#the full better version is the version of this is made as a total nico robin character study that tracks from her character intro to now

[hororona]

nico robin and her smile

hiiii ok has anyone else ever thought about the person robin was before joining the straw hats? like who she was when she was at her worst? because i do. a lot. so go along with me here

from her introduction, robin has this very small smile that feels cunning and is seemingly meant to taunt luffy and co. it creates a sense that there's a canyon's depth of difference in power between her and the others.

robin's is a subtle character in her expressions compared to most other major characters in the series. and i think it fits her background of having to work in subterfuge. (???)

she maintains this expression throughout multiple scenes. the same shape of her smile that is so exact that it has to be with intention. this is the face of ms. all sunday. this is the person robin had to be in order to survive.

and yet each one still has it's differences and that's robin being not so perfect at hiding her true feelings (which btw i love that robin will always be exactly who she is). she's stressed or even strained at times. while also feeling perfectly at ease, but still performing a role.

i think for the most part. robin didn't mind what she had to do or who she had to be. because she's pragmatic, but she was definitely bothered by vivi and the strawhats. they're the ones who cause robin to show anything other than that static smile. notably when she is faced with vivi and luffy's determination.

and i've rambled about it once before robin is a kind woman at heart and who has a soft spot for the crew + vivi. their earnestness breaks through her own desire/need to not care for the effect her actions have on the lives of others.

notably the only times robin does seem to genuinely smile is in small sudden outbursts around luffy when something he does makes her laugh.

and throughout the rest of the alabasta arc. robin's clearly uncomfortable with facing the real destruction of alabasta at crocodile and her hands. later revealing that she never planned on helping him obtain the poseidon weapon. she never once smiles, instead dropping everything to focus on getting to the poneglyph.

after that though? she does her miss all sunday smile one last time when she asks luffy to join his crew. it's a famous panel, we all know it, we all love it.

the longer robin was with the straw hats. the more she began to genuinely smile. it's well established that being on the crew brought back joy and laughter into robin's life, that being with them gave her a reason to live again. but it was a slow start until we got to see this robin more often and more freely who is cheered by everyone's bright youth and excitement in being alive in a ways that she never had been allowed.

[11queensupreme11]

Queen, I was fucking busy, like really busy, but then I saw THAT comment and I decided that life is too short to don't do risky things

(God, if my boss sees me on tumblr? Why would she know how Tumblr looks?...)

“Sorry Hades!” He cackled joyfully. “Shoulda been a better husband if you didn’t want me snatching up your cute little bride! She’s all mine now!”

Of course, she is daddy, you are so hot, I can't wait for your smut

(Still rotting for Poseidon taking her virginity, just cause he's a slut and I love him for that. Also, her panic about enjoying having sex with her dad would be hilarious)

(Look what you have made, now I'm fully on your side about Percy's fall down, let's push this girl from the precipice, she looks cute crying)

That fight... *sighs* those beautiful men, Poseidon looked GORGEOUS dying in the anime, so I love that for him

Fuck Zeus for stopping it when my babies were having fun, why NOW he has common sense? go and have an orgy, I was laughing

Kebechet peered down. “Daddy! Are you okay?” She called out. Anubis weakly managed a thumbs up. His whole body was completely toast. “Just… fine…” He wheezed.

I love him, your honor.

You know what? I'm starting to like Apollo.

He's honestly just a himbo that by luck has power enough to kill thousands.

His fanart about their future children is cute, and if he was training in Midgard explains a lot about him and his personality.

He was practically raised by mortals, learning with them but always trying to become a god. And with Zeus as his dad... well, I love my whores, even if they probably need a redemption arch where they learn to love and have healthy relationships without sex aside from their sibling.

Also, it feels like he, Anubis, Beel, and Loki are the ones who really LOVE her, she doesn't fake with them (I was rooting for Loki since that bathroom scene for that reason, cause it seemed like the only one who let herself have fun being a gremlin and matched her energy with his own gremlin behavior).

No saying I don't stand for Posy (lol) and even (?) Hades, just saying, that they really need to see her in her own space without them forcing her to be all UwU.

Hopefully, if she ends with one of them (or all of them, I'm totally wishing that end) she'd be able to balance her own personality with her UwU

Oh, Apollo... I can't see the future but somehow I'm looking at the beginning of your yandere arch. Yes, my lord, the only real way of saving her is letting her go but how could you send her away knowing she wouldn't return? Send her to the arms of another man? A simple mortal?

I was wondering how they would see her in her original world, but I bet Apollo is more than we see, and isn't afraid of using everyone in the way of getting her back.

I see the strongest alliance coming, full from simps thirsting after the same pussy

(Oh, that kiss underwater... I just know you're making them worse)

You know what else would be funny? Another god watching with them, and falls in love with Nico and gets the simps to help him, and kidnaps both of them.

Hades has a single son, I can see him going "Well if I marry my other version's son to my own son, that would just eliminate a problem and Percy would have a reason more to stay with me 😊😊"

Just imagine Queen, TWO pretty people to make suffer, Percy teaching him the UwU way, Nico having to live with that version of his dad that not only want to fuck Percy but also is rotting for him getting fucked for what is practically his brother.

Am I convincing you? I think I'm always bribing you with Nico's suffering in a chance to make him stay alive and with Percy, so I can see him more and cause I've some slutty outfits for him.

Imagining my emo boy with that dark prince vibe, everyone who meets him knows that he's not happy but no one sees a problem cause he should be glad that he's alive 🥴

You know Percy has this ethereal vibe, a spoiled princess so imagine them together.

Percy smiling with his UwU facade, looking beautiful and glowing with innocence. Nico looks dark at her side, without a smile on his face even when Percy tries to animate him.

Fully giving black cat and golden retriever energy.

(Percy: I'm going to help you to escape, just that my dad doesn't let me out of his sight enough to contact with the valkyries Nico: You're calling this Poseiond your dad, have you forgotten our world already?

The potential to angst is just *chef kiss*)

AND, cause I'm not gatekeeping anything, look at my favorite ones!

Look at those, absolutely gorgeous, amazing use of my free will searching these pictures.

Also, my boy isn't a tank as the rest of the RoR's men, so he probably would look delicate to them.

He would hate it.

I feel like I'm selling somethig, hope you buy it.

Bye queen, hope you enjoy your new game and don't forget about me and Nico 😘

"poseidon looked GORGEOUS dying in the anime" ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT

also omfgggggg you're killing me 😂😂😂😂

ARE YOU ACTUALLY TRYING TO SELL NICO'S TWINK ASS TO ME IN HOPES FOR HIS SURVIVAL???? SLUTTING OUT YOUR BOY????????? PLEASE THE PIC REFERENCES 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[asolareclipses]

(Previous Part)

Will stared at the spot Nico had disappeared from for what felt like centuries. His body was coursing with a tornado of emotions; he felt pure fear that Nico might never come back, followed by a rush of anger so strong it took full control of him.

“Are you proud of yourselves?” His voice was cold as ice as he turned to the group that had gathered, everyone was utterly silent.

“Will we didn’t mean to-“ Dana began to say but he couldn’t stand to hear another word.

“Nico has saved this camp, more times than I can count.” Will’s voice was rough in exasperation. “But that’s not good enough for you is it?”

This time he was met with blank stares and ashamed looks from the ones who had joined in the accusations.

“None of you could ever do even half of what he had to do,” Wills hands trembled, whether it was in rage or despair, he couldn’t determine. “Yet you judge him? Pathetic.” He laced that last word with more anger than he’d ever felt, before storming off back towards the big house. He was vaguely aware of Jason following behind him, and the fact that Chiron had witnessed the whole event. He didn’t acknowledge either of them until he entered the big house, slamming his hands against the table as he muttered a few choice words under his breath.

Jason seemed to hesitate before approaching, “Hey…you okay?”

It took all of Will’s energy to not snap at him, “Yep, totally fine.”

“Would you perhaps like to explain what has your tunic in such a bunch Solace?” Mr D was so surprised by Will’s demeanor that he forgot to mispronounce his name.

“Nico’s gone, he ran off or something. I don’t know,” Will sighed in frustration, raking his hands through his hair.

“Ran off?” A tense look displayed itself across Mr D’s face.

“It seems as though di Angelo has decided to take our disturbances into his own hands.” Chiron said, his voice was calm but was laced with undertones of sadness.

“Now why would he do that?” Mr D spoke again, this time his voice sharper as he dug his nails into the table.

“Because he thinks no one trusts him, like he has something to prove.” Wills anger had dissipated, his voice was now struck with frustration. “I don’t blame him either, they all turned their backs on him, just like that.” It was something Will couldn’t understand, he’d never feared Nico; Nico was a hero, yet it seemed like only a few people could see that.

“After everything he did,” Jason’s eyes looked as if they were reflecting a storm, “I can’t believe that’s how they treated him.”

“I believe Nico knows he still has many people on his side, however some of the others mistrust has led him to take on a burden that should not be solely his.” Chiron had a far away look shown across his face, “Fortunately he is not alone.”

“Not alone?” Mr D seemed to be the only one confused as he had not witnessed the earlier events.

“Right,” Jason frowned, “Leo went with him.”

“Great, out of everyone he could’ve taken with him it had to be Valerie,” Clearly Mr D went out of his way to never say Leo’s name correctly.

“We have to go after them,” Will said as his face shone with a sudden sense of pure determination.

Jason agreed as he turned to look at their directors, it was clear he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“Okay,” Chiron agreed, “but Rachel will arrive tomorrow morning. Seek her advice first, she may be able to point you in the right direction.”

Will wanted to argue, the idea of Nico being out there doing Gods knows what was eating him up inside; but he knew he had to wait if he wanted a better chance at finding him. Jason seemed unnerved too, his usual brave facade was falling apart as a more unraveled version of himself made its way to the surface.

After reluctantly agreeing on the plan they left the big house, walking towards the cabins as a heavy silence formed. In front of them, the sun continued to set across the horizon, filtering the colors of summer across the camp. But despite the warmth an abnormal breeze had stirred up, it seemed to dance around Jason like a visual depiction of his nerves.

“We’ll find them,” Will said his voice boasted by a false confidence he was instilling within himself.

“Right.” Jason’s voice agreed yet his face was still plagued with worries.

“You’re scared, I get it. But you know, Nico and Leo are really strong, they can handle themselves.” Will wasn’t sure if he had the right to comfort Jason when he himself was on the brink of collapse, but he knew that one of them had to be strong.

Jason sighed, stopping in his tracks as he looked up at the darkening sky. “Yeah, it’s just last time…” His voice trailed off as storm clouds rumbled across the reflections in his eyes. “I almost never saw him again.”

Will had nearly forgotten all that had happened with them, how Jason had lost Leo just to find out he was alive. But soon after Leo had to lose him too. The two of them had been in a constant cycle of losing and finding each other, always wondering if the pattern could be broken.

“Maybe it’s not the same but I know what it’s like for someone to disappear,” Will took a breath of the warm summer air before continuing, “The first time I met Nico we were both so young, I was thrilled to meet someone my age but then, poof, he was gone. Years later he showed up again, he looked like a completely different person, yet it was still him. I thought he’d stay again, but just like before one day he was just gone. I think i’ve lived every day fearing he would disappear again, now that’s it’s happened…I just need to have hope that i’ll find him. He’ll be okay, both of them will be okay.”

Will left out the part about how he lost his brother, how one second he’d stood on that bridge and the next he was gone. Whatever was left of him had never been found, it was as if he were never there. He left out how the constant loss of his siblings only burned his fear of loss deeper and deeper into his bones.

“You’re right,” Jason’s eyes seemed to clear even if only just for a moment. “They’ll be okay, they have to be.”

“They have to be.” Will repeated, putting all his hope into those words, all his fear and anger. He was going to find Nico, and everything would be okay.

Everything.

—

That night the Zeus cabin had never felt colder.

As Jason tossed and turned the spot next to him only become more hollow and empty. Without Leo’s soft breathing the room was eerily quiet, without his precence it was impossibly cold.

Jason tried to pry his mind from the old memories, yet he was always led back to that fated day, hearing Leo’s lasts words repeated over and over. The pain still felt fresh, the pain of losing him and then losing himself.

Leo had sacrificed everything to get him back, he’d gone through the underworld and back all for him. Jason could still feel the darkness surrounding them as he followed Leo into the light. A journey never meant to be completed, something said to be impossible was accomplished all because of Leo. From then on Jason knew he’d follow Leo anywhere. But now he had no idea where Leo was. It sent him into this constant state of panic, wondering if he was okay, if he was coming back.

He needed Leo to be okay, he needed him to come back. Otherwise, what was the point of everything that had happened?

It was safe to say Jason didn’t sleep that night, because every time he closed his eyes he saw Leo’s face as he said goodbye.

Morning couldn’t have come sooner. Jason now waited anxiously at his cabins table, unable to stomach much breakfast. He kept looking for signs of Rachel, he could tell Will was just as anxious. He seemed to be having a somber conversation with his siblings who all donned dark expressions. The missing member from the table really seemed to stick out, maybe Nico wasn’t someone you’d really think of as “bright” but he had really brought life to the Apollo table.

Jason almost screamed in joy when he’d heard the sound of helicopter blades suddenly approaching, of course leave it to Rachel to have a dramatic entrance. Both he and Will hurried over to where she was landing, wasting not even a second.

She seemed surprised as she stepped out of the helicopter, “Woah woah, looks like somebody’s happy to see me.”

“Rachel,” Will said in a dire tone, “we need your help.”

“Great.” She sighed, grabbing her bags as she waved off the pilot, “Let’s head to the woman cave shall we?”

After explaining the situation to Rachel her attitude seemed to change, “That’s not good. You know, I have been having some strangely dark dreams.”

“Any of them suggest where they could’ve gone? I mean Nico seemed on edge, he must’ve known something..if only i’d just asked.” Wills voice was quiet, almost as if he felt ashamed.

Rachel closed her eyes for a moment, “A light house.”

“What?” Jason and Will gave each other a puzzled look.

“I keep getting the urge to draw a lighthouse, or lighthouses? Also I saw this school, it must’ve been a boarding school.”

“Do you remember the name?” Wills eyes started to dance with a nervous energy.

“West..um..west something, I don’t know.” Rachel frowned as she tried to recall the name.

Will flinched as she spoke, hesitating before finally saying, “Westover?”

“Yeah, that’s it!” Rachel met his eyes, “How did you know that?”

“It was Nico’s last school, he went there for a while before he came to camp.” The memory seemed to bother Will as he explained, “It’s in Maine, which would explain the lighthouses.”

“Right,” Rachel nodded in agreement, “I knew I recognized the area.”

“So we have a place now right? Westover, wherever that is,” Jason said, the fact they now had an actual location to find gave him a spark of hope.

“It’s our best bet,” Will agreed, yet he didn’t look very pleased. “Let’s go talk to Chiron.”

It wasn’t a long talk, they didn’t even receive a formal quest, it was more like a recovery mission. Chiron seemed reluctant to allow them to leave but he knew the two of them were bound to go no matter what.

As Chiron handed them the keys to a camp owned car and some cash he said, “Be careful you two, I expect you to come back as four, alright?”

Will nodded, “We will make it back, all of us.”

Chiron smiled, and whether it was true smile or not Jason couldn’t tell; nonetheless it was still reassuring.

“Well Jason,” Will turned to him, dangling the keys off his fingers, “Ready for a road trip?”

(Part Five)

[takeoffphilippines]

TCL Introduces New Mini LED QLED TVs, Soundbars and Smart Home Devices, Delivering Immersive Entertainment to Audiences in the Philippines

Manila, June 15, 2023 - TCL, the leading consumer electronics brand and the world's top two TV brand, launches their newest range of home entertainment products and smart domestic tech appliances through their Grand Summit held last June 15, 2023 at the Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila.

TCL Philippines and TCL Global Executives with TCL Philippines Brand Partner, Nico Bolzico, and Brand Endorser, Kathryn Bernardo

The Grand Summit was filled with informative sessions spearheaded by TCL’s top key officials providing the latest technology news and innovations on TCL’s products.

Likewise, the event also featured segments and product unveilings highlighted by the presence of their Celebrity Brand Partners namely dance princess and actress Maja Salvador, lifestyle influencer Nico Bolzico, and TCL’s main endorser, top actress Kathryn Bernardo. While the Parokya ni Edgar main man Chito Miranda surprised the crowd with his rock hits.

Through this Grand Summit, TCL reinforces its position in home entertainment and smart domestic tech by launching its new range of TV’s, Soundbars, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators and Washing Machines to audiences in the Philippines by elevating home experiences and inspiring consumers to live more fulfilled lives.

 New Realms of Entertainment with TCL C Series TVs and Latest Soundbars

A pioneer of display technology and setting the industry benchmark when it comes to Mini LED, TCL is proud to launch the New TCL C845 Mini LED TV: a superior entertainment hub built with the latest generation of TCL Mini LED technology offering an even better visual experience thanks to high and precise contrast, less blooming, peak brightness, and better uniformity.

TCL C845 sets the bar for outstanding audio-visual quality and software function, ensuring excellent performance across any given user scenario. Based on TCL Mini LED technology, and backed by AiPQ Processor 3.0 picture quality algorithms, this model delivers outstanding visuals. With peak brightness of 2000 nits and superior contrast making it TCL’s all round TV. In addition, with Game Master 2.0, HDMI 2.1, ALLM, 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, TCL Game bar, 240Hz Game Accelerator and the latest HDR formats supported (including HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ), this new TCL Mini LED TV is the best companion to enjoy HDR movies, sports, and games. The TCL C845 is now available in 65” and 75’’sizes.

TCL is also adding two updates to its QLED range. The TCL QLED 4K TV C745, which combines QLED together with Full Array Local Dimming technology and 144Hz VRR for smooth, sharp, and colorful HDR picture quality. The TCL C745 also comes with Game Master 2.0 - a collection of TCL software functions tailored to optimize your gaming experience, making it the best gaming TV proposition in its field. The TCL C745 is now available in 55” and 65’’sizes.

Finally, TCL’s best-in-class QLED TV, the TCL 4K TV C645 combines QLED technology, delivering genuine cinematic colour made from over a billion colours and shades. With Game Master, FreeSync, and latest HDR formats supported (including HDR10+, Dolby Vision), this TV is excellent value for those who want high-quality, interactive home entertainment and is now available in 43’’, 50’’, 55’’, 65’’, 75’’, 85” screen sizes.

TCL is also expanding its TCL XL Collection allowing total cinema-like immersion from the comfort of the living room, without compromising on any loss of detail.

The perfect partner for its TVs, TCL is also introducing the latest soundbars with superior surround-sound capabilities to compliment the TVs’ exceptional picture quality and deliver cinema-worthy audio-visual performance.

Enjoy a Healthier and More Comfortable Life with TCL Breath+ Series Air Conditioners

TCL introduces the TCL Breath+ Series, the upgraded version of the Fresh+ line set to be available soon in the Philippines. With the latest upgrade, the Breath+ will feature a “breathing functionality” which not only allows the AC to inhale fresh air but also exhale used air, ensuring the atmosphere condition is kept fresh and comfortable. The latest upgrade will also be more intuitive and intelligent with a built-in sensor which detects TVOC in the air which initiates the breathing mode. Results are displayed in real time on the dashboard, on top of the already powerful fresh air functionalities.

Free Build-In and Intelligent FreshPro TCL Refrigerators

TCL also introduced the latest Free Build-In refrigerator that features three defining features based on TCL’s advanced technology and elevated design. All three features make it possible that the Free Build In refrigerator can perfectly fit into your kitchen, with only 0.4 centimeter required on both sides. While the TCL’s Intelligent Fresh Series are equipped with smart functions to keep your food chilled at the right temperature and ensure it stays fresher for longer, with the innovative Multi Air flow system, twin eco-inverters, AI radar, and the Automatic Anion-releasing Technology (AAT) .

