow Brown butterflies the latter shown in the sixth picture I took today in this photoset and a sweet charm of Goldfinches shown in the fifth picture I took today in this photoet flying into a bare tree which was nice to see. I also loved spotting another precious hornet mimic hoverfly after seeing my first ever yesterday at Farley Mount a brilliant species. I also saw Straw-barred Pearl and Bird-cherry ermine moths here another two new ones for me this weekend another strong aspect of it with four new ones observed, I took the second picture in this photoset of the former. With the needed sun to help with butterflies coming out more not poking through we relocated to an area within the village where some people also looking for Brown Hairstreaks had said they’d seen some around an ash tree along the track which I took the ninth picture in this photoset of. This wasn’t to be either but it was nice to see some House Sparrows and Jackdaws here. We returned to the original patch and with the blue sky just starting to show when we left this area the sun had now well and truly come out. It did hide behind clouds again at one or two moments but the second spell here was much brighter and sunnier and this did bring out the beautiful butterflies. Loads of Holly Blues danced along a well vegetated tree line where we focused our efforts as the place the Brown Hairstreaks were, it was very special to see certainly the most Holly Blues I’ve seen at once this year and possibly ever there were so many. Red Admirals were a bright and colourful delight along this vegetation too, as one other person commented one looked really nicely fresh, with lots of Brimstones about now. And after thinking I’d not seen many more of them after seeing a little second emergence late last month after seeing a few Brown Argus and Common Blue which I saw re-emerge at the same time some bright orange Small Heaths came out at the base of the grass which was nice.

I came away feeling I’d used another what became with our Rutland trip done on Friday and Saturday off day off very well. And it was also another day where we spoke to so many brilliant fellow wildlife enthusiasts we had really good quality, good humoured and much valued conversations with everyone we met which could be said about many walks this year and a lot of this weekend and today there was a real in it together spirit of what was a bit like a butterfly twitch. Something the Bird Fair which we usually go up to Rutland Water for our trip this year brought this too is such a prominent part of my year for too the social interaction so it was good today.

The tone was set for a gorgeously bright sunny summer’s evening and on the way into the house when home I liked taking in and photographing as I tweeted a trio of plants growing outside the fence the back horseweed, sweet little yellow hawksbeard glowing in the ideal sunlight and the yarrow still going strong with a common green bottle fly on which I liked noticing. In the back garden bright coloured chrysanthemums for photos and other flowers either for macro photos or just to look at caught my eye. This was a perfect end to one of my weekends of the year and ever with the two insect and flower dominated walks in Hampshire complimenting by amazing return to Rutland Water of birds and more so well as I posted about over the last twenty four hours with the Rutland Water trip blogs, yesterday’s and this one. Thanks for all your appreciation of my posts and photos and I hope you have all had a good few days.

Wildlife Sightings Summary for Shipton Bellinger: My first ever Staw-barred pearl and Bird-cherry ermine moths, two of my favourite butterflies the Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell, one of my favourite damselflies the Beautiful Demoiselle, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Brimstone, Small Heath, Goldfinch I am seeing so many on walks lately a familiar one in the garden too, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Hornet Mimic hoverfly, other hoverflies and bees.

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artificialqueens · 3 years

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Galactica, Chapter 76 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Previously: Violet was shocked to learn about Sutan’s ex-wife.

This Chapter: Christmas Day continues. Violet asks some tough questions and gets even tougher answers.

***

As Courtney strolled down the beach, Bianca’s fingers laced in hers, she couldn’t help wondering if she’d ever been this happy in her life. They’d spent a lazy morning in bed exchanging presents and kisses until their lips were swollen. After that, they'd soaked in the hot tub for awhile before walking to the resort’s restaurant for a Christmas brunch right on the water, the gentle waves nearly reaching their table at one point.

After they’d finished eating, Courtney had carefully removed the designer clothes she was wearing (one of her many Christmas presents from Bianca, of course) to reveal one of her new bathing suits, and raced out into the waves, diving into the cool, refreshing water.

It had probably been less than six months since she’d last touched the ocean, but that six months was the longest Courtney had gone since before she could remember. There was something so cleansing about it, so pure, and when she finally emerged from the waves to run back to Bianca on the beach, she felt reborn and fresh, all of her stress and worries washed away.

Bianca was uncharacteristically quiet on their walk back to the suite, simply holding her hand and pulling her in every few feet for sweet, perfect kisses.

She tugged on Bianca’s strap, giggling a bit at the scandalized look Bianca gave her in return.

“What? You said you’d let me peek whenever I wanted.”

“Hmm...well, I guess a deal’s a deal, huh?” Bianca’s face melted into a naughty smirk as she let Courtney pull her top down and leer hungrily at her chest.

“Oh, yeah, that’s the stuff…” Courtney said, and Bianca lunged forward to tickle her sides.

She shrieked with laughter and took off running down the beach, making sure not to go too fast...after all, she wanted Bianca to catch her. Bianca wrapped her arms around Courtney from behind, lips quickly finding the tenderest part of her neck. Courtney let her eyes fall closed, basking in the warmth of her embrace, the delicious feeling of her plush lips, the absolute perfection of the whole day.

***

The most irritating thing about Pearl was how goddamn sexy she was. When Dahlia agreed to sneak away from her grandmother’s house in the middle of Christmas day and meet up with Pearl at a diner on the Lower East Side that happened to be open, she was anticipating a little flirting over a plate of French fries, maybe some light making out.

She was planning to be a tease, to make Pearl really work for it. After all, the fact that Pearl knew how goddamn sexy she was had to be the second most irritating thing about her.

Dahlia was prepared--even excited--to make her suffer.

But that wasn’t how it happened, not one bit. What happened instead was that after barely two minutes of her attempt at teasing, she folded like a house of cards, following Pearl into an exceptionally dingy bathroom. It was those knowing, sleepy blue eyes that did it...or maybe the way her fingers so expertly drew designs on her thigh under the table.

It wasn’t the first time that Dahlia had been roughly fucked against a dirty cement wall, but it was the first time she’d liked it so much.

The first time she begged for more, moaning and whimpering as Pearl’s fingers curled perfectly inside her, until her knees gave out and Pearl had to hold her up to keep her from sliding down to the sticky floor.

“Fucking fuck,” she whispered hoarsely, once she’d finally caught her breath.

Pearl laughed, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, warm hands sliding up from her waist to her tits.

“So, uh...Merry Christmas, I guess.”

“Merry Christmas,” Pearl grinned as she sucked two fingers into her mouth, licking them clean. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“Well...it wasn’t the worst date of my life,” Dahlia told her.

“My roommates are gonna be out all day tomorrow, and you seem like a girl who can scream,” Pearl continued. “So, if you feel like coming to my place...let me know.”

Dahlia shrugged, feigning nonchalance, although her heart already hammered in anticipation of what a whole day together might be like. “Yeah...maybe.”

Pearl smiled again. She knew. Of course she knew, this wasn’t her first rodeo.

Dahlia sighed, internally accepting that she was really and truly falling, that she could no longer pretend that she didn’t care, that this was all just a game to get back at her former friend. Oh well.

***

“There.” Sutan closed the trunk, pressing down on the car key, two beeps giving the confirmation that it was locked. They were in the underground parking garage, Raja and Raven already long gone in the elevator, Raja carrying the majority of the presents while Raven had chatted away, Christmas always putting her in the very best mood.

“You good?” Sutan turned to Violet, stuffing the key in his pocket as he balanced the small tower of Christmas gifts. “Do you need me to carry anything?”

Violet shook her head, her bag around her elbow, his girlfriend leaning on her crutches. Violet had gotten stupidly good at getting around on her own, but Sutan had to admit that he was looking forward to the cast coming off, just so things would get a little bit easier for her.

“Okay,” Sutan smiled, making his way towards the elevator, Violet behind him. She had sat in the back with Raven on the way home, not saying much, but Sutan hadn’t worried about the quiet, Violet kissing his mother’s cheek before they left so she had to be in a good mood.

If Sutan was being honest, he was beyond thrilled with how well Violet was getting along with his mom, and most importantly, how much his mom seemed to like Violet.

It filled him with warm delight every time he thought of it, his chest almost hot with how happy it made him.

“I know we’ve eaten a lot today,” they stepped into the elevator, Sutan pressing the button for their floor, “but I was thinking that we could have-”

“Sutan.” Violet cut him off, not looking at his face, a sadness in her voice that made Sutan pause immediately even though he could hear that she was trying to be casual. “I have to… I have a question.” Violet paused, clearly fighting to get her words out, “I need to know if…”

“Yes?”

“You were married? Before?”

Sutan raised an eyebrow, the question kind of strange since Violet had literally seen his wedding photos earlier that very same day.

“And you didn’t,” Violet’s fingers tightened on her crutch, her eyes focusing on the elevator door as they rode up, “I know I’m not perfect, and that I’m not…great…at telling you things, but you didn’t,” Violet turned to him. “You didn’t think I deserved to know that you have an ex-wife?”

“What?” The elevator dinged, and Sutan didn’t know what to say. “Violet, why do you think? Deserve? Why would I ever?” What she had just said didn’t make any sense, the fact that he had been married common knowledge.

“Please don’t toy with me.” Violet had retreated once again, no longer watching him, the two of them making their way towards the door, Sutan digesting the information she had just given him. They made their way inside, Sutan putting the presents down by the door, glancing over at Violet who was taking off her jacket, carefully balancing on her good foot.

“...Are you telling me you didn’t know?”

“How would I know?” Violet looked up at him, shrugging her jacket off. There wasn’t any venom in her voice, just a sad reluctant confusion.

“It’s on the first page of my google results?” Which was unfortunate, but true, the wedding photos refused to budge though he had finally managed to get them to the bottom of the page so they weren’t the first things anyone saw anymore. “Everyone covered the wedding.”

It had been Kahmora’s wish, some of the press even invited in for part of the reception, and Sutan almost wished that he had been smart enough to protest.

“Your google results?” Violet put her jacket on it’s hook, Sutan doing the same thing.

“Yes?” Sutan kneeled to take off his shoes, taking Violet’s shoes when she stepped out of them to put them up with his own. “Haven’t you googled me? When we first met?” He looked up at Violet, who was biting her lip, her white teeth sinking into the plush pink, “Everyone does that.”

“You googled me?” Violet seemed genuinely surprised, like she didn’t believe him.

“Of course I did.”

It was one of the first things Sutan had done after he had dropped Violet off at her apartment after their wine bar date, the name Violet Chachki barely bouncing anything back. He hadn’t thought much of it at the time, had simply put it down to Violet being young and a new professional in the industry, though the lack of both Facebook and an Instagram had seemed strange to him.

“I’m not a psychopath.”

“Hmm…” Violet didn’t say anything more, instead turning around and making her way to the living room to sit down on the couch.

If it had been anyone else, Sutan would have believed this to be a ruse, to be some sort of manipulation, for Violet to be aiming for something, to be acting out in petty jealousy, but she just seemed sad and bewildered, like this whole thing was genuine news to her.

“You truly didn’t know?”

Violet shook her head, her crutches off to the side, her fingers playing with the edge of her skirt.

“Well, fuck.” Sutan groaned. He regretted joking about Kahmora now, but Violet had seemed so okay with it in the moment that he hadn’t even considered her feelings. “I was married, yes. For a time.”

Sutan took a seat on the couch, putting his arm along the back of it. He hated telling the story, but it seemed like he didn’t have a choice, Violet deserving to hear it from him.

“The divorce proceedings lasted twice as long as the whole relationship.” He huffed, almost rolling his eyes at how stupid he had been, the tabloids practically celebrating when that information had come out. “We were only actually together for a little over a year.”

Looking back at it now, Sutan could see where it had all gone wrong, everything moving way too fast, he and Kahmora barely knowing each other before they had tied the knot.

As he had gotten older, it had become clear how he was at fault too, how he should have said no and been honest about his feelings, but back then he had just wanted to make Kahmora happy.

“And where is she…”

“My ex-wife lives in LA now. Not an Amrull anymore mind you.”

It was one of the things Sutan had doubled down on with his lawyer, the thought of Kahmora running around with his last name something his younger self hadn’t been able to stomach. He had given up the Malibu beach house and the Malibu cars in exchange, but it had been a small price to pay for the peace of mind.

“If I never have to see her again, I’ll be a happy man, but she still delights in torturing me whenever she can get away with it.”

“Dramatic.” Violet snorted, clearly thinking he was joking, but he wasn’t, Kahmora the main reason he didn’t want to set foot in the state of California.

“She is. It was.” Sutan sighed. “I’ve made a lot of very bad dating mistakes. Like. A lot. Kahmora is the worst but…” Sutan trailed off, realising for the first time that if Violet didn’t know about Kahmora, there was no way she would know about Jinkx.

Fuck.

He almost wanted not to tell her, wanted to hold his tongue and just ignore it, but he knew how he felt when Violet shared about her past, when she finally came to him with something she had kept hidden.

“I was engaged to Jinkx Monsoon. Before Kahmora”

“... Jinkx?” Violet raised an eyebrow, “Jinkx Monsoon? From the theater?”

“And the trust funds and the TV and the child star thing.” Sutan took a deep breath, not believing that he was voluntarily telling the story. “We met during my hardcore clubbing phase, when Raja and I first got to New York.”

If Violet hadn’t looked him up in the tabloids, hadn’t consumed his online presence, she would have no idea about the drugs, about who he used to be, how wild he and all of his friends had been in their early twenties.

“We’d…dance…” Sutan waved his hand, knowing that he was underselling and underselling hard, what they had done a lot closer to lines of coke and orgies than dancing, “And sometimes, whenever either of us were fucked up enough, uh...”

It didn’t feel like the whole truth, because it wasn’t, but he didn’t want to tell Violet how important Jinkx had been to him, how deep their years of friendship had been, how she had done so much for him and how much he had led her down.

“We didn’t actually get…together…until my father’s death…” Sutan paused, talking about his dad still painful even though it had been years, “I never should have asked her to marry me, but I did because she was amazing and loyal and bright and because at that time I couldn’t imagine anyone else ever loving the broken mess I was.”

Sutan swallowed, the words turning his stomach sour.

“We weren’t good for each other, not in the way two functioning adults should be, and I have so many regrets about that period of time.”

More than he’d ever be able to count.

“I feel terrible for how I treated Jinkx.” He sighed, tapping his fingers against the back of the couch. “I was a real dickhead to her, and she didn’t deserve that.”

“Okay.” Violet nodded, her brown eyes resting on his face.

“Okay? That’s all you’re going to say? Okay?” Sutan had expected Violet to explode in fireworks of rage, to do something, anything, more than just listen to his story, and take it all in. “No plate throwing or yelling? No big dramatics and threats of leaving?”

“Sutan, I’m not upset, but I’m not happy either…” Violet sighed, looking down at her hands, which were twisted in the edge of her skirt. “I obviously wish you would have told me, but…I understand.”

“Really?” Sutan took it all in, not truly believing what he was hearing.

