#AND it's for an event which means my failure will be public

[roomwithanopenfire]

WIP Wednesday

Happy Wednesday everyone! I wasn't going to share but so many people did today and I want to join in on the fun!! Thanks for the tags @alexalexinii @artsyunderstudy @monbons @prettygoododds @you-remind-me-of-the-babe

@blackberrysummerblog @fiend-for-culture @shrekgogurt and @drowninginships!! I had so much fun reading what everyone was working on and I'm so excited for all of these WIPs!

I've been working (more or less) on my COBB. I've started my main summer job this week and haven't had as much time, but I'm slowly starting to tackle this last scene of chapter 2 that has been killing me. I need OCs for this fic, and this scene is one that is fairly OC heavy, and I am Not Confident in my ability to make up characters (that's why I write fanfiction lol). But I finally got some decent words on it yesterday, so there's hope.

Here's a bit that scene (Baz's POV), you guys can help reassure me that it isn't terrible:

Marjorie gave me her number before I left last night, and she texted me the meeting place—the actual bar being shrouded from view to avoid the eyes of Mages and Normals alike.  I spot her ahead of me. Her red hair loose at her shoulders, and her height increased by tall black heels that matched her short black dress. Perhaps she’s leaning into the vampire thing, I wonder, taking in her similarly black lipstick and winged eyeliner. “You excited?” Marjorie says, looking excited enough for the both of us, a broad smile appearing on her face as I approach. “It’s your first time!” She hip checks me and keeps up the smile. My hands are deep in my pockets, and I know if I pull them out I won’t be able to stop them from fidgeting. But her happiness is contagious enough, and I smile back a fraction, trying to relax. 

Special thanks to @fiend-for-culture for helping me with names. Marjorie would be GIRL NAME without her.

Tags and Hellos:

@run-for-chamo-miles @facewithoutheart @raenestee @onepintobean @noblecorgi

@hushed-chorus @angelsfalling16 @thewholelemon @brendughh @hertragedyconnoisseur

@beastmonstertitan @valeffelees @horsesarenotdeer @supercutedinosaurs @rimeswithpurple

@cutestkilla @ileadacharmedlife @arthurkko @rbkzz @skeedelvee

@bookish-bogwitch @brilla-brilla-estrellita @emeryhall

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

The Woodland Park Zoo is my home zoo, and the possibility of a strike has been brewing for a while. The staff at the zoo have been working without a union contract for over 200 days because the zoo is unwilling to pay them a living wage.

Zookeepers around the country are consistently underpaid, and Seattle is an incredibly expensive place to live. The zoo is losing animal care staff rapidly - I've been told they'd lost five keepers and a vet tech to another nearby AZA zoo this year alone - because they can't afford to live here. And I've been told that because there's no contract, the zoo is on a hiring freeze, which means they're perpetually understaffed.

Photo credit: Yulia Issa

There was an informational picket outside of a big event last month, which got a ton of community support. Then the only content the zoo put out for National Zookeepers Week was a single post about how much gratitude the staff are owed, which... hmmmm, came off a little tone-deaf in the current moment.

Now it looks like staff might end up striking to make their point, after almost a year of negotiations.

"Workers at Woodland Park Zoo, who are members of the Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions, have been making plans to protect the animals if they go on strike. If the group of 200 workers is unable to reach an agreement with their employer over a new contract, they say they will run a skeleton crew that would provide necessary care to the animals but require the Zoo to close its doors to the general public. “We are making contingency plans to ensure the continued well-being of the animals if we are forced to strike,” said Janel Kempf, a learning coordinator who has been with the Zoo for 25 years and is a Shop Steward with Teamsters 117. “A strike is an absolute last resort and one that none of us takes lightly, but the Zoo keeps pushing us in that direction. If the Zoo doesn’t change course soon, we will have no other choice than to withhold our labor.” Negotiations between the Coalition of Unions and the Zoo have been ongoing for the last ten months with workers growing increasingly frustrated at what they say is the Zoo’s failure to value and retain an experienced workforce. “We are hemorrhaging critical animal care experience which directly affects the standard of care we can provide for our animals,” said Allison Cloud, an animal keeper and member of Teamsters 117. “The Zoo is forcing us to choose between our livelihoods and our animals, a heartbreaking decision no zookeeper ever wants to make.” Workers say low wages, the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, low morale, and high turnover have put the Zoo’s AZA accreditation at risk. Loss of accreditation could cripple the Zoo’s resources and lead to the transfer of animals to other accredited facilities. "Woodland Park Zoo cannot maintain AZA accreditation without us,” said Joe Gallenbach, an Exhibit Technician with IATSE Local 15. “The loss of AZA accreditation would demonstrate catastrophic mismanagement on the part of the Woodland Park Zoological Society.” The Coalition of Unions and the Zoo have one more bargaining session on the calendar: Friday, August 9. If the Zoo does not make an acceptable proposal next Friday, workers say they will take their case for fair wages and benefits to the public through direct, concerted action."

Now, when you bring the risk of AZA accreditation loss into the conversation, things get interesting. I've written before about how some zoos are legally or contractually obligated to maintain AZA accreditation and couldn't choose to leave. Woodland Park Zoo is one of those facilities: the agreement with the city that allows the Woodland Park Zoological Society requires them to be AZA accredited. If they lose it, they default on the agreement.

So, would there actually be a chance the facility could lose accreditation if the staff struck? I couldn't find any recent information about staff at other AZA zoos striking and how it related to their accreditation cycle, but I did find this, in an AZA press release about how the Aquarium of the Bay lost accreditation a few months ago.

"Silver Spring, Md. (May 24, 2024) –  The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Commission unanimously voted to rescind the accreditation of the Aquarium of the Bay.  The independent Commission notified the institution on May 13, 2024, following its conclusion that the aquarium was not meeting accreditation standards in a number of key areas, including financial stability, staffing capabilities, and employee morale and turnover. Aquarium of the Bay has until June 13 to appeal the Commission’s decision."

So it looks like staffing issues and employee morale can definitely be things taken into consideration. Let's look at the AZA standards for more info. I found a couple standards that appear to be relevant:

7.3 "There must be an adequate number of trained paid and unpaid staff to care for the animals and to manage the institution’s diverse programs." Justification: "Although there is no set formula for prescribing the size of the staff (paid and unpaid), some of the criteria that may be used to define what is considered “adequate” include the number and type of species within the institution, the general condition of the animals and exhibits, and past staffing practices."

7.4 "Compensation for paid staff should be competitive with other similar positions in the local/regional/national market, as appropriate." Justification: "Institutions must be able to recruit and retain qualified paid staff. Competitive compensation is a key component in recruitment and retention of paid staff. Some positions can be successfully recruited for locally, while others are competitive on a more regional or national basis (e.g., animal care specialists)."

Both of those look like they could quite reasonably be an issue for WPZ at this point. They're losing paid staff due to low wages and operating understaffed due to the hiring freeze. Staff obviously aren't getting appropriate compensation if they're looking for jobs at nearby facilities that pay better.

Now, would the zoo actually lose accreditation if a strike came to pass? Honestly, I doubt it, because WPZ is too big a feather in AZA's cap for them to penalize them that harshly. Columbus - an equally prominent institution - got kicked because of a major public animal use scandal, but it was pretty clearly political because of how quickly they were re-accredited. I'd expect AZA might give WPZ a slap on the wrist, some stern public comment, maybe some minor penalties, but I'd be very surprised if they were willing to kick WPZ to the curb over something "just" as minor as a staffing problem.

Regardless, zoo staff deserve to be paid a living wage. I'll be really sad if the zoo is closed to a strike once the snow leopard cubs get old enough to debut - but I'd still rather the staff be paid a living wage than be able to see the fluffballs immediately. I want the people working at the zoos I visit to not be living in poverty. Zoo staff pub in an incredible amount of effort to care for animal collections and to facilitate the guest experience, and they should be able to do that without multiple roommates or three jobs. I know that the practical reality is that not all facilities can afford to pay their staff as highly as is ideal, but I'd expect a big zoo with reliable city funding to be able to do better. Supporting the zookeepers (and other zoo staff) is supporting the zoo.

I'll be keeping an eye on this going forward, both from a personal perspective (I'm a member, and I have a vested interest in what the organization I give money to does) and a professional interest in industry politics (what does AZA choose to do). I'll update if there's anything interesting on either end.

[silhouetteonpaper]

Public Figure

Summary: The world wants to know all about you as the newest addition to the Avengers. But what happens when a normal interview session digs up something you’ve never told a soul… not even Natasha? Natasha Romanoff x Reader WC: 1,616 Warnings: Mentions of killing

“A new addition to the Avengers leaves the city on the edge of their seats as we all wait to hear more about this young recruit. A public Q&A with the new Avenger in question is set to take place this week. Stay tuned for more coverage on all things current…”

You turn the volume of the TV down, your commitment to attending this public event starting to fill you with regret. It’s been a week of officially being a part of the team, and to say the city is going crazy would be an understatement.

“How’re you feeling?” Natasha sits down beside you on the couch, eyeing the TV as the newscaster spews more words about you and the rest of the team.

You shrug, rubbing your forehead to try and push away the increasing stress. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.”

“It’s okay to be nervous.” She consoles you, but you’re aware she doesn’t know the real reason why you’re so anxious about the whole ordeal.

“What if the world isn’t ready for… someone like me?” You ask, partially rhetorically—but something in you hopes Nat has a real answer. The city has created turmoil over certain Avengers in the past, and the last thing you want is to cause commotion. All you’re trying to do is save the world, which you’d think would make everyone like you. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple.

Natasha takes a deep breath, seeming to search her brain for the right words. “Look, it’s up to you how you present yourself, but you can’t control how everyone else sees you. I know for a fact you’ve done so much good here, and that’s all I care about.” Nat offers you a smile.

You wish you could return it, but something inside you churns with guilt. “What about my past? All those records… someone’s likely to dig them up. It’ll make me look like the monster I used to be—or maybe still am…” You become lost in your own thoughts, the idea of someone digging up your past haunting your present.

A part of you has never let go of the person you used to be, in the off chance someone betrays your trust or sets you up for failure. You’re physically a different person now, making great waves with the Avengers, doing good all around the world—but that doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten about the person you left behind before moving into the compound.

“If they go low enough to do that to you, we can deal with it,” Natasha’s continued support pulls you out of your thoughts. “You know I understand that better than anyone. Do I look worried?” She raises her eyebrows.

You finally smile, shaking your head. “No, but that’s not fair because you never look worried.”

“Because there’s nothing to be worried about.”

The day of the event finally arrives, and you’re already on the verge of a breakdown. Natasha has prepped everything ahead of time so you wouldn’t have to use extra energy, starting with the freshly ironed outfit hanging in your closet.

You feel mostly prepared when it’s time to drive over to the venue, two of your biggest supporters right at your side. Tony and Natasha are even more ready than you are, the pair ready to defend any harmful questions and comments.

As great as it is to have such powerful people at your side, it only does so much to aid the growing nerves inside you. “Breathe. This’ll be over before you know it. We just need to answer some questions, let them get to know you, and then we’ll go celebrate.” Natasha explains with a calm voice.

You only manage to nod as you worry talking will expel all the air in your lungs. As soon as the sleek van arrives outside the tall pillared building, you’re greeted by a storm of paparazzi camera flashes. Nat warned you about this, but nothing could have prepared you for the intense crowd shoving cameras and microphones your way.

Tony attempts to hold off the extra pushy photographers, but he can only do so much swimming upstream. As soon as you make it into the building, there’s no time to take a breath as a crowd of important looking people sit staring directly at you.

Breath. Natasha mouths, offering yet another warm smile. You take a deep breath, heading forward with one foot in front of the other.

A facilitator guides the three of you to a table on a raised stage, the perfect amount of room for three to sit at the microphone-filled surface. You find a spot right in the middle, knowing exactly what’s coming the second you sit down.

“Question!”

“Over here!

“Miss, question!”

A caucus of voices fills the room, soon being silenced as the facilitator calls on one. “Ma’am, please describe to us the superhuman capabilities you bring to the team.”

You swallow thickly while leaning into the bouquet of microphones. “Well, uhm… I can manipulate energy. Turning off lights, powering machines, emitting beams of light… uh, yeah.” You lean back, taking another deep breath.

The sudden eruption of voices makes you jump, the facilitator following the same routine and calling on another person. “Does the team feel that these abilities have the possibility to be dangerous?”

You knew it was coming, a question like this. Natasha sees your frozen state and is quick to comment before you have the chance. “Anyone can be dangerous with the wrong intentions. We wouldn’t have recruited her if we didn’t feel she was a great asset. Not only is she doing well in training, she’s exceeding our original expectations.” You nod at her in thanks, getting one in return.

“What do you have to say about the murder of Jean Ridley?” An interviewer juts in. Your mouth goes dry, any response unable to form. The cacophony of voices fills the room as you go completely quiet. Jean Ridley, the young girl who was just trying to live her life, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Back when you were on your streak of crime—before the Avengers took you in—you wouldn’t hesitate to demolish anything in your path to succeed. Including the little girl who didn’t even know what she was a part of. In an attempt to terminate a larger target, Jean just happened to be a casualty. An even larger casualty than you realized at the time.

“I implore you to ask our newest recruit questions about her current position, otherwise we’re done here.” Natasha’s voice brings you back from the overflowing guilt spreading across your mind like wildfire. You slide your hands under the table as they begin to shake, attempting to press them against your thighs before anyone has a chance to see the weak criminal that somehow made it onto the team.

Natasha looks at you and nods, her gaze quickly darting to your hands before she places her own on top. The shaking is soothed, but your nerves aren’t. The crowd of voices continues as the flood of worry destroys your mind. Everyone knows your past now, and there’s nothing you can do to hide it.

The rest of the interview session goes as smooth as it could have, the last of the inappropriate questions ending when Tony finally threatened to expose every document the council is holding, his defense being ‘if I can find it, it’s public information.’

The drive home is silent, but that’s not to say you don’t feel the pressure of Natasha’s eyes on you the whole way back. As soon as you arrive at the compound, you make a swift escape to your room. The only thing you want is to hide yourself from the rest of the world, your entire past seeming to chase you back into the dark abyss you came from.

The second your door slams shut, the noise stops. All the voices in your head screaming you’re a monster, you’ll never be a hero, get trapped in the hallway. The silence is peaceful, no shouting interviewers or civilians with snide questions. Just you and the cold surface of the door on your back.

But it’s unfortunately short lived as a soft knock sounds. You move away from the door, already guessing the person standing on the other side. The overwhelming tornado of insecurities topples into your room as the Widow walks in, a concerned expression painted on her face.

You already know what’s coming, a long winded pep-talk about how you’re more than your past. You don’t even bother lifting your head when Natasha bends down beside you.

“Look,” Her sudden firmness takes you by surprise. “What they said was wrong, but you can’t control what others say or do. You can either sit here and weep, or get out there and prove to them they’re wrong.”

Natasha’s words leave you speechless as your gaze slowly finds her. She’s looking directly at you, her green eyes warm yet expression stern. That’s when you realize you don’t have a choice.

Again and again, Natasha has directed you onto the best path. From recruiting you for the Avengers, to training you, to avoiding utter chaos in the face of the public eye—Nat’s proved she knows what she’s talking about.

“I know it’s hard to keep moving forward when the entire world is trying to paint you as something you’re not, but the only thing you can do is show them who you really are.” She affirms, her eyes still stuck on you.

And in this moment, you know she’s right. There’s no reason to sit here in self pity, rehashing the past that won’t ever just disappear no matter how hard you shove it down. The only thing you can do—the only thing left to do—is prove them all wrong. To show them the hero you can truly be.

[feathered-mushrooms]

Scott Summers ahead Cannons

he is my favorite loser boy

Due to growing up on it, Scott tends to throw himself into the danger room whenever he feels an emotion more than fine. He does not know a limit, which his led to “Scott patrol”. Oh Scott hasn’t left the danger room for five hours? Rouge it’s your turn, I pulled him out last time. 

Scott can’t handle to much down time, or being bored. He constantly feels like there is something he should be doing, and therefore will constantly find something to do. 

Charles has done a number on him. He is the reason Scott is so high strung, why failure isn’t just a lesson to learn from but an entire judgement of his character, why he can’t just breathe. He needs to be the leader and the man everyone can count on, he needs to be everything Charles wants him to be. 

This is not a healthy way of thinking. 

Scott has a special interest in planes. It started when he was young and then had a pause after the plane crash that killed his parents. However he picked it up again and now can tell you the difference between a commercial flight and a jet. He also knows how to pilot seven different types of aircraft and even got official license for each.

He is Bi.

It took him frighteningly long to figure this out. 

Scott has issues with social skills(projecting). He can speak sarcasm just fine and makes many jokes in that medium. However he has a hard time figuring out people are being sarcastic, especially if the joke is around him. 

He would wear a dress. Not in public, but if Jean offered he would try one of her dresses on in the safety of a bed room. He would like it. 

