#[ fleur ] our future ; our hope ( the next generation )

[jujumin-translates]

★ Main Story | Act 13 - Budding Spring | Chapter 10 - Forced to the Starting Gate

Itaru: (I think it’s about time to head out… ah, right.)

Itaru: (Now that I’ve got a rough idea of our performance schedule, I’d better apply for paid leave before I forget.)

Boss: Chigasaki-kun, may I borrow you for fifteen minutes?

Itaru: --Of course.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Boss: It appears you’re all here.

Itaru: (Looks like there’s a few of my colleagues… and a handful of younger guys too.)

Boss: I called you all here to ask if you’d be interested in participating in an urban development project that our company is currently working on.

Boss: The project itself is already in its final stages, so what we’d like from you is to provide support in the form of an induction course.

Itaru: (So this is that large-scale overseas urban development project. The one about creating a theater establishment and developing the surrounding area to be a center of arts and culture…)

Itaru: (I checked out the outline since it was related to theater and sounded interesting.)

Boss: It’s not mandatory, of course. It would just be something to do alongside your current jobs.

Boss: That said… there is a reason you all were chosen specifically.

Boss: As individuals who are important to the company’s future, I truly hope you consider becoming core members of this next project.

Itaru: (Eight racehorses competing in the promotion race line up at the gate. Favored to win is Communication Skills Demon, but My Parents Are Absolutely Loaded is also attracting quite a lot of attention.)

Coworker A: I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.

Coworker B: I’ve been interested in this project for quite some time now, so I’m honored to be part of it!

Itaru: (The gate has opened and both of the favored horses have taken off running.)

Coworker C: Considering the state of my current workload, I should be able to participate in the induction course.

Itaru: I… sorry, can I have a little more time to think about it?

Itaru: (If it weren’t for the timing, I probably would’ve been all in, but…)

Itaru: (Honestly, I’m so busy with the troupe and the Fleur Award right now that I just don’t have time to think about anything else.)

Boss: …Ah, because you have your own theater company to worry about, right, Chigasaki-kun? Please do consider it based on your schedule with that in mind.

Boss: However, the theme of this urban development project is the arts, which is why the other team members were really hoping to work with you, Chigasaki-kun.

Coworker A: …

Itaru: I thank them for considering me.

Boss: I’ll set up another opportunity at a later date to explain more on what the induction course entails and to introduce the project’s team members. I hope to see you there.

Itaru: I will seriously consider it.

*Door closes*

Itaru: …

Coworker B: He seriously can’t just say he’ll consider it and then refuse.

Coworker C: Must be nice being in a position where you can just quit the company if worse comes to worst.

Coworker A: Well, it is a popular theater company, and the fact that it’s generally well-known definitely doesn’t make it any easier for the company to deal with him.

Itaru: …

Itaru: (If you’re gonna say it, at least do it behind my back.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Chikage: I’m so sorry, but my hands are full at the moment.

Company Employee A: I see. I apologize for dropping it on you so suddenly.

Chikage: Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Itaru: …

Itaru: Wanna head somewhere a little nicer, Senpai?

Chikage: …I don’t even want to try and guess where that might be, but go on.

Itaru: The hell is that supposed to mean?

Chikage: Haah, I suppose I can’t say no. I’ll go with you.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Punching SFX*

Itaru: Start by cheesing it and then follow that up with a double finishing move and K.O.! Man, is there any greater high than this?

Chikage: If you’re going to try and hide the way you actually feel, do it a little better.

Itaru: …Ughh, this is so stupid. Why can’t it just be the people who actually wanna be part of the promotion race at the starting gate?

Itaru: I mean, they should dip if they don’t wanna do it. Directing hate at me isn’t gonna go anything.

Itaru: There’s supposed to be a fine line between noobs like them and a mid-tierer like me. Why is it that the more of a mid-ranker you are, the less human rights you get?

Chikage: There aren’t really that many mid-level people to begin with.

Itaru: The company knows what to expect from the “Elite Chigasaki-san”. That’s why they’re hiring guys fresh out of college to steadily raise them into the perfect corporate slaves.

Itaru: I get why my colleagues are so desperate to advance their careers by using their outer appearances and mild manners to do so.

Itaru: From their point of view, it’s gotta be infuriating to see a guy who acts so carelessly while chasing after both theater and a career.

Itaru: And hit ‘em with a triple combo finisher-- But I’m just trying to figure out where I stand, so just eff off.

Itaru: Must be nice for you, Senpai. You go overseas a lot and get to level up your career stats in the least complicated way possible.

Itaru: And the things people say about you aren’t nearly as harsh, either.

Itaru: Me, on the other hand, I’m just stuck being the “can-do guy” who does a little better than decent work around the office.

Itaru: At the end of the day, I’m just a mediocre handyman at best.

Itaru: Even if I’m not being treated like the favorite, I still don’t slack off with my work. I may not be the most motivated, but I’d like to think I’m still doing everything I’m supposed to.

Chikage: You sure move your mouth and your hands a lot.

Itaru: What am I even trying to do in the first place?

Itaru: Should I sell my soul and become a corporate slave like you, and aim so high that no one can ever possibly complain about me not being good enough, or should I try and attain a rank that’s purely “Itaru Chigasaki”?

Chikage: Dad jokes and pro-level dodging techniques, huh? (1)

Chikage: Anyway, shouldn’t your first step be thinking about what you want for yourself?

Itaru: What I want… Well, I guess just to maintain the status quo so I don’t have to deal with everyone’s complaints about me… No, actually, maybe I want to speedrun my way to early retirement with passive income…?

Chikage: Then stop spending money on pulls and start investing.

Itaru: Absolutely not.

Itaru: …I originally chose this job based on the benefits and was lucky enough just to get in, so it’s not like I have any real desire to climb the corporate ladder.

Itaru: Most of the troupe have more than one thing on their hand, but they all have dreams and love what they do.

Itaru: And then there’s me who’s job is just a source of income. I feel like I really don’t have a whole lot to bring back to the troupe.

Itaru: It’s an important time for Spring Troupe to compete, and here I am getting caught up in a promotion race while all my coworkers talk behind my back.

Chikage: So you’re in a position where your hobby is more useful to the troupe.

Itaru: Exactly. To be honest, I wonder if there’s even any point in me continuing to be an office worker, but I don’t have the backbone or the self-confidence to just quit and do theater as my full-time job.

Itaru: Basically, I just wanna have something to fall back on.

Itaru: Ugh~, who would’ve thought I’d still be having these kinds of student problems even now… You ever think about this kinda stuff, Senpai?

Chikage: Well… there’s a variety of upsides to my job.

Itaru: A variety?

Chikage: A variety.

Itaru: Oh, okay. By all means, don’t elaborate or anything.

Chikage: No matter where you are, there are always two sides to things. There’s the side where you’re appreciated and the side where you’re disrespected. It’s not just you.

Chikage: The same goes for me, just with a different set of people. I guess I’m just glad to even be able to do theater activities in the first place.

Itaru: But if we’re actually nominated for the Fleur Award this time around, I doubt the company’s gonna be too eager to accommodate for that.

Chikage: Well, the company does have a performance-based evaluation system. If you can’t contribute to improving the company’s image, you’ll be told you need to be giving your work your undivided attention.

Chikage: At any rate, that doesn’t change the fact that we need the results of our next performance to be good too.

Itaru: I guess you’re ri… Hell yeah, I win! Haaah, I feel better now.

Itaru: Oh, right, didn’t you get asked to do something annoying too, Senpai?

Chikage: Ah… I was asked to accompany a client on an overseas business trip as an interpreter, but I had to decline because I just don’t have the time for that right now.

Itaru: Guess even cheaters like you have it hard sometimes. But y’know, I’m sure there’s tons of people who would kill to have the opportunity to do some sightseeing while all you have to do is be an interpreter.

Chikage: Well, it’s not to a country that I particularly want to go to.

Itaru: But you know the language, don’t you?

Chikage: I guess.

Itaru: Yeah, okay, we get it, you’re cheater.

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

T/N:

(1) Itaru says “役職 『茅ヶ崎至』 に至る” (yakushoku “chigasaki itaru” ni itaru), literally “Attain the position of “Itaru Chigasaki”. The joke is that the verb “to attain” (至る; itaru) and Itaru’s name are the same kanji and have the same pronunciation, hence why Chikage mentions dad jokes.

[sturmdrayco]

Sorry to bother you, my wife and I are working on making a Leonardo Da Vinci Caster cosplay for her and it's our first cosplay (I'm hoping to do a Warframe one eventually, but actual cloth costumes first)- do you have any advice on how to do details, etc? We seem to have the general shape of things down and already have the cloak & skirts done.

Ooh, Da Vinci! I'd say I'm still winging it with the fabric stuff; my experience is mostly with armor and props. If by details you mean stuff like the applique or something...

I did this for my sister a couple years back. Zhongli cosplay. Made pattern, cut fabric, applied clear nail polish to edges, pinned to base garment, used one of the buttonhole stitch settings on my sewing machine for the edges. I was improvising then. Something similar would probably be done on the stocking details, but I have no experience with stretchy fabric yet.

For the curvy edges... just. Lots of pins so they hold the shape while sewing.

The star patterns on the blue fabric... If it were me I'd just use a stencil and fabric paint if there's nowhere to buy it from. Several layers of it so the yellow looks good. However, the pattern might be generic enough that you can get fabric already printed with it somewhere.

The small accessories hanging from the collar (and hat depending on Ascension level)... small chains with gems... I'm not sure about your access to supplies so you might or might not have to make the gems and stuff yourself. Usually for these I use those rigid PVC sheets. Cut and whittle with cutters as needed. Maybe something like foam clay or resin stuff if you wanna be fancy. Put some thin wire hoops to attach them to the chains. Or you could use EVA foam here as well. 2mm. Also works with the fleur-de-lis looking brooch.

If Props:

Speaking of EVA foam... 5mm and 2mm thickness should cover all kinds of needs in this case. PVC piping for the staff. at this scale (and in most situations), contact cement for gluing together. Measure to proportion, make patterns, trace onto foam, cut with cutters. Make sure the blades are sharp for the smoothest cuts.

You can do a lot of stuff with EVA foam. So much stuff. If you plan on using it more in the future, I suggest getting a heat gun. Smooths out the foam. Priming before painting... I live in Japan so I use something like Zeque... rubber paint similar to Plastidip but much cheaper. For something much easier to get... Wood glue diluted with water, 3-4 coats of it or until satisfactory. Thin layers. Let previous layer dry before next one. This one's not flexible though - if the foam bends, wrinkles can't be avoided.

If Gauntlet:

5mm foam would probably be enough for the base gauntlet... or anything, really. Maybe 2mm foam for the smaller details. The gold filigree and trim detailing on the gauntlet... I'd paint them on. Paint those parts of the gauntlet gold first, have a pattern ready cut from some sticker paper of the details, put those on, paint the rest of the gauntlet. Once the dark blue paint dries, you can remove the sticker paper mask. The green bits... EVA foam as well, the final coat of paint would have to be something very glossy for the shine.

I'm not sure how you want to do the gauntlet. Will you keep the proportions, a.k.a. very big, or shrink it to fit the wearer's hand? Building it to proportion is more complicated - need to build a rig first that's fixed to the wearer's hand with something flexible for the core of the gauntlet digits, and string to pull the gauntlet digits. And since you'd hold the staff with the same hand, your hand has to be outside for the grip. Should be okay if the gauntlet digits are big enough to cover them.

If Staff:

The more organic-looking bits of the staff... I'd use foam clay, but if you think you can do it with just EVA foam, do that instead. Not sure how expensive foam clay is for you. Change your cutting angle to make sloped edges, trim with scissors - whatever works.

For ease of transport you may need to plan on splitting the staff in parts. Maybe the star, then the handle, then the bottom tip? Attachment might be complicated, so you may not want them detachable as well.

Clear plastic acetate for the star. This one's complicated. Hot glue could work. Lots of triangles. I'll just look this up if it were me. Don't be pressured to make this glow.

Not sure what else I can say about this unless you ask for something very specific, but I wish y'all well in this project!

[shctteredillusions]

She watches as the couple walk past her, soft blue eyes darkening just the slightest as they land on their intertwined hands. A pang shot through her chest but it was nothing more than a distant echo of the pain she once felt. She thought she’d be past this point by now, it’s been so long and yet she still hasn’t forgiven herself for it.

How did she not see it? A question she asked herself time and time again. She saw nothing but the usual warmth behind his brown eyes, felt nothing but affection behind his touch. His smile seemed as genuine as it always had been, no deceit lurking in his voice. She was the closest one to him and yet she never saw it coming.

None of the survivors blamed her. Not a single one and yet that didn’t stop her from blaming herself. Was she blinded by the love she felt for him? Had her own emotions clouded her judgment leading to the loss of nearly her entire pack? Their lives rest on her shoulders, their blood on her hands. If only she had seen something, anything to prevent the massacre that she had witnessed first hand.

“Solene!” Fleur’s voice pulled her from her reverie, a smile instantly curling at the edges of her warm lips as she turned her gaze to the teenager running towards her. “I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?” She asked, noting the look still shining in her guardian’s eyes though it was fading quickly.

“No, of course not, sweetie.” She stood up, grabbing the bags from off the bench beside her and gave Fleur a reassuring grin. “C’mon, we have a house full of hungry mouths to feed and a dinner to make.”

“Oh, can we make something special for Arata?” Her voice softened, her smile fading as her gaze met Solene’s. “I think he could use a pick-me-up.”

Solene’s smile grew warm and gentle. With everything she did wrong in the past, she couldn’t help but wonder how she managed to be so lucky. How does someone as guilty as she is end up with a family as wonderful as she had? From the baby she adopted off the streets, her siblings, and all the friends she’s made along the way, she had managed to land herself a life she truly didn’t deserve and though she hates herself for admitting it and yet she still wouldn’t trade it for the world.