“Yes. Besides, in situations like these, keeping secrets, not telling the whole truth…I don’t have a leg to stand on.” Violet shrugged.

“Well you do technically have one good leg left.”

“Oh god,” Violet rolled her eyes, a smile on her lips, the tension thankfully breaking with his bad joke. “Are you always this clever?”

“I’ve been known to have my moments.” Sutan smiled, leaning forward, Violet thankfully accepting as he pressed a kiss to her lips, gratitude and what he almost dared call love blooming in his chest.

***

VIOLET: Do you google people when you meet them? Like look for them online?

PEARL: I know what google means, lmao

PEARL: And of course?

PEARL: Who doesn’t?

PEARL: How else are you supposed to slide into the DM’s ;)?

PEARL: Why?

Violet was lying in the dark, tapping carefully, the light all the way down since Sutan was asleep next to her.

VIOLET: No reason

Violet dropped her phone on the nightstand before lying back down, rolling over on her side so she could look at Sutan.

She had meant it when she said she wasn’t upset with Sutan, but she had also been honest when she said she wasn’t happy.

Mostly, she just felt strange.

Strange about the fact that her boyfriend had an ex-wife that he hadn’t told her about, strange about how casually the phase hardcore clubbing had fallen from his lips, strange at how he had expected her to have breeched his privacy without his consent, but mostly, how he have done that to her.

Violet bit her lip, reaching out to gently touch Sutan’s cheek, rubbing her thumb over it, a satisfied sigh coming from him at the caress.

All it had taken was a simple google search, article upon article popping up, Sutan either in the forefront or background of more pictures than she could count.

It was unsettling to know that she most likely wouldn’t have liked her boyfriend if she had met him when he was her age, the man he had been in his 20s and 30s so different from who she knew now.

She couldn’t blame him for his past, not when she carried around her own burdens, not when she knew how much a person could change because she herself had changed.

That thought settled it, an easy sense of forgiveness washing over Violet, taking away the unease in her chest.

Sutan could look past her difficulties, could care for her even after she had shared her secrets, and she’d be damned if she couldn’t extend the same grace to him.

Violet shuffled, moving so she was lying against Sutan’s chest, her head hiding in his neck. She felt an arm around her waist, a smile spreading on her lips as Sutan’s hand spread out over her back, her boyfriend holding her tight even in his sleep.

She’d forgive him, because he had forgiven her, and because they were worth fighting for, even with their flaws.

***

Fame had to admit that she was impressed with the extent of what was included in Julia and Owen’s new drawing kits.

She had picked them up as an afterthought at the bookstore where she had been looking for Patrick’s Christmas presents. Her husband was notoriously difficult to buy for, his unspoken wish lists only ever filled with books or tennis equipment. Normally, she would have found books for Bianca too, but this year that thought had only made her stomach sour, so instead of looking at the biographies, she had drifted to the children's section, where she had filled her basket to the brim with gifts for the Sanderson kids.

“Auntie Fame?”

“Yes honey?” Fame looked up from her drawing over at Julia, the little girl sitting next to her at the table, a glittery purple pen in her hand. Owen was across from them, while Kelly lounged nearby with her legs slung over the side of an armchair, listening to something with her new noise-cancelling headphones.

“I wanna do that-” Julia pointed at Fame’s drawing, and Fame smiled. Galactica didn’t do any kind of children’s wear, but Fame had drawn a selection of princess gowns, the sparkles and colors from the kit practically begging to be used for some glittery fun. “I wanna draw princesses too.”

“Well,” Fame smiled, “What’s holding you back?”

“It’s too hard,” Julia pouted her lips. Fame looked at Julia’s drawing, the stick figures she’d produced only vaguely humanoid in the way that was unique to children's drawings.

“It takes time to get good at something.” Fame ran a hand over Julia’s hair, the black locks collected into a high ponytail with a butterfly attached to it, “You simply have to practice, and try, and try again.”

“Mine’s already good!” Owen proclaimed, holding up his picture of what Fame guessed was probably a robot, though she couldn’t be positive, and Julia collapsed dramatically, dropping her head down on the table.

“Oh no!” she moaned, and Fame had to bite the inside of her cheek not to laugh, the level of drama truly remarkable.

***

“There!” Trixie watched Katya’s entire face light up, an excited giggle leaving her.

They were in Target, discounted Christmas decorations all around them. It was an annual tradition of theirs to go raid the Target out in Brooklyn for everything it was worth.

“Isn’t he the cutest?!” Katya held up a black bird that was wearing earmuffs in red and green and a multicolored scarf.

“Is that a penguin or an owl?” Trixie took a sip of his gingerbread latte.

“Does it matter?” Katya smiled, putting it into the cart. “Ooh! Look! He has a little foxy friend!”

Trixie laughed, following behind Katya as she went through the store, grabbing everything that caught her fancy. With Trixie’s salary, they didn’t need to do this in Target, and they certainly didn’t need to do it when everything went on discount, but he knew he wouldn’t find this ritual of theirs anywhere near as fun if they had gone to some fancy store.

Part of the joy of their Christmas collection was that it was eclectic, that they hadn't just swiped a credit card in a department store and bought out entire displays.

Trixie loved their stuff because it came from a million different places, but mostly, he loved it because he had found it all with Katya.

He watched as Katya picked up an entire case of leftover forest animals, the sweater she was wearing tightening around her belly. It was starting to get more and more noticeable, the woman of his dreams slowly filling out with his son or daughter.

Trixie couldn’t wait to meet them, though he hoped that little Killer would grow up to sincerely love Christmas.

Otherwise, they’d have some tough years ahead.

***

It had been another blissfully perfect day for Courtney--lounging on the beach, body surfing in the cool water, sipping sweet and delicious rum-filled cocktails, then getting all dressed up for a romantic dinner, where she got to stare at Bianca’s beautiful face in the candlelight, holding her hand and listening to her stories.

And now, she lay sprawled across the bed, the alcohol still in her system making everything spin pleasantly as Bianca knelt between her legs, driving her to delirious ecstasy over and over. She gave in to the thrilling dizziness, letting go, mind soaring and body reacting on auto.

“Angel…” Bianca’s voice was the first thing that snapped her back into the present, as she lifted her head, chest still heaving. There was a naughty grin on Bianca’s face, her dark eyes glistening in the moonlight as she asked, “You still got more in you, huh?”

Courtney nodded, gasping out, “Don’t stop,” as her fingers gripped Bianca’s hair tighter.

“Hold that thought…”

“Wait,” Courtney whimpered, reaching out as Bianca slipped from her grasp, her head lolling pathetically on the pillow. “Come back.”

Bianca chuckled, pawing through her suitcase and pulling out a large canvas bag, which she unzipped and then dumped unceremoniously on the bed.

“See anything you like?”

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neocityfics · 4 years

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2096: Zodiac

Chapter: Intro < ❝ Prologue ❞ > Chapter One

➥ Chapter List

Genre: Cyberpunk inspired, mafia-esque, not-so dystopian, angst

Pairing: Doctor! Taeyong x Reader [Sprinkle of other pairings tbd]

Summary: 2094, the disaster happens. The richest become richer with their reddened backs turned, the people around you growing more and more tired, and a certain Dr. Lee plans to change it all. Lucas unknowingly pulls you into the frenzy, and you become part of this confusing and painful process. You catch yourself floating between the conflict of twelve gangs and a world where circuits begin replacing flesh.

Warnings: Moderate cursing, death, heavy events similar to real world situations

A/N: Throughout the writing, there’ll be links (indicated by ▶ Ambience) for a more immersive experience. These are YouTube links, so it may be difficult to switch between YouTube and Tumblr (especially for those unable to have video pop-outs on mobile), so please keep this in mind. I’m also working on a Spotify playlist. I really hope you enjoy my first published piece!

▶ Ambience

The sea of neon purples, pinks, and blues drowned out whatever background activity filled the hustling life of the city. Light harshly touches the exterior of small shops endlessly lining the streets. Though full of living people, it always seemed a bit lonely. Everyone for themselves as it had been before the disaster happened, before life became even harder and resources scarce. Half the world is gone, but for whatever reason, humans continue to persevere. This strength is a unique feat, but it comes with consequences. With the remaining 3 billion people left on Earth, only the Eurasian continent remains the only habitable land thus forcing people to squeeze in tightly. It’s like this everywhere-- tiny housing, famines, and the overgrowing hunger to hold power and wealth much as we did before. The rich stay rich, the poor stay poor.

Life’s tough in Neostone. With hundreds of thousands of people and little food, restaurants struggle to keep open with enough to sell. Fresh water sources and land were replaced with tall housing structures and corporate buildings. Most have to work two or more jobs. Education is non-existent and relies on parents teaching kids different skills through child labor. Further industrialization in the little space the planet has left led to bouts of acid rain from overworked factories. The world’s leaders morph into the same guise: ties stained with blood, suits the product of cheap labor showed off status, and their white-gloved hands tightly gripped heavy silver suitcases. Corruption still plagues the broken systems that hang over society, sustained from before the disaster happened. It seems like we’ll never learn.

Sure, it’s difficult to get by day to day without much, yet the communities outside the wealthy rich businesses were tight-knit. Everyone knows each other’s names. People often trade food scraps for little luxuries to feel any ounce of happiness. Friends hang out near street food vendors where most people are, begging for any kind of calorie. While life in Neostone is tough, the citizens depend on each other for care, not anyone from above.

I don’t think of it much-- how different life would be if the disaster didn’t happen, if the world had never been touched by so much chaos. I knew it’d be the same, that I’d end up still struggling to get from morning to morning. Even with the big drop in population, we live as sardines squished together under a layer of plastic that suffocates us. Nothing has changed. I lost everything.

Though the neons felt like home and they were all I’ve known for the past couple of years, I do remember who I was before this all went downhill. Fresh in college with a mind set on (major(s)/minor(s)), and although uncertain of the future, I was ready to break free from family and understand what it means to live a good life. Debt would hit me hard on my head but I was certain to find ways to pay it off without burdening others. Between jobs and school, I felt like there was a purpose for my movement, for my existence, to be a small gear of a clockwork world. For three years, I managed to get stuff done and become my own separate identity. I never felt more myself for the longest time. One more year to go, I said to myself as my third year comes to a close. But fourth year never came. It happened. The start of summer into my last year in college was the best time I’ve had in my life. During an internship in Japan, I’d gotten a handle of how it was in the real world as part of the workforce. A month into the most enjoyable moments of my life came the disaster.

▶ Ambience, Ambience

I watched the television screens throughout the subway, making my way to my 9am train when the static and distortions of color accompanied the shaking ground beneath me. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing as the news shifted to an emergency alert. All of a sudden, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, building collapses, and tsunamis were destroying the western hemisphere. The disaster was inexplicable, the most spontaneous event in the history of Earth. I hid in the nearest shelter in Tokyo as realization hit how horrifying everything was. Buildings toppling left and right, people being crushed beneath the debris, splatters of fresh red on the broken bits of glass and metal heaps. That was a day of absolute terror. Within twenty-four hours, half the world was gone. My heart sank as the disasters settled throughout the world, and the news focused on the western hemisphere where I had lived most of my life. That part of the world was gone. My family and college friends were gone.

And I was left alone in Japan.

But the world didn’t change. The same evil corporate heads enforced the same evil policies and practices. The same tired faces dragged their tired bodies until no end just to, at the bare minimum, survive. No matter what form the world took, this was our fate until we went extinct. The only thing that changed perhaps was how many of us were kept in that system, and that the system favoring the wealthy became stronger. So the cycle continues.

▶ Ambience

With the scraps of money I had left on my name and picking up little jobs, I was able to get into a micro apartment. The government was eager to take advantage of the situation and make just enough housing to keep people happy and off the streets, but also enough to ensure some people couldn’t get out of the vicious system so labor was cheap. My space is dingy at best and quite small, but it’s all the comfort I have. Not a day passes where I’m not grateful for a private place to sleep, do business, and let myself feel at ease. Others aren’t so lucky, sleeping behind their food and merchandise stalls or in the nooks and crannies of back alleys. Weeks passed into months where my body ached from overwork, the same for the people I’ve been surrounded with and worked alongside. It’s only been two years since everyone had to rebuild what’s been lost, but it looked only slightly different in Neostone where Tokyo had once been. Only the mega cities were somewhat unscathed by the disaster, and businesses collectively chipped in to remodel them. Rural and suburban areas were either flooded or full of toxic waste.

People from all races and backgrounds who survived into the aftermath of the disaster poured into the cities. I was kindly taken into the dangerous but welcoming community of downtown Neostone, where cooking and selling food in addition to helping at clinic became my new life. At the clinic, I met someone I familiarized myself with to be comfortable and close enough. Having someone around lifted up my motivation. Going by Lucas, a name he adopted to fit in with the rest of downtown Neostone, he worked assiduously the same shifts as me at Pearl Park Clinic. Besides weekends, Lucas and I leave for work together as he lives just a few rooms down in the complex. While working at the clinic down on East Row, he comes to visit for a bite at the street food stall that keeps me busy half the week. Throughout getting to know him within two years, he revealed he also lost family he was close with-- a younger brother and sister who by the sound of his stories were needy brats that he loved so much. It hurts to know they’re gone like my friends are. I was glad I could relate to him and also be someone to lean on. On a roller-coaster of life’s tests, Lucas and I know we have each other’s back.

▶ Ambience

Today was like most days, another Friday morning. The green flash of LED at 7:00am with a loud beeping, a quick splash of cold water against my face, clean clothes, and a quick bite of fruit. The same mindless routine guides me out of the door of the room and down the hall. From my room, 716, to Lucas’s room, 718, was only a few meters away thanks to the tiny size of rooms. I knock once, twice, then thrice, but no reply. Strange. I’m used to Lucas whipping the door wide open at the slightest sound of my footsteps to poke his head out and greet me loudly. Should I knock again? Call him? My hand gravitated towards the doorknob, uncertain if we’re on the kind of terms where I can barge in whenever. “Lucas,” I decide to start softly, “I’m here now, we can leave for the clinic.” No reply. Maybe I’ll text him. Unlocking my phone, a smile cracked on my face as a photo of Lucas and I hanging out with some other friends posed in front of our favorite ice cream shop flashed across the screen. No red numbered badge on the messaging app. Today feels a little bit unusual. Typically, he texts when he needs help or won’t be at work. Inhaling in, I choose to try the knob in which a turn and a push of the door unveils the dark, musky room. A room with no Lucas. Noticing the tension in my face and shoulders, I relax them and try not to think of anything bad that could happen to him. Maybe he needed to stop somewhere before going to work. Maybe he’s just out to get groceries and whatnot. Maybe he’s just busy doing something else. I trust he’ll get back to me soon, but the weird pit in my stomach bugged my thoughts.

