#sirena havenous

[3y3-jesters]

vent art i made yesterday. im feeling far better, but the bite wound still hurts.

[read-alert]

Happy MerMay! Full titles under the cut!

The Little Homo Sapiens Scientist by SL Huang

Weird Fishes by Rae Mariz

The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey

Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C Parker

Chlorine by Jade Song

The Perfect Waters: Odedsa Book One by LeeSha McCoy

Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

A Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow

The Secret of Haven Point by Lisette Auton

A Song of Silver and Gold by Melissa Karibian

The Siren, the Song, and the Spy by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Out of the Blue by Jason June

Seven Tears at High Tide by CB Lee

The Seafarer's Kiss by Julia Ember

Ice Massacre by Tiana Warner

The Girl From the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam by Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo illustrated by Sonny K Chargualaf

Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh

Sukey and the Mermaid by Robert D San Souci illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Mermaid and Pirate by Tracey Baptiste illustrated by Leisl Adams

[bleeding--scales]

a comprehensive guide on the crew of HER DARLING SCORNED.

the captain: meri merdoc. the ruthless leader and driving force behind the entire crew. she has a flawed moral compass and a refined taste for the more decadent and perverted leisures in life. won't hesitate to kiss you. won't hesitate to kill you. wildshapes into an orca.

the first mate: cass haven. the steadying balance to meri's violent behavior. stoic, unyielding, and ceaselessly loyal to those she trusts. a cleric of auril. upon first glance, one might mistake her quiet nature for benevolence, but she couldn't care less about what happens to you. wildshapes into a leopard seal.

the navigator: nerida shore. not much is known about their life or their past, and they prefer to keep it that way. they're headstrong and dangerously clever, sharper than a dagger to your throat. has one good eye, but damn, it's a good eye. is a known cheat, and is banned from all game nights. wildshapes into an anglerfish.

the boatswain: akir inder. resident weirdo and freak. his warlock patron is a titanically powerful sea beast. the crew is honestly unsure where his loyalties lie, but he's capable and almost never has a problem getting dirty. spends the most time with seshadri. wildshapes into a giant squid.

the surgeon: seshadri. hails from a small, remote village. philosophically opposes everything the hippocratic oath stands for. sadistic, unfathomably curious, and meticulous. will often use prisoners and stowaways to benefit his research. shockingly good at dancing. wildshapes into a sea snake.

the stewardess: silver-eye cutlass. to friends, she is called lass. was plucked out of the trash as a young child and given a home on the ship. is almost unanimously adored by everyone onboard. maintains order and routine amongst the crew, and happily involves herself with violence, should the need arise. is romantically partnered with bayard. wildshapes into a shrimp.

the cook: delmar. is often found lounging around half-sober. when he's not napping, he spends much of his free-time tinkering with new recipes and innovating technological gadgets. unfortunately, he also suffers from frequent bouts of sea sickness. loves arm wrestling (he always wins). wildshapes into a swordfish.

the gunner: thal havelock. former rich boy who was fed up with the noble lifestyle. an ostentatious flirt. in a rivalry with pera to see who can be the most annoying bastard on the ship. is the best at cards. laid-back, adventurous, and hates tedium. wildshapes into a barracuda.

the musician: bayard dubois. the fruitiest guy you know. adores making new friends, but will also backstab you faster than you can say bonjour! (listen, i know french doesn't exist in d&d. bear with me.) is the worst at cards. silly, carefree, and always itching to be a little kiss-ass. wildshapes into a sea otter.

the officer: zale sirena. the middle sibling of the sirenas. stone-faced and intimidating, but not generally quick to anger. a woman of few words. asexual. would really prefer to be napping right now. rarely drinks alcohol. wildshapes into a bull shark.

the carpenter: pera sirena. the youngest sibling of the sirenas. flagrant asshole and instigator of bullshit. it's an easy mistake to assume she has a big ego, but really she just adores pissing people off, and will wield condescension to achieve this. probably the laziest crew member. is a bigger alcoholic than the captain. wildshapes into a hammerhead shark.

the helmsman: anteia sirena. the oldest sibling of the sirenas. mature. does her best to be a prime role-model for her sisters, but often fails. is likely the kindest member of her darling scorned. holds fury in her heart, but is often too soft to enact this, so she lives vicariously through the actions of the others. is hopelessly in love with meri, but it's unfortunately one-sided. able to be gentle, but won't cry for you when you die. wildshapes into a mako shark.

[shadowworldwanderers]

Masterlist

Stories on AO3

Old Intros

Introductory Pages:

Morvant-Adjacent Babies:

Sunny ‘Rose’ Sonnshine

Lilah Reed Nyx Bloom Chuck Dourif Helena Reese Matheson-Adjacent Babies: Emilie Mayson Adelaide Dean Deanna Louis Ellie Sutton Marisol Swinton Delilah Symonds

Merrilees Marston Candice Castor Samantha Marston Calleigh Dean Amanda Matthews Judith Ellison Desmond/Desdemona Mercury Matilda Westwood Charlotte Jessica Burlingame Alexia Mill Hannah Hardstone Willow Walker Barbara Dean

Jessike ‘Sike’ Logan Elvie Ellory Cassidy Cole Elen Ellis Carlie/Carl Connor Essie Ellory Jenni Oriel  Jessamyn ‘Jess’ Oriel  Jessika ‘Sika’ Oriel  Josie Oriel Jodie Oriel  Jazz Oriel   Jemima ‘Jem’ Oriel Jemma Oriel Jade Oriel  Jasmine ‘Mina’ Oriel  Jo Oriel  Janine Oriel Juliet Oriel     Coralee ‘Cora’ Matthews Millie Meadows Joey Jackson Josh Jackson Gia Wolfe Darla Wolfe Arlene Wolfe Brigitta Wolfe Donna Amato Gina Amato Jeanne Amato Aria Amato Willow Amato Carla Amato Fiona Amato Fiamma Amato Isla Amato Inga Amato Anton Allegro Vincenzo Lombardi Solina Ramirez Lolita Sanchez Marisol Espinoza Jodeyne Morrison Ellory Masterson

Mallory McMichaels

Raffaela Romero Malina Ramirez Lina Markov Candida Crowe Adelaide Marconi Emilie Porter Dervla O’Brady Ava Viva DiLorenzo Jessica Dallas Melissa Madison Katrina Archibald Abigail Novak May Southerlyn April Meadows Julie-Anne Callas Pippa Galston Thea Tallis Kate Isles Lily McQueen Jewel Estella Richardson Alexia-Mae Cathstone Eliza-Beth Leigh Izzy ‘Six’ Sexton-Richards Alice Anais Andrews Britta Roslin Julie Dark Alexandra Jane Castle Jodie Noelle Richards Tallie Marx Michaela Philippa Kingsman Love Aniston Jessie Cole Tali Rice Hollie Mann Madison Mitchell-Mann Roslyn Hall Cariad Hall Joe-Lee Parton Bobby Parton Jim Parton Sonny Parton Lupa Wolfe Anne Rose

