#ria the philosopher

[alicent-targaryen]

JAMIE FRASER ▸ Outlander, 7.1

[absoluteocellibehavior]

The Eye's Great Chain of Being

Welcome to Part 2 of me and my friends have completely shaken up the TMA universe and other podcasts in the process. This system was created by my lovely friend Nightshade who is not on Tumblr but who has given me full permission to post this and answer any questions about it! Here is how she describes it: "The Eye is an entity of roles, of expectations, and that means a hierarchy. You have a place and you will know it. This system does not necessarily indicate how much power an avatar has (it can give a boost, but your strength can grow with age and experience), but it does indicate how favorable the avatar is to the Eye. The hierarchy is traditionally based on three vectors: Complete/Incomplete: How detailed is the information you've collected? Infinite/Finite: What subjects can you gather? Record/Recollection: What is the nature of the information you've gathered, how factual? The different combinations of which determine your rank along the hierarchy. For example: Archivists are among the highest roles, being complete (all details) infinite (any subject) records (entirely factual). The Jeweler ranks lower, being a complete finite record (focused on a specialized task). Of similar level is the Philosopher, being of complete infinite recollections (knows a Lot, but the knowledge is more about thinking and exploring than the facts discovered). The Storyteller is fairly low, being of incomplete infinite recollection (can collect a wide range of stories, but they focus on specific things and aren't always accurate to the event). Now. The Pupil is a unique role, in that it is the lowest, existing merely as a servant to the Eye and those of higher ranks. It doesn't actually have a particular task, not like the Archivist or Jeweler or Philosopher, it just knows things in order to organize or assist. How you go about this servitude though is... up to you." The Chain so far is as follows (and I am more than happy to talk about any of these placements or the lore contained within the chain itself!): The Entropy - Kayne :] The Archivist - Jonathan Sims The Ambassador - Arthur Lester The Broadcast - Cecil Gershwin Palmer The Jeweler - Emer The Luminary - Dr. Aria "Ria" Lynn Bell The Expanse - Dr. Axel M. Wimpren The Doctor - Dr. Jonathan Callaghan Fanshawe The Philosopher - Elliott Meléti The Wanderer Ocelli - Barnabas Lukas-Bennett The Keeper - Cillian Fanshawe Callaghan The Architect - Robert Smirke The Tower - Manphy Lukas-Bennett The Antiquary - Albrecht Von Closen The Storyteller - Thea Brooks (Pupil) The Analyst - Phoebe (Nix) (Pupil) The Manor - Mordechai Lukas-Bennett (Pupil) The Martian - Juno Steel (Pupil) The Doctor - Jonathan Callaghan Fanshawe (Pupil) The Siren Host - Jonah Magnus

If you want to check out any of the other things we've added to this universe as they all feed on each other, check out the tag #ocelli expansion pack !

[ssreeder]

HI HELLO!! I JUST FINISHED “Into the Fire” A COUPLE DAYS AGO!!

I would say my thoughts about it but I have too many thoughts but I also don’t wanna fill your asks with 20 million anons so,

after I finished it I decided to re-read from LIAB and bro…

That shit broke me.

The way you perfectly constructed sokka’s arc, like I swear everything was intentional

He literally went from “it took years for him to get comfortable killing” to “he was always so good with people, that’s was before he started killing them” and from “if he felt a way about something he would most definitely share it” to literally hiding everything that happened to him from people he trusts. Wow.

Once again, absolutely amazed by your incredible writing skills, like actually impeccable.

Enough of me being philosophical,

YOU GAVE BATO A BF!!! HE CAN FINALLY GET OVER HIS HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH!!! AND JEE GETS TO BE HAPPY!!! AAAAHHH!! I’m so happy for them (ik they aren’t even an item yet but still, super happy for them)

Hooray for Ara!! She got her closure, and now she can start a new, healthier, happier lifestyle. Congratulations to my favorite violent dog!! May she get what she deserves (ominous)

But the way she just.. told Katara about zukka being together?? Like, no hesitation.

“Whoops, thought you were banging my brother. Sorry lol.”

“No lmao it’s okay. Zuko’s deff banging him though”

“WHAT?!”

“Yeah lol. Toodles!!”

And then she just- LEAVES?? honestly mood though.

i liked how sweet and genuine she sounded when explaining zukka’s love story though, that was so good of her, she didn’t even talk them down or anything. It was actually so nice.

Can’t wait to see what you do for Jet, really really hope my little street rat gets better. on agni we gonna get you some will to live!!

So many exciting things happening I can’t wait!!

-suki closure!!

-TOPH AND SOKKA BONDING!!!

-IROH AND SOKKA’S TEA TALK!!!!!

literally have said this a million times but actually super scared for sokka for the last bit (zhao tea talks usually didn’t go well)

But I also feel like ur gonna make that an iroh pov… (I’m an empath) so I’ll stay tuned!!

Yue and La bless my favorite water tribe man Hakoda! He loves his kids so much I hope nothing bad happens to them (this is gonna be foreshadowing isn’t it?)

But anyways!!

I wanted to finally tell you about music!!

It’s gonna be a lot of mitski cus she’s one of my main artists I listen to but still,

I thought about “once more to see you” by mitski A LOT throughout RIA and a little bit now through ITF, it fits this part of the story perfectly (in my opinion). It’s literally just zukka through sokka’s pov.

Another one is “Christmas Kids” by ROAR, this one is more for LIAB, and a little bit of RIA, (can you tell I make the edits in my head?) But this time the choruses/verses change pov or can just be seen as multiple characters.

“First Love/Late Spring” by mitski fits zukka through zuko’s pov

And “I bet on loosing dogs” by mitski is Ara with zhao/shen

Now this one is very specific:

“Vampire Empire” by Big Thief

The first verse to the first chorus is LIAB-RIA kataang through aang’s thoughts about katara,

the second verse to the second chorus is zukka LIAB-RIA (and now more recently the current ITF situation) told as per sokka’s pov

And the third verse to the final chorus is how Ara feels about zhao. Like their entire history.

Okay that’s it sorry for bombarding you with my random ass disorganized ask 😭 I’ve been yapping too much, I know, I sound like Reho. Sorry if I said anything disrespectful!!

Anyway!! Can’t wait for the next update!! STAY SUPER DUPER AMAZING SSREEDER!!!

HI ANON WHO I ADORE & LOVE SO MUCH I AM SO SORRY FOR TAKING 10000 YEARS TO ANSWER THIS. (In my defense it’s a perfect 10/10 ask and I couldnt let it go right away<3)

I AM SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOOO happy you enjoyed sokkas arc because damn, I really dismantled him throughout the series and the way you highlighted some of the details about sokka pre prison and how he did a drastic 180 is *CHEFS KISS* yeahhhhhh it was a long process but I’m glad you noticed the intentional dedication I had to ruining our boy sokka <3 (i know I know he’s not ruined but he’s not in a great spot mentally but he’s getting better but hell regress and progress and regress and yeah sokkas just not the same I mean but we will love him and he’s still our SOKKA)

JEE DID GET HIMSELF A BOY FRAND… He is smitten with our boy Bato it’s cute.

Ara is hilarious that’s all I gotta say about her haha.

JET!!!!! I love him!!! He’s not the besttttt influence on Suki but FUCK IT JET IS AWESOME (don’t expect any life changing shit from him but I’m excited that he’ll stay a part of the story) sorry Jet haters he’s staying in LIAB till death does us part of the story ends haha.

oh shit you sent this ask before the last chapter was dropped so now you know ITS AN IROH AND ZUKO TEA TALK (& let me tell you HAAAAA… they’re wonderful in a room together haha)

I was trying to listen to all your songs before I answered your ask but I couldn’t get through all of them, but I will!! I love that you are so passionate about music and the scenes and characters I feel the same way and that’s why I always try to give you songs I’m vibing with lol.

THANK YOU AGAIN ANON AND PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT BE SHY COME BACK ANY TIME I LOVE YOUR ASK!!!!

[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Siobhan Dolan Species: Banshee Occupation: Archeology Professor Age: 106 Years Old (Looks about 40) Played By: Ria Face Claim: Anne Hathaway

"It's not murder, it's death with a narrative arc."

TW: Parental (figure) death

In the 19th century, an aspiring human philosopher penned his thoughts after months of deep introspection and meditation. He deduced that all of humanity was equal and the idea of the perfect individual was a harmful myth. He was promptly beheaded by a gaggle of fae who, after months of deep meditation, wanted to see if tossing a head around would be more fun than a ball. They were right.

Another phrase was penned: humans are lame. It was Siobhan Dolan’s great-great-great-great grandmother who wrote those words down and then forgot where she left her notebook. The spirit of it was passed down anyway.

Every Dolan knew that there was nothing more perfect than a banshee. Siobhan’s mother thought that there was no better example than her daughter. The details of Siobhan’s birth were unimportant, as all things pre-chéad scread are. What was significant was how Fate had blessed her with an awakening at just 8 years old. Siobhan watched her best, only, and tragically human friend die on the same table she pretended to eat her vegetables at. She shattered every window, as her mother would happily recall, and definitely did not cry for a week after.

For years she trained in the traditional way--the ritual slaughter of animals and torture of the body--with the aos sí her family had belonged to for generations. Every Dolan knew that to be a banshee wasn’t just to be perfect, beautiful, powerful, and obviously extremely humble, but to serve the world as an agent of Fate. Death came for all creatures but some would disgrace the natural order, escaping their destiny and throwing the world into chaos. Each scream was a call to action and Siobhan’s family were curators of Fate’s will against an increasingly disobedient world. Siobhan watched those she screamed for, taking their lives to ensure that Death couldn’t be averted. Siobhan was a faithful student of the ritual from her first kill at 15 through to her adulthood; always eager to please her mother and live up to the standards of excellence that her birthright promised.

Yet, there was a piece of perfection that she missed. It must have been the human friend she had long ago or the fondness she felt for every animal before its slaughter. When the death of Siobhan’s great-great-grandmother spilled a vision of murder at the hands of torturous wardens, she believed that her family deserved better. Siobhan took her great-great-grandmother’s life instead in an act of foolish kindness. She didn’t remember that Fate’s course shouldn't be played with. What happened now when wardens came to look for a banshee that was already gone? Where did they go next? One death turned to seven instead; other banshees that were found in place of her great-great-grandmother.

It was a mercy that Siobhan’s mother hadn’t killed her in punishment. Yes, the tearing of her wings from her back was itself another foolish kindness. The marring of her flesh was truly a show of sympathy. Siobhan’s sentence of banishment was an act of tenderness. And, even still, her aos sí conceding that if she proved herself worthy, she might be allowed to return, was a generosity. Siobhan knew not to take it for granted.

At first, the letters that instructed her how she could atone were tame: a murder here, a robbery there. But as time grew and memory of her crime faded, the demands turned absurd: getting dogs elected as town mayors, founding a cult whose only doctrine was to chew as loudly as possible in public, wrestling a bear, replacing the paint in a local hardware store so the color was always exactly one shade lighter than the sample. Regardless of what task she was given, Siobhan was as eager to please as she’d always been. Years later, one finally came in her mother’s handwriting: bring Regan Kavanagh back home.

Siobhan set out to Wicked’s Rest, confident that this command would be her final piece of atonement. She could be perfect, if only given the chance.

Character Facts:

Personality: Sardonic, charismatic, eclectic, shrewd, restless, determined, bitter, arrogant

Before her wings were torn out of her back, they resembled that of the cinnabar moth. Siobhan is under the impression that her wings are being kept safe and will be reattached upon her return.

Away from her aos sí and the traditions of her family, Siobhan doesn’t need to kill those she screams for but does so anyway. She finds it all to be rather therapeutic and feels uneasy if she hasn’t killed in some time

Siobhan thinks credit cards are a transportation device to a bottomless well of money somewhere. Don’t ask about her credit score.

Siobhan was given a dog by the previous owner of her house. If “previous owner” means the man she killed to take the house from and “given” means she couldn’t shoo it away. Its name is either George or Richard or John or something. Or was that the owner’s name? 

Siobhan’s diet is almost entirely comprised of cakes and beer.

Siobhan’s credentials are illegally earned. Thankfully, she only insists on being referred to as a doctor when she wants to be annoying. Unfortunately, that is all the time. 

Several years of living among humans has created a fear that she might not be all that better than them. To combat this horrifying thought, she stubbornly treats and speaks about humans like animals.

Ironically, Siobhan is extremely fond of animals.

[rhianwells]

"sometimes, everything shifts in the snap of a finger."

"Yeah, but... Maybe we just don't see everything that's happening before the snap, that's why we think it's so quick and out of nowhere?" Since when did Ria feel so philosophical?