Down the long winding halls, unlocking my phone seemed all I could do, the worry taking over. My pace quickened. It’s 8:00am, the clinic starts up at 9:00am. It’s a long walk through a rather sketchy part of downtown, but it's one I’ve mastered throughout the couple of years and certainly made friends in. Reaching the staircase, my breath was noticeably shallower. This was always the worst part. It took much time and energy just to get to the first floor. Upon stepping into the lobby, I swiftly pick up an umbrella from the community box set near the entrance and begin my path out. The clerk at the counter peaks over his rather raunchy motorcycle magazine, riddled with messy yellow text, and he subtly waves at me. I send the gesture back, taking my leave from the complex. Rain besets Neostone often, the overcast weather permitting low fog and grey clouds to lurk the bubble that is downtown. Chatter and noise blend together from all sides with the rushing waters eagerly greeting storm drains and early risers setting up their stores. In comparison to the staircase, the lengthy walk to the clinic is always a breeze, and it helps calm the nerves as I ready myself for a busier pace of day. Every five minutes, I unlocked my phone again to see if Lucas had contacted me. Still no sign of him.

▶ Ambience

After what seems like the longest walk of my life, some staff of the community medical clinic greet me and provide a list of my duties right away. 9:00am right on the dot. I take in what needs to get done, reading off the slightly crumpled paper between my fingers. Towel laundry… Disinfect beds in the North Wing… Prepare a warm epsom salt bath for patients in the East Wing… Always busy on Fridays when the work week is over and people live out their less-than-safe life decisions. Less work, more injuries, and more patients. A voice sharply interrupts, “Hey! Where’s Lucas? You two always arrive here together.” My heart sank. So he isn’t at work. Where could that man possibly be?

Tension grows but a sigh leaves my chest as I formulate some sort of response to the nurse, “He might be sick, I’m not sure where he went. Usually he tells me, but I’m sure he has his reasons.” The lady nodded and clicked her tongue as if irritated. A pause before I ask her, “Why, are we short-staffed today?” She gives a vexed nod again, taking her leave as another staff member urges her towards a patient. Stupid question. We always are understaffed. Located on the intersection of Bear Walk and Oak Lane as suspension railways weave between buildings, Pearl Park Medical Clinic threw itself into one of downtown’s busiest and most dangerous areas. Crimes being committed everyday that send people into the clinic, drunkards finding their way through the doors to spew anger uncalled for against the staff, and the homeless just asking for a pillow or blanket while they sleep outside as they’re reminded of the cold, hard pavement soaked with rain. Of course, we must treat everyone’s needs… and wants in some cases. Only a couple dozen of us work the two-floored piece of the tall establishment which also houses struggling law firms, compact grocery stores, beauty salons, and wireless carriers. This place is a mini mall, but not for the faint-of-heart mall goers. Murder, sabotage, and sickness run rampant. However, it’s the place Lucas and I call home. From Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00am to 8:00pm, my hands pruned from washing equipment and fabric constantly, legs moved to and from wing to wing to prepare stations, mind boggled by the surprising sights of Neostone’s everyday life. The dirty white walls, gowns, and noise make me feel rejuvenation each time I clock in for shifts. Home. A place of belonging. Everyone accepted me in, even as a seemingly insignificant part of the operation. For Lucas, he tells me so often as if I forget easily, it’s a dream come half true.

Lucas aspired to be a doctor. It was his lifelong desire to help others, fascinated by how many times the human body tested the limits and broke them, and how he could save someone’s life. That was his purpose. Unfortunately, he fell into the same boat as I did, not being able to finish college because of the disaster. As per hiring policy, Pearl Park requires employees to be degree holders in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or any other related field. Lucas was studying biochemistry with a neuroscience minor. Beyond impressive were his grades by what Lucas boasts to me, though I can’t confirm since the disaster destroyed his documents. In his third year, he already started planning his senior capstone project with research on the nervous system of several types of animals. We bonded over doing labs, the silliest or most dreadful courses we sat through, and how the university dining food sucked and ripped us all off. But it was a waste. In this new society, formal higher education is not important. Some schooling still persists, but they’re limited to small, dusty, singular classrooms led by underpaid teachers. Families tend to force children into work as it’s deemed more beneficial in learning practical home economics rather than mathematical theories, ethics, physical sciences, and so much more. The mindset of the remaining world focused on survival versus getting jobs of higher pay and better conditions. No one could blame us when authority breaks and the top 1% fully turn their back on you. Despite being turned down for medical practice, Lucas still wholeheartedly accepted the situation and embraced helping out in the clinic. Here and there with a bit of discreteness, Lucas does patch up some patients with bandage, disinfect cuts, and give advice for those with physical pain. Might I add, he’s quite popular with the patients as well, handsome and charming as he is. I’ll admit to it, I’m jealous of how he lifts everyone up in the toughest hours. Shortly after he joined, my arrival a week later brought him joy knowing I was stuck in the same sticky situation he was in. His passion could be seen a mile away. On the other hand, I just needed this job to keep myself afloat like everyone else.

I snap back to reality when one of the doctors, Dr. Lee who made a beeline towards one of the stations, bumped my side. Asshole, I think to myself. He’s head of the Pearl Park operation, so I don’t feel the desire to cause trouble by reprimanding him. This job allows me to hang onto my existence and sanity with my apartment, I couldn’t afford to lose it. His voice booms suddenly, startling nearby staff, “Is Lucas not here? I need him to help.” His voice trails off and erupts again, “With surgery preparation on Monday,” he swivels his head to one of the lead nurses, “We’re doing a skin graft for a severely burned person.” Despite the cold aura, his face contorted with concern and urgency. The patients put complete faith into him as he’s been a well-known medical practitioner since before the disaster. My imagination briefly ponders the severity of the injury as if I haven’t seen my fair share of nasty burn wounds. Shoulders shudder for a moment, and then I begin towards the North Wing where my first duty awaits.

▶ Ambience

Phew. That might’ve been the longest shift of my life. All day, the image of Lucas constantly itched at the back of my mind. It was difficult to focus, but I managed to get through the hours until 8:00pm. With my feet aching from exhaustion and a slight headache from lack of food or water, I decide to pay a visit to my other favorite place: East Row’s finest Chinese street food, Electric Egg. In my innermost thoughts, I’d hope to see Lucas there, munching away on tea eggs. That was his go-to snack after shifts at the clinic. Being on your feet all day does quite a bit of damage and leaves the stomach to growl, to fight for a delicious energy replenishment. When I arrive, one of my coworkers greets me cheerfully, shouting and waving my name as I draw closer, much to my embarrassment. “Sicheng,” my voice laced with laughter, “how’s business!” Our most common exchange, with the most common reply. With a hardy laugh, he shoots back, “The everyday thing, you know. Slow.” Sicheng’s smile invites me towards the side of the stall as he prepares what he knows are my regular dishes of choice. “Xi’an pancake and sesame tang yuan, coming right up!” As if on cue, my stomach beams in excitement and I lay my hand on it to feel the grumble, making Sicheng to laugh. “How’s work by the way, and where’s Lucas? I have his tea eggs already here.” I glanced to the side of the cart Sicheng worked away at, and indeed Lucas’s tea eggs sat prettily in a mug, waiting to be eaten.

I sigh, turning Sicheng’s grin into a straight line. He’s observant and knows how to read the room well. After a pause to gather myself, I sit down on a stool facing Sicheng and begin to tell him my worries. “I’m not sure if maybe I’m overthinking this, but Lucas always tells me if he’s not feeling well enough to work or go out somewhere. But he was gone this morning, he wasn’t in his room when I left for the clinic. He didn’t show up to the shift, and so many bad things could’ve happened, especially in the area we’re in. I’ve been checking my phone the entire day, but I’ve gotten no resp--”

“My tea eggs! You’re the best Sicheng, I really needed this after a long day, oh my god. You guys have no idea, my belly’s been howling!”

I froze. I know that voice too damn well. Anger immediately boiled within me, and it burst like the hot oil that hits Sicheng’s arms as he cooked. “You. Piece. Of. Shit,” I whipped my entire self around to face the tall man who unsurprisingly turned out to be Lucas with his disheveled hair framing his stupid little face. “Did you not see your call log? It’s just me, me, me, me, me, and oh guess who… me!” The tone in my words frightened even me, even more so realizing both Lucas and Sicheng’s widened eyes. I earned some dirty looks from customers as well. Nevertheless, I was pissed.

Lucas’s heightened shoulders steadily fall. “Hey, I’m sorry… Something really urgent came up, and it’s very personal to me. I hope you understand. I should’ve told you as soon as it came up.” His jaw clenches, his fists tightening their grip against the counter as he sternly looks at me across the food stall. I shake my head and roll my eyes, gaining a scolding expression from Sicheng who’s confusion was written all over his face. Deep within me, I know Lucas is sincere.

I start back up, loosening my voice to become gentle, “Eat your tea eggs, please. They’re getting cold and Sicheng prepared them for you early.” Silence followed, then the chewing noises from Lucas hungrily devouring his food. Maybe today was a hard day by the looks of it. Lucas took care of his appearance, so it was a shock to see him in a seemingly vulnerable state. His eye bags seem bulging and darkened, a sign of a sleepless night. Unsure of what to think, I let go of my displeasure and chip away at my pancake and rice balls. After satisfying our hunger, Lucas and I bid Sicheng a goodbye and head back to our apartment complex. The walk is painfully awkward.

▶ Ambience

This feeling is nice. To have Lucas back as we go through our nightly routine of washing our faces and brushing our teeth in a tiny community bathroom. Our mannerisms seem slightly less stiff, and though minimal, it takes a huge weight off my shoulders. He’s back and I feel secure again. But he doesn’t bring up anything about earlier. I’m about to comment on his long-sleeved shirt as he’s the biggest heat anti in the world, refusing to wear anything that isn’t a muscle tee. But the rough emotions rattled us both, so I drop it from my list of questions to ask. We get ready for bed in silence, only starting to discuss things when we finish up and plop on the floor of my apartment. I tried to figure out if I was uncomfortable from the cold floor or for the conversation that might unfold. Since Lucas has been excruciatingly quiet, I take the initiative, “I sent so many messages and calls today. Do you know how worried I was?” Disappointment heavily coat my concerns. “This isn’t like you, I was seriously going to lose my mind. Please… can you tell me what’s going on?”

It pains me to see him looking like he’s kicked down again from having an already bad day, but I needed answers. He’s the person I trust the most in the life we have now. His chest inflated and quickly deflated. “I’m about to show you something. It might freak you out.” He tugs at the ribbed cuff of his left sleeve. A tattoo? Perhaps a little smiley face or some unconventional design placed oddly on his arm that he wanted to cover since we work at a clinic? Though tattoos are normalized on staff... Or an injury? Whatever it is, I just want to know whatever he’s hiding. “Promise me you won’t make a big commotion, I will explain.”

Without much thinking, I grow irritated at him for dragging this out, so I reach for the end of his shirt and pull it up quickly, unveiling the truth. My body and mind go rigid at the sight, unable to process whatever this… contraption was. “Lucas… what the hell is this,” I ask, alarmed, taking in the faintly glowing circuits and tiny sparks of blue electricity lighting up and down tubes that poke in and out of the machinery. From his shoulder down to his fingers, metals and screws and wires replace his flesh. After a long minute of examination and curiosity, I turn my attention back to Lucas’s face which expressed great worry, fear, and uncertainty. “Is this the reason you were gone today?” He gently shook my hand off and swiftly covered his arm with his shirt again. With a dejected look, he takes his eyes off mine and pins them on the dusty floorboards. His arm is no longer human.

“Dr. Lee from the clinic.”

#2096: zodiac #taeyong x reader #cyberpunk au #mafia au #taeyong reader insert #nct taeyong #nct 127 #nct u #nct #kpop fanfic #lee taeyong #wong yukhei #lucas #wayv #nct angst #nct mafia au #winwin #dong sicheng

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vminity21 · 4 years

Text

Meet Me in the Garden | myg

Pairing: student!Yoongi x student!reader, college!au, friendshiptolovers!au

Genre: fluff/mildangst

Word Count: 2k

Warning(s): stress involving college, rating: pg, other: forever dedicated to my dearest friend Mo

Summary: When the stress of life seems to get in the way, your newfound friend steps in- becoming a place that you can finally call home.

It doesn't help when the hounding of your alarm flutters your eyelids to the greeting of the dark window haunting your weakened limbs with the reminder that sends a bundle of nerves cocooning within your tummy. And, it coincidentally doesn't help when you prepare your morning for the first day of college that none of your friends will be there to welcome you. Motivation, you find, can be derived from a freshly brewed cup of coffee which now rests in a holder next to your steering wheel tempting frequent sips to awaken your senses.

The front of the building comes into view once you park; your fingers unintentionally tighten their grip upon your backpack straps once you halt your steps, gulping down whatever anxiety trying to breakthrough your swarming mind. Students walk along the sides of your peripherals, books decorating their arms, scuffling shoes against the cement, faint sounds of hushed conversations, yet you can hardly make yourself continue forward, trying to remember the exact direction of your first class.

Preferably, you'd much rather explore the grounds as you have before, but obviously with lack of time, you must proceed to your eight am definition of purgatory, letting the adventures of the campus disperse for now. You're not even aware, once sauntering into the room, choosing a seat farthest away from any individual, that a gentle pair of brown eyes can't seem to avert from your tense frame. He observes the shaky way your hands gather your items before you, gliding the tip of a pencil upon a freshly opened notebook awaiting the, what he predicts, monotone voice of the professor to begin. It takes weeks for the young man to finally collect the bravery to approach you one day when he discovers your presence within the library where the side of your head firmly rests against the palm of your hand steadied by the tip of your elbow upon the table.

You're fighting the urge to fall asleep due to hours of studying, and he can tell; gently, he hangs his bag off the side of the wooden chair to then carefully taking a seat across from you. By this point, you're cognizant of a few names within your classes, and you hardly want to look up at whoever unexpectedly decided to join you within your space, but your rigid shoulders give the stranger enough warning to not cause any trouble.

"Hi," he eventually murmurs, your eyes widening while they move to view the timid voice. Blonde tufts are hidden away beneath an upright beanie leading to almond eyes that mirror the timorous way he folds his hands together- a small grin apparent in his features bringing memories of the recent projects that were randomly selected for presentation- you immediately remember being a fan of his powerpoint that spoke of taking care of the earth and all it has to offer.

"Hi," your hand slips to rest onto the table, the pace of your heart quickening in reaction to the reddened hue of your cheeks. When meeting new people, there are moments where you tend to be shy, especially with the unforeseen situation involving someone you happen to see as striking with a minuscule sprinkle of mystery. There are times you'd catch yourself glancing in his direction, but with the muddled state of homework and numerous assignments as well as the starting of a new job, you haven't found the time to ponder it, nor wonder when a friendship from anyone will finally progress to where the loneliness disappears. You just didn't think that your noticing the quiet pupil who assigned his seat diagonally behind you would take the initiative to befriend you.

"My name's Yoongi," he offers a soft hand that yours swiftly nestles into, "May I ask yours?"

