#(look it seems like it is her first time flight-attendant-ing but this is just for the jokes)

[aardvaark]

considering we know parker has travelled overseas a LOT pre-leverage, her pre-flight announcement as a flight attendant in the mile high job is particularly funny to me. either she’s been itching to share that "jet fuel burns at over 1000 degrees" with fellow passengers on her previous flights, or perhaps this isn’t the first time she’s given that speech

[nationalharryleague]

Christmas in Holmes Chapel

Pairing: Harry Styles x Y/N

Genre: Christmas fluff on top of Christmas fluff

Word count: 1.7K 

A/N: Hi everyone! This is something I wrote super quick because I was in the Christmas spirit! I was/am also quite drunk (so be nice)!! More of my better writing can be found in my masterlist and I would love to hear what you think ab this in my ask! Also shoutout to Liz (@kiwicherryallaboutharry​) and Morgan (@soullikestyles​) for beta-ing and being sweethearts!! Thank you for reading <3

***

Shouts of “they’re finally here!” were the first things she heard when Harry opened the door to his mum’s house. After two delayed flights, ten hours on a plane, and bumper to bumper traffic the entire way to Anne’s, they were in shambles. This was the first time the pair were spending Christmas with Harry’s family, and this was definitely not the way she wanted it to start. She almost started crying when Gemma took her into her arms after nearly running across the house to greet her.

“I’m so happy you two made it,” she smiled, rubbing Y/N’s tired back when she didn’t release from the hug right away. “I was afraid that you weren’t going to make it tonight.”

“I could cry, Gem. I'm so happy to be here right now,” she confessed honestly, exhaustion clear in her voice.

Gemma released her from the embrace when Harry tapped her on the shoulder. “Hello? I’m here too. Do you not miss your baby brother?” His voice dripped with sarcasm and his dimples were deep on his cheeks, as they always were when he was home.

She rolled her eyes at him, muttering sarcastically “not as much as I missed your lovely girlfriend,” before he pulled her into a hug of his own. The two were the spitting image of each other, both with their exceptionally similar smiles and adorable noses. He squeezed the smaller woman tight, enjoying their reunion after not seeing each other for at least three or four months. They were still so close, even after Harry’s move to LA to be closer to his girlfriend. Y/N had pretended more than once that she hadn’t overheard them when he would call her for relationship advice.

Looking away from the Styles siblings, she was met by Anne's bright smile paired with her wide open arms extended for a hug. “Sweetheart, it’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed with a Santa hat sitting snugly on her head, pulling her close to the woman’s warm and kind body. “There are plates of dinner made up for the two of you in the kitchen and plenty of leftovers in the fridge if you want any more.” She was naturally so caring about those around her and tonight was no different.

“Thank you so much, Anne,” she said graciously. “I’m so sorry we’re so late.”

“Oh, stop it. It’s a Christmas miracle you made it at all with the snow,” she brushed away her apologies, her voice taking a more serious turn as she locked her eyes with hers. “I’m so happy you’re here, Y/N. You’re just as much a part of our family as Harry is now.”

Y/N’s heart warmed with the kindness behind Anne’s words. There was so much love surrounding her right now, too much for her to comprehend without getting teary eyed. She was so thankful for the tenderness and care Harry’s family had shown her over the last three years. She felt at home in what used to just be a house to her; like she was a part of the family.

“Oi, stop hogging her,” Harry teased Y/N, bumping her hip lightly with his and nudging her out of the way so he could hug his mum.

“Harry Edward, I raised you to be polite. Leave the poor girl alone,” she scolded, but opened her arms up wide to receive her son. He was so much bigger than she was, seeming to swallow her body whole in his arms. Y/N couldn’t help the smile that came to her lips as she watched the two interact.

The pair of travelers were passed around the living room, giving hugs and kisses to the various aunts, uncles, cousins, and stragglers that were attending Christmas Eve dinner at Anne’s. The room was full of loud boisterous laughter and Christmas music that played off an antique record player and it smelled like wine and the remnants of a large dinner that had been eaten when they just couldn’t wait any longer for the two to arrive.

Y/N’s stomach growled without permission as soon as she saw the plates of food resting on the counter that had been waiting for them. The pair stood hovered over the plates and ate like they hadn’t seen food in weeks. At the moment, she could only think of two things she knew about Anne for sure: she knew how to raise children and she was a fantastic cook.

When she looked up and saw a spot of gravy hanging on the edge of Harry’s mouth, she just couldn’t resist. She tiptoed and pressed a short kiss to the corner of his lips, taking the gravy with her in the process. He looked down at her with a slightly surprised, but mostly loving, look after she pulled away. The edges of his lips turned up, asking “What was that for?”

“You had something,” she mused, jokingly twirling her pointer finger in the direction of her own mouth.

Before she could process it, his lips were back on hers, kissing her slowly and with so much love. His lips were soft and pillowy as always, but there was something more behind them that she just couldn’t place.

“What was that for?” she asked breathlessly when he released her, using his own words against him.

“I know I have been kind of on edge all day and I just wanted to thank you for dealing with me. I love you so much.” She couldn’t fight the grin that found its way onto her face every time he told her that he loved her. Sometimes she still couldn’t believe she had nabbed such a good one.

“I love you too. Are you alright?” She asked worriedly, noticing the way his eyebrows were nervously knit together and how his posture was slightly worsened like it always was when he was stressed.

“I’ll be okay soon.” There was more behind his words, she knew it for sure, but Harry was very good at playing it cool when he wanted to. She knew he would either tell her soon or it would resolve on its own; she trusted him to tell her what was going on if he really needed her.

Her train of thought was interrupted when Gemma stuck her head into the kitchen and announced that the annual Charades tournament was beginning. Y/N had only heard about the myth of the Charades tournament before and she was excited to find out why her boyfriend raved about it so often. Harry excitedly grabbed her hand, leading her into the crowded living room, watching as the first teams had already begun acting out and guessing.

Before long, it was Harry and Y/N’s turn to go, matched up against Gemma and her husband. She sat on the couch, assigned to play the guesser after he cockily told her ‘there's only one actor in this family,’ and watched closely as both Harry and Gemma read the clue written on the small slip of paper. Gemma gave him a playful and excited smile before extending a friendly hand for him to shake.

“You ready for this, H?” she asked, but once again, Y/N felt like there was more behind her words than friendly competition. Y/N began to think she was being kept in the dark about something, but before she could think too hard about it the pair had begun their miming.

Harry took the approach of creating a circle with his pointer and thumb, repeatedly slipping the whole he had created over his left ring finger.

“Wedding ring!” she guessed excitedly from the couch, only to be met with a shake of his head.

He then moved to get down on one knee, pretending to hold a ring box in his hands. “Asking someone to marry you!” she questioningly yelled again, only met with another shake of his head, but she could tell she was getting closer.

It was when he performed the same ring gesture while on his knee that she got it. “Engagement ring!” She nearly screamed and jumped off the couch, twirling in celebration (a symptom of always being a bit too competitive) after Harry’s face lit up and signaled they had won.

She was confused for a split second when she came back around and Harry was still on his knee, but it all made sense when she saw the real ring box that was now in his hands. Her hands flew up to her face in shock and she was unable to form coherent thoughts, let alone words.

“My love,” he began softly, “I knew I wanted you in my life forever from the moment I met you at that stupid bar. I fought Mitch so hard that night, but he dragged me along and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She remembered that night fondly, but it had admittedly been a mess. She had just gotten dumped and so had Harry, when they found each other at the end of the bar, far away from anyone who was actually having fun, they had started talking and never stopped.

“You make me a better person,” he went on as tears had begun to roll down her cheeks, “and I never want to be who I was before I met you ever again. I love you so much and I never want to live without you. So,” he took a deep breath with hopeful eyes, “will you marry me?”

A shout of “Yes!” let her lips before he even finished, throwing herself at him and bringing him into a kiss.

It all made sense now. She understood why Harry had been so upset when their flight had been messed up, and why Gemma and Anne had been so excited to see them, and especially why he had been on edge all day. He was nervous to ask her, in the most charming and endearing way.

The crowd around them cheered when they finally stood up and their eyes locked as Harry delicately slid the ring onto her left hand. His eyes were slightly teary, but held an excitement that was unmatched. The ring was giant and beautiful, exactly what she expected from him when the time came, and she could barely tear her eyes away from it.

“This is the best Christmas present ever, H. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Thank you for reading! Reblogs/feedback are much appreciated!! 

[imo-chan-imagines]

『 Haikyuu!! Week 2020 | Day 3 』

· Sept. 27th → Irresistible Force ·

Characters: Karasuno team

Prompts: A. favourite team + B. crossover/AU

Tags/warnings: Haikyuu!! (anime), PG, fluff, crack, a teensy bit of angst (because who doesn't love a sad superhero backstory), headcanons, AU, superheroes, HaikyuuWeek2020

A/N: Again, I love all the teams and didn't want to pick, but life is cruel, so here I am. This is headcanons about my fav team (Karasuno) in an AU (superheroes). I was thinking of a Hero Association, kind of like in 'The Boys'? But less corrupt... Maybe more like in 'One Punch'? I think you get me.

All of my Haikyuu Week 2020 posts will be SFW, but I have NFSW content on my blog if that butters your biscuit. Feel free to check it out! Thanks for reading! Please enjoy ♡ Imo~

Karasuno / Superhero Association AU

×

☆ Sawamura Daichi ☆

Powers: nigh invulnerability, super strength, enhanced healing

If he's not the ordinary cop that somehow befriends the heroes I was tempted then he's definitely the leader of the superhero group

Kind of like Superman in the old-school Justice League, just not as OP lol

Looks damn good is spandex those thighs *sweats*

Cape!! so ✨majestic✨

Probably wears dark-ish, neutral colours with a dash of blue

A bit serious. Not the kind of hero to go around making quips all the time, but will make light of his own suffering like Captain America

Takes younger heroes under his wing like the true Dadchi he is

Strong moral compass. Unbreakable

Won't hesitate to lay down his life for others

Who am I kidding. He's basically Captain America with a cape

Poster-boy for the Hero Association

×

☆ Sugawara Koushi ☆

Powers: telekinesis

A soft, pearly aesthetic with his suit, hair and skin. Lots of white and silver

A favourite among the ladies he's just too pretty, damm it T T

Very plucky and adorable

People in the vicinity will literally faint when he goes all serious to concentrate and use his powers

Has a duo move with Daichi where he literally throws him like a missle YEET

Has the most followers on Twitter and TikTok and his fans can be pretty nuts

Has a perfume line named after him and models for the adverts

Will smile like an angel right before bringing a building down on top of you fuck, I find this one really funny

×

☆ Azumane Asahi ☆

Powers: regeneration, enhanced stength

Kind of like Wolverine or Deapool but, like, much, much softer on the inside uwu

Wears green and black

Messed up big time back in the day and dropped off the grid out of guilt some people died :(

Was convinced to come back when his old teammates finally found him again because they needed his help in a crisis

Literally shed tears of relief when heroes and citizens alike welcomed him back instead of hating him mah heart *sniffs*

Can withstand seemingly anything and fully heal within a matter of days

Doesn't know the full extent of his powers himself. How exactly do one test it? 🤔

Still has to psych himself up for a fight, though big softy, really

×

☆ Shimizu Kiyoko ☆

Powers: electrokinesis, flight

Powers like Storm from X-Men, and kicks ass like Wonder Woman

Refuses to wear a revealing suit, but looks bomb af anyway

Kiyoko = absolute queen

One of the most powerful heroes, but doesn't throw her weight around unless she's kicking bady-guy booty

Stella gynamast, and has mastered several martial arts

Can literally throw a guy three times her size, all without any strength powers Tanaka: 👁👄👁

Somehow has perfect hair all the time secret superpower??

Is active on the political stage as a human rights activist, headlining women's rights yes, yes yes

Will strike you with lightning for sexual harassment

Comes up with really good mission plans

Is a soothing balm for Tanaka when he loses it

Black and gold aesthetic✨

Asymmetrical cape! super fashionable

Poster-girl for the Hero Association

☆ Tanaka Ryuunosuke ☆

Powers: fire generation and manipulation

Tanaka brings the heat literally

A bit of a chaotic-good, but what's new there?

Can get out of control if he loses his focus, so his friends have to keep him grounded Kiyoko is a literal angel when that happens

Kiyoko: Sun's getting real low...

Bonus points if you get the reference

Is terrified of hurting innocents if he gets out of control

It rarely happens, but if he loses his self confidence, his powers don't seem to work

Shouts cringy lines at the villains before roasting their asses lmfao

Wears a black and orange flame-retardant suit, and actually looks pretty fine in it 😌👌

Literally head over heels for Kiyoko just imagine it. Biggest hype man

×

☆ Nishinoya Yuu ☆

Powers: animal metamorphosis, enhanced speed

Think Beast Boy from 'Teen Titans', but less green he's more likely to be yellow or orange, lmao

Handy in lots of different situations. Very versatile

Incredibly cheeky and joins in with Tanaka's cheesy jokes and one-liners

Absolute maniac, but the people love him, especially schoolkids lmao

Has his own energy drink flavour, and he's STOKED about it

Yellow and black suit, kind of like his hair

Has a surprisingly large following of fans

Laps up the attention, but it doesn't really go to his head

Quiet and serious when he's on a mission/fighting

☆ Hinata Shouyou ☆

Powers: self replication, super speed, levitation

His powers took a while to properly manifest, which left him feeling isolated as a teen

Was pretty lost until Ukai helped train him

Got into a fight with Kageyama in an alleyway when he first met him MET HIM IN THE STREET, LMAO

Argues with Kageyama a lot at headquarters, but they work together like a dream when taking down bad guys

Has a heart of literal gold precious baby

Is contantly amazed when he helps significantly

Was inspired to become a hero by his idol, the Little Giant and it's his dream to inspire someone else 😭😭

Uses his replication ability to confuse the bad guys ULTIMATE DECOY

Levitates around the room when he's excited like Aang from ATLA, hahaha

Wears an orange, white and yellow suit with little wings on his heels cuuuute

×

☆ Kageyama Tobio ☆

Powers: water/ice generation and manipulation, breathing underwater, superhuman reflexes

I was tempted to give him fire/ice powers like Todoroki, but I didn't want to detract from Tanaka

Has problems focusing his powers, and can be quite turbulent in the heat of battle

Finds it hard to work well with others initially, but really makes an effort

Has hurt people close to him by accident before and never wants to do it again it would tear him apart

Becomes a power duo with Hinata when Ukai helps train them, even though they don't seem to get on well at first

Broody boi on the surface, but a cinnamon roll deep down

Wears a dark blue and deep purple suit that has fins to assist in underwater escapades which are his forte

Freezes Hinata's feet to the floor when he pisses him off or anybody's feet, tbh

Can dodge almost anything because of his reflexes don't ever try to punch him. You'll look stupid

Is surprised by the number of people in his fan club especially the number of women asking to marry him??

×

☆ Tsukishima Kei ☆

Powers: telepathy, superhuman intellect, mind control on weak-willed individuals

Prefers to outwit his enemies rather than getting into a brawl

But his self-designed gadgets and tech help him out if he has to a bit like Tony Stark, wink wonk

Sometimes makes you question if he's really a hero or not Tsukki, please

Doesn't take orders well

Baits villains by insulting them and getting the better of them with his words it's hilarious

Comes up with good plans, but improvises well with whatever he's got

Probably wears suits over his spandex most of the time fancy shmancy

Is prepared to die to protect Yamaguchi waahhh

×

☆ Yamaguchi Tadashi ☆

Powers: invisibility, force fields, teleportation

Susan Storm with added teleportation, lol

Often finds it hard to value his powers because they're not as visually strong and impressive as other people's

Rather than squaring up to a battle, he often has to 'hide' from it by literally going invisible

But he gradually becomes aware of how vital his powers can be, and learns to control them and make them as advantageous as possible

Is a highly important and valued member of the team

Soft bean that gets nervous and throws up before a fight

But he's hella determined and won't back down

Honestly, just wants to protect Tsukki and make him proud PROTECT HIM

×

☆ Yachi Hitoka ☆

Powers: size manipulation

She can shrink and enlarge herself and objects she touches at will, including other people

Sometimes shrinks really small to avoid social situations she doesn't want to be in samez, honey

The clumsiest and least experienced on the team

But she tries her best, gradually getting to grips with her powers

Sometimes uses her powers by accident, like when she's nervous

Once touched a watermelon slice on the refreshment table and accidentally blew it up to the size of a car Hinata, Kageyama and Noya fully dug in with their faces 😭😭

Nearly passed out when Daichi, the literal god of the Hero Association, told her she had great potential

Don't worry, Yams teleported and caught her

☆ Ukai Keishin ☆

Powers: laser vision, metal mimicry

The has-been hero who lost his enthusiasm for hero-ing and retired some years ago

Was really cool back in his hayday. Big hot-shot with a fan club

Has been working as a convenience store attendant to pay the bills and is bored out of his mind but refuses to admit it

Was convinced to get back in the game when he found Hinata and Kageyama fighting, both struggling with their abilities. He broke up the fight and agreed to coach them

Doesn't do much of the flashy hero stuff anymore, but will occasionally get stuck in when he's needed must protecc his children

Is only, like, ten years older than the other heroes, but they treat him like some fossilised sensei out of Natuto, or some shit

Tbf, he has the back problems of one 😭😭

×

☆ Takeda Ittetsu ☆

Powers: power absorption

Transferred from being a hero to hero management after having having issues with the effects of his powers he has a conscience :(

He felt guilty and responsible for permanently taking the powers of others, even if they were criminals

It was like removing a piece of their souls it kind of broke him

These days, he makes sure nobody knows about his powers, so it can't be used against him

He helps in any other way possible

He would only use his powers again in dire circumstances he knows he'll eventually have to

Is generally chipper and good natured, though

If he was ever captured by a villain, they'd probably send him back because he talks too much omg, hahaha

Helps gather info for the team and direct them on missions and in fights

Gives bomb inspirational speeches ✊

© imo-chan-imagines 2020

[la-luna-es-hermosa]

EXO Reaction to a Filipino Idol

Note: Bruh I think I have overdone this reaction. This reaction is made from a request by an anon! I am so excited to finally receive an ask! But yes I did make this reaction extra special because of my hiatus. Sorry for not being active anymore because I have been addicted to osu and other rhythm games (Arcaea and Superstar SM). I have also been in a new fandom (in my profile picture) I know I gotta stay loyal for my boy Jongin but I just can’t. For this blog, I will still accept requests, still active, but I will be more active in @kuwurapikaaa​ ! If you want hunter x hunter, the arcana, jjba and A3! content, check that blog up too! I am finishing drafts there as well - MeiQI

Junmyeon

You guys met at one of the designer parties he attends to. Despite being in the same industry, you guys haven’t really faced each other. He was probably too busy tending to his members.

In that moment, he finally had enough courage or time to actually talk to you. He really liked how you guys shared many struggles, from trainee days and even today. “I really understood your struggles back then. Adjusting to a new country and lifestyle is really hard.” He said to you as he patted your shoulders.

Junmyeon would give out flowers every promotion you had. Even if your group didn’t win, you always get a bouquet from him. Your members started assuming that he has a liking on you.

Your family started to notice his actions as well. “Are you sure that Junmyeon isn’t courting you?” Your concerned father asked. He loves his unica hija (lit. unique daughter, in context: only daughter) too much to just let her go with a mere guy. He has to know more about Junmyeon before letting his child date him.

It seemed like everyone around you are just beating around the bush because of his actions around you. But all that was worth it as he went to your parents and asked them if he can court you. “Mr. and Mrs. (Surname), I like your daughter (Name). Can I court her?” He asked them. - The parents did not even question it since Suho is such a sweetheart

Junmyeon also started exploring more about the Philippines, knowing that his beautiful girlfriend is from the country. He would firstly look up at pieces of art made by Filipino artists (with the likes of Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna), it would be a bonus if you’re interested in art as well. Most of your conversations would end up being about you guy’s cultures and how the painters showed the message they want to put out there.

He would also end up being really curious about the language as well. I can see him trying to learning the language just for you. “Sobrang mahal kita, ikaw ang aking mundo” He says with a cute bashful smile. It still sounded different because of his Korean accent. You found it quite endearing that he will go through all this lengths to impress you and show how much he loves you.