Belle Rose Jade Orton Jennifer Orton Jessica Orton Mirabelle Orton Judith Amato Angel Croft Brittany Walker Julietta Day Billy Bristol-Ives Tony Bristol-Ives Julianna-Rose Winstanley Sam Salmon Joe Vattore Danny Richardson-Drake  Mickie-Stephanie Cullen Megan Valentine Millie Maus Mattie Maus Georgina Thompson Finnley ‘Finn’ Shore Sera Shore River Morrison Max Willows Savannah Morrison Lola Claus Mira Claus Mellie Claus Maxie Claus Mirabelle Claus Missy Claus Maura Claus Maisie Claus Mindy Claus

Morella Claus Jack Wilson-Patterson

Bindi Wilson-Patterson

Freya Dalton

Michaela Swallow

Shadow World Babies: Angelike Kirk Eliana Olivier Marisol ‘Sunshine’ Corazon Annabella Sciorra Gianna Fioretti Rhiannon Ellis Cara Sutton Kat Trellis Kimber Bell Marisol Lees Ria Leigh Delilah Daae Hanna Weiss Mindie Swallows Kismet Christian Juliette Loomis Vanessa Myers Arielle Sea Ellie Dewey Lace Belle Esme Innocent Katie Rollins Cherie ‘Cherry’ Garcia Jessie Wolfe Erin Willows Suzannah Davies Emilia Loss Melanie Jeffries Meredith Greylek Kelly Greylek (No relation to Meredith) Cassidy Rubirosa Candice Banks Kendra Copper Ariadne Todd Desdemona Hex Raven Rose Candace ‘Candy’ Caine Angelina Haven Mina Schiff Callie Dennis Esme Ross Susanna Johnson Consuela ‘Connie’ Sanders Raffaela ‘Raffi’ Angeles Ariel Warton Syren Sirena Hela Helios Anne Dread Rose Rayes Hope Evans Faith Hopkins Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Eames-Olivet Alexandria ‘Alex’ Eames-Olivet April Dawson June May May Engel Augusta Haim Billy Wolfe Savannah Stanley Stanley Cyprus Kellie Cyrano Bella Wolfe Mina Marston Nadiya Corazon Annalise Sciorra Samantha Southhall Amelia Borstein Elena Greenwood Elizabeth Preston Suella Randall Marienne Rubirosa Lilith Morningstar Saralee Rayes Destiny Dracula Martha Curatola Solina Dracula

Valentine Dracula Queenie Annabeth Queen Lily Sharpe Isobel Rubirosa Rose Wolfe Lily Marigold Savannah Rider Marigold Rose Baby Baker Mami Morrison Sugar ‘Sweet’ Sunshine Melody Eros Allie Gayson-Enders Pippa Gayson-Enders Michaela Orville-Hampton Janet Orville-Hampton Mariposa Shadows Lolita Mayhew Tamberlyn Alexara Sukila  Arielle Denver Suzanne Denver Thalin Chelsea Heart Jessica Brisbin Henna Jenkins Dora Jessop Kathleen Shore Samantha Carson Sarah Carson Karen Nielsen Belinda Andrews Amelie Ellis Sister Tatjana Nichols Madison ‘Sugar’ Fuller Daniel Rabebe Angelika Rabebe-Cortez

Lady Liandrin MacBeth Juliet MacIntosh John-Ross Croft Annchi ‘Angie’ Croft Morgana Addams Angeline ‘Angel’ Verna Lane Eulalie Tamerlane Poe

[oceantrust01]