[musicarenagh]

Ko-Jo Cue Celebrates The Essence of Hip-Hop With I’M Back After serving hip-hop fans with "Free Throw" and an unforgettable BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, Ko-Jo Cue has returned with an EP. Titled I'M Back, the seven-track project, released on November 16, marks his first project after a two-year hiatus. It also signifies a bold return to the roots of hip-hop, built around rhymes, flows, and technical ability.  The rollout for "I'M Back" borrows a lot of imagery from basketball and sports and features Ghanaian rap stars like Joey B, Kwaku DMC, Tulenkey, Strongman, YPee, Kweku Smoke, and Ria Boss. The themes dance around self-expression, celebration, hustle, and seizing the day. Fortune Dane, iPappi, Retro, Kobe Norths, and others handle production. Notably, Peewezel, a long-term collaborator of Cue, makes a return after being absent from his last three projects.  From the EP's opening number, "Mac Tontoh," Ko-Jo Cue pays homage to the individuals who've played a pivotal role in his journey. The track features Bigg Homie Flee, who spices up the track with his spoken words. On the next song, "Someway," Ko-Jo Cue takes a swipe at individuals leading phony lives and seeking validation from strangers.   The next single, "Free Throw," which features a verse from Ghanaian rapper Joey B, is a celebratory trap banger, highlighting his triumph against all odds. Ko-Jo Cue teams up with Kweku Smoke and Kwaku DMC on "32," a drill anthem emphasizing the urgency of living life to the fullest.   For the EP's fifth track, "OKAY OKAY," Ko-Jo Cue talks about ambition, resilience, and hard work with hard-hitting verses from fellow Kumasi rappers Strongman and YPee. He maintains his determination discourse in "Cedi Kasa" while offering insightful social commentary on the nation's challenges. For a change of tempo, Ko-Jo Cue ends I'M Back with the Ria Boss-assisted "Happy Endings," which delves into the unpredictability of life and death, personal tragedies, and the futility of chasing fairytales.   "I've been gone for a bit, and I started feeling a lot of the energy that made me fall in love with hip-hop," says Ko-Jo Cue. "So before I get back to regular scheduled programming, I felt like putting the glasses down and stepping into the booth again." "I'M Back" is not just an album—it's a statement. It's a celebration of authentic hip-hop, a nod to the sports that have inspired Ko-Jo Cue, and a tribute to the artists who have helped him along the way. Additionally, it showcases Ko-Jo Cue's storytelling prowess and dedication to addressing societal issues in his music.  Listen to I'M Back on your preferred platform.  About Ko-Jo Cue Raised in the energetic rhythms of West Africa, Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, known to the world as Ko-Jo Cue, is a Ghanaian hip-hop artist who continues the legacy of the region's revered griots. As a songwriter and lyricist, he weaves tales of African life through a lens both introspective and socially aware. His fusion of Hip-Hop, Highlife, and Afrobeats, paired with his philosophically tinged narrative style, mirrors the creative forces behind rap titans like Jay Z, Nas, J. Cole, and Obrafour.  His collaboration with Ghanaian rapper Shaker on the album "Pen & Paper" in 2017 garnered accolades and caught the eye of Lauryn Hill. This earned him an opening slot on her tour. Similarly, his 2019 debut album, "For My Brothers," was hailed as a landmark in the Ghanaian rap scene, dominated the Apple Music Charts, and gained a nomination for Album of the Year at the 3 Music Video Awards. Since 2019, he has accrued several awards, including the Adinkra Poetry Prize and an Artlink grant, for which he converted his album "For My Brothers" into a radio show aired across Europe. Follow Ko-Jo Cue on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more updates on the rapper.

[gingermcl]

Mathematics is "the science of quantity; the abstract science which investigates the concepts of numerical and spatial relations," from Greek mathēmatikos "relating to mathematics, scientific, astronomical; pertaining to learning, disposed to learn," from mathēma "science, knowledge, a lesson," literally "that which is learnt;" from PIE root *mendh- "to learn."

Numerical and spatial relations sounds like the study of how numbers (or math) affect physical reality (perhaps create it) to me. We learn when there is information in front of us to learn. Makes me think it is mathematics generating material for us to learn. I’ve covered learn before and it’s often how El-earns our energy.

Mat-he-matics

Mat- matter (Tiamat) demiurge took over

He- demiurge

matic is from Latin matos matos "thinking, animated"

Matter he thinks or animates. Mathematics seems to be the language the creator uses to create physical matter. I do not hold the opinion that the creator of matter is benevolent. Matter is currently being run like a prison for eternal essence. He being the demiurge or false god mimicking the creator of the all. Mathematics is said to be an abstract science.

Abstract can mean “to draw away, withdraw, remove" in the philosophical sense "consider as a general object or idea without regard to matter."

The word ge-mat-ria also contains mat. Gematria is extremely intricate and in my opinion not done by a human. Gematria requires quantum computing of this realm on the highest level.

I feel the creator of this reality could have somehow been tampered with and turned on itself. Like te fiti and te Ka in Moana. Perhaps a parasitic energy literally got into the mind or heart of Mother Earth. It’s truly hard to say. Whatever is going on there’s no doubt in my mind there’s a creator for intelligent design is everywhere. I do feel strongly we were either imprisoned involuntarily or if we volunteered to come here we were lied to about the nature of physical existence. I also feel mathematics is the primary language creating the simulation. This matrix is constantly computing data that generates the biological process based on our choices.

[strifetime]

🦊🕵️‍♂️ talking about how he wanted to do philosophy and astromony is so endearing??

[thecontumacious]

"Among the thousands I've met, you are the only one my heart resonates with."

luca kaneshiro edition.

when with you, he forgets who he has to be. he wished he knew this sooner.

a/n: this one got a bit too philosophical and admittedly more prose than story here o.0 so sorry about that! >.<

reminder that all my work and others in the fandom are purely fiction and intended to entertain, not to be projected irl.

vox akuma edition (tba). mysta rias edition. ike eveland edition (tba). shu yamino edition (tba).

romanticized as it is the mafia life, it's nothing short but a crime syndicate meant to obtain money through illegal means. bounties, gambling, drug transport and the like

it's luca kaneshiro's life

the bright and happy-go-lucky lion king with a life color darker than the color when he closed his eyes

with the multiple meetings with drug lords, people demanding assassinations and handling a huge casino in one of the biggest cities in the world, it's a miracle how luca has yet to lose it.

his sanity. his smile, that is.

because he's not allowed to be himself in this dark life. he's not allowed to crack a smile if it isn't a joke about some stupid client, he's not allowed to laugh if his victim isn't dead, he's not allowed to talk freely if the topic isn't about anything consisting the mafia

luca kaneshiro had to use a mask, almost every single day. but he was used to it, as he was raised to take care of such a crime syndicate since a young age

when the clock strikes 6 in the evening, for once his schedule empty, luca takes a huge sigh of relief and takes his coat off the chair's backrest.

he shrugs it on, gesturing to his staff present in the room, "what is my next schedule for tonight?"

"we have a few clients waiting in the casino tonight, sir. 11 pm. before that, you have some free time," the secretary reads from her clipboard in hand, scribbling down a couple notes quickly. luca hums and dismisses her, leaving his office.

on his way out, men and women of both high and low statuses greet him with respect. they ceased whatever activity they were doing, ranging from practicing gun shootings, discussing plans to infiltrate enemy grounds or plain chatter.

perhaps this was the part of the mafia life that was so appealing to the common folk. the respect, the riches, the army at the back of your hand ready to head in and kill at your will.

luca merely sighs at the simple thought, remembering that all the greatest things in the world came with a heavy price.

he was in the constant line of danger, death awaiting if he so much as takes the slightest wrong step. anger the wrong people and he might endanger innocent lives.

luca had everything, but could also lose everything in a blink of an eye.

when the mafia boss finally made it to the basement, he pulled out his car keys and hopped in with a frankly muddy mind from the day. luca drove out, speeding through the streets, uncaring if it was busy because working hours were ending

he just... needed to get out of here. this city life. his life.

but even then, people recognized him. people knew of his (falsely interpreted) murderous tendencies. people knew what kind of people he dealt with.

and because of that, people like to think luca kaneshiro is jagged on the edges, rough and aggressive if you tip him off.

so, when he merely decided to get a quick meal at a mcdonald's, just about everyone ran out of the restaurant.

luca sighs, walking towards the ordering counter to the seemingly scared for his life employee. he stutters, "wh-what can i get you, s-sir?"

"just a big mac, fries, and a soda, please," luca answers quietly, fishing out his pocket to give appropriate money. er, more like overly sufficient money for a burger and soda...

but the only thing that mattered to the employee was he get his order right and out, much, much rather than have only the most infamous mafia boss in the city point a gun to his head.

"s-sure," the poor thing struggles with the cash register he could be peeing blood.

so what luca does is push the money over to him and offers him a smile, "the change is your tip, okay?"

all 500 dollars of it.

if he wasn't a mafia boss, the employee would've smiled and jumped for joy. but he was one, so the man instantly thought he owed luca his life or something over his 500 dollar tip. that luca would be waiting for him one day to give over his entire fortune.

but he couldn't speak against him. so he just nodded and luca moved to the pick-up section.

his meal is given in a matter of literal seconds and though he knew they just took someone else's order that was also a big mac, all luca could do was take it and leave.

he wasn't even accepted in a public fast food chain. how could he with the rest of the world?

luca supposes this is just the way his life was meant to be.

heavy footsteps brought him to a lone bench in the park, far away from the eye of the public for their sake. there was no way he was going to be the reason people couldn't enjoy their evening.

so he sat, took out his dinner, and ate in silence as birds lightly chirped in the background. alone, yet again.

"excuse me."

luca's ears perk up at the foreign sound and he looks to his side and sees a beautiful figure, basked in what little light the day had left to offer. they smiled at him, holding a book to their chest and a bag slung over their body.

idiotically, the mafia boss looks side to side then back at you, pointing at himself, "m-me?"

the stranger nods, laughing, "yes, you. who else? can i sit next to you?"

what was this? was this an enemy in disguise? were they hiding some sort of recorder in their bag? were they trying to plant strong evidence on him?

but they packed too light to have all those things, the clothes were too simple to be hiding anything of significance. and luca has seen his fair share of disguising spies and decoys, so according to his instincts, perhaps the stranger wouldn't be a threat. for now.

"yeah sure, go ahead," luca scoots on over, letting them take a seat at the bench. "so, what brought you here?"

"i come here all the time to get a bit of time to myself. to be alone for a while," they respond, resting their book onto their lap as they settled their bag by the wooden backrest. "and you? just having dinner in the sunset?"

luca chuckles, "yep. it's nice out here, and to clear my head."

"long day?" the person next to him asks, displaying another smile that seemed to heal the very reason why luca even decided to come out here. it's been a long life, he wondered.

he nods, avoiding to elaborate by stuffing his mouth with his burger again.

"tomorrow will be better. it always will," they add, folding open their book.

maybe, luca thought. "how do you know it always will?"

they laugh, tracing their finger over the blocks of text. "it just is. i mean, it's better than thinking tomorrow will get worse, right? even if you know that tomorrow might seem just as long as today, there's no telling it will be a bad one."

the mafia boss pauses his eating and turns to the stranger next to him. their face is so peaceful, calm, like they truly had nothing to worry about. like tomorrow is going to be better. and perhaps it will for them, and maybe for luca too.

"what's your name?" he asks.

"y/n," you smile. "you?"

he hesitated, afraid he might scare you off but then he settles, "just call me luca."

perhaps it was because he had yet to mention his surname that you didn't even flinch.

"luca. luca means 'bringer of hope' or 'bringer of light'," you close your book again and reared yourself towards luca. "i know you probably had a really tiring day. but i can tell you're a very kind and cheerful person. usually, people like them can't handle sadness as much. no offense."

"none taken," he chuckles, wrapping his food tight completely, intrigued by you. mysterious, insightful, so understanding and just... beautiful in a way he couldn't say to other people. "but thanks. that means a lot for someone in my place."

"i'm glad i could make your day just a little bit better, luca," you giggle.

"no, you made it a whole lot better," he grins, digging into his paper bag then offering you his box of still fresh fries. "want some? a snack while you read."

you eye the treats and graciously took one, then popping it into your mouth with a red-cheeked beam. "payment for my philosophy?"

"if you want payment for making my day better, it's gonna take more than some fries, y/n."

and that was how you and luca kaneshiro, the deadly mafia boss whose identity you've yet to realize, met and eventually fell in love.

mornings before you left for work, the silly little blond would show up with some kind of thoughtful gift. something as simple as flowers, snacks, a new book or a drink from your favorite cafe.

random afternoons on your break, luca would visit you with food. it would either be homemade or bought only from the most expensive restaurants in the city. you always wondered what job he had if he kept visiting you in the middle of the day, not that you were complaining of course.

and on nights when you got back from work, the mafia boss would surprise you with his rolls royce and take you home. or if he felt more adventurous, he would drive you around the city and take you somewhere to eat.

every time you asked him why he was doing all this, he would merely grin his goofy smile and merely say, "payment for making my days better."

but despite all this, telling you about his days, his friends, his family... he never mentioned a single syllable about his real job.

he never told you his surname out of fear.

out of fear that his one chance of not being alone will slip away from him. out of fear he would never see you again and rot in the dark life of his mafia job.

luca would have to tell you soon. he knew that. but for now, he wants to let himself enjoy your company just a bit more before that happens.

it was a quiet night on the road that time. no cars around, no other pedestrians. just luca kaneshiro and you, fast food in your laps and rambling about your terrible week.

it was in this quiet night that you blurted it out to the silly blond, lips still coated lightly with sweet ice cream. "i love you, luca."

his world instantly stopped.

you? the sweetest person on the earth loved someone like him? oh right, he hasn't told you yet...

"luca?"

"hm?" it's only then did he realize he had been holding his breath and lips sealed shut, no signs of a response which may have worried you. he turns to you with a nervous smile, gesturing towards you. "you were saying?"

"i said i love you," you muse, throwing a fry his way.

"o-oh, right," he stammered involuntarily, looking back towards the road as though you hadn't already said that twice. god, you loved him. him. the one person in the world he didn't deserve love after he killed so many, stolen from so many, ruined so many.

you tap his shoulder, "are you going to respond to that?"

"uh..."

he's so afraid you'll run from him. it hurts even more now to see you go, right after you confessed. even if you didn't run, the mafia would be compromised if he isn't careful. if you're not kept out of reach of his crimes.

"mr. kaneshiro, i'm going to need an answer from you."

luca froze and glanced at you.

you merely laugh, "i knew from the start. but i was never afraid of you. sure, i've heard what you've done but when i saw you on that bench, eating alone and looking off into the sunset, you looked just as human as everyone else, luca."

"i-it's not just about me, y/n," he sighs, rubbing his temples. "the danger i could put you through. the mafia demands for my life and i will never let it demand for yours, even though i want to say i love you too. it's just... i can't let you get hurt because of me."

"pull over."

luca pauses and gives you a look, but you didn't stammer a word as you put your hand over his. he does as you tell him and then you're suddenly pulling his face towards yours, a proximity closer than you two have ever been in.