Minseok

For Xiumin... hmm... it’s hard because I can’t really picture Xiumin with a Filipino girl or a foreigner in general. It’s not that he doesn’t like Foreigners, but I am very unsure about it. Like Kyungsoo, he is really into girls that are more traditional.

Like everyone else, Minseok would be really interested in your culture. The delicious food, the language you spoke. He would always listen to the way your voice shifted when you speak to him and to your parents. “Ma okay lang ako... nag-iingat naman po kami ni Minseok.” You spoke to your worried mother over the phone.

Although I can see him trying to actually learn Tagalog just for you. He would learn it in secret until he was fluent enough to tell you that “(Y/N) ikaw lamang ang aking mamahalin” and write you a whole essay on why he loves you just in Tagalog.

In music shows, like Junmyeon, he will send you lots of flowers because that is exactly where you guys met at. Every time your group had a comeback that was around the same time as his, he will always look at you and got the courage to sneak in his phone number.

Minseok texts you a lot, telling you if you got his flowers or if your parents approved of him. - Of course your parents approved of him, even saying that you grew up too fast as you now have a boyfriend. 

You guys haven’t had the time to be together due to his military enlistement, but as soon as he can hold his phone again, you were the one of the first people he messaged. “Sorry I haven’t talked to you” He said.

But out of all the EXO members, he gave you the sweetest confession at a park at night. “I want to say that I enjoy your company and I am thinking about my future with you.” He said to you as his hands cupped your face.

Yixing

I remember the time he said PhiliPENIS, this man right here lol. Anyway, jokes aside I think Yixing would be really interested in your culture. It is a bonus point that both of you are foreigners and are in the same industry. Like Suho, Yixing met you in one of those luxury parties hosted by fashion labels.

You immediately caught his eyes, the look you were wearing really suited you. The colors were beautiful, just like you. When the cameras aren’t rolling, this is where he would move. He would DM you via instagram and that is where you guys will start to talk. It went from simple “how are you?”, to the more complicated topics. You were his home, the place he would go to if he’s stress.

It would definitely be a bonus if you like doing music. You would be singing many of his demos so that he can really see if he did a great job. His source of inspiration is you as he stays late at night to compose something for him.

Even if you’re an idol, your relationship would still be long distance as he is in China and you’re in Korea, promoting with your group. (With some sneaky flights to China), “I miss you Yixing...” You smiled at him as you looked at the screen, Yixing is working hard in the studio.

“I miss you too... I wish I can hug you.” He said to you, his eyes somber as he looked at the screen of his phone, seated at his studio, working on a new song. Every time you guys kissed, hugged or touched each other, it felt more electrifying as you have never met him often.

Since he had always been a dancer, I can see him trying to learn Cariñosa (I had a dream like this aaaa), he would be really curious at the many dances the Philippines offered.

(Note: I have to cut the reaction for Yixing because I might get political and I don’t wanna get in jail anytime soon lol)

Baekhyun

I feel Baekhyun would be a bit more safer with a Filipino girl (given what happened to his ex-girlfriend). I can see him being with one as he was the one who came up with the Phixo name in the first place.

He would protect you so much to the point that he will not reveal you guys are together. With what happened to Taeyeon and to think that you are a Filipino idol, which means you are certainly the pride of your country. He would rather reveal you at the right time. (When will that be at this rate)

You met him at a music show while promoting his solo stuff. He really enjoyed your group’s performance as well. You became immediately his favorite member for your talent and eye-catching looks. He knew you already since debut and thought you were really pretty, but it took to another level when he saw you personally.

His jaw dropped at your looks, you were unique unlike any other idols. With his social skills, he didn’t hesitate to talk to you backstage and that is where you guys really took off.

I can see you and him are variety idols. - Reminds me of Heechul and Momo. You guys would always come up with the stupidest jokes. Bonus points if you are a gamer as well. You guys would always fight at the latest RPG games out there. “I beat your ass!” You said to him while laughing at his loss in the game.

Baekhyun would also sing songs for you (like Kyungsoo and Chanyeol). He would sing all your favorite songs in Tagalog just for you!!!! I am fangirling in the inside as I imagine Baekhyun singing songs to make you sleep aaaa He would also try to explore your culture as he would try out your favorite food as well. 

“Wow this thing tastes delicious!” Baekhyun remarked as he poured the soup over the rice. A smile formed in your face as he eagerly ate the food. You looked at him, lovingly observing him. You were glad he really enjoyed the food you made.

In later years, when he finally think that you will be the one that he truly wants to be with forever, he will choose to settle in the Philippines as the media and paparazzi there is not as crazy as the ones in Korea.

Chanyeol

For Chanyeol, I think you guys met through MC-ing, You guys were partnered up to MC a music show. Since your cute bickering in the music show aired on TV, your fans started shipping the two of you. It ended up with you guys talking more to each other backstage. Recommending songs and telling your problems to each other were the most topics of you guys’ conversations.

He ends up giving his number as you guys message each other more and more often. He was the first one to fall for you. Falling for the first time your eyes laid on his. You fell for him in no time, enjoying his company.

Because of you, he would listen to Filipino music. Particularly, I can see Chanyeol liking old Filipino bands such as Silent Sanctuary, Eraserheads, Parokya Ni Edgar, and Orange & Lemons. He would always sing their songs to you every time you guys meet. You guys would even have Karaoke nights where you just sing songs. “I heard Filipinos are good singers.” He told you as he handed out the mic.

You laughed as you started singing. - Obviously you would be a good singer as you debuted in an idol group and is a known kontesera (a woman who participated in many singing contests). He was charmed by how captivating your voice was.

You became the topic of many songs by Chanyeol. Your eyes, your loving words, your everything. - He loved every single part of it. Hell he can even dedicate a whole album just for how much he loves you and how you are an important part of his life.

You went to the Philippines to have your vacation. As you were enjoying your family’s company, suddenly you heard a familiar voice. You stood up from your couch and looked down at the window. “(Name)! This one’s for you!” Your eyes widened as you saw that it was Chanyeol.

Chanyeol started strumming his guitar. The view looked amazing, the stars twinkled, he looked ethereal as he looked up to meet your eyes.Your parents peeked with you as their heard his voice. “Uso pa ba ang harana?” He started singing the song with his low voice. He was singing Harana by Parokya Ni Edgar. 

Kyungsoo

People would be rather shocked as Kyungsoo is the type of guy to date a traditional Korean girl. But I can also see him truly appreciating a Filipina girl. He firstly found you quite weird because he

It was you who made the first move. Your group is promoting your comeback at the same time EXO was. You hesitantly sneaked your phone number into his sandwich. You watched him open it, as you thought he was going to throw the paper away, he didn’t. He kept it in his pocket and went along.

With his sweet voice, like Chanyeol, he always sang many Tagalog songs with you. (I remember the time when they sang ‘Hawak Kamay’ in the dream concert). Your parents would’ve approved of him quite fast, being such a good, well mannered man. He is the dream son-in-law for every parent 

Kyungsoo had always been so protective of you because of you being Filipino, you had a lot of supporters since rookie days. Your kababayan would be really dismayed if there was bad news about you. He wouldn’t like you to lose your career. (Even more if you’re supporting your family)

“After boiling the tamarind, what comes next?” Kyungsoo asked you as he was chopping the spareribs in the battered cutting board. He always does this. He makes random food from your childhood. One day it was adobo, the other day it was caldereta, now it’s sinigang na baboy.

You smiled at him as you spoke a reply, “The ribs.” You clung to him as you wrapped your hands underneath his apron. Wrapping him in a tight embrace.

Jongin

In the Filipino side of the fandom, affectionately called “Phixos” by Baekhyun, Jongin has been called a Filipino. It was because of his looks (his charming eyes, his tanned skin) and his frequent visits to Cebu. Some fans even jokingly say that Jongin would settle with a Filipino girl or along those lines.

It wouldn’t be a shock for the Filipino fandom that Jongin chose a Filipino girl. It would be something that they would even celebrate, the fact that Jongin dated a kababayan. (Fellow Filipino)

You guys met in a photoshoot of a local magazine. He was impressed with your modeling skills, despite you being a rookie in it. Of course, you were intimidated with him as he is the Gucci ambassador. Right after the rather sexy photoshoot, you guys gave each other numbers. You guys started DM-ing each other via Instagram.

Jongin would be just as interested in learning Tagalog than English. In your very long conversations, he would always talk to you in Taglish (Tagalog and English) so that you are more comfortable talking to him. Rather than him talking in long paragraphs of Korean text. He finds it amazing that you speak more than two languages.

Your leader would joke about you being awake at ungodly hours listening to Jongin’s honey voice as he tries to sing when you can’t sleep. Or sometimes it would be his heavily accented English or Filipino. You wouldn’t say anything, but everyone already knows. As soon as your magazine gets through publication, everyone would start shipping you guys together. Searching the deepest depths of the internet for ship-able moments for the two of you.

“I’ve been to Cebu two times last year.” He said to you, smiling as he showed some polaroids from his Cebu trip. Your handsome boyfriend was seated on the couch. You were just chilling in your own apartment.

“You’ve been to Cebu two times in one year?! I haven’t even been to that place ever!” Your eyes were wide with shock, you almost dropped the popcorn you were munching on. How can someone travel twice to a foreign country? - You thought to yourself.

Sehun

It was love at first sight for the maknae. As soon as he saw you passing by on a music show, he cannot take his eyes off you, following all of your available SNS. His eyes were glued at you as he sneaked his number on an Inkigayo sandwich. He was also your secret fanboy, cheering and supporting you while you perform. Sehun always congratulates you on every comeback/release, messaging you on Kakaotalk on how are you doing that time or saying that he’s happy for you.

As soon as you received his number, you cannot imagine that out of all people, it was Sehun from EXO who gave you his phone number. It was like a dream come true. After emptying out your schedule, you immediately called Sehun. - From there, you guys started talking and having feelings developed.

He started being more curious about Filipino culture all because of you. He started researching it in his free time. - I can see Sehun date a foreigner, so I think the culture is not really a hurdle for him. 

Surprisingly, you were the one who made the first move. Not Sehun. You confessed to him very confidently. But since the cultural difference, he hasn’t met your parents. As soon as your schedules were empty, you guys went to the Philippines to find your parents and introduce him to them.

Sehun was standing nervously in front of your house’s gate. It was his first time visiting your family. He was shaking to the point that he cannot even move. You looked at him in the eye and asked him, “Is anything wrong?” you asked as you pat his shoulders, calming him down.

“No, nothing.” He said as he shook his head as he held the bouquet tightly in his hands. Then you saw your mother that opened the gate. - They were more than glad that they get to meet your precious Sehun.

“Why didn’t you tell me that your boyfriend is this gwapo?” Your mom asked you as you laughed. Then, you entered the house with huge smiles on your faces.

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

New Beginnings

*Not my Gif*

Post Date: 7-18-19

Paring: Peter Parker x Reader

Word Count: 1K (kind of short lol)

A/N: Hey, guess what I did! I some how managed to break my ankle yesterday on my run, so now I’m just in a lot of pain... I meant to post this yesterday but yeah I was kind of occupied. Anyways, new series? I don’t know yet. Still got a few requests I’ve been working on but tell me what you think!

- Ria

~Prompt List~

~Master List~

Updates:

Hi Everyone!

Guess What...

Requests are Closed

Warnings: Spider-Man Far from Home Spoilers (kind of)

You pushed your head up against the seat in front of you, trying to ignore the chatter of the plane around you. You didn’t want to even be on this trip but thanks to Pepper insisting on some type of normalcy in your now dad-less life, you were on your way to Europe. You groaned as MJ tapped your shoulder, nodding to you as she fell into the seat next to you.

“Sup Dork.” She said as you laughed, nudging her shoulder with yours.

“I hate planes. You’d think after years of private jets and such that I’d be used to them, but now I hate them.” She frown at your words. She knew how much you used to like to travel with your dad, but you’d always be with him. This is your first time traveling alone, no Tony Stark to laugh at your amazed expression as you took off, no matter how many times you’d done it. You snapped away any sad thoughts as Ned came up to you and MJ.

“Hey Y/N, hey MJ. So Y/N, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind switching seats with Peter. The lady’s perfume in front of us is causing Peter’s allergies to act up.” You furrowed your brows. Peter doesn’t have a perfume allergy, you should know, Pete was the closest person you had to family outside of Pepper, Morgan, and Happy. You’d know if he had an allergy. You were about to stand up and switch seats before Mr. Harrington started freaking out and rearranging everyone’s seats. It didn’t take you long to realize what Peter was trying to do, he wanted to sit next to MJ. You knew he liked her and was going to use this trip to finally tell her how he feels, but you couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that struck you. Of course you had a crush on Peter, how could you not! He’s practically everything a girl could want, and he only saw you as his best friend.

You threw your body into your seat, hitting the person next to you as you mumbled an apology. Now not only were you on this plane without your dad, you couldn’t even sit next to any of your best friends. Glancing around you took in all of their new seats. Ned and Betty ended up sitting together, MJ and Brad landed next to each other, and to your amusement, Peter was seated in between Mr. Harrington and Mr. Dell. You met his gaze, giving him a slight smile as he sighed. You couldn’t help the chuckle escaping you as you overheard Mr. Harrington start to talk about his wife fake blip-ing.

You woke up from a short nap, carefully checking the sleeping stranger next to you to make sure you hadn’t woken them up in your movements. The plane was quiet, everyone was either sleeping or watching a movie, so you decided to do the latter. You skimmed through the movie list, yawning before your fingers froze. There on the screen was your dad, looking like the hero he was. You wanted to scroll past it, more than anything you needed to stop staring at it. But you couldn’t, looking up at him as you felt your chest start to tighten.

Peter paused his movie, feeling something wrong but not sure what. Both teachers next to him were sleeping, Mr. Harrington on his shoulder as he slowly pushed him off, not waking him up. He scanned the plane a little, checking on everyone as his eyes landed on you. He saw the movie earlier, of course he did, Tony was his idol and it hurt him to see him on the screen. Immediately he first looked at you, seeing your headphones plugged into your phone and your eyes closed. He smiled before sitting back down, feeling better as he turned off the screen. But now, you were staring at the screen, the colors casted onto your face, illuminating the gloss in your eyes as Peter felt your heart rate increase. He didn’t know how long you had been staring at the screen but Peter knew you probably couldn’t handle any more. Within a second, He had jumped over Mr. Harrington, making his way down the aisle to you. Peter pressed the button as soon as he got there, knocking you out of your daze as you wiped your eyes, trying to not let Peter see you crying.

“Thanks.” You whispered, meeting his eyes as he nodded, putting a hand on your shoulder. He pulled you in for a hug as you buried your face into his shoulder, letting the time you spent staring at the movie fall out of your head. After a while of staying like this Peter and you pulled away, not saying anything as Peter knelt next to you and you just stared at each other. You didn’t know what was happening in your head at the moment, all the thoughts screaming at you but the ones screaming the loudest seemed to be arguing.

Kiss him.

Don’t kiss him! He likes MJ!

It ended up not mattering what you were thinking as the flight attendant came down the aisle, telling Peter he needed to return to his seat. He nodded before glancing back down at you, who suddenly found your fingers fascinating, before returning to his seat.

Peter didn’t know what came over him, you were his best friend and he always knew he had a connection to you, but he didn’t think it was romantic. Well not until his face was next to yours, both of you losing yourselves in each other’s eyes. Peter could’ve sworn he never thought his heart had beaten faster, which just confused him more because you were Y/N, just Y/N, the one person he trusted more than anyone, who was always by his side through everything. Everything with Vulture and Liz, and Mr. Stark’s death, trying to ask out MJ. You were Y/N, Peter’s closest confidant, the girl who could always cheer him up no matter how down he was. The girl he was in lov-

Wait...

Part 2

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[brandyleewhatever]

The Clubs [Thor x Reader]

If Its Meant To Be…

Summary: In a world of soulmates, what do you think would happen if yours turned out to be someone disliked? 

Warning: Just a hand full of bad words, and some light making fun of Thor. I promise I actually love him dearly.

Pairings: Thor x Reader 

Square Filled: Soulmate AU

Words: 1049

AN: This is for @capsavengersbingo lovely bingo card I was thankful to receive! 

The Soulmates Club. There are only three locations in the world.

Oslo, Norway. Belgrade, Serbia. Nashville, Tennessee.

The Club is a strange thing to understand, most people just think its complete bullshit. Of course, most of those people will never know the truth. They will never end up at the door of A Club. It just isn’t in their Stars to have a soulmate.

Because in this world, this alternate universe you could say, not everyone has another half that makes them whole. They are just meant to fall in love with another lonely soul until death. Maybe they will get lucky in their next life.

Very few people are half of a whole soul. That’s way there are so few Clubs, and why when a person ends up outside of one of their doors, the world seems to slow down and they must stop and catch their breath.

No one ever sets out on going to The Club. They just end up there. As does their soulmate. Every single time, without fail, in all the world’s history. Being part of this club is a truly special thing.

Y/N was a hardcore anti-cluber. Believing that the cities were just filling their pockets with money from the gullible tourist that flocked there in hopes of seeing “true love”, which she said was an unrealistic idea.

She had an entire blog dedicated to the shut down of The Clubs, or at the very least, hefty taxation upon the owners. Shame on them for praying on peoples hope that there was something pure left in this world. The simple days went out the window the minute that Horse God and his unnecessarily large hammer smashed into their planet.

“We wouldn’t need all this superhero nonsense if you would have stayed in Assgaurd.” She mumbled, scrolling past a picture of “The Mighty Thor” fighting some adversary from space, on her social media newsfeed as she waited for her flight.

She’d been invited to a press conference on the negative affects the Avengers were supposedly having on the impressionable youth around the world. This was her first step into the world of super politics, and she was excited. Which is probably why she didn’t notice she was getting on to the wrong flight. Why the lady who checked her ticket didn’t notice, I can’t say.

“Hey, could I get a drink please. Water, no ic-“

“This drink, I like. Another one! Please.” Roared across the plane cheerfully, cutting off her own drink order.

Y/N leaned over, peeking around the flight attendant. “You have got to be kidding me.” Looking up at the older lady, who clearly wanted to get her drink and move on, she pointed toward first class and right at Thor who could been seen between two black curtains. “He can fly. Why the hell is he on a plane?”

“We all deserve a little time to relax sweetie. He tries his best to keep us all safe.” The older lady smiled longingly toward the handsome God before sighing. “Plus, I think that’s a common misconception. I’ve heard he can only jump really high.”

The whole flight all she could do was stare in annoyance as Thor laughed and interacted with brave passengers who made their way to his first-class section for a little meet and greet. By the time the plane landed, she wanted to scream. She was in such hurry to get away that she didn’t pay attention as she stood, knocking her shoulder against a solid piece of rock.

A large hand clasped her upper arm to steady her. His touch was gentler than she would have thought. “My lady, I apologize. Are you injured?” He was much taller than her. She looked up her nose at him as he smiled that Godly smile that was all over the news. With a jerk, she ripped her arm from his grip.

“I am fine. Now if you excuse me.” Everyone watched in shock as she shoved past the Avenger and stormed off the plane. Despite her rudeness, Thor couldn’t help with chuckle and watch as she disappeared.

“Please explain to me how the hell I ended up in Nashville instead of DC.” She demanded, banging a fist on the counter. The poor airport worker on the other side took a step back and held up his hand. “Honestly ma’am, I have no idea. We can get you set up for another flight tomorrow-“

He froze as her eyes widened and her arms flung into the air. “Tomorrow? Are you kidding me? I was supposed to be at conference room B by 2pm today!” Realizing this man who was looking for assistance, terrified, was going to be of no help, Y/N just walked away.

She left the airport on foot, in search of a café to grab some lunch while she made some phone calls to ensure no one thought she was just ditching back in DC.

Her nose was in her phone, she may have been checking comments on her latest blog post, when her hand came into contact with the cool wood of the door.

Y/N clicked her screen off and pocketed the phone as she slowly looked up, sucking in breath when she realized where she was.

The pretty cursive letters on the door shimmered in the sunlight. “The Soulmates Club.” With a groan she pushed the door open, mumbling under her breath. “You have to be f-ing kidding me.”

“My lady.” He swiveled around on his bar stool, almost falling but managing to catch himself. He was a superhero after all. “I do hope you decide to stop writing such hurtful things about me on the… web thingy.”