50+ Ocean Names for Scuba Babies | Aquatic Baby Names

Do you have a bun in the oven or a new arrival to the family? If you, like us, are an ocean lover, you might like to name your new addition after another one of your great loves: the sea.  If so, we’re here to help! Here’s a list of all the ocean-inspired names you can think about for your future scuba diver!  Ocean Names Based on Myth and Folklore - Poseidon - An oldie but a goodie, Poseidon is the Greek God of the sea. One of the Twelve Olympians in ancient Greek mythology, he presided over the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses (whaaat?) - Neptune - Poseidon’s Roman counterpart, Neptune was originally the God of freshwater but the Romans identified him with Poseidon, so he took on the same characteristics. Both Neptune and Poseidon are depicted as a bearded man holding a trident. - Triton - The Greek messenger God of the sea, Triton was the son of Poseidon and the sea nymph Amphitrite. With the torso of a man and the tail of a fish, he ruled the waters with some of his brothers.  - Rhodos - The wife of the sun God Helios and sister of Triton, Rhodos was the personification of the Greek island Rhodes.  - Caspian - Inspired by the Caspian Sea. - Varuna - Hindu god of the oceans. - Moana - Not quite myth or folklore, but Moana the movie created such a stir that we would be inconsiderate not to include this child of the ocean.  - Mazu - Chinese sea goddess. You can also use Maz for the boys!  - Enki - Sumerian god of water and wisdom. - Dylan - Son of  Gwydion and Arianrhod and Welsh god of the sea.  - Calypso - Nymph who lived on an island in Greek mythology. - Ariel - Spirit of the air and sea in Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Also the name of the beloved Little Mermaid!  - Sirena - Inspired by the sirens of Greek mythology. - Cordelia - Meaning "daughter of the sea" in Celtic. - Viviane - Another name for the Lady of the Lake. Ocean Names That Sound and Feel Like the Sea You know how some names and words evoke memories and feelings that make you reminisce about the great blue ocean? Here are some of them!  - Gale - A unisex name, gale refers to hurricane force winds, and certainly not someone you want to cross!  - Eddy - A circular current of water, an eddy can be deceptively calm on the surface while an underwater tornado brews beneath its depths.  - Haven - When all hell breaks loose, head to a safe haven for shelter, comfort, and warmth.  - Misty - Misty mornings are the best when at sea. Just be sure your visibility improves before you pick up speed!  - Pearl - The gems of the underwater world, pearls are few and far between.  - Rain - With the ocean comes rain. Lots of it!  - Sandy - What’s a beach without gorgeous, white sand?  - Tsunami - We’re not sure whether you want to name your child after a destructive force, but perhaps “Sue” will be more apt. Only YOU would know the hidden meaning!  - Reef - Coral reefs are a crucial part of our ecosystem, whether underwater or above.  - Jetty - Not only are jetties vital for marine activities, but they are also incredibly fun to jump off of!  - Brook - Not quite the ocean, but a calm, peaceful brook deserves a spot on our favorite name list. - Drift - Whether it is a quiet, gentle current that you peacefully drift on, or an exciting drift dive that advanced divers do, drift definitely reminds most of the ocean. Unless you’re a race car driver. - Cove - Magical and mysterious, hidden coves are one of the funnest things to find on your ocean expeditions!  - Crystal - Whether turquoise blue or emerald green, crystal clear waters all over the world get ocean lovers excited!  - Coral - The ocean is infinitely more boring without coral reefs. Where would you swim with turtles and reef fish?!  Ocean Life Baby Names - Sailor - Whether or not your kiddo becomes a waterbaby, you can hope!  - Marina - If you’re a boater, chances are that you spend more time when you’re awake at the marina than at home. - Isla - A tranquil name meaning “island”, island is also a little-known river in Scotland.  - Oceana - A spin off of the word “ocean”, Oceana would likely suit a girl more.  - Shelley - We sell seashells by the sea shore! Tongue twisters aside, seashells are an integral part of the ocean. Just don’t take too many of them home. Each seashell can be someone’s home and is an important part of the ecosystem.  - Mira - Sanskrit for ocean, Mira also has various different meanings in other languages, like “peace” in Slavic.  - Meredith - Thought to mean "guardian of the sea" or “protector of the sea” in Welsh. - Coraline - Loosely spun off from “coral”, Coraline is a popular female name.  - Kai - Kai is a Japanese name that means “ocean” or “shell”. In Estonian, it also means “pier” or “quay”.  - Fisher - A name usually given to males, Fisher is a nice little tribute to our underwater friends, the FISH!  - Finn - Another popular male name, fins are what help our fishy friends get by.  - Beck - Old Norse for “stream”, Beck can also be turned into “Becca”. - Drake - The name Drake comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “Draca”, which means sea serpent or dragon.  - Wade - Before you start swimmin’, you gotta start wading!  - Murphy - Irish for “sea warrior”, Murphy is the most common surname in Ireland and the 105th most common surname in the UK.  - Skip or Skipper - A nickname for “captain”, your little Skip or Skipper might just become one!  - Marlin - Intimidatingly large, super fast, and extremely powerful, the marlin is a predatory fish that’s one of the most recognizable in the world due to its rounded spear extending from its snout.  - Nemo - The world’s most beloved clownfish, don’t let his size fool you. Clownfish are one of the most fearless, aggressive fish in the world and are known for defending their families and homes against animals (and people!) hundreds of times their size.  - Dory - Nemo’s devoted companion, Dory also deserves a mention on this list.  - Morgan - A gender-neutral name of Welsh origin, Morgan means “white sea dweller”.  Final Thoughts - What is a Good Ocean Name  There you have it! Plenty of names to give to your little one that will reflect on your deep love for the ocean. When the time’s right, perhaps scuba diving lessons are on the cards and with these names, your kid might just be the instructor’s favorite! Read the full article

[bangzhairstudio4545]

Elegance and Expertise: Unveiling the Best Hair Salons in Venice, FL

The best hair salons in venice fl seamlessly combine style, expertise, and a commitment to enhancing the natural beauty of their clients. Here, we explore the standout salons that have become go-to destinations for discerning individuals seeking exceptional hair services.

Salon Euphoria: Elevating Beauty Beyond Expectations:

Salon Euphoria stands out as a beacon of excellence in Venice, offering a luxurious experience that goes beyond conventional salon services. Renowned for its talented team of stylists, Salon Euphoria specializes in precision haircuts, vibrant color treatments, and personalized styling that accentuates individual personalities. The salon's commitment to continuous education ensures that clients receive the latest trends and techniques in the world of hair care.

Fresh Salon and Spa: A Haven of Relaxation and Style:

Fresh Salon and Spa in Venice provides a haven where clients can unwind while receiving top-tier hair services. This salon boasts a team of skilled professionals who excel in everything from classic cuts to avant-garde styles. Beyond hair services, Fresh Salon and Spa offers a range of spa treatments, creating a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.

Shear Style Hair Salon: Tailored Excellence for Every Client:

Shear Style Hair Salon prides itself on delivering personalized excellence to each client who walks through its doors. From modern haircuts to custom color treatments, the stylists at Shear Style are dedicated to creating looks that reflect the individuality of each client. The salon's warm and welcoming atmosphere adds an extra touch of comfort to the overall experience.

Sirena Island Day Spa & Boutique: A Complete Beauty Retreat:

Sirena Island Day Spa & Boutique transcends the traditional salon experience by offering a comprehensive range of beauty services. From expert hair styling to rejuvenating spa treatments, clients can indulge in a day of pampering. The salon's commitment to quality and client satisfaction has made it a standout destination in Venice.

Salon 41: Where Creativity Meets Professionalism:

Salon 41 embodies the perfect fusion of creativity and professionalism. With a team of highly skilled stylists, this salon excels in delivering cutting-edge styles and transformative hair makeovers. From chic and trendy to classic and timeless, Salon 41 caters to diverse tastes with precision and flair.

[silvermillenniumqueenneptune]

Chapters: 4/10 Fandom: Star Trek: Picard Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Raffi Musiker & Cristóbal Rios, Emil | La Sirena's Emergency Medical Hologram & Cristóbal Rios, Emmet | La Sirena's Emergency Tactical Hologram & Cristóbal Rios Characters: Cristóbal Rios, Raffi Musiker, Mister Hospitality | La Sirena's Emergency Hospitality Hologram, Emil | La Sirena's Emergency Medical Hologram, Emmet | La Sirena's Emergency Tactical Hologram, Enoch | La Sirena's Emergency Navigational Hologram Additional Tags: Pre-Season/Series 01, Drinking & Talking, Vacation, First Meetings, AO3 Haven Facebook Group, AO3 Haven Facebook Group Monthly Challenge, Male-Female Friendship, Platonic Female/Male Relationships, self-care, Post-Traumatic Dysphoria, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Implied/Referenced Suicide Summary:

When Cris Rios decided to take a vacation from the outlaws who hunted him, he never expected to become drinking buddies with the sharp witted and even sharper-tongued Raffaela Musiker along the way. Both burned by Starfleet, Raffi and Rios form a deep, platonic bond over their attempts to care for each other after realizing how terrible they are at it alone.