"if i was afraid of the consequences the moment i started talking to you, i wouldn't have sat next to you that day," your finger brushes away the strands that covers the mafia boss' face ever so gently. "luca, i knew what i got myself into. but i'm willing to face it all with you if i get to love you."

"i don't deserve you," he whimpers, leaning against your forehead as though he was looking for some kind of stability. perhaps he was, with his shaking fears of losing you. "i don't want to see you hurt."

"i'll be okay. even if i did, i wouldn't mind getting hurt loving you," you smile. "but let's not talk about what hasn't happened hm? we're here right now, and we're fine."

you're right. you always were since he met you.

"i... i love you too," luca finally responds, cupping your soft cheeks. "god, i really, really wanted to say that."

a giggle falls from your lips, one of his favorite sounds in the world as you went to peck his nose. "me too."

then, the window behind you shatters.

luca's eyes widen in panic, cradling your head into his chest as he craned his own to look through the ruined car window. through what little he could see, luca notices someone on top of a building in dark clothes aiming a sniper at the car.

assassin.

"y/n, y/n, are you okay?" he asks you frantically, touching your face then looking towards your body for injuries. but then he sees the red bleeding through your clothes, spreading out even more with just how much you're hurting.

luca's voice is stuck in his throat, far too sunken deep in shock to rationalize what to do.

really? at a time like this?

at a time where he could finally be with someone in this world, robbed in just a second like that. how could they do this to him? to you no less?

"luca."

you call to him, breaking his shocked state apart as he finally came to his senses again. "fuck. y/n, just hold on. i'll get you to a hospital--just, please hold on..."

"you can't... the police will find you."

"i don't care, you have to be taken care of. you're gonna die if i don't--"

then his phone rings. luca planned to ignore it with you being his priority, but you're the one who fishes it out of his pocket and show the screen to him, "it's from your vice leader."

"i don't care, he doesn't matter right now. come on, let me--"

"hello?" you croak out, taking the phone call.

expecting it to be some trivial matter that was way below your urgency, luca's right hand man screams, "hello? boss, we need you back here! the mafia's been compromised. we're being ambushed by the enemy!"

"go," you order, tapping his arm. "they need you."

"y/n, no. how could you? your life is in danger! i have to get you--"

you shake your head as you beg, "i'm only one life. but the mafia is more than one, and all the innocents surrounding the area. please, luca, you're the only who can stop this..."

but before luca could protest anymore, you suddenly collapse against him, the life within you disappearing with every single second passing.

"y/n, please..." the mafia boss sobs, hugging you to him tightly.

but you're quiet, breathing as soft as the sound of your beating heart. "you keep saying how i make your days better. but i never got to say you made my entire life so much more beautiful. and i want to thank you for that, luca. save everyone else. it was so nice loving you, even for a small amount of time."

then, you lay your head onto his shoulder. silent, no longer breathing, gone.

and luca?

alone.

as he reaches the mafia's hideout, he realizes just how bad everything is. how nothing has been prepared, even though luca swore he had a backup plan if anything happened.

or... did he?

his vice leader jogs over to him, frantically asking for help and a plan to help save what was left. but still overwhelmed by your death, luca's head is empty, his heart somewhere else.

in your hands, taken with you to somewhere he couldn't follow.

"you've changed, boss," the vice admits, looking at luca dead-eyed. "ever since you found a lover, all you do is prioritize them. you forgot about us, the mafia. it's like you don't care about us anymore. isn't it part of the mafia's code? to never comprise it?"

"i..."

so it was his fault. it was his fault to let his guard down like this. he met you and lost control of everything. the one thing he needed in his life was the very mistake that caused this.

bang.

luca blinks and in a moment's notice, his vice is down too. before he could react either, someone kicks him from behind, hitting his head and falling on the same ground of his vice.

his vision is blurry, mind and body lost in a different dimension by what's happened today. all he could manage to see are the many footsteps surrounding him and the screams for victory.

"kill him," someone says then luca hears the click of a gun. "thank you, y/n. you managed to weaken him after all."

then something broke inside of luca kaneshiro as he braved himself to crack his eyes open for only a little bit more. then he sees you, alive and well.

"y/n?" he croaks out. "what...?"

"sorry, luca," is all you manage, offering him a faux smile as you point the gun at him. "thanks for everything anyway."

bang.

Masterlist!

[kpop-cakepops]

hello <333 can i request a vernon fluff au :DD maybe a meet cute type of thing ! love ur works always <3

I am so so so so many months late, I'm so sorry. I hope you see this and like it.

Word count: 1,447

Genre: Fluff ♡

Warnings: none.

Never fitting the quota was Y/N's brand. Invisibility was her super power. Intelligence her forte. Being unattractive, however, was her hell.

"Why won't you just let me do your brows? Just once-"

For the millionth time that day, Y/N found herself sighing out in frustration. "I would rather choke on Dokyeom's fat toe than put myself through 20 minutes of pain over something that won't benefit me in the least."

Ria, her best friend since infancy gave her a soft shove. "That's gross... Dokyeom, isn't that gross?" She asked causing the handsome loser to pull away from the manga he was reading.

"My toes are exquisite. I'll gladly let you suck them any day. I do have to warn you, though, I'm quite the ticklish man." He said with a blank face. It never ceased to baffle Y/N how he could so easily disconnect his facial reactions from his emotions, especially when he made a joke.

"You two are so annoying-" Y/N couldn't finish her sentence as the poor girl's shoulder was swung back by the harsh collision of another body against hers.

A string of apologies left the man's lips. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there" he said reaching out to her. Y/N's hand tugged at Dokyeom's pant leg instead, and the boy obliged reaching down to her. Y/N took Dokyeom's hand quickly and stood up, a small huff leaving her plump lips.

"It's fine" she mumbled before walking off with her friends, she hadn't even looked at the man that had ran into her. It was upsetting really. That was the fifth time that week that the man had attempted to get her attention but to no avail.

"Maybe... I can...make up for that..." he sighed knowing she hadn't heard him, she was way too far from him by the time he'd mustered out his invitation. "... Over coffee"

Hansol Vernon Chwe was his name. If you wanted to talk about beautiful then he was the usual conversation starter in Gosev University. Tall, handsome, charismatic, sweet, rich and nice... He was the perfect catch, and yet no one, not even the prettiest girl on campus, had been able to tie him down.

He was complex. His looks had nothing to do with his choice of being single. It was deeper than that, somehow his reasoning always led to her. The one girl his eyes followed every time she walked past him. The invisible one is what she appeared to like to call herself, he'd overheard her once talking to the boy she was always with.

"She's supposed to be invisible not blind... yet her eyes never once land on me." He murmured to himself before collecting the books he'd dropped and heading the opposite way of Y/N and her two friend. One hand tightly grasping his books while the other was dug deep in his Jean's pocket in frustration.

He knew that Y/N wasn't in the Medical field, if he wasn't mistaken, it was her loud friend, Ria, that was enrolled. Plus, how would he have ever met Y/N if she'd been in the sciences? No, she was part of the Applied Arts department... It's why he was knee deep entranced with the girl.

*

"This is Hansol, he is a third year Philosophy major, and he will be presenting us with the introduction to this class. After only his first year here, Mr. Chwe presented a critically accclaimed thesis on his philosophical research, based mostly on the works of the ones I like to call the 'great three'; Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. Mr. Chwe, why don't you go ahead?"

The handsome young man bowed slightly before stepping up to the podium that was set in the center of the room before the students that scattered the lecture hall. He wasn't nervous, he never was. Being fearless when it came to being in public was what his mother liked to call his charm.

"Good morning everybody, I won't dwell much on introducing myself, Dr. Lee has outdone himself with doing that for me" he turned to the older man and bowed thankfully. "Today I will be introducing you to philosophy and the many facets that come with the term, does anyone know what philosophy means?"

All the women in the room were ecstatic at the view of him standing up at the podium in all his beautiful glory. Some scrambled over their desks while raising their hands, this in hopes of a better chance at getting picked by their handsome senior.

He ignored the stares and pointed to a random girl sitting in the center of the room. Her lashes batted and she took her pen fiddling with it, she was trying very hard to look cute... So hard it was almost painful for him to watch.

"Philosophy has no meaning. It is up to us to figure out what is, or isn't" she said with a proud smile.

Hansol rubbed at the back of his neck. "Yes, in part, but I was looking for more of an actual definition not necessarily how we approach it." He admitted frankly. The room went dead silent, suddenly no one was sure of what the right answer was.

He turned towards the white board behind himself ready to write down the answer but a strong voice pierced the air making him turn in its direction. "It's the study of the fundaments of any body of knowledge" she said. The man's eyes took a bit to scout the area, finally they found her. She was looking at him with a slightly bored expression, her pen tapping lightly at the surface of her desk. "It's not limited to knowledge, though, it can also be seen as the study of the fundaments of any body of existence, reason, values, language, mind..."

He smiled at her but she didn't return it, instead she returned her gaze to her notes. It was an odd feeling not to get a reaction from a girl... Yet it was refreshing as well. Here was a woman that wasn't interested in how hot her senior was, more so on what he was teaching. It made him warm inside. "That is correct-"

"There isn't ever right or wrong when it comes to philosophy, though" interjected another woman. She was seated in the front row, her body was leaning forward trying to get his undivided attention as had the first one.

Once again, her gaze was lifted. "You're right, but the definition of philosophy isn't up for debate. It is a fact. For example, are you trying to hit on Hansol or are you just an airhead? That could be pit as a philosophical question. A very stupid one, but philosophical if that's what you wish. You could argue that there is no right or wrong answer. I, however, would suggest you're a mix of both, but then again, this is a philosophy class, right? What I'm trying to say is that anything can be suggested but it doesn't change the definition of Philosophy."

Everyone was stunned to silence. A silent chorus of "whats wrong with hers" and "what's her problems" filled the air rendering Y/N embarrassed. The woman in the front cleared her throat uncomfortably and sat back correctly. As for Hansol, he was amazed. He wanted to clap and cheer her on for her perfect response, not only for being great at explaining philosophy but for finally allowing him to feel like more than a piece of eye candy for women to thirst over.

"That's absolutely correct" he finally managed with the smallest hint of a smile on his face.

The class continued like any other. Every once in a while his eyes would slip over to Y/N's slumped figure. Sometimes her pencil would be skidding quickly over the notebook before her, other times her eyes would be staring straight at him through the glasses perched on her nose. He'd be lying if he said it didn't make him nervous.

"Thank you so much for coming in today, it was a pleasure to teach for your class." He said with a bright smile. He was glad the class was over because that meant he'd be able to...

She was gone.

*

Hansol made his way to his car dejectedly. The sweet memory of meeting Y/N leaving a contradictory bitter taste in his mouth. He had no idea what to do to get Y/N to notice him. She was the only one that didn't and, as self centered and shallow as that made him sound, it only made him want her attention the most.

[ysbnews]

'Vile, Cruel Crime' Putin Breaks Silence on Bombing Which Killed Key Ally's Daughter

EXPRESS UK | By Matthew Dooley | 8/22/2022

VLADIMIR PUTIN has broken his silence over the killing of his key ally's daughter for the first time.

Putin has broken his silence over bombing killed Darya Dugina. - © Getty Images

Darya Dugina, daughter of Russian ultranationalist Aleksandr Dugin, was killed by a car bomb near Moscow on Saturday, August 20. Her father is a political philosopher with fascist views who wishes to unite all Russian speaking peoples into a single nation which could rival the West. His daughter shared many of those views.

Putin offered his condolences to the family of Darya Dugina in a statement on the Kremlin's Telegram channel. He said: "A vile, cruel crime cut short the life of Daria Dugina, a bright, talented person with a real Russian heart - kind, loving, sympathetic and open. "A journalist, scientist, philosopher, war correspondent, she honestly served the people, the Fatherland, she proved by deed what it means to be a patriot of Russia."

Darya Dugina shared the nationalist views of her father - © Getty Images

Ms Dugina's father, Aleksandr Dugin, also made his first public comments about his daughter's death through a statement on his friend Konstantin Malofeev's Telegram channel. He said: "She was a beautiful Orthodox girl, a patriot, a military correspondent, an expert on central channels, and a philosopher. "Her speeches and reporting have always been profound, grounded and restrained. She never called for violence and war. She was a rising star at the beginning of her journey. The enemies of Russia meanly, stealthily killed her."

Darya Dugina's father, Russian ultranationalist Aleksandr Durgin. - © Getty Images 

He called for a Russian victory in the Ukraine in the wake of her death.  He added: "But we, our people, cannot be broken even by such unbearable blows. Our hearts yearn for more than just revenge or retribution. It's too small, not the Russian way. "We only need our Victory. My daughter laid her maiden life on her altar. So win, please!" 

Russian investigators have blamed Ukraine for the bombing - © Getty Images

Russian investigators said Ms Dugina was killed when a bomb blew up Toyota Land Cruiser she was driving in an elite Moscow suburb. The state-run RIA Novosti news quoted an FSB statement blaming Ukrainian special forces for the attack. It said: "It has been established the crime was prepared and committed by the Ukrainian special services." Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement in the killing.

A memorial service in Russia for Darya Dugina. - © Getty Images

Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Ukraine would not carry out such a strike because it was not a "criminal state". He said: "Ukraine, of course, had nothing to do with this because we are not a criminal state, like the Russian Federation, and moreover we are not a terrorist state."

“The Third Man” of the Kyiv government, President Zelensky’s adviser Mykhailo Podolyak - © Getty Images

Ukraine's independence day is August 24 and President Zelensky had warned during his nightly video address on Saturday, August 20, that Russia could do something "particularly nasty" this week. He said: "We should be aware that this week Russia may try to do something particularly nasty, something particularly cruel. Such is our enemy."

[niawritess]

The Lovestruck~Chapter 15

( 16 December)

9:33 am

Arriving at your college, you found students making the whole campus chaotic, which was understandable since the announcement happened yesterday.

It's been few days since the bowling day and the play took over yesterday with principal announcing an event happening in the coming week which left students excited.