Double-A Class Washing Machines Make Doing Laundry Greener, Healthier and more Convenient

The new TCL front-load C20 WashPro makes washing clothes such a breeze with its 10.5kg capacity and a drying capacity of 7kg. All together with its notable features namely Honeycomb Crystal Drum, Air Wash, Steam Wash, Fast Washing and Drying Low Temperature, Softly Drying, and Safety Lock. The Wash Pro C20 also has the DD Inverter Motor for energy and better washing efficiency.

The P70 Direct Drive Top Loading Washer is equipped with a DD inverter attached directly to the drum, making it more stable, reducing energy and water consumption and noise. Adding to that is the Honeycomb Drum technology that provides less friction on the clothes to give more care to your fabrics.

Discover TCL’s full extensive range of innovative consumer electronics, rolling out to markets in Asia-Pacific in the coming months.

–

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[petrichorparacosm]

The new show must have stirred my inner 12-year-old, because here I am, a full grown woman posting Percy Jackson AU Ideas. Time is a flat circle and all that.

Let’s call this AU the PJO Patrons AU. Basically, the idea is that, when Zeus decreed that the gods couldn’t directly interfere in the lives of their mortal children but COULD still interfere somewhat in the lives of OTHER demigods, a version of the Olympians who were slightly better parents might decide that the best way to make sure someone was looking out for their spawn would be to trade, so to speak.

By ‘trade’ I mean that any Olympian demigod would be automatically taken under the patronage of whichever other Olympian their parent had made a deal with.

The big three (due to the “no kids” rule), Hera, Hestia and Artemis obviously have no need for such a bargain, but the others? Oh boy. Prepare for chaos.

Athena & Hermes

Listen. Athena and Hermes were the two gods who would most often appear randomly to help demigods that weren’t theirs, so it makes sense for the unclaimed to be under their conjunctive supervision. Also, please picture Athena giving Luke extra attention (as far as she gives ANYONE attention) and vice versa for Hermes and Annabeth, out of guilt. And then the fallout of Luke’s betrayal being twice as impactful…

(… not to mention, trickster + strategist yields some scary competent demigods…)

Aphrodite & Ares

This is more of a stepparent situation. Ares making Chiron make Drew Tanaka and Co. run an obstacle course while Aphrodite keeps blessing her lover’s children with pretty clothes that they absolutely do not want and mourning Silena with Clarisse.

Dionysus & Demeter

They have overlapping domains, don’t have bad blood, and can be characterized as caring but inconsistent parents, albeit for very different reasons. Castor and Pollux are kind of getting spoiled here, since they DO get to see their father around.

Aunty Artemis

As previously stated, Artemis has no demigod children and takes care of her hunters personally. Mythologically and canonically-to-the-Riordanverse, Apollo is one of the more caring Olympian’s when it comes to his kids, and takes pride in endowing them with whatever skills they take to under his domain. Since he can’t, who better than his beloved twin to show up once in a blue moon and give his children some pointers?

Hephaestus & Hera

We all know Hera is big on family. Hephaestus is sort of the “ugly red headed stepchild” of the Olympians, but he IS also one of Hera’s only children. She would TOTALLY accept his kids under her domain. Also, it would add some neat layers to the Juno- Leo situation…

Yeah Zeus is salty about this and means that Hephaestus kids are even more terrifying to tick off.

On the note of big three kids, Thalia would obviously end up with Artemis as a hunter, as would Bianca. Percy and Nico would technically be under Athena’s patronage while unclaimed, then be patronless once claimed (just can’t win, huh boys?) but honestly I could see various gods seeing one of them and going “oh, mine now” down the road.

For Nico, maybe Persephone, out of love for Hades and sympathy for her stepson? I could also see Eros claiming patronage that Nico would refuse to awknowledge.

For Percy, maybe Hermes, as a favor to Annabeth and commemoration to Luke?

BONUS: a demigod (such as Meg) can be claimed by a non- default patron (such as Apollo) and also this system of patronage makes Zeus’ non- interference decree super backfire bc this level of involvement is NOT what he wanted.

[livingdatabase]

dear audience, 

the following letters will be read aloud during our performance. nico will read  first, then zoe. 

these letters will be accessible on this Tumblr during our piece. if you want/need to intake information visually, please feel free to read along in your own browser as we read aloud. 

- nico + zoe 

___________________________________________________________

dear zoe,

thank you for being in this with me. for sharing yourself with me.

to embark on this journey of friendship with me. 

for holding me and allowing+encouraging me to open and trust. 

I hope it is reciprocal.

letting go has been a constant practice of mine throughout this. (and always is)

sometimes that feels good sometimes it doesn’t. I have no idea what we are making, but I am getting to know you better through each addition to the database. I stare at your drawings and imagine the moments that they were created. I try to listen to each stroke. I like being in conversation with you. I like the lack of polish here. 

I dont exactly know how to share this database with people, I worry that its too slow paced to hold, that we’re unfolding something magical but the constructs of time and performance haven’t made space for us yet. I hope im wrong, but im letting go (again) of any thoughts around this landing, being interesting, being anything.

it is because it is. right?

it is not a product It is not a product It is not a product It is not a product 

to be bought and sold

this has become a mantra as we actively stray from the capitalist commodification of art that I have known and worked within my entire life. this is easier said than done, hence my urge to onto the phrase: it is not a product. 

I am fascinated by the timeline of our process, but I also feel that it is circular, and sometimes all of the data floats around and talks to each other, and sometimes it lies out flat, corresponding to dates in an order. 

I think about how we got here. in my body, it’s a wizard of oz moment, like various happenings swirl around, high above the ground, the gentle tornado makes its way around California, and eventually it spits us both out.

It's not scary, its playful. we are sitting and it’s almost funny the way everything was spinning and now we settle in in stillness/ left to our own devices. left to actually get to know each other for the first time. thats how I see it anyways. we are gifted time and space along the way. 

i have decided to share two videos after this.

the first video was also the very first piece of data on the base. haha

I just wanted to share my early morning with you, the title (good morning zoe) was a default that came about when I forgot to give it a title. It feels accurate.

i’ve shared some other clips of my life with you, some that feel so mundane, so regular. none are finished products. It takes a bit of courage to let those be, to not come back to them. 

The other video im sharing today was made in my mother’s shower in my childhood home in the San Fernando Valley. It was made with the intention to heal. Out of necessity. It is reminiscent of our first video together, but SO different. The denotative, complex implications of a shower stand, but the experience of this video is one of self-nourishment. a process of lighting myself on fire and putting myself out. of working through. and allowing water to work through me, and I emerge, not squeaky clean, but in a new layer of flesh. still warm/raw, but definitely new. 

september totally feels like a beginning to me.

_____________________________________________________

dear nico, 

how do we make something without trying to have it be something, other than what it becomes? such a question engages the inherent presence of unknowability in making. how something emerges as it is listened to - heard. 

we began this database project recently, and it feels important to acknowledge the history of how we got here. Having separated from a third collaborator and our initial plan of action, and having met each other through this third person, we were left with the question of what connects us? of who are we, as nico and zoe.  

where to begin other than in saying hello. 

the archive situates our making in conversation with our daily lives. we wanted to practice depressurizing product, or rather, getting rid of it all together, if such an act is even possible. we wanted to untangle ourselves from capitalist values that we have digested as artists. 

in other words, we wanted to practice listening to our own bodily senses of time. to make at our own collaborative pace. to acknowledge that everything now is different with the turbulence of multiple pandemics going on. such ruptures in the world, in oppressive systems, have potential to open up spaces for imagination. within such spaces of imagination, can we offer ourselves the pleasure of knowing we are exactly where we need to be? can we ourselves the pleasure of stillness? 

because i so often find making to be a relationship with stillness. of course, making is frustrating, hard ,uncertain, and causes me to have some sort of existential question about my purpose in life every day, but even with all of those negotiations, it returns me to a conversation with myself. and such a conversation needs quiet and stillness [ and by quiet i don’t mean a lack of music or sound ]. they need space to be unexpected and unknown. 

the world is big and overwhelming, but this project of archiving and sharing small moments of thought, movement, curiosity, of trying to not worry so much about them being polished or perfect, offers our daily lives stillness and forgiveness. we share the unfinished with one another. share our unfinished selves with one another. yet, the idea of finished implies an end, which implies a segment, which implies a breakage in time, a separation of time from itself. in emphasizing the unfinished, are we not opening ourselves up to fluidity? 

right now, i am in my one bedroom converted garage, in the back of my family’s house. with quarantine and raging fires, i live all my time in this room. i am writing to you from my bed, the puppy snoozing beside me, tomato plants growing outside, their final bursts of red a reminder of what once was. soon to become an echo of itself, soon to die and return. 

i am writing to you from a space of domesticity, which feels like two lives of mine merging. 

against the backdrop of my living space, actions such as waking, sleeping, eating, making, and working catch me unawares with a repetition i know has always existed. it is a different kind of meaning making. these small but luxurious tasks of dailiness ground me to the smallness and gratitude of my life, which returns me to the expansiveness of my body. 

there is an intimacy that comes with being seen unraveled. it has been hard to not overthink, not worry about producing something good enough. but with you, it also feels like growth. making together is our form of friendship building. 

i appreciate all that you share and give. and how you receive my messiness with care. 

i trust that we are finding our language together, and i hope to keep sharing our half thoughts, full thoughts, unedited versions, questions, complications, desires, and labors, for as long as feels good. 

The video that follows is a little study - - of light and color, pacing and time. Editing footage allows for the expansion of something that can at first, be so small. It makes me think of how you wrote to me in a letter: “ … items that are mostly still, until they come alive.” 

i am honored to work with you and learn from you. 

love, 

zoe

[captainsuke]

last days of summer

The summer Adrian breaks his collarbone sucks. He's out of the water, off his board most of July, all of August, and when school comes back it somehow manages to suck just that little bit more. He's been out in the water a couple of times since it started healing, but the rotating motion of paddling on his surfboard makes it feel like he's grinding glass between his bones; the doctor says it'll get better, stop hurting and have full range of motion, but right now it feels like its taking f o r e v e r.

Deran's already out on the waves by the time Adrian makes his way to the beach. Schools not usually so tedious but between his arm in a sling and the ache and itch of bones healing, the classroom had been unbearable by the time the final bell had rung.

The beach is quiet for once, in the golden time between adults getting off work and tourists turning in for the day as the wind picks up and the day gets less idyllic, he spots one of the Cody's communal blue towels with Deran's rucksack half underneath it like he'd dropped them both carelessly in his rush to be in the water, and Adrian settles down comfortably in the sand next to Deran's stuff, tries not feel too weird watching the surfers alone.

Deran's always a fucking sight to see when he's surfing, all sharp moves and smooth confidence, cutting through waves like they only raised up for him. Adrian gives up pretending to be only half paying attention, leans forward as he watches Deran paddle for a wave, ride it up to the rail and bail out.

For a brief moment Adrian's fingers stop itching for a board beneath them and he starts wishing he had a camera instead. Deran always looks so laid back and cool on a wave, he wants to capture that moment, wants to be able to look back at it when things are less than calm.

Deran's up again, catching another wave that looks like it's going to hold up well for him. His legs pump, pushing for more speed, cutting along the bottom of the wave, skirting the edge of white as he pushes past the breaking wave to the wall of it. He's going fast as carves across, up to the lip and into the air.

Board and boy flip up, a hand grabbing the edge of the board as he brings it round and they come back down into the white water. For a moment it looks like he's going to stick the landing, a flash of white teeth as he grins prematurely and then he disappears into the wave, board shooting out before catching on the lead and Deran's dumped ass drags it back. He still looks happy as he gets back onto his board a paddles back out, and Adrian flops back down in the sand.

He thinks sometimes, if Smurf hadn't been Deran's mom, if Deran had been anyone else but a Cody, it would have been Deran Nico had taught to stand on a board at two. He was just as good as Adrian, even if he spent more time fucking around instead of working on technique.

Deran's got an ego, Adrian knows this, he's not blind to Dean's faults like some lovesick puppy. But his ego is somehow more tied to who his family is - his place in said family – like he's constantly try prove his worth while not being able to tell if he has any beyond what he can do for people. Adrian still remembers when he first started competing seriously, when he'd begged Deran to come along. He'd looked up at Adrian with this look, lip between his teeth, half grinning, half squinting at Adrian like he expected Adrian to start laughing and say he was totally joking. Eventually, when Adrian hadn't done any of that because he was Totally Serious, Deran had just shrugged, shoulders going high as he looked away. He'd been half glaring when he looked back, like Adrian not living up to Deran's expectations of cruel mockery was something he should apologize for.

It had surprised Adrian at the time, that for all Deran's crowing about his supposed surfing prowess, he didn't believe Adrian was serious.

Adrian thinks he had finally broke the stalemate by shrugging and saying something like 'I just think you'd kick ass man, show all the old fucks up,' something that was nice – but not too nice – that had him blushing. And even back then, when Adrian's feelings for Deran had been a more ambiguous need to spend all his time with Deran. Because they were friends. Back when he didn't even dream they could be where they are now, that Deran would ever look at Adrian and feel something similar. Even back then Adrian still liked making him blush that pleased pink.

Something wet brushes against his leg startling Adrian out of his thoughts.

He opens his eyes and Deran's standing over him, toeing at his legs with wet feet, flicking sand as he moves.

“What's got you looking like a sad fuck?” He asks, chin lifting as if ready to fight whatever Adrian points him at.

“Just thinking,” is the only reply Adrian can think of. Deran might like to fight just about everything, but even he can't fight stupid melancholy thoughts, or the way how some things Just Are.

“Jesus Christ, don't do that.” Deran says with a laugh and he lays his surfboard down beside Adrian and starts stripping the top half of his wetsuit off, shoving it down to skinny hips.

These last summer months - between competing, surfing and skating til they collapsed from exhaustion – had given Deran abs that made Adrian want to punch god. He fumbles around Deran's rucksack for Deran's pot stash - he's always got some weed on him somewhere – just to pull his eyes away from where he's definitely staring. Deran drops down beside him ad takes the freshly rolled joint when Adrian offers it out.

Later when Deran's high and loose limbed in a way he rarely was these days, he takes another deep drag of the joint and leans in close, Adrian opens his mouth and takes in the breath of smoke that Deran exhales. Deran's face suddenly feels too close to his, eyes searching Adrian's as he mutters best part of the ocean then flops down on the sand; stretching before collapsing boneless and self-satisfied.

Adrian lowers himself down beside him, close but not so close.

He doesn't have to worry, in this state Deran just turns on his side, head pillowed on an elbow, leaning his way into Adrian's space.

As long as no one who mattered came along, they can stay like this for what seems like hours, just shooting the shit and enjoying each others company. Sometimes Adrian hated the constant push and pull of what Deran would allow one moment, but wouldn't the next, and sometimes he felt pride that he could read him, that out of anyone he could navigate Deran's choppy waters with relative ease.

Deran's someone else when they're by themselves, like an older more intense version of the ten year old he used to be. All confident swagger and quiet almost shy hope.

“What's the best part of the ocean?” He asks lazily. It doesn't matter, or it did but only in so much that he likes to hear about the things Deran's passionate about. He likes the way Deran speaks when Adrian's managed to thread the conversation past the pitfalls of Deran feeling self conscious and embarrassed for liking things.

Deran's eyes slide closed, a slow smile dawning across his face as he rolls back to face the sky.

“You know, when the ocean's gone all flat? And you need a big one? Just one good set?”

Adrian closes his eyes, can almost feel himself in the ocean, bobbing on boards waiting for something to come in. It's different when you're not competing when there's no clock counting down, when picking the wrong wave didn't mean losing the entire thing.

“Then the whistle comes out from the crowd?” The eye closest to Adrian slips open, a bare sliver as he looks across at Adrian. “And you look out and there's that dark band? And it's coming and you just know it's gonna be a good one.”

Deran rolls back to face him, Adrian offers him the last of the blunt, but he shakes his head, watches Adrian with intensity that makes him shift in the sand. Deran doesn't keep eye contact like this, not in in public. But he is now, staring at Adrian like he was memorizing him.

“Your eyes are a really fucking blue.” He says finally, and oh.

Adrian has no idea what to do with compliments.

Deran's eyes close, releasing Adrian from his stare, and between the lazy smile on his face and the heated look Deran's carrying in his eyes, Adrian has to physically hold himself still, to not just throw himself at the other boy, has to settle with heat on his cheeks at Deran talking about him, saying sweet things about him.

Adrian pulls himself to sitting, drags his knees up and awkwardly drapes his slinged arm over them. Takes the last pull from the joint himself and holds it in his lungs til it feels they might burst. Deran's eyes stay closed, his breathing even and Adrian knows if he lets them stay too long, Deran will definitely fall asleep.

He lets the smoke go, blows it out to be caught by the wind and taken away.

Maybe they could stay here for awhile yet.

on a03

[ryqoshay]

How to Handle a Nico: Super Blood Wolf... Maki?

Primary Pairing: NicoMaki Words: ~1.4k Rating: T Time Frame: Late in Maki’s college career and early in Nico’s idol producer career. Story Arc: Stand Alone

Author’s Note: First and foremost, ***Spoiler Warning*** for anyone who has not read Casual Lunacy by lonelypond. And even if you don’t care about spoilers, but haven’t read it, you absolutely should check it out. I highly recommend it. I will link to it in my followup post.

The original idea for this scene was partially inspired by upcoming astronomical events, but I hit a wall. It took starting the scene about the second NicoMaki UR pair to get things going again here, which in turn helped me finish that one as well.

Maki had been right. The view from this balcony looked very similar to what she remembered from the background used in the photoshoot. Or at least a nighttime version thereof. She had noticed it earlier as well but kept finding herself drawn to the balcony for another look. And each time, she remembered.

Nico pulled out her phone and scrolled through her gallery for the old photo so she could compare it yet again to the scene before her. The picture was from a photoshoot for µ’s in which she and Maki had been matched as the focus pair. Memories came back to her about how Maki had casually mentioned this place and Nico had tried, unsuccessfully, to avoid getting jealous. But now here she was, at one of the vacation homes to which the Nishikino family had access as Maki’s gues… as her girlfriend.

The couple had decided to take an extended weekend trip to Copenhagen to see a few sights. They had toured some castles and noble homes as well as the Denmark’s national aquarium. The main attraction, and main reason for the trip, was to occur tomorrow; a lunar eclipse. But not just any eclipse, it was some sort of bloody wolf mega moon, or… something… Nico couldn’t quite remember. In any case, she knew Maki was excited, and that was good enough.

“It’s a nice view, isn’t it?” Maki asked, walking out onto the balcony.

“That it is…” Nico turned her gaze instead to the redhead joining her.

“I loved coming here… eh? What is it?” Maki noticed the raven-haired girl’s not-so-subtle stare.

Nico returned a flirtatious wink. “I was just remembering talking about this place way back when.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I was kinda hoping that by this time I’d’ve been able to make good on getting a place of my own around here so I could bring you.”

“Oh…”

“But I haven’t given up on that yet. I’m just… taking a different route to making it big than I had originally planned.”

“Egao is doing really well.”

“Exactly. A~nd, technically, anything I get now will be ours, together.” She grinned. “Which is even better.”

Maki returned a smile of her own. “Well we can already use this place whenever we want, so perhaps we should look to one of the other locations we talked about then?” She paused in thought. “Do you… remember any of them?”

“Maybe.” Nico shrugged. “We can talk about it later. Anyway, what kind of eclipse was it again?”

“Super blood wolf moon.”

“That’s right, because it’s at its closest point and is going to look red because of something about bending light…” Some of Maki’s explanation came back to Nico.