[iliveiloveiwrite]

You Know What They Say About Weddings // R.W. (celebration fic)

Request: Omg congratulations!!!! Could you do a Ron x Reader with the "theres only one bed" trope and fluff prompts 11 and 1? Thank you so much and congrats again!! - @mischi3f-manag3d

Fluff 1: “I think I’m in love with you.”

Fluff 11: “Apparently all our friends have a bet going that we end up together.”

A/N: Just me that's ridiculously attracted to the photo below? Anyway! Here is your request, I hope you like!! 

Pairing: Ron Weasley x Fem!Reader

Warnings: I don’t think there are any - just a load of fluff really.

Word count: 1.6k

The band hired by Molly Weasley upon the recommendation of an old friend played in the corner of the marquee. The Weasley family and their friends all crowded there; happy to watch the eldest Weasley child, Bill, marry the love of his life, Fleur.

It had been a wonderful ceremony; very few left the service with dry eyes.

You found it hard to keep your emotions in check through it all; wanting so desperately to turn to the youngest Weasley son beside you and ask if he felt the same way as you – if he loved you just as much as you have loved him since Fifth Year.

You think back to this morning; when you had arrived at the Burrow in time to watch the marquee be raised. Your eyes had landed on Ron, and they hadn’t left him. Your eyes ran over his body; drinking in the sight of him in a suit – sleeves rolled up due to the already warm day. Not wanting to be caught, you turned away and rid your mind of the thoughts running through it at warp speed.

With a laugh at the memory, you drag Ron onto the dancefloor. Awkwardness radiates from him, but he dutifully places his hand on your waist and takes your hand in his as your other hand places itself on his shoulder. You laugh together as you try to follow the beat of the song; the dance lessons given by McGonagall doing nothing for either of your left feet. You step on his toes repeatedly, but he doesn’t complain once; he just changes tact – instead of trying to attempt the waltz, he simply changes the hold of his arms and decides to have fun instead.

Spinning around the dancefloor; you can’t help but let yourself imagine. You can’t help but let yourself think of the future you so desperately desired with the very redhead holding you so gently in his arms.

You know what they say about weddings.

-----

Fred leans down to Harry’s ear, pointing towards Ron and you on the dancefloor, “When do you think they’ll pull their finger out?”

Harry laughs, “Worried about the bet, Fred?”

Fred snorts, “Hardly.”

Harry watches his best friend twirl you around on the dancefloor before pulling you back in as you laugh. Harry swivels to face Fred, “You know what they say about weddings.”

--------

You throw off your heels; groaning at the feel of your blood rushing back to your feet. At this height, Ron can easily throw an arm over your shoulder, “Better?”

You nod, “Much.”

Following Ron upstairs, you stifle yawn after yawn. The reception had been one of the best nights of your life; dancing, drinking, laughing – it was a truly happy night. You had danced with Ron for a lot of night; dragging him to the dancefloor for one dance but then staying with him for three more. He eventually left to get drinks whilst you danced with Hermione, Ginny, and Luna – a wide smile across your face.

You hadn’t missed the looks exchanged by the girls when Ron came back to steal your attention. You also hadn’t missed the conversation between Ron’s family and your friends as they watched you continue to the dance with the red-haired man.

You shake your head as you remember that moment; you were aware of the bet they had going. Hermione unable to keep a secret from you had blabbed it to you less than a month after it was made. She felt awful for keeping it from you, but you assured her you didn’t mind too much – curious as to who had what date.

“You don’t mind sharing my room with me?” Ron checks.

You shake your head, smiling at him sleepily, “I don’t mind.”

Ron relaxes somewhat, but he still remains tense, “There’s only one bed.”

You roll your eyes, “How many nights did I sneak into the hospital to stay with you after you hurt your leg?”

Ron blushes, “You’re right. I’ll let you get changed first… just knock when you’re done.”

In that moment, he looks so helpless that you lift yourself onto your tiptoe to press a kiss to his cheek. The last thing you see before closing his bedroom door is Ron pressing a hand to his cheek with a wide smile.

You knock lightly on the door when you’re done changing. Ron enters the room with a light blush dusting his cheeks; his eyes running over body quickly. He turns to his dresser, pulling out his pyjamas.

“I’ll wait outside for you to finish changing.”

Ron shakes his head, “Don’t worry about it; just turn around.”

“If you’re sure?”

“I’m sure,” He laughs.

You turn to face the singular window; the moon is high in the sky and the sky is so clear that you can see the stars. Looking into the garden, you see Bill and Fleur still dancing – alone, no longer surrounded by family and friends. They have no idea they have an audience; they just remain in each other’s arms, finally happy to have a private moment between them. You shift your gaze when Bill dips his heads to kiss his wife.

You think to yourself; there’s just something about weddings.

Ron coughs; bringing you out of your reverie. Turning around, you find him dressed in some old sweatpants and an old shirt. Your heart softens at the sight of him; his hands flex at his side – his nervous tick

His bed is just big enough for two; you lie side by side on your back, hands laid out by your sides. It would take less than a millimetre of space; less than a second of time to reach out and take his hand in yours, to tangle your fingers together.

But you don’t. You lie next to him; mind racing just as fast as your heart – any sense of tiredness hanging over you chased away the moment you laid down next to the boy you’ve loved since Fifth Year.

“Did you have fun today?” Ron asks in the dark; filling the silence.

“I did. It was nice to see everyone before we go back to school. Harry and Ginny looked particularly close.”

Ron frowns, “My sister and my best friend.”

You giggle, turning onto your side, “Don’t act like you don’t approve.”

Ron sighs with a smile,  “You’ve caught me out,” He furrows his brows, “Did you see them all whispering when we were dancing?”

Nodding, you bite your lip, “Apparently all our friends have a bet going that we end up together.”

Ron snorts, reaching for your hand in the dark, “I know. Harry told me about it tonight.”

You sit up in bed; not letting go of his hand, “How long has it been going on? Hermione told me about it but she never said when it started.”

“Since last year. Harry only brought it up because if we get together by Saturday, he wins the bet.”

You laugh, “I can’t believe them.”

“Absolute gits,” Ron laughs.

You play with your fingers, dropping his hand to do so, “What do you think of the bet?”

Ron sits up, “Why?”

“It doesn’t annoy you?” You question; risking a peek at his face in the limited light of the moon.

“Not particularly. It’s a harmless bet.”

You nod your head; trying not to think too much of it.

“Why? What do you think of the bet?”

You sigh heavily; wondering how best to phrase what you’ve wanted to say to him all day, deciding that the truth is the best way to go. “I think I’m in love with you,” You state; bluntly, honestly.

Ron’s mouth drops open and you start talking without giving him a chance to say anything, “You don’t need to feel the same; really, you don’t,” You grab a pillow, “I’ll go sleep on the couch, I’ll see you in the morning.”

You make to leave but Ron’s hand grips your wrist, “Sit back down. At least give me a chance to reply.”

You sit back down on the bed slowly; your hand still grips the pillow in case you need to sleep downstairs. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Ron asks.

Shrugging your shoulders, you say, “I’m not sure. I wanted to, I really did but then you were with Lavender and I didn’t feel like talking to you a lot and then, and then, and then, I guess I didn’t want to ruin the friendship.”

“I wondered why you pulled away through Lavender; I barely saw you.”

You sigh; crushing the pillow to your chest, “It hurt too much to look at you.”

Ron shuffles on the bed, “If I had known-”

“You’d have what?” You interrupt, “You’d have broken up with her?”

Ron shakes his head, “I’d have never dated her.”

“What?”

“I’d have never dated her,” He repeats, “I’d have asked you out.”

“Oh,” You state.

“Yeah,” Ron mumbles, looking down.

“We’ve mucked this up haven’t we?”

“Nah, we haven’t,” Ron laughs, “We just delayed their bet.”

You giggle, “The bet. Who do we want to win?”

“Who’s the closest to tonight?”

You think for a moment; remembering the piece of paper that Hermione explained was the bet. “I think you were right earlier,” You say, “Harry is the closest by Saturday.”

“What do you think? Shall we let Harry win?”

You smile softly, leaning closer to Ron, “I think I’m okay with Harry winning.”

“Thank Merlin,” Ron whispers before pulling you in for a kiss.

His hand caresses your cheek, and he smiles into the kiss. You soon begin to laugh at the absurdity of it all; having to pull away from the redhead and assure him that it isn’t him you’re laughing at. Your jealousy over Lavender never spurred you to confess your feelings, neither did the Department of Mysteries, but a bet and a wedding has you falling into Ron’s arms.

Well, you know what they say about weddings.

***********

General (HP) taglist: @chaotic-fae-queen @obsessedwithrandomthings @harrypotter289 @kalimagik @heloisedaphnebrightmore @nebulablakemurphy @the-hufflefluffwriter @figlia--della--luna @bforbroadway @idont-knowrn @summer-writes @big-galaxy-chaos @black-lake-confessions @annasofiaearlobe @imboredandneedalife @levylovegood @mytreec @haphazardhufflepuff @teheharrypotter @chaoticgirl04 @accio-rogers @msmimimerton @izzytheninja @slytherinprincess03​ @acciotwinz​ @kashishwrites​

[quirrrky]

1 → 3 Pick one from the flowers above to open the Love Letter from your Haikyuu soulmate

PETITE FLEUR: PICK A FLOWER READING Ep 4. Love Letter 💌

If you haven’t met your Haikyuu soulmate yet, visit the links provided below to get to know who he is! MASTERLIST | YOUR SOULMATE

DISCLAIMER: This tarot/oracle reading is just for entertainment purposes only and based on my interpretation of the cards. The reading is also general so take whatever resonates. The cards are drawn intuitively and not intentionally nor by purpose.

Decks used: Labyrinthos Tarot Deck, The Oracle Deck, Romance Angels Oracle Deck, Moonology Oracle Deck

Let’s start!

Please note that the message will be on your resonating character’s POV

FLOWER 1

Tarot: Judgment, Seven of Cups, King of Cups, Three of Pentacles, Four of Pentacles, The Hermit, The Oracle: Fox, Whip, Fish, Heart, Anchor, Romance Angels: New Love, Release your Ex, Keep an Open-mind, You Deserve Love, Moonology: New Moon in Sagittarius, New Moon in Pisces, New Moon

RESONATING SONG: CAPITAL LETTERS - HAILEE STEINFELD

When I met you, the pieces and puzzle of my life came together. Everything finally falls into its place. The things I regret before came to light and made me realize that without them I won’t be led to you.

Before, I always fail to realize what’s ahead of me. I almost lose sight of hope and ended up disbelieving that I would be deserving of this moment. I never thought it will ever come to me. But you changed my mind.

With you, I finally found someone with whom I can share these deep feelings with—someone I feel so safe and comfortable to love with all my heart. You gave me new feelings I never thought I would feel. You gave me feelings I never thought would feel this good. And I want this forever. I want you forever. And I don’t think it would ever be easy for me to let you go. You’re my treasure. You complete me and I want to be the one to complete you too. 

I want to plan and build my future with you. The one where I’ll take care of you and be patient with you when you’re acting all moody, though I really think that it’s something so endearing about you. I want to be the one who’s by your side when you feel like crying. I want to be the person who will love you when you’re lonely and at the lowest point of your life. No matter what hardships life throws us, I want you to know that we’ll take it together and I’d rather go through them with you than not have you.

I know you’ve been alone all this time and I know how it feels. Just take my hand and let me show you that it’s safe to let go. It’s safe with me. Hold on tight and let’s dive deep. 

REMINDER: Don’t forget to reblog/comment your chosen pile NEXT EPISODE: HAPPY EVER AFTER

FLOWER 2

Tarot: Six of Cups, King of Pentacles, Five of Cups, Five of Wands, Eight of Swords, The Fool, The Oracle: Clover, Letter, Path, Stars, Mice, Dog, Romance Angels: Give your Relationship a chance, Chemistry, Children, Moonology: New Moon in Virgo, Disseminating Moon, Full Moon in Sagittarius

RESONATING SONG: HONESTY - PINK SWEAT$ 

You just don’t know how thankful, blessed and happy I am that I have someone like you in my life. To be honest, I’m so scared of the thought of losing you, because you freed me from the weights of my thoughts and secret anxieties that I don’t usually show. Now, let me be the one to make you believe that you deserve the same. 

Everyday, I will try my best to heal your hurt, your loneliness until you fully believe. I know the times you try to hide your sadness behind a smile. You might be scared. You might think that all this is just fleeting emotions, but not to me. You may have gone through a lot, but you’re not alone anymore. I’m here to make new tomorrows with you. I’m here to run away with you to leave all our scars behind.Everyday, I will try my best to heal your hurt, your loneliness until you fully believe. 

Let me free you from your doubts. Let me stay and stay with me. Allow me to show you the beauty in your eyes whenever they sparkle so much hope. Let me give you the world, because to me, you’re worthy of it more than you know.

I know it’s silly to still believe in fairytales. Hell, it might even be so stupid, but that’s just the kind of love I want to show you. The one where we can just endlessly dream about our future together and finally be able to laugh with all our hearts just laying in the ground watching the stars as we share corny jokes and stories. Entrust your heart to me. I’ll keep it safe and kiss all its pieces back together. 

REMINDER: Don’t forget to reblog/comment your chosen pile NEXT EPISODE: HAPPY EVER AFTER

FLOWER 3

Tarot: Eight of Cups, Queen of Pentacles, Five of Pentacles, Ace of Wands, Ten of Swords, The Moon, The Oracle: Cross, Moon, Lily, Rider, Romance Angels: Be optimistic about your love life, Calling in your soulmate, Make the Effort, Moonology: New Moon Eclipse, Waxing Moon, North Node

RESONATING SONG: OUT OF THE BLUE - RINI

We’re not meant to be. I hate the way you make me feel like it’s okay to get lost in all of this. I hate it whenever I lose myself to you. I still don’t know why it’s so easy for me to let you in and it’s so easy for you to make me smile. I don’t exactly know how to deal with this. To deal with you. I think I might be crazy sometimes, yet I can’t resist being wrapped around your finger the second I see you.