All the doubt, all the fight she wanted to put up, was gone as soon as she walked into The Club. There was no denying it. Her entire being had changed, and it all made sense.

“Only if you get a smaller hammer to swing around.” She teased, sliding onto the stool next to him. They both started to lean forward, eyes falling shut.

If you would have told Y/N that one day she would be kissing that Horse God of Assgaurd, she would have probably laughed before hitting you with a normal sized hammer.

[My husband said they went right to kissing too quickly. But they are soulmates, its 3am. Just go with it. Lol]

Tags: @his-paradox @tammyjewel @capsheadquaters

[fortheheavenssake]

💜💜 PG MM Anon💜💜 Interpretation Collection- 6

Anon said:

You go PG!!! 😊😊😊🌸🌸🌹🐼🐼🐝🐝👍👍👍💖💖💖🌻🌻🌼🌼🌼😊😊😍😍💜💜🌹🌹🌹🌺🌺🌺💙💙💙🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤👍👍👍👍 Violets 🌼

Anon said:

💗🌲🌞😺 hi Skippy this is for PG and JG🏡🌲🥰🥰🧚‍♀️👑👑🐱🐰🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🐥🌺🌹🌼🌸💐🐿

*********

43.

💜💜PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON💜💜

MM Anon

MM ANON … In their Teflon bubble …… roast grief and Yorkshire pud… 👪🥘🍺……PR’what PR…… “ we believe you Harry”……💩💩💩PA💩💩💩…… “All you’re effort to no avail lillibet”…… send in the gowns ⚖️💼…… thank God for the G grandchildren ……” I’m the Queen of the castle!!!” …… A little patience!!…… O’ no!! She’s coming next week. ……”I bloody hope not!!”

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

In their Teflon bubble

The royals, the ones that are at Balmoral, HMTQ,PP and others are sheltered from media unless they want to access it. The horses, the outdoors and various beloved memories are a welcome respite although the issues, to put it mildly are still there and desperately needing to be dealt with.

Roast grief and Yorkshire pudding 👪🥘🍺

🤣🤣🤣 l laughed so hard when l read the news, oops PR article of PH, mm, amw taking a meal at the local😂😂😂, vegan eating roast beef 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣making point PH drinks several drinks but she only had water…fuel her PR of another pregnancy. Oh they had a cot and amw never stirred or made a sound🤣🤣🤣🤣THATS BECAUSE THIS DIDNT HAPPEN AND HE IS A RUBBER DOLL!!

PR what PR

PR what PR

PR has been off the charts, some seems to be done by LG , but lots of Megan name first in article s, you know it’s PR.

“ we believe you Harry”…

Those of us loyal and took time to watch the signals know and realize PH has been acting a role. We believe you Harry, you’re serving HMTQ!

💩💩💩PA💩💩💩

PA is in deep doo doo, he will have to be interviewed. The headline today was VRG singling him out! He is in deep trouble!

“All you’re effort to no avail lillibet”

This is most definitely PP talking, that’s the sweet name for the Queen. All of the work trying to deal with mm to no avail. Also past denials re PA. But this is mostly mm.

Send in the gowns ⚖️ 💼

In the UK system as in our, black robes are worn by the attorneys and the judge, white wigs also. This clearly means charges and cases to be filed in court imminently.

Thank God for the G grandchildren

These are our beloved Cambridge trio of little angels we all love so much. Such a welcoming distraction!!!

“I’m the Queen of the castle!”

And you’re the dirty rascal, anyone remember that?😁 There are definitely times when HMTQ has to put her foot down and rule/make the final decision. And she has decided as is described in this riddle.

A little patience

We need to be patient a little bit longer , softly softly…. remember from yesterday . Next week awaits…..

O ‘no she’s coming next week! I bloody hope not!!

Mm is coming to Balmoral next week, the second line is absolutely PP.

So we are asked to be patient just a bit longer. Next week, at Balmoral, there will be an intervention/confrontation. The charges will have been filed, per earlier in this riddle, l do believe this to be telling us that next week this will end!

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

Wonderful! Thank you so much dear PG! We love you! We love you too MM Anon!😊💜💜💜

Aug 28th, 2019

————

44.

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

Difficulty level off the charts. I feel like nothing here that l have done is even close to correct. I am so so sorry everyone, l just cannot figure out most of this properly. I am embarrassed to submit it 😞☹️ l submit this with a heavy heart due to the extreme difficulty of this riddle for me. Whatever you do PLEASE don’t laugh at me, l have always tried my best and today is no different.💜🙏🏻😊👋

MM ANON … under-Cover flight … she played a Dummy… the accounting doesn’t ADD up!!…… a questionable salary …… this engagement Rings of petulance … a net-flick opportunity …… “ she can’t act’ and she can’t f@#ing spell”. …… “but it’s him in the bloody photo”!!…… an old grey friend …… “ fix this for the family Ian”…… an Atlantic backhander …… “ once smitten, twice sly”… “don’t fret, I’ve buried it!

Under-Cover flight

Might mm fly to the U.S. very quietly, ie under-cover for the U.S. Open? Who else is Under-Cover watching her and all she does. Will she make the cover of newspapers by her appearance there? Oh wouldn’t she just love that.

She played a Dummy

A Dummy can be something fake meant to look real ie Archieficial. She has been using that fake baby for months. She doesn’t have to really play a Dummy as she isn’t that intelligent just look at her grammar etc.

The accounting doesn’t ADD up

Is this the Sussex Foundation? The cost of her clothes? All sorts of marching going on.

A questionable salary

Salary for SL and Natalie Campbell resigned from the Sussex Foundation. Also mm taking her percentage of items on their Instagram.

this engagement Rings of petulance

Petulance is childishness, sulkiness. Will she appear at Balmoral in this manner?

She also changes her engagement rings with her mood , on a whim. Nothing precious or to be cherished, it’s all fake.

a net-flick opportunity

Videos of various people,l read code names as isle, combover and liar along with a certain female, l read today being shopped around for paid viewers. This allegedly took place in the souther U.S. but who knows?

“she can’t act and she can’t f@#ing spell

ThisLittlePetal, Twitter is exactly this, We know she couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag. But her grammar, spelling and attempts to use English colloquiums as she calls them, colloquialisms is the correct spelling and has totally different meaning that the other word. This is PP, l can hear his voice!

but it’s him in the bloody photo!!

This too is PP. riled up about the photo of PA, VRG and GM that is years old but once again is all over the media. Questions have now arisen questioning its authenticity.

an old grey friend

LG , continues to be close at hand, assisting in all aspects of this that he is able.

“fix this for the family Ian”

HMTQ asking for assistance to sort things out for her family.

Is she asking intelligence, MI5, MI6(SIS)to fix this, bring in the cleaners?

Ian Fleming

Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 – 12 August 1964) was an English author, journalist and naval intelligence officer who is best known for his James Bondseries of spy novels. Fleming came from a wealthy family connected to the merchant bank Robert Fleming & Co., and his father was the Member of Parliament for Henley from 1910 until his death on the Western Front in 1917. Educated at Eton, Sandhurst and, briefly, the universities of Munich and Geneva, Fleming moved through several jobs before he started writing.

While working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, Fleming was involved in planning Operation Goldeneye and in the planning and oversight of two intelligence units, 30 Assault Unit and T-Force. His wartime service and his career as a journalist provided much of the background, detail and depth of the James Bond novels.

an Atlantic backhander

US Open, might she attend? Might that be a poor choice considering there are legal issues pending? Might she be compelled to remain there?

“once smitten, twice sly”

Once bitten twice shy, basically one learns after an experience that is bad not too do it again. However our Harry is sly and onto her, he has been all this time working on behalf on HMTQ,

“don’t fret, I’ve buried it”

PP? has hidden something very incriminating where it’s unreachable . The possible evidence of guilt or threats has been buried deep , unreachable by anyone except the one who hid it, l believe is PP.

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

Dear PG! No one would laugh at you…and just people know….we only laugh with people here..not at them..(except Mm and gang). We appreciate you doing this riddle, although you found it difficult…..you still did a fantastic job! We thank you😊💜💜💜💜

Aug 29th, 2019

:::::::::::::::

MM Anon

As usual PG did a fantastic job. But can I add this

She played a Dummy

In association football, rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules football, a dummy or feint is a player deceiving the opposition into believing he is going to pass, shoot, move in a certain direction, or receive the ball and instead doing something entirely different, thus gaining an advantage.

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

Thank you😊❤️❤️❤️❤️

22 notes

Aug 29th, 2019

::::::::::::

💜🙏🏻THANKS FROM PG 🙏🏻💜

💜💜🙏🏻💜💜Thank you everyone for your kind words about today’s and other riddles. I found today’s very hard but l am committed to any role l can be part of in helping our Queen and her family, l will do. Somedays, like today are more difficult but that’s all ok. God bless all of you Thank you 🐼💜🐼🙏🏻😊🐼💜, for allowing us into this space.💜💜💜💜GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

Thank you dear PG! You are the best🙏🏻💜💜💜💜

Ask Skippy submission

Aug 29th, 2019

————

45.

MM Anon

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

MM ANON ( Dedicated to all riddle busting anons). …… The Prince And the Show-girl and a duchess??…… he’s innocent until proven innocent …… 🎼if you leave me now I’ll take away the biggest part of you 🎼…… “ what!!! She didn’t sign a bloody pre-nup”…… “My client suggests a compromise” …… Tower Bridge is solid …… Westward “Hoe”……” dear boy ,everything’s bugged “… a sealed envelope. …👧👩🏼‍🏫🍎📚🎀…… a fall in fall

The Prince and the Showgirl and a duchess?

Great old movie, check it out, Marilyn Monroe. A traveling party of royals from central Europe arrives in England in 1911, as the host country prepares to celebrate the coronation of a new king. But when the visiting Regent , goes to a musical theater, his attraction to American performer makes it hard to stay focused. Soon, the female performer learns of a potential coup in the Regent’s home country, and it’s up to her to smooth things out – or watch as the nation hurtles toward instability.So is this the suggestion this is PC as potential Regent, MM as showgirl, and duchess, l say her because duchess is not capitalized, for any other Duchess it most definitely would be. However in this scenario she has no caring what happens to the monarchy. She is me me me, money money money.

🎼if you leave me now I’ll take away the biggest part of you 🎼……

Ooooo no baby please don’t go, l love this song. MM threats to PH ,no pre-nup, she will take everything in terms of finances etc.and quite possibly secrets and embarrassments as well be revealed.

He’s innocent until proven innocent

PA, family and friends are stalwart and stand firm. He has done no wrong.

What!!! She didn’t sign a bloody pre-nup?

OMG! No pre-nup for mm and PH . They may well have quite a payment to end the marriage, which l still have my doubts about annulment being the way to go. But l am not privy to information.

My client suggests a compromise

PA attorney suggesting a compromise on how, when and in what manner he may be interviewed by the F.B.I. or answer questions. President Trump had written questions submitted to him, which he answered in written form and returned. Might this be the way things will go?

Tower Bridge is solid

This is code name for HMTQ. Reassuring us that she is well and handling things. She is solid and committed to the course of action chosen.

Westward “hoe”

Used to be a hotel chain minus the letter e, abbreviation for hospitality. Sounds like our girl is definitely heading to the U.S. for the tennis and then what??? If she goes, l can pretty certainly say, she will not be allowed re-entry to the U.K. She is not a citizen, and l highly doubt she has applied for a longer VISA. No one tell her shhhhh🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

Dear boy, everything’s bugged.

Soho, all places are bugged, wired, that’s how they catch people, blackmail them…this is someone talking to PH, likely PP, yet again the wise one. Any place where wealthy, Royal, celebrities politicians let their hair down so to speak, or have conversations there is surveillance absolutely.

A sealed envelope.

Contains secrets, photos? in exchange for $$£££££€€€€,who is presenting the envelope. Or is it a subpeona? Sealed envelopes containing a myriad of options of items inside.

👧👩🏼‍🏫🍎📚🎀

School resumes next week, and the pink bow refers especially to our beloved Princess Charlotte joining Prince George at Battersea. How exciting for her! She is growing up so fast!

A fall in the fall

A fall, l sooooooooooooo want Humpty Dumpty off the wall and gone to America. Please! Please! If l read this correctly that is what will happen

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

HMTQ, PP, PH and all are in my prayers

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

Thank you so much dear PG. Sounds good! Much appreciated!😊💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Ask Skippy submission

Aug 30th, 2019

———————-

46.

💜💜🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜💜

We remember today, in 1997, our beloved Diana, left us tragically 🙏🏻💜. My prayers for her boys🙏🏻🙏🏻💜

MM ANON

MM ANON … “bloody hell No!! Stick her in the lodge” …… A tabloid tirade …Sunday surprise??……”and the moral is?”…… sex lies and video tape ……… YOU CANNOT SHOW THIS!!!!!…… “tell Ann to talk to her”…… “ sooner or later “…… 🇬🇧🏰🎣🧘🏾‍♀️💅🏼…… the 4/10 or 12 bore Harry?……… “ private or public flight …… “ O b#&@cks more bad press”…… no cameras,no cameras!

“bloody hell No!! Stick her in the lodge”

This is our beloved, l say that word a lot don’t I?, but it’s true, our beloved PP!

No way, no how is she setting one grimy craggy toe into Balmoral? I say, put her in the barn!🤣

A tabloid tirade

Oh how predictable, a Markle distraction at its finest?? Can l use that word to describe it? Grandpa Markle comes out his shed to yammer at the world wanting to see Archie? Give him the website link to where Darren dolls are sold, he can look all he wants and even but his own. A loud distraction, a defensive distraction by the home team nearing the end of this game. She must be in dire straits to be using the grandpa card!

Sunday surprise!

I await this with bated breath, what’s coming tomorrow!! Pictures, videos, who knows. But we are very near the end game here my friends!😊

and the moral is?

Every story has a moral, sometimes good, sometimes very bad. Now we all know this whole ‘story’ or the life that we know of, of mm, and her past, but more importantly the last two years and the present has been, lies, obfuscation, manipulation, disrespect, vulgarity, l could go on and on. The moral is, rather the lesson is, karma. Life all comes back at you by your deeds, if not in this world, than God judges. I actually do pray for her soul, l want no one to not be redeemed. But we choose our behaviour and by those choices, there are consequences. We have seen the devastation on the face of Our Harry for a very long time now, the entire family, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, the 🇬🇧,Canada 🇨🇦and the Commonwealth. You reap what you sew/sow. As in sowing seeds. Justice awaits, if she goes to the 🎾, the U.S. Open, will there be men in suits waiting at the airport? IRS? If she goes and than tries to return to the U.K. will she be allowed entry? I think not, she is not a U.K. or. Commonwealth citizen, she has no job or Visa to work in the U.K. and she certainly has no family “that she never had”. She doesn’t think, consequences don’t affect her. Nothing bothers her, she has no conscience l now please understand, l am a Christian, it pains me to describe a human being this way, but l am also a realist which a lot of experience dealing with people with severe personality disorders. THEY DON’T CHANGE, EVER! , unless years of therapy, but the underlying personality is there.

sex, lies and videotape

We had this in a riddle awhile ago, at least, my answer was Steven Soderbergh film of the same title. We know that our girls’ life has been full of these things. I wonder if finally the videos will crawl from the depths and become public!

YOU CANNOT SHOW THIS!!!

Wow! 😮, how bad is the information/photos/videos that they uppercase exclamation marks indicate it’s VERY bad. Who is on the information, does it include important friends/family. I shudder at the thought. In revealing her truths, how much more damage will she continue to do. This sounds very dire!

“Tell Ann to talk to her”

The Princess Royal is such a sound individual, smart, elegant, amazing, dedicated to the Crown and her family. She is also tough as nails, very like her father , perhaps they think if she spoke with, the one who shall not be named, she might be able to get somewhere. I don’t know, they have all the information. I think she is never one to be reasonable, but l am on the outside and privy to nothing. So they must think, with whatever is the data, Princess Ann can get through to her.

Sooner or later

Sooner or later, this has to end, things will be made public, the law will come calling, people have turned their backs on her who were her ‘friends’, backers. By the way, where is her bestie of all besties MA? Where is he? He has literally vanished. Odd odd.

🇬🇧🏰🎣🧘🏾‍♀️💅🏼

While the country waits political issues, like Brexit, what will happen with BJ , DC etc, by the way, if you can see the film Brexit with Benedict Cumberbatch, l highly recommend it, not only because l love😍🥰BC, but he plays Dom Cummings so so well. It’s a great watch. But l digress, as l tend to do. While HMTQ and family are at Balmoral, fishing outdoors activities is she doing yoga and having her nails done? Is she going there at all??? Spending time with the family she never had oops never will have. Sorry, not sorry!

the 4/10 or 12 bore Harry?���

Bore, in weaponry, the interior of the barrel of a gun or firearm. In guns that have rifled barrels, e.g., rifles, pistols, machine guns, and artillery or naval guns, the diameter of the bore is termed the calibre. … The measurement of the bore in shotguns is expressed in terms of gauge.

The .410 bore or .410 gauge, is the second-smallest caliber of shotgun shell commonly available. A .410 bore shotgun loaded with shot shells is well suited for small game hunting . The .410 started off in the UK as a garden gun. The “12” 12-gauge “ means you can make 12 lead balls, each of equal diameter to the gun barrel, out of 1 pound of lead.

Now with that out of the way, sounds like if not there already, Harry will be at Balmoral for some hunting and these are probably the weapons he prefers that are on offer/available for him to use. Oh he needs a good long rest/ holiday, doing things he loves. Physical activities like hunting to get the accumulation of stress out of his body.

“Private or public flight”

Debate about how to get mm to come to a Balmoral? Certainly not PH, he flew commercial when he went to Italy for the Polo. Mind you, maybe they think he needs away from the public even the flight to Aberdeen. I have done that flight about four times, Aberdeen to London is like you’re up and you blink and you’re landing, it’s about an hour-ish, very short flight. So l certainly think most would not need private for such a short flight, but if they want her there for a confrontation/intervention type of meeting, a private flight might be an inducement to get her there. I wonder what’s all happening that we are not privy to!

“ O b#&@cks more bad press”

This is most definitely PP, angry about the Markle grandfather yammering away a wanting too see Archie, l can only imagine how this riles the BRF up. The lady thing they want/need is this guy crawling out of the woodwork again. Is this the never ending story? That was a great film, but this is not a film and it’s not great!

no cameras,no cameras!!

Again the Grand Dame of PR, wants no pictures taken as she goes to Balmoral, if she goes. I do not know how close l am. I just cannot see her going there. But there might be a very important reason to get her out of England!!

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

My thoughts and prayers are with you William and Harry.💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

Thank you MM ANON 💜🙏🏻💜

Thank you so much dear PG! Much appreciate all you do!🙏🏻💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Aug. 31

——————

47.

💜💜PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON💜💜

🎼 “and the clouds are grey” 🎼…

California dreaming on a winters day..ongoing PR of D and DOS looking for a mansion in L.A. oh she is delusional. I doubt California wants her.

It’s rainy today as HMTQ attended church, Princess Anne looked stunning. Her husband was also there, The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. I was glad to see PC face and hands were not so red and swollen today. I worry he has some sort of autoimmune issue he struggles with. The issues the BRF are grey as well, not sunny and bright.

anticipation of street-parties

It’s a very British thing to do whenever a major royal event. Tables set up, everyone outside celebrating the wedding or the Jubilee etc Are we anticipating a street party once madam is gone? I sure think so!!! There will be dancing in the streets all over the world!

little black orphans, “apply in writing “

So she has given up on using a surrogate again, she wants to join the celebrity club of women that adopt third world children. She has an exception though, the orphans must be able to write and in English, l am not sure she knows other languages. Oh what a humanitarian she will be to adopt a BLACK child. Just fits her pathetic narrative. This truly angers me.

“playing bloody golf”

PA spent the last two weeks in Sotogrande, golfing a lot. I hear PP in this comment, disgust PA is on holiday memories golfing while this massive PR and potentially legal crisis looming overhead!

“ fly public, you’re joking,”

this is madame, refusing to fly public to Balmoral or anywhere! Still ever the narcissist!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎒🍎🏫

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will all arrive together at Battersea for the first day of school on September 5th. I can hardly wait for the photos!!