“Refraction from the atmosphere, yes. And Reyleigh scattering. ”

“And then there was something about the werewolves…”

“Just normal wolves, Nico-chan.” Maki chuckled. “The first full moon in January is called a wolf moon because Native Americans heard wolves howling at the first full moon of the year.”

“So nothing to do with werewolves.”

“Nope. There is some debate about the origins of the name, though, and studies have revealed no discernable relationship between full moons and wolf howls. Wolves are nocturnal by nature and howling is a common communication method. And sure they howl upwards in the general direction of the moon, but that is more likely for acoustic reasons and just a coincidence that the moon happens to be there.”

“Maki-chan sure knows a lot about wolves…”

“I read a bit about them when studying the moon, specifically the wolf moon.”

“Is Maki-chan a werewolf?”

“Buweeh?”

Nico laughed at her girlfriend’s reaction.

“W-what the heck?” Maki flustered. “I don’t get it. Where did that come from?”

“Maybe that’s why Maki-chan insisted that we go somewhere that we could see the ultra-bloody werewolf moon.” Nico theorized, intentionally misnaming the event to see her girlfriend’s reaction.

“Super blood wolf moon.” There it was. Maki’s deadpan corrections were adorable. “And if that was the only reason, I’d’ve suggested going somewhere in the United States where the entire event would be visible from beginning to end.”

“It won’t be here?”

“Most of it will be; the important part, at least.”

“I see. But you know,” the older girl’s tone returned to teasing “Nico’s never seen Maki-chan on a night with a full moon. So ma~ybe… ”

“You… have?” The redhead’s declaration lacked conviction when delivered in the form of a question. Her eyes flitted back and forth, revealing her attempts to recall an example.

The raven-haired girl pursed her lips. “You sure?”

“Yes. … Maybe…”

Nico laughed again. “Because I can definitely see Maki-chan as a werewolf. I mean we’ve seen Maki-chan as cute panther and a super sexy leopard, so a wolf isn’t that much more of a stretch.” She reached up to the other girl’s head. “Fuzzy, cute, red ears.” She held up some of Maki’s hair to mimic wolf ears.

“Wh-wha? St-stop that…” Maki began to blush, though she made no real effort to thwart the hands playing with her hair.

Nico’s grin grew as she was well aware of how much Maki enjoyed when she did anything with her hair, even if she didn’t always give voice to it.

“Even in human form, ears would be more attuned than normal.” Nico continued her fanciful description as she moved down to Maki’s ears. She chuckled as the younger girl whimpered slightly at the contact. “Big sharp canine teeth in wolf form but cute little fangs in human.”

Maki’s eyes closed as Nico’s fingers found her lips and brushed gently against them. She scrunched her eyebrows together in confusion when Nico pushed through to inspect her teeth. After a moment, Nico couldn’t help stepping forward and pushing up to quickly peck her lips against Maki’s. The younger girl’s eyes snapped open just in time to catch her retreating from the kiss.

“Nico thinks she would be alright dating a werewolf Maki.”

“Mmm…” was all of Maki’s response.

“I can see Maki-chan trying to use her powers to protect Nico from evil forces trying to harness the magic of the No. 1 Idol in the Universe for nefarious means.”

Maki raised an eyebrow.

“Or maybe not so nefarious or evil. Maybe just misunderstood?” Nico’s gaze drifted off to somewhere in the distance. “Maybe she just wants to go home…”

“I don’t get it…” Maki lowered her head solemnly. “Do you not want to stay for the eclipse tonight, Nico-chan?” There was more than a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“Oh, sorry, no, that’s not what I meant.” Nico held a hand up in casual apology. “I’m not sure where that thought came from or where it as going. It just felt familiar for some reason, like… memories from another life or something…” She smiled reassuringly. “Anyway, I’m definitely staying.”

Maki’s mood began to brighten again.

“This is important to you. And I love watching you be passionate about things that interest you, because you’re important to me.”

“Nico-chan…”

“So, what time is the eclipse again?”

“Oh, uhm, totality is supposed to be at 6:12 am local time.” Maki recalled. “But I’d like to begin viewing earlier than that, as the total eclipse itself is supposed to start at 5:41.”

“5:41 am?” That didn’t seem too unreasonable.

“The prenumbral phase starts at 3:36 and the partial eclipse begins at 4:33.”

“In the morning?”

“That’s generally what am means, yes.”

“Yes, I know, but I mean, we’re going to be getting up before 3:30?”

“We don’t have to be up that early.” Maki shook her head. “But I’d like to at least be awake long enough to have a cup of coffee before the total eclipse phase begins.”

“Then we should probably look to going to bed soon.” Nico sighed, glancing at the clock. After a moment, she smirked. “Probably won’t have time for much else other than sleep.” She added coyly.

Maki blinked before it clicked in her mind, at which point she couldn’t help pouting a bit.

“Now, now, Maki-chan. No puppy dog eyes. Or should I say wolf cub eyes?”

Maki growled, earning a laugh.

“Oh no!” Nico cried playfully, retreating into the room. “Little Red Nico-hood is gonna be eaten by the Big Maki Wolf!”

Nico continued to laugh as her girlfriend pounced and pushed her down onto the bed. She immediately reached up to wrap her arms around Maki’s neck to pull her into a kiss.

Author’s Notes Continued in Followup Post.

[norowareshimono]

Gray Log: The Innermost Secrets of Manga! (Part 1)

I’m translating the text version of this interview, that can be found here, given that the manga version included in Gray Log isn’t as detailed. For now, I have no intention to translate the latter, as it would be redundant in my opinion.

Other DGM Translations

《1》Making the storyboards lead around by the characters

Hijihara: I’m a newbie mangaka, Hijihara Erubo. As a great fan of D.Gray-Man, I also had the pleasure of watching the Nico Live* stream from the other day. I’m really, really nervous, but I look forward to working with you!

*Hijihara is talking about the Nico Nico Live that took place in 2016 January 1st

Hoshino: So, you watched it! Thank you so much. I thought that maybe you could draw me with the stream’s Hoshino BOX*, so I came wearing the same clothes I wore back then (laugh). I’m not sure if I can tell you all anything useful, but I’ll do my best. Thank you for having me here.

*The handmade cardboard box that Hoshino wore over her head in the stream.

Hijihara: Let’s start right away then. Could you tell us how do you make your storyboards?

Hoshino: The process is basically like this: I first create an outline in my head, then I have a briefing session with my editor, and then I finally make the storyboard. I always start with a thought-out outline for the chapter, but even so I end up with something completely different every time… The outline takes into account the flow of the story, and I honestly want to follow it. However, when introducing the characters, the story goes in a totally different direction. They won’t listen to me, even if they’re my own creations (bitter laugh). However, I know the principles behind their actions and why they behave as they do, so I’ll abandon the original outline if I can accept the new direction they’re taking. After that, I remake the events of the story.

Hijihara: So, your characters lead you around?

Hoshino: Exactly. The initial outline makes the story neat and coherent, but leaving it to the characters makes the story develop in a more exciting way. But then I often end up in situations where there aren’t enough pages when working on the storyboard with a mind on the characters’ will and opinions like that (laugh). Of course, the conclusion will also be completely different… Whenever my editor looks at it and goes “this is completely different from the briefing,” I’ll single-mindedly persuade them to keep it. Most of it stays due to my stubbornness, but I do revise the parts my editor won’t accept no matter what.

Hijihara: Is it better to stick to your ideas for the storyboard?

Hoshino: It may be difficult for a newbie to speak their mind to their editor, but I think that in the end it’s better to carry it out in a way you won’t regret later. For me, the harsh schedule of weekly serialization became an excuse to reach some compromises over my storyboards that made “D.Gray-Man” diverge a bit from the story I had first conceived. I regret that immensely to this day, and I think about how nice would it have been if, instead of giving up that easily, I had insisted and gotten to draw it as I’ve wanted… That’s why I believe we should have a strong stance regarding our manga.

Hijihara: How detailed are your storyboards?

Hoshino: I currently work in digital from the storyboard stage, drawing them in a style that is detailed enough to be used even as a rough sketch. I’ve looked up to Tite Kubo from Bleach since I heard he makes them like this. However, I wasn’t up to the challenge at first, when I was serialized weekly, and I only changed methods to my current one when I started to work in digital. I made use of simplified drawings before, and the characters’ faces were as complex as the “heno-ji*” emoji (laugh).

*An emoji made with the letters へのへのもへじ, as seen here.

Hijihara: Back when you drew traditionally, what did you draw the storyboards in?

Hoshino: I used a variety of things. I worked with whatever I wanted or felt like I could draw on, so it wasn’t like I had a notebook saved for only that purpose. I’ve used sketchbooks, sketch pads… Once I even drew it on the back of a photocopy I found around (laugh). Even if I did decide to use a particular notebook, for example, I would just end up being like “I have to work this month too… Woah, it’s so white… I can’t look at it anymore…” each time I saw it. Then, I would choose to abandon the notebook I didn’t even want to see anymore and get another sketch pad to draw there.

Hijihara: So that’s how you stay motivated. Did you work at home?

Hoshino: When I lived in Ochanomizu, I mostly drew the storyboards in this café (the one where the interview took place). It’s one of my favorites, and the owner is a wonderful person. The coffee is delicious and, on top of that, the indirect lighting the shop uses for ambience makes the pages appear a soft sepia instead of white… I suffer a lot from white page syndrome, so when there is something there, no matter how small, it helps me relax (laugh). Isn’t the same for you too, Hijihara?

Hijihara: Yes, I completely understand the fear of facing a white sheet…

Hoshino: You could also smoke here and, given that I hate tobacco, that meant I couldn’t stay here for too long. Thanks to that, I could focus and finish my storyboards in a short period of time. I would’ve slacked off if I were too comfy, which is why I think the ideal working place for this type of work is somewhere “comfortable but difficult to stay in.”

《2》The advantages of digital drawing

Hijihara: You said this before, but you’re working in digital from the storyboard stage, right?

Hoshino: Exactly, but I also drew traditionally until a year ago. I think that the first storyboard for chapter 219 of D.Gray-Man, which appeared in the first issue of the CROWN magazine, was made half traditionally, half in digital. The storyboard that I showed to my editor then was a mix of both mediums. Thereafter, I got used to it gradually and moved to making my storyboards in full digital. The tablets I’m currently using are WACOM’s “Cintiq Companion” and the recently released VAIO’s “Z Canvas.” The “Z Canvas” is an excellent tablet that can process even heavy files that use lots of memory, like videos or graphics, smoothly and with no freezing. I bought it after watching a video of Nakamura Hikaru, the author of Saint Young Men, working with it. I immediately decided it was for me because, to be honest, I’ve felt an affinity with her over our shared birthday.

Hijihara: You seem to work in Clip Studio Paint, but what was the reason for going from traditional to digital?

Hoshino: I was an advocate of traditional drawing at first, but I changed sides after facing problems with my work environment. When I worked traditionally, I had created the ideal conditions for me to draw at my workplace, from the angle of the desk to the way the light fell on the manuscript. However, at a certain point I had no option but to work on my manuscript outside of my own workplace… and doing so in an environment different from the usual proved to be surprisingly difficult, so I decided to make the change to digital, for which location doesn’t matter. I’m the type to act as soon as I decide on something, so I soon bought a liquid crystal tablet and, without any practice whatsoever, I immediately started to work on the next manuscript. My first experience with digital drawing had been a failure and I thought I wouldn’t draw on a computer ever again given my little to no knowledge about it. My deadline was close, so I remember being totally absorbed into the task and sending it to print despite having no idea of what I was doing. I was in the middle of serialization, so I didn’t have time to practice at all (bitter laugh).

Hijihara: Didn’t you resist to changing to digital?

Hoshino: Once I made the decision, I didn’t waver at all. I had bought an expensive tablet and software to be able to work in digital, so I was determined to not waste all the money I had invested (laugh).

Hijihara: Did you struggle replicating your line work in digital form?

Hoshino: I wasn’t aware of it, but I did. Do you know how in digital you can zoom as much as you want, unlike paper? I didn’t take the zoom rate into consideration at first, so the lineart ended up being thinner than expected and the drawings didn’t turn out well. I was like “I’m inking just as always, why is this happening?!” (laugh).

Hijihara: By the way, how many people are working in D.Gray-Man at the moment?

Hoshino: Including me, there are three people working in it right now, but at times the number increases for the last spurt. Since I moved to a trimestral magazine, I have some leeway with time, so my assistants stay at their homes and work from there with what I send them. The main advantage is that the commuting time can be used for working. Back when I was serialized weekly, I lived in the city center so my assistants had no transportation issues, but there is no need for that now that they’re working at home and for that I’m grateful. However, everything goes smoother if you are talking face to face. I do talk with my assistants through Skype, but a lot of the time they misunderstand me and everyone ends up frustrated and annoyed.

More in part 2

[lovecanbesostrange]

Obligatory Grey’s feels feat Station 19

To get it out of the way. I liked Andi and Maya talking about all the crap between them and getting back to friendship territory. My problem is that the show started with “we are best friends” and it’s been such a steady downhill, that I find it poorly developed. Please be better, because omg does Andi need friends. Also somebody keeping Maya from spinning out is nice. Love her and Carina so much. Especially because Carina has been in Seattle for three seasons already and she is such a caring and wholesome person.

Loved the Drag Queens and this family vibe. The music-montage felt a bit too overdramatic though. But overall this is especially a win for Travis. Realizing he needs gay friends in his life, because everybody was his late husband’s circle and they drifted apart. (GS/S19 LGBT meetings? We could find out if Parker is somewhere at all, Taryn could get more help getting over her Meredith-crush, we have Nico, Levi, Maya, Carina... Teddy walks by awkwardly “well, I named my daughter after the woman I loved, whose death was so traumatic that I joyned the army and never told anyone about the truth of our relationship, am I allowed here??” and Amelia can just sit there........)

Oh right, I like Sullivan starting at the bottom. That’s a true new start. I hate that the PRT is gone, because it was a good concept to give the show more room for medical drama and it fit Warren’s skill set so well. :( btw Andi totally upholding Bailey/Warren as the relationship goal is cute, just like when Jo did this with Bailey.

So, now on to the FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELS. GEORGE O’MALLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to be honest, I am 9000% over the way people put George on a pedastal in fandom, completely ignoring his trademark Nice Guy traits. Like everybody on Grey’s he did have flaws. And in some ways I did not miss him that much, but his death gets me everytime. Which funny enough was just this week on endless-rerun. So Meredith going “it’s George! it’s George!” and the funeral and everything was fresh in my mind once again and it was so nice seeing this calm version of him.

Bonuspoints for adressing that he aged. Because nothing is real anyway. It doesn’t matter if you want to read this as an actual glimpse into an afterlife or Meredith is having vivid Covid-dreams. The content is real to her (very King’s Cross). And I liked how she talked about that George left a mark. Even though we have to remember S1-5 are only two years of time. Extreme trauma conga! Short friendship, but so intense. Lexie, Steph or Levi now have spent more time at the hospital than George ever did. But those two years of residency were super formative.

That last moment with Webber and Bailey sitting there, was a really pretty picture. Calmness during the storm.

On the awake side of things I like how Meredith being sick is an anchor in the pandemic storyline. With all the doctors throwing around all the possible treatments. Teddy’s little meltdown of trying to stay on top of things was heartbreaking. So many news in 24 hours... and all of that is so much more important than the interpersonal drama. People are dying. And they won’t let us forget.

I did feel bad for Tom. And it’s him I am worried about if maybe they will let some more prominent character die. Casually throwing in that Helm had a mild case of covid was interesting. Because yeah, for some it’s not that bad. But for Tom there is also this obsession and his ego. And Teddy showing up was... hard. I do think he needs a friend. But she is also the source of his misery. Fucked up.

I love Link and Amelia. They process things in a very different way, but they managed to talk about this and find the ground where “you need this, I need this and we will let the other have their emotions”. Actual communication and support? in a romantic relationship? On my Grey’s Anatomy? (That is something Meredith and Derek could be very good at; Miranda and Ben are doing the best they can; it was what made Jo and Alex perfect for each other; it’s also why in the end I feel that Callie and Arizona as well as Jackson and April missed the mark, because they could be very bad at not fighting about their different coping mechanisms.)

Also I understand both. Link was isolated, had this cancer diagnosis, hovering parents and his whole life revolved around his illness. So he said “fuck it, the bad shit is here, but I can focus elsewhere”. And Amelia has drowned her sorrows and worries in drugs and alcohol and needs to let them out. Full on dark mode, panic attack and screaming. I think in a crisis they can manage to ground each other, if they keep the communication open. I really hope they will be allowed to stay in healthy couple mode (doesn’t mean there can never be conflict).

So, Levi and Nico are sex buddies - thanks Netherlands - and Levi is all about “having needs”. Wow, that was a fast development. Maybe they can talk about their emotional state a bit more. Would like to see them take inventory and speak about what the problem truly was.

Nico seems to have so much bottled up rage and it definitely bleeds together. As seen when he did confront Owen about the misdiagnosis. Pretty sure that comment from the woman in the ER is part of that. The Asian doctor getting asked where he is from... oh yeah, maybe for some more conservative viewers (that Grey’s does have for some miracle reason lol) they need to spell it out that this was over the “china virus”.Almost too subtle.

I am almost sorry it was Owen who got handed this bit. Because that could’ve been any white doctor really. The scene with Bailey was great. (When she had her heart attack and lectured that idiot psychiatrists at Seattle Pres was an amazing scene I still think about.) Owen is the go-to-hate-character already and this really isn’t about a personal racist failing, but a systematic problem. But I think Owen is the type of guy who will look at protocols and adjust. He is good at his job.

And ah, yes, the fun part - Jackson and Jo. Can I have this please? Can I just have friends with benefits with these two? I know it’s fucking Grey’s and odds are one of them will catch feelings, but I loved their last conversation, both being “omg so not ready for a relationship atm, but the sex was awesome”. Their upbringing is such a contrast and I think in a romantic relationship this spells terrible disaster. But if they manage to be friends who drink beer, play videogames, watch sports, talk about all the people they know and then award each other with orgasms - it’s a super fun disaster!! :3

I laughed when Jo was “gonna have sushi AND pizza and you’re paying”. I think Jo is allowed to make fun of Jackson’s lifestyle. BUT I need to get a tiny little scene where maybe she shows up bringing... a special brand of alcohol he likes or just his favorite pastry, whatever. Jo once won 1000$ from Alex and bought him a couch. She put all her savings into the loft. (Yes, she also said Alex could buy her new shoes, when he took the extra job.) Just don’t make it look like she is taking some weird financial advantage. (She owns shares in the hospital and does get an attending salary, come on.)

Dear Jackson, you mentioned Vic, Maggie and April. Did you leave out the part where you left Steph at a wedding on purpose? That was the perfect way to remember her and make this thing more awkward. XD Also please tell me they exchange more stories. Jackson and Jo haven’t crossed paths that often and were part of different dramatic storylines. Does Jo even know Jackson dated Lexie once? (I hope Alex told her about who Lexie was, or Meredith. Her freaking name is on the building.) Exchanging stories about Meredith was a good place to start.

Also bonuspoints for telling me that Jo is still doing therapy. Much, much needed information and I’m glad to know.

Oh right, the Maggie bit. I like Winston and WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. That was his dad? Coming on and first thing is to talk shit about his son? For having bad grades in school once?? Yeah, man, tune that shit out. It was nice that Maggie gave him space. I think she could’ve send a text to clarify if she should just leave it or if he wanted to talk, but either way, so mature. What’s happening with relationships?