If I’m going to be honest, I’m a bit scared because when I’m around you I don’t feel like myself. I just feel so different. ll my worries just go away. It’s like I’m a new person and something inside keeps nagging me that maybe I should just stop over thinking about this. 

I really don’t know why you always get under my skin despite how many times I tell myself that that this cannot be true. You’re always there whenever i just want to be alone. As much as I like to say I rather be by myself, I can’t because I honestly want you near me. Perhaps, I need you. Actually, I need you more than I let on. 

It’s just that there’s so many things that happened and I can’t believe someone will give me this much and that I’m actually capable of feeling this way. I always thought I can’t afford love, but you came along changing my plans and my life. 

Looking into your eyes always have me wondering how can I ever let you slip away from me. I realized that I just can’t. I guess I’m very lucky to have you and I want you to feel that every minute you spend with me. 

I hate that I think I’m underserving of this—that I’m not worthy of you, because I want to be the man you deserve. I want to be the person who brings you as much joy as you bring into my life. I want to be the right one for you.

REMINDER: Don’t forget to reblog/comment your chosen pile NEXT EPISODE: HAPPY EVER AFTER

A/N: Took me two days, this was the hardest to do, ngl! 🤧

✧ PETITE FLEUR: PICK A FLOWER READING ✧ ✧ DAYDREAM MUSEUM ✧

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REBLOGS ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED ♡ Please help me reach other viewers as tumblr tags often don’t work on me. Thank you so so much! 

[judefan825-blog]

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[todorokiaimee]

Blues In The Night  18. Edith and The Kingpin

Previous Chapter | Chapter Song

In the wee hours of the morning, a tall lanky man walked the empty streets of Tokyo’s red-light district. No one else was out at this time of night besides drunks and prostitutes so he could roam freely. Lighting up a menthol cigarette, his face illuminated to show is dark purple scars and bright blue eyes. 

Dabi had been keeping a fairly low profile, distancing himself from the League of Villains.  The older he got, the more he couldn't be bothered with villain work, especially Shigaraki. That crusty bastard was so full of himself. He only joined because he thought he held Stain’s philosophy, but that proved to be all talk. All that said, he couldn’t exactly just go straight. He’s still a wanted villain and prison stripes didn’t fit his aesthetic.

What should I do for dinner? I guess I can dine and dash that Hot Pot place. Tossing his cigarette butt on the ground, he sauntered into an alley hoping to cut across to the next street. Before he reached the other side, suddenly his wrist was captured in a grey scarf.  Reflexively, he activated his quirk to burn the cloth, only his flames didn’t emerge. Huh? His brows furrowed as he tugged against the cloth, a strange voice coming from the darkness.

���Damn, you look like burnt toast.”

“What the--”

Dabi’s mind went blank, his body growing stiff as another grey scarf wrapped around him, effectively pinning his arms down. A low chuckle could be heard before two men appeared from the darkness. The purple-haired hero pulled his mask from his face to reveal a shit-eating grin.

“Gotcha. Now tell me where we can find Lafayette Dubois.”

“I don’t know who that is…” Dabi said in a dazed voice without hesitation.

Eraserhead let out an annoyed sigh, as he pulled out his eye drops, putting some in each eye. “You have to ask him the right questions, Shinsou.”

“The shady dude that’s been kidnapping people with powerful or useful quirks, where is he?” Shinsou asked again.

“I don’t know where that ghetto son of a bitch is,” Dabi said, still under his control. “Besides he’s just the muscle.” 

“The muscle?” Aizawa quirked a brow before they were interrupted by a few rocks hitting them in the back of the head. Turning around, they saw a clearly drunk elderly man,  tossing more rocks and trash toward them.

“Hey! Leave that guy alone you crooks!”

“What the hell! We’re Heroes, he’s the bad guy here!” Shinsou yelled back, still dodging the objects being thrown at them.

“How unfortunate.” Dabi sneered from behind the heroes. 

Turning back around, the pair found that Dabi no longer had the dazed look of Shinsou’s brain control. He must have been justled awake from the rocks being thrown. A bright smirk pulled at Dabi’s lips as Eraserhead pulled Shinsou back and away from the villain, “Look out!”

Searing hot blue flames shot from the villain as they released their capture weapons just in time, narrowly avoiding the flames. “You still don’t look the part of a hero, Shinsou,” Dabi taunted from behind his fire. By the time the flames had died down, he was gone, vanished into the night once more. 

“Let’s get him!” Shinsou growled only to have his collar pulled back by Aizawa. He turned to his mentor, a quizzical look on his face. 

“Let him go. We got all we can from him. We’re better off looking for someone else. Intel is our main mission,” Aizawa mumbled as he put his goggles over his tired eyes. 

“Fine,” the purple-haired hero sighed, adjusting his mask. I still feel like he knows more though.”

______________________________________________________________________

Earlier that night, on the other side of town, Todoroki parked his Tesla behind a building before stepping out of the car. Under the protection of nightfall, he silently made his way toward the building. He was dressed in disguise, his peppermint hair covered by a baseball cap, his trademark scar concealed with large sunglasses. 

Shifting his eyes towards some movement, he noticed another burly man awkwardly shifting his weight by the building entrance. Even though the popped collar of his jacket hid the man’s face, his fluffy green hair let Shoto know it was his long-time friend Midoriya. Walking up to him, Shoto gave his friend a nod as he pulled Aimee’s gifted scarf over his nose, shielding himself further. 

After looking over their shoulders, making sure they weren’t followed, the pair quietly entered the building. They stalked quietly in the dark, making their way to the front before Izuku tapped his friend’s shoulder, whispering, “Are you sure they know we’re coming?”

Shoto nodded, “Yes, I arranged the meeting myself--”

“What took you so long?”

The two heroes jumped, both falling into a fighting stance before they registered who was in front of them. It was no other than Todoroki’s sister Fuyumi. She stood before them with her hands on her hips as she quirked a white brow. “And why do you look like you’re gonna rob the place?”

Shoto let out a sigh of relief before removing his sunglasses. “I couldn’t risk getting seen by paparazzi. The last thing I need is this in the news before I get a chance to ask her.” The three walked to the front of a building, a jewelry store. All sorts of glittering jewels were in the glass cases of the showroom as they walked around, browsing. 

Coming out of the back office, the owner of the shop walked into the showroom before stepping behind the counter. “Welcome! I hope using the back entrance worked out for you. No one is usually back there except for deliveries.”

Todoroki nodded, approaching the man. “Yes and thank you for agreeing to see us after closing.”

“It’s no problem at all. I owe you after you caught that jewel thief last summer,” the owner smiled. “What are you shopping for today?”

“An engagement ring,” Shoto said with a warm smile.

“Oh, congratulations! Our most popular engagement rings are over here.”

Shoto followed the owner to a glass case filled with dazzling diamond rings of all shapes and sizes, Fuyumi and Izuku walking close behind. They all browsed the rings for a moment until Midoriya broke the silence, “Wow, look at that big one there!”

The owner of the store nodded, opening the glass to take out a 10-carat emerald cut diamond ring in a platinum setting. Fuyumi whistled at the sheer size of the massive ring, earning a chuckle from the owner. He smiled as he handed the extravagant ring to the duel quirked hero, “This one does make a statement.”

Shoto studied the ring for a moment before shaking his head, handing it back to the owner. “It’s too big. Although Aimee deserves every carat, she has small dainty hands. That ring would look gaudy on her. Plus she would never wear it. Having that much money on her finger would give her anxiety.” 

“I agree it’s a bit much,” Fuyumi nodded. “How about this one here? Simple with a healthy amount of bling,” she suggested, pointing to a different ring in the glass display. 

Putting away the 10-carat ring, the owner then pulled out Fuyumi’s conservative pick, handing it to Shoto. It was a simple 1-carat diamond ring in a gold setting. “This style is a classic.”

Shoto looked over his sister’s pick, shaking his head once again. “Hmm… it feels too generic,” he hummed, giving it back to the owner. “It’s not Aimee.” 

A gentle knowing smile pulled on the owner’s lips as he put the ring back in the glass display. “Mr. Todoroki,” he paused, resting his hands on top of the display. “Why don’t you tell me what would be the perfect ring for her? What would best suit the future Mrs. Todoroki?”

A pink blush warmed Shoto’s cheeks as he took in the thought. What would Mrs. Aimee Todoroki wear? He held his chin, deep in thought before a soft smile grew across his face, a loving look in his eyes. “Something timeless, but unique. Lots of sparkle but delicate. If it’s too big, she’d be too nervous to wear it. Something with color perhaps?”

The owner nodded thoughtfully before stepping out from behind the counter. “I think you would be interested in our collection of vintage and estate rings.” The man walked over to another glass display case on the other side of the room, the heroes and Fuyumi following close behind. “All of these pieces are one of a kind.” 

Shoto looked over the glittering display of vintage jewelry. Any of these pieces would be very Aimee. That’s when he saw it. The ring. 

“May I see this one here?” Shoto asked, pointing at the ring over the glass. 

“Of course.” 

Reaching into the glass display, the owner handed him his pick. The exquisite ring featured a 2-carat pear shaped sapphire. It also had shimmering pavé diamonds that lined a white gold chevron-shaped band. “A great choice. This piece is from the Art Nouveau era and is dated around 1914.”

Shoto held the ring up to the light, watching it sparkle and shine. “The design reminds me of the Fleur-de-lis.” 

“What’s that?” His green haired friend questioned.

“It’s a French stylized lily. It’s used a lot in New Orleans.” Shoto hummed, still studying the ring. 

“Oh, well It sure is pretty.” Izuku gushed.

“It’s beautiful Shoto,” Fuyumi sighed with a smile as she laid her hand on her brother’s shoulder. “I can totally see Aimee sporting that rock around town as well as her classroom.”

“Do you really think she’ll like it?” Shoto almost whispered. This was probably the single most important gift he would ever give the life of his life. He didn’t want to disappoint her.

“Aimee is so sweet, she’d love it if you gave her a ring out of a cereal box,” his sister giggled. 

“I’d agree with that too,” Midoriya shrugged, a bright smile on his face. “But it is a great pick.” 

After pausing a moment, he imagined Aimee’s expressive eyes, taking in the ring for the first time, her dazzling smile. It wasn’t long before his own warm smile formed on his lips, nodding his head. “I’ll take it.” 

“Excellent choice,” the owner smiled as he took back the ring to place in a small velvet box. 

______________________________________________________________________

Later that night, Shoto silently unlocked the door to Aimee’s small apartment. Walking inside he saw Aimee curled up on the couch with Mochi, half asleep. 

“You should be in bed. It’s a school night.” Shoto said softly, walking over to her. 

“You were out so late with no call, I was starting to get worried,” Aimee yawned. She could barely keep her eyes open. 

“My apologies, my love,” Shoto hummed. “Let’s get you to bed.” 

Pulling her into his arms, Shoto gently lifted Aimee bridal style, carrying her to her bedroom. Aimee snuggled her face into the crock of his neck, taking in his scent of cedarwood and peppermint. She sighed softly as she gripped his shirt in her hand, happy to finally have him home, “I love you so much. You know that right?”

Shoto smiled, holding her tighter in his arms before gently laying her down on her bed. She looked so beautiful laying there, fighting sleep. The small velvet box he acquired was now burning a hole in his pocket. Taking a deep breath, Shoto leaned over to place a soft kiss to her forehead before pulling the blankets up to cover her body. “I do. I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.”

_______________________________________________________________________

The next morning, Shoto pulled into the Yoyogi Middle School parking lot, falling in line behind cars of students being dropped off for school. Turning his head, he smiled at Aimee sitting in the passenger’s seat, giving her hand a squeeze. “Have a good day at work. Don’t be too tough on the kids.” 

“Too bad, they’re getting a pop quiz,” Aimee wiggled her eyebrows menacingly. 

“Oh, lookout. Miss Faurie is out for blood,” he smirked. 

Aimee giggled, giving her beau a playful shove on the shoulder. “I’m not actually going to record the grades, I just need to scare a few into paying attention.” 

“Ah, a logical ruse.” 

“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

Shoto chuckled, thinking of this every first day of high school. “UA was not for the faint of heart.” 

As they continued to inch their way closer to the school entrance, Shoto looked over to Aimee. The diamond necklace he gave her for Christmas was still around her neck. She hadn’t taken it off since he placed it on her Christmas morning. It glittered and gleamed as the sunlight caught it just right, Shoto reaching out to touch it. “Your gift really suits you.” 

“Thank you, mon cher,” Aimee smiled back at him. “I could say the same about you.” She giggled as she lightly tugged on Shoto’s scarf around his neck. 

“Anyway, I better get going. We’re holding up the drop off line,” She said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “I packed you a bento for lunch in your satchel. I love you.” Leaning over she placed a chaste kiss to Shoto’s lips which he happily returned.

“Thank you, I love you too,” he said as Aimee turned to exit his Tesla, only to have Shoto reach out to grab her hand. “Wait, one more.”

“Last one,” Aimee sighed with a smile before leaning in again to press her lips to his. Shoto then gently placed his hand to the back of her head, effectively holding her in place so he could take his time, molding his lips to hers. She giggled against his lips before giving his chest a light slap. “Shoto! I’m at work, Casanova.” 

He smirked as he finally released her, watching her exit the car. “See you tonight, my love.”

Aimee waved at Shoto as he pulled away before walking into the school building. Walking up the stairs she reached her classroom, room 204. She set up as usual, preparing her lessons as her students started to trickle in. She smiled as they greeted her, still typing away at her laptop until the school bell rang, marking the start of the first period. Standing from her seat, she made her way to the front of the classroom addressing her students, “Okay my lovelies, clear your desks of just a sheet of paper and a pencil. Pop quiz time.” 

She was only met with a chorus of whines and complaints, to which she chuckled lightly. “Oh yes, children’s tears to flavor my coffee! Muahaha.” She smiled, shaking her head. “But for real kids, this should be easy if you were paying attention yesterday. Which all of you were right?” She eyed her class suspiciously.

“Yes, Miss Faurie!” the class responded in unison.