A waving poppet

Princess Charlotte loves to wave and interact with crowds. We will get the cutest waves when she starts school.

👩🏻‍🦳🙏🏻🧢🏃‍♀️

This emoji is tough. Someone with grey hair, were it HMTQ there would be a crown, someone is praying while, someone disguised themselves with a hat.and does a runner. Or does she plan to dye her, hair, put on hat and do a runner praying it works? I am sorry, this should be obvious but it’s not!

I know Betty, you can pick your friends “

This is a very close friend or lady in waiting, l am not certain, but in talking she is telling HMTQ the old line, you can pick your friends but you cannot pick your family. This is likely in discussions about PA, and the worry she has for her son.

… it’s the constitution, we’ve no choice …

They have to follow the constitution, how many times has Skippy said that. The “of the body “ law applies. It’s not a royal baby. They must act. They have no choice. Keeping the charge of a baby that isn’t PH in line of succession is treasonous.

…D&DOC and family 2020 commonwealth tour?

WOW, I know they, as a couple are doing an Asia tour in the fall, security must be a nightmare in that region 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. How exciting would a tour of the entire family be. Oh heavens, l am twitterpadded at the thought😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜😁😁😁😁

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

Thank you so much dear PG! You do such an amazing job! We love you!🙏🏻💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Emojis

Grey hair lady…..Diana as she would be today

Praying hands

Blue cap

Jogger running

gstqaobc

BRILLIANT SEE, I SAID IT WAS OBVIOUS, SHE ALWAYS WORE HAT COMING OUT OF THE GYM IN HER SHORTS!! Thank you for seeing what l just couldn’t. But I KNEW IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS,, GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

Source: skippyv20

Sept. 1

———-//

48.

Sept. 2

💜THANK YOU MM ANON💜

MM ANON …… “ love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs”…… heart of darkness …… which-doctor …… dis-ease with one another …… no photo-op worthy …… a phoney die-anna …… a controversial decision …… legal discord within …… thinly covered deception …… images of happy anger. ……🦟🦟👶💉🧸

“ love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs”…

MM ANON does love Shakespeare, this is from Romeo and Juliet.

Act 1 Scene 1

“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs;

Being purg’d, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;

Being vex’d, a sea nourish’d with lovers’ tears;

What is it else? A madness most discreet,

A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.”

ROMEO

Yes, this is what love does. My sadness sits heavy in my chest, and you want to add your own sadness to mine so there’s even more. I have too much sadness already, and now you’re going to make me sadder by feeling sorry for you. Here’s what love is: a smoke made out of lovers’ sighs. When the smoke clears, love is a fire burning in your lover’s eyes. If you frustrate love, you get an ocean made out of lovers’ tears. What else is love? It’s a wise form of madness. It’s a sweet lozenge that you choke on. Goodbye, cousin.

Are there possibly feelings between PH and mm? Is the Stockholm syndrome rumours true?

Heart of darkness

Great book by Joseph Conrad. An Englishman becomes obsessed with an ivory trader. This is referring to PH love of Africa, perhaps some could call it obsession, he finds it very peaceful. I can’t imagine his inner conflict having to be on parade , so to speak, with mm, leads to another part of the riddle, images of happy anger.

which-doctor …

Play on words witch doctor is medicine person in many tribes around the world. Also which doctor will administer the necessary vaccines to amw and mm. Is she using some mumbo jumbo herbal stuff like she was thought to have been using whilst “pregnant “.

dis-ease with one another

Dis-ease is a play of words from disease to dis-ease, meaning PH and mm are not at ease one another. Let alone being together for an extended tour on behalf of HMTQ. There is also obvious dis-ease with every member of the BRF and mm.

no photo-op worthy

There will be no opportunity for photos on most of this ‘tour’. Even though it’s on behalf of HMTQ, it will be private🤨🙄

…… a phoney die-anna

Phoney PR mm has blighted us with regarding the late Princess Diana. Plans to go visit her grave with PH and amw. How she has yearned to know her, when in fact she has be stealthily researching her for years and her goal was and remains to be Diana 2.0

a controversial decision

Travelling to Africa with a baby, the public will go mad!!! More $$$$£££££££££€€€€€€ spent, on what? Givenchy that doesn’t fit? Faux-humanitarian makes me very angry and 😡🤢🤢🤮.

legal discord within

There is some legal disagreement in how to proceed. I believe this is regarding PA interview or questioning but the F.B.I.

thinly covered deception …

She, mm, is almost not covered in her deceptions. THATS ALL SHE DOES! Lie, obfuscate, now reactivating gramma markle into the mix right on cue!

…… images of happy anger. …

Fake PR trip, photos of the family appearing happy but seething underneath. Anger shows in non verbal communication, actually all feelings show. Non-verbal communication is about 85% of how we, as humans communicate. Although with social media, that might alter.

🦟🦟👶💉🧸

This is the need for regular vaccinations of a child along with the vaccines needed for Africa especially malaria. This is a high risk trip for such a young baby. It’s hilarious that another article, l think in the Express, stating they’re postponing the North America trip because amw is too young!😏🧐🤨

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

💜🙏🏻 THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻💜

Interesting….the Stockholm syndrome…..PH has been acting since Toronto IG…..doesn’t live with her, never has….is never alone with her….only sees her at events….so interesting….. Great job once again dear PG😊💜💜

[cryoculus]

Hi! I saw your ask box is open, so if it's not too much trouble could you please write a Kenma x reader piece? Like Reader is Kuroo's little sister and comes to practice sometimes so the whole team knows her. And Kenma comes over on a weekend, or something, and Kuroo leaves them alone for a minute and when he comes back, Kenma and the reader are snacking and bae-ing in quiet.

» Word Count: 1,885 words

Oh gOD this was sent like a week ago I think. I’m terribly sorry. *ninety-degree bow*

Kenma was…interesting.  

He had been ever since your brother, Tetsurou, managed to befriend the younger boy when you were children. You and him were the same age, but you’ve always thought that Kenma was wiser beyond his years.   

And you continued to think so as the three of you grew up.   

The two boys had an inexplicable affinity towards volleyball…well, at least Tetsurou did. With the two of you being the only kids Kenma was comfortable being around, he eventually got lugged in on your big brother’s obsession for the sport.   

Considering his small build, most would assume that he’s not cut out for athletics, especially volleyball. Hell, you’d seen yourself the way that the third years in the Nekoma Volleyball Club treated him poorly when you were both first years. 

But of course, your big brother, ever the shining knight in armor, swooped down just in time to remind Kenma just how great he was at what he’s doing. Not everyone can become the official team setter in their first year. 

Then, he dyed his hair.

You didn’t know what was going through his mind when Kenma made such a major decision. He never consulted either you or Tetsurou about it; he hadn’t mentioned a single word implying that he’s going to bleach his hair freaking blond. 

One day, as you and Tetsurou were about to fetch your friend for a walk to school together, Kenma suddenly appeared out of his doorstep with a too saturated shade of yellow coating what was originally his jet black hair.

Tetsurou hollered hideously, clutching his stomach as he gasped for air. “K-Kenma, what did you do your hair?” 

His face reddened at your brother’s unwarranted reaction. A hand reached up to scratch the back of his neck, probably crumbling under embarrassment.

“I didn’t want to…stand out,” he muttered faintly.

Your brother stifled his laughter. “But you did the exact opposite, though.”

“Nii-chan, you’re being a prick!” You smacked him upside his head, to which he responded with a yelp. 

“W-what? It’s true!”

Irked, you grabbed him by the ear and twisted until he begged for your forgiveness. Tetsurou could really go over his head sometimes. 

“Don’t ask me, ask him!” You pointed towards Kenma, who’s eyeing your banter bizarrely. 

“I’m sorry, Kenma! Maybe you should’ve just went with brown first before dropping this bomb in our faces so suddenly.”

“That was barely an apology!” 

“Can we just go?” Kenma interrupted, seeing that these kinds of exchanges between you and Tetsurou could go on for hours.

As you made your way through the busy streets that led to Nekoma, you walked a few steps behind your brother and Kenma, admiring the latter’s bold choice of hair dye. 

You thought his hair looked pretty, but you wouldn’t tell him that.

As your second year in high school rolled in, you’ve been attending the volleyball club’s practices more frequently. Tetsurou was the new captain now, and holding that position usually meant that he’d be the one calling the shots on-court. 

That was not the case.

You watched idly by the bleachers as they practiced with a team that came all the way from Miyagi. The tension between the coaches was, for some reason, far more severe than that of the players on the court. 

This was one of the rare times you saw Kenma with a sly smile stretching on his lips as he played a full game. It was probably influenced by that orange-haired player from the other team that had energy levels that rivalled Bokuto’s. 

But so far, in most of the games you’ve watched, Tetsurou hardly ever gave commands, especially when Kenma was in the front row. Nekoma’s plays revolved around their setter, to whom they trusted the fate of the match with. 

When the game finished with Nekoma as its victor, you rushed down to the court, eyes sparkling with glee. 

“Kenma, that was really cool!” You jumped up and down before encasing him in a hug. But when you remind yourself how he feels about physical contact, you broke away immediately.

Surprised at your sudden appearance, his lips part a little, but he bowed as a thanks. “I do my best.” 

“Kenma, is she your girlfriend?” The orange-haired player from earlier asked.

The words took a little late for your mind to register.

You? Kenma’s girlfriend?

“No!” you exclaimed, fleeing from the scene before the midget from the other team could ask more questions. 

“Tch,” Kenma remarked, “I was the one he’s talking to.” 

You’ve got it bad for him, you realized.

Whenever you headed home with Tetsurou and Kenma after their practices, you’d always find yourself walking a little bit closer to the setter whose eyes were glued to his DS. You didn’t really say anything to him, you simply settled with watching him play Mario Kart over his shoulder. 

At school, since the two of you were classmates, you’d often try to grab his attention in whatever way you can. Annoying him? Check. Asking if he could share some of his hotdog octopi with you? Check. Wondering he could tutor you on a lesson you already knew about? Check. 

You’ve tried all the tricks in the book, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kenma already picked up on the way your stares lingered a little too long on him when you parted ways going home; the way his name sounded a bit more endearing when you spoke it; and the way your smile stretched a little wider with him than when you talk to other people. 

What’s worse was that his black roots were starting to show. Even if your good-for-nothing brother officially dubbed him as ‘pudding head’, the first thing that went through your mind when you first notice the outgrowth of his hair was: Oh, no. He’s hot. 

You struggled with these intrusive feelings for a while, unsure if you should go up to him and just spill so it could be gotten over with. Never did you consider the chances of Kenma liking you back. Was he even capable of liking anyone in general? You didn’t know.

Well, you didn’t want to know. 

“Oi.”

You quirked a brow at your brother as you finished the rest of your cereal. What could he want so early on a Saturday morning?

“Kenma’s coming over.”

Oh. 

“What, do you need my blessing or something?” you wondered. 

He shrugged. “Just thought you’d want to know.” 

You did. 

Tetsurou informed that the setter would be dropping by at around ten in the morning. It was nine-thirty and your nerves were all over the place. 

You made sure every corner of the living room was swept to perfection, every throw pillow fluffed, and every piece of furniture dusted. A small, nagging voice at the back of your mind prattled on about how this wasn’t the first time Kenma was visiting, so why were you making such a huge fuss over it?

Before you could come up with an answer yourself, the doorbell rang, and your heart nearly leapt out of your chest.

Tetsurou was the one who answered it. It was the mailman.

Calm the fuck down, you thought. It’s not even—

“Hey, Kenma!”

Behind the said mailman, Kenma made his way to your front door, eyes indifferent as he let himself in. When the mailman was done handing sealed bills to Tetsurou, your older brother shut the door behind him. 

Desperate to seem as casual as you could, you flung yourself onto the sofas, feigning a ‘comfy’ position with stiff posture. Nice. Very casual looking of you.

Kenma took a seat beside you, greeting you with a curt nod. Tetsurou explained that your dad got some Blu-rays in the cabinets, but if he wanted, you could all just settle for a good Netflix series. Kenma insisted on the latter. 

“I’m just going to give these to Mom,” Tetsurou informed as he made his way up the flight of stairs. “Don’t do anything weird while I’m gone.”

Your eyes narrowed at his remark. Nothing remotely weird ever took place whenever you’re left alone with Kenma during these movie marathons. Tetsurou knew that. 

Unless…

You handed Kenma the remote, who promptly selected End of the F***ing World to play on the TV. You’ve watched the show about a dozen times already, so you’re familiar with James’ introductory monologue at the beginning. 

“I’m James. I’m seventeen. And I’m pretty sure I’m a psychopath.”

Yep. What a good show needs was straightforward introductions of its characters’ personalities. 

Right after James uttered the words on-screen, you could’ve sworn Kenma moved closer to you by a few inches. Huh. Must be a figment of your imagination.

As the edgy teenage lead went over a part of his backstory, you could tell that Kenma was definitely closer to you than he was two minutes ago. But you thought nothing of it and continued to watch the show, dismissing your observations as a mistake. 

By the time Alyssa made her appearance in the frame, the distance between your shoulder and Kenma’s was but a hair’s width. You gulped. 

What exactly were you supposed to make of this now? You’ve been friends for years, yes, but the closest you’ve got to Kenma was when you accidentally hugged him after their game with the orange-haired midget. You drew blanks every time you tried to recall any other time where space was this absent between the two of you. There’s no protocol regarding what course of action to take when the shy boy was the one making moves on you. 

Then, when Alyssa and James began making out with a considerable lack of passion, Kenma’s hand suddenly ensnared yours. The contact made your eyes widen in disbelief. You alternated looks between the union of your hands and his indifferent expression, but made no moves to remove your hand from his grasp. 

They felt…soft. Even after practice after practice, toss after toss, his hands were undeniably soft. 

You liked it. 

Your eyes glazed over his face. His hair framed his face suitably, giving more emphasis to his darkening roots. You liked this look on him far too much for your own sanity. You wondered why your brother was the one popular with the girls when this boy right here had a pair of golden eyes that could kill a man. 

But maybe, you’re a little lucky that you have little to no competition when it came to Kenma. Not that you were implying that there was something to fight for in the first place. You weren’t even sure how he felt about you!

At the corner of your eye, you could see a figure dipping his head from the openings in the staircase. Tetsurou snickered to himself, seeing that his plan had come to fruition so quickly. 

You’d deal with your pesky, match-making older brother later. If you so much as utter a single word that could shatter the comfortable silence that permeated the air, you felt like you wouldn’t be able to bask in this chance again. You couldn’t stand the idea.

Kenma was a man of a few words. Most of the time, you’d get a more sincere vibe from him if he did things for you. 

And that’s exactly what you wanted.

[sterek-smooch]

Sterek Smooch Anonymous Masterlist ART: ♥ A Meeting in the Woods [ART; G] Derek is a wealthy young man with a title, Stiles is a humble apothecary in training. ♥ Five Times with Feeling [ART; G] Five times Derek was breathtakingly wonderful with kids and one time he was with (finally) his own. ART: ♥ SterekSmooch 2k18 [ART; NR] Merman Stiles saving Derek as always ♥ Sharing Dreams [ART; G] Bed sharing! ♥ Lost [ART; PG] The aftermath of the Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 leaves two sole survivors, Derek Hale and Stiles Stilinski, stranded alone on what seems to be an inhabited tropical island. Their survival depends on sticking together, as they are forced into each other's proximity in terms of cuddling for warmth and hunting for food and shelter. ♥ Dashing Knight in Shining FBI Gear [ART; PG] The only person who can’t see Stiles’ giant crush on Derek, is Stiles. The rising star of the FBI’s new Supernatural Unit has nothing but professional respect for Derek. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it. At least until some old enemies take Derek. ♥ Notice Me! [ART; G] I'm not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention... FIC: ♥ Love You Most [3k; PG-13] There are things Derek never expected to have. Things he’d resigned himself to the loss of. A proper pack, a mate, and children topped that list. He couldn't be happier that he’d been wrong. ♥ A Meeting in the Woods [ART; G] Derek is a wealthy young man with a title, Stiles is a humble apothecary in training. ♥ An Offer YOu Can't Refuse [1k; PG-13] When Stiles agreed to be the focus of an article in Neckz 'n' Throats, he never dreamed it'd be so popular. But Stiles only wants Derek's attention. ♥ Mouth of Cerberus [R; 5k] When Derek needs someone to help him recover from severe wolfsbane poisoning, Stiles is there, like he always has been, really. ♥ Thus With a Kiss [3k; PG-13] Why does a witch keep cursing Stiles' friends? And why is he always the one who has to kiss them awake again? ♥ Embarrassing Dinners, Family Secrets, and Gnome Wars [10k; PG-13] When Stiles is abruptly left after a one night stand only to find out they’ll be attending the frat party with the hottest girl on campus, he quickly devised a plan to bring a fake date. Throw in family secrets and garden gnomes, then they’re in for one Hale of a time. ♥ Proof [1k; PG] Names -- personal and family -- have meaning... ones even the Fae may be wary of ♥ Where the Waters won't find Us [1k; PG-13] In a world flooded beyond what he ever thought possible, Stiles is searching for a friendly face. ♥ Kiss Me Softly [1.6k; G] Unapologetic fluff for reasons ♥ Going to the Chapel [4.6k; R] Derek will never know which decision was worse: Going to Beacon Hills or bring Stiles back to his family as his fake boyfriend ♥ Инвестиции [841; NR] Америка в начале ХХ века, когда профессию модели не признавали, как таковую. Нет, никаких осуждений. Просто странствующий фотограф, фермер и немного инвестиций. Небольшая зарисовка, которая, возможно, станет чем-то большим.

♥ To Find Your Home [14k; PG-13] The wind shifts just as he is is about to lay into the trespassers for disturbing this place, this private property, the place where Laura took her last breaths. Alone. The place he had come to look for his own clues in the daylight, to say goodbye to the only family he really had left. His breath catches for an altogether different reason when the shifted breeze reaches him. He stops thinking about Laura for a moment as his brain simply shuts down, taking in the sight of his mate before him.

♥ It Don't Matter Where We Go, We Always [Are Forced] Back Home [745; G] Derek is a famous male model. He returns home. Only, what if he returned with news and a special someone? ♥ Sweet Sacrifice [1.5k; PG-13] They were pack, and allies, and sometimes, Derek thought they might even be friends. They stood side by side against Deaton and Argent’s advice often enough, had saved each other enough--but Stiles didn’t treat him like he did Isaac or Allison. Even Liam and his little triad of pups and humans got more from Stiles than Derek did. And he knew a spell like this--he could use it for so many people, fix so much. So why the hell is he offering it to Derek? ♥ You’re an Understatement (you’re getting worse) [13.5k; NC-17] Erica’s goal in life was to be hired by Neckz’n’Throats. Not as a model, though she knew she was hot enough for that. No, she wanted to be behind the camera. And to do that, she needed two things. A glowing recommendation, and a portfolio that would grab their attention; that would make them take her seriously. For that, she needed the right models. Thankfully, she knew just who to ask. ♥ Quadruple Espresso [1.3k; G] Stiles' coffee orders keep getting progressively stronger, and Derek wants to cut him off. ♥ Wrong Analogy [8k; G] “So what’s up with you two?” she asked, three wolfsbane beers later, “You smell...I don’t know how you smell. Confusing.” Derek kept his gaze carefully down, and Stiles just hummed and offered a soft smile. “It’s new. He hasn’t had much of a chance to scent mark me in the last month, not with everything going on in both of our lives. But we’ve known each other for years so I think the potential was always there.” “Potential for…” she prompted. “We’re dating,” Derek managed, and then darted a look at her face to gauge her reaction. OR Derek is Alpha Bait (tm) and Stiles helps him fend them off. ♥ The Things We Do [18k; PG-13] Shout out to theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming for beta-ing Summary: Despite all that he's done, Peter is Derek's uncle and the alpha, and surely that has to count for something. Stiles is a newly bitten werewolf and not about to face some murderous hunters by himself. So against his better judgment, he joins Peter pack. But the fire didn't just leave Peter with physical scars, and a person can only bend so far before they break. ♥ Her Name is Princess [2.9k; PG] Derek has a big, empty house that he shares with his cat, so of course, Stiles moves in ♥ not quite an item (they’re totally fucking right?) [8k; NC-17] “I never liked him,” Derek said plainly. “Dude!” Stiles punched him in the shoulder, shocked. It was his first time hearing this. “He was keeping you from me! Must’ve been really insecure to stop you from collabing with me. Which is stupid. What’s there to be jealous of? All we are is online boyfriends.” “Who sometimes make out and swallow each other’s chewed food,” Stiles shot back, not sure how Derek could have forgotten those key facts. “It’s just for views!” ♥ Shots Fired [26k; NC-17] Stiles takes his annual vacation for one week every year and this year is no exception. Except for the fact that all types of weird supernatural shit has started popping off so close to the start date. Which wouldn't be so strange except for the fact that supernatural shit and magic have been banned in Beacon County for decades. Oh shit! ♥ Secant to None [1.4k; G] Stiles is busy; he certainly doesn't need another obligation on his time. But there's a cute boy in the math club, and Stiles is a sucker for cute boys... ♥ Sinking and Surfacing [9.5k; NC-17] Derek's repairing broken things, Stiles is determined not to be one of them. ♥ let me make a thing of cream and stars (that becomes, you know the story, simply heaven) [3k; PG] Derek is irritated. To be fair, he's irritated the majority of the time. This time, though, he has good reason. He'd just been overruled by his Council--a calculated subversion of authority orchestrated by his scheming uncle, Peter--and that motion had ensured his inevitable marriage to a human in order to "soothe the growing tension between the pack and Beacon Hills, a rival royal kingdom whose land borders theirs on three sides. Derek needs something to soothe the growing tension in his head.