"I'm so excited!" Ria exclaimed clapping her hands and you shook your head at her chuckling as you two were walking out of the class. "You're always excited for parties, no?"

"And you are not, how boring." She rolled her eyes and earned a smack from you before you two heard your names being called out.

Looking at the direction, you spotted Mark running towards you with a smile on his face before he stopped infront of you.

"Are you also excited for the party?" Ria questioned him smiling brightly and he frowned shaking his head causing you chuckle at your bestfriend as she pouted.

"You look happy, did something good happened?" You asked him and he smiled again before instantly pulling you in a hug leaving you shook.

He pulled away sensing you standing still and chuckled awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, I just got excited."

You coughed out looking away embarrassed to lock eyes with your bestfriend who was staring at you with surprised expression and you gave her a what look where she snapped out.

"Ahem, why are you so excited that you even hugged y/n." She crossed her arms staring at Mark teasingly and you frowned slapping her arm lightly.

"Oh, that, I made a painting and it was uploaded on our college blog and I just just heard from professor that they got called by a famous Art Gallery and they want to present my painting on their exhibition." He told with a shy smile.

You and Ria looked at eachother amazed before smiling widely at him and praised him. You three started walking to the garden area with him telling you that he won't be able to attend the party since he has to go there.

Imersed in talking and unaware of the fact that Baekhyun was watching the scene from the window of the music room with clenched jaw. He didn't know why but he didn't liked how Mark hugged you and seeing it, he had the urge to pull him away from you.

"Baekhyun-ah!"

He followed the voice which called out him to see Yixing staring at him with worried look at which Baekhyun raised his brows questionly.

He followed Yixing's gaze to his hand and got shocked to see a plastic water bottle crushed in his hand. Not able to look at him, he excused himself outside to throw this with an excuse to be alone.

Why was he feeling this way? Seeing you with smiling at other guy made him feel weird inside and really bothered him enough to feel angry. He looked at the crushed bottle and gulped hardly before throwing it in the ban.

He needed to sort this out quickly before he gets crazy with the thoughts.

***

12:34 pm

You were in the cafeteria with your bestfriend and Baekhyun with his friends at the same table with you. At first it was a little awkward since you were getting stared at but not now and you're used to it.

Chanyeol, Sehun and Jongin were discussing about the party and Ria being the biggest enthusiastic joined them. They kept sharing their latest experiences from their previous parties at how Jongin got drunk and spilled his drink on one of the professors then next day the professor kept sending death glares to him.

Jongin did a fake shudder as he remembered about that night and all of you laughed at him before you looked to your side to see Baekhyun looking lost while playing with his food.

You frowned and tapped his shoulder to get his attention where he instantly looked at you surprised.

"Are you okay?"

"Huh?" He looked confused then following your gaze to his plate then back to you and gave a little smile before nodding. Though you weren't convinced but you also didn't wanted to force him so you just went back to your business.

Meanwhile, Baekhyun, he was still bothered by the scene he witnessed earlier and being the straightforward person he is, he couldn't help but ask about this.

"Can I ask you something?"

You looked at him confusingly before nodding then Baekhyun saw everyone imersed in talking and he leaned a bit to your side.

"Are you dating Mark?"

You looked at him surprised taken aback by his sudden question out of your imagination. Seeing your shook face Baekhyun wanted to punch himself for being too straightforward.

You don't know why but you didn't wanted any misunderstanding between you two and instantly shook your head. "No! Why would you think that?"

His face lit up upon hearing your answer and hid his grin. "Uh, I happened to see you two hugging so, yeah."

"Ah! That he was excited so unknowingly he did that." You casually said even though you were also shook by his gesture.

Baekhyun's head snapped with a serious expression. "Just because he was excited, he hugged you?"

You stared at him confused and he cleared his throat feeling himself overreacting but he couldn't help himself, boy was jealous as hell.

"Nevermind, Are you coming to the party?"

He smiled genuinely and you stared at him as how he was acting weird right now and instantly changed.

"Oh, right! Are you two coming?" Sehun asked and Ria immediately nodded. Well, nothing new.

"I'll have to stay away from professors, I don't wanna repeat the scene." Jongin whined.

"Too bad. You would be dancing in the bathroom and you wouldn't even know." Chanyeol commented earning a glare from the latter while you all laughed.

"So, Are you coming?" Chanyeol questioned and you shrugged. "I'm not sure. I mean, I'm not a party person so..."

"Yeah! Come to think of it, I have never seen you any college events too." Sehun tapped his index finger on his chin and Jongin nodded.

"You should come," You looked at Baekhyun. "I mean, this time won't come back and when you look back, you would have some memories to remember."

You stared at him pondering his words before a smile crept on your face and you nodded. "I'll think about it."

"Baekhyun Hyung, you should become a philosopher." Sehun commented and the latter rolled his eyes.

"She will come." Ria spoke with a confident tone making you confuse before a smug smile appeared on her lips as she had a plan.

Still smiling, she looked ahead and made an eye contact with Chanyeol who was already staring at her but instantly looked away. Ria also looked down at her food with her blushing face and you watched the scene like an investigator.

Later, you went to the library to return some books and met Rowoon outside by chance then decided to walk with with him but while passing by the garden area you witnessed a scene you wished you shouldn't have.

"What the hell are you trying to do?!"

You and Rowoon halted when you heard a familiar voice which belonged to Baekhyun. You really didn't wanted to pry or see anything but that's when you heard another familiar voice.

"At least tell me the reason!"

"This..."

And before you knew it, Rowoon was already going towards them with you trying to stop him.

"Don't you feel ashamed asking me this, when you have a freaking boyfriend?"

"I got close to him so I can get close to you!"

Your jaw slightly dropped upon hearing Lauren's words and so was Baekhyun as looked at her with disgusting eyes.

"I can't believe this! You would stoop this low! And I already told you that I don't like you!"

You flinched by his sudden outburst before looking at Rowoon who had his jaw clenched with his eyes showing hurt.

You felt so bad and that's when you locked eyes with Baekhyun who seemed shocked and Lauren followed his gaze and her face turned pale.

Before she could say anything, Rowoon walked away from there with Lauren following him, not before glaring at you thinking you led him here.

You and Baekhyun stared at eachother, not saying anything until he began to explain but you stopped him saying he doesn't have to since you already saw everything and it wasn't his fault.

As for him, he felt relieved that you didn't misunderstood and trusted him.

***

Days passed and you noticed the tension between Baekhyun and Rowoon as both of them seemed too awkward to talk which was weird for his friends too, since they always get along well.

Coming back to Lauren, she seemed guilty as Rowoon wasn't giving her any attention and stayed away from her which seemed to anger her and whenever you made an eye contact with her, she always glared at you.

Not to mention, she kept bumping into on purpose and did things where your patience was getting out of hands but you stayed still knowing how bad things would turn out, until one day.

Ria and you were seated in the cafeteria since everyone was too busy to be here so this time you both were alone, eating your food and laughing at eachother's jokes. You were about to grab a bite but a gasp escape from mouth as you felt something cold touched your head.

Then you realised, it was juice as you could smell it from your hair, keeping your eyes shut, you tried to calm down by taking a deep breath.

"Lauren! What the hell is wrong with you!?" Ria shouted, standing up from her chair and then looked at you, her eyes soften. "Y/n, are you okay?"

"Awe, is y/n gonna cry?" She laughed mockingly. "You deserve this for snatching my boyfriend from me!"

You took a deep breath before opening your eyes shot at her. "You should've poured water instead of juice, stupid."

She looked at you in disbelief. "W-what?"

You stood up and she took a step back while Ria smirked as she saw what was coming now.

"And what? Snatched your boyfriend? Who are you trying to fool? We both know who's fault it is." You snapped and she looked at you with wide eyes before looking around to see everyone was giving her weird looks.

"And If you think by doing this will make you some high and mighty," You folded your arms to your chest before stepping closer to her. "Then let me tell you it's not, you look like an attention seeker."

She huffed. "How dare-".

"Cockroach!" You shouted and she stepped back screaming and started dusting off her dress and her hair and then looked at you confusingly. "There's nothing!"

"Did I said there was?" You said with a pocker face and everyone started laughing at her, you just shook your head. "Stupid."

You took your food plate and was about to leave but turned back to her who was standing still and went closer to her.

"Don't mess with me again." You warned her firmly and turning around you left the cafeteria with Ria behind you before she threw a smug smile at Lauren.

***

"Gosh, I don't even have a shampoo with me!" You whined while washing your hair in the washroom.

"Here." Ria held out a towel and you took it before rubbing your hair and dried them in the hand dryer.

"But that was insane like y/n! You rocked it!" Ria exclaimed while your were combing your hair.

You sighed. "I had to, I saw this coming like how she was behaving with me since last few days, I didn't want to do that but she was testing my patience."

Ria patted your back. "You did the right thing Y/n but why did she do that?"

"Rowoon broke up with her." You looked at her reflection from the mirror and she gasped. "What? How?"

You looked around the washroom if someone was there but not finding anyone, you spun around and faced her. You narrated everything about that day but you kept it in since this was a personal matter of them and you just happened to witness it.

She scoffed. "Wow! I knew it! She was always looking at Baekhyun Sunbae with those flirty eyes and I heard that she got rejected by him before."

"You knew? Your eyes enlarged. "I didn't know that but whatever it is, Rowoon broke up with her and she's blaming me since he is ignoring her and still hanging out with us."

"Not just Rowoon but Baekhyun Sunbae and his friends too that's why she's jealous of you." She stated and you closed your eyes and sighed. "Let's just drop this topic."

"Y/n, you okay?" Ria asked in a worried tone and you opened before giving her a assuring smile. "Yeah."

She suddenly started laughing and you looked at her quizzically. "Why are you laughing?"

"It's just that you brought cockroach in the middle of serious atmosphere." She said in the midst of laughter and you joined her before you both got out of the washroom.

While walkng down the hallway, you both spotted Rowoon standing against your locker, he looked around and met your gaze before standing straight as you aproached.

"Rowoon what are you doing here?" Ria asked him and he shifted his eyes to you from her.

"I heard what happened." He spoke and you both looked at eachother before him.

"I'm really sorry y/n, this is all because of me." He gave you a guilty look and you shook your head. "No, it's not your fault, it's not like you did it, so don't blame yourself."

"But still-"

"No buts, just let it go hm?" You smiled and he nodded still feeling guilty and you noticed it.

"If you're still feeling sorry, then you can do something that'll make us happy." You tilted your head and they both gave you a confused look.

"What?" Rowoon asked, looking at you like you're gonna ask him to jump in a fire.

You chuckled. "Pizza treat, deal?"

His confused face changed into a grin and he nodded immediately. "Deal but when?"

"Right now! Because we didn't get to eat lunch." You patted your stomach and he chuckled.

"Yes! And y/n, you're not gonna eat mine." Ria nudged you and you just made a face before you three went out to a close restaurant.

***

Baekhyun who was in his class and his phone buzzed and it kept buzzing until Baekhyun decided to check.

Yeol: Did you hear?

Jonginie: hear what?

Dae: I've heard it too!

Junmyeon hyung: can someone tell me what's happening?

Sehuniee: I think I know.

Minseokie hyung: will you speak up now?

Yeol: I can type but can't speak on msg hyung!

Minseokie hyung: I wish I could hit you through the phone.

Lay hyung: chanyeol just tell us.

Yeol: okay I heard y/n got bullied.

Baekhyun stood up from his chair as soon as he read it, everyone turned to him and gave him weird looks.

"Baekhyun-ah, are you okay?" His prof asked him and he nodded not long the class ended and he rushed out of the classroom before slunging his bag over his shoulder.

He unlocked his phone and started typing while walking and met kyungsoo outside with a worried look.

Baekhyun: what do you mean bullied? How?

Sehun: hyung don't worry, lauren tried to bully her but y/n fought back very well.

Kyungjaa: how did you know? Were you there?"

Yeol: I just heard it but sehuniee said someone recorded a video but anyway y/n snapped at lauren thoㅋㅋ.

After reading the last message Baekhyun felt relieved but still he was furious at Lauren for even trying to hurt you.

"What are you thinking?" Kyungsoo placed his hand on baekhyun's shoulder.

"I have to go somewhere." Baekhyun's tone was stern and Kyungsoo got that where he was going.

He nodded. "Just be careful."

Baekhyun gave him a little nod before storming out and kyungsoo sighed then went to his friends.

***

"That y/n! Who does she think she is!" Lauren fumed as she was walking back and forth recalling the scene earlier.

"Lauren calm down, maybe we really shouldn't have done that." Her friend told her and Lauren glared at her before sitting across of her.

"What do you mean we shouldn't have! That y/n-". She yelped as someone slamed the table, slowly looking up to see her eyes met Baekhyun's fiery eyes.

"Oh Baekhyun sunbae." She smiled sweetly at him, forgetting her anger.

Baekhyun scoffed as he stood up straight. "Really? You're smiling? After what you did."

"What do you mean?" She made a innocent face at him.

"Don't play dumb with me, it doesn't suit you." He grunted. "Why the hell you tried to hurt y/n?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh so it's y/n huh! Sunbae, how can you take her side when because of her Rowoon broke up with me." She faked her cry.

"Stop this drama when you're in the fault, and stop dragging y/n into this." Baekhyun retorted, pointing his index finger at her.

"Just who is she huh! Is there something going on between you two?" She scowled.

Baekhyun glared at her. "Whatever it is, that's none of your business and I'm warning you, stay far away from y/n or else you know what can I do."

Lauren gulped in fear and Baekhyun smirked before dashing off from the cafeteria.

Well, Sehun and Jongin's blabbing mouth was good for something useful.

***

2:24 pm

You were standing behind the counter with Baekhyun beside you, as he took the order from the customer you started making the drink, finishing it you gave it to him and he went out.

Baekhyun glanced at you. "Are you okay? I heard what happened today."

You sighed. "Did I got famous already?"