“Excellent, first question: What is the figurative meaning of the English idiom ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’?” Just as they began the quiz, the power went out in the classroom, leaving them in the dark, a few students screaming in surprise. “Calm down. I’m sure it will be back on soon.” 

Looking out of the small window of her classroom door, she could see that the hallway outside had also grown dark. So it’s not just my classroom. Walking back over to her desk, Aimee then dialed the extension of the front desk, hoping to get an explanation. Bringing the phone to her ear, her plump lips pressed into a thin line. The phone line was dead. Remembering news story after story of school attacks in America, Aimee’s heart began to race in her chest. Fearing the worst, she sprung into action. 

“Okay friends, I need your attention. We are going to quietly and calmly assume our lockdown positions until the power comes back on or I receive contact from the front desk.”

“Is everything ok Miss Faurie?” One of her students asked, fear beginning to cloud her eyes.

“I’m sure it’s fine but it’s better safe than sorry. Everyone in the corner of the room.”

As the students began to quietly move to the corner of the room away from the door, Aimee made sure the door was locked and all the window blinds where drawn closed. She then returned to the children’s side as they waited in silence. 

Not long later, they watched in horror as the classroom door handle began to rattle. A few of the children gasped as they huddled together in the dark. Aimee could only hold her finger to her lips in an attempt to keep them silent, praying that the mystery person would simply move on. 

The ravenette’s eyes grew wide as she saw a black shadow form under the door, slowly seeping its way inside the classroom. Her heart dropped into her stomach as the shadow then grew upwards, forming into the shape of a man. He gave her a wicked smile as she threw her arms out wide in an effort to shield her students.  

“There you are, Cher,” Lafayette said in a gravelly voice. “It took me a minute to find you.” 

“Kids get behind me,” Aimee commanded, her voice wavering as she never look her eyes off of the man in front of her. “Take whatever you want but leave the kids alone. My purse is behind the desk and there are nice laptops in that cart over there.” 

“But my dear, it’s you that I want.” 

“No!” One of Aimee’s students, the same spunky blonde boy who had tried to woo her months before, jumped in front of his teacher. He had tears in his eyes, but his hands were raised, a weak purple mist growing around them. “You can’t have Miss Faurie!” 

Lafayette chuckled darkly at the scene before him. “Can’t I?”

“Get behind me!” Aimee pulled the boy back, her own hand darting for her throat as she activated her quirk. 

“Oh and don’t think of using that little quirk of yours,” the villain hummed, watching her carefully. “We wouldn’t want you scaring the kiddos right? Also, I’ll kill them if you try.”

Aimee’s hand hovered over her throat as she rattled her brain. How could this stranger know about her quirk? No one knows she even has a quirk, not even the school. Did he look her up? Was he really targeting just her? “How do you know about that?”

The man before her scoffed, activating his quirk as long black shadow tendrils emerged from his body. “Because I’ve seen it in action.” 

“You…” Aimee whispered breathless, instantly recognizing the tendrils that attacked her beau months ago.

“Come willingly like a good girl, and I won’t hurt the rugrats.”

Aimee bit her bottom lip as she stared at the man, weighing her options. She couldn’t risk calling his bluff. She was responsible for the 25 young lives in the room. She couldn’t jeopardize their safety, no matter how scared she was. Slowly, she touched the necklace around her neck with shaky fingers, saying a silent prayer as she took a deep breath. I’m sorry, Shoto.

“Fine,” Aimee whispered as she slowly stepped towards the villain. 

“Don’t do it, Miss Faurie!” The blonde boy cried, grabbing her hand.

Aimee stopped to look at the boy, her own tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “Hey now. My job is to keep you safe. Let me do my job.”

After she pried the boys hand from hers, she made her slow approach to the villain. Once she was within arm’s reach, he snached her arm, pulling her forward. With her back to his chest, he wrapped his hand tightly around her throat. Aimee winced in pain but she tried her hardest to put on a brave face for her students. She wouldn’t frighten them further. 

With a wicked crooked smile, Lafayette crudely smelled Aimee’s curls, making her shudder. He laughed at her reaction before turning to face the students. “Stay in school kids.”

With his last faint at a positive message, he activated his quirk. Both he and Aimee then began to turn into a black shadow, their silhouettes melting into the floor before slipping out the other side of the classroom door. 

The students remained inside the dark classroom in a silent shock. After a few moments, the blonde boy rushed to the door, throwing it open. Through streams of tears, he looked up and down the hallway, searching for any sign of his beloved teacher to no avail. 

Miss Faurie was gone.

Chapter 19

[murasaki-murasame]

More Dragalia Lost liveblogging under the cut where I talk about my Halloween summons, the upcoming version update, and my thoughts on high dragon trials now that the HDT weapons are a thing to work toward.

First off, I can’t remember exactly how many summons I’ve done on the Halloween banner, but I got all of the Halloween units except for Elly and Maritimus, and as much as I want to get H-Maritimus, I think I’m gonna wait until they announce the next banner to see where I want to put my resources. I have a feeling we’re going to get a water banner next that might give us our first 5-star water blade, which might be really tempting. So I’m gonna wait it out for now.

I also got Lin You as a random pity break along the way, which was really nice, since I was considering dream summoning her in the future. Now my wind roster is pretty much fully rounded out, except that I don’t have Wedding Elly yet. And funnily enough, regular Aeleen is still the only 4-star in the summoning pool that I don’t have yet.

And on the topic of dream summons, I decided to go ahead and get Xander from the current one. Which really took me by surprise since I figured we weren’t getting one anytime soon, since they didn’t announce it during the anniversary, but here we are. I felt a bit awkward about how just a few hours later we found out that the new Halloween banner was gonna have a new stun-res water sword on it, but I don’t regret getting Xander. My water team really needed him.

At this point there’s only a handful of units in the regular pool that I’d be interested in dream summoning eventually. It’s basically just Delphi, Ramona, and Lucretia at this point. Mainly Delphi at this point. I’m still salty about how I got a dupe Wedding Aoi in the last banner instead of him. And to make things worse I also got a dupe Ezelith during my Halloween summons, lol.

I was really surprised by the new Halloween units being a mix of flame and water ones, but they all serve nice roles, even if they’re awkwardly useless for the Halloween event itself. I also ended up being completely wrong about which characters would get alts for this in the first place. Mostly since I wasn’t expecting them to branch so far outside of the launch unit pool. I vaguely thought we might get a Mym alt, but I figured that it’d go to a different party member instead. But I’m actually happy that H-Mym is a thing, because I didn’t have a flame axe built up before I got her [which is why Ramona’s still high on my priority list for dream summons], and axes are one of my favourite weapon types to use. Sadly it sounds like G-Mym is better than her, but I’ll probably still just use H-Mym since I like her more as a unit.

Most of all I love and adore H-Lowen. He’s the best thing ever and he’s never leaving my flame team, lmao. On the one hand I still dislike it when units get alts where the only real difference is their element type, but I’ve been specifically hoping for us to get a good sleep-res flame healer for ages, so I can’t complain. He’s also just a really great healer all around, aside from not having the right resistance for HMS. He at least seems equally as good if not better than Verica. His kit is less specifically focused on healing potency than hers, but he has some really valuable support utility, especially since he has skill prep. I actually ended up using him last night in my very first HDT clear, against standard HMS. He doesn’t have the right resistance, but he can easily pass the HP check, and with his skill prep he can get off his defense buff and his HP buff, which is really nice. It doesn’t seem super essential for standard HMS, but for expert and master it might be a lot more important, like why Choco Thaniel is so important to HBH. And honestly even though H-Lowen’s sleep res, I found that it was pretty easy to avoid getting hit in the first place after the opening blast.

I still have my Xania set up as a DPS-focused alternative to use in HMS, but I really like using H-Lowen, and I’ve kinda resigned myself to the fact that Xania probably won’t be very good for anything above standard HMS. I have units like Mikoto, Sarisse, and both Myms who I can use in the fight instead if I need to, but I like Xania so I want to use her wherever I can.

Even though I’ve been playing this game for like six months, I’m only just starting to get into HDTs, lol. Part of it’s just that there really hasn’t been that much of a need to do them in the first place before they introduced HDT weapons recently, but mostly I’ve just been going through the typical motions of performance anxiety that you get with online co-op stuff like this.

I’m still really happy that I got my first clear, but I was kinda surprised by how relatively . . . simple standard HMS ended up being, in spite of knowing in advance that it had been heavily powercrept as the game’s gone on. I don’t really know what I expected, though, especially after knowing that the void dragon fights were specifically designed to prepare people for the HDTs. I really shouldn’t have been surprised that in the end, the HDTs would just feel like harder versions of the void dragon fights I’ve already done, lol. I actually feel like Void Zephyr almost feels harder than standard HMS right now, from what little experience I have with the latter, since Void Zephyr has way more unavoidable damage, and the tornadoes and stuff are a lot more frequent and get in the way a lot.

I might just stick to HMS for a while, but I have units I can use for the other ones. For HMC I have all the meta units except for W-Elly, but I’d lean more towards using Noelle or Lowen since I prefer playing as ranged units for these sorts of fights. For HBH I have a Choco Thaniel set up, but I don’t have a great dragon for him [which is why I’d like to get H-Maritimus but I can live without him], though I also have Lily, Summer Celliera (and I’ve promoted Elly and Orsem]. For HJP I have Gala Cleo, who I’ll probably stick to since I prefer ranged units, but I also have Curran, Heinwald, and Natalie. And then for HZD I have Gala Euden, and then Fleur and Yachiyo who I haven’t promoted. I’m kinda hoping we get better 5-star units I can use instead, so I’m not interested in investing a lot of resources into those two, so I’ll probably stick to Gala Euden. Sadly ranged units don’t seem to be very in favour for HZD, but I have S-Cleo in back-up.

I’m way too early to be thinking about the whole expert HDT thing just yet, but thankfully I have Noelle and a 2UB Freyja who I can use to get my foot in the door with expert HMC when the time comes.

I have mixed feelings overall about the entire concept and implementation of expert/master HDTs [and the time attack rankings are their own whole mess], but I can’t really say much about them since I’m so inexperienced with this whole part of the game in general. I do get the feeling that they gave us too much too fast, though.

Mostly I just hope that they don’t start balancing new endgame content around the assumption that everyone has HDT weapons, since that’s just not going to be the case for the most part, and it’d just be boring if new content becomes effectively locked to anyone outside of the top 1% or whatever of players. In the short term, I’m worried about how the new wave of humanoid endgame bosses they’ve teased at will go. They’re said to be ‘harder than high dragons’, but it’d really suck if they’re basically gated behind expert HDTs. Getting a whole new wave of permanent endgame content that I can’t even begin to access for who knows how long would just be kinda . . . demoralizing. I really hope that, even if they’re presumably harder than standard HDTs at least, they instead exist parallel to those fights, and you can basically get into one or the other first, instead of one being gated behind the other. That way it wouldn’t take as much grinding for people to be able to even start challenging the new bosses.

I also have a feeling that, like how you can grind the HDT fights to get the high dragons from the trade store, you might be able to grind the new endgame bosses in order to obtain them as playable adventurers. Which on paper I like the sound of since they at least seem to have really neat designs, but I can’t help but worry that it’d be like the HDT weapons where they basically create their own meta in the community, while suffering from a sort of ‘key in a locked box’ scenario where you’re expected to have those units/weapons/etc in order to even start doing the content you need to grind to obtain them. Which definitely seems to be a problem with HDT weapons, with how there seems to be barely any wiggle room for entering the expert HDT grind cycle if you don’t have a HDT weapon.

I’m at least assuming that the new bosses will be basically the same as HDTs in terms of being co-op content with four players using one unit each against a single boss. In which case it’d be pretty easy for similar issues with the meta and whatnot to arise with it. I kinda hope they shake it up a bit, though. It’d be pretty nice if it was actually solo content that plays out more like facility event bosses. We really need more solo endgame content in general. But I think it’ll probably still be co-op focused.

And then there’s the new version update coming out in a week or so. Which mostly just seems to be quality of life improvements and stuff, but I’m really happy about the improvements to the regular log-in bonuses. Getting five times more wyrmite from it is pretty neat. Which reminds me of how they’ve recently started implementing tenfold vouchers as rewards for clearing raid/facility bosses for the first time. So overall we’ve been getting a lot more regular access to summoning resources, which is nice.

I’m also happy that we’re getting the ability to put facilities into storage while keeping their effects. I recently maxed out my elemental altars and slime facilities, so it’d be nice to put them all in storage to free up space in my halidom.

We’ll see what happens at the start of November when the Halloween event ends and we get our next This Month In Dragalia Lost post, but I hope we get a Celliera event rerun next, both so we can get a good new water banner, and so I can finally get OG Celliera since she’s one of the few event units I don’t have yet.

[megashadowdragon]

sanji will end up transforming after getting angry enough

Diable Jambe, although it makes Sanji stronger is more of a technique rather than a traditional power up. It’s more of a Gear 3rd rather than a Gear 2nd/4th. I believe Sanji’s next power-up will play more with the Devil theme that Oda has given Sanji. I believe Sanji will have an emotion based Hakuba like transformation, to where when he gets angry he heats up, his blood “starts boiling” and his facial expression changes. A berserk mode if you will. In my opinion Thriller Bark was a huge playground for Oda to forshadow future abilities and power ups. Nightmare Luffy -> Gear 4th Luffy, Sanji bursting into flames -> Hell Memories, Franky’s docking - Franky Shogun, Robin’ Big Tree -> Mil Fleur: Gigantesco Mano, Zoro burning Ryuma -> Zoro’s future Fire technique (he showed interest in Kinemon’s teqnique) … and finally the scene is similar to sanji reminds me of  this panel):

so  sanji will have  a devil form which he reaches through anger there’s a tokusatsu that we know Oda likes, which would be a much more explicit inspiration for the Germa 66 : Kamen Rider. specifically the villainous organization shocker 

Shocker was a terrorist organization that planned on ruling the world (in the original manga is shown that Shocker had some influences over the governments of the world), with virtually all of its members modified in some way. The founders had mostly Nazi ties so it fits that germa66 not only references the nazis but the shocker organization from kamen rider Shocker’s scientists performed surgical alterations that gave the subject superhuman fighting abilities. Even the most basic Shocker soldier was tougher, stronger and faster than the average human civilian. The most powerful of their forces were the Kaijin, modified humans who were combined with animal DNA and human cybernetics to create living weapons. In an attempt to create the ultimate warriors, they were responsible for the rise of the very first Kamen Riders 1 and 2, whom defected and became the heroes who would ultimately lead to the fall of Shocker. and sanji and his siblings were altered genetically and the kamen riders specialty is the kamen rider KICK

In it Kamen Rider Black RX is a cyborg whose motif is a black grasshopper, which mirrors Sanji’s own epithet as Black Leg. Grasshoppers are known for their incredible spring like leg muscles that allow them to jump incredible heights which allow them to launch themselves in the air to fly. However he also has another motif and that is based on the sun. Kamen Rider Black RX is a photosynthetic warrior who is powered by the sun.