[aramisinaskirt]

My post Camp NaNoWriMo plans

So, Camp NaNoWriMo is officially over in a few hours. I am currently sitting with a still unfinished draft of Artemis and Aphrodite. I’m probably going to let the idea sit for a bit while I work on some other projects, both in and out of the fandom.  Here, in no particular order are what those projects are. 

I’m not usually open about this on tumblr, but I do run a group on Facebook for authors who post on AO3. It’s called the Archive of Our Own Haven for Writers, Readers and Fans. You can find the page I use to admin here and the group itself here. If you want to join, please note we have 3 questions that must be answered to admit you to the group. 

Every month we do themed writing challenges open to members of the group where we give a few theme options and then challenge the writers to begin or update a work with those themes at any time during the month. May’s themes are Mother’s Day, Graduation, and Silver Linings.

I’m going to spend the month mostly working on a Musketeers story tentatively titled  either “Fair Winds, High Seas” or “Rose of the Siren”, which will fit into my “Silver Linings” theme. Like Artemis and Aphrodite it will be a PorthAnnamis triad pairing, most likely with a Female!Aramis at the helm. Yep, this one is for you, @privateerstudies & you, too, @enigma-the-mysterious!

I’ll also be participating in @privateerstudies Secret Solstice event.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me an ask! Also, if you have suggestions for a better title for the Pirate AU, please comment (Note: Rose of the Siren is also a nod to a slight ST: Picard reference I plan to make by naming Aramis’ ship  either La Sirena or  Rosa de la Sirena (Translations respectively: The Siren, or The Siren’s Rose [although sirena can also be translated “mermaid”] ) For those who aren’t familiar with Star Trek: Picard, La Sirena is the name of the ship piloted by Captain Cristobal Rios, played by Santiago Cabrera and affectionately called “Aramis in Space” by Trek fans who also happen to be Muskie fans.

Comment and let me know what you think!

[brahkest-fr]

Have any other dragons of your lore/clan had encounters with Serina? Or heard rumours, possibly folklore about her?

Oh she actually just lives a few doors down from everyone else in the tunnels lol

Despite being some sort of entity, she’s very well known in the clan as being that creepy lady who has a nasty hobby of mass kidnapping. They’ve all heard of her story and many stray as far from her as possible. Of course, this didn’t stop Chimera from allowing her to stay in exchange for Sirena’s own set of skills, namely her knowledge in mineralogy - something fairly useful when your whole clan is situated underground. Sirena knew well the Pustules would take in literally anybody, even someone like her. She uses the place as a safe haven for her rock collection, one of few things she keeps around from her past life, and herself since there’s many who’d just love to exorcise her or imprison her for being a shade creature. 

She still leaves from time to time, namely through puddles she leaves about in her room that can take her anywhere in Sornieth where it happens to be raining. Chimera doesn’t mind the fact that she collects “guests” for her never-to-be wedding so long as said unfortunate souls aren’t any of her people - though many residents prefer Sirena wasn’t there at all. She keeps to herself regardless but loves to scare the shit out of Honeydew who is too nice for his own good and the only person who volunteers his time to help her with menial chores.

[baekchen-express]

Song 🌟 -thank you

send me a one-word prompt for a tiny baekchen fic c:

[this got long, so click on ‘keep reading’ to read the whole thing.]

On his free time, when he's not being bombarded by prince duties, Baekhyun likes to spend his time in a lagoon just off the coast of Isla Sirena, separated from the blue sea -- Baekhyun's home -- by a barrier island resting atop a stretch of reefs, with a rock arch formation right in the middle. That's how Baekhyun enters the lagoon every time he gets some time to himself, by diving under the arch and through it, into the lagoon where the water is a stark turquoise under the lovely, bright sun.

For the past year, this lagoon has become a sort of escape haven for Baekhyun. He speeds past the corals and colourful fishes and occasional giant clams, and towards the inner side of the coast, the furthest he can get from the sea.

Here, perched atop the rocky edges that separate the lagoon from the island, is a tiny wooden house overseeing the sea. And inside it lives a man, a human man, with two legs and two feet and the most beautiful voice Baekhyun has ever heard.

Ironic, Baekhyun thinks, for a siren to fall in love with the voice of a human.

Baekhyun perches atop a huge rock right outside a window and peeks into what he presumes is the living room. At this time of the day, the man would usually be walking into this room in three, two --

Ah! There he is, sauntering into the living room looking fresh and awake with a mug of something in one hand and a curled smile on his face.

As always, the man starts humming.

His voice is so soft, strong and steady but laced thin at the edges, sure and fragile at the same time. Baekhyun can't get enough of it. He props himself over the window sill, leaning in closer to hear the man better, as the man breaks into a full song.

Baekhyun recognises this song. It's the song of the land gatherers, of humans who wander to the shallow waters to collect conches and urchins for food. He used to hear them often, when he was young and nimble and would slip through the reefs by the sandy beaches. With the man's voice singing it in a perfect tone that filters into Baekhyun's ears and tugs at his heartstrings, it's not hard to get lost in the memories.

Before Baekhyun knows it, he's joining in, a soft, almost inaudible whisper in the background that soon enough grows into a full on duet, harmonising his own voice with the man's beautiful, ethereal one.

The man turns, alarmed. "Who's there?"

Baekhyun jerks and hurries to duck, but it's too late.

"Hello?" says the man. His voice is closer than ever, maybe just one whole tail flick away from Baekhyun now.

Baekhyun tucks himself as small as he can behind the wall; the man finds him anyway.

"Hey, there," says the man.

Baekhyun peers up, straightening a little. He may have been caught red-handed, but a prince does not bow. "Hello," he tells the man.

The man smiles, amused. "I've never heard a siren sing before. Your voice is very beautiful."

He's so close now, just a hand's length away from Baekhyun, and now Baekhyun can see that his hair and eyes are pitch black even under the bright, morning sun, and his long, thick lashes an entrancing, dark contrast that fans across his cheeks.

Not as beautiful as yours, Baekhyun wants to say. Instead, he blurts out, "Baekhyun. It's -- that's my name." He leans a little closer, feeling brave. "What's yours?"

The man grins, a set of pearly white bracketed by pink lips. "Jongdae."

"Jongdae," repeats Baekhyun.

The man -- Jongdae -- touches Baekhyun's hand with his fingers. Baekhyun's hand involuntarily jolts back at the contact, more surprised than anything. At his reaction, Jongdae pulls away, a concerned frown overtaking his charming smile. Oh, no, no, no. Baekhyun quickly reaches up to touch his fingers to Jongdae's mouth, the curled ends, smoothing them out.