"[Y/N]," you nod politely, "It's very nice to meet you, Yoongi,"

Life leads into another month where laughter exuberates from a gummy smile- fluffy tendrils of blonde hair tickle at the bottom of your chin where he leans into you- his eyes scrunch into crescents, his hands clapping to the joke you made encircling your heart with streams of emotion you suppress into secrecy. "You mean to tell me you've never been there?" When the hour dims to accepting the fate of an essay, it is professed to you that the campus, that you assumed you have seen the entirety of, happens to have a garden hidden away at the edge of where the college borders the surrounding community.

"I mean, I never noticed it on the campus map, is it new?" Your eyes fondly gaze at your newfound friend enjoying the proximity of where his knee brushes the side of yours taking everything in you not to reach for his thin fingers.

"According to the website, it's been there since the college was built,"

"Well, then I guess I've been living under a rock-"

"Not anymore," Yoongi springs to his feet whirling around to showcase his flattened palm whilst bowing elegantly, "Follow me, perhaps?"

You hesitate on purpose reading his umber eyes that sing adventure reluctantly grasping his hand to sprint behind him until the path breaks into the opening of what exposes myriads of flourishing pink petals encompassing greenery in the forms of trees, stems, or vines that wrap around golden traces of railings where dark benches rest along the stone walkway. The trickling sound of water perks your auditory senses in the direction of where a tall fountain lives within the center of the area prompting a gasp of awe while your eyes scan the scenery.

"Yoongi, it's beautiful," you breathe, hardly registering the squeeze of his hand still wrapped around yours. "I wish I would have brought my camera,"

"I knew you'd love it," he whispers- although your eyes are entranced by the beauty enveloping your sight, Yoongi's eyes remain on you, because from that day forward he knows, if he can do anything to make you this happy, he will never stop trying no matter how long or how much it takes. It's funny how the tables turn in the sense of, the next visit to the garden, after a long morning of exams, that you can't seem to take your eyes off him. His blonde hair fluffs upon his forehead with a wavy tint exposing small hoop earrings adorning his earlobes completing the way his faded blue shirt fits loosely on his figure.

After the time he introduced you to this land of tranquility, you haven't failed to bring your camera, creating panoramas of colorful roses that perfume their fragrance throughout the location. When you turn to see a skipping Yoongi, you know exactly what you would love to photograph next. The mere second his rump plops onto the widened railing between two deep, brown pots painting nicely with giant palm trees scattered behind him- he poses instinctively, kicking his leg out in front of him, embellishing a small smile where the pearls of his teeth shine.

"Okay, that's enough-" he prepares to hop off.

"No!" Your free hand flies out in front of you, "Just one more, Yoon, please,"

"[Y/N]" he teasingly whines leaning back to cause the knuckles of his hands to turn pale from the way he grips the railing, "You know I detest pictures,"

"Incorrect sir, you detest being in them. Now, diddly done cooperate, so I can get a closeup of them heavenly cheekbones of yours,"

His lips press into a tight thin-lipped smile before he relaxes into another position, "Okay, are you done?" He voices the very instant the click of the camera enters the atmosphere, him landing on his feet from where he shoves off the railing. Shaking your head at him playfully, you check for confirmation that the photo was taken, sighing in joy when indeed it was.

Pictures that will forever be etched in your heart for the memories he continues to burn into your existence. Sporadic trips to the garden are all you look forward to in the months to come- whispering shared secrets no one has ever known, boisterous laughter reverberating to the sky, subtle glimpses where words are left unspoken, and the very moment his fingertips brush the back of your hand leading to surprised eyes and quickened pulses- never in your wildest dreams did you think someone so special could take a hold of your heart as much as he has.

It's when bouts of sudden financial battles seem to outweigh the thrills bringing you to your darkest times where you detach yourself mildly from the man you've been growing to love. His heart is so broken from the way your eyes pain with tears that he can't seem to diminish- wishing with all his might he can rescue you from the commotion life seems to curse you with. It's been a long time since the pair of you have visited your favorite destination, and though your distance has been devastating to Yoongi, there is one day in fact, while you are compiling your things to zip into your book bag; you stumble upon a note pinned between the windshield wipers of your car.

Fingertips snatch the note, the light breeze bending the corner, your heart swells at the words staring back at you,

Meet me in the garden, xoxo

The handwriting is undeniably recognizable and for the first time in a long time, your smile lifts with a wave of elation that you've been longing for. Hoping for. Locking your belongings in your car, you run. You run toward the one place that dissipates the world outside- the place where your soul finds a way to escape- the place that fights to see your smile to end whatever tears threatening to spill onto your face- the one place that you know, the moment your eyes find him- hands in his pockets staring at the sunsetting sky-

your heart belongs.

"Yoongi," your voice echoes. Tears roll down your face when he turns abruptly- eyes connecting before you leap to crash into his arms- him embracing you so close that nothing else seems to matter other than his warmth. "I love you," you whisper into his chest, completing the answer to the question he's been aching to know; because at last, he can proclaim his undying love for you- planning to cherish every bit of the woman he has fallen completely and irrevocably in love with.

Yoongi moves to press a tepid kiss to your forehead, your lids squeezing shut from how much you wish he would do it again and again. Frames swaying tenderly, he refuses to let you go; instead, faces near, the tip of his nose tickles your cheek just enough to where his parted lips pause almost a centimeter from yours. The gesture is just enough to still your breathing before the beautiful beat of butterfly wings soar through every inch of your chest- eyes flickering to stare into his that are creased at the corners from a growing smile,

"And, I love you, [Y/N],"

With that, all turmoil disappears the instant his fervid lips sweep yours in the most graceful motion resembling the gentle sensation of rose petals- emotions blossoming nothing but endless bliss fulfills every ounce of happiness the pair of you have dreamed for each other. Just when you thought life would continue to deem you with loneliness, there came a hero to brighten your days to follow, and the days that have yet to come; a hero who has shown you what it's like to discover a form of ebullience when you need it most. The garden may have always given a wondrous background- an ethereal view of solace- a natural world of simplicity; but more than anything, beyond what words can illiterate,

the garden became a home for your place which is right here in Yoongi's arms.

#heartsforbts #btswriterscollective #btswritingcafe #minthlynet #bts min yoongi #yoongi #yoongi fluff #min yoongi #bts yoongi #yoongi drabble #2k

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hcneymilkks · 5 years

Text

Woojin ‘City Nights’

Life is always better at night.

Inspired by a post from Tumblr, changed it just a little

post found here!

College au! Friends to lovers.

[NOTE: Although Woojin is not in Stray Kids anymore (I'm still sad about that), or he right now is not a K-pop idol, he is still one in my heart and I will continue to write for him as one (not just a member of Stray Kids, but as a performer as well. Woojin will still be under Stray Kids in my masterlist until he becomes solo or an actor or something (he just gotta show off his talent if you know what i mean)]

Word count: 1.6k words

MASTERLIST

It was a Friday night. Normally people would be hanging with friends, going to clubs or bars, basically doing anything fun.

Y/N was not one of those people today. You usually were outgoing, your bright aura pulling everyone in, making you instantly be friends. It wasn't your fault that you had the face of a goddess.

But there were times where you felt like you were living a double life, always wanting to stay at home wrapped up in the warmest blankets watching Netflix. Today was no exception.

Except.

You were stuck at the library doing a statistics lab, as the printer back at the apartment wasn't working and her roommate not home yet.

"Just one more question and then you can leave." you mumbled to herself.

Glancing at the clock, you knew it was late as you saw only a few lamps on. Probably students who wanted to get ahead on their studying.

Punching in the last bit of numbers, she relaxed in her seat. The papers still warm from the printer as it was stuck in your folder, ready to be handed in Monday morning.

You waved at the sweet librarian goodnight. The one who always gave you some book recommendations, your sore feet screaming for help as you trudged home.

_________________

Stiffing a yawn and pressing the number three on the elevator, you were ready to pass out. But as you got to the door you blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

There, on the door handle of your apartment was a pink sparkly scrunchie.

"No no no no." You sighed and knocked loudly on the door.

The door opened and your roommate peaked through, glaring.

"Um hello scrunchie on the door. Remember the rules?"

Of course you had remembered the rules, you made them.

A scrunchie on the door meant that the other roommate had company for various reasons. This meant that your roommate had company now and it didn't sound good.

"Yes I remember but come on I'm tired and I just want to sleep on my own bed."

Your roommate laughed fakely. "I would love to let you in but I'm entertaining San right now. He's hot and a great dancer." She waves at who you presume is San inside their shared apartment and cringe.

"Listen I don't wanna know San facts I just want to sleep in my bed."

Your roommate glares once more. "Sorry girl, go find somewhere else to sleep. Byeeeee."

The door closes.

You groan, just where are you supposed to go now?

Cursing your roommate, you dial someone hoping that they answer.

"Oh Woojin please pick up."

"Hello? Y/N?"

"Woojin thank god. I just got kicked out of my own apartment for the night so can I um crash at yours."

Woojin chuckles on the other end of the receiver. "She has company over doesn't she?"

"Yup and I can clearly hear them from outside so I'm coming to yours right now."

Woojin laughs. "You're always welcome."

_________________

Across from the University campus was an apartment that Woojin resided in. It was five stories high, with blue blocks coating one side of the building. A bubble tea shop was beneath the building, Woojin wiping the last of the tables and counting the tills.

As he shut off the lights, his phone started to ring.

"Hold on Y/N, I'm just closing the shop."

"Hurry up you big bear, it's cold out here." Woojin looks through the shop windows and sees Y/N hugging her unoccupied arm towards her. He chuckles in response and opens the front door, getting hit with a small breeze.

You end the call and run to Woojin, your body colliding with his. "Hurry up Woojin I'm freezing and hungry and tired."

He hugs Y/N like there's no tomorrow, the heat radiating off of him mixed with the scent of his cologne makes your stomach swirl with a lot of emotions. You smile and relax in his embrace, the feeling of home.

_________________

Woojin groaned.

"Great just great." He had forgotten to buy groceries today.

You were curled up on the couch, the blanket wrapped around like a burrito as the television was turned on to watch a Late Night Show. "So Woojin, any luck with some food?"

He closes the fridge and walks into the living room with two bottles of water. "So how does a gourmet meal of ice and cheese sound?" You choked on the water, laughing.

"Woojin! This is the second time in two weeks! Are you okay? What are you living off of?"

"The Chicken Gods."

You rolled your eyes as he typed something on his phone. "Ah here's good news, the convenience store across the street is open 24 Hours. We could go on a little adventure, grab some food and then drive somewhere?"

Looking outside, it was pitch black with some stars scattering the sky. The clock shone 11:00 pm in green numbers. "Really Wooj? You want me....already wrapped like a burrito, to go outside in the freezing cold to get some food and go on an adventure?"

"Why not? It's not like you have done something exciting the past two months."

"I have!"

Woojin crossed his arms and rose an eyebrow. "Tell me Y/N, what have you done in the past two months that was exciting?"

You chewed on your bottom lip. "I went to a party?"

"Bullshit I came with you to that party! I know for a fact you wanted to leave because the one person you have been eyeing in your Chemistry Lecture was sucking someone else's face instead of yours."

Putting your hands up in irritation, you groaned. "Okay fine! So I have not done anything exciting, but what makes you think I'm going to get out of your apartment and into your car?"

"There's gummy choco at the store."

_________________

There you were, wearing Woojin's hoodie over your thin turtleneck and in the car, forcing the heater on high.

"Dammit you! How could you say the name gummy choco in front of my face!?"

"Yeah yeah, you'll thank me later." Woojin's hands found yours and he clasps them together, squeezing it every so often.

The low sound of 3Racha, a music group at your local University was humming through the air. A comfortable silence wrapped around both of you.

Hands reattached as Woojin dragged you out of the car and into the small but bright convenience store, saying hello to the worker who was none other than Minho. A few things here and there. Instant ramen and rice cake soup added into the mix. Finished off with a huge handful of gummy choco, you whining to Woojin to pay for it because "you were forcibly dragged out of your warm burrito blanket".

The convenience store smelled of beef and spice, both you and Woojin sitting down and catching up. No longer sleepy, as the laughter from Woojin was like a melody to your ears.

Hands reattached as Woojin ran into the empty parking lot laughing and smiling. You couldn't resist and joined along, fooling around while the stars were watching.

Woojin smiled and tugged you closer. "Let's go into the car, I have somewhere I want to go."

Both of you looked back and waved to Minho who's phone was out recording. He waves back and chuckles to himself.

"Well someone is getting cuffed tonight." [Sent to SKZ groupchat]

_________________

Woojin's fingers lightly tapped the steering wheel as Day6 started to play on the radio. He increased the volume and started singing along to Shoot Me as you used your fist as an imaginary microphone.

Although it was getting closer to 1:00 am, the city became a nightlife, as if everyone had the same thought on this one Friday night.

Life is always better at night.

Woojin parked the car and opened the door, taking your soft hand in his. There was chatter amongst the crowds, as food vendors and shops were still open at this time.

Could it be? "Is this, a Nightmarket?"

Woojin smiled and nodded. "I heard this one is the most popular, wanna check it out?"

"Hell yeah."

Music played throughout the venues, trying out different foods, drinks. Taking lots of photos. You learned a new side of the city you resided in, that, not everything exciting happens in the daytime.

"Can we get one chocolate hazelnut mousse bubble tea with white pearls, 30% sugar and no ice and then just one pearl milk tea please."

"Can we get one fish cake soup, one order of dumplings, and two orders of the red bean pastries."

"Stand here Y/N I'll take a photo."

"Woojin come in here let's take one together."

The buzz became quieter as Woojin led you to the place he came to think. A hill that overlooked the city. The lights twinkling under the sky that was calling for a sunrise.

"I can't believe that we just stayed up for the whole night. Woojin do you know how bad that is?"

He shrugged. "I mean we both have the day off since it will be Saturday. Plus live a little Y/N, you're an adult, you're allowed to be free of the constraining chains of a society accustomed to the same norms and values of 'if you finish school you will have a higher chance at getting what you want.'"

"Wow, no need to go all educational on me."You looked at him smiling. "But I don't mind it."

Closer they went to one another, hands on your hips, hands on the back of his neck. Both of you knew it, felt it, wanted it.

And as the sky slowly turned to orange, you whispered a thank you and your lips met each other’s in a breathtaking kiss.

#this one was in my drafts for a long long time #so why not post it now #woojin #thank you woojin #we love you woojin #nine or none #even though you are not in stray kids anymore....you are still part of them #....you have become a stay LMAOOOO

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slyke25 · 13 years

Text

2009-2011

Below are the shows I covered from ‘09-12.