[rosyredlipstick]

something borrowed

-  a solangelo wedding planner AU -

In the Solace Wedding Planner agenda, on the fifth page into their summer schedule, there are carefully scrawled out notes reading this: Bride and Groom - Hazel Levesque & Frank Zhang Best Man & Maid of Honor - Percy Jackson & Piper McLean Wedding Court - Annabeth Chase & Jason Grace Mellie & Gleeson Hedge Reyna Ramírez-Arellano & Leo Valdez Ring-bearer - Chuck Hedge Flower-boy - Nico di Angelo - Will plans wedding and now, apparently, Nico stars in one. Except...sometimes there's a bit more confusion on that last part. AKA the AU where Will plans weddings and thinks Hazel and Frank are going to have to cutest, gap-toothed ten year throwing flowers down the aisle, all while wondering why this 'Neeks' guy is always hanging around, and what business he has looking that good.

Notes: this entire fic was based on the throwaway line in BOO about nico being the flowerboy in hazel and frank's wedding i couldnt help it sorry not sorry there's also a lot of time jumps in this (wedding planning takes a long ass time ok) just a warning

something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Truthfully, Will hadn’t meant to become a full-fledged professional wedding planner when he grew up. It was an accident, honest. An accident involving his younger sister’s marriage proposal, a mess of organization the months leading up, and, mostly, his insatiable need for control.

At least he admitted it, alright? And after weeks of stress-eating salt and vinegar chips, and several nights of midnight phonecalls with his sister’s fiancée, it did turn out...okay.

Okay in the terms in which the cake was slightly too-dry, the sprinklers went off ten minutes before the outdoor ceremony was to start, and the best man disappeared with one of the other groomsmen for a solid hour in the middle of the reception.

But it was also okay in which Sage looked stunning in her flowing gown, and how his sister had cried when she saw her future wife at the end of the aisle, and the food was great and the wine was rich.

It was okay. But it could have been better.

And Will was nothing if not a perfectionist.

So here he was, several bank loans and a business degree later, meeting his second couple of the day, a pleasant grin on his face.

“So, Frank and Hazel.” He smiled, sliding the lamented papers across the table. “First, I just want to thank for you for choosing Solace Weddings, where we strive to make your wedding day as sunny as possible. For our first meeting I just want to go over some general stuff, alright? Wedding court, any ideas about what you want, general stuff. Okay?”

They nodded, both looking a bit sheepish. He grinned his best sunny smile, the Solace (™) charm dialing up, and began talking them through the paperwork. This was just the initial consultation, the first face-to-face meet up of many.

“With Solace Weddings, you’ll get the assistance of myself - Will Solace - along with my partner, Lou Ellen. You’ll have three full personal sessions with both of us, and the rest of the time you’ll meet up one-on-one with one of us, I can start scheduling those meetings today, if you’d like.” He slid another paper down the table, giving them both a gentle look. From their wide eyes, this was overwhelming for both of them. “My partner, Lou, will handle the ceremony part of your wedding, along with any bridal events or concerns, and I will be handling the reception and groom concerns.”

They nodded together, taking in the information. Will pulled their file closer to himself, his pen at the ready.

“When were we thinking for the date?” He asked, keeping his posture open and welcoming.

Hazel spoke up first, “June 24th. We uh, we were thinking of an outdoor wedding?”

She ended her sentence in a question, like she was waiting for Will’s approval.

He nodded encouragingly. “That sounds great. Outdoor weddings do come with their own set of challenges, but they do turn out so beautiful.” He made a note in their file, “And we’ll have plenty of time to check out some places for the ceremony. June, that’s what - a year and a half away?”

Hazel bit her lip, her hand tightening in her fiances. Frank had been quiet so far. “Is that too soon? Some friends said that we were cutting it a bit close, with everything we have to book.”

“It’s fine.” He tried to reassure her. “June is a pretty popular month, but Lou and I have pretty good connections. We’ll make it work.” He turned back to his open file, “Do we have any idea for the wedding court yet?”

Hazel nodded, “They’ve all agreed already.” She listed off a handful of names, Frank even speaking up to softly remind her of a few. Will wrote them all as neatly as possible - he could get their phone numbers from Hazel later, just in case.

He took a breath, looking over the list. Four couples in total, good. An even number always balanced out the photos well.

“Alright, so we’ve got most of the wedding court already figured out.” Will moved onto the next category in his pre-printed file, “How about the ring bearer?”

“We’re going to have Chuck Hedge, the son of Gleeson and Mellie, do that.” Frank chimed in, looking a fraction bit more relaxed.

“From the wedding party?” Will clarified, already making that quick note.

They both nodded, still clenching hands.

Will hummed, continuing his notes. “And the flower girl?”

“Oh!” Hazel sat up, perking up for the first time. “Actually, we were thinking we could have a flower boy instead.”

Will’s pen froze in place. “Oh, okay.” He blinked in surprise a few times, backtracking to cross over his notes. Ugh, he hated when they looked messy. He’ll have to rewrite the page later before he lamented it. “And how is he related to both of you?”

“My brother.” Hazel answered for him, “he’s younger than I am.” She smiled a sort of secret blink-and-you’ll-miss-it grin. “He’s very excited.”

Will briefly imagined a younger, shorter version of Hazel, in a tiny tux with wild curls. He matched her small smile. “Sounds cute. Name?”

“Nico di Angelo.” She and Frank shared an amused smile as Will scrawled the name down on the wedding party list. Must be an adorable kid.

That was it for the wedding party, Will also getting down their parent’s names. They went over a few more things - venue, theme, food ideas mostly - before the hour was up, and they were standing to grab their things.

Will was compiling a folder of papers to send home with them, making photocopies of his own notes, when Hazel caught his eye, smiling nervously.

He finished putting together the folder, passing it over to Frank’s outstretched hand, and cocked his head in question to the girl.

“We’re having a dinner party with the whole wedding court,” Haze explained, fishing out a thick sheet of stationery from her purse. “Our parents will be there too, we’re gonna start assembling the Save the Dates, settle some details for the court. We’d love if you and Lou could come, we -” She broke off, giving him a small helpless smile. “We don’t really know what we’re doing here.”

Will gave her a warm smile, accepting the invitation. “I’ll check if we’re available.” He promised, “I’ll let you know, okay?”

She gave him a relieved smile, thanking him before leading Frank out.

He examined the invitation - classy and elegant, but wealth clear in every aspect. Neat, minimalist print, with golden trim. He wondered which to their taste it catered to most, neither of them seeming that drawn towards the ostentatious element it obviously conveyed.

They did seem nice, albeit shaken with nerves. And he and Lou were free that day, he noticed as he looked over to their shared google calendar.  

He glanced down at the invitation. In small print, towards the bottom, words announced an open bar and food provided note.

He was already texting Lou.

“We’re so happy you guys could make it.” Hazel’s grin was one of relief as she ushered them in that next weekend.

“Thanks for having us.” Lou smiled, bouncing the bottle of wine back and fourth in her hands. It wasn’t as expensive as they were probably used to - Will could only guess from the expensiveness the manor threw out - but it was polite, he and Lou knew. In his own hands, the binder for their wedding, containing all the decisions they’d made so far - not many, so early in the planning - but also all of his and Lou’s notes carefully lamented, with a few brochures stapled in for places the couple might like. Each couple’s binder was basically the bible of their wedding planning, each page looked over and memorized front and back before the day-of.

Hazel spoke up again. “Frank can show you guys to the bar, and the food is open buffet style in the dining room.” She offered, the nervous smile making a comeback, “You guys are totally welcome to any of it!”

Lou, instantly, was whisked away to the promise of the open bar, following Frank down the hall, the bottle still in her capable hands. He turned to Hazel to give her a pleasant smile.

“You have a gorgeous home.” He smiled warmly, sliding off his loose jacket. 

“It’s my parents home, actually. I still live with them and they offered and -” She cut herself off with a shrug. “Nearly everyone from the wedding party should be here already, although I think…” she trailed off, checking her phone. “A groomsman and the flower boy are the only ones still missing, they’re on their way.”

“Where’s the flower boy?” He asked. He was kind of looking forward to seeing how cute the kid was. Hazel took his jacket, hanging in the closet as she continued to speak. He kept the binder at his side.

“Oh, Nico doesn’t live with us anymore.” She waved her hand through the air, “I mean, I only still live with Hades because it’s so close to my school. He lives with a few of our friends in the city. He should be here soon, Jason offered to pick him up.”

Will blinked. A kid, living away from home so young? He thought. That’s kinda weird.

He dismissed the thought. He’d dealt with much, much weirder family situations. After that family situation with the McCalls, he could handle anything.

“Oh!” Hazel jumped up, her hand coming up to wrist Will’s arm as she turned to face the parlor area. “There’s my father. He’s very...excited about the wedding.”

“Is he?” Will was just beginning to ask, just before her father caught sight of the both of them.

The older man lit up at the sight of his daughter, running over to gather her in his arms. Hazel giggled, waiting a few moments before she pulled away.

“Hades,” She gestured towards Will, “This is one of our wedding planners, Will. He’s Lou’s partner, the girl you spoke to on the phone?”

Hades beamed, shaking Will’s hand enthusiastically. “So you two are in charge of making my girl’s day perfect, right?”

Ah, Will was familiar with this kind of talk.

“Of course.” He agreed, “That’s exactly what I’m here for!”

Hades was still holding Will’s hand, pulling it to his chest. “I believe we’re going to have a lot to speak about.” Hades was still beaming.

Will pulled back his hand with some effort. Hades didn’t seem to notice, already going on about how his daughter was going to have the wedding of the century and how his brothers were going to shake with envy and Will met Hazel’s eyes with a bit of wariness.

Hazel began pulling Will away from her father, “We’ll talk later, Dad.” She reassured him, “I’m gonna introduce Will to some others.”

Hades nodded, becoming quickly distracted with passing guest.

“He’s a bit much,” Hazel informed him as she pulled him away, like Will hadn’t already guessed that. “He’s the best, but he always does get too excited when it comes to Nico and I.”

Even from a few seconds with the older man, that was obvious. He made mental note of that - it looked like Hades would be the one to please for this entire event. The parents usually were.

Hazel brought him around, introducing him to a few of their guests, a few of the wedding court.

He lost track of Lou soon into the party - with all the people Hazel was striding him up to, his hand already extended - it was a bit hard to keep track of himself.

About an hour - maybe two? Sigh - into this, Will was answering some questions about what Hazel was thinking for the bridesmaid’s dresses when Hazel - who had been at his side all night, nearly - suddenly broke off and rushed towards the doorway.

Politely, Will excused them both and turned, a bit curious.

“Neeks!” Hazel jumped forward to envelope the newcomer in a fierce hug. Beside him, a tall blond man that Will hadn’t had the chance to meet yet, grinning down at them both.

Will took the moment to give them a second alone, dipping out into the separate room. Empty, thankfully, everyone else drawn into the main parlor and open bar.

Ah. A moment of privacy.

He took a seat at the table, glancing around at the full surface.

The Save the Dates supplies were neatly laid out on the table, carefully sectioned away in small piles. He sat down and put his binder to the side, peering down at the few cardstock envelopes already completed. Seemed easy enough.

He glanced towards the doorway, where conversation and laughter was drifting through. Lou was good enough on her own at events like this. She didn’t mind it, and Will needed a break from his glued on smile and frantic remembering of names.

He began putting them together, a simple layout. Two papers, overlapping and evenly pasted together, with a ribbon and then stuffed in an envelope. Simple enough.  

He had managed to get a small pile assembled - not anything nearing a significant amount, Will knew, from the high numbered guest list Hazel had provided, when he was interrupted by a shadow in the doorway.

He blinked in surprise, having to keep himself from jumping. He cleared his throat, the smile back in place. “Hello,” He greeted, his voice thinner than he would have liked. “Do you need a break from a party too?”

The shadow - a man, stepping into the room now, ignored his question. He asked his own, instead. “What are you doing in here?”

“I’m not that good at parties, especially with strangers.” Will shrugged, returning to his work now that his heartrate was returning back to normal. “And Hazel mentioned needing to get this done anyways.”

The guy leaned forward, peeking down at the table. “What are you even doing?”

“I’m assembling save the dates.” Will told him, his eyes flicking over the other boy. After a moment of hesitation, with both boys staring at the other, he asked, “Do you want to help?”

The boy shrugged, glancing over his shoulder. “Nothing better to do,” He finally decided.

“Neeks, right?” Will asked, referring to the name Hazel had called out to him when he arrived.

He gave Will an odd look, but nodded. “Yeah, sure.” He shrugged again, “Everyone calls me that anyways.”

Will hummed, accepting that. “I’m the wedding planner.” He told the other boy, stuffing yet another envelope. “Well, one half. I’m Will, Lou’s my partner in all this.”

“Partner?”

“Business partner,” He clarified. That term did always cause a bit of confusion.

Neeks nodded, taking a short sip of his drink.

“Are you married?” He asked curiously, his eyes flicking down to Will’s bare fingers. “In a relationship?”

Will gave him a small smile, “I’m single. And I know - I’ve heard all the jokes about the single wedding planner. Trust me.”

Neeks hummed in agreement, strolling a bit further in the room. To the side, there was a table set up with iced drinks and snack, and his hand paused over the table. “Want a beer?”

Will considered. Lou had already volunteered to call them an uber later that night, and there wasn’t much more of the details they needed to work out that he needed a clear head for. And just thinking about the day he had ahead of them tomorrow, with last-minute things to work through for their upcoming wedding that weekend....

“Sure.” He finally agreed, leaning back into his chair, stacking up all the papers to slide them back into a file.  

Neeks passed him over a bottle, the cap already twisted off. Will nodded his thanks, taking a short sip of the bubbly substance. It was, like the entire theme of this wedding it seemed, obviously expensive.

Neeks jumped up to sit on the table, letting his long legs hang off. He gave Will a considering look. “So, how goes a single guy like yourself even get into wedding planning?”

“The glamorous lifestyle, mostly.” He joked, picking at the peeling label of the bottle. It was good, he hadn’t had this kind of beer in a while - apple, it tasted like. He set down the drink, turning back to the papers before him.

Neeks snorted in response, “Do you like, love weddings or something?”

“Or something,” Will agreed, passing over a stack of papers so Neeks could follow his example in assembling them. Neeks followed without question, setting his own beer to the side, which Will appreciated. There was a stretch of silence, only the shuffling of paper and pasting of glue, in which they worked. Will wondered what he was doing away from the party anyways, when he seemed such good friends with Hazel. Maybe he didn’t know much of the rest of the wedding court.

Neeks broke the silence after a few minutes, interrupting Will’s thoughts.

“Being a wedding planner, you must have your own dream wedding planned to the dot, right?”

He shrugged, “Not really. Haven’t thought about it much, honestly.”

“Do you want to get married?” Neeks took a long drink of his beer, his eyes considering. Will wondered why he was so curious.

Will hummed, applying another layer of paste. “I think so. Maybe not like this though.”

“Like this?”

“Like,” Will waved his paintbrush around, careful not to get any flecks of glue anywhere. “Big. Extravagant. I’d want something small, I think. More personal.”

Neeks nodded, his eyes flickering away. “I’d like something like that too. Probably so would Hazel, had Hades not insisted on the extravagance.”

Will filed that bit of information away. That made sense, considering the little knowledge he had about the girl.

“What about you?” Will asked, not even sure why he was doing so. He convinced himself it was to be polite. “Dating, in a relationship, etc?”

Neeks gave him a small smile. “Nah. I had a boyfriend for awhile but we ended things a few weeks ago.” He shrugged, “No spark, you know?”

Will bit his lip, glancing away. There was a not-so-subtle emphasis on boyfriend that was anything but unintentional.

Neeks was waiting for a response. Will looked up, through his eyelashes, and tried to keep his voice from going soft as he breathed out a, “Yeah.”

Will blinked a few times, keeping his eyes away from the other boy’s figure.

He....was not attracted to this boy.

Will cleared his throat and tried again. “Yeah, I mean, I’ve had boyfriends that haven’t worked out. I get that.”

Why did he say that.

Why did he make it known that he was gay as a goddamn rainbow.

Will knew why.

Neeks shot a knowing grin over at him. Will felt his cheeks flush up.

“Will, I’ve been looking for you -”

Hazel paused in the room, her voice breaking off as her gaze slid from Neeks to him. Strangely, despite the several feet of space between them, and the paper and glue surrounding them, Will felt like they’d be caught at something.

She only gave them both a gentle smile, her eyes resting on Will’s as she spoke. “Will, I was wondering if you could come talk to Persephone? She has some questions about venue options

Will stood, grabbing his binder. “Course!” He shot a look towards Neeks, “I’ll be right back.”

And that, unknowingly, turned out to be a huge lie. Because as soon as he strolled up to Hazel’s step-mother, small grin in place, binder at his side, it was like the wedding planning floodgates burst open. Hades and Persephone - Will would learn - were very enthusiastic about this wedding.

After around, maybe, a hundred and twenty thousand questions later - all about Will’s opinions, what other weddings he’s planned, about the color scheme and food, seating and decor, Will was finally prying himself away from the questioning couple, and Neeks was gone, nearly all the Save the Dates complete and left out to dry. Will smiled, just slightly.

The party was nearly over anyways, so he found Lou and they began their goodbyes, Will feeling a bit relieved to be leaving.

“Aw,” Will realized a bit later as he and Lou fell into the cab, relaying their address to the driver. “I didn’t get to see the flower boy.”

“Really?” Lou gave him a surprised look, “I thought I saw you guys talking.”

Will shook his head, wondering how he could have missed him. Damn, Will loved kids. After all, he had spent a good portion of the night melting in the face of Chuck Hedge’s small laugh.

“He was cute.” Lou decided, giving him a significant look, “Remember our rule.”

“I did!” He protested. He had only had one drink the entire night. That was their rule at client events - one drink hard stuff maximum, or two drinks of wine or beer. Actually, he had stayed under the rule. Lou should be proud of him instead.

“Good.” She told him, turning to tuck her head under his chin. “Now let’s go home.”

Will couldn’t agree more.

Nearly two months later, Will was slamming the phone down on the retriever, his eyes fluttered shut, his blood pressure high. He took a deep breath, his hands cupping up to rub at his eyes.

Fuck this. He was going home.

He turned, not bothering to clean up, only shutting his laptop and flipping the lights off.

One set of stairs later, he was home.

Will fell back in the bed, stripped down to his underwear, and let out a long, deep breath. Surrounded by the soft, plush blankets, there was a beat of silence.

“Long day, sweetheart?”

Will shifted over to his side, eyeing Lou with a sleepy focus. “The longest. Almost lost the Katsuki couple because of a mix-up with the caterers, I got in an argument with the florist that the Kirks are insisting on, and my email has been non-stop going off for the past five hours.”

Lou hummed. “Bad day here too. Is tonight one of those nights?”

“Gods, yes.” Will shoved his face into his pillow, feeling Lou shift beside him. There was a crinkle and pop, then warm glass was being pressed against his arm.

“Bed champagne.” Will gave her a lazy smile, pushing himself into a sitting position against the headboard. Lou, in her sports bra and pajamas shorts, took a long drink from the warm bottle.

She burped, passing over the bottle in the same movement.

Lou groaned as Will took his first drink of warm champagne, the bottle stashed away for the worst of their days. It would be Will’s turn to replace it next, under his side of the bed. “I had to deal with Pinterest bride today. She brought a binder of print outs.”

“Does she want to DIY everything?”

“Of course. She wants to make my life hell, so of course.”

There was a long, long moment of silence in which they passed the bottle back in forth. Will groaned out. “Why do we do this to ourselves.”

“Because the sight of a bride on her wedding day makes up for it all.” Lou’s voice was heavily, heavily coated with a thick layer of sarcasm. “Also, our mountain of student loans is depending on us to actually, you know, have jobs. To pay them.”

“Don’t remind me.” He threw an arm over his eyes, “You know, I met a nice girl the other day at the coffeeshop but then she said her name was Sally May, and I swear Lou, I’ve never had to consciously not hate a person before.”

She snorted at that. “Least I’ll never run into anyone named ‘Wells Fargo Student Loan Brand.’”