"You're prettier when you smile," says Baekhyun. "Could you sing for me again?"

Jongdae's ears flush red, but his smile is pleased. "Only if you join in."

They spend the rest of the morning like that, with Baekhyun on one side of the window and Jongdae on the other, two voices -- one of the land, and one of the sea -- harmonising under one sky, until Baekhyun has to leave for his afternoon session with the royal ministers.

But that's okay. Baekhyun already knows that he'll be coming back more often, anyway -- his eyes, his ears, his heart, hungry for more.

baekchen-express for more

[haveamagicalday]

Supernatural/Mythical creature book recommendations

 Ratings-- MG: Middle Grade, YA: Young Adult, A: Adult

Ghosts

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake (YA)

The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender (YA)

The Diviners by Libba Bray (YA)

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon (A)

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal (YA)

The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry (A)

The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero (YA)

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (A)

House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig (YA)

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon (A)

The Mediator by Meg Cabot (YA)

Missing, Presumed Dead by Emma Berquist (YA)

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshall (YA)

Possessions by Nancy Holder (YA)

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (A)

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (YA)

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson (YA)

Mermaids/Sirens/Selkies

Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsay (YA)

Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman (MG)

Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer (YA)

Coral by Sara Ella (YA)

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (YA)

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter (YA)

Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal  (YA/A)

The Mermaid’s Mirror by L.K. Madigan (MG/YA)

The Mermaid’s Sister by Carrie Anne Noble (MG)

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw (A)

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning (YA)

Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley (YA)

The Siren by Kiera Cass (YA)

Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli (YA)

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (YA)

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova (YA)

Wake by Amanda Hocking (YA)

Vampires

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz (YA)

The Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black (YA)

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (A)

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson (A)

House of Night by P.C. Cast (YA)

Insatiable by Meg Cabot (A)

Witches/Wizards

Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski (MG)

Cackle by Rachel Harrison (A)

The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Sterling (A)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (YA)

How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather (YA)

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones  (All)

Jinx by Meg Cabot (YA)

Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid (A)

Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey (A)

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (A)

The Salem Witch Tryouts by Kelly McClymer (YA)

Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle (YA)

When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey (YA/A)

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw (YA)

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith (YA)

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (A)

Fairies

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (YA)

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black (YA)

Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier  (A)

Fairyland Series by Catherynne M. Valente (MG)

The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier (YA)

In Darkling Wood by Emma Carroll (MG)

Stolen Heir by Holly Black

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan (YA)

Tithe by Holly Black (YA)

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier (YA)

Original creatures/Various

For the Wolf by Hannah F. Whitten (A)

Freeks by Amanda Hocking (YA)

Gilded by Marissa Meyer (YA)

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (YA)

Here There Are Monsters by Amelinda Berube (YA)

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland (YA)

Into the Heartless Woods by Joanna Ruth Meyer (YA)

Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bolvalina (YA)

Silver in Blood by Jessica Day George (YA)

Small Favors by Erin A. Craig (YA)

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison (A)

Tidepool by Nicole Wilson (A)

The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees (YA)

We Shall be Monsters by Alyssa Wees (A)

What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo (A)

[3y3-jesters]

Sirena Havenous (During Children of Entropy)

[newhavenhq-blog]

¡Has llegado a New Haven, Lee Holvin! Ha sido un largo y escabroso camino, pero ha valido la pena. No bajes la guardia, porque los muertos no descansan, y tanto ellos como los vivos son un peligro. Fíjate bien en quien confías, porque aunque parezca que estás a salvo, el camino al infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones.

¡Bienvenida, Astrology! Agradecemos tu interés en el proyecto y esperamos que tu estancia sea agradable. A partir de este momento cuentas con 24 horas para enviar la cuenta de tu personaje. Si necesitas una extensión de tiempo, no dudes en solicitarla.

// FUERA. Nombre o apodo: Astrology. Pronombres: Ella/suya. Edad: Veinticuatro. País o zona horaria: GMT +1 Nivel de conexión (1 al 10): 7. ¿Algo que desees agregar?: Que la idea es genial <3 // DENTRO. Nombre completo: Lee Holvin. Edad y fecha de nacimiento: Veintiséis. 24/5/92 Faceclaim: Jessica Henwick. Personalidad : +Paciente, dedicada, trabajadora. -Ruda, osada, desconfiada.

Tres a cinco datos sobre su vida antes de la plaga:

·Se enteró que fue adoptada a los siete años. Nunca tuvo interés en saber de sus progenitores biológicos, estaba más que feliz con la familia Holvin y sus otros hermanos, hijos de la misma pareja.

·Sin embargo su adolescencia estuvo marcada por un paso duro de reencontrarse y con la tentación de malas compañías. A los quince fue enviada a un campamento estricto para que no perdiera el camino de su futuro.

·Siempre complejada con el tópico de que ’los asiáticos son cerebritos’ a Lee le costaba llegar en ocasiones al notable, es por ello que sus padres la refuerzan con tutores; uno de ellos el que sería su primer novio. Un amorío sin importancia en su lista pero que no viene mal rememorar.

·Estudió en UCLA y se graduó en la licenciatura de Idiomas modernos. Y, no, el chino no es tan fácil de aprender como creen, amigos, y menos el alemán.

·Antes de la plaga, se hallaba pasando un fin de semana con un grupo de amigos cerca de California. Lo último que recuerda es que estaba cogida de la mano de su mejor amigo y de pronto, obscuridad.

Tres a cinco datos sobre su vida desde la plaga hasta su llegada a New Haven:

·La obscuridad desapareció. Igual que el resto de sus acompañantes. Las aves no cantaban y eso ya le dio la mala señal, esa que se tiene como en las películas de terror. Tratando de despertarse se pega una bofetada pero no es hasta que escucha unos lamentos que decide acercarse.

·El llanto se aproxima cuando descubre que los lamentos no son de ser humano sino… de algo similar pero horroroso. Alguien grita que corra y sin poder retomar sus cosas del coche, se ve corriendo hacia Dios sabe dónde.

·Escondidos en unos apartamentos, cuatro desconocidos y ella hablan sobre el caso, tratando de decirse que ha de ser una pesada broma de la tele… pese a que el día de los inocentes pasó hace mucho. Son sobresaltados por los ‘muertos’ y es ahí cuando de nuevo tratan de defenderse. Dos de ellos son acorralados por los seres y pese a que quiere tenderles la mano de emergencia, se lo impide el resto.

·Tras esquivar grandes peligros y sustos, es cuando parecen llegar al refugio gracias al sonido de la sirena y un mensaje que le pone los pelos de puntas. Todo lo que conocía hasta ahora… borrado para siempre.

