#I visited my old building in may but otherwise it’s been. two years wow

[pizzazz-party]

Wish we luck—this weekend I’m going back to my alma mater to be a vendor at a Minicomics convention, so I’ve got a lot of cutting and stapling to finish up tonight

[moonrazeeclipse]

Day at the Amusement Park.

The last time I went to an amusement park was when I was 12 years-old. My memories have been mostly shaky, but what I can remember was the happiness and joy I felt with my mother and father.

It’s been tough for me to have fun these days. Being a 23 year-old working a typical nine-to-five shift made it difficult to have time for myself. Stressed about the quotas, the numbers, job stability, and everything else in between. Good sleep has eluded me for months.

Then I look at my girlfriend, Nicha, and my hope has never been brighter.

Ah, Nicha. Everyone else knew and recognized her as Minnie, but the closest to her called her by her real name. If I thought an average office job was a grindfest, then hers was a gauntlet. Idol life meant she had to be up as early as 3 A.M. and she’d run through several sets of makeup, practice, interviews, and appearances. During one of her off days she and her members visited my building while I just so happen to be on coffee break. One funny stare and the next thing I knew, we were hiding our relationship from the whole world.

No matter how exhausted she got, she kept that same positive, happy energy as if she had unlimited battery life. Each occasional glance as I drove to the old amusement park, she was beaming, singing along to the songs on the radio, like she were a child. This was one of her rare off days where they didn’t have any schedules, so maybe that’s the reason why she’s extra joyful too.

The park itself hadn’t changed much since I last visited all those years back. The entrance looked rusted and devoid of any life or color. There seemed to be way fewer people visiting as well. Nicha offered to take me to that newer park with those virtual reality simulators, but I turned it down with a chuckle, saying that I wasn’t making enough money to spend a day there. Regardless, we entered the place, her hand holding mine, dragging me with the brightest smile on her face.

Whatever she wanted to do, I followed along. Nicha ran ahead of me, acting like a child and not a famous, recognizable idol. Being around me must be freeing for her; she could be herself when I’m with her. None of the rides were renovated or refashioned, which gave me that nostalgic feel. Because there weren’t that many visitors, waiting only took less than ten minutes for each ride. Despite my motion sickness, I powered through the first roller coaster without a problem. The second one? I recalled hurling up minutes after getting off that one as a child. Nicha screamed her heart out on the first coaster, but was overcome by fear on the second. She leaned into my chest while I was fighting every urge not to puke mid-ride. I sought a barf bag once we got off, making her laugh.

“Ahaha! You look hilarious!” Nicha mocked.

“Why are you gloating? Don’t act like you were hiding your face on my chest.” I retorted. She blushed in embarrassment before pretending to run away. No matter how much she loved to make fun of me, I couldn’t get upset. Her wholesome smiles made her a great person to hang out with.

Walking along the park, we came across a row of booths. These booths offered challenges in exchange for prizes. Dad won me a basketball as a reward back then. Even with age, one of the game masters somehow recognized me by my eyes.

“Hey, hey! It’s been a long time! You’re all grown now!” He said, calling my attention.

“Oh, hey. How did you recognize my face?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You have your father’s eyes, that’s why! How’s he doing?” He changed the subject.

“Umm, great I guess.” I honestly didn’t know how to answer, since I haven’t spoken to him in years.

Nicha suddenly came in from behind and hugged me. The game master’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Oh! Is this your girlfriend? Why don’t you step up and show her your father’s talent?” He challenged me on the spot. I sighed as Nicha moved right next to me. Her beaming eyes and bright smile gave me more pressure to do well.

I was poor at sports, so I wondered how bad I’d mess up at ring toss. I didn’t have deft hands like my dad, and I wasn’t practicing at all. I’m better with keyboards, I murmured under my breath as he gave me the rings. First toss. The ring hit the bottle. My eyes widened. Second toss. The bottle was a little more distant than the first. I threw the ring and to my surprise, it hit too. Shock drowned out my girlfriend’s cheers and the yell of the game master. One more ring, one more toss. The bottle was placed at a greater distance compared to the earlier ones. I was doing better than I thought, so maybe my luck would run out on this turn. I flung the last ring, and time seemingly slowed down as I released it from my grip.

One, two, three, four, five. Bingo.

Nicha hugged me in celebration. I made all three tosses as the game master applauded me. Wow. Honestly, that may have been divine intervention, considering how awful I am at these games. It must have been five minutes before I moved because I stayed frozen in place, unable to let my victory sink in.