Game nights were originally hidden from Scott who(due to the professors absurdly high expectations) does not handle losing well. He loves to point out the rules and technicality’s, and will not play Uno with any variations. He’s not a sore loser par say, it just gets depressing for everyone watching. 

When he was young he kept only one pair of ruby glasses and one visor. As he has aged(and been influenced by Emma) he know has a collection of ruby glasses in all types and styles. 

Star Wars is his comfort show/movie/universe

Pretty equal on cats and dogs but leans towards dogs. 

His chances of being a toddler dad had been pretty ruined but he thinks it would be nice to raise a kid alongside a dog. Maybe a golden retriever. 

He does not mind cats though. 

He often feels weird in his place as a parent. Nathan is his kid but some much time has been lost that Scott can’t help but yearn for the mile stones that were missed and lost to time. He misses everything he was promised as a father. The same is true for Rachel although it is a little weirder. Yes she is his, but from a future that will never happen. He often feels guilty because in the end he has two great kids, but he wishes he could raise a kid in a normal sense. 

He just wants to be a father. 

When he was their step father, Scott showed the Cuckoos Star Wars. He keeps checking in on them, even after he and Emma are no longer together. 

Scott’s type is a person who will be mean to him, and could probably kill him, but have a soft spot.

Even if that soft spot is very hidden. 

He can make a really good grilled cheese. There was a week in his teens were there was low x-men activities and not a lot to do in the mansion so he dedicated his days to perfecting the grilled cheese. He makes it anytime he thinks someone needs some comfort. 

He’s eyes are brown under the visor. 

Never played DnD but very interested in it. Researched it a whole lot and has watched a lot of play throughs. Has even mentioned it to the rest of the squad and most were down to try. However it was forgotten due to the next world ending event. Scott still thinks about it and the character he made. 

He is doing his best but often over exerts himself which leads to sick days. On these days he is forced to cuddle up in a blanket and watches either the Star Wars orignal movies or one of the shows. Most times someone will be designated to sit with him so he doesn’t try and get up and do work. 

On these days Logan often takes the job. 

That all for now!

[jeffstormer]

On Awards, and the Grief (and Growth) of Giving Up

I made a big life decision at the start of this year I want to unpack here today, for obvious reasons.

As of this year, I made the decision to formally stop submitting my work for any kind of award, event, or industry recognition tied exclusively to a public/fan vote. Further, I would not ask others to submit on my behalf, and would go so far as to ask people not to do so. I'd like to talk about why I made that call and what it means to me.

Before I do, a necessary disclaimer: No shade whatsoever to those who do submit to those kinds of awards, and campaign for those kinds of awards. I recognize the market value in that kind of thing; the personal validation that comes from a group of people announcing you as the best. I see that all, and I'm proud of you for earning that recognition. This is strictly one person's opinion.

With that said, why did I make that call?

The truth is, from the moment I entered the tabletop industry, winning an ENnie was, to me, the benchmark of success. It was the sign that I was good at this. I let it define my relationship to my art. I couldn't stop, couldn't be satisfied, until I held that trophy.

So, every year, I would submit, and every year, I'd fall short, and every year, I'd be crushed.

At times, I could look at the list of nominees and winners and feel confident that we didn't have a chance. Other times, I didn't feel that way. But I was always viewing my work in competition, which warped how I perceived art on the whole.

Eventually, I came to the realization: it's not going to happen, and all aspiring to this platform is going to accomplish is "making me jealous of my peers instead of feeling in community with them." To find real satisfaction with the work, it can't be through that kind of mechanism.

Which is to say: I gave up. I acknowledged "my work is never going to be the kind of beloved that puts me on that pedestal, so all I am doing is setting myself up for disappointment. Better to be personally proud of something, and recognize the contributions made in other ways, than to hold yourself in a system that grinds you down year after year.

There's no shame in admitting you're giving up in something. Sometimes, things are meant to be failures. Sometimes, your best will never be good enough. I can recognize the ways in which my work is special (we hold a world record in Actual Play that will, frankly, likely never be topped, maybe not ever in my lifetime at least), without holding myself accountable to a standard that frankly, doesn't apply to the kind of art I make.

That said, there's also a grief in admitting that.

It's an acknowledgment that, on some level, the goal that I set for myself was a failure. That awards I have previously wanted to win are permanently out of my grasp, that I have failed to achieve a goal. That I, on a very literal level, wasn't good enough to do the thing.

And that's tough. Moreso on some days than others.

But, in spite of it all, I feel great about this decision. I feel like I made the right decision for myself, my work, and my trajectory as an artist.

It has been a profoundly difficult year for me, 2024. For personal reasons I cannot get into publicly. For professional reasons I've spoken about elsewhere (feeling increasingly isolated from Actual Play as an artistic community and industry).

But in this one area--claiming my own satisfaction of the work and using that to guide my own way forward--I am content.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Out of control COVID means permanent segregation for many disabled people - Published Aug 15, 2024

It’s August, and we are once again in the throes of a major COVID wave.

Using wastewater data- the only data that measures the amount of circulating COVID-19 in an era of inaccessible tests and discouraged reporting- infectious disease modeler J.P. Weiland estimates that the US has yet again crossed the million-infections-per-day mark as of August 9, with about 1 in 33 Americans currently infected with COVID-19.

The CDC, indeed, reports that over half of states have now crossed their “very high” threshold, and the raw wastewater data shows a dramatic upward swing.

1 in 33 means COVID in every restaurant, every supermarket, onboard every airplane, and of course in every hospital- where infection control teams continue to harm and kill vulnerable patients by failing to implement airborne infection control measures.

I’ve written before about how, in November 2021, nearly a year after the debut of the vaccines, Fauci publicly declared that US COVID cases would need to fall “well below 10,000 a day” for us to get a “degree of normality,” and allow us to return to pre-pandemic life. In the nearly three years since, the US has never had a single day with under 10,000 new COVID cases per day; in fact, we have never had a single day with under 100,000 new COVID cases per day.

Instead, in August 2024, we have over one million new COVID cases per day.

Is over a million new COVID cases per day “well below” 10,000 new COVID cases per day? Or did this administration pivot and sell a public health failure as a public health victory?

When we talk about the failures of the vaccine-only approach to COVID, it’s important to understand what the goals of that approach were. Why did Fauci believe we would have under 10,000 cases a day, and why was that important?

Fauci and other officials around the world hoped and believed that we would achieve herd immunity to COVID, if not through vaccination alone, then through a combination of vaccination and infections. Herd immunity would protect the vulnerable- including people who cannot themselves be vaccinated or who do not mount an immune response to vaccines- from COVID exposure.

It’s also important to keep disease transmission low because, frankly, diseases are not neutral events, even for nominally healthy and abled people. It’s not healthy to be reinfected with SARS-COV-2, or any virus, once or twice each year. Disease is economically costly due to worker absences and productivity slowdowns. “Healthy” and “abled” are also permeable categories; when you infect people with diseases more often, you increase the number of “unhealthy” and “disabled” people. By keeping transmission of SARS-COV-2 “well below” 10,000 cases a day, the community at large is returned to a state of pre-pandemic well-being.

This promised land of low transmission, clearly, never happened. To understand why, you can read my piece about viral evolution and vaccine evasiveness, which explores in depth how SARS-COV-2 evolved faster than expected and escapes immunity from both vaccines and infection within months (if not weeks). This immune evasiveness successfully got the virus to the other side of the failed vaccine-only strategy, and that’s where it’s really been able to stretch its legs. Because on the other side of the vaccine-only strategy, there is no plan B. There are no masks, no mitigations; there’s no plan, and no plan to make a plan.

Instead, the approach is one of denial, misinformation, hiding data, stripping resources, privatizing vaccines and medications, and turning those who (believe they) can play “back to normal” against those who simply cannot. “Herd immunity” has been redefined to mean … well, what exactly does it mean, in the context of the entire population being reinfected over, and over, and over again? To pundits it’s a shorthand for “most people have already had COVID before.” To politicians it’s an applause line equivalent to “COVID is over.” To the public, it just means, “I don’t have to care anymore.”

For immunocompromised people, disabled people, and other people avoiding COVID, it’s meaningless. Herd immunity to measles means vulnerable people are never exposed to measles. Herd immunity to SARS-COV-2 means vulnerable people are exposed every time they leave home.

Read the rest of Julia's article at either link!

[autistichalsin]

So recent events have made me realize:

I am fucking Old and didn't realize people thought of long responses as correlated to emotional intensity nowadays, I always thought of a long response as showing mental engagement in the content (which might also be a failure for me to code-switch from my graduate studies) rather than emotional investment

My neutral tone comes off as aggressive for some fucking reason (not necessarily new information but I had forgotten), so I will now be adding tone indicators in replies to people

Despite Tumblr being geared to younger people, there are still situations where swearing is going to be perceived as aggressive (which is bad news for people like me who swear like Roy Kent) which means it's less "swearing is fine here" like I thought it was, and more like that grey area of having a conversation with people but in public so you have to figure out if swearing will upset passersby or not

Bad actors have made it so some people can't tell the difference anymore between being asked a genuine question and someone JAQing off at them, and will always assume the latter even when it's the former because they've been burned too many times (which sucks when you are asking a genuine question you actually want the answer to and no amount of saying "I actually want to know so I can understand" will convince them you AREN'T JAQing off)

I am fucking Old and I really don't WANT to see the old style of Tumblr where people wrote essays to each other disappear in favor of shorter form, TikTok-influenced quips. :/

[cobra-diamond]

My "Big Nos" For Spirit Temple

With Azula in the Spirit Temple nearing publication, here are my “Big Nos” for the story that, if any happen, will cause the book to be a failure for me:

1. The Kemurikage are not purged

2. Azula continues attacking the Fire Nation as a terroristic, stateless actor

3. The asylum is not criticized for its treatment of Azula and the Kemurikage girls

4. Azula does not criticize Zuko from a nationalist, old-regime perspective, instead just whines about him like a sore loser

5. Azula’s villainy is blamed on her personality, not the war

6. Tyzula is established without regard to Azula’s or Ty Lee’s established characters, and it becomes a distraction

Keep reading for details.

1. The Kemurikage are not purged

I don’t mean they need to be killed, or literally made to vanish, but the Kemurikage as a concept needs to end. The dressing up in costumes, throwing smoke bombs, and doing dastardly things not only needs to stop but it needs to be acknowledged as a mistake. Azula and the asylum girls can still be friends, maybe even remain a “group”, but the connection to Smoke & Shadow needs to be severed, which leads to the second no:

2. Azula continues attacking the Fire Nation as a terroristic, stateless actor

This has to stop and be acknowledged as a mistake. Full stop, it ends here. It should never have happened and Azula needs to feel bad for going down this path. Either Azula fights Zuko via a legitimate civil war, or Azula has to accept the country has moved on. She cannot act as a self-serving bandit harassing her country for mind-numbing reasons. The connection to Smoke and Shadow and all it was trying to do with this must be severed. Azula can rage about the events that caused her to go down this path, but she cannot continue down it, which leads to the third no:

3. The asylum is not criticized for its treatment of Azula and the Kemurikage girls

If the abuse at the asylum is whitewashed or ignored or even justified, that will be too much internal inconsistency for me to handle. The Search already tried to establish that the asylum experience was horrible for Azula and tried to break her. Azula can desire revenge, but not against her country and her people. She knows they don’t have that power. She has to hate the people chiefly responsible for putting her there, and letting her rot there, which leads to the fourth no:

4. Azula does not criticize Zuko from a nationalist, old-regime perspective, instead just whines about him like a sore loser

Princess Azula needs to show up. The one who is willing to use fire and lightning to kill people and conquer cities. She needs to hate Zuko on political grounds. She can acknowledge positive personality traits in Zuko that cause people to “like” him more than her, and she can complain about him as would an angry sister who has had her friends and family “stolen” by him, but she does not compromise her deeply held beliefs that the war, her father, and country were right and that Zuko and the Avatar were wrong, because she has not gone through that sort of journey yet, which leads to the fifth no:

5. Azula’s villainy is blamed on her personality, not the war

This better not happen. Azula having a personality that caused people to chafe around her is not villainy, it is a flaw. Azula was a villain because she furthered the Fire Nation’s war as one of her country’s leaders while being a model example of what her father and country expected from her, in other words, everything Zuko was incapable of being. The show even said this. Lording her “rightful” power over Mai and Ty Lee and having no respect for Zuko’s "weakness" is not villainy, it is, once more, a flaw.

If the narrative blames her interpersonal flaws for why Zuko turned against his country, why Mai and Ty Lee betrayed their crown princess, why she mentally broke and ended up in an asylum with Zuko replacing her as Fire Lord, and all the other events that have functionally destroyed her life as she knew it, then that leads to unfortunate implications. It means if only she had been nicer, Aang would have been defeated and the Fire Nation victorious and Zuko would be alongside her and their father helping dominate the Earth. It means if only she had been nicer, she would have been a more effective villain because she would have had allies to help her kill Zuko and Katara during Sozin's Comet. It means the war would have been fine as long as Azula was more like Iroh, smiling and drinking tea while razing villages and conquering cities instead of doing it with a smug smirk that makes grown men (and the viewer) feel small. And through all of it, Mai and Ty Lee would have been at her side, helping take over the world as loyal, loving friends, all because Azula was nicer.

Azula’s contribution to the Fire Nation's war and her belief in Sozin's legacy is why she had to fight the heroes, is why she lost to the heroes, but if it is blamed on her being an “abuser” rather than a military officer trying to take over the world, then this will be blatant character destruction that also diminishes the roll of Sozin and his war in corroding the spirit of the Fire Nation and its royal family, which leads to the sixth and final no:

6. Tyzula is established without regard to Azula’s or Ty Lee’s established characters, and it becomes a distraction

Azula could be a lesbian. She isn’t in the show. Azula and Ty Lee could fall in love, but the franchise decided to make Ty Lee hate Azula’s guts and Azula not have anything to say about it. In fact, Azula’s love life has nothing to do with the critical elements of her character that have caused her life to fall apart. Therefore, I can only conclude that Azula’s love life does not matter since the franchise doesn't think it matters. If this happens, it will be Korrasami pinkwashing to cover up franchise failures all over again. The internal inconsistency will be too much. Azula having a girl crush on “Beach” era Ty Lee is cute and makes sense, but Azula being a self-loathing, sexually frustrated, dark lesbian who is bitter she can’t have Ty Lee makes zero sense given all that has not happened to support either of them harboring such feelings for each other, and it will inevitably end up as the focus of Azula’s character development to the detriment of all else about her.

In conclusion, I don’t know what will make Azula in the Spirit Temple a good story, but I know what will make it a disappointing one. Faith Erin-Hicks was handed a massive task. I hope she was successful.

[the---hermit]

Hello, hope you are having a great day! What are some little trivia about Italian language? I don't know it, but I love learning about languages and cultures. I'd also love if you share random tidbits about Italian culture too. Thank you! Have a great time ahead!

Hello anon! This is a super broad question, so if tou have specific things you'd like to know let me know. Honestly I don't know what trivia could be interesting to you so here's a few random things that come to mind. Mostly about how history and literature have shaped our language:

When something is quite messy or confusionary you can say é successo un 48 litteraly meaning a 48 happened. This refers to the chain of revolutions that happened all throughout Europe in 1848

Similarly when you are referring to a very heavy defeat or a terrible failure you can use the term Caporetto, referring to the terrible defeat Italians had in ww1 in 1917

When you are referring to a very long or troubled and unnecessarily complicated joruney or chain of events you can say it was an Odyssey (ex. é stata un'Odissea), for obvious reasons. This is a favourite of mine I use it all of the time, mostly bc I use public transports a lot and they like to make my commutes feel like the Odyssey lol

Another mythological expression is piantare in asso which means to leave/ abandon someone or something unpredictably. This derives from the phrase piantare in Nasso, to leave (someone) in Naxos, and it's derived from the myth of Ariadne who was abandoned on the island of Naxos by Theseus

These are just a few random things that came to mind right away, again if you have more specific questions about Italian language and culture do let me know and I will try my best to answer!

By the way sorry if it took a while to get back to you, but things have been busy lately. I hope you'll have a lovely day anon!

[kiameicore]

Purple ribs [Vil Schoenheit]

Warning's: Spoilers for The Shaftlands' Tapis Rouge (some things are changed yet some parts are taken out of the actual in-game event), OOC Vil, Suggestive in The 24th of May at the end, mostly fluff with small pinch of angst in some parts, meet the in-law type, Reader is mentioned to have knowledge in humanities and able to play an instrument, Reader is adopted by Crowley. (Let me know if I forgot something).

word count: 19k

[NOT PROOFREAD]

A/N: So, after two years of not writing I decided to write something. Mainly because I watched the The Shaftlands' Tapis Rouge event on some JP channel and had to go through the trouble of translating almost every line in the wideo to get the grasp of what's going on. Generally I just saw Eric the th time again and thought 'damn, I wanna write something'. It's not my best work, so please, treat it as a crackfic. I wrote it when I had COVID and fever. I felt like I was high at that time so excuse me if the fic doesn't make any sense. Just keep in mind please that after not writing for two years I got out of shape. I'll be honest, I don't even like it, I disliked it when I was in the proces of writing it. I also got frustrated with OOC Vil and tried to write him in the most canon way yet here I am (failure) LMAO. Nevermind, please enjoy.