“Don’t jinx yourself.” He warned, a joke in his voice. There was a beat of silence, them both taking another drink.

Lou sighed, shifting her weight as she passed back the bottle. “I should probably go downstairs.” There was a certain sadness element in her voice, “I have to finish working out the seating plan, the venue wants the layout this weekend.”

Will sighed with her. That was one of the major downfalls of living directly above their office space - their work never really was over.

If he was being honest with himself, he probably should still be working as well. He thought his rage quit of the night would be worth it, but now he was only exhausted and slightly antsy about the mess he had left behind, and all the work he still had scheduled for tonight. He had a meeting in a few days with the Levesque-Zhang couple after all, and even though their wedding was still a good year away, they had to book the venue soon if they wanted to get it, which meant he should have the food options available for them to look through.

He sighed into his pillow, resigned. “I’ll come with you.”

Lou’s hand was sympathetic but firm as she patted his back, “That’da boy.”

“We need to plan the coolest bachelor party in the world.”

Will met the eyes of the best man, and they were serious as sin. He gave him a chipper smile, “That’s what I’m here for.”

He and Lou offered the service on the side, something a few couples typically took them up on. And it wasn’t typically much work, and the extra cash on the side more than made up for it. And it put Lou’s tourism degree - she had been in the market to be a travel agent before Will offered her the partnership - to good use. Frank had quietly approached him about the service around a month ago, which was good. There was still around seven or six months until the wedding, a good cushion of time to plan a good event.

It was just the best man and groom for this part, though, as they went over the main details.

“We were thinking about taking a trip.” Frank hesitantly explained, “I know Hazel and the girls are planning on New Orleans.”

“And Vegas is way too cliche.” Percy - the best man - added on. “We’re thinking a three to four day trip.”

Will nodded, taking notes. “And what kind of experience? Do you guys want a more traditional ‘night on the town’ kind of experience or something?”

Frank swallowed, “Actually, I was thinking of maybe a camping trip, or something in the nature?” He shot a look towards Percy, hesitant, and Will wondered if they had gone over the details together before.

Apparently not, but Percy was nodded enthusiastically. “Dude!” The best man was nearly vibrating with excitement now, “I haven’t been camping in years! That sounds so cool!”

Frank gave him a hesitant smile. “Yeah?”

“Totally!” Percy agreed, “We can take to the woods and like, get in touch with our animalistic side or whatever! We’ll live off the nature and blow shit up!”

Will had to stifle a laugh under his breath, taking down notes. He pulled his laptop towards him. “I’m not sure about living off the nature -” He grinned at them both, “But I do know the Grand Canyon offers some pretty cool camping programs there, if you’re interested.”

“Hedge is gonna love this.” Percy told them both, “And you know Leo’s dying for a chance to light stuff on fire.”

“They also offer rafting and horseback riding.” Will pointed out, already loading up the website up on his laptop. He turned the screen toward them.

Percy sighed, happy. “I love horses.”

Frank was laughing now, looking a bit relieved that his best man was so supportive. “The Grand Canyon actually sounds kind of cool.”

Will nodded in satisfaction. He’d pull up a few more options later anyways and sent them over, just to give them options, but it was nice they were both so agreeable. He picked his pen back up, the ballpoint hovering over the paper.

“And how many people are you taking in total?”

“We want to take all the groomsmen.” Frank explained, “And Nico and Chuck.” He thought for a second. “That’ll be safe, right?”

“It shouldn’t be a problem.” Will reassured him, making that note. “But I’ll check it over, make sure everything’s safe for kids. So seven people?”

Frank and Percy both nodded, looking pleased.

“Good,” Will nodded, jumping back into the finer aspects. “Now, dates?”

Both boys lit up as Will spoke more of their trip, getting more into the details of the trip.

He smiled slightly. Even though the wedding was still far off, Will had to admit this was one of his more liked couples he worked with.

If his thoughts briefly snapped to a certain long haired gentlemen in the process, well, it’s not like Will was going to tell anyone.

There were fewer things that Will enjoyed more than a good cake taste testing.

The actually day of the wedding, when everything was winding down and almost, finally, done? Sure, that was great. And the few final dress fittings he’d been along to, those weren’t bad either.

Buuuut -

Free cake.

They weren’t always invited to this portion of the wedding planning process, usually only telling the couple a time, place, and price, but Hazel had insisted. She seemed very persistent on this fact, claiming they she and Frank had no idea what to do, even though it was, literally, a piece of cake. But Will didn’t fight it past the initial counter, because, well, cake.

Lou hadn’t been able to make it, busy with a bridesmaid meeting, so Will arrived at the bakery on his own, binder in hand. The bakery had come on recommendation to the couple, owned by a few family friends. There was only five months until the day, a bit late to book the bakery for Will’s taste, but the couple weren’t very sure on many facts but this one. So Will, of course, went along with it.

They were coming in after hours so the shop was nearly deserted, except for a young, frizzy haired woman grinning at Hazel and Frank, and Percy and Piper as the best man and maid of honor were there, and -

Will took a breath,

- Neeks.

Which....Hazel hadn’t mentioned.

Will would have taken the bridesmaids appointment. Even if they were demons like Lou swore they were. Will would have taken them.

Everyone in the shop looked over as the small bell above the door rang out, Will frozen in the doorway. Neeks, standing to the left of Hazel, grinned.

“Oh, good!” Hazel clasped her hands together, turning towards the girl. “This is one of our wedding planners, Will. Will, this is Katie Gardner, she owns the shop.”

Will unfroze from his awkward position, stepping forward with a grin on his face. They got the introductions over with quickly - Will already knowing most of them - before Hazel was turning on the ground with a critical eye.

“We should break into groups of two.” Hazel decided, “So we won’t be biased or anything.”

Will shot her a questioning look but didn’t argue. That was a bit strange.

He had another second of blissful ignorance before it hit him.

Hazel and Frank would pair up, of course, and the maid of honor and best man were already laughing among themselves, so that left him and -

Neeks strolled up to him, his hands deep in his pockets in a casual posture.

He stuck his thumb over his shoulder, “Wanna grab a table?”

Will didn’t really have a choice, as he choked out a, “Sure.”

They were trying five different flavors today - double chocolate, lemon vanilla, hazelnut almond, pink champagne, and red velvet.

Katie, along an assistant she announced to be her little sister - brought out the small plates of cake to each table.

Five pastel colored plates laid out in front of them, ones that Will kept his eyes glued to as a the tasting began.

He was here for the cake. He needed the cake at this point.

The chose the nearest plate - one that Katie had told was the hazelnut almond. He took a small bite of it, keeping the plate between them both.

He was kind of a pro at wedding cake at this point, and he could clearly tell Katie knew what she was doing. Very well.

It was mostly a hazelnut cake, the almond being there only in the chopped up pieces covering the thick frosting.

Neeks was taking a bite of the red velvet, wrinkling his nose as he did so.

Will laughed, his hand coming up to cover his mouth. “Not a fan?”

Neeks swallowed the bite, looking cute as he cringed. Fuck. “Too rich.” He finally got out, reaching for his water.

Will hummed, pushing the hazelnut towards him. “Try this one. It’s a bit more subtle.”

He did, and the small noise of surprise he let out at it shouldn’t have pleased Will as much as it did.

Neeks leaned back, “I like that one.”

Will gave him a knowing look, “Thought so.”

Neeks gave him a teasing look of annoyance. “You don’t know everything, Solace.”

Will clicked his tongue, looking back to their plates of cake. Around them, the other two groups were trying the food and complimenting Katie’s work.

He raised an eyebrow, “You’re not gonna like the chocolate.”

Neeks gave him a look, “And why not? I like chocolate.”

He shrugged, “You thought the red velvet was too rich. The double chocolate is nearly as if, if not more, rich. You won’t like it.”

Neeks gave him a suspicious look, pulling the small plate towards him with a certain vengeance in his eyes. He cuts off a large bite and shoved it into his mouth, staring at Will the entire time.

Neeks freezes half a second later, the bite only half-chewed. Will smiles and Neeks, with effort, continues to chew. He swallows.

He cleared his throat, reaching for his water. After a long, long sip, he meets Will’s eyes.

“I loved it.” Neeks takes another sip, his voice thin. “Delicious.”

Will snorts, “You fucking liar.”

Neeks finally puts his glass back down. “What are you talking about, I loved it.”

“Oh?” Will gave him an amused look, “Well, you can have the rest. I’ve had chocolate wedding cake a hundred times over.” He swept out his hand, “All yours, Neeks.”

Neeks stared down at the large cut of cake in front of them, his fork poised above it. He sighs, his hand dropping to the table.

“I can’t.”

Will makes a noise of victory, “Knew it.”

Finally, Neeks makes the face of disgust he was holding back. “That was…”

“Rich?” Will guessed, now taking a small bite of the chocolate cake. Not bad.

“Way too much.” Neeks shook his head, moving onto the next plate. Will’s eyes remain on the other boy as he leans forward to grab the furthest plate, his shirt hiking up just a bit.

Neeks’s eyes slide back to Will’s, just in time to catch him in the act.

Will forces his eyes back to his plate. Fuck. Fuck.

Neeks settles back into his seat, his gaze considering. He sets the plate - the lemon vanilla - between them both.

Will’s gaze is still trained on the plates when Neeks cuts into the next piece, unspeaking.

He takes a large bite of the vanilla - always a bit too boring for Will’s taste - and leans in towards Will. Will gives him a surprised look, not really understanding.

Neeks holds out his fork, a challenging look in his eyes, “Want a taste?”

Oh Gods yes.

And Lord, did Will not meant the cake.

There was a cocky spark in Neeks’s eyes, dancing. Neeks didn’t think he would do it.

And fuck, Will always was too competitive for his own good.

With that, Will leaned forward, his eyes on Neeks’s own, and took the fork into his mouth in a slow, lingering movement.

He pulled back, “Too subtle,” he finally decided, chewing it thoughtfully, his words a forced casualness. “Not a fan of lemon, anyways.”

Neeks’s mouth had parted open, and Will was really, really trying not to pay any attention to that fact. His eyes - damn, those dark eyes - were wide and blown open as he stared at Will.

...And the maid of honor was staring at them, a wide, delighted grin in place.

Will’s face immediately flushed with a dark color, his eyes snapping back to Neeks’s with surprise.

Neeks glanced over to what had made Will’s cheeks fill with color, probably a bit curious, and met the maid of honor’s gaze. He smirked, waving.

“That’s just Piper being Piper,” Neeks waved off, turning back to his cake like the past few moments had never happened.

Will blinked, turning back to the plate in front of him.

Neeks made a choking noise, and Will looked up in alarm.

“You have some -” Neeks gestured, his face red. “Frosting. On your lip.”

“Oh,” Will blinked, thumbing off the bit. Great. Now he was a creep, and he ate like a toddler. Nice. They might as well sit him at the table with Chuck and Nico at the wedding.

He licked the bit of frosting off, not really seeing any napkins around, and glanced back to the other boy.

Neeks was bright red, now training his gaze at the silverware spread out on the table.

Will cursed under his breath.

Little did he know, Neeks was doing the same.

Later, after Will had fumbled his way through the end of the meeting and Katie was sending him home with a take-out box for Lou, and after they had all agreed on the light and springy pink champagne slices of cake, Will very, very firmly was smacking his face repeatedly into the surface of his steering wheel.

He took a deep breath. It was fine. It was okay. Things couldn’t get worse from here, honestly.

This was a mess.

This was an absolute horrible mess.

This was an absolutely horrible completely mind-numbing mess.

This was the worst mess he’d gotten himself into in...a while actually.

He shoved another handful of chips into his mouth. He ignored how his hand was shaking as he did so, and pressed the F5 bottom yet again on his laptop. The same traitorous screen.

Lou was meeting with one of their newer couples - still in the process of picking out colors and the court - and he was all alone in the office to deal with the mess.

Wait, correction, was all alone.

Their office door bell rang out, a bit odd for how late it was. Probably one of the couples to drop something off. Will took a desperate breath. He could appear calm for a few moments. No problem. He could totally act like he wasn’t currently having a major horrible problem of the year.

Totally.

But before he could call out a just a minute, as most of their guests chose to pause in the waiting area, a few moments that would have given Will precious seconds to compose and frantically brush himself off, the guest just walked straight into the office. He clenched at the pen in his hand.

And - of course.

Of course it was him.

Neeks observed him for a long, long moment. He had a folder in his hands, and he was wearing a jacket that looked to be ridiculously expensive. His hair was immaculately pulled back. Will hadn’t seen him since the cake tasting when Will had ruined it with his horrible cake eating. But even then, at least Will was put together. Not like now.

Right now, Will could still feel the potato chip crumbs sticking to his face.

Neeks stared at him.

Will stared back at him.  

“So you’re having a breakdown.” Neeks stated obviously, the folder in his hand slowly coming down.

Will’s head fell helplessly into his hands. He let out a long groan. “Everything’s a mess.” He lamented, dropping the pen from his hand for the first time in a few hours. He flexed his fingers, rubbing out the pressure from his fingertips.

Unknowingly, Neeks was following the motion with a heavy gaze. But Will didn’t notice that, continuing to speak instead.

“Nothing’s ready,.” Will told him mournfully, gesturing to the empty bags of chips scattered around him. “And I can’t stop stress eating.”

Neeks wrinkled his nose. “Salt and vinegar chips? Gross.”

Will could only nod in agreement. “They are.”

“Then why are you eating them by the bagful?” Neeks raised an eyebrow overflowing with judgement.

“I - why are you here?” Will could only counter, having no answer. Thank god the awkwardness was fading away.

Neeks held up a stack of papers. “I was in the area, and Hazel near begged me to drop off the guest list. Something about your wifi going down?”

Will sighed, frustration and annoyance and anger bleeding into tension building up in his shoulders. “It’s been out since yesterday morning which - isn’t great for a wedding planner. I’ve already used up all my data for the month, and I haven’t been able to check out any websites or calendars since then, and in an hour I have a skype meeting with one of my couple’s visiting Europe and -” Will cut himself off, his heart seizing with stress. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. The cable company said they can’t fix it until Monday afternoon. The Starbucks across the street has already kicked me out for loitering twice, and the library isn’t open on Sundays.”

He was a pitiful sight, he knew. He had crumbs trailing down his shirt, messy, greasy hair hanging in his face, and the bags smeared under his eyes were as dark as bruises. If Will had any energy at all, he’d probably be horrified at being caught like this.

Neeks glanced down at the papers spread across the table. “Let me call in a few favors.” He finally decided, disappearing before Will could question him. Favors? About what?

Just then, his phone rang for the umpteenth time, probably the DeLeon couple wondering about their venue booking. Gods.

He kept his voice light and cheery and just on the right edge of reassuring as he spoke. Yes of course the flowers are perfect and Yes of course the caterer received your specific instructions on how the vegan dishes were to be handled and yes of course, yes of course, yes of course a million other things.

Will turned back to this papers, talking in his most upbeat, soothing voice as he ruffled through the stacks, looking for that one paper he knew they’d want.

Will was still on the phone when Neeks returned a while later, a stranger in tow as they spoke softly to each other in the doorway. Will nodded at them, finishing up the call that the soon-to-be groom absolutely did not want to end.

He hung up, briefly missing the days of snap phones. That would make everything just a bit more worth it.

Thirty-three minutes of call-time, his phone told him. Ugh. He never wanted to look at his phone ever again.

Neeks nodded to the stranger. “This is Leo. He’s one of Frank’s groomsmen, he’s good with this kind of stuff.” He explained to Will. Leo - one of the guys for the bachelor party stuff, Will remembered. He hadn’t had the chance to meet him then,

Leo took on a mocking look of offense at Nico’s words. “This stuff, muchacho, requires several years of technical school and mechanic shadowing. I’d watch it if I was you, or I won’t come running every time one of your cute boys has a wifi problem.”

Neeks didn’t look like he disagreed with the sentence. Will filed that away, instead turning his desperate eyes back on their newest visitor.

Neeks shrugged, looking nonchalant, and Leo turned to Will with an expectant air. “So, cute boy? Where’s the wifi set-up?”

Will gestured vaguely to the wires and cords mess Lou had quickly plugged in when they moved into the office. “I....have no idea what happened.” There was an apology in his voice, edged with desperation. “But please, I’ll do anything at this point just to have it up by the morning.”

Leo tsked a dismissal. “By morning? Please, who do you think I am? I’ll have this fixed in an hour, tops.”

Will released the bubble of stress that had been filling his chest since he was first faced with that damn no connection screen.

“Thank you.” He breathed out, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Leo waved off his words, focusing on the bundle of wires in front of him, cooing hurt sounds.

“Don’t worry babies,” Leo was beginning to untangle the cords with gentle fingers, that soft note still lifting his voice. “Papa’s here, I’ll take care of you.”

Neeks rolled his eyes, cutting his gaze back to Will. “Leo’s weird. But smart. He’ll fix it.”

“Thank you.” He repeated, his gratitude nearly overflowing. “I….thank you.”

Neeks shrugged, looking nonchalant. “No problem.” His eyes slid over to the several stacks of papers currently taking over Will’s desk. “Anything I can help with while Leo’s at work?”

Will sighed, overwhelmed up the mess. He stood, beginning to pile everything neatly. “Not much to do, without the internet.” His voice was apologetic with a hint of frustration. “I’ve already checked over several check-lists for the next three weddings, and it’s too late to make any client calls.”

He pressed his palms into his eyes, rubbing at his greasy eyes. There was nothing he wanted more right now then half a bottle of bed champagne and to be in a pair of his ripped pajama pants with Lou half-curled into his side.

“Why don’t you go freshen up?” Neeks glanced towards the ceiling, “You live upstairs, right?”

Will cocked his head to the side. “How did you know that?”

“Lou mentioned it.” Neeks shrugged, “You’ll feel better if you go splash some water on your face. Leo’ll take a bit before it’s back up.”

That....didn’t sound like the worst thing in the world.

Will stood from his desk, his knee and back popping at the action. “I’ll be quick,” he promised, “if it comes back up while I’m gone can you yell up for me?”

Neeks saluted in agreement, pulling out his sleek phone as he took up comfortable residence in one of Will’s office chairs.

He rushed up the stairs, getting the work done quick.

He washed his face, wincing at the few greasy crumbs he found still sticking to his face, and brushed his teeth and changed his clothes. That, in addition to tying his hair out of his face and applying a layer of Lou’s lotion to his dry skin, he felt like a new, although still-exhausted, man. A cleaner man, nonetheless.

Neeks was still lounged in place when he returned back downstairs, Leo still hunched in their corner of wires and plugs. His noises of sympathy had trailed off, although he still spoke softly and sweetly to the bundle of mess.

Will fell into his office chair, sighing in relief. Neeks barely glanced up from his screen at his entrance.

He closed his eyes. His frantic mind was in no state for rest, but the act felt nice nonetheless. He loved this chair, truly. Just the right amount of plush leather, with arm rests. And it had wheels. He’d marry this chair.

A giggle bubbled out of his chest as that, his eyes fluttering open. Neeks gave him a curious look.

Will waved him off, not wanting to explain his imaged marriage to a piece of furniture. “Just sleep deprived.” He explained.

Neeks accepted that. He was good like that.

He was about to start up some other conversations - the gods knew he needed something to keep his eyes from sliding shut again - when Leo finally spoke up.

“Should be up. Try it.” He stood, wiping the dust from his hands. Will hit refresh and - after a long beat of holding his breath - the page loaded.

“I could kiss you right now.” He breathed out, his screen now proudly proclaiming a secure wifi connection.

Leo hummed, tucking the wires back into place. “I’ll let you lay that on death boy over there.”

Neeks scoffed at the nickname, but Will was too thankful to spare a blush. He pulled up his email, wincing at the truly frightening number of emails that had begun to pile up over the last day and a half.