Since Kamen Rider is powered by the sun, he can set his legs and fists on fire to increase the lethality of his kicks and punches, which is basically what Sanji’s Diable Jambe does

and kamen rider black who sanji is partly inspired from had a transformation called the prince of anger which he  transformed when he reached a certain level of anger

I like to add that when Sanji was fighting with Judge and thought about their past, his Dj(Poele A Frire) glowed brighter than than usual.

against judge

Diable Jambe and Poele A Frire against Doflamingo:

and sanjis raid suit is called stealth BLACK

plus on sanji resembling kamen rider black rx  who is solar powered

both sanjis experience as a child  and duval was a reference to the man in the iron mask .

Though based on a real prisoner in the late 1600’s who Louis XIV forced to always wear a velvet mask to hide his identity and who was made to serve other prisoners, one of the most popular versions of the story is that of Alexandre Dumas, translated into a film in 1998. The prisoner, now shown wearing an iron mask, was Louis XIV’s twin brother  

sanji had encountered the same fate as written in Alexandre DUMAS book (The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later). Declared dead for the country but condemned to wear a mask and to spend all his life in an horrible prison

and louis XIV was known as the sun king and kamen rider black rx is solar powered

and sanjis and zoros rivalry parallels inuarashi and nekomamushis rivalry ( and inuarashi is called the ruler of the day and has a group under him that reference the three musketeers by alexander dumas  (a french story ) and sanji was dressed up as a musketeer and oda said in an sbs that sanji in the real world would be french

porche-chan . tumblr . com/post/134501849916/weve-located-zoros-fashion-twinkie-everyone

We’ve located Zoro’s fashion twinkie, everyone!. One Piece, chapters 82 and 809 porche-chan . tumblr . com/post/138118772526/i-made-an-observation-a-while-back-about#notes I made an observation a while back about Nekomamushi and Zoro being fashion twinkies, but now that I think about it, Inuarashi is wearing pinstripes, which is an early Sanji trademark:

And as Wanda explains in chapter 809, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi seem to have a little bit of a volatile relationship, not unlike Sanji and Zoro:

I have no fully formed theories regarding this, really, but there doesseem to be a recent influx (i.e. since Dressrosa) of duos whose dynamics are reminiscent of Zoro and Sanji. They all seem to exhibit a rivalrous and/or combative temperament, but there is either a history or discovery of working well together. And they all share, in some capacity, characteristics relatable to Sanji and Zoro in physical appearance:

What I hope it means, though, is that we’re going to see some next level development in Sanji and Zoro’s relationship. Like, some Thriller Bark level type of stuff. porche-chan . tumblr . com/post…is-an-imposing-figure?is_related_post=1#notes Like Zoro, Nekomamushi is an imposing figure; strong, intimidating and perceptive. And like Zoro (with his naps and sake), Nekomamushi also exhibits hedonistic tendancies:

And most hilariously, they both share a general disregard for their poor, poor medical professional:

both nekomamushi and inuarashi (zoro and sanjis counterparts) losing the precise limb that could incapacitate zoro and sanjis respective fighting styles

about inuarashis similarities to sanji I have to point out that inuarashi has a group that operates under his command called the Inuarashi Musketeer Squad Among them are three minks known as the “Three Inuarashi Musketeers”, The name of the squad is a reference to the novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. a french story and oda stated in an sbs that sanji would be french in the real world

and this could make three allusions/connections that sanji has to the sun since inuarashi was the ruler of the day

sanji may  end use white fire

It is a common misconception that the Sun is yellow, or orange or even red. However, the Sun is essentially all colors mixed together, which appear to our eyes as white. This is easy to see in pictures taken from space.

Even though red typically represents hot or danger, in a fire, it depicts cooler temperatures. Blue, on the other hand, while representing cooler colors in society, actually epitomizes the opposite in fires as some of the hottest flames all around. When all flame colors combine, they produce white, the hottest color of them all. (though some say blue fire is the hottest  and it would fit for sanji to use use it since sanji is associated with the color blue )

  sanjis transformation being a physical transformation where he goes into a devil form  ( This has already been hinted at with Hell Memories where he remembers his past two years in order to enter a rage mode and Diable Jambe burns so intense it produces enough fire to cover the rest of his body:)

and “2. The Devil theme, started with Devil’s Leg and continued with Hell Memories could be greatly substantiated by having a mode in which Sanji becomes a Devil in terms of his personality as well. It could also lead to him earning a new moniker in the future, one that could better encompass what Sanji has become through out his journey, compared to the Black Leg that stuck closely to the teachings of Zeff before leaving the floating restaurant.”

zoro is connected to the ruler of the night nekomamushi in contrast to sanji with inuarashi while day = light night is connected to the dark so it fits for zoro to be the next dark king along with the parallels he has to Rayleigh like with the scar they both have on their eye. and there is the possibility that sanji will get the nickname light/sun  king which is fitting since his backstory and duvals character is a reference to the man in the iron mask who was said to be the twin brother of the sun king. so it fits if sanji gets the nickname sun/light king which will be after sanji vs kizaru (or before and it will foreshadow the confrontation ) since kizaru uses light and sanji will probably have conquerors haki ( since any time we see someone with conquerors haki they have a nickname associated with royalty or they have royal blood

given sanjis connections to the sun I think sanji will have powers that connect to fire and light which fits with sanjis theme  being satan the master of fire  who was once lucifer (lightbringer)

megashadowdragon . tumblr . com/post/139186383737/sanji-represents-satan-who-was-once-lucifer-the

or maybe sanji will transform as a result of ussops death megashadowdragon . tumblr . com/post/138764551657/kizaru-will-kill-ussop-and-it-will-lead-to-sanji/embed

after all the scene in thriller bark was zoro telling  usopp  not to rile him up anymore or else he will transform and usopp would inadvertently cause sanji to be riled up enough to transform by his death after all we know how much sanji cares about protecting people and  how angry sanji got in the usopp situation.

“You know what’s more amazing here than the fact that Sanji seriously kicked his captain’s rubbery ass? He almost hurt Nami by kicking Luffy right toward her direction. Nami was threatened enough to actually scream, not just dodge out of Luffy’s way. Sanji doesn’t apologize to Nami - hell, I bet he didn’t even realize that he almost hurt her. This really shows the heat of the moment, as well as how much Sanji was upset over Luffy’s words to Usopp”.

“sunnyul . tumblr . com/post/145669021863/you-know-whats-more-amazing-here-than-the-fact#notes

sanji was always someone who would defend usopp and in some way save him

sanji ended up going  go against people who have harmed usopp two times before but each time the damage  to ussop and the danger to ussops life that the  person provided  grown  the first time with bon clay bon clay had beaten ussop up and stole his goggles when sanji was far away but didnt kill him   and sanji wanted to get them back for ussop   , the second time with jabura he beat ussop up and then tried to land the finishing blow but sanji got there in time and saved  ussops life so the third time  usopp will die by kizarus hands  with sanji not being able to get there in time to save ussop and seeing ussops death (or coming in right after ussop died )    he would lose it  if usopp dies that will be the end for usopp in contrast to nami just getting a bit hurt 

@pernanegra

@sanjiafsincedayone

[theatreworksstkilda]

Freak Stalker Magazine talk to our GM - Dianne Toulson about all things Chapter 2

Firstly, congratulations for the awesome season of shows you’re putting on at Theatre Works. There’s always an inspirational story and wonderful performances to enjoy. And now, Chapter Two season is running! What can you tell us about this concept? What inspired you to make this Program of shows happen?

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In 2019 our programming focus was to embody our values create a space for conversations that matter.

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This means presenting more work for children, young people and families like Arena Theatre’s vital production of ROBOT SONG and Holly Austin’s ALPHABET SOUP. In Chapter 2 we host JUNGLE BUNGLE in a tent during school holidays, present the riotous MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE during Fringe Festival and host a new hip-hop initiative for young people with the PLAY IT FORWARD HIP-HOP FESTIVAL. All these works are central to ensuring new people, young people, get to the theatre and become engaged with stories that matter.

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This year, we are also making a concerted effort to change the very face of Australian theatre, by putting teams led by female-identifying artists front and centre. Fleur Kilpatrick’s stunning adaptation of SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE leads the charge in Chapter 1, with Leah Shelton’s staggering BITCH ON HEAT, The Anchor’s thought-provoking THE THREE GRACES and Rebecca Meston’s riveting DRIVE filling out Chapter 2. On top of this, Bridget Balodis and Krystalla Pearce’s SHE IS VIGILANTE program will see six women writers develop new works throughout the year, creating new narratives and new voices for female-identifying people.

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Continuing our tradition of presenting tenacious, dangerous and boundary-shattering works, we are proud to present productions such as AUTOCANNIBAL by Mitch Jones and LET MEN TREMBLE by the Danger Ensemble. One a jaw-dropping solo piece, the other a rigorous ensemble show. Through new works by The Danger Ensemble, The Very Good Looking Initiative and The Anchor, we are supporting uncompromising ensemble practice; encouraging and promoting tight knit theatre communities and networks.

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But where the focus of 2019’s programming truly lies is in our commitment to new writing and new scripts, proudly providing a platform for the storytellers of tomorrow.  From ROBOT SONG to DRIVE to THE OTHER PLACE, THE THREE GRACES, MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE and SHE IS VIGILANTE, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are full of exciting new stories that need to be brought to life.

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This year we will support 13 of these productions through the funding we received from the Australian Government’s Catalyst fund - putting every last cent of it towards funding the artists that will ignite the imaginations of audiences throughout 2019. As an organisation, we don’t hold on to any of this money.

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We do this because the artists we want to work with need and deserve the support. There isn’t enough arts funding (full stop) to support independent artists and the visionary productions that we believe in.

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We believe in exploring and celebrating hidden and unheard voices. We believe in courage and curiosity and stories of joy, discovery and searing insight. We believe that the artists we have programmed across 2019 have the power to shape the future with their vision.

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The program is very well designed. It really highlights female works and stories that are respectful and well told. The content is just so honest it makes it very easy to learn something from it. How have the audience received Chapter Two so far?

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Our season and in fact Theatre Works historically have programmed with such diversity in story and voices that our audiences are very much based on the content of the show and the audience’s interest in the content. Does this story speak and engage them politically, socially and personally? We work with artists that have something to say, an agenda they are passionate about and this translates to what our audience sees on the stage. Often challenging and questioning current issues in our neighborhood or our society. Chapter two is filled with emerging artists that are ready to bring well developed and supported work to the stage.

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No one piece of work in chapter two is like the other therefore we are engaging and entertaining new audiences with every production, the diversity in story line ensures this. For chapter two the audiences have shared our celebration on the new voices with just as much passion as they are delivered.    

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So far, which have been the works you've more identified with and why? Is there one you feel the audience have related to more than others?

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For me as a female identifying person, Bitch On Heat resonates with my journey in life. The shifting line in what is acceptable in the way that men treat woman for a person of my age is quite blatant and obvious. At times in the past I remember thinking oh well that’s what men do and laugh it off while cringing inside. Whereas today I would not let anything slip by and say well it’s ok based on gender or a privilege of a man, but I have to learn how to be a feminist and advocate for equality. Bitch On Heat was so relatable and just made me more determined.

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For audiences Robot Song By Arena Theatre spoke to everyone. It was a story with a powerful message, bullying and discrimination are prevalent in our society and inclusion needs to be fought for. We had over 2000 students attend the production and each time they came out of the show into the foyer there were tears, hugs and passioned conversations. Some recognizing their behavior towards others may have been hurtful and others seeing that there was hope for them to talk about the support they may need. Powerful stuff for the next generation of people to have such an affecting experience through theatre.

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What’s coming next to Theatre Works? What can we expect from the upcoming programs and plays?

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Expect to be challenged and engaged and to see work that is not represented on the main stage with big budgets. We do what we do with artists and produce amazing works on such limited resource, both financial and human. Expect that these artist and creatives will astound you with their stories and how their passion translates to well-formed work.

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We open the Three Graces this week and the theatre is abuzz with a crazy bunch of artists pulling off a set design and production that will surprise you! The much-anticipated DRIVE opens in June and this show is already generating a huge amount of interest in the arts community, so you just know it’s going to be a good one!

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So much more, such a massive program of exceptional work is coming your way !    

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To finish, what do you think you have learnt from working on Chapter Two?

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For me personally I have found reinvigoration in working with independent artist that are passionate about their work but most importantly can articulate so clearly the reason they are producing this work and the drive behind the work. It is not art for art sake or story repeat telling – we asked the questions when programming, why here? Why now? And now we are delivering the answers, through our work. Exciting!  

[unsqeakable]

The Black Heir

Hello, everyone. I wrote this one-shot the past year and had it published on my previous account, so I decided to publish it here as well. I still hope it’s not bad and that you’ll like it.

Regulus Arcturus Black was everything a pure-blood family could expect from its heir. He was a charming and very handsome young man, an incomparably gifted wizard, and most importantly, he believed in blood purity. Enough that he had joined Lord Voldemort and became one of his Death Eaters when he was only sixteen years old.