The 19th of April, XXXXX ' Today is… April, nineteenth.. ah, yes. So, where should I begin… Today my boyf- partner asked me if I would go with him to visit some city - Fairest City, to be clear. Well, I shouldn't be surprised yet here I am. I could say he just wanted me to tag along out of responsibility as a partner or something, but no. It isn't the reason.. not when I have The Vil as my bo beloved - yeah. He wasn't even hiding his intentions. He enquired just like that. As for me, of course, I agreed. I mean, how could I refuse? Personally, I wouldn't understand someone who would. Or in general, I don't get people who just because make a disdainful image of him in their heads, as if he's just a puppet on the scene, moving on strings pulled by anybody. Ah, it's not time for that. I just wanted to make a note of what happened today. But… No, seriously. It's confusing for me. How could someone hate him when he's just being… so sweet? '

Indeed. How could someone hate Vil?

The room temperature was just correct. Not too hot, not too cold. Even the air was perfect. It's one of those kinds when you wake up without feeling dryness in your mouth. The weather was nice too. It may be just april, yet you could feel the nature spreading it's wings and making every plant wake up from their winter slumber. The flowers started opening themselves and maybe by the end of the month the will show their beautiful petals to the world. The sun was softly shining and entering the room by one of the windows. Such radiation made the curtains have a beautiful glow, which could remind one of those paintings from the nineteenth century.

"[Name], dear, I almost forgot to ask you something"

At the vanity table was sitting a blonde man. Even though he was applying his make-up with utmost precision, he did not slouch nor did he had trouble keeping his attention at you. Heaven forbid someone accuses him of not being able to keep eye contact with you by the mirror, which was just one of the vanities table pros along with many small sized cabinets.

"Hm? Wassup?" If it wasn't you, the reply would make him angry. You didn't ever feel like it was a privilege, it was just normal for you that Vil never made a fuss about it. How were you supposed to know it? I mean, it's not like you talked with him like that before you were in relationship with him yet still. Maybe next time you say something similar in a public place (Pomefiore's lounge, for an example), you should look at others faces or maybe just give Epel a quick glance to see his expression. An expression, which would be aghast and then flabbergasted after seeing his scary housewarden just mostly ignore how improper is it to act like a blasphemous who doesn't know basic manners and just reply to you in somehow pleased tone. You hear that? A pleased tone! This should be a transgression!

"I'll be visiting Fairest City, I have some things to do there. I'll be also taking Jamil, Azul and Ace with me as my bodyguards." Vil said meanwhile applying some eyeshadow on his lid.

"Uh… that's great?"

"I'm not asking you to give me your opinion on the thing but to tell me if you would like to accompany me, dear." He seized your silhouette which was lazily spreaded on his majestically large bed (too large for normal school standards, but is anything in NRC even normal?), not very interested in the case. Once again, for tangling his sheets, he would probably throw out the guest from his room, but he didn't do it since why would he get mad at you for such a silly thing? It's just bedsheet. Besides, he would remind you later to fix them if they would look messy.

"Wait, you want me to be your bodyguard?!" From the shock his words gave you, you just as if you got hit by lighting, quickly got up on your elbows. "Hey, Vil, don't tell me I'm going to carry your shopping bags! I know how your most normal 'shopping spree' looks like! And I bet it will involve cosmetics, oh my god…"

It's not like you didn't want to help your boyfriend with his shopping or anything. You would love to, really! If only his shopping didn't look like a Chanel burglary.

"Potato." The stern voice made you frezze and stop your anxious muttering. It's not like you were foreign to Vil being his strict persona. You have heard and seen it many times. Yet now it felt like you did something very wrong.

"I would rather be condemned than suggest something like this to you my dear. My.. you think quite unflattery about me, hm?" The expression that could be a scowl (a pretty one!) soon after turned into not so condescending smirk. You knew he didn't mean anything harmful by it and was only teasing you.

"..Really. I wanted to ask if you would like to go with me there. Not as a bodyguard, 'unnecessary luggage' or.. Gott bewahre es, some porter but as an accompanying person, just as my partner."

He finished one of his eyes. The make-up, as usual, looked most perfect. Nothing was out of place. It wasn't heavy. It was soft, subtle look which somehow still made his eyes sharper and even more better looking than before.

"I want you to just enjoy the time we'll spend there. Treat it as a vacation."

"Oh."

"Just 'oh'? That's quite disappointing reaction I fear." Vil chuckled softly dovering his mouth with his hand which only gave him more elegance and properness, having the best time of his life it seems.

"I mean.. o-of course! I'll gladly accompany you, Vil!" You didn't want to sound shocked yet the way the blonde was still having his too happy for your liking smile, you were sure you failed.

He gave himself a look in the mirror. Content with the after look, he quickly finished it with a little bit dark red lipstick. Still gazing into the mirror, he moved his bangs aside as not to distract his vision. He moved a stray strand of hair behind his ear and then turned his head in your direction, now having all of his focus on you. His amethyst eyes tore into yours as if he was checking out your soul.

"Well then, shall I help you with packing?"

(DE) Gott bewahre es - God forbid.

The 20th of March, XXXXX ' Sometimes I just think how in the world I am dating this man. I mean, it's not like I am unhappy - it's actually the opposite. He's so pretty. So unreachable. Then why did he got interested in me? It's not like I am someone who's popular or attractive enough for other people to just turn their heads in my direction after catching a sight of me. You get what I am talking about, right? I'm pretty sure anyone would be surprised a superstar, a worldwide known model is.. 'yearning' for them. When did it even happen? When he started liking me? Was it me who fell first? Or not.. maybe it was him.. nevertheless, I remember how I started seeing him in different light. I think it was after SDC thing, right after he apologized for his behavior and him failing the whole team. '

Crowds. So many crowds.

"Godness.." You sighed. It was the lunch break and you were hungry. After having almost an hour long lecture, you were tired.

"Don't dramatize. I told Deuce to take our seats." Ace sure was in great mood for someone who recently failed their exam. He leisurely started walking towards our table where Deuce was already waiting for us. "Holy moly, look at that queue!" He commented with shock after seeing how many people decided right now was the most perfect time to get some food. "[Name], go sit. I'll order your usual. You look quite dejected, huh?"

"No, it's just.. I'm sleep deprived." The girl tried to divert her friend's attention from her state. She may have lied a little bit since the lack of sleep wasn't exactly the main cause of her upset mood.

"Man, if you were in Heartslabyul, Riddle would chew you out for that!" Ace laughed while he was putting his stuff near yours on the bench. "Okay, I'll be going. You owe me one." He winked and slightly sticked his tongue out and soon after left.

You sighed again.

"[Name], are you sure you're okay?" Deuce, who was sitting on your left, asked concerned. To him, you looked like him when he is preparing for an alchemy exam, which made him worried. "If you need a.. supporting shoulder, I am here!" He puffed his chest, putting on his 'honor student' persona.

"Thank you Deuce, but it's okay." You smiled at your friend and stared blankly at the table. "It's just.. I'm having a problem with someone rather than something."

"WHAT?! SOMEONE IS BOTHERING YOU?!" The dark haired boy shouted, thunderstruck from what he heard from you. A second later he cringed, realizing that he unconsciously raised his voice which made some studnets turn their heads in direction of your table. Some of them curious, some annoyed with the ucalled for noise. "Ag. Sorry.." He said still upset with his behavior. He bowed slightly in the directions of the others who heard him.

"No, I mean.. I'm just thinking about someone. Like, not a few times a day but day and night." You fidgeted with your fingers as to feel less awkward.

"Huh.. so you're saying you have a.. crush?" Deuce suggested, a little bit proud of himself that all those times where Cater was yapping his ear of paid off.

"Crush?" Startled, you questioned. Crush. To you it sounded a little bit weird. It could be a little, small fascination but a crush? No way.

"Yeah, like, a person you think about all the time and then you date them, right?" Spade maybe wasn't the sharpest tool in the sheet but he wasn't an idiot. He noticed your dreamy gaze and the absence in the material plane. Just like Ace, he payed great attention to you.

"A..yeah! But.. I don't think I really have a 'crush', you know. I'm just.. observing him occasionally. Nothing more." You almost felt yourself beam with elegy.

"..now that sounds like unconscious stalking."

"Agh! I'm not stalking him nor do I have a crush. I just like him only a little bit!" You tried to defend yourself from your probably knowing already what's going on buddy.

"Like who only a little bit?"

You squealed hearing somebody's voice behind you. You almost got a whiplash injury from turning your head too quickly. Deuce stiffed too.

Ace came back with two trays of food and placed them on the table. He put under your nose a croissant with choco filling. "A little gift for you." He patted your back and sat with you and Deuce.

"So? What both of you were talking about?" He chirped while eating his food. Ace's perceptivity was something you really admired but right now you wish your friend was as ignorant as you to the world.

Deuce gave you a look, a little bit uncertain if he should tell Ace your secret. You locked eyes with him and shaked your head as no.

"Nothing. We have been talking about our exams." You tried to keep a unmoved face.

"Yeaaah. Sure." Trappola was now one hundred procent sure you were lying. "Spill the tea."

You knew there was no running from this.

"So..you see.. I just recently had someone on my mind like..all the time."

The redhead snorted at this. "Now, be serious,"

"But I am! I feel like I am sick."

"[Name], by the way you didn't say who you have been thinking about.." Spade interjected, clearly curious.

"Yeah [Name], tell us!" Ace encouraged the idea.

"Ugh, give it a break you two. At least for a minute!" You snapped and rubbed your forehead slightly. You heard your friends snicker to each other quietly. You knew they didn't mean anything harmful but you were stressed and felt cornered to a wall.

"It's the guy who auditioned to the SDC. The blonde, you know who." You said very quietly and reluctantly.

"WHAT?!"

Once again, you felt people gaze at your table. Amazing. "Shut up you all!" you scolded them, not wanting others to hear such thing. My, in your imagination you could vividly see how all of the NRC is awaiting to hear the answer to the question; 'who does the [Name] thirst for?'

"Is it..Hunt-senpai?" Deuce hesitantly asked, as if he was scared that his assumption would turn out to be true.

"You mean Rook?! No, don't tell me you're after such weirdos, pff.." Your other friend sure was making the best he could do of this. So funny.

"No! it's not him, it's the other one!" You felt like you were talking to a wall.

"Don't tell me.."

"YOU MEAN SCHOENHEIT?!"

Godness. Today was truly a bad day.

"Hey, you three! Shut the hell up!" Someone yelled from a table that was close to yours.

"Be quiet you two. Others have been giving us looks the whole time since we walked in here.." you tried to hide your face in your arms.

"I am very sorry!" Deuce yelled back, bowing his head.

"Ugh.. what a pain." You gave them a glance only to put your arms around your face once again. You were tired and lost your appetite.

"It's Vil, isn't it?"

"Yes, Ace. It's him. Stop making a huge thing out of this."

"Okay, hahahah. So what now, you'll confess your big love to him?" Ace teased you with a stupid smirk. He took a bite of his food and watered it down with some soda. "Woa, I didn't expect this combo to turn out so good!"

"No, I won't be doing any confessing. I don't love him nor do I have a crush on him. I am very normal about it."

"We can see that clearly [Name]." Deuce dissed you with truth. Were you sure it was just fascination? Or maybe you were really crushing him not even knowing it? He was pretty, that's for sure. Many people probably liked him for that. You found his personality interesting. 'Oh, but so do everybody!', or maybe not. You sure didn't fall in love with someone who just apologized and started being better. What a change of character! A simple action like this wouldn't make you swoon. You had standards. However, whenever you though about his face, his fashion choice, his perfect smile and pretty lips, and oh.. those eyes, right.. his eyes were probably the best thing out of his whole face. It was them on which he put his make-up the most. Majestic, regal and dazzling amethyst. If only you could look into them for eternity, you wou-

"Heyy, Twisted Wonderland to [Name]! Were you just thinking about your fancy man, secret lover?" The redhead made an exaggerated smoch at you, comically pouting his lips.

"Stop it Ace." The dark haired boy tried to stop his friend's teasing but internally he also found it a little bit amusing.

"Why do you even like him? I mean he is a model and everything but he's so scary and strict.." The freshman tried to defend himself.

"You're not wrong on this one.."

"See! And you tell me to stop. I'm just spitting facts here. Someone as harsh as him doesn't fit [Name]." Ace stated believing he is right. You didn't feel like talking. You looked at the croissant and at the rest of the food. Since the sweet was packed, you could eat it later.

"Let's talk about something.. more nice, shall we?"

"…"

"…Fine."

The 3th of March, XXXXX

'Dear Father,

I am writing to you as to notify you that I have developed a relationship with someone who's very close to me. I know you would like to hear about this in person, so I will visit you this week.

sincerely yours, [Name]'

Oh, my little hatchling!"

As soon as you opened the door of The Headmage's office, you were greeted by Crowley. Sometimes you just wondered if he had another sense which made him aware you were near him.

"I couldn't be more content to see you." He said giving you a long hug as if he hadn't seen you a month at least.

"Ah.. y-yeah, I'm also happy to see you." You replied sincerely. The Headmage grunted and straightened up. Smoothed his clothes and shake off the imaginary dust from his pants.

"So, what brings you here, my dear? As much as I would love to justify your visit as sincere concern for your papa I am aware it is something else?" He began, giving you a knowing look.

As annoying and triggering Crowley was to others, he knew you inside out.

"…Right. As I have written in my letter, I have formed a relationship-" Your sentence was interrupted by a loud cry.

"O-oh..! Oh dear.. I am so happy for you!" He cried louder. "You have a new friend! A-ah, Godness, they grow up so fast.."

"No, It's not like-"

"Don't worry. You have my most approval." He said with solemnity after blowing his nose with his (probably) ancient, engraved and worth more than ordinary man's paycheck, handkerchief. "I was pleased with you joining Night Raven College as here you could broaden your possibilities. You're doing a great job. I'm glad you won't be lonely, my child. May solitary never reach you and your new relations bring you elation."

"Are you even listening to me?" You tried to explain that you didn't gain a 'friend' but a boyfriend. "It's not a friend. I have a b-o-y f-r-i-e-n-d." You spelled it to him.

"Ah, a boy friend? My dear, assuming your friend is from our magnificent and prestigious school, I am not surprised your friend is a male." He said, not even catching what you were implying.

"No-"

"Ah, how the time flies! My, I should go, I have a housewarden meeting in ten minutes.. My dear child, please excuse this poor man for I am ought to leave now. Farewell, youngling. May fortune fall upon you for the rest of the day." He pecked you forehead softly albeit quickly and walked out with his cape lastly leaving your sight. No matter how many times you saw it flutter and shine it would always leave you amazed.

"Ah."

You stood in his office for another minute which felt like an hour. What just had happened?

"I mean.. at least I tried. I told him everything and he seemed content. The rest is not my problem." You shrugged and eyed the whole room. After some time it started feeling like a home to you, even if it was just an office in the school. It may be pretty, but it's not as pretty as Headmage's residence, which was your home now. You walked to the desk and started to check out things on it.

A dirty mug with leftover lukewarm coffe? Check.

A bunch of documents halfway done and messily spread on the whole desk? Check.

A photo of you in frame? Check.

Everything seems normal.

You sat on the chair and eyed the room once again from the perspective of the Headmage. You crossed your legs. "Well, seems I am the Headmaster now."

You felt like you were missing something. Ah, yes.

You put one of your legs on the desk. Now, that's it. You picked up the mug. You took a sip of the coffe.

"HOLY-" You choked. You wanted to throw up.

"What the- ew.. why it's so disgusting.." You put the mug down. That won't do.

"I am the Headmage!" You put your hand in the air while making a pistol sign with your hand and blinking.

…

Silence.

You felt even more bored.

"Why do I feel like I will suffer from this meeting consequences?"

You leaned back on the chair while gazing into the ceiling of the office. There was a pretty chandelier. The light it's candles reflected in yours eyes making them have a little fire in them. You kept longing with a blurry look.

The 9th of April, XXXXX ' Today was my love's birthday. I should be the one who took him somewhere and set up a nice date. I didn't know Vil had other plans. He booked us a two day stay at some fancy hotel which name I don't even remember. I told him I should pay at least but looking back at that price for a two day stay.. uh, no thank you, at least for now. Vil didn't mind being the one who had to set up everything. I bought him something nice and made a small cake for him. He looked happy and enjoyed himself which made me happy as well. I thought he would complain about the cake since I was pretty sure he rejected everything that interferes with his diet. But how was I supposed to know that he actually had a sweet-tooth? I made the cake to his liking. He was curious about the ingredients but not in a 'I want to know what I am eating because I care about my diet' but as 'I want to know how you made it and how the process went'. I was glad that I could make him smile with something so little, but he was already content with just my presence. On our two day vacation (we visited the Fairest City). We mostly went shopping or visited some cafes. '

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

Precipitated from your thoughts you stared at Vil with slightly open mouth. "Huh?"