Neeks spoke a few more sentences to Leo and by the time Will glanced up from his email frenzy, the other boy was gone and Neeks was busying flipping through a binder. Will didn’t get to thank him - he’d have to remember to when he saw him again.

Neeks was frowning, looking a bit surprised at the contents spilled out before him. “I...didn’t know this much work went into planning a wedding.”

Will’s sigh was slightly regretful. He leaned back in his chair, cracking his neck. “Yeah, most people don't. Most just expect to demand a slightly-impossible theme, a candy table, a dinner list and voilà wedding.”

Neeks flipped the binder shut with slightly-wide eyes. “Sounds...complicated.”

Will nodded, glancing back to his computer screen. The glow of it was beginning to make his eyes ache. Even with his break of freshening up, he could feel the exhaustion deep in his bones. “I should…”

Neeks gave him a considering look. “How much more work do you have to do tonight?”

It hurt Will’s head to consider the amount.

“A lot.” He only said, deflating a bit. “Really, thank you so much for helping me out, Neeks. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you, honest.” He gave Neeks a regretful look. The soft yellow light was usually too dim for Will’s taste, but it really made Neeks look remarkable. Like seeing him here, so late at night, under the warm lightbulbs, was a rare sight. Very vaguely, from a place Will didn’t yet pay any attention, Will hoped it wouldn’t be.   

“You should go.” Will’s words betrayed him, “I’m...not gonna be any fun, working through this. And I probably won’t leave here for a few more hours.”

Neeks hummed, observing him for another moment. “Did you answer your emails? The important ones.”

Will nodded, “Yeah, thanks to you.” He dipped his head, “I don’t think I can say thank you enough.”

Neeks hummed, “You’ve been at it for hours, right?”

“So many hours. I’m dead, truly.”

There was a beat of silence as Neeks stared at him, clicking through his laptop, before he spoke again.

“You need a break.” Neeks declared, shutting Will’s laptop. He gave Will a critical look, “Come back to my place. We can hang out while you unwind or something.”

“I…” Will glanced to the stack of papers lining the table. “I don’t know. There’s so much work to do still.”

Neeks gave him a doubtful look. “There’ll always be more work to do. And honestly, I feel like if I leave you here you actually might explode.” He held out a hand and Will stared at it with wide, surprised eyes. “Anyways, even if I dump you off in your place upstairs I know you’ll be back at in a few hours.”

Will was helpless against his logic. “True.” He admitted, his hands hovering over his laptop. “But I really shouldn’t…”

“C’mon. We’ll…” Neeks’ eyes flickered away, an amused look taking place on his face. “We’ll blow off some steam. Get you to relax.” Neeks laughed, a bit cocky as he ran a hand through his own hair. “You look like you could use some time in a bed, after all.”  

Will’s mouth went dry. Neeks’ eyes settled back on Will’s figure, his eyes much darker than they had been moments before.

It was...obvious to what Neeks was referring to. The thing that had been building up since...since the moment they met, really.

And Will didn’t know what he wanted to say.

I mean, Will was pretty sure he looked like a dumpster goblin at that point. And probably smelt like one too. He hadn’t showered in two days.

He was busy, okay?

But there also another fact, and it was this:

Will didn’t get involved with client’s family.

It was a rule, one he and Lou followed to the letter. There were a few close-calls with both of them, usually tipsy situations, but they’d managed to keep it that way. It was a rule. If you messed with a client’s family there was always the very-likely possibility of the encounter going sour, leaving unhappy and angry brides and grooms, and they were professionals anyways, and it just wasn’t worth it.

Neeks’ hand was still held out, inviting. Steady, even as Will stared at it with too-wide eyes. Neeks was patient, at least, which Will couldn’t help but appreciate.

But...Neeks wasn’t apart of the family, was he? Just a close family friend? Right?

Right?

Right.

After a moment, Will swallowed and took his hand.

Waking up tangled in a stranger’s sheets wasn’t something Will had done in awhile.

After being slammed against Neeks’ doorway, both of their mouth pressed close, Will’s hands held in place over his head, things had gotten....busy.

“What time is it?” Will muttered into the sheets, shifting the pillow closer to his face. He didn’t know much about linens that weren’t tablecloths and napkins, but he could tell these were nice. Much, much nicer than the Target brand sheets he and Lou had bought for their shared queen.

Neeks answered, his voice still a bit rough with sleep, his mouth still a bit too close to Will’s skin., as he mumbled out a jumble of numbers.

Will hummed, a simple moment of silence as he processed this. His eyes flew open.

He nearly fell out of bed, the sheets still tangled around his legs, and stood, wide-eyed. “It’s noon?”

Neeks hummed, cracking an eyelid open to clear admiring the view. Will refused to blush. He jumped into action, babbling as he did so.

“I’ve - I’ve got to go! I have a meeting with the baker at 12:30, and oh gods that means I’ve already missed the consultation with the florist, and the caterer wants me to come in and sample the hors d'oeuvres for the pre-reception and -” He paused, his clothes in a messy pile in his arms. He cast Neeks a sincerely regretful look. “I’ve really, really got to go.”

He shoved on his clothes, messy and wrinkled and thank the gods he kept an extra shirt in his trunk for emergencies. He left the buttons open, just needing to rush down to his car, and shoved on his loafers.

He paused at the bedside as he grabbed his phone - already a mess of missed notifications, crap - and spared a few words, his voice hopeful. “I’ll see you at the wedding?”

Neeks, still lounged in bed with the sheets only hardly preserving his modesty, grinned up at him. “Hope so.” There was humor in his voice as he sat up, reaching to pull down Will one last time. He gave Will the dirtiest, messy kiss he’d ever received - making last night looking like a goddamn high school blush - and pulled away, resting his forehead against Will’s.

“See you at the wedding.” Neeks grinned against Will’s skin, pressing his lips into the hollow of Will’s neck.

Will swallowed, a curse tightening his hands and lips. “I...have to go.”

“You keep saying that.” Neeks mouthed his way down Will’s throat. “And yet...here you are.”

Will leaned his weight down on the mattress, allowing himself ten more seconds. “Here I am.” He gasped out, his eyes fluttered shut. His hand come up to Neeks’ hair, pulling away. “And I really have to go.”

Will detangled himself from Neeks’s wandering hands, never hating himself for such a movement before.

“See you at the wedding!” Will called over his shoulder, barely remembering to grab his crumbled tie from the ground.

Neeks smirked and saluted, looking comfortable and lazy in his rumpled sheets and comforter.

Will shook the regret out of his shoulders as he fumbled for his keys. He would…

He would see Neeks at the wedding.

It only took five days for Will to completely remember why he didn’t do this.

He clenched at his pen as he wrote out his notes. Hazel, alone this time, sat across his desk with the biggest shit-eating grin he’d ever seen, one that had been in place since she had arrived for her last appointment before the wedding.

Neeks had told her, no question about it. Which was fine, it was Neeks’s decision to do so, and she and him did seem close, but it only - it only made things awkward. For him, at least.

Hazel was still giving him a pleased look as she looked over the last minute change to the centerpieces. Apparently, Hades was a fan of the dinnerplate dahlias.

She nodded in approval - not that Will was worried, she seemed okay with mostly going along with the flow of her father’s wants - and Will already began mentally tallying up the total for the last-minute change fee. Again, not like anyone would care with this family - Hazel already had to talk her father out of ordering diamond-encrusted silverware.

Hazel stood to begin her leave, gathering her papers, when she paused. Will had to work to not do the same, only to casually glance up from where he was already typing up an email to the florist.

She lingered in front of his desk, still smiling that damn all-knowing grin.

“So Neeks and I got coffee a few days ago.”

And there it was.

Will took a breath. He slapped his best I’m a professional maybe grin on and turned towards her.

“And? How was that?”

“Good. I’m a sucker for an afternoon frappacino, and we went over some wedding stuff.” She gave him an amused grin. “He mentioned you. A few times.”

Will was struggling. “Oh?”

“He just said that when he stopped by last week you guys ended up talking for a few hours.” Her grin was small, but pleased. “That he helped with your wifi?”

Will’s shoulders nearly dropped in relief. So she didn’t know about...everything else. Good.

“He likes you.” She simply continued, her voice clear of any emotion. Will’s mouth went dry. “You’re both adults, and I’m not going to lecture you guys or anything just…” She shrugged, “Neeks get’s attached. He pretends he doesn’t but…” She peeked through her eyelashes. “Be careful. Don’t hurt him.”

“You guys are close.” He noted, needing to say something other then wait what Neeks likes me how do you know what did he say *exactly* word-for-word.

Will could promise he wasn’t a middle schooler. He could. But that wouldn’t stop his instincts from wanting to immediately act like one.

She smiled at that, “We are. We met when we were teengers, but despite that we’ve been as close as if we grew up together.”

Will nodded, finally returning a small smile of his own. “I have a few friends like that.”

Hazel nodded with satisfaction, tucking the remainder of her papers away. She stood in front of his desk. “So this is our last meeting.”

Ah. This was familiar territory. He gave her a small, reassuring smile, “Nervous?”

She was already shaking her head. “Not with Frank. I’ve been ready to marry that boy for years practically. Just...it’s happening.”

“It’s happening.” He agreed, “This weekend.”

She nodded, letting that info sink in. “This time next week, I’ll be married.” She announced, looking pleased with the sentence. That was good.

Will had married off his fair share of couples, and was sometimes obvious that the couple wasn’t going to last. Not that it was his place to say so, not ever, but it was always worth noting to Lou, usually in preparation of the drama they were to expect the day-of. It wasn’t always obvious, though.

Hazel and Frank seemed good. There seemed to be love there, as they moon-eyed at each other from across rooms and spoke of the other with honey in their voice. There weren’t a lot of couples out there that had that for each other. Will hoped the best for them, truly.

“I’ll see you Saturday, Will.” She beamed, and there was that trademark bride-to-be excitement.

Will smiled slightly. “See you on Saturday, Hazel.”

Truly, the best.

Saturday came as quick as Will always expected a wedding of this side to do.

It was Saturday and Will was dressed in his favorite go-to suit, darkened colors to compliment the wedding party but not so much be blended in with them. Always an important thing to note.

He took a breath.

Today was the Levesque-Zhang wedding, and Will was completely composed.

Sure, this was a fact that Will would insist on even if the world was coming to a literal, screeching halt and he was to blame, but honestly. Everything, at least twelve hours into the wedding day, had been going smoothly.

Minor problems, smoothly. One of the bridesmaid’s had ripped her dress, according to Lou over text as they updated each other on wedding day happenings. It was fine - they had each learned to sew very quickly in their profession.

Will had had to deal with a few guests who turned up early, apparently already celebrating the occasion with how their breath had stunk of stale alcohol. One of the ushers was twenty minutes late, easily resolved by having one of the bored groomsmen step in in the meantime. The chairs had been set up backwards - facing the park itself instead of the actual gazebo, but fine. After a few moments of shuffling and calling the groomsmen to help, it was resolved, the few arrived guests were seated correctly, and the wedding, as well as the Wedding Planner, were completely composed.

He was just beginning to mark off all the names of the wedding court - his clipboard reading off each name in neat typed font - when the guests truly began arriving in crowds.

The groomsmen and ushers were already gathered in the park, the bridesmaids and Hazel tucked away in the Bridal Suite that the park had generously offered. He checked off another name - Jason Grace - as the blond head bobbed into view, helping one of the older guests to her chair.

Will waved at Neeks very briefly, already turning away from the bundle of people. Gleeson, with Chuck in his arms, rushed by, and he added a few more checks to his paper.

He glanced down at his list, only one more name reading back at him. In the distance, Lou was waving him over. Ten minutes until the ceremony was scheduled to start.

“Where’s the flower boy? Nico?” Will questioned frantically, his clipboard clenched in his hands. The little boy was the only one of the bridal court that Will hadn’t accounted for himself, the rest all checked or marked off.

“He’s here, I just saw him with some of the bridal party.” Lou reassured him, shoving a stack of programs in his hands. “Take these upfront, the ushers are running low. I’ll handle the background stuff, go handle the guests, okay?”

Will didn’t have time to voice his agreement, simply nodding and turning, the paper pressing against his clipboard as he rushed to hand the papers off to the ushers. They still had to speak with the minister - a family friend, apparently, who had a question about the marriage license that only one of them could answer.

Will settled the issue with barely time to spare as Lou gestured to him from the end of the aisle. A soundless two-clap as she met his eyes, their signal. The ceremony was about to start.

He nodded, taking his seat. She would handle the backstage stuff, and if anything were to happen up here, it would be on him to take care of.

It was a system that was tried and true. It was good to separately cover the area, have someone in each section. After the Godan-Calton incident - where both of them lingered in the back and therefore neither were there to help when the Bride’s dress ripped in half mid-ceremony - they’d wisely taken to a splitting up approach.

The music, previously low and playing some distant beat, rose in volume slowly. Will, with the rest of the guests, looked to the wedding court as they began walking down the small stone path leading up to the gazebo.

Familiar faces passed - Leo, a happy glint in his eyes, and Annabeth, who he’d met at the dinner party and seemed much, much too interested in his organizational habits. Jason, the blond guy who was so familiar with Neeks, was arm-in-arm with Reyna, her braid long and waterfall down her back. Mellie and Hedge were next, arm in arm. The best man and maid of honor were last down the aisle, of course. Percy,  arm in arm with tall brunette girl with a fancy up-do - Piper, Will remembered, from the cake tasting - grinned at him as they passed. The ring-bearer, Chuck, in his small tux and even smaller pillow clutched in his toddler hands, bounced down the aisle next, grinning widely at his parents at the end of the aisle.

Everything was going perfectly, so far. The piano was right on time for the flower boy to enter, with a thirteen second section to descend down the aisle, and then the music would pause and switch over and Hazel would emerge and they’d all stand and -

Will’s mind crushed to a halt.

This was the moment the flower boy was suppose to emerge, the small basket of gold petals in his small hands, but instead….

Instead there was a full grown man.

Instead there was Neeks.

Will glanced around frantically, looking to catch another face of panic no doubt close to his own.

There were none. Frank was, strangely, grinning widely at the end of the aisle. Like he knew, and was expecting this.

Something clicked in his head - two loose facts coming together to form a single undeniable truth.

The flower boy was Neeks.

Neeks was Nico.

Hazel’s brother. Hazel’s younger brother.

He glanced down to his clipboard with wide-eyes like the paper had betrayed him.

This didn’t make sense.

Wait.

Actually -

This made perfect sense.

How Neeks was always hanging around the wedding party, yet had no, as far as Will had thought, part in the wedding. His familiarity with Hazel, and the rest of them. How no one had been the slightest bit worried about never seeing the flower boy around because, well, he had been there all along.

Nico was scowling, but it looked more for show as it didn’t reach his eyes. The flower petals fell from his hands easily as he threw them across the ground. Low laughter fell over the crowd and Frank - standing in the front with the rest of the court - let out a loud bark of a laugh.

Apparently Will was an idiot.

And, also apparently, Will had fucked the flower boy.

Lou was going to lose her shit.

Will blinked. He couldn’t think about that right now. He had a wedding to run smoothly, and he couldn’t be distracted for it. Not even when Neeks - Nico - caught his eye as met the end of the aisle and winked as he joined to stand with the bridal party. Will took a breath, hugged his clipboard to his chest, and ignored the skip in his pulse.

Damn, Nico looked good in his fitted tux.

Will just managed to turn his attention back to the wedding when it really began.

The piano paused and there was beat of silence before the wedding theme began, the organ heavy and smooth in the air.

Frank’s father, a large, burly biker type macho-man, only scowled at the front of the aisle. No one dared to mention the few tears creeping down his cheeks.

The double doors swung open, and this was always Will’s favorite part.

Hazel’s gown was vintage themed, and he could already see the careful hand Lou had lended in outfitting the other girl - the thick layer of frosting diamonds draped over her neckline, the elbow length cream satin gloves she wore. She had chosen gold accents to match the color of her bridesmaid’s dresses, and she truly looked beautiful.

She floated down the aisle, and Will was already beginning to pass around small packets of tissues. It was needed.

Hades, walking her down the aisle, seemed to be successfully holding back his emotion so far. The rest of them - Persephone, at Will’s side, as well as most of the wedding court - were nowhere near his control. There was the giving away of the bride, Hazel leaning in to give her father a quick hug, and turned towards Frank, who didn’t bother to hide his tearful beam. They both looked so happy.

Hades fell to Persephone’s side in the front aisle almost immediately after Hazel’s hand left his. Quietly, Will pressed the tissues into their hands as they sobbed against each other.

The minister - Chiron, an older man Hazel and Frank were both good friends with - smiled softly as the couple beamed at each other. The service began.

The ceremony was beautiful and teary and was nearly perfect.

Small issues - the bugs that came with an outdoor wedding were always annoying, and Hazel’s train had gotten caught on one of the chairs as they went to leave - but nothing major. Lou had outdone herself, truly.

There was hardly any time for Will to linger on his new revelation - only very briefly, for a few odd seconds, as Nico tossed him a wink as he walked back down the aisle. Will’s cheeks, the traitors that they were, colored horribly.

He shook those thoughts out of his head. He had a job today, to make sure Hazel and Frank had a perfect wedding, and he was not going to be distracted for it.

Will went ahead to the elaborate venue Hades had insisted on, setting some of the finer details into stone while the wedding party was off taking photos. Lou had gone along with them, making sure the photographer got everything that the couple had requested but, in the excitement, might have forgotten.

He did his rounds at the hall, checking in with the waitstaff and bar, making sure the band was ready and the tasteful decor was just so.

The photobooth was in place and working well from the few waitresses on break giggling around it. That was always a favorite of his at a wedding, he thought.

He checked with the head chef, checking in on the food. Everything was good, she was eager to reassure him, pushing out small toast with tomato and basil towards him. He took it, half-knowing that it was probably going to be the last thing he’d eat tonight before he and Lou stopped at the 24-hour McDonalds on their way home, too dead-tired and desperate to care about the calories.   

The guests began arriving after that, Will helping guide some of them to their tables, helping the staff coordinate the champagne table Hades had requested.

He handled the wedding court entrance, half an hour into the reception, mostly just making sure the music was correct and loaded up. Lou shot him a thumbs up from the front of the hall, putting the couples in the correct order and announcing as they came in.

Will held his breath as Nico emerged first, Chuck balanced on his hip, and Lou grinned at them both. The familiar laughter from the ceremony was back, teasing Nico as he accepted his title.

The beginning sequence went well, no hiccups, only applause and faint coos when the happy couple made their grand entrance.

Next, the speeches - right before the food was served. Will kept a careful eye on the time, the itinerary of the day damn near memorized at this point. They were on schedule. Good.

Nico was at the head table, laughing at something Jason was proclaiming, the blond man’s arm outstretched towards the happy couple. Will ignored the bloom of warmth in his chest.

Percy’s speech was heartwarming, something about third-wheeling the road-trip where Hazel and Frank had finally gotten together, and Piper’s was hilarious, remarking on several occasions that made both parts of the happy couple turn red and hide their face.

The food was good, the open bar better, and the guests seemed happy. Hazel and Frank seemed happy too, giggling and beaming and blushing every time one of the guests began to clink their glass and cheer.

It was just when the cake was being served, and Hazel and Frank were grinning around a matching mess of frosting smeared across both of their faces, when Will was finally able to sit down for the first time since the ceremony.

He sank down in an empty chair, a sigh of breath rushing out of him. Next to him, Lou was already calling a waitress over.

“Have your drink,” Lou half-demanded, her own champagne glass nearly empty, as she pushed the new glass in his hand. He didn’t fight it. “We’re almost done, and it was nearly perfect.” A frown crossed her face. “Damn trains.”

Will grinned into his sleeve at her grumble.