“You do have your father’s genes in you after all! Go ahead and pick a prize.” The game master said, snapping me back to reality.

I turned to Nicha, implying that she could choose the prize. She took the hint and pointed at a gigantic brown teddy bear. The game master grabbed it from the shelf and handed it over to me. I gave the stuffed animal to her, and she buried her face on its belly.

“Aaahh it’s so fluffy! You’re really good at this, Minki!” She cuddled the bear as I just chuckled and waved goodbye to the game master.

The rest of our day at the park was just riding the rest of the attractions and eating an ice cream sandwich along the way. Nicha and I had so much fun together, refusing to let go of the teddy bear. The sun had set and nightfall came, and our time was almost up. But before we left, there was one more ride we hadn’t gone in. The ferris wheel.

The passenger cabins were suited for four people, so we hopped on one, including our stuffed animal. She placed the bear next to her as the wheel began moving. From where I sat I could see the bright lights of the highway, overlooking the specks of people thousands of feet in the air. Nicha looked out the window before turning to me, taking my hand.

“I’ve had so much fun with you today,” she said, caressing my hand gently and pecking it. “Thank you.”

I gazed into her eyes, gleaming brighter than the stars in the night sky. She stared back at me, looking at me the same way. Then something sprung in me to lock lips with her. Nicha sunk into the kiss, pulling me close and our tongues swirled with each other. She was sweeter and tastier than dessert. I cupped her cheek and she placed her palm on mine, running it across her face.

She broke the kiss and slowly spread my legs. I panicked a little because of the situation we’re in. Nicha feigned ignorance and unbuttoned my pants, pulling them down alongside my boxers.

“Nicha! We’re still in public, remember?”

“Your cock says otherwise,” she replied, slapping my hardened cock with her hand. “I’ve been missing you so much. I can’t help myself.”

She seized my balls, giving them a rub. “You’re full. You’ve been missing me too.”

I groaned as she kissed me from my balls, making her way up to my tip. Her soft lips felt so good on my shaft. She looked at me with widened eyes, satisfied with the pleasure she’s giving me. I slumped into my seat and closed my eyes, allowing the euphoria of her swirling tongue to override my brain. If that wasn’t enough, she added her sensual moans into her slurps, giving me tingles up my spine.

My hands flowed through her black locks, while the rest of my body just numbed in pleasure. I didn’t realize she took me in her mouth, hollowing her cheeks. Nicha bobbed her head back and forth, coating my shaft with her saliva. We didn’t care if anyone caught us in the lewd act. Nicha had her way with me and my body happily fell under control.

Pop. She released me from her mouth after blowing me off for a while. I was really sinking into that excitable feeling too. Appropriate timing too, as she finished up just as the car was about to reach ground level. I quickly buttoned up my pants as she pretended like she didn’t suck my cock leaving the pod.

We reached my car just as the park was closing, and she gave me a few pecks on the cheek. “When we get home, I wanna fuck you so bad.”

“Sure, baby. I’ll let you fuck me wherever you want.” The thought of her splayed body already riled me up and I couldn’t be any more excited to drive home.

I turned the key. Rough gruffs roared from the engine. Again. Gruffs. In frustration I slapped my hands against the steering wheel. The car couldn’t start. Fuck.

“I just had it checked last week,” I grumbled. It was second hand but I didn’t have any excuse. Nicha giggled. She was still smiling as she watched me suffer and curse my car out. Oh, no matter how terrible a day gets, you’re always the jovial one.

Conveniently there was a subway station nearby whose line started and ended at the park. We both got out of the car and decided to take the train home. Nicha still refused to let go of the teddy bear.

Entering one of the cars, we sat at the back end of the left row. All the walking wore our legs out, so I slumped down in my seat. Nicha set the bear at the corner chair before sitting beside me. Drowsiness began kicking in and soon enough, I fell into a deep sleep holding my girlfriend’s hand tightly.

I felt a sensation below my chest that woke me up. My eyes opened slowly, vision blurring my sight. I looked to my left and saw only the teddy bear. She probably went to the bathroom, I thought. I tried going back to sleep, but I felt that twitching in my stomach again. I looked down and to my surprise, my pants were on the ground. Nicha was on her knees, sucking my erect cock.

“Nicha! What did I say about doing this in public?” I whispered, trying to avoid causing a disturbance with the nearby passengers.