"I'm asking if you're having a good time, my love." After seeing your confused expression he smiled. Sometimes you were too cute for your own liking.

"Yes, I am. But I still think I should be the one spending on you today. It's your day after all…" You replied unsure.

A laugh has reached your ears.

…A laugh?

Vil was laughing softly. The more you stared at him the more you noticed a light forming near his head as if he was an angel sent down from heaven.

"[Name]," He started.

"I don't expect from you to spend money on me or I want you to do so. I would be just happy with you being here with me. And personally, I think my birthday is a good occasion for us to go out. It's my day, right? So let the birthday boy pamper you, will you?" He put his arm, which was before linked with yours, around your waist giving you a smug smile.

"..You're a lost cause, Villy."

Hearing this made him adjust your scarf. Carefully, he made it look once again as neat as it was before. "A lost cause, you say?" Adjusting your scarf made him close the small distance between you. You could feel his breath on your face. After he said that, he looked into your eyes deeply.

Goddamnit. Actors and their ways.

"Ah..Um.." Cat got your tongue for sure. But who wouldn't be speechless after having someone so pretty almost at their face? "It's surprising it's coming from someone who didn't notice their scarf is untangling." He teased you, noticing your slight blush from the closeness.

God. You seriously are too cute for your own good.

"How was I supposed to know it was untangling?! I cannot look at you and my scarf at the same time!" The girl was lightly fumming.

"Oh my, excuse me then. Had I known you were admiring me I wouldn't interrupt your passionate entrance."

Vil started walking slowly waiting for you to catch up. You were staying in the same place flabbergasted.

"Darling, I'm waiting." He turned his head, slowing his walk even more.

Like in a slowmotion you saw how his hair moved and how his corners were lifted up. You blinked and pulled yourself together.

"Hey, wait for me!"

"As if I could leave without you." He said quietly which made it barely reach your ears. "Hm, if my fans heard someone has kept me waiting they sure would be devastated." He sent a glance your way.

"Maybe if you didn't rill me up, I wouldn't be taking my time."

"My apologies then."

Both of you started walking at unknown to you direction. The whole city and it's street's were leaking with luxury. It just felt like Hollywood but a Twisted Wonderland version of it? Nevertheless, it looked beautiful. People who you were crossing paths with here were dressed elegantly, clearly wearing the newest collection of some popular clothing brand.

"We're going to the cafe, is there something you would like to order?" The blonde asked you keeping his eyes on the footpath since it was crowded and easy to get lost in.

"Something to drink and a small dessert I think?"

"Good choice. I was also thinking about getting something to drink."

"How much left before we reach the cafe?" You inquiried getting tired from walking all the time.

"We're here actually." He stopped walking and turned to some large local. You also turned yourself to see it.

At this point you should be used to seeing fancy things in this city but still the appearance of the cafe made you skip a breath.

I feel my wallet wailing.

"It looks very.. luxurious." Perhaps your awe was visible to your partner or maybe it was him having some mystical inner connection with you since he only replied with;

"I want you to enjoy yourself to the fullest."

He gave your hand a squezze and opened the door for you. After you two walked in you were greeted by a waiter.

"Mister Schoenheit, welcome, your reservation is at the table 19th on the second floor." The waiter handled the documents and showed you the direction to your table.

"Thank you." Vil took your hand and leaded you to yours table. The inside of the cafe was kept in gold and red colors. There was soft jazz music, you didn't knew if it was live or not. It wasn't crowded but there were quite a lot of people.

I mean, it's a expensive cafe. I would be freaked out if it was fully crowded. The most cheap thing here probably costs more than hundred thaumarks.

Next, you climbed the stairs which were quite winding and colored black. So polished that you could check yourself out in them. Finally both of you could sit. The menu was already there.

"So, Darling, does anything piques your fancy?"

"That milkshake looks delicious.. it's kind of large though.."

"Don't worry about it. How about the dessert?" The man scanned over the menu. Quite a lot to pick from, huh? He tried to find something that looked healthy but still could be a dessert.

"I think I'll go for the Lava Cake. I think I had it in the past. Maybe I even made one, I can't remember." You said and put the menu down.

"Okay, I have everything. Are you finished yet?"

"Hmm.. Yes, I decided. Oh, the waiter is coming. Perfect timing."

"Not really, it was you who took so long to decide. The waiter waits ten minutes I think." The girl joked at her boyfriend. The man in return rolled his eyes and made a soft frown.

"Dear costumers, what would you like to order?" You looked at the waiter. Hell, even the clothing of the staff here is fancy.

"We would like to order one Lava Cake, one Apple pie and the large milkshake." Vil politely announced with a small smile.

"Is there anything you also would like to order"?

"No, thank you."

"Well then, your order will be ready in 15 minutes, please enjoy yourselves." The waiter gave a polite bow and was ready to leave but Vil stopped him. "Ah, excuse me, but," he made some motion which looked like a secret code. What the hell he is doing? you thought.

"Add to the order, if that's not a problem."

The waiter just like someone who has been working here for their whole life, understood quickly.

"Of course, it won't be a problem. Please excuse me." The waiter once again bowed and left.

"What the hell was that?" You laughed in modest volume. You never saw Vil do anything like that. What was that, his try of acting as a secret agent?

"Hm? Ah, that. Nothing. Just a normal thing here when ordering something. I just forgot to add something to our order."

"You? Forgot something? Please.."

The man looked uncomfortable and quickly changed the topic.

"How is your.. pet doing?"

"Pet? You mean Grim?" You wanted to be assured.

"Yes, Grim. With who you left him? I doubt you left him alone without anybody to look after him." The man asked further, curious where was your 'baby', as you called it.

"Pa- The Headmage is looking after him. I told him to be gentle with him. He's not great with cats or animals in general… I remember he once told me Professor's Trein cat didn't like him. When I asked why does he think so, he told me it hisses everytime it sees him. I'm not surprised, since he always picked up cats by their tails, good God.." You rambled, getting only a bit concerned about Grim. You knew Crowley wouldn't hurt since you would be very upset if something ever happened to him.

"I feel pity for this poor creature."

"You mean Grim or Crowley?"

He blinked two times rapidly and exchanged looks with you.

"Actually, make it both."

You chuckled at this. Vil didn't find it as amusing as you did which he made clear with his look with hooded eyes. "I am being serious here. Both of them are a danger and disaster to society. What good would come from both of them interacting?"

"Vil, please, don't worry. They'll be okay." You put your hand on his, softly massaging it. "I assure you."

"I'll put my trust in them, but only because you trust them and I trust you heartily."

"Thank you for putting your trust in your adopted son." You giggled after seeing his expression turn into annoyance with a frown. "Please. Don't be ridiculous." He rolled his eyes and.. was it blush on his cheeks? A faint one but still a blush.

A pleasant silence filled the room. You looked out of the window and gaped at the scenery. The Fairest City was really a beautfiul place with it's own charm. From the second floor you had a nice view at the pedestrians who looked like ants, moving fast and knowing exactly what they want to do. You switched your view at Vil, who was already looking at you.

"Have you ever eaten here?" You asked.

"I have. I once had a photoshot near this local. It was quite a long time ago. I also went here with my father." He answered truthfully. "Now that sounds interesting! I never actually heard about your father beside that he's an actor and producer, you know." You gave him a smug smile and snapped his hand with both of your fingers. "So? Tell me something interesting, Villy."

The man closed his eyes for a while as if he was regaining his composure. Maybe the topic of his father irked him a bit? "My, are you perhaps a fan of his?" He shot you a glance. "I saw some of his photos on the internet. And I saw his photo in your wallet and on your nightstand." The girl reciprocated his gaze.

"..Yes, right."

"Man, I don't know what the Schoenheit genes are made of, but y'all look fine as hell." This simple sentence made him furrow his brows.

"Now, stop right there!"

You grunted with your hand covering your mouth. "Yes, Sir." You totally weren't sorry at all.

The blonde softly pouted. Sometimes you were surprised with how expressive he was when he was with you.

"Don't gush about my father, you're here with me, not him. It's rude to not pay attention to your date, you know?" At the end of the sentence, he gave you his special smudge face look. The one where he slightly furrows his brows and up lifts the corners of his mouth while striking a pose.

"But of course, my queen.. by the way, are you jealous?" Like a sparrow knowing his place in the persence of the maginificent peacock, you put on a fake, pathetic servant mask. But you couldn't help yourself and asked him the last thing, totally not to rise his pressure. Yeah.

"Please." Vil scowled. His face showed irk and annoyance.

"Okay, I get it, worry not, I only have my amazing, talented, beautiful partner on my mind." You put your hands in the air as to show you're innocent and sincere now.

"Heh. As if it could be another way."

"Here's your order." The waiter put your dishes on the table. "The bill will be ready at the reception. Please enjoy your meal."

Vil only nodded. You started to think that maybe he knew this waiter. You looked at your food.

"Uh.."

What the hell?

"Vil, I think they messed up our order. They forgot to bring your drink." You said uncertain.

"No, it is as it should be. I didn't order any liquids."

"But didn't you say you wanted to drink something though?"

"Dear, worry not about me. Now, enjoy yourself."

You shrugged. If he's not thirsty, there's no problem then. You wanted to take a sip out of your milkshake and then you noticed something. "Huh?"

"Why they gave me one straw for two people?"

"What do you mean, 'one straw for two people'?" Vil asked faking confusion. You knew it was fake. He looked too calm.

"You know what I mean. That one straw for people so they can drink at the same time, you know.. I just don't know how it's called."

"My, that's perfect." He said with a hidden enthusiasm. "Didn't you say that milkshake was too large for you? Cease your concerns, I will lend you a hand, my love." after he said it, he brought himself closer to the table. He squinted his eyes at you, which could be a flirtatious attempt as to make himself look more eligible, like he was preening himself to you. But no. It won't work on you. You knew something was wrong.

He took a sip of the creamy drink.

"You have an exquisite taste, dear."

You stared blankly. "I see."

"You should try it. Or are you going for the Lava Cake first?" The blonde without a care in the world (It seemed) was drinking YOUR milkshake.

"How about I try your Apple Pie? I'm curious how it does taste like." You said with a different motive in your mind than just trying his dessert. He thinks he's smug? Well, hell no, not today.

"Hm? Sure, feel free to try it."

You took the plate with the dessert. You took his spoon. You digged in.

The first bite felt like Heaven…

You should have expected that a cake from probably the most expecnsive cafe in the most rich city in the most known for it's value country would taste good.

Yet…

"Why it's so good.." you mumbled after you swallowed down. The appearance of the cake also was prepossessing. It also smelled nice.

"I see you're enjoying my meal, I'm flattered." Vil chuckled softly.

"Look who's talking" You murmured under your nose. You wanted to take another bite but you were interrupted by Vil placing his hand on your cheek, lifting it gently so you could look into his eyes.

"[Name]. I am happy to see you enjoy yourself. I'm glad you spent my birthday with me. I couldn't ask for a better gift." He said with a gentle expression. This was probably the most soft you have seen him today. His eyes shined in the light of the chandelier. You didn't know what to say. "I… how could I not spent your birthday with you?" You squeezed out, unsure if that's what you should say right now.

"Well, you could have said you're busy or that you just don't want to. I would've understood."

"But wouldn't you be upset?

"I would be. I would be unhappy and miserable, really. But I don't know if I could be really mad at you." Vil chuckled weary.

"I love you." You blurted out out of nowhere.

Vil's orbits dilated a little bit but soon after they returned to their natural state. He left a amused sigh and the corners of his lips lifted instantly.

"I love you too, sweet potato."

He retreated his hand and took your spoon. He digged in the apple pie and brought the spoon to your lips.

"Here you go." He nonverbally encouraged you to open your mouth and take in the spoon.

"I didn't expect you to be into something like this, how…extraordinarily." You opened your mouth and tasted the cake.

"Hm. A occasion like this happens only once in a lifetime, dear."

…The second took you there.

"So, Dear, how about we drink together the milkshake now-"

You kicked him lightly under the table.

"Today was fantastic."

You two walked slowly on the suburbs of the city near some park. It was almost dark by now. You were glad that since the city was famuous, the supervisors made sure that every lamp on the street was working properly. It may be just April, but the weather was still unstable and the day was still not as long as in the summer days.

You and Vil held each other's hand, the other had a glove. You thought Vil would be that type of person who would have had cold hands, but surprisingly, his hands were warm. Probably because he was working out everyday which made him have a proper blood circulation.

"I agree. I have enjoyed myself to the fullest." The model replied, a smile present on his face. "I must confess that I have relaxed today like never."

You headed in the direction of your hotel. It was too late to go somewhere else and you were too tired for anything new today.

"You know, I didn't expect you to be.. engaged when I mentioned your father."

A sigh escaped Vil's lips.

"I just don't want you to talk about others with such interest when you should be focused on me" He said.

"Right. Sorry. I should pay more attention to the birthday boy." You squezzed his hand.

"But it's good you asked about my father. I actually wanted you to meet him. He was curious about you, too. Maybe too curious for my liking, but I still would like you two to at least see each other."

"Really?!"

"Yes." He chuckled. "I know my father will pull something for sure, but I can't leave him in the shadows for too long. Especially that he doesn't have a lot of time."

"Oh, I see…"

"Don't worry, you'll soon meet him. Maybe sooner than you expect." You said nothing at it. You two walked in silenece to your hotel. Sooner than I expect?

You felt a chill run your body.

The 26th of April, XXXXX ' Today is the day me and Vil visited the Fairest City along Jamil, Ace and Azul. He said there was some production of some film. I wasn't really interested in the details. Vil showed me the photo of the garments he will be wearing today for the whole event. I knew he would nail the look. I didn't expect though that I would meet someone new. '

"Can you be any slower, you all?"

You felt bad for them. Carrying Vil's shopping bags was not a mere task.

You thought you saw one bag almost slip out of Ace's arms but in the last moment he corrected himself. It didn't go unnoticed by Vil, of course.

"Spudling number one, what do you think you're doing?" The blonde's stern voice made Ace wince. "Sorry!" He threw quickly.

You really couldn't admire Vil from far away, because he kept you near him all the time, arms linked or at least in two step distance.

"Hey, [Name]. Maybe you would like to help us out? Jamil asked while sweating a few droplets. When you were about to answer something, your boyfriend beat you out of it.

"Oh? You dare to ask [Name] for help? How bold of you. Did all of you forgot about our contract?"

The model gave them a cold look. With his new make-up, different hairstyle and luxurious clothing he looked more demanding and scary than before.

"My dear, I'm going to the cosmetics store now. Would you like to go with me? There's some products I wanted to get you." Vil turned himself to your direction, dropping his scary and cold demeanor.

The man gently put his hand out for you to take. You took it and he walked with you to the store. Before you two disappeared inside the store, he turned to the three boys.

"I expect all of you not to do anything foolish. Also, make sure to not drop anything." He seized all of them with his eyes.

The store looked like something out of vintage aesthetic. Most of the furniture was in brown tone, made probably from the most expensive and real wood of highest quality. The cashier was absent.

Vil approached some shelf and took some products. "Look, I was talking about those."

He picked a few and went to the other shelf. "They have unique products. I really wanted to check out those rice balms."

The cashier finally came back from the back room.

"Welcome, how can I help you?"

Vil eagerly went to the counter. "We'll be having those products. I waited so long for their release."

The cashier behind the counter laughed. "Ah, yes, they sell very well." Vil paid for the articles and you left the shop. From the distance you could hear a street musician playing on a instrument. Your boyfriend noticed you gaze at the crowd from where the music was coming from. "We can go there later, if you want." He sent a small smile your way. You smiled back. He turned to the three boys. "You three." He pointed a finger at them. "Quit your idling. We have four shops left to visit."

All of them shuddered.

Vil started walking. His polished shoes clicking against the surface. He really nailed the outfit which his strong personality only completed.

Ace, Azul and Jamil only sighed desperately. Soon after, all of them started walking. You quickly walked up to Vil, who took your hand and matched your peace.

With every shop you visited you saw how they started to enjoy dragging his bags, pushing each other lightly or just copying Vil's way of walking for fun. You noticed that once in a while Vil indulged them a little and also copied their way of walking, smiling slightly.

You liked how all of them looked happy, trotting to the next destination.

You once again glanced at the blonde, noticing how his face shined in the sunglow, basked in bliss.

"Desserts?!"

After visiting all the shops, you stopped at some bakery. You heard the boys yell, surprised that Vil would actually let them eat something… unhealthy near him. And at his own cost.

"Why, I thought you all would be delighted to try something sweet. Fairest City is known for having the best bakeries or cafes. I myself am interested what they are serving today."

You were astonished too. You knew he wasn't someone cruel who wouldn't eat someone sweets at least once in their life, but most of cakes or desserts in bakeries are full of unnecessary sugar.

"Then I want something with cherry filling!" Ace said with enthusiasm.