(v) = Video included in review

(p&s) = photos were taken with a point & shoot camera (early concerts)

2011 Favorite Concert Photos (Review)

12.12.2011 White Dress (TT the Bear’s Place)

12.12.2011 Gary Clark Jr. (TT the Bear’s Place) (v)

12.8.2011 Ryan Adams (Orpheum Theater) p&s (v)

12.1.2011 Jocie Adams (Cafe 939) p&s

12.1.2011 The Barr Brothers (Cafe 939) (v)

11.20.2011 Active Child (House of Blues)

11.20.2011 M83 (House of Blues)

11.19.2011 Chris Robinson Brotherhood (Somerville Theatre) p&s (v)

11.17.2011 The Tosspints (Paradise Rock Club)

11.17.2011 Dropkick Murphys (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

11.14.2011 Earthquake Party (Lansdowne Pub)

11.14.2011 Surfer Blood (Lansdowne Pub)

11.6.2011 H.W. (O’Brien’s Pub)

11.6.2011 Adeem (O’Briens Pub)

11.6.2011 Astronautalis (O’Brien’s Pub) (v)

11.5.2011 Nikki Lane (Paradise Rock Club)

11.5.2011 Noah and the Whale (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

11.1.2011 Tall Heights (Johhny D’s)

11.1.2011 Darlingside (Johnny D’s)

10.25.2011 Double Ghost (Brighton Music Hall)

10.25.2011 Fanfarlo (Brighton Music Hall) (v)

10.24.2011 Thief Thief (Charlie’s Kitchen)

10.24.2011 Celestial Shore (Charlie’s Kitchen)

10.24.2011 Fat History Month (Charlie’s Kitchen)

10.21.2011 Joe Pug (Somerville Theatre) (v)

10.21.2011 The Low Anthem (Somerville Theatre) (v)

10.7.2011 Old Jack (TT the Bear’s Place)

10.7.2011 Matrimony (TT the Bear’s Place)

10.7.2011 Langhorne Slim (TT the Bear’s Place) (v)

9.30.2011 Grace Woodruffe (House of Blues)

9.24.2011 2011 Life is Good Festival Canton MA (Barefoot Truth, Dwight and Nicole, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tristan Prettyman, Martin Sexton, The Hold Steady, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Ingrid Michaelson, The Avett Brothers

9.20.2011 Nick Lowe (Wang Theatre)

9.20.2011 Wilco (Wang Theatre)

9.19.2011 Polica (Paradise Rock Club)

9.19.2011 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (Paradise Rock Club)

9.10.2011 Jeff Mangum (Jordan Hall) p&s (a)

9.9.2011 Yo La Tengo (BOA Pavilion)

9.9.2011 The National (BOA Pavilion) (v)

8.14.2011 Neko Case (BOA Pavilion)

8.14.2011 My Morning Jacket (BOA Pavilion)

8.11.2011 Winter Gloves (Brighton Music Hall)

8.11.2011 The Naked and Famous (Brighton Music Hall) (v)

7.30.2011 2011 Newport Folk Festival Day #1 (The Wailin’ Jennys, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, The Felice Brothers, Typhoon, River City Extension, Freelance Whales, Gogol Bordello, Delta Spirit, Tegan & Sara, Gillian Welch, The Decemberists

7.31.2011 2011 Newport Folk Festival Day #2 (Brown Bird, David Wax Museum, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Trampled By Turtles, Justin Townes Earle, Middle Brother, Elvis Costello, M. Ward (v)

7.28.2011 The Submarines (Paradise Rock Club)

7.28.2011 The Eels (Paradise Rock Club)

7.27.2011 The Flaming Lips (BOA Pavilion) (v)

7.19.2011 Flow Child (Great Scott)

7.19.2011 Moonface (Great Scott) (v)

7.18.2011 Lower Dens (TT the Bear’s Place)

7.18.2011 Cass McCombs (TT The Bear’s Place) (v)

6.1.2011 The Secret Sisters (BOA Pavilion)

6.1.2011 Brandi Carlilie (BOA Pavilion)

6.1.2011 Ray Lamontagne (BOA Pavilion)

5.21.2011 Earthfest 2011 Boston, MA (Atomic Tom, Sponge, OK Go, Ed Kowalczyk)

5.17.2011 The Cave Singers (Orpheum Theatre)

5.17.2011 Fleet Foxes (Orpheum Theatre)

5.11.2011 Voxhaul Brodcast (House of Blues)

5.11.2011 Airborne Toxic Event (House of Blues)

5.10.2011 O’Brother (House of Blues)

5.10.2011 Cage the Elephant (House of Blues)

5.10.2011 Manchester Orchestra (House of Blues)

5.5.2011 Two Man Gentleman Band (Brighton Music Hall)

5.5.2011 The Infamous Stringdusters (Brighton Music Hall)

4.19.2011 Iron & Wine (House of Blues)

4.14.2011 Lady Lamb the Beekeeper (Brighton Music Hall)

4.14.2011 Sharon Van Etten (Brighton Music Hall)

4.13.2011 Pretty and Nice (Great Scott)

4.13.2011 Handsome Furs (Great Scott) (v)

4.12.2011 Jaggery (Middle East Upstairs)

4.12.2011 Callers (Middle East Upstairs)

4.12.2011 Wye Oak (Middle East Upstairs) (v)

4.6.2011 Township (Brighton Music Hall)

4.6.2011 Hacienda (Brighton Music Hall)

4.6.2011 The Greenhornes (Brighton Music Hall)

4.4.2011 Holy Ghost (House of Blues)

4.4.2011 Cut Copy (House of Blues)

3.24.2011 Faces on Film (Villa Victoria Center for the Arts) p&s

3.24.2011 Richard Ashcroft (Villa Victoria Center for the Arts) p&s (v)

3.10.2011 Mynabirds (House of Blues)

3.10.2011 Bright Eyes (House of Blues)

3.4.2011 The Low Anthem (Old South Church)

3.3.2011 Dawes (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

3.3.2011 Deer Tick (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

3.3.3011 Middle Brother (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

2.21.2011 David Gray (Wang Theatre) p&s (v)

2.11.2011 Scott Hutchinson (House of Blues)

2.11.2011 Josh Ritter (House of Blues)

1.18.2011 Static Jacks (Great Scott)

1.18.2011 Young the Giant (Great Scott)

1.16.2011 Camper Van Beethoven (Middle East Downstairs) (v)

1.16.2011 Cracker (Middle East Downstairs) (v)

1.13.2011 Mean Creek (Brighton Music Hall)

12.10.2010 Marissa Nadler (Tremont Temple) p&s

12.10.2010 Andrew Bird (Tremont Temple) p&s (v)

12.2.2010 The Luyas (Paradise Rock Club)

12.2.2010 The Antlers (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

12.1.2010 Justin Jones (Paradise Rock Club)

12.1.2010 Badly Drawn Boy (Paradise Rock Club)

11.22.2010 Kuroma (Paradise Rock Club)

11.22.2010 Stardeath and White Dwarfs (Paradise Rock Club)

11.22.2010 Tame Impala (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

11.11.2010 Sufjan Stevens (Orpheum Theatre) p&s (v)

11.2.2012 Black Mountain (Paradise Rock Club)

11.2.2010 Black Angels (Paradise Rock Club)

11.1.2010 The Shining Twins (Great Scott)

11.1.2010 Evan Dando and Juliana Hatfield (Great Scott)

11.1.2010 Juliana Hatfield (Great Scott)

10.29.2010 The Phantom Band (Paradise Rock Club)

10.29.2010 Plants and Animals (Paradise Rock Club)

10.29.2010 Frightened Rabbit (Paradise Rock Club) (v)

10.28.2010 Adam Haworth Stephens (Brighton Music Hall)

10.28.2010 The Felice Brothers (Brighton Music Hall)

10.15.2010 Dean Wareham (Wang Theatre) p&s

10.15.2010 Belle and Sebastian (Wang Theatre) p&s (v)

10.7.2010 The Walkmen (Royale)

10.7.2010 A.A. Bondy (Royale)

10.4.2010 Pete Yorn (Pearl Street)

10.3.2010 Roger Waters (TD Garden) p&s (v)

10.3.2010 Neon Indian (Power Plant)

10.2.2010 S. Carey (Somerville Theatre)

10.2.2010 The Tallest Man on Earth (Somerville Theatre) (v)

9.28.2010 Sleigh Bells (Orpheum Theatre)

9.28.2010 LCD Soundsystem (Orpheum Theatre)

9.26.2010 Mean Creek (Middle East Downstairs)

9.26.2010 Dead Confederate (Middle East Downstairs)

9.25.2010 Ed Harcourt (Paradise Rock Club)

9.25.2010 James (Paradise Rock Club)

9.22.2010 Boxer Rebellion (Middle East Upstairs)

9.22.2010 Amusement Parks on Fire (Middle East Upstairs)

9.22.2010 We Are Augustines (Middle East Upstairs)

8.18.2010 David Gray (BOA Paviion) p&s (v)

8.18.2010 Ray Lamontagne (BOA Pavilion) p&s (v)

8.2.2010 Arcade Fire (BOA Pavilion) p&s (v)

8.2.2010 Young Galaxy (BOA Pavilion) p&s

7.31.2010 Newport Folk Festival (Low Anthem, Blitzen Trapper, Brandie Carlilie, O’Death, Horse Feathers, Andrew Bird, Dawes (p&s) (v)

7.25.2010 Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Pearl Street) p&s (v)

7.16.2010 Chris Warren (Middle East Downstairs) p&s

7.16.2010 Ha Ha Tonka (Middle East Downstairs) p&s

7.16.2010 Langhorne Slim (Middle East Downstairs) p&s (v)

7.11.2010 The Mools (Port City Music Hall) p&s

7.11.2010 Wolf Parade (Port City Music Hall) p&s (v)

6.26.2010 Passion Pit (Royale) p&s (v)

6.23.2010 These United States (Middle East Downstairs) p&s (v)

6.20.2010 James Taylor (TD Garden) p&s (v)

6.20.2010 Carole King (TD Garden) p&s (v)

5.30.2010 Drew O’Doherty (TT The Bear’s) p&s

5.30.2010 Land of Talk (TT The Bear’s) p&s (v)

5.30.2010 Besnard Lakes (TT The Bear’s) p&s

5.21.2010 The Punch Brothers (Orpheum Theatre) p&s

5.21.2010 Josh Ritter (Orpheum Theatre) p&s (v)

5.17.2010 Pearl Jam (TD Garden) p&s (v)

5.12.2010 Pete Roe (First Church in Cambridge) p&s

5.12.2010 Smoke Fairies (First Church in Cambridge) p&s

5.12.2010 Laura Marling (First Church in Cambridge) p&s (v)

5.8.2010 Suckers (Great Scott) p&s

5.8.2010 Local Natives (Great Scott) p&s (v)

4.30.2010 Horse Feathers (Cafe 939) p&s (v)

4.29.2010 Bad Veins (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

4.29.2010 Maps and Atlases (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

4.29.2010 Frightened Rabbit (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

4.17.2010 David Allen Coe (The Coach House, CA) p&s

4.4.2010 Wilco (Lupos, RI) p&s (a)

3.28.2010 Bachlorette (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

3.28.2010 Beach House (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

3.4.2010 Joe Pug (Great Scott) p&s (v)

3.4.2010 Justin Townes Earle (Great Scott) p&s (v)

2.20.2010 Jason Boesel (Great Scott) p&s

2.20.2010 Corey Chisel & the Wandering Sons (Great Scott) p&s

2.20.2010 Dawes (Great Scott) p&s

2.3.2010 Arletta (Great Scott) p&s

2.3.2010 The Candles (Great Scott) p&s

2.3.2010 Evan Dando (Great Scott) p&s (v)

1.19.2010 Dawn Landes (Club Passim) p&s (v)

1.8.2010 Tanlines (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

1.8.2010 Julian Casablancas (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

2009 Favorite Concert Photos (p&s) Part I

2009 Favorite Concert Photos (p&s) Part II

12.3.2009 Josh Ritter (Calvin Theatre) p&s (a)

12.3.2009 Low Anthem (Calvin Theatre) p&s (a)

12.1.2009 The Big Pink (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

11.30.2009 Dave Godowski (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

11.30.2009 Bowerbirds (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

11.30.2009 Elvis Perkins in Dearland (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

11.4.2009 Dave Gutter (Wang Theatre) p&s

11.4.2009 Ray Lamontagne (Wang Theatre) p&s (v)

11.3.2009 Monsters of Folk (Orpheum Theatre) p&s (audio)

11.1.2009 Fran Healy and Andy Dunlop (Somerville Armory) p&s (v)

10.18.2009 Echo and the Bunnymen (Great Scott) p&s (v)

10.17.2009 Dawes (TT the Bear’s Place) p&s

10.17.2009 Langhorne Slim (TT the Bear’s Place) p&s (v)

10.17.2009 Boy Crisis (South Boston) p&s

10.17.2009 The Antlers (South Boston) p&s

10.3.2009 Sufjan Stevens (Port City Music Hall, ME) p&s (v)

9.22.2009 Little Joy (Orpheum Theatre) p&s

9.22.2009 Regina Spektor (Orpheum Theatre) p&s (v)

9.8.2009 Mike Fiore (Great Scott) p&s

9.8.2009 Willy Mason (Great Scott) p&s

9.8.2009 A.A. Bondy (Great Scott) p&s (v)

8.31.2009 Stardeath and White Dwarfs (BOA Pavilion) p&s

8.31.2009 Explosions in the Sky (BOA Pavilion) p&s

8.31.2009 Flaming Lips (BOA Pavilion) p&s (v)

8.22.2009 The Horrors (Bowery Ballroom, NYC) p&s

8.22.2009 Nine Inch Nails (Bowery Ballroom, NYC) p&s

8.5.2009 MGMT (Fenway Park) p&s

8.5.2009 Paul McCartney (Fenway Park) p&s (v)

8.3.2009 Drew O’Doherty (TT the Bear’s Place) p&s

8.3.2009 Jessica Hoop (TT the Bear’s Place) p&s

8.3.2009 Langhorne Slim (TT the Bear’s Place) p&s (v)

2009 Newport Folk Festival Day #1 (Langhorne Slim, The Avett Brothers, Gillian Welch, Fleet Foxes, The Decemberists (a) (v) (p&s)

7.30.2009 Kristen Diable (Showcase Live) p&s

7.30.2009 Gin Blossoms (Showcase Live) p&s (v)

7.26.2009 Zee Avi (House of Blues) p&s

7.26.2009 Pete Yorn (House of Blues) p&s (v)

7.6.2009 Cinnamon Band (Great Scott) p&s

7.6.2009 DRI (Great Scott) p&s

7.6.2009 Handsome Furs (Great Scott) p&s (v)

6.14.2009 Tallest Man on Earth (Middle East Downstairs) p&s (v)

6.11.2009 Witchies (Middle East Downstairs) p&s

6.11.2009 Elfin Saddle (Middle East Downstairs) p&s

6.11.2009 Sunset Rubdown (Middle East Downstairs) p&s (v)

6.10.2009 Ida Maria (Skellig Pub) p&s (v)

5.19.2009 Pattern Is Movement (Somerville Theatre) p&s

5.19.2009 St. Vincent (Somerville Theatre) p&s (v)

5.14.2009 Animal Collective (House of Blues)

5.11.2009 Bon Iver (Cape Cinema) p&s (v)

5.10.2009 Ben Harper & Relentless 7 (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

5.6.2009 These United States (Harpers Ferry) p&s

5.6.2009 Papercuts (Harpers Ferry) p&s

5.6.2009 Vetiver (Harpers Ferry) p&s (v)

4.26.2009 Travis (Newbury Comics) p&s (v)

4.22.2009 Bruce Springsteen (TD Garden) p&s

4.21.2009 Fire Zuave (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

4.21.2009 Sugar and Gold (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

4.21.2009 Of Montreal (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

4.19.2009 The Dead (DCU Center, Worcester) p&s

4.2.2009 Josh Ritter (Avalon Theatre, MD) p&s (v)

3.31.2009 Ida Maria (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

3.31.2009 Glasvegas (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

3.15.2009 Pete Yorn (Majestic Theatre) p&s (v)

3.14.2009 Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

3.14.2009 A.C Newman (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

2.26.2009 Alena Diane (Paradise Rock Club) p&s

2.26.2009 Blitzen Trapper (Paradise Rock Club) p&s (v)

2.21.2009 Ryan Adams & the Cardinals (Orpheum Theatre) p&s

1.30.2009 Andrew Bird (Orpheum Theatre) p&s (v)

1.18.2009 Frightened Rabbit (Great Scott) p&s (v)

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silentcigarette · 5 years

Text

WHAT ARE YOUR MUSE’S AESTHETICS?