[katsbookcornerreads]

Snippet from Haven 4: Avow. Unedited and copyrighted to me 2021. ~“Take them to the holding cells below deck. Do not allow them any conveniences not provided for any other prisoner. The preliminary charges are kidnapping,” Rokai said. “And theft,” Lo'San growled. “And attempted murder,” Ko'San added from where he was being held by two warriors. “Do not forget they instructed me to give her two additional doses of her medication in a plan to kill her!” “Silence!” Ph’eel screamed. “No! You be silent! I renounce you! I am no longer a part of your household and as is law, my young ones will be forbidden in your home as well!” Ko'San yelled at Ph’eel. “Everyone be silent!” General Lo'San ordered. “Take them away!” As all of his family except for his father was dragged from the commissary as everyone in attendance looked on, Lo'San stepped into the corridor. “Place Ko'San in his own cell!” “Thank you!” Ko’San’s voice could be heard yelling back to Lo'San. “That was kind of you,” Rokai said, coming to stand beside Lo'San and watch as Lo'San’s mother, brother and sister in law were taken away. “He was ordered to kill Sink Lar — he did not,” Lo'San said. Rokai shrugged. “Very well. What now?” “Where is Commander Zha Quin Tha?” Lo'San asked. “He’s is indisposed,” Rokai answered. Lo'San looked over at Rokai. “What does that mean?” “It means he’s given orders that he is not to be disturbed. He is tending our Sirena today.” Lo'San spun on his heel and set out for the flight deck. “Missy!” he snapped. “Yes, General,” Missy answered. “Prepare a transport! I’m going to get my mate!” “No!” Rokai shouted as he ran along beside Lo'San. “We should take a battle cruiser! Better yet, let’s take two!” Then Rokai spoke to Missy. “Missy! Order my team to assemble on the flight deck at once!” “Right away Elite Commander Rokai ahl,” Missy responded. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJllWGCgKdH/?igshid=n596dbuv1tb8

[ruffsficstuffplace]

And The AWRD Goes To... (Part 52)

“Everyone all set?” Aqua asked as they were all back in the van. “Sure you didn’t leave anything in the lockers? Returned the keys? Got all your things in your bags? … Alright then, let’s roll!” she said as she started the engine again.

“Team AWRD to Haven!” Akko said, pumping her fist up in the air.

“To Haven!” Ruby, Diana, and Weiss said.

Aqua snorted. “What was that all about?” she asked as she checked the rear-view camera.

“Team solidarity,” Ursula replied. “You’ll find that a lot of Academy teams and long-term hunting parties develop them more often than not.”

“Well alright then!” Aqua said as she backed out of the parking lot, and started heading back up the road. “So, all of you ready to talk more about our plans for the Tsukimi Festival? Now that we’ve laid out all the groundwork, it’s time to focus on the most important part.”

“My performance?” Weiss asked.

“No, though that is obviously still a vitally important component,” Aqua replied as she navigated a gently sloping turn. “I’m talking about our hook, what we’re going to base all our advertising and hype around.  We could produce the most amazing show ever in the history of the Tsukimi Festival, but it’s going to mean jack shit if we can’t compel people to spend their precious time watching us over the hundreds of other attractions there.

“Lucky for all of us, though, I’ve thought of the perfect one! It might not be able to stand up to the months or year-long campaigns the competition have been coordinating, but it will definitely attract some attention—maybe we can even turn the fact that we’re a last-minute contender into a plus.”

“Let’s hear it, then!” Weiss said, smiling.

Aqua stopped at a stoplight, and spread her hands out across the air. “The Return of the Little Sirena of the Bakunawa! Once an aspiring young talent that took the competition and the crowds by storm each year, brought down by her own hubris and getting caught in the lower city’s criminal element, now coming back to the scene to help an old lover become her successor for the stage!

“It’s got everything the crowds like: a good nobody-to-somebody story, a dramatic, self-inflicted fall from grace, and a big comeback, wiser, kinder, and humbler, but above all, it’s recent, and it’s still pretty big in the news cycle and social media buzz!” Aqua finished, smiling.

“I don’t want to do that, Aqua.” Weiss said.

Aqua stopped at a stoplight, and turned around to look at her. “What do you mean…?”

“I mean, I don’t want to use that to promote our show!” Weiss said, scowling now. “I’ve been spending the last two years trying to put that part of my life behind me and deal with the severe consequences it had, I don’t want to turn it into a marketing gimmick for money!”

“But Weiss--!” Aqua started.

“No, Aqua, you listen to me!” Weiss snapped. “I said ‘I don’t want to do that.’ I am not comfortable doing this. I do not think we should do this, and there is absolutely nothing you can say to me that will change my mind!”

Aqua reeled, the car fell into an uneasy silence as Weiss fumed. The light turned green, the cars behind them started honking, Aqua quickly turned back to the road and continued driving. “… Okay then...” she muttered, “we’re definitely not using that… but we still need a good hook.

“Anyone have any ideas? It’s got to be emotional, sympathetic, and above all, hinging on something that’s recently been in the news and have got people talking—we can’t possibly generate a big enough buzz on our own in time for the festival, so we have to glom on to something else.”

Everyone thought and tossed out ideas as Aqua continued driving; none of them worked for one reason or another, before Akko suggested, “What about Shiny Chariot?”

“Shiny Who now?” Aqua asked as she climbed her way up a slope.

“Shiny Chariot!” Akko repeated, annoyed. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten about her!”

“She’s Akko’s idol, remember?” Weiss said.

“Oh, yeah, the old star she never could shut up about!” Aqua said, nodding. “Yeah, I remember her now.”

“She’s not that old!” Akko snapped.

“She is to this crowd, Akko, which is what matters,” Aqua said. “Unless she’s making some kind of grand, dramatic comeback that can somehow revive her fanbase and earn a new one in the span of a couple of weeks, and compete against everyone else in the Festival, then I seriously doubt we can use her.”

“But what about the Shiny Rod?” Ruby asked. “That’s been all over the news ever since we got it.”

“That freaky weapon that keeps blowing up Grimm, yourselves, and everything around you for a mile or two...?”

“The one and the same!” Ruby said.

“It was also Shiny Chariot’s weapon!” Akko added quickly.

Aqua paused. “Is it now…?” she muttered, before nodded to herself. “Yeah, the Shiny Rod will work great, that’ll work perfectly, actually!” she said, smiling.

“I hope you’re not suggesting we try to use the Shiny Rod’s power as part of the performance,” Ursula said quietly. “Both for the interest of public safety and the health of my students, I can’t condone that.”