"I want to try something I haven't had before." Jamil replied while looking at the bakery's display. "How about you, Azul?"

"I don't consume anything too fat or too sweet." He said, spreading his arms. "But, since this is once in a lifetime occasion, I will indulge myself a little. After all, mister Schoenheit is generously paying for our orders, wasting a occasion like this would be such a loss." A smug expression made it to Azul's face.

"Now, don't let it go to your head." Vil said with slight frown, but actually not minding Azul's remark. "My, their selection of options is quite big. I'm hesitant to pick anything." His eyes flickered on things.

"Ugh, they have so much sugar. Is there anything a little bit healthier?" he squinted his eyes with down turned corners.

"Vil, there's some apple with caramel, how about this?" Ace suggested. The sweetness looked like an apple candy covered in caramel. It reminded you a little bit of a halloween treat.

"It looks utmost. Thank you kindly." He smiled, content with the thing. "And what about you, my dear? Does anything pick your fancy?" Your lover turned to face you, giving you a pleased look.

"I'm not sure."

"Oh, I didn't tell you, but this bakery connected to the cafe we have been at on my birthday. It's the same company." He said in a quiet tone so only you could hear him.

"You mean THAT cafe? The one with the milkshake?" You wanted to be assured.

"Now, now, please, let's keep our voices down. Yes, it's that cafe." His expression switched to something that resembled amusement. To see you so ruffled about such a small thing was quite a view to him.

Oh, yeah, so funny when you were the one who drinked all of my milkshake.

"Would you like perhaps the same thing as me?" He said gently taking your hand in his and softly massaging the surface of it with his thumb.

"Fine. But I would prefer to save it for later, so tell them to pack it as a takeaway."

"As you wish."

He went into the bakery to get your orders. The rest looked at you quizzically. You could see suspicion on their faces. "What?"

"What you two just were whispering about?" Ace squinted his eyes at you, like you have committed some crime.

"My, talk about playing favorites." Azul adjusted his glasses.

"Yeah. Stop complaining and go drag the bags." You dismissed them with a hand wave. Ace sent a smirk your way.

"Yes, our Lady."

Vil returned from the bakery. He held a stack of boxes and had a paper bag hanged on his arm. "Come on, take your orders. I won't be carrying all of this."

"But were already carrying tons of your bags!"

"Don't make me repeat myself." Vil furrowed his brows, making the rest sigh.

You walked up to get your bag with the apple candy. When Vil saw your stretched hand towards the bag, he retreated it. "Ah, I didn't mean you. I'll carry yours." He still had his hand with the bag retreated. You gave him a distrustful look.

"Hurry up, spudlings. We don't have the whole day. We have little time left before we meet the producent."

The three lighted up at this. "We'll be meeting the producent?!"

"Of course. He wants to meet all of you." He smiled pridefully. "You especially, [Name]." Huh?

Vil didn't say anything after that.

"Let's go, shall we?"

The place where you were supposed to meet the star of the whole stay, day and night. Were you stressed? It was hard to say.

The inside looked like most of the Fairest City buildings. It soaked with luxury. The restaurant (you weren't sure if it was one, but it had a bar and tables, so it probably was one) had a nice, chill music playing in the background. If you had to compare it to something you would say it sounded like french music, played in most of cheesy movies.

The palette of red and gold combined perfectly. You saw some people sit at the tables for two, talking with each other in hushed tones. They all looked like celebrities.

"Which table is ours?" You heard Ace ask.

"We'll be sitting at one of the couches, we'll wont fit at a normal table." Vil said, approaching one of the couches which had a table big enough for you all.

You all sat down finally getting some rest after walking all day. Before you met Vil you thought shopping was a hassle but it could be done. However after you two became a thing you just think how stupid and clueless you were before. Shopping with Vil is only nice if you have patience and you aren't carrying his bags.

"It was a rough day." You said to your peers.

"Yeah, it was. I feel like my back is ripping from all that shopping." Ace said and massaged his back with a slight painful frown. "I never knew Vil was this demanding… I mean, I knew but come on." He complained. You didn't deny what he said. "I feel kinda bad for you. How do you put up with this dude?" He gave you a look, somehow uncertain and worried for you future.

"He's not that bad." You said, slipping off a little bit from you sitting position. You looked out of place right now but you prefered to sit comfortably at least. "I get how it looks to others, but sometimes you need to make some.. sacrifices for love, you know." You winked at him at the end of your sentence. You pulled quite a inner poet of yourself.

"Now, don't tell me this bullshit." He laughed, hitting your side lightly with his elbow. "If you say so, I won't intervene. But if something happens, send me a SOS, okay?" You could feel care from your friend. Ace maybe didn't look or behave like a guy who would pull a prince act, but if you would ever need help - he would be there. He may be frolicsome, but he has his heart in the right place.

"You bet." you smiled at him.

You saw how Jamil and Azul talked about something. You didn't hear what it was about because they had their tones down. Vil was checking his phone and typing some message.

Where's that special guy? That 'producent'?

You lost yourself in thoughts. Once again, [Name] entered her world. All this socialisation doesn't do anything good for a man, huh?

"Hey, I waited for you all."

You felt a chill run down on your spine. You froze. No, it can't be. Your fingers digged in the soft couch. The voiced came from behind you. Just like the person who came to your table was perfectly standing behind the place of the couch where you sat down.

You didn't turn back.

If I do it,

I will die.

You heard some 'Huh' from your mates. All of them in awe, from what you could hear.

"Vil, it's been a long time since I saw you!" The mysterious figure said. You had your eyes glued to one spot, not really on the floor but not entirely on the table - something in between. You weren't sure if you were even blinking at this point.

"Indeed. I am surprised you had time for us. I thought you would be busy with meeting important figures." Vil said.

"Please, how could I not see all of you? I was very curious to meet you." The man (from the voice you suspected it was a man) said to everyone.

Dread. You felt yourself going numb.

The fancy french-like music was still going on. Long enough for you to gasp the entire rhythm of it. In your wicked mind, you hummed it's tune.

You hear Vil moving. He was walking up to the man. His shoes cliking against the floor. Such a nice sound.

From what you could listen, sounds of light and quick pecking reached your ears. So they're exchanging greetings now, huh? Your friends got up one by one to greet in person the guest (host would be more accurate, since it was him who wanted to meet you). Ace shaked hands with him with a friendly demanor, Jamil shaked hands with him with the elegance you would expect from someone who knows who it's better to side with and Azul shaked hands with him like someone who wanted to present themselves in a good light and give them a business card. You knew you should turn back. At least for good manners.

I can do it.

It wasn't your fault to be so scared of meeting,

You slowly turned yourself back when you heard the man express an interest in you, the only person he didn't had the chance of exchanging pleasantries with.

You saw him.

He had a nice smile on his lips. 'Pretty' you thought. His clothing was fitting him nicely. The color of his eyes..

You were fully facing him, still sitting on the couch. You wanted to close your open mouth but you couldn't bring yourself to do it.

From others perspective it must have looked funny. You, gaping at the man and the man looking at you with singularity and curiosity.

"Oh, hello. I believe we haven't met before?"

…Your future father-in-law.

Am I still alive?

You stared at the man.

Oh, right, I should get up and shake hands with him or something. It'll be worse if I don't do it.

You get up and walked up to him. You wanted to believe your entire 'walk' at least could resemble some basic elegeance and not wobbling.

When you were close enough to the man, you stretched your hand to greet him.

Smile, [Name]! Show him you're a great material for Vil! A total ten out of ten!

You tried to smile as pretty as you could pull. A ugly and twisted grimace showed on your face. You had your corners turned up, so in your opinion it was a smile (and others should also take it as one).

"Um.. Hello to you too." An awkward greeting sounded out of you. You were sure you were shaking a bit.

Instead of shaking hands with you, the man gently took your hand and brought it to his lips.

…What?

The man, while not breaking the eye contact with you, gave your hand a light kiss.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, [Name]. I have heard a lot about you." He dazzled you with his smile. He also gave Vil a look when he finished. "Father!" You heard Vil raise his voice.

Or maybe you wanted to hear it.

Neverthless, you were too gone. Too gone from this world, too gone to hear anything.

Maybe you were in something akin to a space right now, where planets slowly moved, star shined and a shooting star blinked far away.

I was wrong. I can't do it.

You were glad your boyfriend was here. So if you would, for an example, pass away he would be here with you at your last moments.

After hearing his son's raised voice, the man slowly let go of your hand. It was amusing to see his son be so pressed. He knew he would enjoy this event, but now? Oh, an occasion where he could ruffle his son's feathers was almost impossible to come by.

You stood there and just watched how these two had an invisible fire ignited between them.

How embarrassing…

Your friends were both shocked at what Vil said. "Father?" Azul repeated flabbergasted.

"Ah, yes. The producent I was talking about is Eric Venue, who is also my father."

"REALLY? AND WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?" Ace shouted still in shock. Azul put his hand on his arm and said:

"My, his father is the most popular actor and producer. He's basically a big-shot in Twisted Wonderland."

"Holy.." The redhead looked at the man. He still had his handsome, million dollar smile on. Just now he noticed how similar he and his son were.

"But his last name is Venue, why is that?" Jamil inquired.

"I didn't want people to recognize me as 'the son' or just by the last name. The 'Venue' is only a stage name." Vil answered the question which seemed to puzzle the whole group.

"Indeed. I wanted Vil to gain his recognization by his hard work, not the name he bears." His face settled down a little.

"Right now I can say openly, without people doubting my worth, that we're related." The younger Schoenheit announced with delight.

You felt like everyone has forgetten about you. A part of you was glad, however you felt awkward. You could say something but it would probably only worsen your situation.

"How about we all sit down? The starters will be served soon."

'Great idea!' You thought.

"Ah, we'll be starting with starters? Nice!" Ace said with enthusiasm. You envied him how he could stay calm in a situation like this. You all sat down on the same couch you sat before. You saw how some chatted and some just sat down in silence. This time your boyfriend sat beside you.

"Is everything okay?" You heard him ask. You turned your head to look at him. You saw slight frown and concern on his face.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just… feeling a little bit out of the place. I'll get over it." You assured him, which didn't feel assuring at all.

You were right. He didn't look convinced at all. Your reply only made him worry more.

Just like always, he took your hand in his and gave you a light squezze. He always did it whenever you were anxious or just felt upset. You sent him a smile.

Your moment of peace didn't last long.

Just like a hound which was trained for hunting, Eric saw you two 'coddling to each other' as he would say. The hound sniffed out his quarry from the long distance.

"You two are quite close, aren't you? I'm glad Vil has such a good friend to lean on." He smiled in a way that screamed 'I know what you are'.

'Does he know?' you thought.

No, I doubt.

You were pretty sure Vil didn't tell his father that he had someone. He didn't had time to inform him, you two started dating in like February or something. He and his father met once in half a year or in a few months. There's no way.

You moved away from Vil. Your sudden movement only made the suspicion rise. From the corner of your eye you saw how your boyfriend's jaw clenched.

"I thought you would prefer to talk about the movie but I see you would rather go into private matters it seems." Vil narrowed his eyes at his father. You were pretty sure he was about to throw hands.

"No, don't take it that way. Put yourself in my shoes, how could I just pretend I don't have such a prosperous relationship before my eyes? I'm happy you have such reliable friends."

'I would never wear those' flew through your head. Maybe Vil would. Vil was seething at this point.

"I must tell everyone, you all have a really good fashion style." Eric complemented as if he wanted to avoid his son's wrath and ease the tension. He will strike once everything's will subside. "Thank you!" Ace happily thanked. His cheeks reddened a little bit and his face lightened up.

"I'm glad to hear this, however it was your son who picked all those outfits." Jamil said. "It's only thanks to your son that we could make it out in such style." To others who didn't knew Jamil personally it could sound like he was putting himself down and direct all the praise to Vil. But in reality you knew he also wanted to push Vil's buttons and have some fun.

"You know, I really like fashion myself." He laughed neatly with his hand near his mouth as to give himself grace. You could see the little shinning sparks fit his aura. Truly, everyone could agree this man was fine as hell.

"That's splendid. But to like something it means to know how to fix it. In this case it means to know how to wash it. You don't know how to do it."

You and almost everyone at the table were surprised to hear Vil's side mark. You knew he was petty, but would he go this far?

"Ah.." Eric seemed perplexed. Deep down he didn't mind his son's jab, however… "I try my best when I'm doing the chores."

Vil face changed to disappointment at this. "Right. You always need help of the housekeepers."

Everyone at that stiffed clearly. You and your classmates didn't know what to do. You felt like you were in a conflict which didn't include you.

"That was quite harsh…" Jamil commented in a hushed tone. You all looked at each other, sweat forming on yours foreheads.

"Oh, they are about to bring the starters! Incredible timing." Eric said, happy that he no more has to be in his son's quarrel.

On the table were placed starters, all of them looked delicious. Maybe too small for you, but it's proably the restaurant rules.

Time to dig in.

A reflection was shown on the knife.

The light shined on it which caused the reflection to appear. You held your fork in the other hand thightly.

You looked at your meal. You took a deep breath.

You looked to your left.

You saw your friends eating in comfortable silence. You noticed how Ace struggled with handling the utensils and how Jamil instructed him as not to embarrass himself. You hear him say if his housewarden had seen his table manners, he would have cut his head off.

You looked to your right.

Vil was handling his utensils with elegance. He even ate in a proper and neat way. He didn't smudge his lipstick nor did he dirty his clothes.

The music is playing in the background.

Once again you look at your food.

You raise the knife. The fork already stabed the meat. Just like a surgeon cutting the body, you cut the meat. A slick, straight and deep line.

You were glad Vil learnt you a little bit of the basic (for Pomefiore) table manners. Everytime you ate with him you watched how he raised his utnesils and how he wiped his mouth with a handkerchief after the meal.

You brought the food to your mouth.

A subtle flavor could be tasted on your tongue. You could say it was too unseasoned for you.

The comfortable atmosphere was interrupted by Eric.

"What a lovely time we have. But I wanted to ask you something." He adressed it to you and your friends. "What is Vil like at school?" A simple question. However you saw how Ace choked on his food, how Jamil stared at him and how Azul stiffened.

"Ah.."

"Well.."

"Uh…"

You also didn't know how to respond to this question. "Um.. Vil is quite an admirable figure." Jamil started sweating a little bit. "He's also very.. precise." You noticed that the rest only readily nodded their heads in agreement.

"I'm glad to hear this." He gave them a content smile. Then his expression changed into something else, like he had remembered soemthing just now. "Oh [Name], I would like to hear your opinion!" The girl stared at him with wide eyes then turned to her boyfriend. Vil only sent her a smirk. "I also would like to hear it."

Maybe this is the time you start praying.

"So…" You started hesitantly. "I also think he's an admirable figure. He knows his way and he moves very elegantly..um," what were you even talking about?

"Please continue." Eric encouraged you.

You closed your eyes as to calm your self and continued. "He cares for students in Pomefiore. He's strict and only sometimes annoying."

You smiled awkwardly. "I mean, it's a different experience for everyone. It depends if you're close with him or not." You were sincere. It would be stupid to expect someone to treat dear people to them the same way the treat strangers. "As for me, I don't have any complaints. Some people might have though." As you finished an image of Epel showed in your mind. You laughed to yourself in your mind.

"That's a very interesting way to put it in." Eric said after you finished. "And I was worried that he had problems at school." He chuckled. "Guess I worried over nothing."

"Please. Let's not be ridiculous." The blonde also laughed. "Even in elementary school I never was bothered." "You went to elementary school?"

"Of course. I remember I had joined a theatre group at that time." Vil finished with pleased expression. "And what is up with that shock?" His face turned into annoyance.

"Ah, how the time flies! I believe they will be serving dinner soon." Your in-law annouced. "The food here is great. It could be used as a buffet. In acting, actors often are offered pancakes, sweets, salads, meat and others type of meals."

"It sounds delicious." Azul commented while shifting his position. The starters weren't very fullfilling, so most of were still hungry. After some time, dinner was brought on the table.

A large pot was set on the table. "The goulash is inspired by the fairest queen tale."

You spent quite a lot of time in Twisted Wonderland. You found it interesting how many dishes are inspired by the great seven. The goulash looked just like the rest of the food served today - very delicious and worth a fortune.

The portions on your plates were small. You doubted someone could fill their hunger with it but you got it was a restaurant. Even in your world some served portions like this. How absurd.

You had a great time with everyone eating the dinner. The atmosphere wasn't that stiff and uncomfortable.

'It's not that bad' You thought.

When you all finished you started conversing and chatting. You saw how happy your friends were and how Vil was in a good mood too. Just when you wanted to ask something Vil's dad slapped his thighs and stood up.

"I'm glad that we all could meet up today. I'm pleased I could get to know you." He spoke to you and your classmates. "Sadly I have a meeting with other producer's now and won't be able to stay. I'll join you after the meeting is finished. Please excuse me." He smiled politely. When he was about to go, he turned back and walked up to you. "Ah, [Name], can I ask you for a moment? It will be short, worry not." He looked at you from the above giving you his million dollar (thaumark?) smile.