Child! Roci Edition

BOLD any which apply to your muse ! Feel free to add to the list ! REPOST; DON’T REBLOG.

[ COLORS ] red. brown. orange. yellow. green. blue. purple. pink. black. white. teal. silver. gold. grey. lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal grey. forest green. apple red. violet. navy blue. crimson. cream. mint green. bubblegum pink. sky blue. pale jade. magenta.

[ ELEMENTS ] fire. ice. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold.steam. frost. lightning. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops.

[ WEAPONS ] fists. legs. sword. dagger. spear. bow & arrow. hammer. shield. poison. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staves. wands. powers. magical items. magic. rocks. mud balls. claws. teeth. stealth. strategy.

[ MATERIALS ] gold. silver. copper. platinum. titanium. rose gold. diamonds. pearls. rubies. sapphires. emeralds. amethyst. metal. iron. rust. steel. glass. wood. porcelain. paper. wool. fur. lace. leather. silk. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. asphalt. brick. marble. dust. glitter. blood. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. shadow. carbonate. rubber. synthetics. ribbon.

[ NATURE ] grass. leaves. trees. bark. roses. daisies. SUNFLOWERS. tulips. lavender petals. seeds. hay. sand. rocks. roots. flowers. fungi. ocean. river. frozen lake. meadow. valley. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rain forest. caves. underwater. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains. snow. mist. pond.

[ ANIMALS ] lions. wolves. foxes. eagles. owls. falcons. hawks. swans. snakes. turtles. ducks. bugs. spiders. birds. dove. seagulls. whales. dolphins. fish. sharks. horses. cats. dogs. bunnies. penguins. praying mantises. crows. ravens. mice. lizards. werewolves. scorpions. unicorns. pegasi. dragons. ladybugs. butterflies. scarabs. chickens. goats. bears.

[ FOODS / DRINKS ] sugar. salt. candy. bubblegum. wine. champagne. hard liquor. vodka. beer. coffee. sake. tea. spices. herbs. apple. orange. lemon. cherry. strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish. pies. desserts. chocolate. cream. caramel. berries. plums. nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos. pizza. ambrosia. eggs. milk. bird. insects. omelette. leafy greens. rice. root vegetables.

[ HOBBIES ] music. art. watercolors. gardening. smithing. sculpting. painting. sketching. fighting. writing. composing. cooking. baking. sewing. training. dancing. acting. singing. martial arts. self-defense. war tactics. electronics. technology. cameras. video cameras. video games. computer. phone. movies. theater. libraries. books. magazines. cds. records. vinyls. cassettes. piano. strings. violin. guitar. electronic guitar. bass guitar. harmonica. harp. woodwinds. brass. flute. bells. exploring. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. eating. sleeping. climbing. running. jogging. parkour. studying. animals. amusement parks. zoo. circus.

[ MISC ] balloons. bubbles. cityscape. light. dark. candles. growth. decay. war. peace. money. power. percussion. clocks. photos. mirrors. lighters. pets. diary. journal. fairy lights.madness. sanity. sadness. realism. happiness. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. family. friends. clan. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. hugs. kisses. spring. summer. autumn. winter. farmland. countryside. suburban. village.

tagged by: the precious @sakuraari

tagging: Everyone on the dash. YES THAT MEANS YOU (only if you want to ;;;)

#; memes

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sigmundthesorcerer · 6 years

Text

oc “three words” meme

tagged by @lucky-107

rules: say the first three (3) things that you think of when you think of your oc(s)! (without an explanation, of course.)

let’s just do all of them because why the hell not? there’s only like 29 that i have active currently.

fallout 3

cyrilla: unadulterated rage ∙ mask ∙ bloodstains

thaddeus: shadows ∙ psycho ∙ stolen goods

M: paranoia ∙ .44 magnum revolver ∙ hidden identity

todd: courage ∙ dog tags ∙ prayer

edith: explosions ∙ playful winks ∙ robin hood

xi: shipwreck ∙ camera ∙ hairy creature

vernell: the law ∙ an almost creepy level of cleanliness ∙ shackles

fallout: new vegas

bolt: human flesh ∙ robot army ∙ sharp teeth

mcclain: playing cards ∙ ego ∙ purple

tobias: alcohol ∙ worn journal ∙ messenger bag

nanette: mole rat ∙ pearls ∙ soft piano music

ronnie: brass knuckles ∙ cigarettes ∙ star bottle caps

fallout 4

taegan: terminals ∙ red lipstick ∙ classic literature

dotty: scars ∙ yao guai ∙ small grave

francis: pink ∙ cats ∙ revolution

derek: existential crisis ∙ robotic arm ∙ photo of an old friend

lop: decapitated heads ∙ unwavering devotion ∙ abandoned amusement parks

jackal: white wolf ∙ eye bags ∙ bloody hands

charlie: sniper rifle ∙ suspenders ∙ classic cars

aya: rainbows ∙ mirelurks ∙ outspokenness

fanboy & chum chum

ingeborg: blueberry tea ∙ small cottage ∙ clean sheets

lydia: amethyst ∙ denim jackets ∙ road work ahead

mysims

kitten: hello kitty ∙ eyeballs ∙ pastel ouija board

malik: investigation files ∙ coffee shop ∙ books

overwatch:

daisy: plant life ∙ radiation ∙ summer dresses

june: ocean ∙ wet, blue hair ∙ regret

lucky 7: helicopters ∙ assault rifles ∙ casino

paper mario:

dark: punk rock music ∙ graffiti ∙ dumpster diving

stardew valley:

ivory: watering can ∙ cat ears ∙ apathy

i’m gonna tag @ralisedarys @tendercrush @alishans

as always, you don’t have to! i just thought it was interesting!

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blazerina · 7 years

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I Won’t (TRR - Madeline)

“I Won’t” (TRR – Madeline)

Summary: An intimate look and insight into Madeline’s thoughts and feelings as she goes through this process for the 2nd time.

Author’s Note: This may be a piece based on very unpopular opinion that Madeline is tough, strong and has a lot more to her than others may realize. It also touches on some brief history of her relationship with Leo. I love how this piece turned out and makes me love Madeline even more! She’s such a deep character and while her methods are unconventional, I really do appreciate her determination to go after what she wants.

This is my entry for Choices Creates 29 – Villian theme #ChoicesCreates. Thank you to @holly-park and @moonandstarscollide for hosting this week. What a great theme! :)

Rating: T

—

“Goodnight.” Madeline echoed to Liam as she slid inside her bedroom, closing the door quickly. She turned around, and kicked off her heels, feeling instant relief. With a heavy sigh, she rested her full body against the door, allowing the sturdy entrance to bear most of her weight. Remaining perfectly still and drinking in the silence that surrounded her, she inhaled slowly and exhaled through her mouth, closing her eyes.

After a few moments, her silk dress proved to be slippery as she sunk down to the floor, sliding alongside the door and extending her legs out in front of her. She opened her eyes and reached her hand up above her head, gliding the bolt across the threshold of the door to confirm it was indeed locked. She replayed the evening’s events over and over again in her mind – the voices of the evening, including her own, refused to be quiet inside of her head.

Isn’t Liam wonderful? Cordonia is truly in good hands. I couldn’t be happier to be the future qu...

Her subconscious wouldn’t even let her finish the thought.

“You’ll never be queen, Madeline. Stop lying to yourself.” She said aloud to the empty room.

Staring at her toes, Madeline frowned. The polish on her nails was starting to chip. She examined her feet and noted a few scaly, rough patches on her heels. Making a disgusted face, she then moved her attention toward her hands. Inspecting her fingers, she observed that these nails, too, needed attention. Anxiously, she began to bite at a small piece of skin that had started to form alongside her left thumbnail. Pulling her finger away from her mouth, she stared once again at her hand, and let her eyes linger on the finger next to her pinky. Her ring finger.

Running her other fingers over the space where an engagement ring would typically be, she closed her eyes again and let her hands fall to her lap as she leaned her head back against the door, one more time.

This is stupid.

She pulled herself up on her knees, then on all fours. She crawled to where her heels had landed when she kicked off her shoes, and picked them up in her hands, before heaving herself up into an upright position.

Madeline walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower. She unzipped her dress herself; she had created an unconventional method of pulling one arm out of the dress and up over her head in order to successfully get herself out of her typical uniform these days. The dress fell immediately to her feet in a pool of green satin.

Without thinking, she reached into the large cosmetic bag on the counter and pulled out a rubber band for her hair. Lifting her blonde locks to the top of her head, she twisted and pulled her hair through the tie until it was off her neck.

Taking one last glance in the mirror, she realized she needed to remove her jewelry. She pulled out her earrings and unclasped her pearl necklace. Gazing at the necklace she held in her hands, she exhaled sharply, placing it next to the sink, and stepped into the shower.

Madeline had always enjoyed scalding hot showers. Growing up, her mother would always be alarmed at the redness of her skin when left the bathroom after bathing. Her family was astonished at the amount of heat her body seemed to be able to handle. “Careful, Mads, that’s hot!” was never really considered a warning to her. She could withstand, it seemed, temperatures and situations that were well beyond what others were able to tolerate. Bare feet on scorching concrete. Jeans fresh out of the dryer that burned her legs when she put them on. Scalding tea poured out of the boiling pot. Showers with the water turned all the way on “hot,” that turned the rest of the bathroom into a muggy, humid sauna.

As the water ran over her tired, aching body, her thoughts turned to her current circumstances. Once again, she found herself in a situation that any other woman would not be able to handle. A situation that would cause a typical person to crumble. But she was better, stronger and more capable than a typical person. This was not her first, but her second time to deal with the selection season; the Cordonian royal family; the fellow suitors; the press; the questions; the gossip; the sneers.

She never thought she’d ever find herself in this situation again, but it had been her life for so long at this point, she wasn’t sure she knew how to function in any other kind of reality. The social gatherings, the positioning, the posturing of herself next to or near the Queen at all times – she didn’t even have to think about it anymore. Like a robot being controlled and following commands from a distance, she would flit about from person to person, table to table, with a smile, a wave, a disapproving look to the other ladies, and a nod from Liam, who was across the room.

I know what I have to do. Who I have to see. What I have to say. Where I have to go. But it’s only for a little while. Soon it will be all over. Again. And then what?

As the warm water rushed over her face, she wiped her eyes and turned off the faucet. After drying off with a towel, she slipped into a light pink terrycloth robe and some light blue pajama pants. She put lotion on her face and leaned in closer to the mirror, noticing a few very small wrinkles around her eyes and her lips. Using her fingers she pulled her skin taught, and fake-smiled into the looking glass, not pleased with what she saw.

This is the real me. No make up. No lies. Nothing fake. Flaws and all – here I am.

She dropped her hands to rest on the counter and stared at her reflection, looking into her own eyes. She didn’t recognize herself anymore. Her eyes were empty. Her cheeks pale. Her lips – untouched and slightly chapped.

What am I doing? Why am I here when I know this isn’t going to end the way I want it to?

Madeline clenched her hands into fists out of frustration and leaned over the sink, taking a deep breath. She picked up the pearl necklace she had removed before her shower and took it with her to the bedroom. It was getting late and she knew the morning would be coming too soon. Opening up a jewelry box, she placed the necklace inside and slowly closed the lid.

Glancing at a clock on the wall, she observed the time, and walked over to a small writing desk in the corner of the room. Her large purse hung on the shoulder of the desk chair, and she reached into it to retrieve a black leather journal that had her name embossed in the lower-right corner, imprinted in gold leaf. She pulled out the chair and sat cross-legged as she opened the journal and then fished around in the same bag, for a pen.

As she pulled a pen out of her bag, she accidentally also pulled out a small piece of light yellow paper folded up into a small square. She swallowed hard once she realized what it was, and despite her better judgment, unfolded the paper and read it quickly for at least the hundredth time:

My dearest Madeline – when I saw this pearl necklace I immediately thought of you. Classic. Beautiful. Strong. Steadfast. Known for being regal and reliable. You are the epitome of everything I’ve ever wanted and everything Cordonia has ever needed. This is for you, as a reminder of my love and all that you are destined to bring our beautiful country. Forever yours, Leo

Without even looking, she folded the note back up, into the exact same creases, just the way she found it. She placed the note back inside the bag, then paused a moment, collecting herself.

Slowly, she picked up the pen, beginning a new entry in her well-worn journal. Immediately, she began to write, and write, and write. Once she started, she couldn’t stop. The words kept flowing; her heart was being emptied onto the paper, the ink from her pen representing the thoughts and feelings that ravaged her soul day and night.

There’s nothing you can do to hurt me anymore than I’ve already been hurt by you and your rules, your tradition, your culture. You are the very reason I lost the only love I’ve ever known, and now I’m vying for a chance to serve you? To be your queen? I don’t even really want this.

You look at me as if I have no clue what I’m getting myself into. Do you not remember that I’ve been through all of this before? I’m not stupid – I know you’re not in love with me. The whole country – the whole world – knows it. The mystery woman will be back. You’ll run to her. You may even leave behind your opportunity to rule this kingdom…all for her.

I’m going to show you that you cannot get to me. I am too strong to break. You will not win. I’m not going to let you see how much you hurt me when you look at her, talk about her, and whisper to your friends about meeting up with her. Do you honestly think I don’t know?

I know exactly what you’re doing and what’s going on here. You don’t even want to be close to me, or know me, or have anything to do with me beyond the photo ops, the royal engagement interviews and our scheduled tour stops.

I’ve been hurt too much by all of this to let it wound me again. I have scars and memories from the first time with Leo that will never let me forget what it’s like to “be a part” of this Cordonian family. Each time I’m betrayed by you, the easier it is to move on. I cry less. I move on faster. I know you don’t love me. I know I won’t be queen and that our relationship, our future together, doesn’t stand a chance.

But if you think I’m going to stay by your side and silently watch you walk away from me, you are wrong. Your brother may have never wanted to be king, Liam, but he did want me (at least at one time in his life). I’m smart and I learn quickly. I refuse to make the same mistake twice.