His mother and father (and his oldest cousin, Bellatrix, who was a Death Eater herself) were so proud of their beloved son. The young woman told them a lot of incredible stories about the wizard so the idea of their heir being one of his followers was heart-warming.

What is worth mentioning, however, is the fact that Regulus Black wasn't always the heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, because he was the younger son. His brother Sirius – who was extremely talented and even more handsome than him – was the heir until their mother disowned him as soon as he had ran away from their family home. He was what wizards like them call a “blood traitor” because he believed that mud-bloods and pure-bloods are equal and blood purity did not matter.

What a fool, the young boy used to think.

He couldn't understand how his brother could think that way. To think that mud-bloods were worth as much as them, pure-blood wizards. Especially as much as the members of their family: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. The purest of the purest. The best of the best.

A few things have changed since he became a Death Eater.

During summer before his last year at Hogwarts, at the age of seventeen, he got married to a French pure-blood witch, Charlotte Delacour, who was the same age as he was, however, she was home-schooled. But most importantly, he finally realised how foolish he really was.

Because Regulus was still a student, he had no opportunity to attend the meetings often. Their Lord was aware that it would be suspicious if the students were disappearing from Hogwarts during evenings. The Black heir had, however, a chance to attend the last one, which was yesterday, because of Christmas break. He was so eager to prove himself that he didn't sleep at night. His wife wasn't thrilled, but she knew more than well that it was pointless to say anything.

During the meeting, the wizard asked for a house-elf, so he, of course, offered his beloved one – Kreacher. The boy was proud as a peacock when the Dark Lord chose his house-elf... but then his servant returned, being barely alive. He confessed what the wizard ordered him to do...

His world has been turned upside down. He couldn't believe it. He didn't want to believe that his Lord could be so cruel... but Kreacher didn't lie. He couldn't lie. Regulus knew it more than well. It was when the scales fell from his eyes. It made him sick. It made him ashamed. He was disgusted with himself. He followed a murderer (now he understood perfectly what Bellatrix meant when she told him that the Dark Lord will remove muggle-borns from their world. Now he could understand what kind of message the articles about the wizard, which he had pinned to a wall in his bedroom, brought). He supported the murderer. His left forearm was branded with the murderer's mark. And what was even more scary was the fact that he did it willingly. Nobody had forced him to join Lord Voldemort. He was so disgusted. His brother was right all the way... He was just a pathetic coward and a fucking idiot.

His wife wasn't home when Kreacher came back and Regulus was grateful for that. She went to France to visit her brother because his little daughter, Fleur, had turned two. He was supposed to go with her, obviously, but because of the meeting, he couldn't. He knew that Charlotte was disappointed (and now he didn't blame her for this), but back then the meeting was more important. So she went alone, informing them that he was sick.

He felt dirty, but water didn't take his dirt away. When he realised what he got himself into, he couldn't look at himself. He smacked the mirror in the bathroom because it reminded him of what kind of scum he was. He even wanted to get rid of the Dark Mark from his forearm, but because he couldn't, he tried to cut off his arm. If it wasn't for a very weak house-elf, he would have lost the left arm.

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The next step was drinking. He wanted to forget and he was convinced that only alcohol could help him. He had hoped that it will take his pain away. That was how his wife found him.

“Regulus?” a soft, female voice reverberated around the room.

The future head of the Black family sat in a leather armchair, next to the fireplace in the living room, drinking Firewhisky, and was absently watching as the fire was destroying the pieces of parchment he threw in some time ago. The articles about Lord Voldemort which he removed from his old bedroom. The boy was so lost in thought that he didn't even realise that a young woman, a teenager girl actually, entered the room.

The girl, dressed in a long white dress, was the owner (according to the young Black heir) of the most beautiful blue eyes in the world and had waist length blonde hair. When she spotted the boy, she walked towards him.

“Regulus?”

Feeling a warm hand on his shoulder, the wizard jumped in his armchair.

“Charlotte!” he exclaimed when he finally saw his wife. He was quite surprised by her unexpected appearance. “I thought that you won't be back until tomorrow.”

“I know you did. However, Fleur got sick and I decided that it would be better if I returned,” the girl answered and took the glass from his hand and put it on the nearby table. Then she sat on the free chair next to his. “You shouldn't drink so late, Reggie.”

“I know,” he replied meekly.

“Then why were you?”

There was no shadow of reproach in her voice. Quite the opposite, actually. Her voice was full of love and compassion. It was too much for the young Black heir. He would like her to yell at him, to curse him – to hate him. After all it was all he deserved. Nothing more. And especially he didn't deserve love.

He lowered his head, ashamed.

There was a moment of silence. Charlotte was aware that her husband needed it. And she was right. Regulus clenched his fists, feeling as his lips began trembling, and tears came to his eyes.

“To forget,” came a quiet answer.

Charlotte said nothing. She didn't have to because she saw the way in which he grabbed his left forearm. Disgust. She understood what he meant even if he didn't say anything. His actions spoke louder than words.

The girl got up from her chair and knelt in front of him, taking his face in her delicate hands. Then she smoothly wiped his tears away and kissed his forehead.

“I love you, Regulus Black,” she said. The boy could feel love flowing from her voice. “I love you, even if you think that you don't deserve it. But you know what? You're wrong. You do deserve to be loved.”

“But I am a monster,” he whispered and tears once again started running down his cheeks. “A monster. How can someone love a monster?”

The French witch just raised her lips in a small smile.

“I know who I married, Reggie,” the teenager started. “I married a boy who made some mistakes in his life. A boy who lost his way. But you know what? This boy, my husband, is everything but a monster.”

Charlotte gently grabbed his left arm and rolled up his sleeve. A black Dark Mark decorated the pale skin of the boy. Regulus turned his head, disgusted. He couldn't look at the mark he adored not so long ago anymore.

“This,” the young witch continued, pressing a tender kiss on the Dark Mark. “This doesn't make you a monster. I believe that as long as your heart is pure, no mark will make you a monster. You can be marked by a beast’s mark, that's right, but it doesn't make you one. I won't ask what made that you changed your mind about him, but whatever happened, I'm grateful for that.”

Regulus bit his bottom lip, not being able to stop crying.

“I can't leave now,” he cried out. He was aware that he sounded like a terrified child. And he definitely felt like one at this moment. “He will kill me. He'll kill you, too. My family will hate me. My brother already hates me, and he has any rights to do so. I'm such a coward, Charlotte, I'm so afraid!”

“I can imagine,” his wife nodded and hugged him tightly. He buried his face in her long hair. “I know that you are. I'm scared, too. But we'll find a way to make it work. You still have six months before finishing Hogwarts. You'll be save until then. And I'll be there for you. I may be a Black now, but I was born Delacour. And we, the Delacours, always support each other. You're one of us now, Regulus. We won't let him hurt you.”

Regulus said nothing. He had no words to describe how he felt right now. He was overwhelmed with emotions.

The witch broke their hug some time later and leaned towards the boy and a moment later, their lips met in a kiss.

“I believe that we should go to bed,” she said after a while. “I want to feel my husband's presence before the Christmas break is over and you'll have to go back to school. And tomorrow we'll start discussing everything.”

Regulus lay in bed, attentively looking at his wife who slept next to him. She was breathing evenly and her chest was rising and falling at steady pace. Charlotte was sleeping on her back because she was in advanced pregnancy. It turned out that he impregnated her during their shared night in early January, and their first-born was expected to be born soon.

Their family was thrilled when they announced that Charlotte was with a child. A new member of the Black family was always welcomed. There were never not enough Blacks. Their noble blood must flow for generations. The Delacours were also excited when they heard about it. Especially little Fleur, when she was informed that her aunt was expecting her first child. She couldn't wait until the baby was born. The little girl already wanted to play with her new cousin.

Nevertheless, soon-to-be father had mixed feelings about this whole situation.

Was he happy to be a father? Yes. He was more than happy to be one. When his wife visited him in school to inform him that she's pregnant, he couldn't stop crying from happiness. Family was always important to him and the fact that there was going to be a new member, his own fresh and blood, made him happy. However, as soon as Charlotte returned home, he suddenly became sad, as he started to collect his thoughts.

He was going to be a father. A father. His child would know from the very beginning that its father was nothing more but a pathetic idiot who followed a murderer. He was also aware that the child would be counted as a future Death Eater. And that was something he could not agree on. No. No child, especially not his own, should pay for his mistakes. Not as long as he had something to say.

Regulus delved himself into researches. He was spending every single free minute in the school library or in his dormitory where he was reading books delivered by Kreacher (he ordered him to be in hiding so the Dark Lord would think that the house-elf is dead. Besides him and Charlotte, no one knew that the house-elf is alive). The Dark Lord boasted that he achieved immortality. His beloved house-elf confessed everything to him. He had forced him to tell him everything in small details. He made him explain it to him more than once. He was aware that it was painful to his servant. But he had to do this. He intended to stop Lord Voldemort. He had to.

For his unborn child.

It took him half a year but he finally was able to discover the Dark wizard's secret. A Horcrux. The Dark Lord made something as disgusting as parting his soul in order to be immortal.

Regulus couldn't believe how stupid he was to blindly follow and support this man. This monster. This... beast. He couldn't believe that he willingly wanted to be the same. Just thinking about it made him want to vomit.

When he graduated from Hogwarts, he was saved, again, from doing Death Eaters' missions. This time, it was thanks to his child. Charlotte wasn't feeling well and he had to be with her almost all the time. Voldemort didn't want to lose his new, potential follower, so Regulus didn't have to do any missions for him, nevertheless, he still had to attend the meetings. His missions-free time, the boy divided between his beloved wife and planning how to bring his former Lord down.

Kreacher had told him that the Dark Lord forced him to drink a mysterious potion from a basin and once it was empty, he hid a locket there. The Horcrux as he already knew. A part of his soul. How sick was that? How could he ever want to follow and worship such man? He had no idea. But it made him sick.

He worked all summer to make a perfect copy of the said locket. He took the house-elf's memories and spent hours on watching them, memorising all details. The copy had to be perfect. Voldemort should never know what hit him. It would be too dangerous to let him know what he intended to do.

Regulus sighed quietly and carefully got up from the bed. He finally finished working on the locket and decided that he should destroy the original one as soon as possible. Tonight was the right time. He just didn't want to leave his dear wife and the unborn child. He was more than aware that it was most likely a suicide mission. There are small chances that he would make it back. There is a big possibility that he won't be able to hold his beloved heir... But he knew that he had to do this. He wanted his child to be safe. He wanted all the best for his child – and a safe world without Lord Voldemort, and a father was more important than having a father and living in constant fear, right? Or at least that was what Regulus tried to tell himself in order to excuse his actions. He wanted his baby to be raised in a safe world. And he was more than aware that Charlotte will take a good care of their first-born.

He walked towards the wardrobe and took out his cloak. The locket was already hidden in one of the pockets. The boy was about to leave the room when suddenly, he heard his name.

“Regulus?” the young Mrs. Black asked sleepily. “Something happened?”

The wizard took a deep breath and then turned on his heel and walked towards the bed, kneeling down. He hoped to leave without saying goodbye. That was too painful for him.

“No, nothing bad happened, go back to sleep, dear.” He tried to sounds casually as he said it and grabbed her hand which he then kissed. “There's just one thing I have to do.”

“Does he really have to call you even in the middle of the night?” Charlotte asked, yawning. She was tired. “Does he even sleep?”

“Evil forces never sleep,” said the boy and despite this whole situation, he smiled slightly. “But you should. Okay?”

“Yeah, okay,” said the witch as she fought hard not to fall asleep during their conversation. “Just be careful and come back, soon.”

Regulus gulped. He felt guilty as he already knew that he probably won't be able to return. Nevertheless, he forced himself to smile and kissed his wife's forehead.

“I love you, Charlotte,” he said evasively and then put his head under the quilt and kissed the girl's pregnant belly. “And I love you, too, Hermione. Please, be good for mummy when daddy is away.”

The blonde-haired teenager chuckled because the child kicked her slightly.

“We love you, too, Reggie. Come back quickly.”

The young wizard said nothing, just kissed his wife and left the bedroom. As soon as the door closed behind him, he took a deep breath. It was harder than he expected.

“Kreacher!” he called quietly.

The old house-elf appeared in front of him a few second later, bowing deeply.

“How can Kreacher serve you, Master?”

There was a moment of silence. Just a short moment during which Regulus hesitated. Was he brave enough to do this? However, as soon as he thought about his unborn daughter, he knew that he could – and would – do this.

“It's time, Kreacher,” he said, determined. ��I want you to take me to the cave.”

The creature said nothing, just swallowed loudly. His master behaved strangely the last few months and he was afraid that something bad will happen. Knowing, however, that he can't disobey the wizard, he whimpered, and taking Regulus' hand, he disappeared with a crack.

“When I finish drinking the potion, I want you to switch the lockets and then take us home. Understood?” Regulus asked his companion when they found themselves on a small island in the middle of the cave. There was nothing but a pedestal on which stood a basin full of an emerald liquid.

“Master Regulus, Kreacher will gladly drink...”

“I know that more than well, Kreacher, but this is something I have to do on my own,” he interrupted the small house-elf. “I won't be able to leave without your assistance and you won't be able to help me if you drink it instead.”

Regulus grabbed a crystal goblet which stood next to the basin and then poured some liquid into it. He looked at the creature which looked at him with its big eyes, crying.

“If I'm unable to drink it on my own, I order you to force me to drink it,” he said, although he could tell that his body was shaking. He was afraid. “Then switch the lockets.”

He raised his hand and was about to drain the goblet, but he stopped and once again looked at his faithful companion.

“One more thing, Kreacher,” the wizard said. “If something happens to me, take the real locket home and try to destroy it. And don't tell anyone about what happened to me.”

“Yes, Master Regulus,” whispered the old house-elf.

“Good,” nodded the boy and took a deep breath. “That's for you, Hermione. Have a good life, my child.”

And without thinking, he drank the first cup.

As soon as he swallowed the liquid, Regulus had to close his eyes. It was disgusting. He had a feeling as if he just drank blood mixed with grass. It tasted horrible and he wanted to get rid of this taste.