You froze. What?

"Um.. sure," you rose from your seat and walked up to him. He guided you to a more secluded place. When he was sure you two were alone, he spoke.

"Ah, don't be nervous. I just wanted to ask you something." Once again his expression turned into delight. He felt bad for making you stress over this.

"You see, I know you and Vil aren't just friends. Vil never told me it in person or verbally. I just guessed on my own." He crossed his arms and seized you.

"Oh," In a moment like this you could only make a short sound. "I guessed it when he called me one day. He was very happy when he was talking. I thought something good had happened. He didn't want to tell me what it was, but considering that since one day you were the only thing he was informing me about I guessed you two started dating." He looked in your eyes and his face became serious. "I see how he looks at you. I never saw him this happy."

"Um, sir…"

"You two have my blessing." He smiled and put his hand on your shoulder. "Others may not be able to notice it, however as his father I don't need a confirmation. Vil can say what he wants, but he won't deceive me."

You didn't know how to react. Too much information for you for such a period of time. You still didn't knew why he wanted to talk to you in person.

"Ah, but it's not about it. I wanted to ask you if you would accept an invite to a dinner. I would love to know closer my daughter-in-law." He sent you a noble and kind-hearted smile.

"Oh.. of course, I accept." You were shocked. Daughter-in-law? Did he just see you as family at this point? Even if you and Vil weren't engaged or something? You were like at the first base, almost reaching the second.

"I also heard you have a guardian who's your father, right?" He asked hesitantly as to not cross the line of making you uncomfortable. When you shocked your head as 'yes', he continued:

"Splendid! I would love to meet him as well." He seemed to be too happy about this. "Feel free to bring your furry friend too." Something akin to a wink was sent your way. Holy, was he trying to kill you? It's not like you were attracted to Vil's dad, but it also wasn't like you weren't attracted to him. It is not my fault - that was what you would say to enraged and rabid Vil.

"Oh, thank you!" You were happy that he knew about Grim and wanted to include him as well. Your furry friend was as important to you as Vil was.

"Well then, I'll await our dinner patiently." And with that, he gave you a slight bow and left.

…

What has just happened?

After the talk with the Eric you came back to your table. Everyone asked where you were but you just swept it away with a visit to the toilet. The only one who wasn't convinced was your boyfriend, Vil.

"Where were you?"

You didn't want to lie to him so you said the truth.

"He knows." You eyed him with solemn face as if you had just witnessed a murder scene. "He knows. Your father. He knows, Vil."

"My, how perceptive of him." He narrowed his eyes. His make-up didn't help and only made his gaze more serious and gravely. "So what now?" He changed his expression to something more soft as not to seem like he was directing his negative emotions at you. "He said he wanted to ask me to a dinner, Vil."

He tsked and his scowl only worsened. "What a-"

"I agreed Vil." You said still with the same wasted tone as before. "And he wants to meet the headmage as well. And Grim."

Your boyfriend turend to a new shade of red. You saw a vein form on his forehead. Maybe you should've unaccepted?

"Don't worry, dear." He unexpectedly put his hand on yours. "We're together in this. I'll be with you." You weren't sure if this situation was this serious but you appreciated the effort.

"Thank you.." You said not sure what to say. A furious Vil was a dangerous one. You didn't want to piss him off more than his dad did. "I don't understand why he is interfering in my relationship." He sighed while closing his eyes.

"Well… maybe he just misses you? And he's interested in how is your life going, or something?" You tried to make the mood less uncomfortable.

Vil looked at you with a puzzled expression. "Darling, you don't understand. It won't be a normal dinner. He's going to ask you many questions and the whole meeting will last til night. He will probably suggest staying at our home for the night." He was clearly upset. "I know you don't like when people press you or just ask you things you rather not talk about. I'm worried for you… I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable." He confessed closing the space between you.

His face now was very close to yours.

"I.. I understand. But I also want to know your father more personally. After all, he's your father and an important figure in your life. Knowing him is as important to me as knowing you, Vil." You said trying to fix his mood.

His eyes twinkled at this. If you were this interested in meeting his family then it meant you were thinking about your future together. The future which involved him.

"[Name]…" He whispered. You didn't have much time to react before you felt his lips on your cheek. A slight peck however it was filled with many emotions.

"My sweet potato, I understand." He was still close to you. His expression different now, eyes filled with comfort.

"A dinner it is."

The 15th of May, XXXXX

'Dear Father,

I am writing to you as to notify you about coming dinner with mr. Eric Schoenheit and his son, Vil Schoenheit. The date is 24th May, current year. Your presence is required and the host asks for confirmation of presence. (I will pass it to Vil and he will pass it to his father) Yours sincerely, [Name]

"My dear child."

A grave-like voice boomed through the room. This is not going in the right direction.

"What is the meaning of this?"

You stood as straight as a plank. A solider waiting for an order.

"I told you before, that I have formed a relationship. Vil is the one whom I bonded." Your answer was the last nail to your coffin.

Sometimes you wondered if your father was stupid or stupid. No, let's take it back. Was he playing a fool or was he just one? At this point you should run.

"And Sir Schoenheit has invited you and me to a dinner. Is that right?"

"Yes,"

"Oh my dear." He wraped his arms around you. "I'm so happy for you! You may be young and helpless, however you already lined up nicely…" He was at the edge of breaking down.

"Ah, such an inportant moment in the life of a parent.. I accept the offer. I'm impressed you found such a well positioned friend! You adopted all of my life tactics, o-oh…"

You didn't want to say anything. Your father still thought you and Vil were just friends. At this point, you didn't even care. You just wanted him to confirm whenever he will attend the dinner or not. You just were worried if he will pull a stunt. Please, no.

"And your letters improved too! But, what was the last note, huh? Do not break your character at the end, no matter if it's me or a stranger!" He scolded you. Ah, so dumbing down the last sentence was unnecessary.

"Right. I'm sorry."

"I hope a mistake like this won't happen again. The act of writting a letter is very important. I want you to master it for your own good." He said in a serious tone.

"Well then, hatchling. I'm looking forward to this meeting! Ah, I wonder how the Schoenheit maison looks like…"

Right. You were correct. Let's just hope he won't do anything.. embarrassing.

It will be fine, just like always.

"Vil, I'm not sure if it's a good idea."

You were laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Your mind was clouded with doubt.

"[Name]." He sounded stern. He sat beside you on the bed. Vil gazed at you with tired eyes. It was past 6 p.m and the sky was turning fully dark. Your boyfriend normally was starting his routine at this time, however since you came to him looking very anxious, he put it aside. It can wait.

"Don't worry, it will be okay." he rubbed your shoulders. "I will be there with you. It's just a dinner."

"A dinner on which my father and yours will meet." You corrected him. The whole thing was taking a toll on you. You didn't want to be stressed however you couldn't suprass your mind.

Vil didn't say anything at that. He continued massaging you hoping it would help.

"Do you want a cup of tea?" Your boyfriend asked. He didn't like seeing you in a state of stress and anxiety. It caused him pain and the fact he couldn't help you only worsened everything.

He sighed and got up. Vil left the room without saying what was he doing. You stared at the ceiling following it's patterns. You liked how his room presented itself. Pretty and velvet purple with light white.

The dumbbells layed on the floor in tidy. You knew it wouldn't really bother Vil if you stayed here for a longer time, yet you knew you couldn't do that.

After 15 minutes which felt like an hour the bloned returned back. He held a tray with some snacks. "Maybe this will improve your mood?" You saw your favorite snack. You appreciated that even though it was late he still decided to eat something with you.

"Eat to your content, love." The girl saw him flash her a dazzling smile. You enjoyed how Vil no matter what could bring comfort to you. "I thought you didn't support eating this late." You joked taking one of the snacks.

"Don't let it go to your head, Darling. This is the last time I'm doing this." A smirk appeared on his face, joining you in this fool's parade.

"Okay, okay, I get it." You waved your hand as a sign you gave up.

The two of you spent the rest of day munching on the snacks while having the best mood ever. Maybe a little time together was all you two needed. At least it seemed so.

The 24th of May, XXXXX ' Today is the day. I have prepared myself. It will be okay. Despite mentioning Vil many times, I haven't actually told anything about him at all. I haven't even said why I make sure to say Vil is my partner rather than a boyfriend. Okay, so the thing is; Vil thinks that the title boyfriend is.. very degrading. It's not bad however it means the two of us are just a 'temporary' thing and it has some high shool after taste.. and partner sounds neutral yet loving. You can call someone who's been in a relationship with you for like twenty years or five months. I also prefer the term partner than boyfriend but I tend to forget myself. Actually, now that I think about this.. boyfriend sounds very cute. Ah, what else to say… I remember how I and Vil were like before we started dating. I seriously had some one sided beef with him. But it was hard to understand Vil and it was probably hard to understand me. Looking back, we made a lot of progress. Oh, also I find it quite cute how Vil lights up whenever I mention some new way of putting on make-up! Or when I mention theatre, ah, he looks just so- '

"[Name]? What are you doing?"

You jumped at the sound of Vil's voice. You hurriedly closed the journal hoping no one saw what's inside.

"It's nothing." You reply was too quick. It didn't escape your lover's attention.

"Huh? I am not the one to pry into private affairs," He gave you a interested look which quickly turned into his special smirk. "But I won't hide that I am curious what's inside. Did my presence cause the quick closing?" He teased you. Ah, if only he knew what you were writing about.

"When are we leaving?" You asked as to step away from the topic. You already packed your stuff for the two day stay.

"In an hour. I hope you're prepared for the fantastic day?" His manicured nails reflected some light which only made them more dazzling. He looked very dolled up, you weren't sure if it's for you or just for the occasion.

"Riiiight. I can't help myself. I'm gonna die from happiness." You jokingly said. Both you and Vil weren't prepared for this in reality.

"So funny." Vil said with an amused expression. "I thought you would be more excited. You're meeting your, as you once said, amazing and talented super-actor." You felt the jab stick in your chest. Indeed you said that, but no matter what you won't call Eric like that in person.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. You're my most precious, talented and amazing actor, model, icon and so go on." You put your hands in the air as a sign of defence. "You can stop your jealousy now."

You saw how his face twitched. "Me? Jealous? Over my father? I couldn't ever to that. I am secure in my relationship and my choices." Ah, the perfect defense of someone who obviously jealous. You decided to give it a stop as not to torture your boyfriend furthermore.

"Check if you packed everything 15 minutes before we leave. It may be just a two day stay but I won't let you neglect yourself." He scolded you giving you the harsh reality of most basic Vil-self.

"Yes, my queen." You saluted and left the room. You walked through the corridors searching for something. You looked left and right and no sight. Where did he go?

When you were losing hope for finding the lost 'person' you suddenly saw a flash of gray. Oh, you found him.

"Grim, behave." You told your companion stoping your walk. It wasn't like Grim was some slob who didn't know manners, yet he also wasn't the example of proper behavior. He may be a little lost, yet he got the spirit.

The direbeast presented himself before you. Most of time you were happy to see that grin of his, but this time you were too tired for this chaos. "[Name,]" He began while his tail was twitching from side to side. "I can't pack my whole stuff. This trip is a hassle."

"What were you trying to pack?"

"My blanket, cans of tuna.. you know, the special edition I got from Azul and the plush I got from you." He stretched his paws as to emphasise the tragedy (Nothing too serious in reality).

"My God… I have some space left in my suitcase. You can pack some of your things there. But not too much, understood?" Sometimes you felt like a parent nagging their kid.

Grim's ears turned up and he uttered a howl.

"Ahaha! Right, there is my hunchman!" You let him be. A moment of happiness in his life wasn't forbbiden. You watched as he ran in big jumps to his room.

You went back to Vil. He was supervising everything from luggage to the most unimportant. From a different perspective he looked like a frea-

"Why you're standing in the door?" He zipped one of the bags and mentally checked it as done.

"I was talking with Grim a moment ago. He wants to bring his food along, you know." You told him.

The blonde raised his eyebrow, "Why would he do that? There will be food at my family's house." right, Vil didn't seem like a person who could understand Grim's sentiment for his food.

"Let him be." You defended the creature. You felt bad enough when Vil suggested putting Grim in a pet carrier.

"Check if you packed everything you wanted. We'll be leaving in a few minutes."

You walked up to one of your bags and then to your suitcase. "I think I got everything. I'm ready."

With the last check and zip, the man picked up the stuff.

"Well then, let's set off."

You used the mirror chambers to move to the Shaftlands and when you got there, limousine drove you to your destination.

The views you could see from the limousines window were breathtaking. A different world in many colors. The city in which Vil's house was located was only a half hour ride away.

When you reached the house you weren't surprised how it looked like. When the headmage said 'maison' or 'villa', you knew what will you see.

Once you stepped out of the vehicle you took a better look at things that surrounded you. You saw a nice garden which was quite large. The sky also was presenting itself nicely today.

"Ah, what a ride it was!"

The loud voice of Crowley rang and you turned to look at him. He was stretching his back making too much noise for your liking.

"Dear, take your bag and I will take the rest." Vil said while taking your suitcase in hand and the other stuff in other. You knew he was taking too much to carry so you voiced your worries out, "Isn't it too much? I can carry something…"

You saw a flash of confident smile and heard, "My, are you suggesting I am feeble and won't be able to carry all of this?"

"No, not at all."

At the doorstep you wondered if you'll be ringing the bell, however you saw Vil pull out a key. When he was about to open the door, it opened itself.

"Ah, you're already here. Welcome Mister Crowley! And you too, [Name]," You weren't sure if he smiled more widely at the sight of your or was it your imagination. "Please, go inside. Feel like at home." You unsurely entered the maison looking around. You saw how the classicism dominated the whole interior style and furnishings. The whole place was spacious.

"Your rooms are at the end of the left corridor on the first floor, I'll guide you there-"

"No need for that. I'll do it." Vil interrupted his father taking your hand in his and moving to the direction of the rooms.

"Oh, fine.." Eric was shocked at the sudden annoucement from his son but he didn't worry about it for too long. "Well then, please let me escort you to your room, mr. Crowley."

The whole 'walk' was accompanied with silence. You could only hear your and Vil's footsteps. You felt how his nails slightly digged into your skin. You gave him a glance but you only saw his profile and clenched jaw. Oh, how pretty he looked, even if he was upset or furious.

"Vil?" You shot your chance into the air,

no respone.

Only for it to be sanked away in the deep sea.

The silhouette of perfection and you, dragged by it, not sure if it was a right choice to poke it with a stick.

"I don't want you to deal with them, you should rest."

He looked at you. You saw no fury in his eyes. Oh heaven's, my gratitude!

You were still walking.

"Um, Vil, I think you might have skipped the guest rooms-"

"You'll be staying in my room." He saw your shocked face and immediately corrected himself. "If it's okay with you."

"I don't mind. I am actually excited to see your old room." Both of you entered the second floor and went through a corridor and then turned right. Once you reached a white door you stopped.

"We're here." He opened the door and let you go first. When both of you entered the room he closed the door.

You switched the light on and observed.

It looked.. normal. Empty, almost.

"I took most of my things when I got accepted at Night Raven College." He answered your inner question, while joining you in looking around.

A diploma was on one wall, trophies and awards were on a shelf. You walked around and turned yourself to him. "It looks neat. Hope you won't my sleep wriggling, hm." You shot him a smirk that didn't held any innocent intentions.

"Hah. I would like to see you try."

You ignored him and slumped on the bed. You tried to make yourself as cosy as possible.

Your boyfriend sighed. "I'll go and bring your luggage here."

You checked the time on your phone. It was still a midday yet it already was looking like evening.

You waited ten minutes and Vil finally brought all your stuff into his room. You looked how he was putting your clothing in the wardrobe.

"Does your dad know that I'll be sleeping in your room?"

He continued arranging the clothes, "Does your dad know that you'll be sleeping in my room?"

"..Touché"

You heard him laugh. "See? Potato, you'll need to learn how to be more underhand."

He probably noticed how yours eyes rolled because he only continued chuckling at you.

Then, you heard a knock at the door.

Vil and you stopped in your middoings, unsure what to do.

"Vil?" You heard from behind the door. It was Eric.

The blonde looked at you and then at the door. "Yes?"

"Supper will be ready in 10 minutes, please inform [Name] as well."

You two catched an eyecontact. "I will inform her as soon as possible."

That smile. Again.

You heard the footsteps fade away which meant Eric left.

A moment of silence was present in the room. It was ended by your comment, "That was close."

"He wouldn't come in. In this house we respect privacy."

"In this house we respect privacy." You imitated him as to bother him a little.

Vil turned to you and furrowe his brows. "Care to repeat that?" His eyes squinted at you. It didn't mean anything good.

"I'll pass this time." You waved your hand at him. Your response made him curious, "So there will be a next time?" His derisive grin was stopped when he realized you two should be on the ground floor.

"Oh."

You two quickly fixed yourself to look decent (Vil made sure he didn't look just 'decent' but perfect) and hurried to go down.

"So, how was the ride?"