It wasn’t like Will loved being a perfectionist or anything but he did enjoy that he wasn't alone in it. The mistake had been bothering Lou too, probably since the ceremony when it happened.

They shared a tired grin. “Next time,” Will promised, like he always did.

“Next time it’ll be perfect,” She agreed, clinking their glasses. She took the last of her drink and stood. “I’m gonna go start up the round of the traditions. Take a few minutes before you start micro-managing the hell out of everything, kay?”

Will held up his glass in silent agreement. He was perfectly a-okay with taking a few minutes to just observe and let his feet rest.

He watched as Lou began a few of the traditions - the mother and groom dance, where Frank gently slow-swayed with his grandmother to a soft tune that nearly had everyone in tears, as well as the father and daughter dance shortly after, where Hazel patted Hades on the back with an amused grin as he sobbed into her neck.

He was just standing and brushing off his suit jacket when Lou began the garter toss, both Hazel and Frank blushing harshly through the entire thing. Over the dancefloor,  he could just barely see the head of kitchen gesturing for him, probably having some question about the coffee and cake the waitstaff was due to serve out on the table any moment now, and Will crossed the floor quickly, keeping his head low around the crowd gathered, trying to avoid being in the way when -

- when something headed straight towards him.

Instinctively, Will opened his hands, catching the object before it could fall smack into his face.

He blinked. He was holding flowers.

...Hazel’s flowers.

There was a short burst of laughter and applause where Will’s cheeks turned to rouge. Of...course.

Lou was burying her laughter in her hand.

Of course.

There was a quick tap - one, two, three - on his shoulder.  

Will, still clenching onto the banquet of flowers, turned to face his other side. His cheeks were still bright red.

He blinked, his hands tightening on the bound stems. “Hey.”

Nico di Angelo grinned at him, looking much, much too good under the low lighting, gold silken confetti reflecting in his dark hair. He didn’t bother a greeting, jumping straight in. “Wanna get a drink sometime?”

Will could only hug the flowers close to his chest as he stuttered through his response. At this point, he was sure he was going to die with his cheeks bright red. “I - I mean, yeah, sure.” He swallowed, the sharp fragrance of the flowers starting to drift up to his face. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Yeah, I mean, definitely.”

“Cool.” Nico tipped back on his heels. “I’ll get your number from Hazel.” He turned to leave, a grin over his shoulder, before he paused. “Nice flowers.”

“Thanks.” He choked out, still clenching that goddamn bouquet.

In one beat to the next, Lou was at his side, her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. He willed his flush to temper down.

Her face cleared up in an instant, her eyes flickering over to where Nico was disappearing. She shook her head as Will slowly died of mortification - how did she always just know? - and plucked two glasses off a passing tray.

“So, you fucked the flower boy and caught the bouquet.” She announced, tipping another champagne flute in his direction, perspiration beaded along the surface of the chilled glass. Looks like they were breaking their ‘one drink an event’ rule. They both needed it. “Will Solace, know this - I’ll die before I plan your wedding.”

Will took a breath, the flowers probably pressing pollen and petals into the dark fabric of his suit. He couldn’t find it in himself to care. “I think we’ll probably elope.” He finally breathed out softly, his eyes turning to trace the other boy unconsciously. “Maybe Vegas.”

“Thank the gods,” Lou tipped back her glass, “And I deserve another glass of cold champagne for that.”

Will released the air building up in his chest, sighing. “Yeah...I agree.”

From across the room, Nico caught his eye. He threw the other boy a wink, and Will damn near swooned.

Lou let out a noise of disgust as Will hugged the bouquet even tighter to his chest.

Forbes Magazine lists the job Event Coordinator, with a mentioning of Wedding Planners, as the sixth most stressful job and Will typically wholeheartedly agreed with that fact but sometimes, as Will met a pair of dark eyes across the room, laughter and music filling the air between both of them, sometimes it was worth it.

Notes:

this sprang from the fact that i just finished helping plan my aunts wedding and im dy ing this fic killed me if you enjoyed let me know! thanks dolls this was suppose to be to celebrate getting 500 followers on tumblr but i wanted too long that im almost at 600 now soooo happy early celebration for that!! i never want to look at another wedding website ever again there's a lot of references in this fic to other fictional couples, props if you get them all i needed a lot of different last names ok

[tempesteddies]

Could you tell us more about Meara Martin? Like what's her story called and fandom? And any spoilers you'd be willing to share?

Currently, Meara doesn’t have a fanfic and i am not sure if i had any title names planned.

She is kinda both for teen wolf and for percy Jackson.

~

I think her PJO side is more thought out and has at least a better outline of who she is and what her past means for her as a person.

Meara is a Chimera meaning she had a twin in the womb but absorbed her. Her twin was a daughter of Jupiter which gave Meara the power to make it rain but not much else. Meara was already the daughter of Poseidon.

She was looking into creating a double headed trident that has all three types of monster killing metals.

My thoughts were at first that she was younger than percy and being led to camp by two satyr (ones actually a faun who was trying to bring her to camp jupiter but she knew camp half blood’s satyr better).

She spends the first like three days isolating herself underwater. Then she tries learning archery and sword fighting and spear fighting. She likes weapons and learning to use them.

I figured she would probably have trouble befriending percy at first as she has to deal with being only half siblings with the sister she grew up with who she thought was her full blood sister.

she has a half brother too but always took comfort that she was full blood with her sister and she loves the dad she thought was her birth dad so much that finding they aren’t related crushes her.

I think she would actually have really liked Tyson which probably would upset percy but she’s all ‘he is cool though! He is a cyclops!’ And she would consider him her fave.

She would also like nico and want to be best friends with him. She would see him alone alot and think he was like her and might wanna be friends. He could teach her to play the card game and she would love it so much.

She befriends leo because he makes things and she wants to learn . She would be super impressed by the dragon he made and she thinks he is cute. she totally has a crush on him cause he makes her laugh and is kind to her.

She gets along with Jason but she will not fly with him. She has a fear of heights that causes anxiety attacks and hyperventilating. She would have him help her correct any fighting mistakes she might be making.

~

For teen wolf, it kinda is embarrassing as i only really started adding her for that after seeing Sydney Martin who is @bellamysgirl ’s oc.

I was fiddling with the idea of Meara being their younger sister who finds she can manipulate water from a young age.

Her older sisters not really believing her but one time she escapes her family and finds her way to the preserve.

She started playing with the water and one of the hales basically sees her. She basically finds a place with the hales if only as a friend.

~

You now made me wanna keep working on her PJO version now lol!

Thank you so much for asking about my oc!!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[thankyoumskobayashi]

ex-aid ep 30

there is still no direct hint abt the accuracy of this post so i will go on to talk about what it means in terms of this post specifically my ep 30 predictions. then i will forecast possible content for episode 31 next week.

How I Was Right And Wrong Last Week:

ok the regrouping and planning thing happened less than the fighting pallad. i didn't expect that, but in the context it makes sense: fight pallad to give the others a few more seconds to live. i was totally right abt nico (she's the best, honestly XD) fighting pallad anyway.

in terms of powerups i was surprised taiga and hiiro weren't as enthusiastic abt the mighty lv. 0 gashat. they practically put together the maximum mighty x gashat for emu (or pre-assembled it before his bugster powers did the rest). it wasn't like snipe or brave had any gashats that could beat perfect knockout, either individually or as a team. still, i'm glad poppy didnt listen to that negativity and used the lv. 0 gashat anyway.

the gashat didn't destroy every bugster it comes into contact with, because that would be too easy for a toku show, but it disables bugster abilities within a specific radius. while poppy did not transform into genmu and genmu lv. 0's critical finisher wasn't shown, it is interesting that poppy can now control dan kuroto. whether this gashat will prove deadly to bugsters remains to be seen.

What's New This Ep:

ex-aid is at another change in its flow of power distribution. the mighty ult gashat has worn off its shine to be beaten by pallad's perfect knockout gashat. nico is the leading rideplayer in japan, with a squad of gamer driver users (legendary figures) ready to help her if she needs it. poppy's newest discovery and subsequent control over dan kuroto is about to change that. it makes me wonder if kamen sentai gorider and the other shorts were little prophecies to the next parts of the main plot....

i was pleased to notice that poppy and nico had their full transformations and fight onscreen, while hiiro (already an established male rider) had an implied transformation and fight that was cut for episode length. not to pick on hiiro or anything, but i thought that was cool of toei to do.

the poppy has blue eyes now thing was honestly confusing. pallad's eyes are red AND blue. does that mean he's a morally ambiguous bugster? we don't have any other humanoid bugsters' transformations to comare poppy to. but if we look at human riders, ex-aid's and snipe's are red. does this "blue eyes=good" thing apply to human gashat users as well?

nico commented on all that sciencey shit toei threw onto the cr set at the beginning of the series, and i could not agree more. it's A Lot, and no one ever uses it. i was also proud of poppy for getting serious abt the gashat when she needed to, and telling hiiro she could handle it bc even if she died getting it to work, she could just come back stronger bc she's a bugster. i'm glad she didn't have to die to do that, but i also got the feeling that the exaid writer was tired of the evil poppy arc and didnt want to go through resetting her w mighty ult again.

i thought the lv. 0 world effects were cool too, and the cinematic parallels between poppy and emu clicking their gashats to undertake a dangerous task within a minute of each other. i'll post screenshots after this, but it's rlly frcking cool. the Cinnamon Rolls rising to the challenge when pallad turns up the heat.

anyway pallad's choice of the abandoned lab to battle emu in was clearly there to throw him off. he made emu remember how they were separated, which was probably traumatic, then started fighting him. he also maintained that he was the better version of emu in every way: a better gamer, the source of his powers (including how he can fight), the fact that bugsters live forever even after being killed... he also copied emu's catchphrase, intending to rile him up even more.

the part abt the fate of the world.... pallad sounded like he was just taunting emu but im not so sure he was jokng. he tends to be the kind to say what he wants in a teasing/flirting way to emu, but be tight-lipped to everybody else, including dan early on in the show. as far as kr villains go, they give a few hints overall abt their endgame plan. somehow, i wouldn't be surprised if kr chronicle was distributed worldwide, similar to the demiaproject from ghost. however, i'm sure there is a much stronger endgame boss than pallad emu and the gang will have to beat before they save the world.

pallad was eventually cockblocked at the end of the episode, and vanished into blue and red pixels. he wasn't expecting dan kuroto to appear out of nowhere, controlled (somewhat) by poppy pipopapo and using the power to stop bugster powers. neither did emu expect to be saved like that. an argument xould probably be made (and further backed up by future episodes) that poppy made a mistake bringing dan back to life. i am not a fan of him myself, so i wasn't pleased by this development. but, it was the only option left to poppy in that moment. she, nico, taiga, hiiro, AND emu had all fought pallad amd none of their current gashats did anything. it was the only option available to them.

next episode will explore whether it is possible to bring kiriya back as a bugster just like kuroto was. i am hopeful that he will be, because i don't know why i'd watch the show (besides poppy and nico) if he wasn't. however, palladbs words after murduring a bunch of rideplayers might also be true: if you die in the game, you die in real life. i'd get a better sense of kiriya's return by looking at his actor's twitter than the next ep's preview tbh. he might have been ordered to keep it a secret nut he might also be dropping hints there. ya never know.

this also means that if pallad kills emu, emu can be brought back and kept at his beck and call. that would make it uniqely difficult for emu to defeat all the bugsters, as he'd have to fight off pallad, defeat the final boss, and then defeat himself???? i wouldn't be prepared for emu to die next ep but i also wouldn't get too comfortable with not having character death.

i give it t-1 episodes before pallad arrives at that conclusion to torment emu w that idea.

emu rn can't beat pallad, but dan kuroto can so he's safe for now. i hope that in addition to emu's inevitable powerup poppy, nico, taiga, and hiiro all get powerups too. and kiriya if he returns. i missed his smile.

that was a fucking long rant and thanks for reading any part of it if you did. phew

[dustedmagazine]

Listening Post: John Cale in Fragments

John Cale is in no way obscure. Over the last 50 years, his knack for hypnotic arrangements brought us the debuts of The Velvet Underground, Stooges, Patti Smith, and Nick Drake, and configured the Leonard Cohen cover that conquered the 21st century TV singing competition. Those marks on pop music have something in common: they took a dozen years or more for their full effect to percolate though the culture. While his time bombs have ticked, he’s worked with provocateurs that range from minimalist composer Terry Riley to maximalist fucks Jesus Lizard.

With his solo work, though, Cale remains the kind of artist even dedicated explorers can overlook. With a reputation that precedes him, delving into Cale’s personal work can be a surprise if one is expecting the confrontations of Lou Reed or the dread of Nico, or moods that live up to the album titles Fear, Guts or Vintage Violence. Indeed, his most recognized album, Paris 1919 is thoroughly pretty, ripe with orchestral accompaniment and literary reference. Dusted’s Justin Cober-Lake, Ben Donnelly, Jennifer Kelly, Ian Mathers and Bill Meyer use the expanded reissue of Fragments of a Rainy Season as a springboard to discuss Cale’s stature as singer-songwriter.

Ben Donnelly: Cale has been refreshing his back catalog, recently dusting off the 1992 European tour document Fragments of a Rainy Season and releasing it on Domino Records. Catching him mid-life, alone with a piano or a guitar for the whole set, it’s a portrait of the artist traveling light, pulling songs from across his career. For an artist with so many collaborations, it a good starting point for discussing him on his own.

What else is special about Cale, and this record?

Ian Mathers: One thing that I think is specifically special about this record is that, as Ben says, it is a good starting point for Cale’s work, and I can’t think of many other artists where that would be true. His full-band work is justly revered, but if someone was asking me about Cale and why I love his solo stuff I would absolutely hand them this album before anything else, and it really just is his voice and an instrument or two. But it doesn’t at all have the vague MTV Unplugged-type associations you might guess from the setup, and the more raucous songs fully come across that way. It does feel like a really nicely fleshed out career overview even though the arrangements are pretty tightly controlled.

And maybe mostly it’s just that we’re so totally in the presence of Cale’s voice, both literally and authorially. Yes, you’ve got his famous (and incredibly often copied) version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, but you’ve also got everything from the bloody-minded “Fear (Is a Man’s Best Friend)” to the wistful “Dying on the Vine”, you’ve got songs setting Dylan Thomas’s poetry to music and assembling unsettling narratives from basic learn-Spanish phrase books (“Cordoba”, which honestly might be my favorite song here). It takes a heck of an artist to have the same live album cover both “Thoughtless Kind” and “Guts”, let alone in similarly minimal settings, and have them register so strongly and yet so differently.

Ben’s absolutely right at how great Cale is as a collaborator and arranger, so maybe the reason I love Fragments of a Rainy Season so much is partly because it has such a tight focus on him as a songwriter and a performer. Are others here as knocked-out by these performances as I am? I’d take many of them over the recorded versions.

Bill Meyer: For me, the absence of a band allows me to avoid the lapses of judgment that make parts of Cale’s body of work hard for me to love. From John Cale Comes Alive (1984) forward he’s mixed great songs, sublime melodies, and wild man freak-outs with diffident performances and sketchy production that confused state of the art with flavor the week; the auto-tune stuff on his recent records is kind of embarrassing. But on Fragments you get him in good voice, decently recorded, with just his piano and guitar. You don’t get ill-considered reaching, you get his range as a singer and songwriter.

It’s worth noting that this is the second archival effort that Cale has offered recently. On M:FANS he revisited material from Music For A New Society and showed that he had no feel for it anymore. That may be good for him since he’s spent over 30 years of his life in much better shape than he was on that record, but it also felt like needless tampering. With this Fragments reissue he has added bonus material that risked undercutting the integrity of the original album because it isn’t solo (there’s a string section and a steel guitarist) and it repeats songs from the original album. But he pulls it off. The extra instrumentation compliments the songs without dating them.

Justin Cober-Lake: My thoughts fit in with what everyone else is saying. I’ve never liked Cale as much as I think I will, in part because he never sounds like I think he should. Vintage Violence and Paris 1919 are more pop and more accessible than you’d expect. In the context of his non-solo work (as musician or producer), it takes a minute to adjust to hearing that sort of sound. I actually listen to his ‘00s stuff as much as anything, largely because there’s more sandpaper to it.

But part of the fun of listening to Cale has been considering what mode he’s in. What is it that he’s doing on a new album? (And isn’t this sort of the fun of listening for his work within the Velvet Underground, too?) So Cale to me ends up being this figure that’s traceable by his shifts in style, and I’ve never paid enough attention to all of it to follow, to mark of periods or to, like Bill, date a shift to a given record. I put something on it and think about it as a discrete appearance of that mode of Cale.

Fragments, then, has this fun quality of removing all of that. A casual fan gets just to the songs. It’s probably a little reductive, but it feels like getting to the essential Cale; these songs– rather than particular performances– are at the heart of his work as an artist, rather than whether he’s chosen to do the orchestral thing or the autotune thing or whatever. That said, it’s not my favorite sound of Cale’s, but it is a wonderful way to listen to all this stuff.

Bill Meyer: I took the Cale plunge in 1981, not long after first spending some time with the Velvet Underground. So I got to him right at the end of a run of consistently strong records that ran from Paris 1919 through Honi Soit. He had great bands and wrote appealing melodies that contrasted impressively with his wild-man fits. Those are still the records I like the most, but Fragments dates from a time when I thought he might be hitting such a stride again. He made it around the same time as his reunion with Lou Reed and his collaboration with Eno, which sounded pretty good at the time. Subsequent efforts have never quite held together for me.

But I saw him last year, playing mostly songs from the last couple records, and he sounded great.

Ian Mathers: I agree with what you’re both saying here, and in a way I think some of that is what makes Cale both underrated and overrated, at the same time; on the one hand from the Velvet Underground onwards of course it’d be ridiculous to dismiss his work/influence (and honestly even if he’d just been in the VU and produced the first Stooges record that’d still make him pretty significant to me), but there’s a kind of restlessness to his stylistic/technical/aesthetic choices that can come across as a bit glib or uncaring, which means he doesn’t fit the frame of just being straightforwardly genius either. The range means that most music fans will be able to find something Cale’s done that they enjoy… and it’s equally likely they’ll be able to find something they don’t like at all.

And I think for many of us at least some of the production choices on Cale’s studio LPs fall into the latter category, which is one of the strengths of this album. Admittedly I heard the version here first, but at this point I kind of can’t tolerate the album version of “Dying on the Vine”. I don’t think that’s a laudable reaction, but it’s an honest one.

I agree with Bill that I think the bonus tracks largely work. Honestly, as much as we’ve talked about the stripped-down arrangements on Fragments of a Rainy Season are a big part of its success (and rightly so), I may wind up sequencing the string-assisted versions of “Fear (Is a Man’s Best Friend),” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Paris 1919” in place of the original album’s versions, they’re that good (and still feel very restrained compared to much of Cale’s studio work), especially the Elvis, which gets some ferocious distortion out of those strings. The extra outtake of “Fear (Is a Man’s Best Friend)” is an interestingly slowed-down take, but still feels kind of redundant (glad to have it, not sure how often I’ll play it), and it’s nice to have “Amsterdam” and “Broken Hearts” but those weren’t particular favorites of mine. I do wish this version of “Antarctica Starts Here” had made the original cut, strings and steel guitar and all, because it’s great.

Thinking that I might move those string versions into the 'main’ album when I play it in the future got me to notice something else, too; my old Fragments of a Rainy Season was just the standard CD issue, but the track listing of the original album seems to have been shuffled in this release (for example, “Dying on the Vine” used to be track 2, and now it’s track 13). Has anyone else noticed this, or knows why? I couldn’t find out if the new sequencing is intended to reflect more (or less) of the original set than the previous release, and so on.