Nevertheless, the young wizard filled the goblet again.

His whole body started to tremble – more than it already did, that is. His head began to hurt him and he felt dizzy. He wanted to vomit. Blood was disgusting. But it didn't stop him from putting the goblet in the basin again, again, again and again. He had to do this. He had to drink the potion and stop the Dark Lord. For Hermione. For his dear unborn child. She deserved to have a good life.

“Well, well, well,” a familiar voice reverberated around. “Isn't this ironic?”

Regulus opened his eyes, frowning. He wasn't expecting to meet anyone here, nevertheless, none other than his brother stood in front of him, grinning sarcastically.

“Sirius?” he asked, confused. What was the young man doing here?

“Hello there, Reggie,” said the older wizard and smirked. “Aren't you pathetic? And I don't know how you, but I consider this ironic that you, a pure-blood wizard who thinks that everyone who isn’t a pure-blood should be gone from our world, ended up drinking a blood of a muggle-born wizard.”

What?... Was Sirius serious? Did he really just drink blood? No. This had to be a joke. He opened his month to say something, but before he had a chance, Sirius approached him, took the goblet from his hands, filled it up and then forced him to drink it. The younger brother chocked up.

“Now, now, Reggie, be a good boy and drink it,” said the older Black boy, smiling maliciously. “What's the matter, little brother? Don't you like it? Well, I don't really care about it. Now, dear brother, show me that you're not the pathetic coward I think you are. Go on. Prove that you're worth something.”

Regulus looked at his brother, having tears in his eyes. Why was Sirius so cruel? His older brother was the good one, he shouldn't act like that. Not that it mattered now. He had to prove that even he can be brave and do the right thing. He took the cup from Sirius' hands into his trembling ones and slowly drank it.

His knees bent under him and he fell down to the ground. He started coughing. He had no idea why, but suddenly he became thirsty. He had a feeling that his body was set on fire. Not even the Cruciatus Curse was as painful as this.

“Shh, it's okay, Reggie, it's okay,” said the older wizard as he sat down next to him and put his head on his knees. “Don't cry, little brother, don't cry. I'm here.”

“I'm a pathetic scum, Sirius,” he sobbed.

“Hard to disagree with that one,” said another, this time unfamiliar, voice before the former heir had a chance to answer.

Regulus slowly raised his head. At first, he couldn't see anything as his vision was blurred by tears, but once he wiped them away, he spotted a young girl with bushy brown hair and brown eyes. She couldn't be older than eleven.

“And who are you?” he asked. He had never seen her before.

The child just snorted and crossed her arms. In the meantime, Sirius disappeared.

“No wonder you don't recognise me as you abandoned me before I was even born,” she said, her voice full of contempt.

“Hermione?” he asked. He couldn't believe it. His child, his little precious child who wasn't even born yet, was standing before him. Being a lot older than she should be.

“That would be me,” she answered, even though Regulus could feel that she didn't want to be with him here. And he couldn't blame her for that.

“I'm sorry, my dear,” he started. He had no idea what else he should say now. It was all his fault and he deserved the worst.

“Don't bother, father,” said the little witch. “Because I'll never forgive you.”

There was a moment of silence. The wizard had a feeling as if his daughter had just smacked him across the face. Sweet Merlin. She hated him.

“Hermione...”

“How could you?” she began angrily, and he didn't even have a chance to finish his sentence. “How could you leave me? How could you do this to me?”

“I wanted you to be safe... I wanted you to be proud of me,” he whispered.

“Proud of you?” the girl snorted. “Why should I be proud of a Death Eater? The one who abandoned his family?”

It was when Regulus realised what just happened. He ordered Kreacher not to inform anyone about what happened to him if he wasn't able to return home. And it seemed that he wasn't – Hermione thought that he just abandoned her.

“I needed a father,” she continued, “and all I got is the title of the heir.”

In pure-blood families, there was a hierarchy. The most important person in family was of course the head. The head of family was responsible for representing the family in Wizengamot and head's decision considering any decisions in the family was law. Other members were obligated to fulfil whatever the head wanted. The head has a power to disown or bring back to the family whoever they want. The current head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black was Regulus' father, Orion Black.

The second most important person was the heir (or the heiress). The heir was future head of the family and the person the family protected the most. If something happened to the head, the heir was becoming the leader of the family no matter how old he or she was. At this moment, Regulus himself was the heir (but it seemed that it won't last long). His brother should have been the heir, however, he was disowned as soon as he announced that his beliefs differed from the rest of the Blacks. It was important, because if Orion died before his older son was disowned, Sirius would be untouchable and could chance the family politics.

“Do you even know how hard it is for me? Do you know what people whisper behind my back? That I'm the coward Death Eater's brat. Grandmother Walburga and aunt Narcissa are too overprotective over me. I can't even go alone to the garden because they are afraid that I'll disappear just like you.”

“My dear...”

“Forget it, father,” she spat. “You've ruined my life. And for that – I hate you with all my heart. I won't forgive you. Ever.”

And with those words, the girl turned on her heel and walked away.

“Hermione, please, come back!” he cried after his daughter and intended to get up but he wasn't able to. He was too weak. “Please, child, come back! I did this for you. Please, forgive me. I love you, Hermione, please, come back!”

But she never returned. She didn't even bother to look at him again.

The wizard started crying again. He was in pain and he felt miserable. Hermione was right. He had ruined everything. He was pathetic.

“Master Regulus?” he heard a voice and felt as someone shook him. “Master Regulus?”

He opened his eyes, taking a deep breath. He was lying on the ground, shaking terribly. The old house-elf was standing next to him, looking at him with fear.

“Kreacher?” he whispered. He wasn't able to talk louder. “What happened?”

“You passed out, Master,” said the small creature. “You had hallucinations and were calling the unborn Mistress.”

The Black heir sighed with relief. It was just a dream. A nightmare. His daughter didn't hate him. It all happened just in his head. There was still a chance to fix everything.

“Did you switch the lockets?” he asked.

“No, Master,” Kreacher lowered his ears. “There's still one more cup of potion to drink.”

“Help me to get up,” he said, and with the house-elf's help, he got up from the ground. “And give me the goblet. Then switch lockets and take us home.”

“Yes, Master,” said Kreacher, and a moment later, the boy started drinking the last portion of the liquid.

The old creature was about to switch lockets, when suddenly he heard as something fell to the ground. The house-elf turned his head and saw as the unconscious wizard rolled into the water surrounding the island. Kreacher wanted to save his master, but before he could do anything, he had to switch lockets as it was his order which he was unable to disobey. Then, he rushed towards his master, but it was already too late.

Unknown to Regulus, date 19th September, 1979 didn't appeared only next to his name on the family tree. The same date ended the life of Charlotte Black née Delacour who died right after she gave birth to her little daughter, and it started the life of Hermione Jean Black. The heiress of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

[shctteredillusions]

NAME/NICKNAME: Fleur Constantineau (older) AGE/BIRTHDAY: Early 20′s (verse dependent) / Unknown but was given January 29th GENDER: Female SPECIES: Human LANGUAGES: English, French ORIENTATION/STATUS: Pansexual / Demiromantic HEIGHT/HAIR/EYES: 5′6 / Black / grayish blue TATTOOS/PIERCINGS: None / Ears PARENTS: Adopted by Solene Constantineau FACECLAIM: Sakuya Shirase SIBLINGS: None CHILDREN: None

BIO: When Fleur was just a toddler, Solene found her wandering the streets alone and hungry. Unable to speak even her own name, Solene adopted the child when no one had reported her missing and had given her a home, a name and even a birthday (the day she found her). Fleur grows up to be a happy and vivacious woman, a love of life and a bit of a thrill seeker. She’s smart, outgoing, with the type of personality that just draws people in. She can be a bit sassy depending on who she’s with but overall is very well mannered and respectful. 

A girl like her wouldn’t come as a surprise if she had friends by the dozen and yet she really doesn’t. She prefers to stick close to home with her family, running all over the ranch and helping Solene in any way she can. She looks up to Solene for all that she does and how many people she’s helped and wants to be able to give so selflessly just like Sol. Fleur hasn’t been turned into a lycanthrope yet but she definitely still wants to be and she can feel Solene’s resolve weakening and knows that it won’t be much longer until she can finally truly be one of the family. A wolf just like all the others.

Solene has trained Fleur personally in how to fight and defend herself, the girl showing quite a knack for it and Solene is all too aware of just how much potential she’d possess if she were in fact a wolf. Fleur is a girl of many talents though she prefers to do the simple things like tending to the ranch but it’s not that unusual if you find the girl trying out some rather dangerous stunts not too far from sight. Solene claims that one of these days Fleur will give her a heart attack and that only has Fleur pushing to be turned even more.

[iliveiloveiwrite]

what our god in heaven has in store

A/N: MORE ANGST FOR REMUS! Someone please request some fluff for him soon or I may dehydrate myself with all the tears I keep crying! Okay, so I was really inspired by a line from the second season of The Umbrella Academy (which I have bolded) but I won't spoil! It’s so good though so go watch... after you read this! This isn't very long, I can’t write angst for pages and pages, it hurts too much lol. I’m also less than 10 followers from my next 100 which I can’t believe! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

Title: Les Miserables - One Day More

Summary: The night before the Battle of Hogwarts.

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader

Warnings: angst

Word count: 1k

The Burrow hadn’t seen this many people since Bill’s wedding to Fleur only a few months ago.

A wedding only a few months back… it felt like an entire lifetime ago.

The large oak table that takes centre stage in Molly Weasley’s kitchen is crowded; full beyond capacity.

Members of the Order sit around the table, all nursing their drinks whether it be tea, coffee or something stronger. Seldom few words are spoken; minds alone focusing on the outcome of this war.

It had come to a head.

A message received earlier today: HP on the move to Hogwarts. Final battle to begin soon.

The Order would spend their final night at the Burrow before apparating to the grounds by Hogwarts.

You sip at the dregs of your tea, looking down at the leaves in your cup. A prophecy had started this; a prophecy would end this.

A cool breezes floats in through the open door. It ruffles your hair and has your eyes closing at the feel of it brushing over your skin.

Time was dwindling; a handful of hours left – you were going to enjoy them.

A chair scrapes across the stone floor of the kitchen. Opening your eyes, you catch sight of Remus’ tweed jacket walking out of the door – the morose atmosphere in the room becoming too much.

You follow him after a minute; giving him the time to collect his thoughts and feelings.

The night air is cool, and the smell of Molly’s Freesias is intoxicating. Remus stands before the shoulder-length grass; his entire body tense with anticipation and dread. You walk towards him slowly; your mind running over all possibilities for what you’re about to face come the sunrise.

Remus startles at your hand on his shoulder but relaxes at the sound of your voice, “Darling, what is it?”

His voice is hoarse as he says, “You know, I’ve lived through two wars and I’m not yet forty. I’d like to live through tomorrow to see forty.”

Remus sits down in the grass; not caring whether his suit trousers get wet. He continues, “I’d like to live through tomorrow so I can begin my life with you.”

You fold yourself down into the grass next to him, “You worry me with talk like that.”

He takes your hand in his, tangling your fingers together, “I know. I’m sorry, love. It’s on everyone’s minds though.”

“You’re right. I’d like to live through tomorrow too. I’d like to start this life that you’re speaking about.”

His fingers tighten on yours even more, “Whatever happens, promise me you’ll come back to me.”

You meet his eyes with fierce determination, the very same reflected in your voice, “I will always come back to you. Nothing will keep me apart from you.”

His eyes close as if a long, open wound had finally closed; your words being the balm to heal.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.” He whispers.

“Neither do I. That’s the terrifying part.”

“I know one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

Remus places his forehead against yours; his hands grasp either side of your face. His breath fans across your face as he whispers: “I would take my year with you over a lifetime with anyone else.”

And the tears that you’ve held through this entire conversation finally begin to fall.

Remus kisses your cheeks, brushing away with the tears with your lips. “I’ve never spoken truer words.”

And he hadn’t. Your relationship was still new; just over a year long. It had been a year of anxiety and insecurity with the war, but it had also been a year full of love and passion from Remus. Your feelings for him had always been there; you had known the man since Hogwarts but had been in the year below him. However, that hadn’t stopped you from harbouring a crush on the bookworm Marauder. You never thought he would notice you.

Joining the revival of the Order had you socialising in the same circle, and he started to pay attention to you. He asked for your opinions on plans, on missions. He worried when you went away. He had fallen in love with you and he didn’t even realise it until you were injured. The result of his panic had him confessing to you in your room and Remus had never felt happiness like he felt when you confessed that you felt the same way.

So much depended on tomorrow.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.

Tomorrow they would finally find out what’s in store. Tomorrow they would find out whether they had a future or not. Tomorrow they would know whether the plans they had created in the calm of the night would come to fruition.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. The words run through your head like a mantra; they chorused like a choir. You wouldn't let yourself think past tonight; tomorrow would be a problem for tomorrow. Right now, you’re going to remain in this moment with the love of your life. 

Your tears are mixed with Remus’ own as he presses kiss after kiss to your mouth. He pulls you into his lap; you straddle his thighs. Kiss after kiss is shared; words don’t need to be spoken through this. He’s making up for every kiss he didn’t do, and for every kiss he may never do after tomorrow.

Optimism is more than essential for this, and Remus is trying. He is trying because his future had never looked so until the first time you kissed him. His future had never taken form beyond the lunar cycle until you had whispered the words ‘I love you’ against his skin, mouthing them over the scars that mar his body.

Remus had never wished for a lot. He gave up after he wished to never experience a full moon again, but he still transformed the next month.

But he wished for this. He wished for you. He wished for a future in the form of a shared home, a wedding, children.

He wished, and wished, and wished.

And once he was done with his wishing, he’ll begin his praying.

Tomorrow decides it all.

But Remus has already decided; it’s you, and it always will be, and he’ll fight and fight for it.