When you came to the dinning room you felt the eyes on you. You suspected that both the headmage and Eric knew you two were together somewhere. What a hassle.

"Uh.."

You didn't feel like speaking right now.

"Marvelous! It was very kind of you Sir to send a pick up for us. My, my I enjoyed the ride very much." Ah, Crowley was the only one person who wanted to talk.

"I'm happy to hear this." Eric smiled politely. He looked at Vil and then at you. "And what about you two? I understand you were very tired. After arriving you two just wanished away.. I was wondering where you have been." He shook his head sadly. You knew he was faking it. He must have. What's the meaning of this?

"I just wanted to show [Name] the house. I wanted her to feel familiar with it." Vil said with a calm demeanor. He niped his mouth with a handkerchief.

"Oh, I see! I take it you wanted [Name] to familiarize with it because you two plan on visiting once again in the future?" You saw how Vil's dad teased him. You didn't blame him, it was a funny thing to do in free time.

"I never said anything, stop making presumptions."

You didn't want the atmosphere to go foul, so you tried to save the situation.

"Dad, will you pass the salt, please?"

"Here you go."

"Please."

You stared owlishlyat what just happened.

Both Crowley and Eric tried to pass you the salt at the same time. "Ah, excuse me." He chuckled while covering his lower face slightly with hand. "I tried to help as a good host would. Please, help yourself everyone."

You took the salt from Crowley still unsure what just happened. You glanced at Vil who was as shocked as you. You were sure you never saw him so surprised before.

"Oh, mr. Schoenheit, you're such a generous host!"

Right now you just wanted to go to sleep and sleep for eternity.

The whole late dinner was short and it ended after twenty minutes. You bid goodnight's to everyone and went to Vil's room. Vil was already here with lights dimed. He was making the bed. You noticed that he made your side to your liking.

"Where's Grim?"

You walked up to him and sat on the bed.

"He's sleeping in the guest room. He's been sleeping since we arrived. I was surprised he didn't turn up at the dinner." You saw his corners rise.

"He sleeps a lot. He'll have a lot of energy tomorrow."

You were grateful you could take your furry companion with you. If he had stayed at home, you would be worried for him and you would probably drown in sorrow from missing him.

You gazed at the room once again. Even though both of you were here it still looked too blank and bland. It didn't suit Vil's character. At all.

"Your room here looks funny compared to yours at the school. Seriously, it doesn't scream 'Vil' at all." You told him, wanting him to maybe open a little bit on why, even though he didn't spent his time here, he left it so undecorated.

He glanced at you, with confusion painted on his face. "Didn't I tell you why it looks like this? I took my things to the room in my dorm."

"Yes, I know, but.. it looks rejecting." You put emphasis on the adjective. You should buy something for him so he could leave it here and if he comes back to his home room, he'll have something to remind him of the colors of life and give the whole space more liveness.

"Hm, so I am not good enough to cover the deadness?" Vil jested. He himself wasn't really bothered by not being cornered by many items and only be embraced with nothing.

After you heard what he said you nudged him with your elbow. "so funny." You moved closer to him. He saw how you squinted your eyes at him with a fake scowl. Ah, how your face looked so beatiful close-up-

"What you're gawking at?" You noticed how silent he was. He was just.. staring at you. The ultimate uncertainty of not knowing what will happen next has flooded you.

"Schatz, you didn't answered my question."

You felt his hand cup your cheek and saw how the mesmerizing and violet eyes were getting closer to you. When you blinked you saw his face a few inches away from yours. He was looking at you vainly, his thumb wiping your lips.

"Well, you know my main focus is on you," You tried to explain, not sure what he wanted to achieve.

"Ah, that's what I wanted to hear." Vil smiled triumphantly. He closed the left distance between you with a kiss. When he tore off from you, he gave you one last look.

"Dear, come closer. Put your hands on me." You slowly were sanking on the bed second by second thanks to overwhelming Vil's body. After you fully were laid on the bed, you saw how Vil's face looked at you from the above. "I got a little bit lonely during the whole ride.

Would you mind giving me your attention?" You felt his hands on your body, only making soft circles in some places waiting for your agreement. With the way he bated his eyelashes at you and how his pretty eyes were toring into you, you couldn't bring yourself to reject such a tempting offer.

"I shall give you my wholly attention."

Vil's eyes widened at your words, elated with your words. Not caring for being patient, not so gracefully, he threw himself at you. Dipping into you as to taste once again what perfection is.

(DE) Schatz - My treasure/beloved.

You woke up. You had trouble with fully opening your eyes and only limited yourself to slow blinking. The sun was visible as it's rays bursted to the room through one of the windows. You guessed it must have been almost afternoon. You felt heavier than ever and.. was that your imagination or the sheets made it look like it crushed you? You could only see things that could keep you in bed.

Fighting and battling led you to finally open your eyes. You turned to where Vil should be. You noticed that his place was made up. He must have probably gone to eat something or do his routine.

After sitting and gaping at the wall like a man that lost his mind, you got out of the bed. You walked up to the window. Nothing interesting outside. You made a face at that and scratched your arms. The isolate location of the house made everything calm outside. You felt the freedom of having nothing to do. Such a great feeling.

Still in your sleepwear, you left the room. You looked at your left and right. Which corridor was it once again…?

Neverthless, you found the way. On your way you passed painting hanged on the walls. Some of them had people painted on them, some had places, and one even had an animal. Many of them showed different tehnique, style and ceuntry period.

Oh, was that classicism? My, that looked like baroque! And, isn't that Romanticism?

You observed all of them with wonder. You doubted they were fake or just an imitation of the originals. They had to be original.

Such a house, filled to the brim with art. You recalled Eric's words where he in short asked if you planned to come here more frequently. Well, now you were sure you wanted to drop in next time you'll have a chance to.

Your walk was finished once you entered the groundfloor. You passed some housekeeper's and even bid greetings to your animal buddy. You went to the kitchen in which you found Vil. His back was turned to you. He was making.. something.

"Hello, Vil." You said in a little bit raised voice so he could hear you through whatever he was making. He looked over his shoulder as to acknowledge whoever was talking to him. When he saw it was you he gave you a small smile still continuing whatever he was doing. "Hello to you too, my love."

"What you're making?" You came closer to peek at the cooking process. You saw some veggies on the pan, an egg made in a sunny side up. On the countertop there were two cups filled with a green liquid.

"I went down when I noticed you moving in the sleep. I'm almost finished with the breakfast. Feel free to sit down, I already set the plates."

You sat down on one of the chair's in the kitchen. You looked at the plate. Snow-white. Ah, it was the same as the Vil's room. "How are you feeling?" Vil asked as he was giving the vegetables some last touches.

"Great. I slept really good. I'm surprised I woke up so late though." You gave him a look.

Vil took the pan and put the food on your plates. He also took the cup's and put one near you. He sat down on the chair beside you. "I'm happy to hear that."

You dismissed his almost suggestive smile and caught his attention with, "I saw the paintings in the corridors. They look neat." You took a sip of the green liquid (which turned to be a smoothie), and felt the taste of some vegetables on your tongue. A fruit also rolled through. "I knew you would love them. They're lovely, aren't they?" He smiled fondly. He also appreciated their beauty.

"Indeed they are!" You chimed in happy. Your love for art could rival Rook's.

"It's rare to see you so hyped. Maybe I should get myself a painting in my dorm room?" Vil said pleased that you liked so much his family's home.

The rest of the breakfast you two spent on chatting about a few topics, enjoying the cosy atmosphere created by you.

"So, that's the painting you wanted to show me?" [Name] and Vil been standing for what felt like an eternity before the painting. It didn't show anything complicated, it was just some background. Even if it looked pretty basic, the technique of it made it stand out.

"Yes, it's the one I wanted to show you. What do you think?" Vil thought for a while then replied. "It looks nicely done. I remember it was hanged a few years ago."

You were sure it was painted by an artist you knew. You were amazed that you could see an original in the person.

"Your admiration for art is one of the things I like about you." Vil knew many things about you. For an example, you loved art. You excelled in art in your own way. You liked music. You loved to play some pieces from your world not caring what others thought about it. No one ever commented on it because you could do the best performance ever. The way you held an instrument just showed how much you put of yourself in your play.

"Hmm, don't you say so. I still remember the painting I gave you one day." You teased, the picture of it came to your head.

"I actually have it on my desk. The canva is small, so no one really notices it unless they have an eye for the details." You opened your mouth slightly hearing that. You didn't knew he would keep it. You just asumed he would just toss it somewhere or keep it in one of the wardrobe's shelves.

"Really?! You liked it that much?" Your change in mood made Vil smile at you. It was quite easy to light up your mood, wasn't it? "Why, of course. I treasure every gift I get. "

Your nice time was interrupted by your alarm which started ringing. You could see it was past 3 p.m. The dinner was supposed to take place at 4 p.m. You had only one hour left. "Oh." Your bitterness was quickly noticed by Vil. "That alarm was for dinner, right? Let's go and change our clothes. I picked outfits for us." You could hear the excitement at the end of his sentence.

"I swear you're the only person who's happy and cannot wait for the dinner. And only because of the clothes." The girl rolled her eyes at his behavior.

"Don't worry, I made sure to not give you anything that is not stylish." He replied with pride and content face.

"You're the only person who would worry about such things actually.."

And the touring ended.

It was 4 p.m already.

The long table was decorated with a fine tablecloth. It's patterns only gave it more glamor than it had. The chairs were comfortable. The food on the table looked delicious. Everything was perfect. "Ah, mr. Schoenheit! You're being too nice, really! Oh, there's even the wildgame… gracious…"

Or so you thought.

You have been sitting here for only ten minutes. But it was enough for chaos to sprout.

Your father was voicing out his good humor. The vain nonsense was hurting your ears and you wanted him to be silent even for only a few minutes. Vil's dad, Eric, was sitting here too. His flashy, milion dollar (Thaumark) smile was blinding your eyes. You waited for him to laugh like those old rich men do when they play golf. Enough, enough.

Your last straw was Vil. He didn't do anything wrong and that was the problem. Did he not notice the things around you all? The damned things that were about to happen. Oh, maybe he was just playing nice and he actually did and just decided to ignore everything.

The first dish you put on your plate was a steak in jelly. With some vine-like dressing. The food which was put on your plate looked good. It smelt good too. So this means it must taste good too.

You took the first bite. After one second, your tongue tasted it.

Ah, how to say it…

Disgusting. Or more like, not to your taste. The dressing wasn't vine but something sweet which made the dish taste awful. It was a wrong decision to mix something bitter with something sweet.

Mentally you cross yourself.

Since the beginning of the dinner, no one really said anything interesting. Everyone ate in a cosy atmosphere (In their opinion, to you it was dreadful).

"I wanted to thank everyone that we could meet today and be able to taste this excellent food." Eric began out of nowhere. You shuddered at the unexpected noise.

"No, it's us who are grateful. It was a pleasure to met you in person, outside of the school matters." The headmage said, clearly sucking it up to Eric.

"Sir Crowley, you're being too polite." Eric smiled in his direction. "I just wanted to know you closer. People who are important to my son are important to me too. And everything is heading towards us becoming a family soon." The older man finished and took a sip of from his glass.

"Ah, really, How could I not be polite… huh? Family?" The headmage started in a uptone which quickly ended in confusion. Eric swallowed the liquid and send his son and you a look.

"It seems so. They're growing up too quickly, aren't they?"

Crowley's confusion only deepened. Who was growing up too quickly? Surely not you, for him you'll always be a little hatchling which only started walking just now. If he wasn't talking about you, then who was he talking about?

You turned to him and shook your head in a 'no' manner. Please, give it a rest, don't respond, don't respond-

"Hm.. I suppose."

You mentally gave yourself a handfive. You also sighed in a relief.

Thanks heaven.

The second dish you tried was a salad.

The only thing which differed it from a normal salad was that it had tuna in it.

"Oi, [Name]! Give me some of that salad too!" Grim after noticing what you had on your plate automatically also wanted to taste it. You were surprised he was quited this whole time. You didn't want to think about it but maybe he prepared some.. surprise. Not a good surprise.

Stop. I'm overthinking.

"Okay, but please calm down." You put some of the salad on his plate. Not too much in case he decides he doesn't like it.

You also tried it. It was.. good. Normal.

After chewing it for some time, you look at Vil. He was consuming a fish. You also wanted to try it, but it was marinated in sauce you didn't really like.

The blonde notice your gaze on him and pointed his head at you as a sign that you had his attention. You showed him with your thumb up that you liked the salad. He replied back with the same sign. At least in this whole mess you two were eating good.

This time Vil decided to take his voice.

"I'm thinking about collabing with that one brand from Queendom of the roses. They have some new products I wanted to test out."

Ah, how smart of you, Vil. To break the awkwardness with such a text.

"I have heard that you're modeling beside acting. It's very impressive." Crowley commented with a gleeful expression.

"Thank you. I put a lot of effort in my work. I hope the collaboration with that brand will give me new opportunities."

You stopped paying attention to your surroundings. Grim was the only person (Or animal, as Vil likes to say) in the room who didn't really join the conversation. Not surprised.

You picked to eat something sweet as your third dish.

Chessecake with melted chocolate inside sounded good. The sweetness of it made you, even if for a while, forget where you were. For a moment you could escape the harsh reality. With only one bite of a cake.

Eric was talking with Crowley in the background about something. They stepped aside to have some space to converse about some matters. You were sitting with Grim and Vil who joined you two. "Are you tired?"

Vil tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. You probably didn't look good now, tired of the whole dinner and it's length. You nodded your head and leaned back on your chair.

Vil's face became soft and he moved closer his chair to yours. "Feel free to lean on me if you're that tired. It'll be a long time before they finish talking." You leaned your head on his arm.

"Thanks." You smiled at him with close eyes.

"[Naamee], I also want to sleep. I'm tired after eating.." You didn't want Grim to be left out so you patted your lap.

"Come here, Grim."

And so the three of you were half sleeping on two chairs. The only one who was half conscious was Vil who didn't want to fall asleep here.

After some time both Crowley and Eric finished talking and walked up to your little camp near the table. Right now even Vil was sleeping, not being able to resist being awake for such duration.

"Oh," Eric left out and came to you three. "I should have knew they would be sleepy by this time. Maybe I should go get them a blanket.." He put one hand on his son's shoulder as to check if he really was asleep.

The boy didn't even move. He was sleeping hard as rock now. "They look adorable together, don't they?" The older Schoenheit turned to the Headmage with a cheeky grin. "Maybe I was teasing them too much with this whole wedding thing. I saw how furious Vil was yet I didn't stop. I hope he doesn't hold it against me for too long." He chuckled softly and shook his head lightly. "They really fit together. I'm glad my son has someone who supports him and is there for him."

"Excuse me?"

Crowley suddenly frowned and put on something akin to defensive posture. "What do you mean by a wedding? Is there something I don't know?" His face didn't falter. Sometimes even he could look.. scary. Eric's face turned into confusion. "Ah, I understand what do you mean. I know they will think about such things after they finish their school and be old enough to understand that marriage is not a easy decision. Please don't take it in a wrong way, sir Crowley." He tried to fix the atmosphere which turned to the wrong way.

"Eh? So you mean that this boy over there and my precious daughter are in a relationship?" With every word, the headmage managed to put emphasis on every one of them.

Vil's father didn't know what to say. He thought that your father was aware that both of you were dating. "..Of course. The whole reason of this dinner was to get to know each other since ours kids are dating."

"SO THEY'RE DATING? MY [Name] AND YOUR SON?"

After having such a loud talk and the latest yelling of the Headmaster you two were more conscious. Sleep was leaving you with every shout. At first the voices were close to you then they started to fade away.

You groggily looked at Vil who also was in the same state as you. you held eye contact for a while and then asked each other the same question; "What's going on?"

Even though in the background you could hear things like, "She's too young for this,", "They're of age,", "My precious daughter.. to think some boy would steal her from me," or "Sir Crowley, please calm down, you're going to pass out," and "Sevens, please, save me!". You Could count all of them but none of it concerned you.

Ignoring the shouts from far away, with head turned in Vil's direction you only could bring you hand closer to his. He squezzed your hand and you only could see the corners of his lips lift up

. And in such position, the two of you fell asleep once again. In each other's embrace you felt peaceful, no matter if it was some tragedy or just you father's arguing. There, in this large and spacious room you two found a place of comfort.

The only one who was able to see such a sight was Grim, who still sat on your lap. Before he met you he was used to being alone. After meeting you, he understood what love meant and what it was like to be loved. The sight of you and Vil only reassured him that what he was seeing now was love in it's purest form.

ⒸKiameicore. Do not repost, translate, stole. This work is currently only posted on Tumblr.

[nym-wibbly]

Which one of TFW got the best line in Spn?

Huh. If it has to be one of Team Free Will then you've got me. They all had so many great lines. Crowley, Bobby, and Lucifer all got some stonkers, too.