She responded by taking more of me into her mouth, making me moan with her humming sounds. “Mmph, I can’t help myself. Your cock rubbed on me as we slept.”

It took all of my willpower not to submit to pleasure, but I was able to scout the area. There weren’t a lot of people on this late train ride home, except a man wearing a business suit calling someone on his phone seated on the opposite aisle.

I slowly hopped from one chair to the next using the rail, keeping Nicha busy on my shaft without her letting go into it. My free hands lifted the stuffed bear from its seat and placed it to where I was sitting. The prized toy was huge enough to act as camouflage from unsuspecting train-goers.

“Yeah. Let’s discuss the business trip to Japan at the cafe. I’ll move up so you can spot me as I get off,” the man said as he stood up from his seat and trudged to the front.

I sighed a breath of relief, but that was only a temporary win. I looked below to see how Nicha was doing and my eyes widened. She stripped off her overalls as her bare legs were now exposed.

“Nicha!” I almost screamed, panicking at the situation she’d got us into. She giggles at my reaction before kissing my tip with her soft lips.

“While you were busy covering us up I took my overalls off. I really can’t wait for you to fill me inside.” She said matter-of-factly.

I groaned in annoyance but I couldn’t help myself. She was opening herself and I guess my patience ran out too.

“We still have a few more stops to go before our stop,” She added, stroking me with her fingers.

My psyche crumbled under her control again. I resisted her lips, but not her hands rapidly pumping my cock. I threw my head back and allowed the pleasure to jack my brain, grazing my hands on her hair again.

I must have drowned deeply to the delight of Nicha’s handjob that I ignored the dings and voice of the operator over the speaker indicating the train’s destination. My eyes, struggling to open, somehow caught a glimpse of a few new passengers entering the car. Quickly I bent over and took her overalls as well as my large coat and veiled my crotch. She continued jerking me off under the covers, eager to get me to orgasm. The commuters gave me either  weird or neutral looks as they walked by. I gave them a gaze of exhaustion, pretending as if I was ill. I just hope they didn’t notice the suspicious bulge below me.

Most of the travelers moved onto another cabin but some of them sat a few rows behind or ahead of ours. Thankfully none decided to sit in the same aisle as us. My hands, which were positioned on my lap, were grabbed by Nicha. She led it down to her clit and I felt her wetness. Even with some bush she was clearly dripping.

“Fuck me, please,” She whispered, each word laced with lust. “I’m so wet for you, babe.”

I hoisted her from the floor and she wrapped her legs around my waist as I rose for a minute before sitting down with her on me. I carefully lined my shaft against her crotch before burying my cock in her walls. She let out a lengthy, low moan as I started ramming into her tight pussy. My hands snuck through her shirt, pinching her taut nipples, making her squeal.

I could feel her juices cream my hair as I grinded back and forth, making sure she feels every inch of my length. One hand escapes her shirt to cover her mouth, preventing her from letting out wild screams. I pulled her face close to mine, her features indicating pleasure as our lips met for a shaky, passionate kiss.

As we continued making out my eyes caught a glimpse of a stewardess slowly making her way across the cabin, punching passengers’ tickets. I broke the kiss off and drove Nicha into my chest, bundling our bodies with her overalls and my coat. The attendant reached us, her formal smile shifting to a confused look at the weird image ahead of her.

“Oh I’m sorry, is she okay?” She asked matter-of-factly.

“Y-yeah. She’s just a little ill, so I’m warming her up, that’s all.” I answered, nodding repeatedly.

Nicha sold my act by freezing in my arms. I reached into my coat and pulled out two tickets. She punched them and smiled as she walked by, believing my lie.

My girlfriend looked me in the eyes, lust ridden over them. I squeal as her finger reaches my cock, still buried in her soaked cunt, stroking me off. Through the pleasant sensation I managed to keep my eyes alert, watching the passengers slowly leave one by one at the next stop. Now it was just the two of us in this cable car.

“We’re alone. Fuck me,” She said as the train started moving again.

Perhaps her eagerness drove me to thrust into her a lot faster than I thought. I rocked back and forth on the chair, drilling her with my shaft. Nicha closed her eyes and let the pleasure fill her, her mouth making a wide ‘O’ shape. At this point we ran out of care for our surroundings, made clear by our audible moaning. Her hands claw my nape and hair deeply, her slender figure bouncing up and down my lap.