“Relax, we’re only going to use it as a novelty,” Aqua said as the slope ended, she started maneuvering her way through more of the lower levels crowded streets. “It might be cheap and more at home at a traveling circus, but I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a sizable amount of people who’d love to see an actual, legitimate mysterious ancient artifact up close, maybe even pay for the privilege.

“You wouldn’t happen to have figured out how Shiny Chariot managed to get that thing to pull off all those fancy tricks in her shows, would you?”

“Not yet, no!” Ruby replied. “Also, I’d hold off on that plan until I can ask the Shiny Rod if it wants to be used as part of our plans.”

“Ask the Shiny Rod…?” Aqua asked, holding back sniggers. “What, afraid it’ll get stage fright after all these years?”

“Maybe!” Ruby replied seriously. “So far it’s been extremely short on clear answers, and only ever lets use its power when we’re facing something we can’t defeat otherwise. That aside, it’s got a record of not liking being held by certain people, and it seems to be able to read minds, understand intentions and thoughts, and react accordingly.”

Aqua stopped laughing. “… Say what now…?”

“Ah, let me explain it a different way…” Ruby muttered, thinking for a moment. “Okay: the day after we got it, Diana tried to take it away to secure storage on campus, it did something weird to her that forced her to drop it, and when I took it from her and mentioned I wanted to take it to the Forge to try and study it, it started yelling at me to give it back to Akko.

“Well, not actually ‘yelling’ yelling then, it wasn’t really able to use words nor does it have a voice, but it ‘felt’ like it was yelling and I understood it was trying to tell me it really didn’t want to be studied.”

Aqua pulled to the side, and looked back at Ruby. “Are you saying that thing might actually be intelligent…?”

“Maybe, maybe not!” Ruby replied. “We’ve generally been assuming it’s sentient and has feelings, just to err on the safe side—none of us want an ancient, powerful artifact with a grudge.”

“… Oooo-kay, on the one hand, that is definitely something that increases the appeal of the Shiny Rod to the general public, and on the other hand, that makes me less willing to have that freaky-ass thing inside my house.”

“So does that mean we’re putting the kibosh on that plan, too?” Akko asked.

“Maybe; you ladies try and do everything you can to convince it to help first before we abandon this plan entirely.”

There was a brief moment of silence as Aqua turned back to the windshield, and stared blankly off into the distance with an uncomfortable expression.

“… Alright, now that I’ve come to terms with the fact that I need to ask an ancient, mysterious artifact for its consent… this was the very last thing we needed to discuss before my family gives the greenlight for everything.” Aqua said as she resumed driving.

“I’d love to get dramatic and make a big speech where I tell you this is the point of no return, and you should back out now if you don’t think you can do this, but I need every single one of you to stay committed if we’re even going to make it to the final cut for the Festival.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that, Aqua!” Akko said, smiling. “We’re all going to see this plan to the end, right guys?”

“Right!” the rest of the team replied.

Aqua smiled back at the others through the rearview mirror. “Then buckle up and clear your calendars for the next six weeks, folks, because starting tomorrow, it’s a helluva ride to the Tsukimi Festival, and we’re not stopping till Weiss is on that stage!”

The team all cheered, before they started brainstorming and discussing Weiss’ performance, and how they bring the Shiny Rod and Chariot into it.

The whole time, Ursula sat in her seat, her expression betraying nothing, silent except when an idea felt far too dangerous or egregious, praying that their using the Shiny Rod for show business would work better than it did for her.

AWRD spent the rest of their day in their dorm, resting, studying, or leisurely passing time, until Yang invented them and BLJC for dinner together at the dining hall, convincing Whitley to come along when they ran into him.

“Are you sure there’s going to be room for one more?” Whitley asked. “The table situation here isn’t exactly as bad as in Sanctum, I’ll admit, but people are still really quick to claim free spots.”

“They said they managed to reserve a whole three tables to themselves, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of space for all of us to sit comfortably!” Akko replied.

Whitley nodded. “Alright, I’ll join… what floor and where are they sitting at, anyway?”

“Bottom floor, and Yang just said to look for the glowing,” Ruby replied.

“The ‘glowing…?’” Whitley asked warily.

Ruby shrugged. “She said we’ll find out when we get there!”

Whitley frowned. “Oh, sure, that doesn’t sound suspicious nor related to how they managed to get a whole three tables to themselves, not at all!”

“Still coming with us, little Whitley?” Weiss asked.

Whitley sighed, and said, “Yes…” Softly, he added, “It’ll be nice to be hanging out with you two again, anyway...”

And so the nine of them continued onto the dining hall. They managed to find the glowing Yang mentioned almost immediately in one of the furthest corners of the dining hall; as they got closer, they found out it was coming from Jaune, his whole body covered in a golden aura, looking miserable as he had his chin in his hands and his elbows on the table.

The rest of JAYS didn’t look much better: Yang waved enthusiastically for a moment before wincing and hissing in pain as she put her arm back down; Amanda sat beside her with her arms laid out flat on the table and ice packs on top of them; and Sucy had a dark cloud hanging over her, one that seemed to absorb the light radiating from Jaune.

There was also the fact that they all looked ridiculous wearing sunglasses indoors, but no one chose to comment on that.

“What in the hell happened to all of you?” Whitley asked as he and the others took their seats.

“Lab accident,” Jaune muttered. “I was mixing a pot of regular dust and stardust, and it exploded.”

“Amanda and me were firing experimental stardust bullets all day.” Yang said.

“And I had to supervise all three of them, including helping clean up their messes,” Sucy finished flatly.

“Is he going to be okay?” Lotte asked. “I mean, stardust isn’t toxic is it? … Is it toxic? Should we be this close to him...?”

“He’s fine, we’re all fine, except for later tonight when I’ve gotta deal with the Amazing Human Nightlight...” Sucy grumbled.

“When’s he going to stop glowing?” Akko asked.

“When the stardust runs of energy,” Sucy replied. “Then, it’ll wash off.”

“And when will that be?” Weiss asked.

Jaune sighed heavily. “A long while...” he replied. “They tell me that stardust really likes absorbing aura to recharge itself, and I’ve got a lot of it.”

Diana nodded. “Don’t take this personally, but I’m rather surprised and concerned they’re letting first years like you four handle such a substance; it seems incredibly dangerous, even if it is non-toxic.”

“Management didn’t really have a choice, and Dr. Schnee didn’t give us one, either.” Sucy replied. “We need to do almost everything by hand, keep the stardust charged with aura while it chemically reacts or goes through any kind of processing, or else it’ll turn inert in a hurry.”