********

General (HP) taglist: @chaotic-fae-queen @obsessedwithrandomthings @harrypotter289 @dreamer821​ @heloisedaphnebrightmore​@nebulablakemurphy​ @the-hufflefluffwriter @figlia--della--luna​ @bforbroadway​ @idont-knowrn @summer-writes

[amongushq]

Hello friends of all sizes and shapes! Admin Fleur here with an important message I hope you will all take the time to read. I included tl;dr’s after each important section, so just jump to those if you don’t have the stamina for this long-winded explanation and ‘booster shot’ about GODMODDING, an issue we have encountered often enough lately to warrant this post. Hopefully it will answer questions you may have and give useful pointers !

NB: It is strongly recommended that you read this post and give it a like. If you hit that heart-shaped button, we’ll assume you understand and agree with what’s under the cut, which means we will use the eyes emoji on you if you mess up. If you do godmod and haven’t liked the post, we will link you to it so you can be up to date with our expectations. Not liking the post will only save you once, though, so better check out the  ( less than 1.5k words )  monster below !

First of all, what exactly is godmodding ?

We are all familiar with the half of it that’s forcing actions, thoughts, or anything else on someone else’s character, therefore stealing their agency from them. It could be describing said character getting hit by yours and the consequences of that hit, it could be implying a specific action or reaction that you wish they’d have to something your own character did. If you suppose someone’s OC cannot do a backflip and include that in your reply when they are actually a gymnastics prodigy, that was godmodding as well.

The other side of godmodding we don’t think about as much puts emphasis on the word god: your character is the smartest, fastest, strongest, no hit will ever land, no one will ever take them by surprise. In addition, they will never be caught with a wrong opinion or making any mistake, ever, because they are amazing and everyone loves them. Except, most likely not.

tl;dr: godmodding is writing your rp partner’s character in their place, be it their actions, backstory, abilities, or thoughts. It is also making your own character into some sort of Achilles minus the weak heel: compare to Mary Sue and Gary Stu.

Why does it have such a bad rep in the rp community ?

It becomes frustrating for the other player because, most of the time, godmodding does not play in their favour, making their OC look weaker, dumber, and generally less than they are supposed to be. If your character implied something about the other that is entirely wrong, the other player will have to disprove that claim in their next reblog, and your thread will quickly become a ‘[NAME] 101′, which no one is interested in. If this happens too often, they might even feel like not writing against you anymore, which is the opposite of what we’re here for ! It also gives them a bad image of you, like you haven’t taken any interest in their character whatsoever and just want to further yours, which may come across as selfish or rude – nothing good either way.

As for the superior character shebang, well... It does sound like bad writing. Of course your character can have talents, even excel in a couple areas, but no one is that perfect. Invincible characters are often attributed to beginners or younger writers who still have a lot to learn, so you are expected to discard that bad habit or those character traits over time. If you aren’t new to the scene but still write overpowered characters who can do no wrong, you will most likely attract people with the same kind of OCs, as those with more balanced characters may not trust you to be fair in your interactions. And if two or more perfect characters meet, it’s bound to become bothersome as they’ll always deliver perfect hits but never land a single blow, or all threads could become an intellectual pissing contest. Either way: tiring, and not the most fun for you.

tl;dr: people will assume you’re not dedicated, not interested in real and meaningful interactions, and unwilling to give your character building one hundred percent of your abilities. Which... ouch.

How do I avoid coming off as godmodding ?

Luckily, fixing that mistake is as easy as falling for it! You only need to keep in mind that whatever you write about the other mun’s character, there has to be some sort of emergency exit they can use if you’ve been incorrect in your assumption. Therefore, your character hasn’t heard someone throw an insult at them, they either think they’ve heard one, or they heard one but are wondering if it was meant for them. In the same way, they won’t throw a punch right on the other’s nose or scare them and make them jump out of their own skin, but aim that punch at B’s nose and silently make their approach, hoping to elicit this or that kind of reaction.

It’s a good idea to talk to the other mun and plot before replying to/writing starters: you can make sure they know your muse wouldn’t be fooled by sweet words, they can let you know their OC is a master at sounding honest when they’re not. So what? Your own character has good gut instinct when it comes to others: stalemate, your child can shine through at perceiving some ill intent coming from theirs, who in turn still manages to confuse yours !

Reading the bio page or app of the character you want to write against is always a good idea, as well as any headcanons they might have. Coming to someone already knowing the bases of their OC will definitely break the ice and minimise the impact of accidental godmodding in the future! It will also avoid you thinking they would react favourably to your stranger of an OC offering them flowers at random on the street, when character B is said to be distrustful and was noted to have an allergy to pollen.

As for overpowering your own character, try character stat charts! This one right >here< is very good, and you can add other points as you see fit. As you fill it in, you have a visual representation of their skills, which is really helpful in figuring out when too much is too much. Ideally, when combining all scores, you would fall somewhere between 40-60% Additionally you can try to figure out their pros and cons in pairs: they are great at guessing what people want to hear. Does that make them people-pleasers? Do they have trouble asserting themselves then if it means going against what they think would be the ideal answer? And at the same time, wouldn’t that make them the ideal friend to confide in with a heavy heart? As long as you have balance, your character can be a genius fighter — all that matters is that they are weak somewhere else.

tl;dr: when you assume something about a character who’s not yours, make sure to write it that way: it’s a wild guess, not a certainty. Never land a hit if you’re not ready for reciprocity. Communicate with others, read bios/apps! Give your character weaknesses to balance out their strengths. Sympathy points come from their failures, not their successes !

I’ve been godmodded. What do I do?

Let them know. Honestly, a lot of that happens because the offending party was in a rush, impatient, or not properly focused. It’s very rare that someone would purposefully demean your character or overplay theirs, so a simple message telling them where they went wrong should do it! You could even use the occasion to tell them more about your character so to hopefully avoid later mistakes. Understanding the ratio of power at play will help the both of you write a much better interaction where both characters are depicted correctly.

Now, if you notice that someone is a repeat offender, even though you’ve politely asked them several times to be careful, it’s time to let us know so we can take the necessary striking measures.

tl;dr: tell them about it. If they keep it up, tell us about it.

Is godmodding ever okay ?

It can be! We’ve all had the misfortune of suddenly being kidnapped for a family dinner out at the last minute in the middle of a back-and-forth group thread, and the general response to that is generally to have the character fall asleep or leave the scene momentarily. At other times though, you can trust your writing partners enough to throw a hasty ‘just godmod my kid, it’s fine !’ before being lost to the internet for fancy salad and a towering, organic burger. That way, your character isn’t suddenly wiped out from an event, and it will be easier for you to get back into the swing of things once you’re home again — all the while knowing your precious child is in good hands.

There’s also the possibility of you and one or several close friends being as at ease with each other’s characters as you are with your own, so you can have a guess at an immediate reaction (gasping, huffing, frowning, etc) they would have and be right about it. This is mostly at your and your friends’ discretion.

Honorable mention: assuming a character is stepping inside a place there need to be, or walking along with yours as they are heading somewhere together, is generally accepted. So it’s okay to have your character A slip inside a room then close the door after B got in as well, or keep talking to B as they start walking towards their destination.

tl;dr: if you’ve got express permission or an action was already implied in a previous reply, go for it !

And that concludes this PSA! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, either flick us an ask or contact me (fleur) on Discord! I’m the croissant emoji, because I’m witty and hilarious.

[morsmordrehasbeensaved]

CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA, YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AS GABRIELLE BELLAMY WITH THE FACECLAIM OF GABRIELLA WILDE!

We already adored your first application for our dear Lily, Alyssa, and this one was just as wonderful to read! In particular, we love that she is still somewhat of a semi-canon by her relation to Apolline - but that is definitely not the only reason; her personality seemed really fitting with her biography, and the description you wrote we absolutely adored as well! We’re super glad to have her as an addition to our group. 

Check out our acceptance checklist right here on what to do next!

♔ OUT OF CHARACTER INFO ♔

NAME/ALIAS:

Alyssa

AGE:

21 – My birthday is December 20!

PREFERRED PRONOUNS:

She/Her

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY:

CST/GMT -6

Out of ten, I’d say that my activity is typically around an 8! I get on periodically throughout the day, and most evening/late nights. I am a college student, majoring in theatre, though, so this can all change depending on rehearsals, homework, and of course, whatever life decides to throw at me. I try to let people know if a particularly rough week is coming up!

TRIGGERS:

REMOVED.

ANYTHING ELSE:

REMOVED.

♔ IN CHARACTER INFO ♔

FULL NAME:

Gabrielle Viviane Bellamy

Has been called Gabi and Elle in the past, though she thinks both are rather horrendous, and highly prefers her full name, especially if pronounced with the proper French accent.

Gabrielle: A traditional French name, the Bellamys gave both of their daughters names that signified the strength they wanted their girls to have.

Viviane: Meaning ‘lively’, from the moment she was born, Gabrielle was a ball of spunk and passion. Rarely taking no for an answer, she fights against what is expected of her, and the boxes that people try to stick her in.

Bellamy: Translating to ‘good friend’, her father, Clément, has always found his family name rather poetic.

FACECLAIM:

Gabriella Wilde

BIRTHDAY AND AGE:

Gabrielle has a summer birthday - June 21, 1961, meaning she’s in the younger part of most of her classes. She just turned 17 over the summer, and has been exercising the fact that she’s technically an adult frequently.

HOUSE AND YEAR:

She is a seventh year transfer from Beauxbatons, and was placed in Ravenclaw.

AFFILIATION:

Order of the Phoenix, it’s the entire reason she came to England, though she hasn’t technically joined yet. I’d love to have a plot point when she does officially join, though!

PRONOUNS:

She/Her

SEXUALITY/ROMANTIC ORIENTATION:

Gabrielle is heterosexual, however, she’s incredibly wary of most men. She saw the happiness her sister found, but has only had experiences of men who are interested in her due to her looks, and if she is ever going to be with someone, they need to do a whole lot of proving that they respect her for who she is, not what she is.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

Charms club and dueling club, though I could see her trying to start some sort of political awareness/activism club as well.

DESCRIPTION:

The younger of the pair, the French always looked on you and your sister as perfect little images of what a little girl should be. You fought against that tooth and nail though, educating yourself and those around you. You wouldn’t be their picture perfect idealization of a person. With strength and morals to boot, you are constantly proving that your mind is just as important as your looks

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

+ Passionate

+ Intelligent

+ Brave

- Impulsive

- Short-tempered

- Judgmental

BIOGRAPHY:

Clément Bellamy had resigned to a bachelor’s life early on. A career with the French ministry ate away at most of his time, and he was okay with the idea of dedicating his life to public service. That all changed when he met Marietta, and was instantly drawn to her - beyond being the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, she challenged the way he thought, had quick quips in response to almost everything he said, and he soon found himself craving their conversations. Mariette, a veela, was impressed by the man who seemed to look beyond her looks and beauty, and the two married.

The couple soon had two daughters - Apolline and Gabrielle, both born with the beauty of their mother, and the mind and resilience of their father. From the beginning, Apolline was Gabrielle’s greatest friend and confidante. The two girls were taught early about the equality and rights of people - that all people deserved these rights. Their father did not shy away from sharing his distresses with them, and their mother the prejudices she had faced in trying to be taken seriously. The girls experienced it themselves as they grew, watching as more and more people only thought of them as a pretty face.

Gabrielle entered Beauxbatons three years after her sister, and quickly began to excel in her studies, showing an early aptitude for charms work and deuling. She made friends easily, but found that many of them only wanted to be around for the idea of being close to a half-veela. She found herself growing close to very few, and instead, dedicated her time and energies to studying, and learning new techniques and ideas, determined to prove that she was more than her heritage, and more than just another pretty face.

After Apolline graduated, stories from England started finding their way into French newspapers. Her father seemed distressed enough reading about what was brewing in the foreign country, and Gabrielle watched as he stayed late at work, and grew more and more weary looking. For her own part, she stayed as up to date as possible, having not only French, but English newspapers as well, sent to her at school. A happy time was brought by Apolline’s marriage to one Monsieur Delacour, and the subsequent birth of Gabrielle’s niece, Fleur, enchanted the family.

Still, something wasn’t sitting right in her when thinking of the brewing conflict in England. She heard rumblings of various groups forming, and felt a desperate need to be a part of something that actually meant something. Making a decision for herself, she sent necessary letters and class reports, and by the middle of the summer, had presented an invitation to finish her schooling at Hogwarts to her parents. They argued at first, but at her insistence, finally permitted her to go. To them, however, her desire to study in England comes from a hopeful future career as a foreign ambassador or minister. Though they know of the unsettling times, they do not know their daughter’s desire to be a part of it all.

Packing and moving to England was one of the hardest things Gabrielle was faced with, and taking a deep breath, she took her first step onto the Hogwarts Express and didn’t look back. The year will be challenging, she knows, but she’s ready for what comes next, and ready to prove that she’s more than just another pretty face.

CONNECTIONS:

Edgar Bones; Friends, first interaction at Hogwarts

Ludovic Bagman; annoyance

Amara Zabini; acquaintance, shares many classes

*Liliane Chastain; best friend, familiar face from home

*Kay’s OC

ADDITIONAL INFO:

I thought I’d share with you some of my general ideas for Gabrielle! As stated in her bio, she is Apolline Delacour’s younger sister, making her half veela. She’s spent most of her life fighting against people who take her at face value, and because of her father’s involvement in the French political sphere, has developed her own moral compass and ideas for what’s right and what’s wrong. As she started to learn about what was brewing over in England, she found herself getting more and more upset, and knew that she couldn’t just sit back and let it happen. She heard rumblings and rumors of the Order and knew that she had to be a part of it, and using a hopeful future career in foreign affairs as a catalyst, got herself sent to England to attend Hogwarts for her last year of school.

As for the future - after she graduates, Gabrielle will be joining the Order, and consistently trying to fight and stand up against the injustices. She misses her family a lot, especially her sister and niece, and frequently thinks about and talks about them. The biggest thing, though, is that Gabrielle will not be surviving the war, and will eventually be Gabrielle Delacour’s namesake.

[psychic-readingonline]

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