He chuckled. "Actually, " With that he pulled out his phone from his pocket before unlocking it and showed you a video of the scene happened in the cafeteria, but luckily only your back can be seen.

"What's this?" You gasped, holding the phone with your hand over his hand but you were too imersed in the video to notice it, however, Baekhyun did, his heart beat increased as you were standing close to him and instead of video, he was staring at you.

"Who posted this video?" You asked, still watching it and Baekhyun who was busy staring at you, didn't heard it and not getting his response you looked up and froze as you realized how close you both were standing.

His eyes boring into yours intently, as he didn't looked away nor you did with your heart was pounding rapidly and heat reached you face as you both kept staring until hearing some laughing sound you both snapped out and looked away before making distance between eachother.

Baekhyun cleared his throat awkwardly. "Um, did you ask something?"

You gulped before nodding. "Uh, yeah, who posted this video?" With a speedy heart you managed to ask.

"Someone posted this on our college blog." He told and you looked at him in shock. "College blog? You mean everyone can watch this? And what if someone shares it?"

"Y/n, what's wrong?" Baekhyun looked at you worringly.

You sighed. "It's just, if my family saw this, they would get too worried plus this is just getting attention and I don't want that."

Baekhyun nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, we'll do something and by the way you really fought back well."

You let out a awkward laugh. "Yeah, I'm a little impatient maybe."

He pretended to think. "Hm, so I also should be careful."

You shrugged, smiling. "Maybe."

He laughed. "You were great there." He patted your head before going in the kitchen leaving you there froze in your spot.

Smiling, Baekhyun went inside the kitchen before typing something on his phone.

Baekhyun - Sehun-ah, there's something you have to do.

________________

@wooya1224 @buttercupbbh @jddcfc-blog

[gallagherhqs]

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄'𝐒  𝐃𝐀𝐘  𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒

love  day  is  finally  here  !  for  students  who  completed  matchmaking  surveys,  letters  containing  their  perfect  pair  are  delivered  to  each  dorm  at  6:00am  sharp  on  the  morning  of  sunday,  february  14th.

in  a  glittery,  confetti  filled  envelope,  students  will  find  their  name  next  to  the  student  meant  to  be  their  best  match,  with  a  preliminary  compatibility  rating  &  a  short  description  explaining  why  cupid  has  struck  his  arrow  into  the  two  of  you  !  

at  this  point,  feel  free  to  meet  up  with  your  matches,  &  let  the  valentine’s  day  brunch  &  dance  lessons  begin  !  as  always,  please  appoint  any  questions  or  concerns  you  have  regarding  this  event  to  the  main’s  inbox.

emir  yilmaz  +  cori  accola  :  93%  compatible.  you  both  chose  tango  as  your  favorite  ballroom  dancing  style,  and  share  a  similar  goal  of  being  in  a  relationship  which  offers  companionship  and  happiness.  with  similar  personality  traits  and  physical  desires,  this  duo  makes  an  epic  gemini  x  leo  pairing  that  is  sure  to  hit  it  right  off  !  the  love  guru  recommends  a  dance  to  wildest  dreams  to  get  the  spark  going.

summer  stewart  +  adam  hassan  :  92%  compatible.  you  have  a  thorough  sense  of  each  other’s  moods  and  emotions,  making  for  an  intimate  and  expressive  partnership.  you  both  have  casual  styles,  and  your  personality  traits  inspire  a  passionate  relationship.  you  both  want  to  be  happy,  and  you  can  find  that  by  spending  quality  time  together  and  by  sharing  honesty  and  humor.  the  love  guru  recommends  going  on  an  adventure  to  get  the  spark  going.

eva  astor  +  jaemin  woo  :  99%  compatible.  this  pair  holds  the  ultimate  potential  to  challenge  each  other’s  wit,  habits,  and  expectations.  you  would  both  love  to  spend  the  day  venturing  through  a  big  city,  and  feel  excited  about  showing  your  affection  for  one  another.  the  love  guru  recommends  an  intellectual,  philosophical  debate  to  get  the  spark  going.

p.j.  yang  +  hazel  st.  jude  :  98%  compatible.  this  is  a  pair  that  knows  how  to  express  themselves  to  each  other  without  repressing  the  other.  it’s  natural  for  you  to  understand  each  other’s  emotional  depth,  and  you  share  the  same  minimalistic  style  and  logical  way  of  thinking.  you  both  value  quality  time  and  a  spotless  home,  valuing  each  other’s   intellgience  and  honesty.  this  pair  would  bring  stability  to  you  both.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  and  analyzing  a  studio  ghibli  or  pixar  film  to  get  the  spark  going.

blair  sutton  +  luce  frear  :  96%  compatible.  be  prepared  to  spend  a  day  full  of  laughter,  style,  and  adventure  !  not  only  does  this  match  fulfill  both  desired  physical  preferences,  but  it’s  the  perfect  fire  and  air  union  to  ensure  a  bit  of  spice  and  passion  will  always  keep  things  fresh.  the  love  guru  recommends  dancing  it  out  to  ariana  grande  to  get  the  spark  going.

martina  washington  +  aria  beck  :  90%  compatible.  as  an  aries  and  pisces  duo,  this  relationship  can  be  tough  if  you  aren’t  willing  to  let  your  pride  go  and  put  the  work  in— but  your  happy  ever  after  is  easily  found  if  you  can  be  vulnerable  and  open  up  to  each  other  !  this  is  a  soft  matchup,  and  you’ll  bond  through  your  love  for  spending  time  with  the  people  you  care  for,  your  personality  traits,  and  your  innate  sense  of  care  and  companionship  for  one  each  other.   the  love  guru  recommends  a  relaxed  breakfast  date  to  get  the  spark  going.

ria  flicke  +  levi  madden  :  97%  compatible.  though  this  pair  may  seem  like  total  opposites  at  the  surface,  you  balance  each  other  out  with  your  senses  of  style,  personality  traits,  and  work  ethics.  you  both  want  the  same  things  in  life  ---  to  have  fun,  party,  travel,  and  seek  passion.  the  love  guru  recommends  playing  with  power  dynamics  on  the  dance  floor  to  get  the  spark  going.

dana  kristiansen  +  andrew  leung  :  98%  compatible.  this  relationship  is  driven  by  empathy,  dynamic  communication,  shared  intellect,  and  a  comforting  intimacy.  you  both  value  loyalty  and  happiness,  craving  stability  in  your  relationship.  you  both  chose  studio  ghibli  films  as  your  favorite,  and  you  pick  up  on  how  caring  each  other  is  as  soon  as  you  meet  !  the  love  guru  recommends  dancing  an  intimate  waltz  to  get  the  spark  going.

monique  lanchester  +  jem  fischman  :  100%  compatible. to  put  it  plainly,  this  match  is  hot  ---  the  stars  even  say  so  !  this  pairing  has  the  potential  to  share  intense,  empathetic  emotions,  with  compatible  personal  styles,  motivations,  opinions,  and  ambitions.  your  communication  and  intellect  are  what  will  drive  this  relationship.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  and  discussing  a  pretentious  french  indie  film  to  get  the  spark  going.

charlie  eaton  +  amanda  hill  :  92%  compatible.  this  aries  and  gemini  match  makes  for  an  exciting,  adventurous  duo  !  you  two  desire  companionship,  and  speak  in  harmonious  love  languages.  you  agree  meredith  grey  and  derek  shepherd  set  the  blueprint  for  all  relationships,  and  are  excited  to  dance  a  foxtrot  in  the  ballroom.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  disney  films  on  a  first  date  to  get  the  spark  going.

jerome  zimmerman  +  sage  blythe  :  99%  compatible.  this  pairing  is  intimate  and  dreamy  !  the  pull  between  you  two  is  nearly  magnetic,  a  passion  awakening  in  each  other’s  presence  and  offering  companionship.  you’re  both  intelligent,  fun-loving,  intuitive,  and  have  a  strong  desire  for  unity  and  happiness.  the  love  guru  recommends  spending  quality  time  together  on  a  picnic  to  get  the  spark  going.

elliot  chase  +  suzume  minamoto  :  90%  compatible.  most  overwhelmingly,  this  is  definitely  the  perfect  match  in  terms  of  physical  attraction  !  you’re  two  sides  of  the  same  coin,  and  have  instinctive  behaviors  that’ll  ensure  a  simple,  tender,  and  satisfying  partnership.  the  two  of  you  are  extremely  intense,  but  want  the  same  things  when  it  comes  to  an  ideal  partner.  if  you  can  get  past  the  power  struggle,  you’ll  find  passionate  stability.  the  love  guru  recommends  an  intimate,  fast-paced  dance  to  get  the  spark  going.

chantal  rothschild  +  calypso  marshall  :  91%  compatible.  a  capricorn  x  pisces  pairing  like  this  one  is  will  find  passion  through  spontaneity,  excitement,  and  a  cheerful  disposition,  yet  at  the  same  time  can  offer  stability  and  peace  in  terms  of  emotional  fulfillment.  this  is  a  romantic  match,  speaking  in  a  love  language  of  affirming  words.  this  pair  is  sure  to  make  you  feel  a  sense  of  companionship  !  the  love  guru  recommends  traveling  somewhere  exotic  together  to  get  the  spark  going.

marifer  valverde  +  ella  taylor  :  100%  compatible.  you  make  an  incredible,  awe-inspiring  couple  !  you  meet  each  other  at  a  time  when  you  need  clarity  most,  bonding  through  a  strong  intellectual  connection  that  will  grow  as  you  connect  through  your  emotions.  there’s  a  genuine,  deep  union  in  this  relationship  —  the  blueprint  for  all  sagittarius  x  gemini  matchups.  not  to  mention,  you  happen  to  share  nearly  all  the  same  desires  and  interests  !  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  a  horror  film  to  get  the  spark  going.

soren  avery  +  esther  alonso  :  98%  compatible.  this  pairing  can  provide  a  deep,  focused,  and  satisfying  match  for  the  two  of  you  !  your  personalities  are  complimentary,  and  you  both  prefer  to  watch  the  world  from  the  outskirts  of  the  dance  floor.  if  you’re  willing  to  navigate  the  independence  you  both  strongly  feel,  you’ll  make  a  perfect  connection  in  terms  of  physical  and  emotional  fulfillment.  the  love  guru  recommends  putting  yourself  out  there  on  a  first  date  to  get  the  spark  going.

aileen  macnee  +  ari  auguste  :  92%  compatible.  this  relationship  has  the  potential  to  be  full  of  love,  the  both  of  you  finding  pleasure  in  romance  and  the  more  aesthetic  moments  in  life.  you  would  do  anything  to  connect  through  creativity,  and  will  make  each  other  feel  nurtured  and  dynamic.  you’re  both  easily  excited,  and  crave  care  and  happiness  in  life.  the  love  guru  recommends  building  a  blanket  fort  and  watching  studio  ghibli  films  to  get  the  spark  going.

ikeno  wilder  +  bash  stewart  :  100%  compatible.  it’s  love  at  first  sight  !  this  match  balances  each  other  in  a  perfect  way,  sharing  the  same  love  language  and  ideals  of  compassion,  humor,  and  emotional  availability.  you  both  value  stability  and  companionship,  making  for  a  pisces  x  cancer  matchup  that’ll  ensure  not  only  an  emotional  connection  as  soon  as  you  lay  eyes  on  each  other,  but  also  satisfaction  in  terms  of  physical  attraction.  the  love  guru  recommends  gazing  under  the  stars  together  to  get  the  spark  going.

estella  manchesi  +  seb  castillo  :  94%  compatible.  this  would  make  a  healthy,  passionate,  energetic,  and  curious  relationship!  communication  will  be  key  in  earning  each  other’s  trust  and  vulnerability,  but  if  you’re  willing  to  work  through  this,  you’ll  find  a  positive  and  motivating  partnership!  the  love  guru  recommends  traveling  somewhere  adventurous  to  get  the  spark  going.

asher  west  +  elisa  caspar  :  96%  compatible.  this  is  a  mutually  fulfilling  pair,  inspired  by  laidback,  nonchalant  attitudes  and  styles.  with  complimentary  traits,  a  shared  quality  time  love  language,  and  an  emotionally  intimate  astrological  match,  the  two  of  you  could  keep  each  other  laughing  and  entertained  for  hours  on  end.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  a  silly  disney  channel  original  movie  singalong  to  get  the  spark  going.

ai  kato  +  trinity  ibarra  :  97%  compatible.  a  complimentary  fire  and  air  match,  this  pairing  will  cherish  each  other  if  they  are  able  to  put  their  strong  natures  and  energies  to  the  test.  it’s  easy  for  you  to  tear  each  other’s  walls  down  through  communication  and  wit,  both  defined  by  your  edgy  styles  and  confident  independence.  this  is  the  power  couple  we’re  rooting  for  !  the  love  guru  recommends  spending  time  and  money  being  luxurious  together  to  get  the  spark  going.

cecelia  casiraghi  +  conor  edwards  :  98%  compatible.  you  two  are  simply  meant  to  be  !  from  physical  attributes,  to  personality,  to  aligned  decision  making  ---  this  match  could  make  it  far.  you’re  both  intelligent,  confident  individuals  who  can  come  together  to  get  anything  accomplished  through  your  shared  values.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  a  wes  anderson  film  on  a  first  date  to  get  the  spark  going.

ricky  alonso  +  skylar  knight  :  91%  compatible.  there’s  a  long  list  of  factors  contributing  to  what  makes  this  an  ideal  pair,  and  physical  attraction  is  certainly  at  the  top  !  you  both  share  the  same  values  and  are  accordant  in  dynamics,  making  for  an  intense  match-up  sure  to  have  chemistry.  the  love  guru  recommends  a  spicy  tango  to  get  the  spark  going.