I didn’t fight for your brother. I didn’t beg him to stay. He ran away from the throne, and from the kingdom of Cordonia, like a coward. He gave up.

I won’t.

She slammed her pen down on the table and thumped the journal shut. Madeline’s heart was beating rapidly inside of her chest and her vision was starting to blur.

No! No!

She cried out as she rushed to the bathroom, looking for a tissue while tears began to fall from her eyes.

“Stop it! Stop it!” She yelled out, her hands beginning to shake while she pressed a tissue to her eyelids, trying her best to keep the tears from escaping.

Soon, she gave in to her emotions and standing in front of the mirror once again, she sobbed. Her body was racked with heart-breaking cries as her shoulders bobbed up and down. She gasped for breath while she wept, howling every now and then, no longer using the tissue, but letting the water from her eyes fall all over her face; down her cheeks, through her nose, dripping into the sink below her.

After a few long moments, full of emotion, she looked up into the mirror once again, glaring at her own reflection. The red splotchy cheeks. The streaks across her face from her eyes down to her chin. The pink, almost perfect circle forming at the tip of her nose.

Then, she noticed her eyes. No longer were they empty, but full of fire; passion; emotion. The whites of her eyes had turned a bright red, with the hazel flecks in her brown irises glistening like sparks of electricity.

As if something within her had snapped and turned her back into a completely put together woman of the court, she once again stood up straight, dried her face with the back of her bare hands and smiled, all without looking away from her own eyes in the mirror.

“Come on, Madeline. Pull yourself together.” She spoke slowly and eloquently, as if she was instructing one of her maids.

“A woman is like a tea bag, you know…” She trailed off, glancing at the counter, looking for her necklace.

She quickly walked back to the jewelry box where she had placed it earlier. Removing it from the box, she found a full-length mirror in the bedroom, next to the writing desk, where she watched herself put the necklace back on, clasping it delicately around her own neck.

Madeline cleared her throat, looking at herself once again, staring into her own eyes as she repeated, “A woman is like a tea bag.”

Glaring menacingly into the mirror, she moved closer to it and watched her face transition from a weak, fragile, injured girl into a determined, fierce and focused warrior.

“You never know how strong she is, until she’s in hot water.”

She took several deep breaths and calmed herself down, lowering her gaze from her own eyes in the mirror and realizing she was tired. Still in her robe, she climbed into her large, fluffy bed and sighed as the blankets enveloped her. Her fingers absentmindedly ran along the pearls of her necklace as she drifted off to sleep.

“I’ll run this country for you, Leo…” she mumbled as she drifted off to sleep. “…just the way you would have wanted…if you had…stayed…”

#choicescreates29 #choicescreates #choices stories you play #pixelberry choices #madeleine #TRR #mad madeleine #she DGAF #blazerina babbles

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williameshleman-blog · 5 years

Photo

Whether you’re looking to lounge by a pool, cruise down a waterway or explore the breathtaking expanse of wilderness, the southern region of Africa is a treasure trove of places where you can do just that and more. For couples and honeymooners, there are select spots that are known to help stoke the fires of passion with their splendour and diversion. Though it pains us to have to narrow it down to just a few, these are our picks of the most romantic destinations in Africa and the incredible luxury havens that’ll punctuate your stay.

Cape Town, South Africa

A silhouette of Table Mountain beneath a pink-purple sky Photo credit: Bertus Hanekom

Why:

Cape Town is without a doubt a contender for our favourite African destination. This city packs a lot of experience for a single location – and that’s no exaggeration. For couples, nothing beats a scenic drive down Chapmans Peak, a day whiled away at a wine farm, with rolling hills in the background, a simple but oh so unforgettable Clifton sunset or getting lost in an obscure fishing village (like Kalk Bay, which we love!) before retreating into your choice of luxurious sanctuary.

Where to stay:

MannaBay

Poolside splendour Photo credit: MannaBay

Favoured by those looking for exclusivity, luxury and proximity to the city’s dazzling sites (it’s practically a stone’s throw from Table Mountain – and those Atlantic Ocean views must be seen to be believed!), Mannabay is where excellent service, scrumptious cuisine and tranquillity converge.

Ellerman House

Villa views Photo credit: Ellerman House

A stately haven in the exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay, this utterly lush boutique hotel is famed for having the largest privately-owned art collection in South Africa and a home-away-from-home atmosphere belying its extravagant setting. The in-house villas at Ellerman House, which overlook the city and ocean, are perfect for a cosmopolitan duo looking to explore the region from a lavish base in the city.

Johannesburg, South Africa

A view of Johannesburg’s vibrant city light

Why:

Some might balk at recommending a bustling metropolis for a romantic getaway… luckily, we aren’t that conventional! We know this is where culture, rhythm and history meet to create an immersive experience of any given country. For the couple that’s looking for discovery as well as leisure, Joburg’s incredible art scene, historical sites and nightlife will enthral. If anything, it’s a worthy stop to make before continuing on to the Lowveld region (a mere 3 hours away) for a more quieter bush excursion.

Where to stay:

The Residence

Luscious lounge Photo credit: The Residence

Set in the historic suburb of Houghton, The Residence is a stylish yet inviting sanctuary in the bustling city of Johannesburg. With antique French crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes and Persian rugs, it appeals to those seeking opulence, sophistication and seclusion while taking in the best attractions in the region.

Sabi Sand, South Africa

Nature in all its splendour is shown off at the Sabi Sand

Why:

The crown jewel of the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand is where connoisseurs of safaris go to experience the quieter, more immersive side of the African wilderness. This wildlife haven shares borders with the Kruger and has access to its abundant animal populations, including the iconic Big 5! The difference, especially for couples, is that the lodges that are found in this private game reserve are designed with exclusivity and personalised service in mind – the only way to safari if romance and fireworks are on the itinerary.

Where to stay:

Silvan Safari

The luxurious exteriors of the award-winning Silvan

For wilderness lovers, Silvan‘s stunning setting and proximity to the heart of nature is unmissable. Offering an epic safari away from the crowds experience, with access to both the Sabi Sand Reserve and Kruger National Park‘s rich wildlife, and not to mention its crisp, elegant interiors, it undoubtedly offers one of the most romantic settings in Southern Africa.

Psst! For more on this beautiful country, check out our Complete Guide To South Africa.

Okavango, Botswana

A mokoro ride through the Okavango

Why:

An epic inland river delta whose grassy plains habitat incredible wildlife populations, the Okavango is best explored by dugout canoe (Mokoro) – one of the most unforgettable, scenic and romantic wildlife viewing experiences to be had. A destination without equal, its many devotees laud its utter immersion, breathtaking vistas and intimate encounters with wildlife such as African bush elephant, hippo, lechwe, crocodile and Big Cat predators.

Where to stay:

Abu Camp

Relaxed setting Photo credit: Abu Camp

There are many reasons why Botswana is Africa’s best kept secret, from sunset cruises and unparalleled bird watching, this land is a nature lover’s fantasy. On the epic Okavango lies Abu Camp, a gorgeous oasis situated in a private concession in the Delta. Here, guests can encounter a habituated elephant herd and enjoy mokoro water safaris, game drives and more – all in the lap of luxury.

Chobe, Botswana

A glorious sunset during a Chobe River cruise

Why:

Another Botswana gem destination, Chobe is in the northern part of the country where large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo are found. In the dry months, these incredible giants gather around the Chobe Riverfront – making for stunning viewing. In Linyanti Marshes, lions and hippos are found, while the grasslands of the Savuti Marsh are a birder’s paradise. A hidden-gem destination of enormous beauty, a pair of lovebirds could ask for no better.

Where to stay:

Zarafa Camp

Close encounter with elephants Photo credit: Zarafa Camp

Beautifully overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon, a source of the Savuti Channel, Zarafa Camp is a tranquil oasis in Botswana‘s Selinda Private Reserve. 4 private tented villas offer the utmost comfort while the region offers a high concentration of Botswana’s magnificent wildlife.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia

The majestic curtain of the Victoria Falls Photo credit: Simon Watson

Why:

Aptly nicknamed “the smoke that thunders,” due to its thunderous roar and smoke, which can be seen and felt from kilometres away, Victoria Falls is majesty personified. From the select havens that are situated along its parameters – often on the banks of the Zambezi – couples can glimpse some of the best sunsets in Africa and fall asleep to the sound of hippo and unfettered nature. There are few destinations as romantic as this, where one of Africa’s greatest rivers plays arena to a daily wildlife show even as if feeds into the great Vic Falls.

Whether on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side of this glorious landscape, a honeymoon or lovers retreat of a lifetime awaits.

Where to stay:

Victoria Falls River Lodge

The river-side oasis that Victoria Falls Island Lodge

A tented lodge in the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls River Lodge merges luxury and thrills with its proximity to Victoria Falls and its top activities. The first private game lodge in this park, it consists of 7 artfully decorated tents with amazing amenities and facilities, including an infinity pool, bar and bonfire area.

Royal Chundu

A romantic dinner on the Zambezi with Royal Chundu

Zambia’s first Relais & Châteaux property and voted Zambia’s Leading Safari Lodge for six years in a row, Royal Chundu lodges are the paradise on the falls properties that lie on the banks of the scenic Zambezi River. River Lodge, the larger of the two, has 10 riverfront suites with wooden decks that offer incomparable intimacy and luxury. Island Lodge, on the other hand, is flanked by the waters of the Zambezi and has elegantly decorated suites that open up onto private decks overlooking the river. Both these havens share the essentials – stunning scenery, decadent interiors, the best amenities and all the must-do activities in Zambia.

Plotting your next adventure to this region? Here’s all you need to know about travelling to Zambia.

Bazaruto, Mozambique

The tranquil waters of Bazaruto Islands

Why:

Nothing screams romance like pure azure waters, pristine beaches and white sand as far the eye can see. The Bazaruto Archipelago, the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, is one such paradise whose five islands offer both adventure and decadent leisure. If you can imagine what a three-kilometre long coral reef presents and diving sites that are up to 30-metres deep, you’ll start to understand the destination you’re dealing with. By horseback safari, dhow or helicopter, Bazaruto becomes a breathtaking canvass of Mother Nature’s outstanding palate where dolphins, turtles, whales, sharks and flamingos ( in the inland freshwater lakes) make a showing.

Where to stay:

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa

An idyllic island getaway

Exclusively located on an island in the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique, this luxurious getaway is a dreamy tropical paradise that offers amazing water activities to boot. Due to its location in the Bazaruto Marine National Park, diving, snorkelling and big game fishing are available as well as kayaking, water-skiing, wakeboarding and more. Each of the 44 beach villas is stylishly suited, with rejuvenating spa treatments also on offer.

Don’t miss out on the chance to spend a once-in-a-lifetime romantic holiday in Africa. At Rhino Africa we can organise a classic romantic holiday that takes you from the Kruger to Cape Town to Victoria Falls, or a bush and beach Kruger, Cape Town and Mauritius tour. Get in touch now!

The post The Most Romantic Destinations in Southern Africa appeared first on Rhino Africa Blog.

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sugarlibra · 7 years

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Things I associate w/ the signs

Aries: bonfires, snuggles, cat kisses, drawings, stay at home dates, city nights, blankets, messy hair, pasta, tv marathons, art galleries, black & white movies, hipster, bookshelves, shojo manga,

Taurus: home cooking, long drives, hard working, hair worn in bun, oldies music, coral, soap operas, soccer/football, orchids, crime shows, gardening, figure skating

Gemini: amusement/water parks, cobalt blues, mischievous winks, rap, hoodies, comedic genius, loud laughter, cookouts, sewing, butterflies, animated movies, mmos, costume parties, sleeping in, iced lattes, sunsets

Cancer: heavy metal, fairies, converse, star gazing, black roses, worn jeans, fiction novels, kaleidoscope glasses, raindrops on a window

Leo: yellow and khaki, sunflowers, hiking, road trips, good grades, nice smile, tae kwon do, squirrels, flirty winks, forehead kisses, warm hugs, pranks, bad movies, alphabet soup, cartoons, board and card games, morning air, music playlists

Virgo: frogs, textbooks, online shopping, makeup, cheerleading, peonies, pearls, pink and white, vintage cars, sunbathing, pop music, flowered porches, soft beaches, feng shui, resident evil movies

Libra: pastels, 90s, sassy attitude, running, puppies, cotton candy, carnivals, rpgs, electic music tastes, friendly, strawberries, plushies, morning dew drops, snowcones, charcoal sticks, holographic glitter,

Scorpio: dark red and black, action and mystery movies, casinos, BBQs, cowboy boots, black mascra, dodgeball, sisterly love, high heels, snakes, myspace, country music

Sagittarius: parties, dubstep, late night adventures, neon blue, pickup trucks, baggy clothes, pizza, postered bedroom walls

Capricorn: nature, jazz/blues, paintings, slippers, french vanilla coffee, sunday afternoons, african violets, horses and owls, chili, limp fries, jewelry boxes, perfume bottles, hanging wedding dress, photo albums, sunflower seeds

Aquarius: energetic, bold, sneakouts, bike riding, grays, red lipstick, leather jackets, vodka shots, singing to music, crushes, picnics, dance classes, red roses, pumpkin spice lattes, snorting laughter

Pisces: rock bands, shiny hair, drum solos

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artificialqueens · 7 years

Text

E.V.O.L - Chapter 8 (Trixya) - VicThirteen

A/N: Yes, it’s been hard to finish this. I hit a wall with this story and, even though I finally decided how to end it, I’m having some difficulties writing it down. But I’m not leaving it unfinished, I promise! This is a little short, but it’s an important turn for the story. There’s probably one or two more chapters after this.

Again, thank you so much for anyone that has ever left a nice comment or asked about this fic. It truly makes me feel happy and appreciated! This one is dedicated to Adriana and Hilana for cheering me the fuck up on twitter <3

Chapter 8 – There is no crime in being kind

Trixie squeezed her feet into the pointe shoes and tied the silky straps around her ankles with care. She looked like some kind of magical creature in her full make up and costume – Kim had made her eyes look huge like an anime character and her lips pouty, the apples of her cheeks glowed and her eyelashes touched her brow bone when she looked up. The tight leotard was white and rhinestoned, with a flowy translucent skirt attached around the waist. Her arms, chest and shoulders had been sprayed with golden body glow and, every time a light hit Trixie, she looked enchanted. Her hair was braided in a complicated up do with real white and light pink flowers pinned around it.

She tiptoed to the corner of the stage, spying outside to try and find Katya. That morning, Trixie had woken up to breakfast in bed. Katya made sure she ate properly, didn’t matter how many times she said she wasn’t hungry and her stomach was flipping with nerves. After getting out together, Katya dropped Trixie off in front of the building where the auditorium was located, saying she was gonna park the car and smoke a cigarette before going in.