The tightness of her pussy, as well as her soft, seductive moans made it hard for me to keep control. I was losing another round to her lewdness and this one would be the hardest of them all. I was all but ready to climax, only slowing down my pumps to keep the euphoria last longer.

“F-fuck, I’m going to cum,” I whispered.

“On me. Fill me, please. Fill me with your cum.”

One. Two. Three. With a heavy groan I reached my peak. I felt shots of warm semen fill her womb. I pumped through my orgasm, shooting flecks of cum in her until I was drained. My hips stopped grinding. I put my head down in exhaustion over that intense, risky session. She cupped my face then kissed me on the cheek.

“T-that was s-so g-good. I can’t wait until we get home for more.”

There’s a clear trail of white on my chair and on my pants. My cock slipped out of her slit as I set her down on the ground.

“This is the last station! Thank you for riding with us.” The operator announced over the intercom. We’re almost at our destination.

I pulled her overalls off my coat and threw it at Nicha. “Put these on, we still have to walk home.”

“I don’t wanna,” she pouted. “I want to go home with your cum dripping down on me.”

I sighed. Nicha decided to be bratty on the way home, when everything was almost perfect and after all we’ve been through. But what else can I do?

I gave her my coat as I took her overalls and placed it in my bag. We got off the train with her wearing my coat, our mixed juices still running down her legs. We enjoyed our little walk home, having forgotten the prized teddy bear that she was attached to all day long, but that didn’t matter. As soon as we reached home, we stuffed our bodies into each other throughout the night.

—————

And that’s my first work done. I didn’t do a lot of editing as I was excited to publish this one. I finally decided to jump into the world of smut writing after being inspired for a while now. Thank you for reading!

[osakaso5]

IDOLiSH7 End Of Year Story 2020: A Stage of Celebration

Every Day is a Good Day Part 2: The Show Begins

Part 1

[Phone rings]

Momo: Yes. This is Sunohara. Ah... Yes. Right... I see, that makes sense...

Momo: I understand. Then... Maybe next year, or the year after that... Yes. Please do.

[Door opens]

Yuki: Well?

Momo: It'll take time.

Rinto Okazaki: Hello there. It's rare for you to use your legal name while making phone calls, Momo-kun.

Rinto Okazaki: Did something happen back home?

Yuki: No, this has to do with Re:vale.

Rinto Okazaki: Re:vale... Is something going to happen to you in a year or two?

Momo: I really wanted it to be this year. Oh well, I guess there's no point to rushing this stuff...

Rinto Okazaki: ........

Momo: What's wrong, Okarin?

Rinto Okazaki: A-are you getting married?

Momo: Who, me? Yuki?

Yuki: Not us.

Rinto Okazaki: I thought so. You had me frightened for a moment.

Momo: If anyone should have a wedding, it's our president. His wife  wanted a proper ceremony, but they  ended up just signing the papers and nothing else.

Rinto Okazaki: They said they'd hold the ceremony soon. They're just waiting for Re:vale to write them a wedding song.

Yuki: Why would I make a wedding song for that guy?

Momo: Now, now. Just do it for his missus. She's a nice lady.

Rinto Okazaki: So, what was it that you wanted to get done this year?

Momo: A Re:vale shrine.

Rinto Okazaki: A Re:vale shrine..?

Momo: We've gotten to be so popular that we can't even do our New Year's shrine visit in peace anymore.

Momo: So we thought we'd have a shrine built on top of this building, department store style.

Yuki: Which is also known as separation of worship.

Rinto Okazaki: You did mention that before... Don't tell me, you were serious about it!?

Momo: Totally! It's rough being an idol, so it'd be nice to have our very own deity, to watch over us.

Yuki: That call was about a god of entertainment that Momo had been looking into. So, they can't so it yet?

Momo: They said we should visit the god regularly to form a bond first.

Yuki: That sounds reasonable. Oh well, I guess that's a new goal for us to work towards.

Rinto Okazaki: You always did have grandiose ideas... Almost too big, if you're trying to build your own personal shrine...

Momo: Oh, don't be like that! It's better than giving up without trying!

Rinto Okazaki: I can't believe my brother let you try and build a shrine on top of our agency.

Yuki: We asked if he wanted us to switch agencies or build our own shrine, and he said he'd rather have the shrine.

Rinto Okazaki: That explains everything.

Momo: And in the long run, it'd be nice to let other entertainers come visit our shrine on th New Year's, too!