ryan  wright  +  honey  belonia  :  100%  compatible.  this  is  a  neat  pair,  with  dynamics  that  not  only  balance  each  other  out,  but  are  crafted  from  shared  hobbies  and  experiences.  with  an  ultimate  goal  to  be  happy,  the  two  of  you  know  how  to  invest  in  your  future  ---  which  is  necessary  for  an  astrological  pairing  which  promises   everlasting  love  !  the  love  guru  recommends  discussing  your  passions  over  dinner  to  get  the  spark  going.

sunshine  martin  +  steven  park  :  98%  compatible.  this  is  an  exciting  match,  inspiring  high  energy,  creativity,  intellect,  and  stability.  you  both  value  being  morally  just,  organized,  charitable,  and  crave  happiness  over  material  items  and  concepts.  by  showing  each  other  care  and  honesty,  you’ll  eliminate  any  fears  of  emotional  unavailability,  making  for  the  perfect  companionship.  the  love  guru  recommends  binge  watching  studio  ghibli  films  to  get  the  spark  going.

kiki  im  +  ting  zhao  :  95%  compatible.  you  two  make  a  fiery,  zealous  match  !  you  have  the  potential  to  have  a  lot  of  fun  in  this  relationship,  with  emotions  that’ll  be  ardent  and  genuine.  you  both  chose  eleanor  and  chidi  as  a  relationship  blueprint,  which  is  accurate  in  the  way  you  two  will  playfully  melt  around  each  other.  be  sure  to  open  yourself  up  to  each  other  and  invest  time  in  this  relationship  to  se  it  thrive  !  the  love  guru  recommends  traveling  somewhere  new  together  to  get  the  spark  going.

neo  kwon  +  sloane  knight  :  93%  compatible.  you  two  value  the  same  love  language  !  not  only  is  there  potential  to  thrive  as  lovers,  but  as  friends  who  help  manage  each  other’s  emotions  and  commitments.  this  duo  could  inspire  great  growth  within  one  another,  where  both  sides  become  stronger  versions  of  themselves  for  having  known  each  other.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  an  episode  of  bridgerton  to  get  the  spark  going.

harlowe  wright  +  parker  brandt  :  99%  compatible.  not  only  is  this  a  physically  attractive  and  stylish  pairing,  but  the  two  of  you  have  an  instant  emotional  intuition  for  each  other  that  would  leave  you  solving  any  issues  or  troubles  in  a  healthy,  empathetic  way.  this  pair  has  a  deeply  emotion  connection,  tied  together  by  the  same  desires  and  interests.  the  love  guru  recommends  spending  time  together  at  a  party  to  get  the  spark  going.

aidan  black  +  andromeda  carter  :  90%  compatible.  while  naturally,  both  of  you  might  be  stubborn  in  the  way  you  view  reality,  this  match  has  the  potential  to  be  euphoric  if  the  two  of  you  can  find  unity.  you  both  have  edgy  styles,  want  to  explore  a  big  city,  and  share  many  of  the  same  traits.  there’s  a  good  foundation  for  trust  to  be  established  in  this  pair  !  the  love  guru  recommends  waltzing  in  the  ballroom  to  get  the  spark  going.

owen  musa  +  selina  kaleli  :  94%  compatible.  this  pairing  is  truly inspiring  and  will  be  cathartic  for  both  of  you  !  there’s  potential  for  a  strong  foundation  to  be  built  through  your  deep  understanding  of  each  other.  you  both  employ  a  logical  approach  to  decision  making,  and  value  time  spent  with  friends  and  family.  the  love  guru  recommends  spending  spring  break  road  tripping  through  big  cities  to  get  the  spark  going.

nur  yildirim  +  rizo  guinto  :  96%  compatible.  this  is  a  wholesome  match  !  you  two  consider  each  other’s  needs  in  a  relationship  and  will  take  care  of  each  other,  making  for  a  mutually  beneficial  pair  as  long  as  you  are  willing  to  open  up  to  one  another.  you’re  both  incredibly  intelligent,  with  complimentary  styles  and  personality  traits  that  will  allow  for  happiness  in  this  match.  the  love  guru  recommends  watching  and  ranking  all  disney  and  star  wars  films  to  get  the  spark  going.

zane  wancosh  +  lex  araya  :  100%  compatible.  this  is  a  fundamentally  perfect  match  !  you  two  have  a  bohemian  style,  think  david  rose  and patrick  brewer  set  the  standard,  and  share  many  of  the  same  positive  and  negative  traits.  one  of  you  will  always  be  willing  to  make  the  first  move,  without  feeling  overbearing  to  the  other.  you’re  both  excited  about  your  passion  for  another  person,  and  ultimately  want  to  be  happy.  the  love  guru  recommends  learning  a  quickstep  styled  dance  to  get  the  spark  going.

[angstmongertina]

His Lady Pirate

Happy posting day, @makarias-mom! I hope you had a wonderful winter holiday, and a great Friday! Also, I hope this is IC for your girl and that you enjoy it! <3

Disclaimer: I am definitely making broadly sweeping guesses about what’s up with Jasper because he’s a mysterious one and we know very little about him lol.

After years of living on Vail Isle and multiple rounds of serving as a butler during the seven year summits, Jasper had been fairly certain that precious little could take him by surprise anymore. He had witnessed the slow decay of the summits’ influence, the widening schisms not only among the various kingdoms but also within his own people, and the varying and contrasting delegates sent to represent the kingdoms, all with their own personalities, strength, and goals. He knew of the clashes between the kingdoms, the fundamental philosophical opposition between Arland and Jiyel, the impatience and intolerance of Wellin and Skalt. The infighting within Revaire and the long-simmering anger between Hise and Corval. He and his people had spent years, decades, understanding the conflicts that threatened to boil up once more across the kingdoms, and the young lords and ladies caught up within them. He had prepared himself, just as he had every time, armed with knowledge of his delegate, with a keen understanding on the most recent state of the world. He knew that his assigned lady, as with most of the other attendees, was, in most eyes, nothing more than one of a set of pawns or bystanders, but no doubt had grit and determination, if she had been so eager to attend the Summit.

And yet, even so, Lady Erin of Hise had managed to take him entirely by surprise.

It was a strange thing. She should have been, by all accounts, just another lady from Hise, trained, as many of their delegates were, in both sailing and etiquette, though with perhaps more of the latter than was entirely typical, no doubt on account of her proper Wellish father. There was nothing signaling that it would be an assignment that would be unlike that of any other summit, nothing indicating the maelstrom that would descend upon his neatly, carefully organized life, eroding all his pillars of beliefs, turning those familiar weights and expectations from his position into shackles.

Nothing until she arrived on the isle in a whirlwind of personality and determination.

From the beginning, she had shown herself, her true self, if not to everyone, but at least to them. To Ria and Sayra. To him. She treated her servants with kindness and respect, something that was not altogether unusual for the Hisean delegates, but it was one thing to be unaccustomed to servants and quite another to treat them, to treat him, as she did, inviting them to her events and reaching out to them and befriending them, seeing them not as servants but as people, friends. Even Sayra, cautious and withdrawn though she so often was, had softened around Lady Erin, drawn to her light, a helpless moth to her bright flame.

Just as he was.

And even beyond that… she was too curious by far, had an unnatural talent in finding out information that it were better she didn’t know, often for her own good. While he didn’t follow her at every moment of every day, he saw enough, knew enough, to know that she had a tendency to go where she perhaps ought not, to snoop on information that could be dangerous to glean. After all, she had heard him, had she not? Had overheard his conversation with the Dowager Countess and who only knew how many others.

Guided only by the dim torches and the weight of the tray in his grasp, he stepped into her room, turning to ensure that the door clicked shut silently behind him. With a light sigh, so quiet that he himself could scarcely hear it, he ran a hand through his hair. So early in the morning, so that the sun had only just begun to peek over the horizon, he could allow himself a brief departure from formality, safe in the knowledge that, at such a time, not even she would be able to see him.

No, indeed, between her tireless work to defend Imogen in the upcoming farce of a trial and her pursuit of her own personal interests, she was doubtless far too exhausted to wake up at such an hour, even for her seemingly boundless energy.

With another, marginally heavier sigh, he carefully placed the heavy tray on the table before turning, his gaze drawn inexorably towards the bed, though not even he could be sure if he wished for or feared to find her awake, the reminder of just the previous day, of the understanding and connection and something more, something that he wouldn’t—that he couldn’t, not now, not like this—put name to, echoing through his mind.

Judging from the dull twinge in his chest, it was disappointment that won out.

He shook his head, hands balling into fists at his side. It was, he was, foolish to even think of what had transpired. Foolish for him to even enter her room so early, before the dawn’s light had served to cut through the night’s dangerous mystique. And even so, he could do nothing to tear his gaze from the strands of dark hair, normally styled neatly under Ria’s skillful fingers, that fell across her face, from the soft curve of her mouth, in slumber, still rather than curled into a friendly grin or set in a determined line… or pursed, gentle and concerned, when she looked at him.

She was a delegate at the Summit, had goals and ambitions and a life beyond the seven weeks spent on Vail Isle, spent with him. He knew that, knew that it was all only a pleasant daydream, one that he had no time for, even if she had taken his advice into account, even if she did seem to search him out, time and time again—

No.

Closing his eyes, he drew a deep breath, letting it out slowly, but still he couldn’t seem to turn away from her sleeping form, couldn’t do anything to combat his awareness of her, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the soft, peaceful rhythm of her breathing. The comforting warmth that, even in spite of the ever-present mantle of his duty, seemed to lift the weight of the week from his shoulders, at least for a few minutes…

A faint creak cut through his thoughts and he barely resisted the urge to jump. Instead, he whipped around, the tension returning so quickly that his body winced, only to freeze as a familiar voice drifted from the doorway.

“Jasper?”

Letting out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding, he inclined his head, taking the time to set his expression back to neutrality. “Ria.” His gaze darted to the taller figure waiting behind her. “And Sayra. Good morning.”

“Good morning.” The faint light from the hallway cast Ria’s face into shadow, but even so, he could picture the crease in her brow as she stepped closer. “You’re here early. Is everything all right?”

Ignoring the intensity of Sayra’s own knowing look behind her, he forced his face into a facsimile of a smile. “As well as they could be, all things considered.”

Her lips pursed into a faint frown. “I suppose so. After all…”

“I know.”

He hesitated, resting a light hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off, forcing cheerfulness back onto her face. “But I believe in Lady Erin.”

Glancing back towards the bed, he felt his mouth relax into a more genuine smile. “As do I.”

[randomlyrandoms]

Celebrity Deaths 2020

JANUARY Lexii Alijai - Jan. 1 (Rapper) Nick Gordon - Jan. 1 (Reality Star) Carlos De Leon - Jan. 1 (Boxer) Don Larsen - Jan. 1 (Baseball Player) Sam Wyche - Jan. 2 (Football Coach) John Baldessari - Jan. 2 (Conceptual Artist) Derek Acorah - Jan. 3 (TV Show Host) Gene Reynolds - Jan. 3 (Director) Andrea Arruti - Jan. 3 (Voice Actress) Walter Learning - Jan. 5 (Director) Ria Irawan - Jan. 6 (Movie Actress) Neil Peart - Jan. 7 (Drummer) Silvio Horta - Jan. 7 (Screenwriter) Elizabeth Wurtzel - Jan. 7 (Novelist) Harry Hains - Jan. 7 (TV Actor) *Edd Byrnes - Jan. 8 (TV Actor) Buck Henry - Jan. 8 (Screenwriter) Maxie - Jan. 8 (YouTube Star) Alexis Eddy - Jan. 9 (Reality Star) Brian James - Jan. 10 (Rugby Player) Stan Kirsch - Jan. 11 (TV Actor) La Parka - Jan. 12 (Wrestler) Rocky Johnson - Jan. 15 (Wrestler) *Dwayne Johnson's Dad* Christopher Tolkien - Jan. 16 (Novelist) David Olney - Jan. 18 (Folk Singer) Bubby Jones - Jan. 18 (Race Car Driver) Joe Shishido - Jan. 18 (Movie Actor) Jimmy Heath - Jan. 19 (Saxophonist) Terry Jones - Jan. 21 (Comedian) Jim Lehrer - Jan. 2(Journalist) Gudrun Pausewang - Jan. 23 (Young Adult Author) Jim Lehrer - Jan. 23 (Journalist) Clayton Christensen - Jan. 23 (Non-Fiction Author) Sean Reinert - Jan. 24 (Drummer) Rob Rensenbrink - Jan. 24 (Soccer Player) **Kobe Bryant - Jan. 26 (Basketball Player) *Gianna Bryant - Jan. 26 (Family Member) *Kobe's Daughter* Bob Shane - Jan. 26 (Rock Singer) John Altobelli - Jan. 26 (Baseball Manager) Keri Altobelli - Jan. 26 (Family Member) Jack Burns - Jan. 27 (Comedian) Harriet Frank Jr. - Jan. 28 (Screenwriter) Nicholas Parsons - Jan. 28 (TV Show Host) Tofig Gasimov - Jan. 29 (Politician) John Andretti - Jan. 30 (Race Car Driver) Fred Silverman - Jan. 30 (TV Producer) Mary Higgins Clark - Jan. 31 (Novelist) Anne Cox Chambers - Jan. 31 (Entrepreneur) 