Trixie didn’t see if she got in though, and she had a lot to do to prepare, going through light and sound check, rehearsing her marks and a few steps, stretching and warming up, then sitting with Kim to get her make up and hair done in time. Now there was too many people already in the audience seats and she couldn’t find the messy blond hair anywhere. She had to contain the impulse to bite her nails and went back in her shared dressing room. Just as she took her phone and unlocked it, a new message notification showed up.

Katya: Sorry I didn’t run in to kiss you good luck, got a little caught up

Katya: But you don’t need luck cause you got talent. I’m out here rooting for you. Kill it, babe! I love you!

Trixie smiled and sighed, holding her phone closer to her chest. Her name was being called to head onto the stage, it was time. Pearl was sitting at the sound table and Kim was with the lights tech to make sure everything worked as planned.

She stepped forward and out of the curtains, her shoes softly knocking on the wooden floor. She positioned herself on her mark and her whole skin tingled. Even though she couldn’t really see the audience, she felt all of their eyes on her – and it was energizing. A bolt of power went through her body when the music started to play and she climbed on her pointes.

Her body swayed and twirled, chasing the white spotlight that seemed to run from her. Her wide eyes wanted to be under that light, she needed to feel the heat of the world looking at her. She looked around like a lost kid in a dark forest until a new, pink, glowing spotlight appeared next to her. She swung her arms like wings and with gentle motions her body melted into the cozy pink light, making her skin glow and her chest rise with fresh air. The light burned brighter and she danced faster, pirouettes, jumps and beautiful poses turning her into a real life fairy. A smile grew on her painted lips and her eyes fell on the audience. The glimpse of a bright smile in the middle of the dark theater made her eyelids flutter and with a final pose she bowed, her hands reaching forwards, ready to be taken.

A wave of applause took Trixie out of her trance. She looked up and bowed in gratitude, quickly walking out of the stage. While her head slowly stopped spinning from the adrenaline, Pearl and Kim walked in and hugged her from both sides.

“Oh my God, it was perfect! We did it!” Pearl’s voice sounded on her left shoulder and she just smiled and nodded.

“Was it really good? I couldn’t see anything, did the board enjoy it?” Trixie looked between the other two.

“Trixie,” Kim placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her dead in the eye, “the dean watched it. Smiling. RuPaul smiled for almost three minutes non-stop and clapped for us. I think we’re good.”

“Holy shit” Trixie’s head spun again and a new jolt of dopamine made her skin tingle. “Shit! Guys, help me out of these shoes, I need to find Katya.”

The need to jump on her girlfriend’s arms made Trixie remember how Katya was probably being surrounded by phone cameras and curious douchebags invading her personal space. In more comfortable flats, she didn’t care to change out of her costume and just ran out, trying to see above the crowd.

In about five seconds way too many heads turned to her and around to the back of the auditorium, and she was there. Messy blond hair kind of pinned away from her face, paper white teeth showing inside a smile and a single hot pink rose in hand. Trixie sprinted and almost knocked Katya down with the tightest hug she could give.

“Hi, gorgeous”, Katya’s voice was muffled in her neck and she pulled back. “Congratulations!” She offered Trixie the rose, that took it with a shaky smile, as she felt her eyes suddenly water.

“Thank you.” She thought of kissing Katya, but the weight of all those people looking and the faint sound of cameras clicking made her think twice. “Let’s go, let’s get inside” she reached for Katya’s hand.

“Wait!” she turned and looked around, her eyes lighting up in a second. “Come here, you have to meet someone.”

She took Trixie’s hand and walked to a lady who was just finishing posing for a photo. She was just a little taller than Katya, but her hair made her look as tall as Trixie in heels. When she saw the two, her voice was loud and her eyes crazy wide.

“Ah, the star of the show!” she hugged Trixie without hesitation and the girl shot a shocked look to Katya.

“Trixie, meet my dear, and crazier than me, friend, Alyssa Edwards. Alyssa, this is my girlfriend.”

Trixie’s face warmed up at the first public use of the word. Her smile was so big her cheeks were starting to hurt, but she just couldn’t hold it back.

“Oh my God! It’s amazing to meet you, Miss Edwards!”

“Miss! You hear that, Katya? She’s more polite than you ever were!”

Katya’s laughter cackled and whoever wasn’t looking yet now turned to them. “Oh, I’m sorry! I should know better than to disrespect my elders!”

Alyssa’s insane eyes flew to Trixie, but she was smiling while she shook her head. “You know what, I’m gonna talk to the real lady here. Girl, you’re so good! You’re really good.”

“Thank you! Oh my God, I can’t believe this is happening right now” Trixie laughed and shook her head trying to focus in making any sense. “Uhm, don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be happier to meet to you, but what do I owe the honor of having you at my final?”

“Oh!” Alyssa clapped her hands and her long, bright blue nails clinked together. “Katya invited me!”

“What? You did?” Trixie shot at Katya as her hands clasped her cheeks to keep her jaw from dropping.

“Yeah! See, Alyssa here is a great choreographer, as you know. And she has some very cool projects in the making, right?” Katya smiled and Alyssa nodded back. “And since you’re such a magical singing-dancing-acting butterfly, I thought I’d put two and two together.”

Trixie couldn’t believe Katya did that. I love this woman. She wanted to kiss her until their faces melted together. “Okay, we need to get out of here, this is too exciting, oh my God.” Alyssa and Katya laughed at her genuine astonishment. “Just wait for me to get changed and we can go.”

“Actually, I can’t stay long, honey” Alyssa told her with an apologetic smile. “But I’m gonna be calling you very soon, Miss Trixie, trust me!”

“Oh, okay. Thank you so much, really. It’s too nice of you to come all the way here to see me.”

“Don’t worry! I really wanted to see this crazy bitch too”, she pointed a long nail at Katya. “We’ll talk, okay? I’ll see you soon.” They hugged goodbye and watched as Alyssa cat walked her way out while putting a huge pair of sunglasses on her face.

“Come on!” Trixie grabbed Katya by the hand and dragged her along while she ran back inside the dressing rooms, ignoring the heads turning with them all the way. The next performance was about to start, so the place was empty for a while. “Ugh, finally.” She held Katya’s face and plastered their lips together, drawing a surprised but pleased gasp from the shorter woman that held onto her waist.

“Why is it that I’m always waiting so long to kiss you?” Trixie whispered with their noses still touching.

“I don’t know” Katya laughed and kissed her again, deepening the kiss and letting her hands roam the sides of Trixie’s body. “You look so beautiful”, she kissed the girl’s neck, “it was all so beautiful, I’m so proud of you”.

Trixie pulled back to look her in the eyes, the warmth in her chest spreading through her body. “Did you get it?”

“Yes. Yes, I did”, Katya caressed her face and Trixie leaned into the contact.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

–

Once Trixie finally managed to get changed, despite Katya not being able to keep her hands to herself for too long, and said goodbye to Kim and Pearl, the couple found a nice little bistro to have a celebratory meal.

“To you…” Katya raised her glass, “… and to me. I have news”.

“What?!” Trixie stopped mid-sip to look at her with surprised eyes for hundredth time that day.

“Yeah. So, you know I haven’t really… I’ve been away from the studio since all my work turned into trash, right?” Trixie chuckled but shook her head; she always felt terrible when she thought about Katya’s frustration and how much she was struggling to move on. “So I made a decision and I signed it off to Ginger. I’m out.”

“Katya, what the fuck?” Oh no. That studio was her baby, this couldn’t be good. Trixie reached across the table to take her hand. “Why did you do that? It wasn’t over yet, you’re such a good artist!”

“Wait, relax!” Katya rubbed her thumb over the girl’s hand and smiled softly. “It is over. But not really.” Trixie tilted her head in confusion. “I think I got a job.”

“Where? How?”

Katya laughed at her desperation. “Well, you planted the bug in my head actually. I was reading Phi Phi O'Hara’s blog again and she wrote something about learning so much from us, and how, apparently, I’m sorta good at explaining things?”

“Of course you are! You taught me about color theory in a week!”

“Exactly. So, I met with RuPaul today.” Trixie froze and her mouth opened in silence. “There are gonna be some faculty changes for the next semester. A teacher from the visual arts course is leaving. And I’m very ready to insert myself in that opening”, Katya winked and laughed at her own bad joke.

“Katya! This is awesome!” Trixie bounced in her seat, but in a second her excited smile slowly fell and her eyebrows furrowed. “Shit.”

“What? What’s wrong? You don’t think I’m good for it?”

“No!” She quickly tried to calm Katya’s insecurity. “I mean, of course you are! That’s not the problem. It’s just that… you’re gonna have a thousand cute students falling in love with you.”

Katya’s wheezing laughter startled Trixie as she wailed her hands and lost her breath. “Are you kidding me?”

“No! It’s true, that place is full with thirsty bitches and you’re too pretty and sexy…” She was cut by another wave of laughter.

“Trixie, listen to me. If Rihanna tried to seat on my face, fully naked and oiled up, I would ask her to move out of the way ‘cause she’d be blocking my view of your ass.”

Now was Trixie’s turn to scream-laugh with her nose scrunched up and throwing her head back. “I’m serious!” Katya laughed with her. “But thanks for calling me pretty and sexy. Takes one to know one.”

“Oh my God, I wish we weren’t so gross” Trixie squeezed their hands together.

“I wish we were grosser.”

Sometimes it was a little hard for Trixie to fathom how Katya could be so soft. How can you be hurt and thrown around for so long and not end up bitter? She thought later, her head resting on Katya’s shoulder while the older woman smoked her precious post-sex cigarette.

“Why did you do that? Call Alyssa for me?” she asked in a quiet voice, not looking up.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Katya looked down confused, holding her cigarette up so the smoke wouldn’t bother her girlfriend.

“I don’t know. It just seems unlikely to me that someone can be this good after knowing so much shit”, she kissed Katya’s collarbone and watched a shiver rise around it.

“Well, it happens when you meet someone who actually wants to get to know you and give them a chance”, Katya nudged her softly with her shoulder and Trixie looked up, her lips curling up. “Not everyone is there to screw you over, you know?”

“But I love screwing you!” Trixie whined and got the ridiculous laughter she loved from Katya, who put out her cigarette on the bedside ashtray and turned to hold the girl closer.

“Me too, Barbie. Me too”, she said quieter and kissed Trixie, her fingers tangling in the golden hair and her thumb stroking the girl’s round cheek. “Now it’s your turn to be the popstar.”

“But you’re still a popstar, Britney”, Trixie tickled her ribs and let her hands linger down her waist.

“Nah, I don’t wanna live like that anymore. This”, she tuck her face in the crook of Trixie’s neck, “is good enough for me”.

#trixya #trixie mattel #katya zamolodchikova #cisgirl au #evol #victhirteen #rpdr fanfiction #submission #lesbian au

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zachphotographylondon-blog · 6 years

Photo

Week 2 Blog

In Class “Seeing” Activity

First Impressions

- Vibrance of the pink color

- Symmetry of the houses

- Texture of the pavement in the foreground

- Harsh midday lighting

- Blue of the sky contrasts with the other colors especially pink

- The woman on the left looks bigger than the houses because of the angle of the photograph

- Photo taken at the ground level

- Shininess of the fabric and skin

- Differences in styles of the dresses

- Both of eyes obscured

Composition

- My eye is drawn first to the tall woman on the left with the pink dress, then the girl, and after that I look at the house with the same type of pink fabric

- The houses all have a triangle shape to them

- The dresses are designed very differently with the woman on the left having a full length ballgown dress from shoulders to shoes, whereas the girl has a skin-tight dress that only goes from shoulders to knees

- The color pink really catches my eye when I look away from the photo. I think this is because it is a bright color that is not something I would expect in a picture with this background.

Photographic Attributes

- The light is coming from behind the camera and a little to the right. This can be seen from the shadow of the little girl and from the tree on the pink house. The lighting draws your attention to the girls in front because they have excellent lighting and are impossible not to see. The house in the background though is less apparent with the shadow on the front of the house, suggesting it is not as important as the two girls in the foreground. Additionally, the light seems to be coming from higher because you can see a shadow on the little girl’s neck.

- The camera focused on both the background and the girls in the foreground by allowing both the girls and houses in the background to be in focus. This produces an interesting effect because the women seem to be artificially placed into the image. The camera is positioned around 3 feet off of the ground, giving the women on the left a taller appearance while also allowing the little girl to seem bigger too. It doesn’t look like a wide-angle lens was used because the houses are not distorted horizontally.

Content

- The subject(s) in the photograph are the women in the pink dresses. The women are prominent because of the bright pink dresses, and one could assume the house is related to their attire. Why is the house dressed like the women? Why is the image focusing on both the background and the subjects, giving a Photoshop look?

Style & Genre

- Confident

- The genre is fashion because the subjects are wearing their unique styles of their dresses confidently almost like fashion models.

Meaning

- The photograph makes me feel happy and alive. It makes me think of sunny days spent outside and the fancy dresses make me think that it is a special occasion, could be a wedding or something similar.

- I think the photographer made these choices because they wanted the subjects to pop out and take up all the viewer’s attention

- The photograph is saying that the women are very confident in their skin and are happy to show their dresses off to the world

Last Impressions

- There are people sitting on the porch off to the left in the background

- This exercise made me think a lot more in depth about photographs and made me realize that there is a lot more than what your first reaction might be

Self-Assessment

- The areas that were difficult for me to answer were Style & Genre, Photographic attributes and technique, and meaning.

Exhibition Analysis Sheet

Hannah Moon, Moffy with earrings, 2018

- This photo is framed so that it captures the entire subject’s face. The perspective of the picture feels like it is right at eye-level with the subject.

- I think that these choices influence the meaning of the photograph by making it all about the subject’s face. The viewer doesn’t really see anything besides the face and above the neck. This makes the viewer focus on the face and the earrings.

- In my photo, the subject is looking off to the right making her right eye look a little strange. The thing that makes the photo unique are the earrings because they are multi-colored and the colors contrast with her face nicely to really bring out the shapes of the earrings.

- The red and blue colors of the earrings are a lot different than the rest of the picture. The only other colors are the black of the hair and the dress and her skin which is all bland.

- The photograph is of a woman’s face

- The photograph is about the fashion of the woman because she is wearing very nice earrings along with a nice pearl necklace.

Photos From Different Points of View

My becoming the subject photo is of my lunch and table that I ate it on. You can tell that I am the subject because you can see my feet in the painting. This gives the viewer the point of view as the subject and makes them think it is actually them eating lunch. There are also several clues that give you an insight into the story of the photo such as the different subway wrappers and the TV remote. The glass table also creates some cool reflections. My second photo is of an eye-level photo of the tube. This photo creates an instinctual response to the viewer by making them think of times they were on the tube and creates a familiar scene for them. My third photo is from below of some apartment buildings in London when I was inside of a taxi. I think its cool that you can see the taxi in the photo because it allows you to know where you are. Another aspect of this photo is that you can see the reflection of the glass and can identify the taxi by the red light. My last photo is from above and it is of the lake in Hyde park. I chose it because you can easily see that the subject is the water and you are looking down on it. This picture is also intriguing because you can see that lines zigzag the entire picture starting with the fence in the water and then continuing across the water through the different shades of blue.

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