Reveals will be posted on Wednesday, June 20!

[adventuresaroundasia]

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. 

After five years of living in China, and two years of This Beijing Life, things have changed. I left my job as a college counselor in China, and now I’m living a life on my terms. I’m my own boss, I travel when I want, and live where I want. I’m FINALLY living my dream of location independence.

I hope you’ll all follow me along on my new journey: The Freedom Life.

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What I Was Up to in March

This March was a BUSY month full of USA travel. From my bachelorette party in Denver to a Southwest US road trip (including California, Vegas, and the Grand Canyon), to a few weekend trips from Palm Desert, I barely had any time to get work done! That said, this month was awesome, and I had a ton of fun moments and memories.

Where I Was This Month

Palm Desert, California

Denver, Colorado

Slab City, California

Idyllwild, California

Los Angeles, California

San Diego, California

Las Vegas, Nevada

Flagstaff, Arizona

The Grand Canyon!

Joshua Tree, California

Palm Springs, California

All the girls at brunch!

Highlights

Overall, this month was pretty awesome! Here are some of my favorite moments.

My Denver Bachelorette Party!

Right at the start of March, I headed over to Denver for my (very early) Bachelorette Party!!

While some people may think Denver is weird for a bachelorette destination, I thought it was perfect. Firstly, Denver is a really awesome and affordable city, making it a great place to have a party without breaking the bank. Secondly, my friends are ALL OVER the US, and Denver is a hub for multiple airlines, making it super easy and affordable for all my friends to meet in one place.

While I knew my bachelorette party would be fun (just based on all the awesome people attending), it ended up really exceeding my expectations. The girls, lead by my Maid of Honor Sarah, really planned such an epic weekend. They found a super cute Airbnb with room for all six of us and planned an epic day of celebrating.

First, we had brunch with unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s (my favorite!). Next, we did a brewery tour in a tuk-tuk! (Which is awesome because I used to lead tuk tuk brewery tours in Beijing). The girls actually created a hilarious scavenger hunt, which had me getting proposed to (multiple times), rubbing the heads of bald strangers, getting carried around in a bar, and plenty more. The best part was that people in Denver are SO NICE. Seriously, everyone we met wanted to make sure I had a fantastic bachelorette, and people were so eager to check off items on my scavenger hunt.

It was honestly the perfect bachelorette and I could’ve asked for more!

Bronte, Annisa and I in San Diego!

Southwest US Road Trip

If you didn’t already know, I went on an epic 2-week Southwest road trip this March! Two of Chris’ brothers and their girlfriends flew over to the US, and the six of us rented the world’s best ultimate soccer mom mini van for our trip, which we fondly named Bessie Lou.

This van took us from LA to San Diego, Vegas, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and back to LA! She was brand new with 45 miles on her when we left, and by the time we brought her back she had almost 2,000 miles on her…

This two-week road trip was tons of fun, especially since the two couples that joined us had never been to the US before. I was also able to go to a ton of places I’d never seen, like Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon! None of us were ready to leave when the trip was over. We had such a great time, and I can’t wait to plan another trip with them again.

Waiting for the Thunder From Down Under

Girls Night in Vegas

While Chris had his Bachelor Party in Vegas, the girls all went out to celebrate my friend (and Chris’ brother’s girlfriend) Bronte’s birthday. Rather than sitting at home wondering what all our men were up to, we planned a day that was just as wild as theirs.

After a little discount shopping at Ross and a solid hour of getting lost trying to find a Starbucks, the girls all met up on the Strip for dinner and drinks. We all bought VIP tickets to Thunder Down Under, which was definitely a crazy show! I was even called up onstage (I almost had a heart attack), but thankfully it was just to win a free calendar. Whew!

Overall, it was a pretty fun bonding experience with all the girls, and we didn’t end up going to bed until almost 4 am. Granted, we paid for it the next day, with hangovers, blistered feet, and a 10 am checkout.

Hello Grand Canyon!

Hiking The Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree

I can finally say I’ve seen the Grand Canyon! I absolutely loved the Flagstaff and Joshua Tree portions of our trip. We got to unpack and stay at some super cute Airbnb properties where we could actually cook healthy-ish meals.

The best place we stayed was definitely a cute little forest cabin in Mountainare (near Flagstaff). In the evenings we’d cook dinner, have a few drinks, and play the world’s hardest game of charades called “God Hates Charades“. I actually had to act out Nicholas Cage taking out a life insurance policy on Wolverine.

The National Parks themselves were also amazing. The Grand Canyon is stunning, and I definitely want to go back and do some longer hikes around there another time. Joshua Tree was also beautiful, and we did the 29 Palms hike to a desert Oasis. Since California has been a bit rainy this year, the entire mountain was covered in beautiful wildflowers!

Some art from Slab City

Day Trips to Slab City and Idyllwild

This March, my parents wanted to show us some of the cute towns and interesting places around Palm Desert. Our first trip was to Salvation Mountain and Slab City, which is basically Burning Man all year long. Salvation Mountain is a giant hill in the desert that’s been painted and decorated like it’s straight out of Dr. Seuss with a ton of religious quotes. I honestly could’ve stayed here for hours taking pictures.

Meanwhile, Slab City has a ton of people living off the grid and a bunch of artists creating the coolest sculptures out of trash and recycling. We even had a super interesting conversation with a guy who had glued mutilated Barbie’s all over his car as a statement about body image. He explained that his sister was born with a physical disability, and would ask how many surgeries it would take her to look like Barbie. Since then, he’s had a major issue with Barbie and its representation of stereotypical standards of beauty.

Finally, my family, Chris and I took a day trip to Idyllwild, which is a very cute mountain town. We had great Mexican food, partook in a coffee tasting, and wandered around all the little shops. I even purchased a pair of socks that say “my cat is f-ing cool” with an old school picture of a little girl petting a cat.

This sign is much smaller than I thought it would be

Losing Inches (But Not Pounds)

As many of you know, I’ve been putting in a lot of effort to exercise, eat healthy, and get to a weight that’s appropriate for me and my body. I’ve been putting in a TON of work, but not really seeing much of a difference on the scale. I know I’m probably transitioning muscle into fat, but still… my weight is far too high for someone who’s only 5’4″.

That said, I’ve been using tape measurements weekly, and I’ve seen a huge difference there! I’ve lost an inch off my chest, another inch off each of my arms, 2 inches off each of my thighs, another two inches off my hips, and THREE inches off my waist! However, despite all of these changes, I’ve only actually lost 5 lbs. WTF?

In addition to measuring myself, I also decided to try on my wedding dress (which I bought off the rack) to see how it fit. I definitely noticed my dress was easier to zip up and fit much better, but it wasn’t until my mom took a few pictures that I realized how much my work has paid off.

It seriously looks like I’ve lost 15 pounds. I’m not joking.

Everyone: my parents, my friends, my nutritionist, all FREAKED OUT when they saw the photos. My nutritionist even showed the photos to everyone in her office. I seriously wish I could show you guys the before and after photos because they’re crazy (unfortunately it’s my wedding dress so I have to hold off for now).

If you’re trying to lose weight and you don’t see the numbers on the scale changing, try using a measuring tape and taking photos. I don’t notice a big difference in my week to week photos, but the before and after of my wedding dress is CRAZY.

While it is frustrating that I can’t seem to get the scale to move, the pictures and measuring tape speaks for itself. At least something is working.

Getting proposed to by a bartender with a lemon ring

Meeting another bachelorette!

Challenges

Not everything this month was perfect. Here were some of my rougher moments.

I Forgot My Phone in California for my Bachelorette in Denver…

After getting dropped off at the airport I realized I was forgetting something. My phone! Unfortunately, even if I was able to get in touch with anyone, there would be no time for my mom to drive all the way back home, grab my phone, and make it back to the airport in time, so I was just out of luck.

Thankfully I brought my computer so I was able to get in touch with someone to come pick me up from the train station, but not having a phone was definitely a bit stressful.

Being phoneless definitely made for a very fiance-free bachelorette weekend. I couldn’t text him even if I wanted to!

Unfortunately for me, I had to be really reliant on other people to take photos, which ended up working out in the long run. In the end, it wasn’t ideal, but if I’m going to forget a phone on a trip, at least it was a short one!

At least it looked pretty?

So Much Snow in Denver

Usually, March in Denver isn’t too cold, but this year the snow was CRAZY! The day of my bachelorette it really started coming down, and our brewery tour leader had to switch to his car to get us back home! Thankfully, no one’s flights were delayed for more than a few hours, and Denver definitely does not shut down in the snow.

If this were Seattle, all of the breweries would’ve been empty once it started snowing. But Denver is completely flat and people are used to it, so despite the multiple inches of snow on the road, people kept partying all evening!

Unfortunately, one of the girls didn’t bring boots and her ballet flats were NOT doing the job. I’m honestly surprised her feet didn’t just fall off. When I went to the airport on Sunday evening, the temperature was -1 Fahrenheit and my coat was NOT good enough for that kind of weather. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a place that cold before!

I hate packing almost as much as this guy hates dolphins

Packing All My Stuff… AGAIN.

If there’s one thing I hate about my lifestyle, it’s packing everything up and moving every few months. Why do I have so much stuff? Where does it all come from??

Chris and I have managed to easily get our bags down to 23 kilos (50 lbs), especially if we can check two bags. However, we discovered our flight from Beijing to Vietnam at the beginning of April, only allows ONE 20 kilo bag!! We tried to add weight to our one bag, or buy a second checked bag, but neither were options for “such a short flight”. The only option was to pay $15 USD per extra kilo at the airport. WTF CHINA EASTERN??

We even spent an hour on hold with the China Eastern US office only to get a girl that literally had no idea and couldn’t help us at all. Her only advice was to call the Beijing airport and ask them. Why?? What???

Usually this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but A) I’m traveling with a wedding dress that takes up half my small carry-on suitcase so I can’t just put all my heavy stuff in there, and B) it’s really hard for me to find CGM (curly girl method) approved products in Vietnam, so I wanted to stock up and bring them over. Unfortunately for me, I had to make some tough choices…

In the end, our suitcases were both 22 kilos, but thankfully the check-in staff said NOTHING. They also didn’t mind that Chris had 2 personal items in addition to his carry on and that our carryons were all way over the weight limit. Ummm thanks, China Eastern? We totally would’ve just bought a second bag if you’d offered it for less than the price of a new organ.

California sea lion!

Getting Super Sick on the Road Trip

During the road trip, most of us got some weird variant of the flu. It honestly sounded like the plague in our minivan. After one day in Vegas trying not to die, and a full day of driving to Flagstaff, I was happy to skip out on Sonoma and spend the entire day sleeping and watching movies in our little cottage. It was definitely necessary.

So many temptations

Eating Out For Every Meal

After making tons of progress getting fit and eating healthy, it was really hard to keep the momentum going on a road trip. Why is eating out in the US so unhealthy? I tried to make good choices for every meal, but finding good healthy food while traveling is easier said than done.

You’ve got some mean drivers San Diego…

Stressful Driving in San Diego

While I’m comfortable driving, I’ve actually never driven a car as big as Bessie Lou before. This 7-seater minivan was GIANT (seriously, I don’t know how they can call it a mini van). While I eventually got used to her extreme size, navigating the highways and roads in LA, San Diego, and Vegas was a nightmare. Firstly, California drivers are MEAN. WHY ARE YOU ALL SO MEAN???

Do you want to change lanes? These people will legit speed up. People complain about LA, but driving in San Diego was worse. To get anywhere I had to get on and off multiple highways, which were all extremely confusing. Every time I needed to get into town, I had to go on a highway, immediately get off at the first exit onto another highway, change over five lanes and then immediately get off at the next exit. This meant I had approximately 2 minutes to change over five lanes on a super busy highway where no one will let you over.

No wonder everyone from Washington hates California drivers. You guys are all a-holes. Don’t even pretend like this fact surprises you.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… including my kindle.

Leaving my Kindle in Vegas

Guess who forgot her kindle at the pool in Vegas and didn’t notice until she was literally about to leave the US? This girl!

Thankfully the hotel had it and was happy to mail it to me for a fee. Unfortunately for me, I only had 2 days left in the US and there was no way I could get it in time, so I had to run to a Target and buy a new Kindle (I do not want to try and find a Kindle in Vietnam). Maybe I can sell my old one when I get home?

My mom looking fashionable in Idyllwild

What I Wrote in March

March was extremely busy, so I didn’t have much time to write, but I did crank out two posts!

Zhang Mama – The Best Hole in the Wall Restaurant in Beijing

The Freedom Life: February 2019

Best Instagram Shots

I’m excited to move back to Hoi An, and apparently, you’re all excited for me to move back too!

  View this post on Instagram

  Guess what? I’m moving back to Hoi An in April! Between now and then I’ve got a lot of adventures planned though: 2 week US road trip, a week in Beijing (!!) and then I’ll have the next 5 months in Hoi An! Which of these adventures are you most excited for? Let me know in a comment!

A post shared by Richelle (@adventuresaroundasia) on Mar 16, 2019 at 11:25am PDT

I don’t usually do selfies on Instagram, but I made an exception and apparently you all don’t mind! How can I complain about not being able to fit all my hair products without showing off my hair?

  View this post on Instagram

  What’s weighing down your bag when you travel or move abroad? Over the last few days, I’ve had to pack up everything I own (AGAIN). You’d think that after a year and a half of this I’d have it down, but apparently not. I just keep getting worse! Where does all this stuff come from?? 😧😧 I mean, if I was just hopping from one SE Asian country to the next, things might be easier, but with the weather differences and huge long- haul flights, I need entirely different wardrobes. Seriously, I was just in Denver where it was -1 FAHRENHEIT and soon I’ll be in Vietnam at the start of the super duper hot and humid season. But of course, since I’m a girl, I’ve got my guilty pleasures. And you’d be surprised what it is that’s weighing down my suitcase. Nope- it’s not clothes, shoes or makeup. It’s HAIR PRODUCTS. Yep, I discovered the Curly Girl Method and now I have a problem. Half the weight of my suitcase is a bunch of bottles of silicone-free conditioner and curly Girl styling products. Sue me. Oh yeah, and I’ve got a wedding dress that’s coming everywhere with me too, so that’s fun! 😂😭 what weighs down your suitcase? Let me know in a comment!

A post shared by Richelle (@adventuresaroundasia) on Mar 20, 2019 at 4:52pm PDT

Travel Product I Can’t Live Without

I learned this month that I can’t survive without a kindle! While I love a good physical book, packing tons of books while traveling just isn’t practical. Plus, it can be super hard to find good English-language books on the road. I invested in a Kindle when I first moved to China to teach English, and now I’m on Kindle #3!  (I dropped the first one, and left the second one in Vegas… whoops).

Seriously, if you live abroad or travel long-term, you don’t want to be without one of these. It’s super easy to buy books on the Amazon store and download them directly to your Kindle wherever you are.

If you want some good travel book recommendations, check out Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven, Kosher Chinese, Wild, Love with a Chance of Drowning, and What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding.

Megan’s poor feet!!

Favorite Outfit of the Month

This month I rented a gorgeous long-sleeved red dress from Rent the Runway for my Bachelorette and it was perfect! Not only was this dress super flattering, but it was also extremely comfortable. I’m 100% getting a replica of this dress made when I’m in Vietnam.

What I’m Listening To

My interview on the Comes With Baggage Podcast! My fiance Chris and his friend Kaitlyn have just started an epic travel podcast, and I’m the guest for episode 2! If you’re at all interested in learning about our marriage visa problems, how I got started traveling or teaching abroad in China, you’re going to want to check out this episode!

[button url=”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comes-with-baggage/id1457250570?mt=2&#8243; label=”Listen to the Podcast!” size=”large” target=”_blank”]

Best Reads of March

Here are my favorite blog posts from the month of March!

My ‘Interesting’ Experience at the Kumbh Mela Festival – Vicky Flip Flop Travels

Wow! Vicky’s description of this festival is incredible! As I’m reading it, I can imagine the full-on culture shock of attending the largest Hindu festival in the world. This post both makes me want to go… and not go.

How I Became a Successful Travel Blogger – Adventurous Kate

This post was a bit different than I thought it would be, but I actually really liked it. Rather than a post filled with advice, Kate tells the full story of how she got into travel blogging, and the business and life decisions she made that helped her career. She also talks a lot about her upbringing and how that helped push her along this path.

Top 7 Quirky Things to do in Kaohsiung Taiwan – Journalist on the Run

I was LITERALLY just talking with Chris about doing another Taiwan trip, and he mentioned Kaohsiung. When I said “What is there to do in Kaohsiung? Why don’t we just go to Kenting for the beaches?” he mentioned Kaohsiung was worth visiting. What is there to do in Kaohsiung? Well, now I know!

Shorts and snow in Idyllwild

What’s Next for April 2019?

Well… April is already half over, but I can still keep you in suspense! At the beginning of April, I’m heading to Beijing for 5 days of touristing and meeting up with old friends… oh, and eating ALL THE FOODS. Next, I’m heading to Vietnam where I’ll be staying for 5 months! I’ll be finding a good house, joining a coworking space, and enjoying the tropical weather in my hotel’s pool!

The Freedom Life: March 2019 This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.  After five years of living in China, and two years of 

[duggardata]

At–A–Glance: Joy–Anna + Austin

Here we are again for At–A–Glance, a series of posts summarizing the Duggars relationships, to date. Earlier, we looked at the most newlyweds, Joe + Kendra. Today, it’s onto the second most newlyweds, the Forsyths.  

Met  c. 2002  |  Courting  8–1–16 (?)  |  Engaged  3–2–17  |  Married  5–26–17

Joy–Anna Duggar is Jim Bob + Michelle’s ninth child, and fifth daughter. Born October 28, 1997—right after Joe and Josiah, and right before Jed, Jer, Jason, James, Justin, and Jackson—Joy was the only girl in a string of eight brothers. (Maybe that’s why she was such a tomboy, growing up.) As a child, Joy was on older–sister Jill’s “buddy team,” along with James (b. 2001) and Jenni (b. 2007). After Jill’s marriage in 2014, Joy, then 16, took over as that team’s ‘sister mom.’ On the Duggars’ website, Joy lists her ‘future plans’ as “missions, politics, and be[ing] a wife and mother.”

Joy’s beau, Austin Martyn Forsyth, was born to Terry and Roxanne Forsyth on December 13, 1993. The ‘baby’ of a relatively small family, Austin has one older sister, Meagan, and two older half–siblings from his father’s first marriage. (Terry divorced in 1982.) Austin’s upbringing was, apparently, quite rigid:  The Forsyths openly embrace the Pearls’ method of abusive ‘child training,’ and appeared on CMT’s “Worlds Strictest Parents.” Austin’s parents own Fort Rock Family Camp & Retreat Center in Combs, Arkansas, and Austin might be employed there. He is also a house flipper, and has a pilot’s license (1:34). 

Click for the rest of JoyStin’s story...