FEBRUARY Gene Reynolds - Feb. 3 (Director) Nadia Lutfi - Feb. 4 (Movie Actress) Kamau Brathwaite - Feb. 4 (Poet) Kirk Douglas - Feb. 5 (Movie Actor) Beverly Pepper - Feb. 5 (Sculptor) *Raphael Coleman - Feb. 6 (Movie Actor) Jhon Jairo Velásquez - Feb. 6 (Criminal) Orson Bean - Feb. 7 (Movie Actor) Paula Kelly - Feb. 8 (Stage Actress) Robert Conrad - Feb. 8 (TV Actor) Qing Han - Feb. 8 (Illustrator) Keelin Shanley - Feb. 8 (Journalist) Mirella Freni - Feb. 9 (Opera Singer) Abam Bocey - Feb. 10 (Comedian) Lyle Mays - Feb. 10 (Planist) Louis-Edmond Hamelin - Feb. 11 (Non-Fiction Author) Jamie Gilson - Feb. 11 (Children's Author) Hamish Milne - Feb. 12 (Pianist) Jimmy Thunder - Feb. 13 (Boxer) Lynn Cohen - Feb. 14 (Movie Actress) Esther Scott - Feb. 14 (Voice Actress) John Shrapnel - Feb. 14 (Movie Actor) Caroline Flack - Feb. 15 (TV Show Host) Amie Harwick - Feb. 15 (Doctor) Vatroslav Mimica - Feb. 15 (Director) Jason Davis - Feb. 16 (Voice Actor) Zoe Caldwell - Feb. 16 (Stage Actress) Tony Fernandez - Feb. 16 (Baseball Player) Frances Cuka - Feb. 16 (TV Actress) Harry Gregg - Feb. 16 (Soccer Player) Ja'net Dubois - Feb. 17 (TV Actress) Owen Bieber - Feb. 17 (Activist) Charles Portis - Feb. 17 (Novelist) Lindsey Lagestee - Feb. 18 (Country Singer) Ashraf Sinclair - Feb. 18 (Movie Actor) Pop Smoke - Feb. 19 (Rapper) Jose Mojica Marins - Feb. 19 (Director) Gust Graas - Feb. 19 (Painter) Lisel Mueller - Feb. 21 (Poet) Tao Porchon-Lynch - Feb. 21 (Fitness Instructor) Katherine Johnson - Feb. 24 (Mathematician) Clive Cussler - Feb. 24 (Oceanographer) David Roback - Feb. 24 (Guitarist) Ben Cooper - Feb. 24 (Movie Actor) Mario Bunge - Feb. 24 (Philosopher) Jahn Teigen - Feb. 24 (Pop Singer) Dieter Laser - Feb. 29 (Movie Actor)

MARCH Jack Welch - March 1 (Entrepreneur) James Lipton - March 2 (TV Producer) Roscoe Born - March 3 (Soap Opera Actor) Nicholas Tucci - March 3 (Movie Actor) Roscoe Born - March 3 (Soap Opera Actor) Javier Perez De Cuellar - March 4 (Politician) Marnie the Dog  - March 5 (Dog) Danny Tidwell - March 6 (Dancer) McCoy Tyner - March 6 (Pianist) Henri Richard - March 6 (Hockey Player) Mart Crowley - March 7 (Playwright) Max Von Sydow - March 8 (Movie Actor) **Cookie Pansino - March 8 (Dog) Josie Harris - March 9 (Reality Star) Lorenzo Brino - March 9 (TV Actor) Eric Taylor - March 9 (Country Singer) Beba Selimovic - March 10 (Folk Singer) Josie Harris - March 10 (Reality Star) Michel Roux - March 11 (Chef) Charles Wuorinen - March 11 (Composer) Genesis P-Orridge - March 14 (Rock Singer) Roy Hudd - March 15 (Comedian) Wolf Kahn - March 15 (Painter) Stuart Whitman - March 16 (TV Actor) Roger Mayweather - March 17 (Boxer) Lyle Waggoner - March 17 (TV Actor) Alfred Worden - March 18 (Astronaut) Peter Whittingham - March 19 (Soccer Player) Kenny Rogers - March 20 (Country Singer) Pradip Kumar Banerjee - March 20 (Soccer Player) Mike Longo - March 21 (Pianist) Sol Kerzner - March 21 (Entrepreneur) Carmen De Mairena - March 22 (TV Actress) Serena Liu - March 22 (TV Actress) Stuart Gordon - March 24 (Screenwriter) Terrence McNally - March 24 (Playwright) Manu Dibango - March 24 (Saxophonist) Bill Rieflin - March 24 (Drummer) Floyd Cardoz - March 25 (Chef) Fred "Curly" Neal - March 26 (Basketball Player) Jimmy Wynn - March 26 (Baseball Player) Mark Blum - March 26 (Movie Actor) John Callahan - March 28 (Soap Opera Actor) Jan Howard - March 28 (Country Singer) Tom Coburn - March 28 (Politician) Linda Roper - March 28 (TikTok Star) Alan Merrill - March 29 (Rock Singer) Joe Diffie - March 29 (Country Singer) Krzysztof Penderecki - March 29 (Composer) Bill Withers - March 30 (Soul Singer) Tomie dePaola - March 30 (Children's Author) Andrew Jack - March 31 (Voice Actor) Smokinhottballz - March 31 (TikTok Star) Wallace Roney - March 31 (Trumpet Player)

APRIL Bucky Pizzarelli - April 1 (Guitarist) Ellis Marsalis Jr. - April 1 (Piantist) Adam Schlesinger - April 1 (Bassist) Eddie Large - April 2 (Comedian) Logan Williams - April 2 (TV Actor) Tom Dempsey - April 4 (Football Player) Shirley Douglas - April 5 (TV Actress) Honor Blackman - April 5 (Movie Actress) James Drury - April 6 (Movie Actor) Mac P Dawg - April 6 (Rapper) Earl G. Graves Sr. - April 6 (Entrepreneur) Al Kaline - April 6 (Baseball Player) Ital Samson - April 6 (Rapper) John Prine - April 7 (Country Singer) Hal Willner - April 7 (Music Producer) Allen Garfield - April 7 (Movie Actor) Mort Drucker - April 8 (Cartoonist) Chynna Rogers - April 8 (Rapper) Linda Tripp - April 8 (Politician) Glenn Fredly - April 8 (R&B Singer) Tarvaris Jackson - April 12 (Football Player) Tim Brooke-Taylor - April 12 (Comedian) Stirling Moss - April 12 (Race Car Driver) Luminor - April 12 (Rock Singer) Rick May - April 13 (Voice Actor) Brian Dennehy - April 15 (Stage Actor) Lee Konitz - April 15 (Saxophonist) Adam Alsing - April 15 (TV Show Host) Henry Grimes - April 15 (Bassist) Howard Finkel - April 16 (Sportscaster) Steve Cash - April 16 (YouTube Star) Jane Dee Hull - April 16 (Politician) Norman Hunter - April 17 (Soccer Player) Peter Beard - April 19 (Photographer) Tom Lester - April 20 (TV Actor) Derek Jones - April 21 (Guitarist) Jerry Bishop - April 21 (Radio Host) Laisenia Qarase - April 21 (Politician) Shirley Knight - April 22 (Movie Actress) Fred the Godson - April 23 (Rapper) Jace Prescott - April 23 (Family Member) *Dak Prescott's Brother* Harold Reid - April 24 (Country Singer) Per Olov Enquist - April 25 (Playwright) Aarón Hernán - April 26 (Soap Opera Actor) Ashley Ross - April 27 (Reality Star) Troy Sneed - April 27 (Gospel Singer) Nur Yerlitas - April 27 (Fashion Designer) Eavan Boland - April 27 (Poet) Mark Beech - April 27 (Non-Fiction Author) Jill Gascoine - April 28 (TV Actress) Yahya Hassan - April 29 (Poet) Irrfan Khan - April 29 (Movie Actor) Sam Lloyd - April 30 (TV Actor) Rishi Kapoor - April 30 (Movie Actor) Chuni Goswami - April 30 (Cricket Player)

MAY Matt Keough - May 1 (Baseball Player) Cady Groves - May 2 (Country Singer) Erwin Prasetya - May 2 (Bassist) Dave Greenfield - May 3 (Pianist) Don Shula - May 4 (Football Coach) Michael McClure - May 4 (Poet) Millie Small - May 5 (World Music Singer) Didi Kempot - May 5 (Pop Singer) Brian Howe - May 6 (Rock Singer) Florian Schneider - May 6 (Flute Player) Ben Chijioke - May 7 (Rapper) Andre Harrell - May 7 (Entrepreneur) *Roy Horn - May 8 (Magician) Percy Inglis - May 8 (Facebook Star) **Little Richard - May 9 (Rock Singer) Kristina Lugn - May 9 (Poet) **Corey La Barrie - May 10 (YouTube Star) Nick Blixky - May 10 (Rapper) Betty Wright - May 10 (R&B Singer) Jerry Stiller - May 11 (Movie Actor) Hutton Gibson - May 11 (Family Member) *Mel Gibson's Father* Michel Piccoli - May 12 (Movie Actor) *Gregory Tyree Boyce - May 13 (Movie Actor) Beckett Cypher - May 13 (Family Member) *Melissa Etheridge's Son* Rolf Hochhuth - May 13 (Playwright) Phyllis George - May 14 (Sportscaster) Fred Willard - May 15 (Movie Actor) Jorge Santana - May 15 (Guitarist) Lynn Shelton - May 15 (Screenwriter) El Chino Antrax - May 16 (Criminal) Shad Gaspard - May 17 (Wrestler) Ken Osmond - May 18 (TV Actor) Ravi Zacharias - May 19 (Religious Leader) Hagen Mills - May 19 (TV Actor) Jerry Sloan - May 22 (Basketball Coach) Mory Kante - May 22 (World Music Singer) Zara Abid - May 22 (Model) Eddie Sutton - May 23 (Basketball Coach) Hana Kimura - May 23 (Wrestler) Mota Jr - May 23 (Rapper) Jimmy Cobb - May 24 (Drummer) Anthony James - May 26 (TV Actor) Richard Herd - May 26 (TV Actor) Stanley Ho - May 26 (Entrepreneur) Larry Kramer - May 27 (Screenwriter) Houdini - May 27 (Rapper) Sam Johnson - May 27 (Politician) Bob Kulick - May 29 (Guitarist) Hassan Hosny - May 30 (Movie Actor) Blake Fly - May 30 (Instagram Star) Christo - May 31 (Painter)

JUNE Joey Image - June 1 (Drummer) Kailum O'Connor - June 1 (Snapchat Star) Chris Trousdale - June 2 (Pop Singer) Wes Unseld - June 2 (Basketball Player) Héctor Suárez - June 2 (Movie Actor) Mary Pat Gleason - June 2 (TV Actress) Bruce Jay Friedman - June 3 (Novelist) Steve Priest - June 4 (Bassist) Ybc Bam - June 4 (TikTok Star) Basu Chatterjee - June 4 (Director) Reche Caldwell - June 6 (Football Player) Chirru Sarja - June 7 (Movie Actor) Bonnie Pointer - June 8 (Rock Singer) Pierre Nkurunziza - June 8 (Politician) Ain Kaalep - June 9 (Poet) Paul Chapman - June 9 (Guitarist) Pau Donés - June 9 (Pop Singer) Jas Waters - June 9 (Screenwriter) George Canseco - June 12 (TikTok Star) Grandma Daisy - June 13 (Instagram Star) Sabiha Khanum - June 13 (Movie Actress) Sushant Singh Rajput - June 14 (Movie Actor) Yohan - June 16 (Pop Singer) Charles Webb - June 16 (Novelist) Eden Pastora - June 16 (Politician) Vera Lynn - June 18 (Pop Singer) John Bredenkamp - June 18 (Entrepreneur) Ian Holm - June 19 (Movie Actor) Tray Savage - June 19 (Rapper) Carlos Ruiz Zafon - June 19 (Young Adult Author) Pedro Lima - June 20 (Soap Opera Actor) Jim Kiick - June 20 (Football Player) Nastya Tropicelle - June 21 (YouTube Star) Steve Bing - June 22 (Film Producer) Joel Schumacher - June 22 (Director) Siya Kakkar - June 24 (TikTok Star) Huey - June 25 (Rapper) Kelly Asbury - June 26 (Director) Ramon Revilla Sr. - June 26 (Movie Actor) Linda Cristal - June 27 (Movie Actress) Pete Carr - June 27 (Guitarist) Rudolfo Anaya - June 28 (Novelist) Carl Reiner - June 29 (TV Actor) Johnny Mandel - June 29 (Composer) Benny Nardones - June 29 (Pop Singer) Young Curt - June 29 (Rapper) Willie Wright - June 29 (Soul Singer) Ida Haendel - June 30 (Violinist)

JULY Hugh Downs - July 1 (TV Show Host) Reckful - July 2 (Twitch Star) Earl Cameron - July 3 (Movie Actor) Saroj Khan - July 3 (Dancer) Sebastián Athié - July 4 (TV Actor) Bhakti Charu Swami - July 4 (Religious Leader) Nick Cordero - July 5 (Stage Actor) Charlie Daniels - July 6 (Country Singer) Ennio Morricone - July 6 (Composer) **Naya Rivera - July 8 (TV Actress) Flossie Wong-Staal - July 8 (Biologist) Jack Charlton - July 10 (Socccer Player) Morris Cerullo - July 10 (Religious Leader) Marlo - July 11 (Rapper) Nicole Thea - July 11 (Dancer) **Kelly Preston - July 12 (Movie Actress) Joanna Cole - July 12 (Children's Author) Benjamin Keough - July 12 (Family Member) *Elvis Presley's Grandson* Grant Imahara - July 13 (Reality Star) Zindzi Mandela - July 13 (Politician) Galyn Gorg - July 14 (TV Actress) John Lewis - July 17 (Politician) Zizi Jeanmaire - July 17 (Dancer) Miura Haruma - July 18 (TV Actor) El Dany - July 18 (Rapper) Kansai Yamamoto - July 21 (Fashion Designer) Demitra Roche - July 22 (Reality Star) *Regis Philbin - July 24 (TV Show Host) John Saxon - July 25 (Movie Actor) Peter Green - 25 (Guitarist) Olivia De Havilland - July 26 (Movie Actress) Malik B - July 29 (Rapper) Herman Cain - July 30 (Politician) Karen Berg - July 30 (Self-Help Author) Alan Parker - July 31 (Director)