There’s also the cover art, a favorite of mine, slightly updated only in that the background color has been changed from white to a dark blue-grey that I’m slightly nonplussed by. Like the actual songs, that cover is stripped down, looking more like a book cover than most albums, including Cale’s name, the title, and then a quote from MacBeth:

Banquo: It will be rain tonight.

First Murderer: Let it come down.

It’s one of my favorite moments in the play; as if one of the men MacBeth has sent to kill Banquo simply can’t resist the opening to say something that incredibly dramatic and foreboding, even though it’s probably what lets Banquo’s son get away. It seems oddly fitting for Cale, someone fond of the dark and the dramatic, but also sometimes capable of getting in his own way.

Ben Donnelly: This reissue puts the tracks in the running order of the original performance, which is a good idea. I hadn’t heard Fragments until this reissue, so I’m not wed to the old running order, though. I don’t think the extra tracks add much to the free-standing performance, but they do give context to Cale’s other approaches. Which also helps make this a good Young Person’s Guide to John Cale.

One of the advantages of this record is how the minimal arrangements push his voice to the fore, and what a voice it is. On a song like “Fear (Is a Man’s Best Friend)” it pushes him to make up for the dynamics of the missing backing band, moving the song from seventies art rock to something tighter less specific in style and era.

His voice lets small shifts of tone change the emotion of the song line by line– his longing ebbs and flows with frustration. Then there’s points where he breaks into sarcasm, spitting out a rolling-r with the word “prowl”. His playing barely moves off of three chords while he sings, until lets everything fall apart at the end, like a car crash. But it takes a full electric band to make a real car crash din, so you get this approximation of chaos with howls stretching into a yodel as the rhythm falters. He adapts the ideas behind the songs to make them fit the circumstance.

Cale is an understated singer with a naturally warm register, a complete contrast with Lou Reed and Nico, for whom force of personality made up for the deficiencies of their singing. That’s part of why his output confounds expectations. Born with quite a few musical gifts, he doesn’t fight against them. His voice is never clawing for attention. Yet it’s got it’s own strangeness, injecting calm when the music gets tense. We expect our provocateurs to be cool, but not necessarily calm. He is cool and calm. In this set, the points where he lets his deadpan crack add a dimension to the songs, almost like another instrument.

Most of these performances complement the studio takes, but a few take them to new heights. “Buffalo Ballet” surpasses the original– loosing a backing chorus scales it’s down to the right size.

I did see Cale do a set very much like this one in at the Paradise club in Boston in 1988. I wasn’t familiar with much of his catalog at the time. What surprises me is how much I can tie these performances to my memories of his Paradise set– I can still see him letting “Fear” fall apart with his yells, and I can see him getting up from the piano for the few songs with the guitar. I was impressed how “Ship of Fools” and “Leaving It Up to You” barely left two chords, yet were transfixing. The gig was a few years before Fragments. He’d been refining this stripped down style for a while.

Bill Meyer: I agree, Ben. His voice has held up really well over the years, but it was never better than in the early 90s. He had put his self-destructive lifestyle behind him (I remember reading a quote by Andy Warhol in the late 80s where he marveled that Cale had taken up squash and was looking great) so there was nothing pushing against the exercise of his gifts.

I saw him open for Pere Ubu circa 1990 by playing a set very much like the music on Fragments. The dignity of his demeanor contrasted strongly with the hostility he projected in the early and mid-1980s.

Jennifer Kelly: I’m having trouble with the piano arrangements, which just seem a little too happy and peppy for the material. Is anyone else getting a piano-bar-on-the-Carnival-Cruise-line vibe or have I completely lost it?

Normally I feel like sparer is better, but the bonus tracks with the string quartet (especially “Heartbreak Hotel”) are the ones that are making the most sense to me.

Bill Meyer: I think the pep is integral to his weird mix of interests and talents– dude has a bit of Paul McCartney in his wrists and he can’t keep it down.

Ben Donnelly: He is the guy who transformed a career-nadir Cohen number into middle America’s favorite B&D power ballad.

This conversation is making me realize parallels between Cale and a previous Listening Post pedestal-dweller: Lee Hazlewood. They have this sentimentality that too odd to be simple pop sentimentality, but still catchy and very approachable, if frequently colored by something completely left field.

In some sense, pop has moved towards Cale’s style of art song, just as it’s moved towards Hazlewood’s eccentric melodrama. The chattering piano and literary references shooting through fragmentary images reminds me of recent Joanna Newsom and PJ Harvey.

I like him best when he’s not trying to be too Manhattan or too Welsh country lad, but someone lost between the two.

For me, his inconsistencies get swept aside by his triumphs. I can’t think of a song I’ve listened to more than “Paris 1919” and I can’t believe I haven’t worn it out– it remains utterly enchanting to me, and I don’t think I’ve even taken much a break from it. The images sometimes seem to satirize between-the-wars naiveté, and sometimes seem to be about something personal he won’t reveal. I love that tension.

But I haven’t worn “Paris 1919” out because I’ve never binged on Cale either - too inconsistent!

Bill Meyer: Yeah, it’s never clear just how personal his music really is. He could be wearing his heart on his sleeve, or embroidering a picture of a heart on his sleeve, or making music that appears like someone’s heart on a sleeve. When he’s good, it’s good enough that that doesn’t really matter. That’s all something that he has in common with Hazlewood.

Ian Mathers: He’s a ghost, la la la la la la la la (like Ben I’ve so far found “Paris 1919” to be inexhaustible, along with several other Cale songs… and similarly, except for maybe Fragments itself, I’ve never really binged).

Jenny, I hear what you’re saying about the piano playing, but for me it just often enough sounds insistent or even nagging rather than just peppy that on balance I like it, but then you get something like the quasi-barrelhouse roll of “Darling I Need You” and it does feel a little naff (although knowing Cale, and I think the Hazlewood comparison is apt, maybe that’s the point!).

[ultraericthered]

Anime Update V2 2

Noragami - Fitting that the title of this episode should be “Snow-Like” when it started snowing like mad where I lived at the time of me watching it. Hiyori’s little learning curve with how she goes in and out of her body at random points was as entertaining as I remembered, with Brynn April’s voice acting selling the hilarity of her reactions every time. Also learned the purpose behind the tail she sprouts whenever out-of-body, and why Yato is so useless without a Regalia. Which, speaking of, led us to a really well animated action scene at the end where Yato destroys a malicious spirit with a stray soul that he makes his new Regalia, complete with a rockin’ soundtrack! Shame the Regalia, Yukine, turns out to be angsty, petulant and ungrateful brat boy! Yato’s gonna have his hands doubly full now! 

Hunter x Hunter - Watched only the 1999 anime this week since I needed to get it and the other one caught up with each other. To my horror, Episode 2 is an entire ass filler episode before Gon gets on the ship, and the anime uses this as the way to introduce us to Leorio, who’s depicted as being a lot more subtly skeevy and more competent compared to the 2011 version. Then Episode 3 contains the events that made up most of the 2011 anime’s Episode 1, and while the first half of it is decent, I found myself underwhelmed by the second half, especially compared to how the 2011 anime depicted these moments, with the sole exception being I still prefer 1999 Gon. Also for the dub translation, the 1999 version having it so that Kurapika misnames Leorio “Reolio” made a lot more sense than him saying his name right but Leorio insisting on being called “Mister Leorio” in the 2011 dub. (Ironically there’s even one point in Episode 2 of the ‘99 anime where Leorio doesn’t want to be called “Mister.”)

And on the matter of the voice acting in the dubs, I prefered the Captain’s voice in the 1999 version since it was Steve Olson, giving me pleasant G Gundam memories, and just sounded more natural, no offense to Michael McConnohie. Leorio’s voice actors (Johnathan Love and Matthew Mercer) are both equally great, with Mercer being a tad more over-the-top due to the character being so. But then there’s Kurapika and....no, Cheryl McMaster was a total miscast here. Her “serious” acting sounds too stitled and I can tell this is the voice of a grown woman rather than a boy in his early teens. It’s not the worst, but Erika Harlacher just gets the character down far better.

Love Live! Nijigasaki - So we got a lot more of Kasumi Nakasu than I’d been expecting, but I was very welcoming of that factor because the girl’s just so mad entertaining. She’s like Nico on an adrenaline high, with the key difference being that Nico was terrible working with others and getting along whereas Kasumi has a compulsive need to work with others and wants to be everyone’s friend since that boosts her narcissistic image-whoring. She’s also more fixated on the idea of “cuteness” as a thing, so she can be pretty chill and mellow with you if you keep up with the aestehtic appeal. Kayli Mills doesn’t do the sort of voice I’ve typically heard out of her when voice acting this role, which only adds to her enjoyability. Hard for me to recall much else that happened here since Kasumi stole so much of the episode, except I do remember the escalation of the Ayu-Bun gag, and the post-credits reveal that I already saw coming - that Nana Nakagawa, the Student Council President shutting down the Idol Club, is alter ego of Setsuna Yuki, the School Idol and leader of said club herself.

Date A Live S3 - As I was prepared for, this has now turned very Among Us, with Shido dating as many friends as he can in order to find the impostor. He dates Tohka, Yoshino, Yuzuru, and totally offscreen, his own male classmate Tonomachi! Despite all the humor, the air of suspense and paranoia is real. Like, any time one of the Spirit girls started acting sus, the possibility of her being Natsumi in disguise rears its head again only for the idea to be shut down by some plausible, in-character reason for the girls behavior, again and again. Then at the end, Natsumi makes good on her word and abducts one of Shido’s friends, Yuzuru in this case. This is scary shit here! Now Shido has to date his own sister and I’m still uncertain who the impostor is! What I am sure of is that the scene at the start with Sir Westcott at the board meeting was hardcore, and it really impresses me how Christopher Wekhamp is doing his voice now and sounding so identical to Alex Organ that it’s hard to notice the switch.

Fate/Stay Night - I very much enjoy seeing more from Rin and Archer, but the full story behind what’s going on with them is still unclear. Archer is apparently just the latest among many to fight “the Holy Grail War”, Rin is his summoner and master, and she really wanted Saber (the spirit Shirou ends up summoning at the end) for some specific reason. Also met Shirou’s douchetastic friend and Sakura’s older brother, Shinji, voiced in a smarmy, grating fashion by Doug Erholtz. How the two boys “friendship” held firm for as long as it did is one of the series’ greatest mysteries. Oh yeah, and during the fight with Lancer, Shido actually got temporarily killed. But Rin brought him back from the dead somehow. That was pretty weird.

Revolutionary Girl Utena - I’m really liking the dynamic between Utena and Anthy, and would probably like it even more had the dub not cast a voice whose pitch sounds too close to Utena’s own for Anthy, which does take me out of some of their exchanges. We not only got more from Touga and what a sleazy, arrogant and predetory scumbag he is, but we meet his younger sister Nanami who, in this episode, seems like an exact match for her brother in said qualities, with an aura that screams “Bitch Alert! Is Evil, Do Not Trust!”, which Anthy unfortunately misses and accepts the special dress Nanami wants her to wear to that night’s ball, where she schemes to pull some PG-rated Carrie type shit on her for having dared “steal” the attention of her brother so much. How petty can you get, girl? But of course, Utena saves the day by throwing her own custom “dress” over Anthy and getting a super sexy and alluring dance with her too! Nice to see her triumph in ways more than simply winning duels.

Sound! Euphonium - STILL could not get started on S2 because there was a special episode of the first season to watch, one that took place after Hazuki and Natsuki failed to make the tryouts, and what was going on with the reject group while the rest of S1′s events were transpiring. A lot of it brought focus back to Hazuki’s feelings of love for Shuichi, which had been rejected at the festival. Watching this flighty screwball of a girl trying to keep a positive nature in the face of personal troubles and struggling to be bigger than her own feelings was more capitvating than I’d thought it would be. The part at the very end with Hazuki running a good few miles back to the school and then all the way back to where she’d run from, wearing herself down yet never giving up and even getting super into it during the run back was one of the best things in this show I’ve seen yet.

MAR - Episode 2 was a bit dull coming off of Episode 1. Dorothy bowed out of it early on, which sucks because she’s already such a fun character. The main conflict was a very tired “Whoopsie! The MC and his new partner don’t get along very well!” one, complete with Babbo and Ginta parting ways at one point when you already know they’re going to regret that and get back together, so it just felt like time wasted. But what softened this blow was Babbo himself, especially since it’s this sort of role where Michael McConnohie’s forced snarliness and overacting work perfectly. Also, Ginta seems to be turning more and more into DB Abridged Goku, vocally and in his spacey, idiotic, action-obsessed character, and I somehow love that. 

AMC: Gintama - Still working our way forward before we catch up to the time period that Episodes 1 and 2 were set in, this episode showed us how Gintoki first reunited with his old pal from the war, Kotaro “Cobra” Katsura, who was at first a radical extremist samurai who desires to remove those damn animalistic alien foreigners so that the Land of the Samurai can be reclaimed, and also their first run-in with the Shinsengumi. This show really is the most surreal thing because on so many lines I swear they’re Gag Dubbing it but no, it’s all the original dialogue, like the creator already Gag Dubbed his own work! By far the funniest part was the final few minutes, from the hilariously overacted delivery of “HE’S GOT A BOOOOOMB!” to Hijikata and Okita’s rerun show getting interrupted by a special news broadcast about what they’d played a direct part in making happen, this was probably the biggest laugh this show has given me to date.

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1262

Monday, May 20, 2019

 Happy Victoria Day to all Canuckleheads out there. I feel sorry for the folks that traditionally go camping this long weekend. It sure is soggy. My brother, niece and I proved that it's not necessarily better fishing in the rain yesterday morning. We caught a lot fewer fish than usual but we still had fun. Hooking, landing and releasing a fish caught with a rod and reel gives me as much joy as reading a well written and beautifully drawn comic book.

 Black Widow #5 - Jen & Sylvia Soska (writers) Flaviano (art) Veronica Gandini (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). Nat's adventure in Madripoor comes to an end. I liked the story but I can't say that the art was much to write home about. If Jen & Sylvia Soska hadn't engaged me I wouldn't have read this past the first issue.

 Naomi #5 - Brian Michael Bendis & David F. Walker (writers) Jamal Campbell (art) Wes Abbott (letters). Uh-oh, Zumbado. Get Naomi's full origin story here and find out who the super villain is.

 Marvel Action Spider-Man #4 - Erik Burnham (writer) Christopher Jones (art) Zac Atkinson (colours) Shawn Lee (letters). Peter Parker is featured this issue as he apprehends the Looter. Such a silly super villain origin story but still fun. We'll be seeing a more familiar foe next issue though.

 Ironheart #6 - Eve L. Ewing (writer) Kevin Libranda (art) Matt Milla (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Miles Morales guest stars in this version of the movie Groundhog Day. It's a nice one issue story.

 Spider-Man Life Story #3  The '80s - Chip Zdarsky (writer) Mark Bagley (pencils) John Dell (inks) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). It's obvious to me now that these stories are flights of fantasy using significant events in Spider-Man's life that deviate from canon. They don't add to what's currently happening so whether I read the rest or not it's going to matter little to Spider-Man's historical record. These have been entertaining so far so I will continue to grab them off the rack to see what else this creative team can come up with.

 Last Stop on the Red Line #1 - Paul Maybury (writer) Sam Lotfi (art) John Rauch (colours) Adam Pruett (letters). The nice art prompted me to give this new Dark Horse book a try but constantly wondering what the heck was happening as I read each page almost made me put this comic down before even finishing it. I felt like I was jumping into the middle of a story and was supposed to know who everyone was. I didn't like how some behaviour wasn't explained. Why did the detective's husband ask the guest to leave? Why did the detective strip down to bra and panties in front of said guest? There are monsters killing passengers on a commuter train and I don't care. I'm getting off before the last stop.

 War of the Realms #4 - Jason Aaron (writer) Russell Dauterman (art) Matthew Wilson (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). A big player jumps off the injured reserve list to rejoin the fray. A major turning point happens that hurts Malekith and his forces. Get ready for the big battle for Midgard folks. I may be getting tired of these massive battles but when the comics are so beautifully illustrated I will always read them.

 Sabrina the teenage witch #2 - Kelly Thompson (writer) Veronica Fish & Andy Fish (art) Jack Morelli (letters). Now here's a comic book with monsters that doesn't leave me dazed and confused. I don't know why, but this issue seemed super slim. 20 pages, no ads. I like that.

 War of the Realms: Spider-Man & the League of Realms #1 - Sean Ryan (writer) Nico Leon (art) Carlos Lopez (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). Wow, we haven't seen the League of Realms since Jason Aaron started this whole kerfuffle in Thor. It seems like years ago. Thor asks Spider-Man to lead this motley crew to Africa where they fight the Angels of Heven. The leader of the Angel forces, Fernande, isn't totally on the side of evil it seems. This 3-issue mini should be fun.

 Batman #71 - Tom King (writer) Mikel Janin & Jorge Fornes (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). The Fall and the Fallen part 2. This whole Bane story seems to be dragging now. I'm not even looking forward to the next issue. I know I'm giving Tom King a lot of leeway here but if something totally stupid happens I'm benching this book.

 War of the Realms: Giant-Man #1 - Leah Williams (writer) Marco Castiello (art) Rachelle Rosenberg (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). This mini is for all you Ant-Man fans. Scott is sent on a mission by Freyja to infiltrate the camp of the Frost Giants and kill Laufey because the king of the Frost Giants killed Loki. He is joined by Giant-Man, Goliath and Atlas. These are not A-list Avengers. They fail miserably at disguising themselves as baby blue Frost Giants and by the end of this issue wind up in deep doggy doo-doo. This adventure is fraught with danger but this issue played it up for laughs. It was a huge disappointment and I'm not a big Scott Lang fan so good luck with them Frost Giants, gents.

 War of the Realms Strikeforce: the War Avengers #1 - Dennis "Hopeless" Hallum (writer) Kim Jacinto & Ario Anindito (art) Java Tartaglia & Felipe Sobreiro (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). Now this one-shot can be taken lightly because Deadpool's on this team and he never takes anything seriously. Captain Marvel leads this bunch of heroes that includes Weapon H, Captain Britain, the Black Widow, Lady Sif, Wade Wilson, Venom and the Winter Soldier. It was fun watching these guys kick Dark Elf butts.

 Immortal Hulk #17 - Al Ewing (writer) Joe Bennett (pencils) Ruy Jose (inks) Paul Mounts (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). They're hauling out all kinds of old Hulk personas in this book. One of my favourites was Joe Fixit when the Hulk was gray and worked in Las Vegas. Bruce and Joe work together to defeat Bushwacker but the bad guys have a new opponent on deck. If you remember who Emil Blonsky is you'll know who's up next.

 Daredevil #5 - Chip Zdarsky (writer) Marco Checchetto (art) Sunny Gho (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Daredevil gets by with a little help from his friends as he takes on the Owl and his gang. The end of this issue reminded me of that classic John Romita Sr. cover where Peter Parker is walking away from a garbage can with his Spider-Man suit in it. Will Matt hang up the horns?

 Guardians of the Galaxy #5 - Donny Cates (writer) Geoff Shaw (art) David Curiel (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). The search for Gamora continues with help from a special guest star. In case you've forgotten, the good guys are trying to prevent the resurrection of Thanos. With the appearance of Hela you can probably guess what happens next.

 The Amazing Spider-Man #21 - Nick Spencer (writer) Gerardo Sandoval (pencils) Gerardo Sandoval & Victor Nava (inks) Edgar Delgado & Erick Arciniega (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). Hunted part 5. Spider-man is swarmed by Vermin as seen in The Amazing Spider-Man #20.HU but an unlikely ally saves him from certain death. Now we see if Spider-Man can pass the test that his benefactor gives him. There are a lot of things unexplained in this story that bother me. Why is Spider-Man in his black costume? What is the bad guy's motive for putting Spider-Man through all this torment? I hope Nick Spencer comes through in the conclusion next issue or I am going to be pissed.