The line that really seared itself into my brain from all of Supernatural was guest-character Hester's:

It really shook me! I mean, in and of itself it's a great line. But there's so much worldbuilding packed into the combination of the line with Emily Holmes's delivery. This idea that Castiel fetching Dean out of hell was the first domino tipped over, not only in Cas's personal fall ("You have fallen in every way imaginable,") but in the subsequent chaos and destruction in Heaven. And she's not wrong to single that event out as the turning point, but she turns the blame on Dean, who hardly got any choice in the matter:

"Why should we give you anything after everything you have taken from us? The very touch of you corrupts. When Castiel first laid a hand on you in Hell, he was lost! For that you're going to pay." Supernatural 7x21 - Reading is Fundamental

She says these lines to Dean, and it starts as the whole aloof, disdainful shtick we've seen from other angels speaking about and to humanity. But Hester reaches max gross load right there and then, so it finishes raw. She breaks down, shouts, loses all self-restraint and just hurls her grief, rage and pain at Dean. Moves to punish him. When Cas deflects Hester from physically attacking Dean - no small intervention, given his fragile state of mind - she whales on the helpless Cas instead, trying to claw back some control of her life by attacking what she sees as the source of her problems.

Hester's completely adrift in this new world of free will and personal responsibility that Team Free Will have dropped on her, and on all the other, surviving angels who didn't get a starring role in the Apocalypse or the war in Heaven. Hester's fallen too, they all have, and she only knows it when Inias begs her not to kill Castiel. Then she snaps completely, and Meg kills her before she can kill Cas.

That's some corking dialogue right there, and in some ways it's more of a reveal about the state of things in Heaven, post-non-Apocalypse, than all Castiel's season 6/7 power-grab arc with its exposition about what's going on up there. Hester's public breakdown is one of the few hints we ever get of exactly what Cas is so regretful and self-hating about in later seasons. Every time his storyline trips him over another failure or mistake, it adds to this guilt until he ends up just desperate to do something right. So desperate that it blinds him to the nuances of an evolving situation, sometimes.

I don't think Cas understands until almost the very end of the story, after becoming Jack's father and reaching rock-bottom in his relationship with Dean, that the one thing he always thought he got right in the first place - pulling Dean Winchester out of Hell, saving him, taking his side against an absent and uncaring God - was always victory enough.

[celticcrossanon]

BRF Reading - 17th of October, 2024

This is speculation only

Cards drawn on the 17th of October, 2024

Question: How will the tour of Australia go for King Charles?

Note: I have asked this question multiple times, and I have got similar cards each time - some pleasant or mild warning/hiccup cards and then one horrible card at the end. So this reading is an example of what I have been pulling from my cards.

Note 2: I am biased about this tour. I do want it to go smoothly and for things to go well for The King, in part because of his health and in part because I am sick to my gut of activists hijacking events like this and twisting them for their own agendas.

Interpretation: Pleasant or minor irritations at first, and then a body blow at the end

Card One: The Page of Swords in reverse

Pages are messengers, and Swords are about thoughts and sometimes communications. It especially applies to communication via social media. The Page of Swords is one of my gossip cards and it can be very spiteful, in an immature kind of way - gossiping over mean things and not really realising the damage you are causing. Here the card is in the reverse, so the nasty gossip side of it is strengthened. It indicates negative messages being sent out via social media, or just the media in general (not PR - that is wands - but supposedly unbiased articles that are anything but unbiased).

The energy from this card is of bad press or mixed press. The King's tour is not going to be covered in only glowing terms. I have seen this already in the Australian press, and it remains to be seen how much, if any, is picked up by the international press. I also think there is a contingent of people lurking online ready to use The King as publicity to push their cause, whatever that cause may be. So if The King expects glowing reviews or not to be misinterpreted in the press, he is going to be disappointed. People are going to use him for their own agenda, and the coverage of his tour will not be unbiased.

The Page of Swords can also refer to new ideas, or innovative ideas, which could reference The King's visit to the CSIRO cancer researchers on this tour. If so, the response to that visit is most likely to be mixed.

Note: This card has come up repeatedly in my readings, from both decks of cards that were used.

Card Two: The Two of Pentacles

This is a card about balance, especially balancing your resources. Pentacles represent material things, including your body. The energy of this card is of The King balancing his physical needs against the activities he wants to attend. The tour has already been cut down a lot to accommodate those needs, but things may need to be changed on a day to day basis to keep The King in good health. The message here is for The King to watch his health, to make sure things are balanced and he e.g. gets enough rest, to ask for activities to be shortened or to leave early if he needs to do that. As an aside, I hope they have fixed the itinerary so he is not travelling back and forth between Sydney and Canberra all the time. Aside from the carbon emissions involved, travel is exhausting and if they can minimise the travel involved it will be better for The King.

Card Three: The Ten of Swords

This is what I mean by a horrible card at the end. I've has this card come up in multiple readings, and if not the 10 of Swords it is the Three of Swords (heartbreak) or the Seven of Swords (the thief card, dodgy business). Ahem. Anyway, back to the reading..

The Ten of Swords is a card of betrayal, of hitting rock bottom, of ruin, failure, being victimised etc. Something is going to happen that really hurts The King. This is the last card of the reading so this will most likely happen towards the end of the short tour, but that is not definite. The energy of the card is of betrayal - of The King being betrayed and stabbed in the back by actions from a source that he did not expect. This may be the media turning on him, given the Page of Swords reversed at the start of the reading, or it may come from another source. It could be something private as opposed to something public. Something is going to happen that will be like a knife through The King's heart.

I drew a clarifier for this, asking what is the ten of swords about, and I drew the Two of Cups in reverse, which is another card that has appeared in multiple readings on this topic and across both decks I have used (as has its major arcana version, The Lovers). The Two of Cups is about partnerships, romantic, family, business etc, and in the reverse it indicates a breakdown in the partnership. There is going to be a parting of ways while the King is on tour - between two people, or between two organisations, or between a person and an organisation etc. This parting will be unexpected in its announcement, and it will hurt The King. I'm not getting anything else from the cards.

Underlying Energy: The Moon in Reverse

The Moon is a card of secrets, illusions, things not being as they appear. In the reverse, some of those secrets are going to come to light. We are going to get secrets being exposed on this tour. They may be small things, or things that happened long ago, as per the article in the Australian mainstream media that I have linked below, or they may be bigger secrets with more serious consequences.

Conclusion:

It's mixed news. It looks like the tour will go fairly well for the King, with the media doing their usual 'stir things up for click bait' articles, as long as he makes sure to balance his activities with the rest he needs for his health. I am saying fairly well as I'm not getting any major indicators of disaster in the first two cards - their energy is more of irritations than absolute disasters.

However, during the tour, there will be an event or events (I hope it is only one) that that will involve the breaking of a partnership, that will be like a knife to the heart of The King. This event will hurt The King very deeply.

Underneath the tour is the energy of secrets coming to light, which may be small ones (as per the article below), or there could be bigger secrets coming to light that form part of the betrayal energy from the Ten of Swords.

Article I mentioned in the reading, on the royals page of Nine Honey (the celebrity/entertainment/gossip section of Channel Nine News) as at 12.16am 18th of October 2024.

[theunfairmaiden]

Can we talk about this scene for a moment?

Bear with me - it's hard for me to put my thoughts into written words. A lot of my thoughts are feelings and images lol

This is so heartbreaking. Rei finally found it in him to cheer on Miri - something I'm sure is a foreign concept to him because his home life growing up was absolute garbage. Abuse. He's learning what it means to be a father, a lot of which he's learning through Kazuki, and he finally gets to a place where he starts acting like the father he wants to be and he's ashamed.

No one is upset with him - Miri isn't upset that she fell, she just thought she let her papas down, but Kazuki quickly reassures her that they just want her to have fun. Kazuki and Miri are just surprised (IN THE BEST AND HAPPIEST WAY) that Rei is showing enthusiasm and emotion. He's really stepping into his role as Miri's father. And because of his bitch ass father he thinks he's done something wrong by throwing Miri off guard, causing her to trip. He thinks he's a failure of a father. He feels like a nuisance, the same way his father made him feel when he was growing up. (PAIN. FULL BODY PAIN OVER THIS ONE. YOU'RE JUST TRYING YOUR BEST BB)

Let's also talk about how Kazuki reacts to Rei blaming himself. "No, dude. What the heck? Why would you say that?" Telling him that of course it's not your fault, don't be ashamed for stepping out of your shell. That's nonsense, nobody blames you. You did nothing wrong.

He also makes sure to check on him because he clearly appears to be much more sad than usual. And he obviously cares about his well-being. "Hey, you okay?" I think this shows Rei that he is worth being cared about when he's been raised his whole life that he's only a tool for destruction and the fact that Miri tripped only reinforces that idea in his mind. Kazuki's response reassures him that he didn't do anything wrong. He's beating himself up, and likely thinks he deserves it, but Kazuki is showing him that it doesn't matter and he doesn't deserve to be beaten down for this. I'm sure Kazuki knows how hard it was for Rei to come out of his shell like that, especially in such a public setting.

All-in-all, Miri is still ecstatic to be there with her papas - both of her papas. She'll just try again in the next event!

When she asks Rei and Kazuki to join her and Kazuki checks in with Rei and he responds with: "No, thanks..." And Kazuki walks away with Miri looking a little sad that he couldn't help Rei. Kazuki and Miri did everything they could to reassure Rei that he didn't do anything wrong and he's still beating himself up about it. I HATE HIS FATHER FOR WHAT HE DID TO HIM - JUST LOOK AT HIM. A LITTLE BB I JUST WANNA HUG HIM AND KISS HIM AND TELL HIM EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY. Like the look on his face just makes me want to cry. My heart. This show has made me feel LOTS of emotions that I was not expecting from a show like this.

I just really hope everything Shigeki did comes to bite him in the ass. I want the organization to crumble under Rei's thumb.

[brittlebutch]

the thing is, you’re absolutely right! because what neurotypical people sometimes don’t understand is the massive difference between the average level of social interaction that they themselves vs other people get outside of organized or scheduled events like work or school, and also don’t understand the massive difference between what failure looks like, and how those two things overlap. i’m told that among the average neurotypical person, they’ll make a point to talk to people in their lives or hang out with friends or go on dates or chat with other people in public spaces, al to have casual interactions, multiple times a day, multiple days a week. meaning, if they have a failed social interaction, it’s buffered by the many successful interactions they’ll go on to have. failure most likely won’t mean complete isolation, because they have multiple avenues of interaction to fall back on. and, moreover, a failure in a social interaction when you have (on average) fewer than most means that now rather than that person going “oh that was a weird interaction, i talk to them a lot and it’s not usually like that, maybe it was an off day” they go “huh i don’t know that person very well maybe they’re just like that?”, which means that the odds are way different on whether relationships stay good after mistakes.

social skills are not actually as inherent as neurotypical people like to think. it’s just that when you’re always in practice, always getting back on the proverbial horse, the advice “just get back out there!” does actually work very well. but if you’re not able to do that for any variety of reasons, you can’t play the game the same way. my advice is not “try harder”, it’s “lower your expectations for yourself on what a good interaction and a moment of connection might be”. just as it’s possible you’re somehow unintentionally upsetting people, it’s possible you’re unintentionally making them feel happy, or valued, or heard, even in small, passing interactions. remind yourself that you’re working with fewer resources and a much more limited data pool. a lot of the advice being given is coming from someone who assumes they understand what the math looks like for you, because it’s very difficult to imagine that other side. so instead of trying to overlay a system made for someone who has resources that you just don’t have, you need to figure out what a functional system of interaction looks like for you, and adapt the advice given to fit your situation. my advice, bearing that in mind, is that finding communities and groups can look like a lot of different things, and getting your social needs met can come from a lot of sources, and ideally should! you would understand best what your situation is, and there’s no shame in changing tact to accommodate for your own needs and boundaries.

forgot to answer this for a bit lol BUT yeah, the post was a little bit more about the Conceptual argument than it was about me specifically, so I'm definitely already with you re: 'finding out what your Individual social goals are and working based off of those instead having high expectations based off of other people's metric' stuff. You definitely have a huge point with the "social buffer disparity" between NT people and ND people, where failures are both less demoralizing internally and less impactful externally when you're able to have a greater average of interactions generally also

but I really appreciated the "just as it’s possible you’re somehow unintentionally upsetting people, it’s possible you’re unintentionally making them feel happy, or valued, or heard, even in small, passing interactions" aspect of this message. I do definitely have a recurring problem of like, labeling Myself as an Uncanny Valley Person and automatically assuming that every interaction I'm involved in must be some level of uncomfortable for the other person -- it actually was kind of a revolution moment reading this and realizing that OH it does make sense that if I can unintentionally make people uncomfortable, it's statistically just as likely that I can unintentionally lift people's spirits in one way or another! So thank you very much for that!!

[scotianostra]

On June 18th, the day after Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle, The Palace of Holyrood House was overrun by religious zealots destroying the Royal Chapel and plundering the building.

The author James Boswell lamented in May 1758 the state of the church in his poem “An evening-walk in the Abbey-church of Holyrood-house” mentioning the state of the Royal Vaults as also the “venerable roof” which fell “a prey to the rude winds, and Winter’s stormy blasts!”

The biography of Mary Stuart describes the event as such:“The insurgent nobles, on the 18th of June, seized the Queen’s plate, jewels, and other moveables, in Holyrood-house: They coined the whole of her plate. On the same day, Glencairn went with his servants into the Queen’s chapel of Holyrood-house, and broke down the altars, and demolished the pictures, images, and ornaments. This outrage was highly commended by the preachers, as a work of great godliness: But, the other insurgent nobles were somewhat displeased; as he had done this mischief, without any order, and before they had resolved, how to deal with the Queen.

It is a curious circumstance, which marks the real design of the rebellious nobles: They immediately took the most decisive, and vigorous measures against the Queen, in violation of their public professions, and in breach of their solemn engagements, to serve, and obey her; while they did not pursue Bothwell, or take any measure to prevent his escape; though they always avowed one of their chief objects to be, to inflict condign punishment on Bothwell, for the King’s murder: Morton and Maitland, who were his complotters, knew, that he could charge them with their guilty conduct, in that abominable deed.”

So it really shows the anger shown towards Bothwell was merely an end to a means, they wanted Mary dethroned. This was confirmed on 24th July 1567, she was forced to abdicate.

In the years that followed the Abbey’s alters and stain glassed windows were destroyed along with the tombs of Kings David II, James II and Mary’s father James V.

There were attempts to rebuild the building, these were after 1758 when its high vault collapsed, but the repairs were disastrous and did not stand up to the task, by 1766 they were beginning to deteriorate.

Scots Magazine and reported a two stage failure.

“On the 2nd of December, about noon, part of the walls and roof of the church of the Abbey of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, gave way and fell in; and in the night following a great part of the remainder fell also. This is said to be owing to the enormous weight of a new stone roof laid over the church some years ago, which the walls were unable to support. The pillars and ornaments of this edifice, though for many years waste, and almost ruinous, were greatly admired, as one of the finest Gothic remains in the Island. The vaults, where the bodies of some of the royal family, several of the nobility, and a great number of the gentry, were deposited, were by this accident laid in ruins. – The church however, is, it is said, to be speedily rebuilt.”

Throughout these times the Abbey was still a place of interest for the people of Edinburgh and visitors alike, it was especially popular as a romantic place to take a walk, especially in the the twilight.

The Abbey is now in the care of Historic Scotland, but much to my annoyance you cannot just go and visit, you have to pay the best part of £20 to the Royal Collection Trust, which look after the royal palaces, I have no interest in visiting the Palace of Holyrood House, nor contributing to the trust, so only have vague memories of visiting when it used to be free when I was a young bairn.

[hoyatype]

I had been teaching high school for seven years, and when I turned thirty-five—which for whatever reason inspired a bout of stock-taking—I realized I had barely begun to do what I hoped to do as a writer, and also that I would never know what I was capable of unless I could put writing at the center of my life.

garth greenwell, 'success is only ever a distraction from failure'. other parts i liked below

And this is the real danger of everything about the public-facing life of the writer, whether that means events and interviews or teaching: that it requires a kind of mask of mastery, some pretense that you know what you’re doing—even if what you’re doing is saying, with some veneer of eloquence that is its own pretension of competence, that you don’t know what you’re doing. When you’re doing interviews on book tour, you have to talk about your intentions in a work as though you had intentions when you were writing it, which basically I never do; and even though I almost always add the disclaimer that everything I’m saying is back-formation, that when I’m drafting I’m working in more or less absolute bewilderment, if you repeat the smart-sounding things you learn to say about your book often enough there’s a real danger that you will start believing them. But to get back to the real work you have to strip all that pretension of mastery away, you have to sit at your desk in the nakedness of having no idea at all what you’re doing, or whether this time it will work. Failure and humiliation! is how Philip Roth characterized the writer’s life, which has become something of a motto among my friends. Failure and humiliation! we text each other, a kind of shorthand, nothing else is needed; failure and humiliation! we answer. It’s weirdly encouraging. Writing is always a lone and lonely activity; at least we can remind one another that we’re in our separate lonenesses together.