AUGUST Wilford Brimley - Aug. 1 (TV Actor) Ryan Breaux - Aug. 2 (Family Member) *Frank Ocean's Brother* Leon Fleisher - Aug. 2 (Pianist) John Hume - Aug. 3 (Politician) Dick Goddard - Aug. 4 (TV Show Host) FBG Duck - Aug. 4 (Rapper) Horace Clarke Aug. 5 (Baseball Player) Isidora Bjelica - Aug. 5 (Playwright) James Drury - Aug. 6 (Movie Actor) Kurt Luedtke - Aug. 9 (Screenwriter) Tetsuya Watari - Aug. 10 (Movie Actor) Trini Lopez - Aug. 11 (World Music Singer) Ash Christian - Aug. 13 (TV Actor) Linda Manz - Aug. 14 (Movie Actress) Julian Bream - Aug. 14 (Guitarist) Shwikar - Aug. 14 (Movie Actress) Robert Trump - Aug. 15 (Family Memeber) *Donald Trump's Brother Emman Nimedez - Aug. 16 (Director) Kobe Nunez - Aug. 17 (YouTube Star) Gary Cowling - Aug. 17 (Stage Actor) Dale Hawerchuk - Aug. 18 (Hockey Player) Ben Cross - Aug. 18 (Movie Actor) Jack Sherman - Aug. 18 (Guitarist) Landon Clifford - Aug. 19 (YouTube Star) Chi Chi DeVayne - Aug. 20 (Reality Star) Frankie Banali - Aug. 20 (Drummer) Allan Rich - Aug. 22 (Movie Actor) Lori Nelson - Aug. 23 (Movie Actress) Benny Chan - Aug. 23 (TV Actor) Riley Gale - Aug. 24 (Rock Singer) Gail Sheehy - Aug. 24 (Non-Fiction Author) Lute Olson - Aug. 27 (Basketball Coach) **Chadwick Boseman - Aug. 28 (Movie Actor) El Loco Valdés - Aug. 28 (Comedian) Cliff Robinson - Aug. 29 (Basketball Player) John Thompson - Aug. 30 (Basketball Coach) Tom Seaver - Aug. 31 (Baseball Player) Pranab Mukherjee - Aug. 31 (Politician)

SEPTEMBER Erick Morillo - Sept. 1 (DJ) Ian Mitchell - Sept. 2 (Guitarist) Annie Cordy - Sept. 4 (Movie Actress) Lloyd Cadena - Sept. 4 (YouTube Star) Lucille Starr - Sept. 4 (Country Singer) Ethan Peters - Sept. 5 (Instagram Star) Kevin Dobson - Sept. 6 (Soap Opera Actor) Lou Brock - Sept. 6 (Baseball Player) Xavier Ortiz - Sept. 7 (TV Actor) Stevie Lee - Sept. 9 (Movie Actor) Diana Rigg - Sept. 10 (Movie Actress) Barbara Jefford - Sept. 12 (Stage Actress) Anthony Woodle - Sept. 13 (Director) Alien Huang - Sept. 16 (TV Show Host) Winston Groom - Sept. 17 (Novelist) Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Sept. 18 (Supreme Court Justice) Destiny Riekeberg - Sept. 19 (TikTok Star) Jackie Stallone - Sept. 21 (Family Member) *Sylvester Stallone's Mother* Michael Lonsdale - Sept. 21 (Movie Actor) Tommy DeVito - Sept. 21 (Guitarist) Zaywoah - Sept. 22 (Instagram Star) Joe Laurinaitis - Sept. 22 (Wrestler) Archie Lyndhurst - Sept. 22 (TV Actor) Juliette Greco - Sept. 23 (Movie Actress) Gale Sayers - Sept. 23 (Football Player) Dean Jones - Sept. 24 (Cricket Player) Yuko Takeuchi - Sept. 27 (TV Actress) Mac Davis - Sept. 29 (Country Singer) Helen Reddy - Sept. 29 (Pop Singer) Archie Lyndhurst - Sept. 30 (TV Actor) Quino - Sept. 30 (Cartoonist)

OCTOBER Derek Mahon - Oct. 1 (Poet) Murray Schisgal - Oct. 1 (Screenwriter) Bob Gibson - Oct. 2 (Baseball Player) Thomas Jefferson Byrd - Oct. 3 (Movie Actor) Kenzo Takada - Oct. 4 (Fashion Designer) Armelia McQueen - Oct. 4 (Stage Actress) Johhny Nash - Oct. 6 (Pop Singer) Eddie Van Halen - Oct. 6 (Guitarist) Tommy Rall - Oct. 6 (Dancer) Mario Molina - Oct. 7 (Chemist) Whitey Ford - Oct. 8 (Baseball Player) María García Galisteo - Oct. 9 (TV Actress) Joe Morgan - Oct. 11 (Baseball Player) Conchata Ferrell - Oct. 12 (TV Actress) Saint Dog - Oct. 13 (Rapper) Rhonda Fleming - Oct. 14 (Movie Actress) Fred Dean - Oct. 14 (Football Player) Johnny Bush - Oct. 16 (Country Singer) Doreen Montalvo - Oct. 17 (Stage Actress) Pinky Curvy - Oct. 17 (Instagram Star) James Redford - Oct. 17 (Director) Sid Hartman - Oct. 18 (Journalist) Spencer Davis - Oct. 19 (Guitarist) Marge Champion - Oct. 21 (Dancer) Frank Bough Oct. 21 (TV Show Host) Matt Blair - Oct. 22 (Football Player) Kastiop - Oct. 23 (YouTube Star) Jerry Jeff Walker - Oct. 23 (Country Singer) Diane DiPrima - Oct. 25 (Poet) Lee Kun-hee - Oct. 25 (Entrepreneur) DeOndra Dixon - Oct. 26 (Family Member) *Jamie Foxx's Sister* Billy Joe Shaver - Oct. 28 (Country Singer) Tracy Smothers - Oct. 28 (Wrestler) Bobby Ball - Oct. 28 (Comedian) Leanza Cornett - Oct. 28 (Pageant Contestant) Travis Roy - Oct. 29 (Memoirist) Nobby Stiles - Oct. 30 (Soccer Player) Herb Adderley - Oct. 30 (Football Player) *Sean Connery - Oct. 31 (Movie Actor) Rance Allen - Oct. 31 (Religious Leader) Betty Dodson - Oct. 31 (Novelist) MF Doom - Oct. 31 (Rapper)

NOVEMBER Eddie Hassell - Nov. 1 (TV Actor) Nikki McKibbin - Nov. 1 (Pop Singer) Magda Rodríguez - Nov. 1 (TV Producer) John Sessions - Nov. 2 (Comedian) Max Ward - Nov. 2 (Entrepreneur) Elsa Raven - Nov. 3 (Movie Actress) Ken Hensley - Nov. 4 (Rock Singer) Geoffrey Palmer - Nov. 5 (Movie Actor) BraxAttacks - Nov. 5 (Rapper) King Von - Nov. 6 (Rapper) SauxePaxk TB - Nov. 6 (Rapper) **Alex Trebek - Nov. 8 (Game Show Host) Bert Belasco - Nov. 8 (TV Actor) Tom Heinsohn - Nov. 10 (Basketball Player) Phyllis McGuire - Nov. 11 (Football Player) Mo3 - Nov. 11 (Rapper) Asif Basra - Nov. 12 (Movie Actor) Doug Supernaw - Nov. 13 (Country Singer) Paul Hornung - Nov. 13 (Football Player) Des O'Connor - Nov. 14 (TV Show Host) Soumitra Chatterjee - Nov. 15 (Movie Actor) Ray Clemence - Nov. 15 (Soccer Player) Kirby Morrow Nov. 18 (Voice Actor) Bobby Brown Jr - Nov. 18 (Family Member) *Bobby Brown's Son* Jake Scott - Nov. 19 (Football Player) Jan Morris - Nov. 20 (Non-Fiction Author) Mustafa Nadarevic - Nov. 22 (TV Actor) Hal Ketchum - Nov. 23 (Country Singer) David Dinkins - Nov. 23 (Politician) Abby Dalton - Nov. 23 (TV Actress) i_o - Nov. 23 (DJ) Joe Luna - Nov. 23 (Comedian) Bob Ryder - Nov. 24 (Journalist) Aaron Melzer - Nov. 24 (Rock Singer) Flor Silvestre - Nov. 25 (World Music Singer) Ahmad Mukhtar - Nov. 25 (Politician) Heavy D - Nov. 25 (Reality Star) Diego Maradona - Nov. 25 (Soccer Player) Markus Paul - Nov. 25 (Football Coach) Sadiq Al-Mahdi - Nov. 26 (Politician) Tony Hsieh - Nov. 27 (Entrepreneur) David Prowse - Nov. 28 (Bodybuilder) Lil Yase Nov. 28 (Rapper) Ben Bova - Nov. 29 (Non-Fiction Author) Papa Bouba Diop - Nov. 29 (Soccer Player) Jerry Demara - Nov. 30 (World Music Singer) Paid Will - Nov. 30 (Rapper) Nobby Stiles - Nov. 30 (Soccer Player)

DECEMBER Hugh Keays-Byrne - Dec. 1 (Movie Actor) Alexis Sharkey - Dec. 1 (Instagram Star) Michael Marion - Dec. 1 (Family Member) *Bobbie Thomas's Husband* Pamela Tiffin - Dec. 2 (Movie Actress) DC Fontana - Dec. 2 (Screenwriter) Pat Patterson - Dec. 2 (Wrestler) Alison Lurie - Dec. 3 (Novelist) Whitney Collings - Dec. 3 (Reality Star) David Lander - Dec. 4 (TV Actor) Sara Carreira - Dec. 5 (Instagram Star) Tabaré Vázquez - Dec. 6 (Politician) Natalie Desselle-Reid - Dec. 7 (TV Actress) Dick Allen - Dec. 7 (Baseball Player) Joselyn Cano - Dec. 7 (Instagram Star) Alejandro Sabella - Dec. 8 (Soccer Coach) Paolo Rossi - Dec. 9 (Soccer Player) V.J. Chitra - Dec. 9 (TV Actress) Phil Linz - Dec. 9 (Baseball Player) Barbara Windsor - Dec. 10 (Soap Opera Actress) Tommy Lister - Dec. 10 (Movie Actor) Carol Sutton - Dec. 10 (Movie Actress) Kim Ki-duk - Dec. 11 (Director) John Le Carre - Dec. 12 (Novelist) Ann Reinking - Dec. 12 (Stage Actress) Terry Kay - Dec. 12 (Novelist) Charley Pride - Dec. 12 (Country Singer) Gérard Houllier - Dec. 14 (Soccer Coach) *Jeremy Bulloch - Dec. 17 (Movie Actor) Rosalind Knight - Dec. 19 (TV Actress) K.T. Oslin - Dec. 21 (Country Singer) PlasmaMasterDon - Dec. 21 (YouTube Star) Stella Tennant - Dec. 22 (Model) Rika Zarai - Dec. 23 (World Music Singer) Rebecca Luker - Dec. 23 (Stage Actress) Leslie West - Dec. 23 (Guitarist) Kay Purcell - Dec. 23 (TV Actress) Danny Hodge - Dec. 24 (Wrestler) Genevieve Musci - Dec. 25 (YouTube Star) KC Jones - Dec. 25 (Basketball Player) Tony Rice - Dec. 25 (Guitarist) Lin Qi - Dec. 25 (Entrepreneur) Brodie Lee - Dec. 26 (Wrestler) Phil Niekro - Dec. 26 (Baseball Player) Tito Rojas - Dec. 26 (Folk Singer) Ty Jordan - Dec. 26 (Football Player) Nick McGlashan - Dec. 27 (Reality Star) William Link - Dec. 27 (Screenwriter) Fou Ts'ong - Dec. 28 (Pianist) Armando Manzanero - Dec. 28 (Composer) Jessica Campbell - Dec. 29 (Movie Actress) Pierre Cardin - Dec. 29 (Entrepreneur) Luke Letlow - Dec. 29 (Politician) Shabba Doo - Dec. 30 (Movie Actor) Frank Kimbrough - Dec. 30 (Pianist) Phyllis McGuire - Dec. 31 (Pop Singer) Alexi Laiho - Dec. ?? (Guitarist) 

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Ko-Jo Cue Teases New Single With Joey B Ko-Jo Cue is back in the limelight with a bang. The rapper, known for his lyrical prowess and storytelling, has announced the release of his latest single, "Free Throw." Set to drop on September 28, 2023, it features Joey B with production from Fortune Dane. The upcoming track marks the end of Ko-Jo Cue's hiatus and will usher fans into a new chapter of his career, as he recently announced a new management team, Gold River.  Ko-Jo Cue's musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Following the success of his EP, "21 Memory Lane," in October 2021, the artist took a break from the spotlight. However, he didn't completely disappear from the music scene; instead, he collaborated with artists such as Dj Carcious, Ria Boss, and Paapa Versa.  Earlier this month, he announced his return to the limelight and dropped a thought-provoking freestyle addressing some of the pressing issues in the Ghanaian music industry. Find the announcement below: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxaoz8wM0k4/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== About Ko-Jo Cue Raised in the energetic rhythms of West Africa, Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, known to the world as Ko-Jo Cue, is a Ghanaian hip-hop artist who continues the legacy of the region's revered griots. As a songwriter and lyricist, he weaves tales of African life through a lens both introspective and socially aware. His fusion of Hip-Hop, Highlife, and Afrobeats, paired with his philosophically tinged narrative style, mirrors the creative forces behind rap titans like Jay Z, Nas, J. Cole, and Obrafour.  His collaboration with Ghanaian rapper Shaker on the album "Pen & Paper" in 2017 garnered accolades and caught the eye of Lauryn Hill. This earned him an opening slot on her tour. Similarly, his 2019 debut album, "For My Brothers," was hailed as a landmark in the Ghanaian rap scene, dominated the Apple Music Charts, and gained a nomination for Album of the Year at the 3 Music Video Awards. Since 2019, he has accrued several awards, including the Adinkra Poetry Prize and an Artlink grant, for which he converted his album "For My Brothers" into a radio show aired across Europe. Follow Ko-Jo Cue on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more updates on the rapper.