First Meeting   c. 2003

Joy + Austin met when Joy was 5 Years old, and Austin was 8, per the Counting On episode “Tomboy Joy” and this video. More than likely, it happened in 2003: Austin turned eight on December 13, 2002, and Joy turned six in October 2003. Apparently, they met at church.

On a TLC video, Joy said that while she “remembered [the Forsyth] family,” she didn’t remember Austin “in particular” until about 2012. She gave a very similar account on Counting On, saying—

“When we first met I was probably, like, five. But [Austin] didn’t come start hanging out at our house until about five years ago [c. 2012], um, when he got his driver’s license and he started coming and playing football with my brothers a lot.”  (Episode: “Tomboy Joy”) 

By contrast, Joy hasn’t consistently described her first impressions of her now–husband. On Counting On (“Tomboy Joy”), said said:  “When I first met Austin I actually didn’t really like him that much. ... Yeah, I didn’t think a whole lot about him.” Contradicting herself, Joy later said: “Around the time I first met [Austin], I started liking him.”

Pre–Courtship   Spring 2016 (?) to 8–1–16 (?)   |   Approx. 4 Months (?)

It’s not even clear, exactly, when Joy + Austin began courting, and establishing a timeline for their “special friends” phase of the relationship is even harder.

That said, Counting On gives a couple clues. Notably, check out this clip, of the scene where shows Jim Bob his ready–to–list fifth ‘flip’ and asks for Joy’s hand in marriage. You’ll notice that, while he’s doing the whole act–like–I’m–shocked routine, J. B. says to Austin: “I think it was about a year ago that you came and asked me ... permission to get to know Joy on a closer, friendship level.”

I don’t think J. B. is talking about Austin’s request to court Joy, since he said “a closer, friendship level.” So, Austin probably asked if he could informally “get to know” Joy, like Jeremy did with Jinger...

...and apparently, Austin did this about a year before asking to marry Joy. While we don’t know exactly when Austin asked for Joy’s hand in marriage, I think it’s fair to assume that it wasn’t long before he proposed in March 2017. So, maybe they started pre–courting in March 2016.

Also, on Counting on (and in this clip), Austin said he first developed feelings for Joy “when [he] was in Mississippi at flight school.” We know, from an Instagram post, that Austin was at flight school on September 6, 2016... But I sort of don’t think that he sent Joy flowers immediately after realizing he was into her. So, I’ll assume he’s been to flight school multiple times. (Plus, it makes sense... I don’t think you can learn to fly a plane with just a one–time class.) Honestly, I have no idea when Austin might have attended pilot’s training. What I do know, however, is that, in May 2017, Joy recalled that Austin first showed interest in her “about a year [before].” All and all, I’d say they started pre–courting in Spring 2016. 

If anyone knows (or has a guess about) where Austin attended flight school, let me know!

Courtship   August 1, 2016 (?) to 3–2–17   |   213 Days (?)      

Neither TLC, nor the Duggar family, nor JoyStin, has ever specified the date that the courtship began. Common lore puts it in November 2016, just prior to TLC’s official reveal. Screen titles on Counting On seem to back this up...

I don’t buy it, however; as I made clear in this post, I think they started courting a lot earlier, on August 1, 2016. Since the actual date JoyStin began courting is unknown, let’s take a look the data for my speculated date as well as 11–15–16 (the date TLC announced) and see how this courtship stacks up. (I’ve excluded Joy + Austin’s data from all of the rest of the calculations on this post, since we are analyzing their relationship.)

Duration

Excluding Joy + Austin, the average courtship (i.e., Courtship – Proposal) is 154 Days long, with a standard deviation (S.D.) of 110 Days. If you prefer median–based analysis, the median courtship is 127 Days, with a M.A.D. of ~70 (69.68) Days. (As always, I’ve assuming a normal distribution and multiplying the actual MAD by a consistency constant of 1.4826.) With this data, we can calculate our Probable and Near–Certain Ranges...

Probable Range  (68% of Data Within)

Based on Mean:   44–264 Days

Based on Median:   57–197 Days     

Near–Certain Range  (95% of Data Within)

Based on Mean:   0–374 Days* 

Based on Median:   0–267 Days*

*Note that the low end of both ranges went below 0. Since it’s not possible to court for a negative number of days, I’ve just put 0.

We know that Joy + Austin got engaged on March 2, 2017. So, if they started courting on August 1, 2016—as I theorize—that’s a 213 Day Courtship. That is within the Mean–Based Probable Range, but outside the Median–Based Range. (The Median–Based Range is not as skewed by Jessa + Ben’s lengthy 336 Day Courtship, since it resists high and low values.) It is, however, within with Near–Certain Range for both metrics. All in all, it wouldn’t be an abnormal courtship, especially since Joy’s young age may have led her to a slightly longer courtship.

So, what about the November 15, 2016 date? That’s the day TLC revealed Joy + Austin’s courtship. If they began courting that very day, their courtship would have been 107 Days long. This is extremely close to the mean courtship length of 110 Days, and it’s within the Probable Range for both metrics. 

Overall, it’s a pretty run–of–the–mill courtship, in terms of duration.

Announcement Timing

Let’s talk about the announcement. If Joy + Austin started courting on August 1, 2016, that means they waited a whopping 106 Days to announcement it. In this post, I speculate that a late announcement makes sense for JoyStin, due to her young age and November sweeps. Also, it’s not that weird to wait so long...

On average, Duggars wait 42 Days, or 6 Weeks, to announce a new courtship. This varies quite a bit, however; the S.D. is 59 Days. Doing the math, a Duggar will probably announce a courtship within 101 Days, and is almost certain to do so within 160 Days. JoyStin are just a hair (5 Days) outside the Probable Range, and well within the 95% Range.

If they began courting in August, the delay in announcing was a bit unusual, but by no means an outlier.  

Engagement   3–2–17 to 5–26–17   |   85 Days      

Joy + Austin got engaged on March 2, 2017. One day later, US Weekly reported the news in an exclusive article. Later, Counting On featured JoyStin’s proposal on the episode “Joy Gets Engaged,” which originally aired on July 10, 2017.

Austin’s proposal was simple but sweet:  He took Joy (and Johannah and Jenni, as chaperones) horseback riding. Joy–Anna didn’t see the proposal coming, but accepted when Austin popped the question in a beautiful, woodsy spot.

Duration

The Forsyths tied the knot on May 26, 2017, so we know that their engagement lasted exactly 85 Days, which is quite close to the Duggar average of 93 Days. (So no, this wasn’t a shotgun wedding. It was a long or average courtship, and a typical–length engagement.)

Announcement Timing

JoyStin waited only one day to announce their engagement. Up until this point, the Duggar average was 4 Days—but honestly, that was due entirely to Derick + Jill, who waited 11 Days to announce. (Josh + Anna didn’t really announce at all, and Jessa + Ben and Jinger + Jeremy both waited only 1 Day.) So, while the Forsyths technically tied for quickest announcement, it was really not at all odd for them to announce so quickly.

Marriage   5–26–17   |   Friday

Finally, the Joy + Austin said “I do” on Friday, May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas. (As y’all may recall that Jill also married at Cross Church, but it wasn’t the exact same one. Cross Church has multiple “campuses,” and Jill + Derick used Springdale, while JoyStin used Pinnacle Hills.) PEOPLE exclusively reported on the wedding the evening–of.

For the nuptials, Joy wore a Renée Miller–designed lace gown, which combined elements of several different gowns, while Austin wore a navy blue suit and gray tie. Like the Dillards and Joseph + Kendra, Joy + Austin did a ‘first look,’ seeing each other before Joy’s walk down the aisle.

Joy’s twelve bridesmaids included, among others—Jana, Jessa, Jinger, Hannie, Jenni, Anna, Kendra, and long–time–friend Carlin Bates. Jill was Joy’s matron–of–honor. The bridesmaids wore simple, navy blue dresses. Meanwhile, Austin’s thirteen groomsmen—including John David Duggar—wore gray suits and navy blue ties.

After the wedding, the newlyweds honeymooned in Switzerland.

Overall, Joy was the fifth Duggar to court, get engaged, and marry. ...Next up in At–A–Glance:  Jinger + Jeremy!

[ofshipsandswans]

I only came for the dancing

Inspired by a day-in-the-fic-life of the lovelies @mahstatins and @katie-dubHuge thanks to @swanandapirate for beta-ing <3

Summary: It’s Robin and Regina’s wedding; Killian is late, Emma’s not happy and Henry likes cake. Enjoy! 

Word count: 2k 

There were a lot of advantages, Emma would argue, to being Regina Mills' friend.

The lavish dinner parties with the expensive champagne notwithstanding, Emma had come to admire Regina for her determination; building her own empire in a male-dominated world.

Though admittedly, "friend" was a term Emma used in the loosest sense. The two women couldn't be more different, though they both had a stubborn streak that could rival the best of them.

And then, there was Henry. The main force keeping the Mills and Swan women in each other's lives but Emma had to admit, there was a sense of comradeship which had developed from a mutual fondness for Henry.

It still didn't explain why Regina had given Emma the enviable task of bridesmaid.

And that was something none of them saw coming. Regina Mills marrying Robin Locksley, the person she'd swore up and down she wouldn't be within spitting distance of.

C'est la vie, no?

Robin had proposed, Regina accepted and Emma found herself thrown head first into wedding planning. Seven months, a whirlwind of white dresses, cake tasting, flower arrangements, the hen-do from hell and Emma was ready to fling herself off the window ledge, stiletto heels and all.

Not to toot her own horn, but she had the wedding planned to a T, thank you very much. Regina would've had her head otherwise. (There was that one incident with a broken ankle and a missed dress-fitting that no-one wanted a repeat of.)

No, that wasn't the reason why Emma felt like pulling her hair out.

It was more to do with the fact that tall, dark and absent hadn't graced the congregation with his presence, leaving Emma floundering last minute and cursing Killian Jones to the moon and back.

He was the fucking best man.

The best man.

And he was nowhere to be seen.

Emma stood anxiously by the alter, checking her wristwatch, praying that Jones would show up on time.

Five minutes till D-Day, Emma thought sourly.

She fiddled with her bouquet, muttering expletives under her breath that would surely have her expelled from the Church.

Four minutes.

Please, please, please, please, please.

Three minutes.

Dammit Jones.

Robin stood awkwardly, shuffling on his feet, the very picture of nerves. He gave Henry, the ring-bearer, a small nod, his small chest puffing out with pride.

Emma chanced another glance around, eyes peeled for a shock of black hair and baby blue eyes.

Two minutes.

Among the curses she spat at Jones and the hoping his ass wouldn't be late, Emma sent a prayer for her soul.

One minute.

The organ player took a seat, and the first chords of Here Comes the Bride rang out through the hall, the flower girls awkwardly shuffling down the aisle, dumping most of the petals in one go and swinging their empty baskets as they skipped the rest of the way.

Robin looked around, confusion on his face as he noticed his lack of best man, turning questioning eyes on Emma. She was just about to protest that it wasn't her fault.

And that was when the subject in question burst through the doors, the gathered guests standing for whom they expected was the bride, a hum of confusion as they took in the man by the doors.

Killian Jones, in all his windswept hair glory, was bent over and breathing heavily, cheeks and ears tinged pink as he held up a finger as if to quieten the guests. "I made it," he wheezed.

When he caught sufficient breath, he sprinted down the aisle, throwing a quick thumbs-up at Henry and grinning at Robin.

His timing was impeccable as just then, Regina walked down the aisle, her arm looped through her father's and looking as regal as ever. Her train trailed behind her, hair immaculately styled complete with long veil and a reserved smile on her face as she looked at her groom. Emma breathed a sigh of relief, as Regina hadn't seem to notice the less-then-ideal picture of the best man.

As the couple read their vows, Emma glared at Killian, making sure he knew that this wasn't over.

The rest of the wedding had gone smoothly, the interruption by Jones the only hiccup in an otherwise perfect affair. The reception was held in the Ritz Hotel and Emma sipped her drink, watching with amusement as Henry bounced around by the cake, practically drooling at the sight of it. She'd managed to snap a few quick photos of her son in his suit, knowing that as soon as it was time for cake, it wouldn't stand a chance.

She caught Killian by the open bar, nursing a drink of his own. Emma cleared her throat, catching his attention.

"Swan!" He grinned, leaping out of his chair.

"Jones." She nodded, keeping her face neutral.

"It's quite the shindig this." He gestured with his glass to the reception, the music playing from the small orchestra (jeez, Regina didn’t spare any expense), coloured lights lighting the dance floor and general chatter filling the air.

Emma hummed, eyes raking over the man next to her. He squirmed under her gaze and she silently admitted that she enjoyed it.

He coughed, clearing his throat. "Ahem, would you believe it, my flight got delayed and I had to change on the plane. Let me tell you, it's no small feat dressing into a three-piece suit in the confines of an airplane lavatory," he finished, voice rising in pitch as he tried to sell his story.

Emma raised an unamused eyebrow, betrayed by the fact that her lips tugged into a smile. "You’re lucky Regina didn't see you. I'm sure she would've had something to say about that."

He scratched behind his ear, a sheepish smile on his face. "Aye, seems I dodged a bullet there."

They were cut off from further discussion as Henry excitedly announced it was time for cake, digging into his own piece with gusto. Emma took a slice, biting back a moan at the heavenly piece. Those cake tastings were damn well worth it. She was taken aside by Regina, who had changed into something more suited to dancing.

"Thank you, Emma," she said sincerely. "I couldn't have asked for a better friend."

Emma almost choked on her cake. Regina's thank you's were a rarity, and that was when she didn't always mean them. The bride pulled her in for a quick hug, before turning to attend to the other guests. "Oh, and if you see Jones, tell him I want a word."

The next time Emma saw Killian she knew that Regina had got to him first. He motioned for another drink, downing the rum in one go. He looked like a naughty school kid who'd been given a thorough talking-to by the principal, face contrite.

"How bad was it?" Emma asked, sliding into the seat next to him, resting her cheek in her palm as she faced him.  

He shrugged. "Could've been worse. Though I dare say we've reached the bodily threats stage of our relationship."

Emma laughed, clutching her stomach as she gasped for breath.

 "I take offence at that, Swan! You know how terrifying Regina is."

Emma wiped the tears away, clearing her throat. "Hey, you bought that on yourself, buddy."

Killian looked resigned, swirling his drink in the glass.

"Did you have to come in like that?" she said, breaking the silence that had descended on them.

Killian swallowed the last of his drink, smacking his lips and turning to her. "Like what?"

"Like you were a movie hero or something, charging in at the last second to stop the wedding of your beloved."

He leaned in close, and she could smell the rum on his breath. "Don't tell Regina that, love. I'm sure she's already thinking I plan to steal Robin back." He winked.

Emma snorted, quirking an eyebrow and tilting her head. Killian sighed. "If you must know, I did try the back entrance but the sodding thing was locked. Who the bloody hell locks the back entrance?" he exclaimed in indignation.

"Ah, that would be on Zelena's request. Something about keeping the riff-raff out. Her words, not mine." Killian gave her a look. "Don't look at me like that, I didn't know you'd be so late!"

Killian shook his head, muttering. "Zelena...I should've guessed. I swear that woman has had it out for me since the moment we met."

"Must run in the family," Emma mused, raising one shoulder in half a shrug. She swung her stool around, leaning her elbows back on the bar top and watching the crowd.

Killian groaned, rubbing a hand over his face, before following suit. Henry was barrelling towards them; his tie crooked, shirt covered in frosting, and bare-footed. He'd be exhausted by the time they got home but it wasn't a school night so she allowed it.

"Mom! Come dance!" Emma took his small hand in hers, her other hand reaching to take off her heels.

If there was one thing she knew about a sugar-fuelled Henry, was that he had crazy amounts of energy.

"Hi Killian." Henry waved.

"Hello lad. You did wonderful today." Killian winked.

Henry beamed, cheeks pinking under the compliment. He tugged on Emma's hand, and she shot Killian an apologetic smile as she let herself be pulled by her 10-year-old, twirling with him on the dance floor. Her cheeks hurt by the time the music had slowed to something mellow and Henry's jaw cracked in a yawn.

"Alright, kid. Time for bed."

Henry opened his mouth to protest but was betrayed as he yawned again. "'M not sleepy," he lied, eyes drooping.

"Sure you aren't," Emma drawled, rolling her eyes. Emma led him upstairs, the rooms in the hotel rented out for the event. She swiped her key card, quickly making sure Henry brushed his teeth and changed into his pyjamas before kissing him goodnight. He was out like a light before his head hit the pillow.

She smiled softly, switching on the bedside lamp before locking the door behind her and making her way back downstairs. She'd left her heels by the bar, but couldn't find it in herself to regret it, her feet aching after wearing them all day, the soft carpet feeling amazing under her bare feet.

Although her son had dozed off, the reception was still in full spring, and it probably would carry on until the daylight hours. Emma cringed at the thought. She was only running on a few hours of sleep and she should've taken the opportunity to sleep when she took Henry up.

Emma groaned, making her way over to the tables, and slumping down on a chair. Of all the misfortunes, Zelena was there, looking completely sour-faced, scowling at the newlyweds as they danced.

Emma had heard that Zelena's relationship hit the rocks mere days before the wedding, and she would've felt more sympathetic had the sister of the bride not also been strung-up, unhelpful and spiteful (the Mills sisters’ feuds were biblical and Emma got caught in the crossfire when Zelena discovered she wasn't to be a bridesmaid) throughout the whole planning.

Still, not even a vengeful sister (no matter how hard she tried) could ruin what was ultimately a successful wedding but Emma was feeling the effects, the buzz of the day wearing off and leaving her drained. She leaned forward, rubbing at her temples. Maybe she would go back up. She stood, looking around for Regina–wasn’t she just dancing with Robin?–not wanting to go AWOL without the bride knowing lest some last-minute disaster occur whilst she dozes away.

She turned, knocking straight into Killian. “Sorry,” she murmured, hand resting lightly on his chest to keep her balance. “Hey, you didn’t see where the bride went?” she asked hopefully.

Killian nodded, jutting his thumb over his shoulder. “Went that way, with Robin. I wouldn’t disturb them right now if I were you, Swan.”

Emma screwed up her nose, not wanting to think about that. “Ew,” she said aloud and Killian laughed.

Behind them, Zelena scoffed loudly, rolling her eyes. Emma glared at her, though her cheeks flushed when she realised she hadn’t removed her hand. Before she could, Killian took hold, leading her to the dance floor.

“No,” she shook her head, her words slurring slightly. “’M sleepy,” she said in an almost-exact repetition of Henry’s earlier protest.

“One dance.” Killian pouted, pulling her flush against his chest, “A slow one,” he compromised.

Emma was too tired to protest further, resting her head on his shoulder. If she was a bit more awake and a bit more alert, this kind of intimacy would have her running for the hills. As it was, she was exhausted and it felt nice, Killian’s arm warm around her waist as he hummed to the music, making her doze even more.

She lifted her head, a lazy smile on her face. “If I fall asleep, you better not leave me.”

He grinned, “Can I carry you bridal style?”

Emma shrugged, resting her head on his shoulder again. “Yeah, sure. Whatever,” she mumbled.

“Why Swan. I’d be delighted.”

[hushedhands]

Challenge 60

@cecilia02 Both of these sort of happened in here!

*First rebel attack after The One, and America having a panic attack

Looking back, America wasn't sure what she would have done if she and Maxon hadn't been in the same room when it happened. She'd only been Queen for six months, and most of her time was spent managing the Palace schedule and taking royal lessons from Silvia. Someday America hoped to have enough time left in her day to do something substantial with her new position. To help society by starting initiatives and championing causes or something. For now, she had no idea how she'd ever have time to do more than browse upholstery patterns and memorize names and faces of foreign dignitaries.

Maxon was thriving, though. He still felt uncertain from time to time, but he had a good rapport with his advisers now, and they really seemed to respect his progress over the past almost year since King Clarkson had died. That being said, America still wasn’t ready to attend many meetings with Maxon, and Maxon was far too busy to sit with her as she picked between various curtain samples.

So it truly was a miracle that Maxon and America were in the same room in the middle of a workday when it happened.