“That’s really weird.” Weiss said.

“Yep!” Sucy replied. “I find it fascinating from a scientific perspective, and a pain-in-the-ass for everything else.”

“So what else have you found out about it?” Blake asked.

“That as of the moment, it’s useless for any practical applications.” Sucy replied.

“I thought you were testing stardust bullets?” Ruby asked. “That sounds like a pretty practical application to me!”

“It would be if the guns didn’t melt or blow up after each shot...” Amanda grumbled, looking down at her arms.

“… And the kick was a whole let less powerful...” Yang added.

“… And filling for the bullets weren’t so… explode-y.” Jaune added..

“It’s like trying to harness the power of pure dust, times ten,” Sucy said. “Incredibly risky at best, and it’s going to cause a helluva lot of collateral damage even if you do use it right.”

“Heh!” Akko said. “It’s kinda like all the times we’ve ever used the Shining Star!”

“Yeah, it kinda is, now can we please shut up about it and get to ordering dinner?” Amanda asked. When the others all agreed, she smiled. “Then I hope you guys don’t mind getting flatbread with us! The extra cost of getting one if your group’s not big enough is just criminal, man!”

No one objected, except for Diana who asked, “What’s flatbread?”

Amanda stopped smiling and stared at her. “You don’t what’s flatbread?” she asked in disbelief.

“I’m not familiar with that, sorry,” Diana said.

“It’s a, flat, round disc of bread covered in sauce and whatever the hell else you want!” Amanda cried. “It’s objectively one of the best things ever, and you can get it pretty much everywhere in Remnant, how can you not know it?!”

“Ah, you meant pizza,” Diana said, nodding.

“No I meant ‘flatbread,” Amanda snapped, her eyes narrowing.

Diana looked at her in confusion, before Ruby and Whitley put their hands on her shoulders and leaned in to whisper.

“Just call it ‘flatbread.’” Whitley started.

“It’s a VERY big deal for anyone who came from Vacuo!” Ruby added.

Diana looked at them both strangely, back at Amanda, before she said, “My apologies, I did mean to say ‘flatbread;’ I appear to have gotten too used to how Atlas and Vale calls it.”

“Damn straight!” Amanda said, relaxing. “So, toppings, everyone? I don’t really care what you’ll order, so long as my share doesn’t end up on the same flatbread as seafood anything, tuna especially!”

“What’s wrong with tuna?” Blake asked, annoyed.

“Aside from the fact that they’re an abomination to put on flatbread? Their flavour tends to bleed in Mistral-style sauces, which is what they use here in Haven,” Amanda said, before a lively, passionate argument about toppings ensued.

Eventually, they managed to reach an agreement, their order was sent to the kitchen via scroll, and a truce was called in the war on flatbread toppings.

“So, now that flatbread’s on the way, what have you guys been up to?” Amanda asked. “Aside from any stuff about classes, I don’t want to hear anything about that crap.”

“We’re competing in the Tsukimi Festival this year!” Akko replied, before they spent a while explaining the details of the plan to JAYS, sharing some updates, and a little bit of Weiss’ history competing.

“… Back then, though, we already had everything settled and done months before during the summer, not six weeks before the actual event, with school on top of it.” Weiss said. “This year, we don’t really have much of a choice, nor can we really back out now...”

“We’re not worried at all, though!” Akko said. “This isn’t the first big production I’ve had to help make in a rush with barely any resources or help, and all the other times worked out just fine!”

“Were you competing against professional, full-time singers, though?” Sucy asked. “It doesn’t feel like anything will be a good enough catalyst nor additive to make up for all the lost time.”

“Aww, now that’s just loser talk: you can’t say it’s useless until after you’ve tried your hardest!” Amanda said. “Anyway: any room in that plan for one more?”

“Make that two!” Yang said, smiling.

“And where are you both going to miraculously find the time to help them in-between everything else?” Sucy snapped softly. “You already cut out studying and homework, are you two going to just stop showing up to class, too?”

“We’ll find a way!” Amanda said, unbothered. “Hell, maybe we can convince the Doc and Ole Nick to help you guys out with that than working at the labs!”

“As much as we would appreciate the extra assistance, that seems like a gigantic conflict of interest that’ll more likely summon the attention and action of the oversight committee than anything else,” Diana said.

“And you obviously haven’t seen firsthand how little that will probably matter,” Amanda replied, smiling. “Those two have got pull around here, and they aren’t afraid to yank if it comes to that!”

“And you obviously don’t know just who my grandparents will actually use that power for,” Whitley said calmly. “Back on topic: can I join this grand plan of yours? I’m only really asking to be polite, by the way, I have no intention of taking ‘No’ for an answer.”

“You’re free and welcome too, Whitley, but are you really sure?” Weiss asked. “This is definitely going to eat up almost all of our free time, we’ll barely have any left for anything else like relaxing or hanging out with friends.”

“Oh, trust me, that won’t be an issue,” Whitley replied. “Besides, with all of your most recent plans ending in catastrophe and medical emergencies, I feel like you need a healer like me around.”

Weiss smiled and shook her head. “Can’t argue with that! Welcome aboard to the Tsukimi Train, little brother!”

Their food arrived shortly after, and everyone had a good time eating flatbread, drinking soda, and casually arguing over everyone’s respective tastes in both; it was the last time all their lives were going to be so peaceful and relaxed for a long while.

[silvermillenniumqueenneptune]

Chapters: 2/10 Fandom: Star Trek: Picard Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Raffi Musiker & Cristóbal Rios, Emil | La Sirena's Emergency Medical Hologram & Cristóbal Rios, Emmet | La Sirena's Emergency Tactical Hologram & Cristóbal Rios Characters: Cristóbal Rios, Raffi Musiker, Mister Hospitality | La Sirena's Emergency Hospitality Hologram, Emil | La Sirena's Emergency Medical Hologram, Emmet | La Sirena's Emergency Tactical Hologram, Enoch | La Sirena's Emergency Navigational Hologram Additional Tags: Pre-Season/Series 01, Drinking & Talking, Vacation, First Meetings, AO3 Haven Facebook Group, AO3 Haven Facebook Group Monthly Challenge, Male-Female Friendship, Platonic Female/Male Relationships, self-care, Post-Traumatic Dysphoria Summary:

When Cris Rios decided to take a vacation from the outlaws who hunted him, he never expected to become drinking buddies with the sharp witted and even sharper-tongued Raffaela Musiker along the way. Both burned by Starfleet, Raffi and Rios form a deep, platonic bond over their attempts to care for each other after realizing how terrible they are at it alone.