She'd come into his office to ask about his schedule for the weekend. She desperately missed May and Gerad and little Astra, and she wanted to invite them to the Palace for a picnic. She was hoping Maxon would be able to find the time to join them for a few minutes. Gerad adored Maxon, and if Kenna's husband made it to the picnic, too, then he and Maxon could spend some more time bonding. They were both very busy men, but the few times that they'd managed to socialize in the past had hinted at a very possible friendship in the future. America and Kenna very much wanted to encourage such a possibility.

Technically, it should have only taken a minute for America to ask her question, but Maxon just happened to be between meetings and America was really tired of memorizing the names and faces of the members of the German delegation, so she'd asked Maxon if she could avoid lessons for a few more minutes by hiding here with him. Well, what was he supposed to do?

Of course he invited his young wife to join him on one of the sofas in his office and of course he kissed her until his lips went numb and he was thoroughly dizzy from oxygen deprivation.

But that was when it happened.

The jolt of adrenaline that America got when the shrieks of the rebel alarm blared through Maxon’s office was not a thrilling, exciting kind of rush. This was a hands shaking, vomit-inducing kind of adrenaline spike. She had not heard that siren, except in her nightmares, since before her wedding. Since before Celeste had died and Maxon had been shot. She'd known, of course, that the rebels were still out there, but some small part of her had held at hope that maybe, just maybe, miraculously, they'd never return to the Palace.

"Maybe it's a false alarm." America's voice was nothing but a gasped whisper, her chest rising and falling sporadically, with no rhythm to her breaths.

“I hope… but whether it’s false or not-“ he didn't finish the thought, already half way to the secret panel behind his desk. Never having used the entrance to the stairwells in the King's office before, it took him a moment to find the latch. As soon as he did, he ushered America in and then closed the door behind him.

America wasn’t sure what she had expected. During her time in Maxon's Selection, it had been like a stampede of elephants stomping down to the main safe room. But now, it was only her and Maxon. The vast echo of their lonely footsteps would have been maddening enough, but the added sound of her own ragged breathing had her convinced that she was as good as dead.

“Ames?" Maxon paused at a landing, concerned.

America wanted to tell him that she was fine, but she wasn’t. And she physically couldn’t.

"I need you to breathe." Maxon begged.

She wanted to sarcastically wonder why she hadn’t thought of that sooner. Of course she was breathing as best she could.

Maxon, not sure what else to do, swept her into his strong arms and carried her the rest of the way down.

The guard standing sentry at the safe room looked unspeakably relieved to see them. He radioed a codeword that would tell the rest of the guards, including Aspen, that the monarchs were safe.

"Officer? Report?” Maxon commanded the young man.

He gulped, bowed, then shook his head. "No reports from outside yet." By outside, he meant the guards sweeping the Palace for threats.

Maxon scowled, "I want news the moment you hear it. I don't care about protocol, you open that door and tell me what the hell is going on the second you find out.”

"Y-Yes sir." the guard stammered. He'd just received a direct order from his king, but that order had been to break protocol. He looked miserable about his first ever interaction with his king.

America, still in Maxon’s arms, wheezed an especially labored breath and Maxon hurried into the enormous, empty royal safe room. The reinforced door was locked into place with an ominous ‘thunk'.

All America could think, besides how eminently she and Maxon were going to die, was of how desperately she wanted to be in the gardens right now. The afternoon air, the scent of the rosebushes by her favorite bench…

"I need you to match my breaths, America.”

"There's no air down here-‘'

"Yes, there is. There's lots and lots of it."

Now all America could think, besides how soon a rebel would be shooting through that door, was of how many flights of stairs underground they were.

Maxon sank to the concrete floor and positioned her so that her back was leaning against his chest.

"Breathe with me." he reminded her.

This time she was able to try. It took a long minute of him murmuring in her ear and breathing emphatically, chest rising and falling against her back, but the adrenaline surge subsided, her heartbeat began slowing, and she no longer felt like she'd just run a marathon.

"Will they kill us?" she managed pitifully.

“No. We've an entire army between us and them. How could they?” His words were definitive but his voice didn’t have the usual forcefulness.

"You know that they could." she muttered, vividly remembering the bullet flying through Celeste's head.

Maxon let out a huff of a breath, blowing a strand of her hair straight forward. They were both reliving the worst moment of their lives, but Maxon was the one who had been shot and nearly died. Maxon was the one who had lost both of his parents. So why was America the one who needed help remembering how to breathe?

She could feel control retuning to her body. She was sweating now, but her mind was clearing up, almost as if a fever had broken.

"Was there a threat report?" America asked simply, but she heard the accusation in her own tone of voice. Maxon had a bad habit of trying to hide threats from her, trying to 'protect' her. This was the first attack on the Palace since their marriage, but it wasn’t the first threat to their lives.

Maxon said, “No."

‘’Maxon?"

''What?" he whined. He didn't like the insinuation in her tone.

"Was there a threat report?”

“No!" this time he was defensive, "There was no­ intelligence whatsoever that an attack might be imminent.”

America leaned out of his arms and rotated to face him. The idea that they'd been caught off guard was worse than the idea of Maxon protect­ing her from bad news. Much worse.

America gulped, ''Then we need better intelligence.”

Maxon nodded gravely.

In the long, heavy silence that followed her statement, the room around them seemed to expand. Not literally, just their awareness of how massive this bunker, built for the royal family, truly was. How truly tiny, in comparison, the royal family now was.

Sitting here on the floor together, Maxon and America couldn't have felt more like lost children.

Maxon got to his feet and then pulled America up. They moved to a cot in the corner and sat together, minds numb with fear.

“I've lived through dozens of rebel attacks in my lifetime,” he reasoned, “and only one was ever bad enough to nearly kill me. Odds are, this one is not like that one. Statistically, this is one of the harmless ones.”

America didn't feel like pointing out that the northern rebels, who'd done everything they could to avoid hurting the royal family, weren’t attacking the Palace anymore. Now only the murderous southerners were left. His statistics wouldn't take that into account.

So, instead, she just nodded.

Maxon looked around at the big, empty space surrounding them. It was as if he wanted to fill it with his words. Fill it with his hopes. He said, "We won't die today. And your family is coming to visit this weekend. They're bringing the baby for us to cuddle. I’ll definitely be there for the picnic, by the way.”

America nodded, "Mom will ask me when I'm going to start giving her little grand-princes and princesses.” she rolled her eyes. Her mother truly astonished her sometimes. "I just... I married the Prince, didn’t I? I’m the Queen, for goodness’ sake! And she has the nerve—“

Maxon pressed a kiss to her knuckles, "Leave it to you, my Love, to rant and rave about your mother in the middle of a life-or-death rebel attack.”

America huffed a breath. She was just so grateful to have something else to think about, something other than if the guards upstairs were surviving the attack, that she'd happily let herself get carried away. ''I still feel like a daughter, is what I mean. Not really like a kid anymore... being Queen cured me of that pretty quickly. But certainly, I don't feel like I’m old enough for my mom to be pestering me for grandchildren! I mean, come on!"

This time she'd ranted just to see the enamored smirk on his lips as he watched her. She needed that smirk to keep her grounded through this emergency.

Maxon tore his eyes from hers to heave a sigh, running a hand through his hair, "We're in perfect agreement, Love. I’m barely managing being King right now, how could your mother expect me to be a decent father on top of that?”

America caught the operative words as if they’d been bold, underlined, and completely capitalized. ‘Decent Father'. Maxon didn't think he could be one.

“You will be a wonderful father, one of these days. And mom will be a wonderful grandmother, if I haven't banished her to the northernmost outpost in Whites by then."

Maxon smiled again, but it was strained. He looked around the room, “I don't want to bring any children down here, to this." he gestured to the empty cavern around them.

''Okay. We'll defeat the rebels, then have children.”

Maxon looked at her like she was being facile, ”America, there will always be someone who wants us to die.”

America looked down at her lap, "Then we’ll make the bunker nicer. Warmer, less... apocalyptic.”

“I can't imagine what would improve this place.” he frowned.

"Neither can I." America laid down and placed her head in his lap. "A chocolate fountain, maybe.”

Maxon snorted. "A movie screen.”

"On-demand puppy service.”

"Bowling lanes.”

"A surprise celebrity, different every time.”

He laughed and kissed her forehead, “It’s you, America. You're what makes this place... this life bearable.” he marveled at his realization.

"Good." was all she could think to say to his moving declaration. So simple. So heartfelt. So perfectly Maxon.

From the steps above, the door to the bunker hissed and opened. Aspen stood at the top. “All clear." he announced.

America slid out of Maxon's lap and stood as Maxon, too, got to his feet.

''There were rebels?" Maxon asked, still hoping that maybe, just maybe, it had all been a false alarm.

"Yes, sir. A dozen, at last count.”

"Guard fatalities?”

"None." Aspen seemed to swell with pride. “The new training regimen is working.”

"Good work, Commander." Maxon nodded. "Did we capture any rebels?”

''None." he deflated to his original size. ‘'They retreated quickly. It's like…”

''What?" America spoke up.

''I don't have proof." Aspen shook his head, unwilling to speculate.

“Your instincts are beyond reproach,” Maxon reminded him, “Speak.’'

''It was almost like they were testing us. Just learning what we'd do when provoked.”

Maxon nodded gravely, "So they'll be back, then.”

"And they'll have studied." Aspen agreed.

"Security meeting. Now.” Maxon commanded.

Aspen saluted, then turned to America. "Your mother is on the phone, beside herself.”

“What? What did I do this time?”

"New protocol. The unit at your mother's house secured your family when the rebel alarm was triggered here at the Palace. Mer, she's worried, not mad.”

America scrunched her nose. “…Oh.”

"I'll miss dinner, dealing with this,” Maxon kissed her lips, ”But wait for me on the balcony tonight?”

America nodded, kissed his lips in reply, and said, “Always."

When America returned to her office, Silvia was right there, waiting to get back to work as if nothing at all had happened. In the face of unspeakable danger, Silvia could always be counted on to completely ignore any threat beyond giving it an annoyed squint of her eyes. Once America had reassured her mother that she was alive, Silvia and America carried on, returning bravely to the work of memorizing photographs of the German diplomatic delegation.

[yourthyla]

[STAR TREK] FANFICTION REC LIST

Phew! I’ve been reading a lot of fics so I’ve been doing this rec-list of my favourites for you. trust me it’s from MANY sources and depths of the internet. I’m gonna try to keep it clearly organized and updated. 

Also, these fics are really various, but the pairings are only combinatinos of Spock, Kirk and McCoy. I warn you I have a huge thing for AUs.

I used AO3 ratings and sometimes included author’s description.

This is also a thanks to my nearly 400 followers, I LOVE YOU all! I hope this comes any useful to you!

TOS

Spock/Kirk

E// Hours of Freedom is a both-sided amnesia fic but the best I’ve read. Kirk and Spock in forest, surviving, fluffing around and eventually smutting.

E// Got You is a Mirror-verse PWP where Spock and Kirk do it right on the bridge. Yes, you heard me, in front of everyone. One of the hottest PWPs ever.

E// The Friend Awesome in-character fic taking place on Vulcan, exploring Kirk’s jealousy and sexuality

E// The power of suggestion Under an unfortunate influence of a drug, Kirk starts temporarily believing he and Spock have been lovers. One of the best get/together fics and solutions of long secret crush I’ve read!

M// Communication A  wonderful epistolary fic (I love these) Being at war, Spock is separated from his crew before the end of 5YM and they miss each other immensely. They quite maturely handle their affections for each other and start writing between the lines.

T// A means to an end A morning-after fic with an interesting twist! Kirk and Spock shyly & slyly taking their friendship to ‘the next level’ :D

E// Turbo Tale This story is from Turbo lift’s POINT OF VIEW. No, trust me. This is too wonderful and I’ve never read a blowjob scene used so strangely appropriately and affectionately like here. .

G// The Game Very entertaining and originally handled challenge by the author.  The crew plays a game in a bar. I love this too much.

E// The Berries One of the best ‘we’re in forest, you’re drunk and we’re too surprised we’ve both loved and craved each other all along so let’s get it finally over with’ I’ve EVER read.

E// Personal Effects Spock received a personal android, he likes him a lot. Kirk is furiously jealous. 

M// Shall We? This one is different and so weird? It has plot but a humorous one and somehow this kept me entertained and I appreciate it in a strange way. Such an original view of K/S development!

E// Absolution The author truly spoiled me with this fic. It is a fuel to my hurt/comfort love, there is nothing like nasty abduction and then (most of the fic) soothing the character (Kirk) delicately with love while every single sentence of it is PERFECTLY in character that it awes me. The thing is very real. (However I only enjoyed the first half as much, I’m not sure if I ever finished the second.)

G// First comes love AU. Kirk is a single parent and Spock is a child doctor. Why you should read this? 1) PUREST THING EVER. 2) REALISTIC PURE CHILD’S (David) POV. 3) His daddy is falling in love with his doctor?!! 4)OhgodpleasejustREADit... I just wish this was longer *cries*

E// At a glance Teenage!AU. Ok I just realized I read this as AOS? It totally worked? Anyway, I only read 2 chapters because it felt satisfying enough the other day but I was IN LOVE with the first kissing scene, one of the most powerful I’ve EVER read. Love at first sight. Epic. I’m gonna finish it one day and update my opinion. 

E// Surrender PWP. Warning for dub-con and dom/sub elements. Normally I’m not so into this and if yes I don’t bother rec-ing it BUT I am doing so for the massage scene because hot damn, that was the hottest stuff ever. Simply well-written Spock seducing Kirk. (wth was this published in year 1997?!?)

E// Master and Commander A satisfying first-time PWP, awkward shower sharing, pleasant switching of the roles.

E// Getting What You Wished For Having any wish on a planet that creates anything for you, Spock (very logically) summons copy of Captain Kirk to deal with his oh so suppressed sexual and romantic feelings toward him. It doesn’t work but it might give him a push to finally confess.

E// Ardor Amazing PWP which just didn’t feel too cliché for my taste. Features gym red pants and very nice foreplay and resolved sexual tension wohoo.

G// in love with my captain This is just a drabble to warm your heart. It’s just the last sentence...is everything good in the world.

T// An Impossible Smile “ Captain Kirk has a seductive smile that no man or woman can stand up to. He uses this against Spock.” THIS IS SO GOOD because nobody ever portrays Spock as ‘one of Kirk’s conquests’ (sorry for that) but this one does and IT HURTS SO BAD but it’s short enough so you won’t die but..wow..

E//  Rose Hips and Vulcan Lips PWP with FLUFF, married Spirk, Spock is cold, there’s Kirk’s mom in the house while the two dorks go warm up in the shower and do nasty things, anyway: "Spock...Only you could stand there, naked, in the shower, with soapy water running down your chest and that big, thick hard-on poking out at me, talking about plants with vitamin C. And I love you for it." :>> i want marriage like that.

Spock/McCoy

T// Questions, Questions Brilliantly in-character fic about Spock being forced to answer very personal questions to McCoy as a part of the physical. M// The Sample is a sequel to Questions, Questions, where Spock must deliver semen sample for McCoy. He is failing, and asks for help. I will read these for the rest of my life.

E// Aegri Somnia Spock and McCoy are stranded on a planet and fight for their life. PERFECT food for hurt/comfort lovers. Contains horror atmosphere, very naturalistic description, love confessions & cuddles. What’s not to love.

E// I have enough Huge hurt/comfort. I have a thing for depressed!Bones and this one suffers all included (alcohol, secret love for Spock, self-harm..) But don’t worry, he gets the comfort he deserves.

T// Nothing By Halves This is mostly for the nice idea. All I can tell you is copy the description and my favourite quote summing it up: “McCoy wishes he could talk to Spock's human half. After a transporter malfunction, he can.” And: “It wasn't your human half I needed to get through to, or the Vulcan. It was just you.” I’m crying.

E// What happens in Vegas Can be AOS too. Crack-ish. This was lot of fun. Well, the first part looked more promising. Somehow I thought it would be better if they slept together sooner, when it was still kind of taboo, you know what I mean? It turned too sugary for me which seems to by my frequent problem but still adorable and fun fic!

Spock/Kirk/McCoy

E// Always watching You - “An asexual but not aromantic Spock contemplates his relationship with Jim and Leonard.” Exceptional fic.

E// Unbearable “As McCoy struggles with holding Spock’s katra, he finds himself stuck in the middle of a relationship between his best friend and a dead man.” How bittersweet.

E// Get the party started (if it works for all parties involved) PWP-ish. “Jim caught Bones calling Jim's and Spock's name in his 'self-loving' time. Jim's solution? Phone Spock. While Bones's still at it so Spock could hear it first-hand, of course.” Wohoooo! Voyeurism is my weakness trope.

E// Beautiful Liar “McCoy reveals hidden feelings for Spock after accidental contact with his mind. He doesn't know Kirk and Spock are lovers, so Jim lies to him.” This is actually kinda sad? But not exactly angsty. 

________________________

AOS

Spock/Kirk

M// The Exchange Student Teenage Spirk AU. Jim is abused by his step-father, Spock, the exchange student comes to his rescue. Hurt/comfort, so fluffy, SO beautiful!

E// Gift An AU, takes place on xenophoibic Vulcan; Spock finds a young human and decides to keep him. I love how they grow up together and develop an unhealthy addiction to each other. However it gets a bit angsty at the end and I’m unsure how the ending makes me feel. 

E// Papers in the Roadside AU. Jim owns a bar and Spock is a mysterious journalist who makes him lose his mind. This story has flawless atmosphere and slow development. It is essential.

E// Educated Differences A standard 21. century university AU where Jim and Spock are put as roommates and I don’t think I even need to comment this.

T// Mayday, My Darling Very realistic fic about Spock getting drug-addicted. I don’t usually enjoy established relationship but THIS is perfection! Tags speak for it all. 

T// Subtext Jim has a crush on Spock, he misses him and regrettably end up trying to pick him through texting. Very enjoyable ‘texting’ fic (mostly.) Also funny and fluffy!

E// Tray Tables and Seatbelt Signs AU. You ever heard of Mile High Club? No? You will now. Spock is hot flight attendant and Jim a very annoying and needy passenger. Bonus: best description of Bones&Jim friendship ever.

E// In time AU. Kirk’s mother leaves to space for years and emplys Spock as her son’s ‘caretaker.’ Now, I know how difficult it is to characterise a child/teenager well but this author took my breath away. Jim's development feels 110% real and the relationship of him and Spock over THE YEARS is developing perfectly, it's balanced, flowing ideally fast. Lot of mutual pinning, slow-build, hurty comforty this is SO GOOOOOD and pure.

T// Stacks AU. Librarian!Jim and cadet!Spock. What I liked about this one is that Kirk was so pure, contrary to other AOS fics. As a librarian, interested in a regular Vulcan guest, he has this really nice character vibe. And he doesn't think it's creepy when Spock makes awkward sexual propositions and just goes with it because he actually respects him for once. 

E// The third wheel Academy AU. Awh yes, another fandiction that I simply devoured at once. Spock is a professor who calmly dates around with cadet Uhura but Jim is an annoying bastard who decides to steal Uhura from him, however he ends up falling in love with Spock and stealing him instead. Spock is succumbing hopelessly and adorably, god. 

M// The Fountain AU. “Somehow, Jim thought the brothel would be different—big and beautiful. Not like this, with just one broken Vulcan.” What can I say? Jim rescues Spock from where he certainly doesn’t belong. Hurt/comfort is my oxygen. Bones making important and appreciated appearance as well!

M// A Kingdom to Come Fairy-tale AU.  “Jim has been ordered by his mother, Queen Winona of Terra, to marry crown princess T'Pring of Vulcan. He intends to do no such thing.” Who doesn’t need a kingdom-set fic once in their life? I tell you, this is better than you think, do give it a try. I could not stop until I finished. Pure gold.

T// Mother, why Kirk is a waiter and Spock was arranged an outrageous blind date with Gary Mitchell in the restaurant. Jim manages to be the only pleasant thing on the date. Pity for the happy but open ending.

E// Muddy Waters Uni AU. I’m not sure about this one. I know I really loved the beginning, or half of it and then again I was deeply disappointed and dropped it. But in this fic Spock is a human but has ‘Vulcan syndrome’ or something so he looks like a vulcan so that was pretty cool I think.

E// Creep College AU. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read this at first but I am glad I did!! It was very good! The characters were given their names because their parents were Star Trek fans and stuff?? So they are in the Star Trek fandom?  Kirk is in love with a ff writer while dealing with this creepy classmate at school. Well, as the author says:  “ One story, two storylines, one love.”

Spock/Kirk/McCoy

E// Called You Friend This is not a fanfiction, this is PURE ART. This is so imaginative, various, makes you feel things. You have to read bit between the lines to follow the plot but this is just beautiful.

McKirk

E// Life is Just a Bowl Full of Peaches ??? AU. I don’t even know why I saved this one but I knew I could regret it?? Crack-ish, maybe? McCoy is a single parent countryman and he is online dating Jim, thinking he's a GIRL. I don't know. Just. It’s fun but it’s also like nice? I don’t know if I finished but I definitelly enjoyed the beginning.

T// Subtlety Cute Cofee shop AU! Too bad it isn’t longer.

[rumoursontheubangui]

Unbordering Central Africa

Reflections on the ‘The Long Term: Tracing Legacies of Violence in Francophone Equatorial Africa’ workshop, 23-27 November 2018, Libreville, Gabon[1]

Hoinathy Remadji presenting during the workshop (Photo Andrea Behrends)

In November 2018 I had the chance to take part in a Point Sud workshop organised at the Université Omar Bongo (UOB) in Libreville, Gabon. The main goal of the Point Sud workshops is to bring together scholars from different countries, disciplines and generations to share knowledge about Africa in Africa. For this occasion, the participants had come to Libreville from different countries in Africa, Europe and the Americas to exchange ideas during a workshop entitled ‘The Long Term: Tracing Legacies of Violence in Francophone Equatorial Africa’.

What makes ‘Francophone Equatorial Africa’ an area of study? Is it a common proto-language substratum? A shared colonial past? The way power is exerted, as well as its (broken) link to the metaphysical ? Its apparent political dysfunctionality? Is it violence[2] that gives meaning to the cohesion of Central Africa? Its different waves and layers? Slavery, (neo-)colonialism and its nefarious and longstanding consequences? Or could it be the modes of communicating, moving and the resilience and vital force of its people? Its kinaesthetic forces, the strength of its colours and the richness of its soils? Is this region of Africa defined ex negativo, just by that which it is not?

The question of how to define the region that falls under ‘Francophone Equatorial Africa’ (for academic purposes) seemed to be a recurrent point of discussion. Which countries were to be counted in and which not. The fact that two scholars working on Equatorial Guinea were part of the group, on the one hand, but also the absence of the Central African giant, Congo-Kinshasa, on the other hand, added fuel to the fire. Regarding the first, Equatorial Guinea had previously been a Spanish colony, throwing the word ‘Francophone’ in the workshop’s title overboard. Regarding the latter, even if Congo-Kinshasa had been obliterated, many of the participants referred to it in their presentations. One could question even further, what about Rwanda and Burundi which are so linked to the political history of DR Congo? Or Angola, which shares a common pre-colonial history with both Congo’s? And why not South-Sudan and Zambia?

At the onset a focus on the dense forest, its waterways and its myths side-lined Chad, where there are no lush forests, but savannahs and deserts. Ironically Chad had been part of the AEF, in its original reading that is, ‘Afrique Equatoriale Française’[3] (French, instead of Francophone, Equatorial Africa). In a layered reading of history, however, this apparent contradiction ceases to exist. Placed one on top of the other, the different layers of history overlap and encompass, among others, the pre-colonial forests and the Sahelian territories colonized by the French at the end of the nineteenth century. A layered reading of history encompasses different religions, an amalgam of languages, different colonial pasts and colonizers. The similarities should not obscure the differences and vice-versa.

Perhaps Equatorial or Central Africa should be defined by those who consider themselves working in it? Not to say, first and foremost, its inhabitants… The Zambian Copperbelt, for instance, has been considered by some as being part of this region.[4] Defining Central Africa might then just be a fallacy. The focus and effort should rather lie in understanding how this region takes shape over time and its changing dynamics.

Some participants argued that borders are there to be crossed. In Central Africa rivers have been turned into (national) borders, separating the right from left riverbanks. However, crossing rivers on pirogues, magical bridges and other extraordinary means connects the riverbanks and separates, in fact, the water, not the land. I concluded my presentation with a short video recorded while crossing the Ubangi River. It triggered another participant to send me a photograph of the place where the water of the Gabon Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean (see photograph hereunder), his response and enthousiasm were reminiscent of the call-and-response methodolgy.[5]

Notice the slightly different shade of blue between the two waters (Photo Lionel Ikougou-Renamy)

Perhaps the most important lesson to be drawn is not the bordering, but rather the undoing of borders, the continuous contestation and questioning of borders. Perhaps the most important lesson is unbordering. In its present continuous form, unbordering, reminds us, over and over again, of the process that challenges that which is fixed and not transgressive, also in our minds –especially in our minds.

The challenge lies not in limiting ourselves to transgressing thematic, or disciplinary, or geographical  borders (all in which this workshop has excelled). The challenge rather lies in looking for new, fascinating, delirious and unthought-of ways of unbordering academia: facilitating African anthropologist to study European societies; brainstorming on how to include the ‘present absences’, i.e. the people we do research with; acknowledging the production of knowledge of our assistants, informants, interlocutors, gatekeepers and friends, without whom we could not call ourselves scholars; creating new connections that are not defined by North-South relationships; opening the doors of the university to other types of (non-academic) knowing[6]; Unbordering knowledge...

I would like to conclude with an anecdote. On the last evening in Gabon, as we awaited our flight back home, I was ‘abducted’ by a jovial and energizing Spanish-speaking Gabonese lady who runs a Spanish language institute in Libreville. She had recently come back from a trip to Colombia, where she attended a conference in Bogotá (the city where I was born). Sharing a last diner (and especially a last Gabonese REGAB beer) she explained how Gabon was too France-centred. How wonderful would it be if her school could teach anthropology in a Spanish-speaking, and even South-American, tradition? How different would the papers and researches be from those written and carried out in the framework of the French academic tradition? Just to have another, complementary view. Feeling the breeze of the estuary on our shoulders, we talked about bridges connecting the two continents, Africa and South-America, music to my ears. I guess unbordering is exactly that, opening up to new ways of knowing, of connecting – creating bridges in order to become wealthy-in-people.

[1] I do not claim authorship for the ideas presented in this blog, even though I am responsible for their interpretation. This blog is the result of the exchanges between all the workshop participants, inside and outside the conference room, in the corridors, during walks and drives, on the beach, while having drinks, and on the dance floor. To acknowlegde this co-creative process I want to thank all for the fruitful exchanges (in the hope that I am not forgetting anyone): Fabert Mensah, Lotje de Vries, Andreas Mehler, Klaas van Walraven, Joseph Mangarella, Moussa Sissoko, Florence Bernault, Karine Ramondy, Meredith Teretta, Andrea Ceriana Mayneri, Sylvain Batianga-Kinzi, Maria Ketzmerick, Enrique Okenve, Hoinathy Remadji, Maixant Mebiame, Lionel Ikougou-Renamy, Enrique Martino, Dimitri Ndombi, Stephanie Rupp, Guy Moussavou, Héloïse Kiriakou, Djanabou Bakary, Andrea Behrends, Arielle Ekang Mve, Célestine Koumba, Amélie Mogoa, Ingrid Jäger, Christian Mayss, Raymond Mayer, doña Véronique Solange, Herve Essono Mezui and Styde Mavioga Mickala.

[2] In the Connecting In Times of Duress research project we work with the concept of duress: i.e. the individual experience and internalization of violence. See the recently published special section on duress.

[3] AEF included today’s Chad, CAR, Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon.

[4] Think for instance of the Oxford-based “Comparing the Copperbelt” project, which subtitle reads Political Culture and Knowledge Production in Central Africa.

[5] A methodology of triggering exchange and collaboration. See:  Puwar, Nirmal, and Sanjay Sharma. 2012. “Curating Sociology.” The Sociological Review 60 (1_suppl): 40–63.

[6] I am hereby inspired by the Voice4thought Foundation and its work on co-creation. Co-creation looks beyond the walls of academic savoir and acknowledges the epistemological value of knowledge produced by activists, journalists, artists, etc... . 

[seniorbrief]

This Was Jackie Kennedy’s Incredible Mark on History

AP/REX/Shutterstock

This article was originally written by Carl Sferrazza Anthony and first appeared in the June 2001 issue of Reader’s Digest.

“I’m sixty-two now, and I’ve been in the public eye for more than thirty years,” Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis told a friend in 1991. “I can’t believe anybody still cares about me or is interested in what I do.” How wrong she was.

When she stepped into our lives, she was just 31, the youngest First Lady of the 20th century. She lived in the White House only from 1961 to 1963, yet re­mained an object of admiration, and even obsession, until the day she died. Part of the fascination with Jackie was due to timing: television exploded as a mass medium at the precise moment she and JFK and their beautiful children became the First Family. We could see them on TV, we loved what we saw, we wanted to see them again. Later, after the assassinations of JFK and RFK, she provided a place to focus the national grief.

She was more, though, than a pretty face on the small screen or the queen in a sad fairy tale. As a modern Supermom, she raised Caro­line and John into exemplary adults, avoiding the potholes many of their cousins hit. Just as feminism ar­rived, she went to work as a book editor, brown-bagging her lunch and sitting in a windowless office until she earned her way up the corpo­rate ladder. She kept on trying at romance, too, marrying Aristotle Onassis and, after he died, settling into a comfortable relationship with financier Maurice Templesman. This spring a tribute to Jackie Ken­nedy— modern American woman­ plus some spectacular clothes she wore in the White House—will be on ex­hibit at New York City’s Metropoli­tan Museum of Art, before traveling to Boston. “It’s an opportunity,” says guest curator Hamish Bowles, “to ex­plore the style and the substance of a woman who defined a generation.” Here, a fresh look at Jackie, and why we still admire her.

Underwood Archives/UIG/REX/Shutterstock

Although she called it Camelot only after JFK’s assassination, Jackie began working on an image for the Administration the moment she and the President moved into the White House. She thought everything through­, especially how things looked.

Take, for instance, the many pho­tographs of the family at play, which appeared in magazines like Life, Look and The Saturday Evening Post. Seem­ingly casual, some of them were in fact professionally lit, and the peo­ple in them styled, made-up and posed. Photographer Richard Ave­don shot a breathtaking series of photographs of Jackie and baby John. The pictures are as crisp and allur­ing as the fashion-magazine covers for which Avedon is best known. “She was aware of what the camera did for the children, and for the fam­ily,” says Jacques Lowe, another pho­tographer who worked with Mrs. Kennedy.

All of her efforts at creating a Kennedy image came together in the 1962 television tour of the White House. One-third of the nation was watching that night—56 million peo­ple. The special, which won Jackie an Emmy Award, displayed her meticulous restoration of the Execu­tive Mansion. But it was the First Lady, not the glorious Empire style of the revitalized Red Room, that riveted the nation. “I remember watching and listening to Mrs. Kennedy more than thinking about the White House,” Barbara Bush later said in an interview. See these rare photos of John and Jackie Kennedy.

Creating Camelot also meant that bad habits were discouraged, at least in public. A lifelong smoker (Marl­boros, Salems), Mrs. Kennedy did her best to veto photos that showed her with a cigarette in hand. Her press policy was “minimum infor­mation given with maximum po­liteness.” Her unavailability, in the end, only heightened her mystique.

Palmieri Tony Machalaba Nick Traina Sal/Penske Media/REX/Shutterstock

“I feel as though I have turned into a piece of public property,” Mrs. Kennedy told an acquaintance in early 1961. During the Presidential campaign the previous summer and autumn, the press and the public focused intently on the young Mrs. Kennedy. And small won­der: no candidate’s wife in living memory had looked so good. The blunt cut of her hair, the clean, sim­ple lines of her brightly colored cloth­ing—American women craved the Jackie Look.

Partly it was the sheer novelty of her. Jackie was a new woman for a new time—the ’60s. She waterskied, she danced the twist, she listened to the bossa nova on her White House hi-fi.

Department stores began using models and drawings in ads that looked like Jackie. A movie maga­zine offered advice on “How to Be Your Town’s Jackie Kennedy,” with penny-wise advice on copying her look. The subject of all this atten­tion left her somewhat bewildered. “What does the way I wear my hair have to do with my husband’s abil­ity to serve as President?” she asked.

The scrutiny became so intense that Jackie realized she needed help from a professional. She turned to New York designer Oleg Cassini, a family friend who had once been one of Hollywood’s top costume designers. As she wrote him, “I re­fuse to have Jack’s Administration plagued by fashion stories of a sen­sational nature—or to be the Marie Antoinette of the 1960s.” Cassini re­called his initial meetings with Mrs. Kennedy, when they worked out what she would wear at her hus­band’s swearing-in:

“She asked me to come meet with her in her Georgetown University Hospital room just days after she gave birth to John], two months be­fore the Inauguration. All the other women [ would be wearing] furs, looking like bears. My concept was to make her look divinely simple­ in a beige coat and hat. She came out, and was instantly distinct.

“Immediately a style was established. It was not a French look, not an American look, but a Jackie Look. She said to me, ‘You dress me per­fectly for the role.’ For the role! And what was the role? First Lady of the country. And First Lady of the world, really, at that moment.”

(You’ll want to steal these 7 timeless fashion tips from Jackie Kennedy.)

CONSOLIDATED NEWS SERVICE/REX/Shutterstock

On Friday morning, November 22, 1963, Jackie put on a Chanel suit in the rooms she shared with the President at the Texas Hotel in Fort Worth. The President, Mrs. Kennedy told friends later, had chosen the suit for her. Within hours, the pink wool jacket and skirt had become a part of his­tory. Mrs. Kennedy wore the suit through LBJ’s swearing-in ceremony, on the long, sad flight back to Wash­ington, and finally for the return to the White House.

On the plane coming East, she began to reflect on how she wanted the White House prepared for the return of the President. As White House usher Nelson Pierce recalled: “That afternoon was spent looking up the details so that we could have things as near as possible the way they were at the time Lincoln was assassinated. It was 4:20 Saturday morning when Mrs. Kennedy came with the President’s body, and at 4:10 we had finished putting up the last pieces of crepe.”

Everyone had an opinion about the funeral details. Catholic Church officials in Washington wanted her to hold the ceremony in the grand Shrine of the Immaculate Concep­tion. She held out for St. Matthew’s, which was smaller—but was where the President had often attended church. Some members of the Presi­dent’s family wanted him buried in the Kennedy plot in Massachusetts. She decided on Arlington National Cemetery. The Secret Service ques­tioned her decision to walk behind the caisson from the White House to the church.

Jackie stood firm. Familiar as it is, footage of her long walk behind the riderless horse, Black Jack, a pair of boots tucked backward into the stirrups, has lost none of its awful majesty. Recalling Mrs. Kennedy, and the dignity she showed, French Presi­dent Charles de Gaulle said, “She gave the whole world an example of how to behave.” This is the last thing JFK said to Jackie before he died.

Traina/Penske Media/REX/Shutterstock

Even while attending her husband’s burial, Jackie never forgot her obligation to Caroline and John. Just hours after the funeral, the widowed former First Lady hosted her son’s third birth­day party at the White House.

From the time they were toddlers until they left home, Mrs. Kennedy’s children were her priority. Caroline and John drew nearly as much cu­riosity as their parents. “I think it’s hard enough to bring up children anyway, and everyone knows that limelight is the worst thing for them. They either get conceited or else they get hurt,” Jackie said. “They need their mother’s affection and guidance, and long periods of time alone with her. That’s what gives them security in an often confusing new world.”

She relished the role of everyday mom. For Caroline and her class­mates, Jackie managed to get ahold of a pregnant rabbit so that the chil­dren could all anticipate the arrival of a litter of bunnies. Recalled Kennedy friend and historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., “On Halloween evening in 1962, the doorbell rang. When my fourteen-year-old daugh­ter opened the door to the trick-or­-treaters, she found a collection of small hobgoblins leaping up and down. After a moment a masked mother in the background called out that it was time to go to their next house. It was, of course, Jackie.”

After the assassination, Mrs. Ken­nedy and the children moved into a house in Georgetown. To her dis­may, crowds of gawkers still showed up daily for a glimpse of John and Caroline at play or on their way to school. The next year Jackie moved to New York, hoping the big city­ and an apartment high above Fifth Avenue would offer a refuge. “I want them to know about how the rest of the world lives,” she told the New York World Journal Tribune in 1967, “but also I want to be able to give them some kind of sanctuary when they need it, someplace to take them into when things happen to them that do not necessarily hap­pen to other children.”

Through the ’60s and ’70s, Jackie made JFK as much a part of her children’s lives as she could. They visited some of his favorite places, such as the ranch of an Argentine family friend, where JFK had spent a spring vacation as a teenager. On that trip, John Jr. was too young to grasp what the visit was about, but Jackie said she believed it would all fall into place for him later. “I want to help him go back and find his father,” she said.

Said family friend Fred Papert: “She raised her kids so that all three locked onto each other in a way that families almost never do. They needed one another. They all came through for one another. She really liked them as friends, and they her.”

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Many people reacted with astonishment when Jackie married Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis in October 1968, just four months after the assassination of Robert Kennedy. She was 39. He was in his sixties. What was she thinking?

In fact, Onassis had been a Kennedy family acquaintance for years. Rose Kennedy, JFK’s mother, gave Jackie her blessing. As she later wrote, “I told her to make her plans as she chose to do, and to go ahead, with my loving good wishes.” Jackie later said: “When I married Ari, she of all people was the one who en­couraged me—who said, ‘He’s a good man. ‘”

One thing Onassis also offered was security. “He was a source of refuge and protection,” said her brother-in­-law Sen. Edward Kennedy. “I think she felt safe with him.” Jackie mar­ried Ari on his private island, Skor­pios, and had at her disposal homes in Paris and Athens, helicopters, a yacht and Olympic Airways—all of it heavily guarded.

Transformed from the Widow Kennedy to Jackie O, she became a sort of irreverent, naughty figure in the American imagination. She with­drew, but people still wanted to see what she was up to. Paparazzi from all over the world obliged, once even photographing her sunbathing with no suit on.

The marriage grew cooler as the years went on, and Onassis went into a slump after the death of his son, Alexander, in 1973. Two years later, he was dead. Jackie and Ari were together for just seven years. For her, it was a healing interlude. ”Aristotle Onassis rescued me,” she said, “at a moment when my life was engulfed with shadows.”

Peter Simins/Penske Media/REX/Shutterstock

The period that began in September 1975 was perhaps the happiest time of Jackie’s life. She was doing exactly what she wanted––and not what parents, husbands, family, friends, and the public expected. Now 46, she took an editing job at Viking Press. She had no previous professional editing experience. She was assigned a tiny office, which was what she also got when she moved to Doubleday as an associate editor in 1978. “Like everybody else,” she said, “I have to work my way up to an office with a window.” She finally got a view when she was promoted to senior editor in 1984.

She was an intense, hands-on ed­itor. Colleagues could tell when she was pleased—she would rub her hands together and say, “Hot spit!” Variety was the only consistency of her projects: photography books like Egyptian Time by Robert Lyons and Allure by Diana Vreeland, biogra­phies of Czar Nicholas II and Jean Harlow, recollections by friends of Fred Astaire and George Balanchine, and even a collection of articles from Rolling Stone. Says Doubleday colleague and friend Lisa Drew:

“Part of the joy of publishing is that you learn from every book. Much was made in the press about how she got her own coffee and did her own xeroxing. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was written about as if a mira­cle had occurred. It amused us how people outside were dazzled by this celebrity. Brighter, funnier, nicer than many, yes—but she was just another person.”

In February 1994, when she was 64, it was announced that the former First Lady had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, often a treatable form of cancer. Five years earlier, she had re­sponded to my written questions and then corrected the manuscript for one of my books, First Ladies: The Saga of the Presidents’ Wives and Their Power, 1789-l990. Judging from her notes, I sensed she was able to view the notion of being the world’s most famous woman with detach­ment. In the middle of a sentence that read “If there was one sphere where Jacqueline had great influence, it was fashion,” she scribbled, in blue ink, ‘Much to her annoyance!’”

She was pleased with the book because she felt it would move peo­ple’s opinions of her beyond mere style: “I hope now that people will realize,” she said, “that there was something under that pillbox hat.”

Now, take a look at these rarely seen photos of Jackie Kennedy.

Original Source -> This Was Jackie Kennedy’s Incredible Mark on History

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