Momo: It'll have food stalls too, obviously! We could even make a mikoshi!

Yuki: You're such a big dreamer, Momo.

Rinto Okazaki: That he is!

[Phone rings]

Rinto Okazaki: Ah... It's time. Well then, if you'll both excuse me.

Momo: Leaving so soon? You've been going home earlier lately,   are you doing something special?

Rinto Okazaki: Well, uh... I've been really into cleaning out  my washing machine lately!

Yuki: Seriously?

Rinto Okazaki: It's so nice to get all that mildew out, you see. I got completely hooked on it, and now it's a nightly routine for me!

Momo: Are you sure you're okay?

Rinto Okazaki: Whatever do you mean!? Of course I'm fine! Well then, I'll see you tomorrow!

[Door closes]

Momo: ........

Yuki: I never knew people could get so into cleaning their washing machine.

Momo: Wait, are you saying you believed that excuse?

Yuki: What excuse?

Momo: I think Okarin's been acting weird lately... More than once or twice, even.

Yuki: Like how?

Momo: Well... I saw an idol costume that belonged to neither of us in his car.

Yuki: An idol costume..?

Momo: There was also a headband with the word "leader" written on it.

Yuki: A headband with the word "leader"..?

Momo: Which means, either Okarin wants to start managing idols other than us...

Yuki: Or he's planning to join Re:vale, as our leader...

Momo: I know it's weird of me to say this, but it must be tough managing idols like us.

Momo: I think stress might be getting the best of Okarin...

Yuki: We should throw him one of our thank you parties, like we used to back in the day. I'll make curry, using that one really tedious recipe.

Momo: Okarin loves that curry! The boys from IDOLiSH7 wanted to try it, too!

Yuki: Really? In that case, I guess I should bring it to the New Year's party they're holding.

Momo: I'm sure they'll love it! I'm so excited!

Yuki: So am I. Just let me just ask  Yamato-kun if we can bring over food of our own.

Momo: What curry are you making?

Yuki: Probably beef curry, though I won't be able to eat it.

[Phone rings]

Yuki: Ah, he replied.

Momo: What'd he say?

Yuki: "Sure. The guys all like curry, anyway." Look.

Momo: Wow! I never thought Yamato would EVER reply to one of your messages with an excited King Pudding sticker!

Yuki: That's the power of curry at work.

Momo: I'll help you out in the kitchen! This party's gonna be so much fun! 

- - - -

Haruka Isumi: Morning.

Minami Natsume: Good morning, Isumi-san. This room certainly brings back memories.

Haruka Isumi: It's our ex-president's room.

Torao Mido: Apparently they changed this floor's layout for the New Year.

Torao Mido: They're making a new room for our current president elsewhere, so we're free to use this room whenever we're at the office.

Toma Inumaru: Great. When they said they were gonna do some cleaning around here, it made me feel a little weird.

Toma Inumaru: Good thing I told the bigwigs that I didn't want them to just sweep everything under the rug and take our spot from us...

Haruka Isumi: Our spot, huh. There's so many movies here.

Toma Inumaru: It's like our very own secret hideout!

Minami Natsume: By the way, have you already heard? There's someone who wants to come see us today.

Haruka Isumi: Someone from Tsukumo?

Minami Natsume: Yes.

Torao Mido: Is it the chief manager we've been hearing about? That was pretty much Ryo-san's job, up until recently.

Toma Inumaru: They said they wanted the new chief manager to start before the New Year. I wonder what kinda person it'll be.

Haruka Isumi: Doesn't matter who it is. No one's taking the reins from us.

Minami Natsume: Oh, so you're already waging war against them.

Torao Mido: Can't say I don't relate. We've come too far to become Tsukumo's little puppets now.

Toma Inumaru: Gotta protect our style and our turf.

Haruka Isumi: Hmph! We're not gonna bend that easy!

ŹOOĻ: ........

Haruka's Thoughts: What if it's someone scary..?

Toma's Thoughts: What if it's an even bigger weirdo than Ryo-san..?

Torao's Thoughts: What if we're not gonna get along..?

Minami's Thoughts: The others seem very shaken up, as much as they'd like to pretend otherwise.

[Knock knock]

???: May I come in?

Haruka Isumi: They're here! What do we do!?

Toma Inumaru: Haru, sit in the middle of the sofa! Spread your legs all high and mighty like!

Haruka Isumi: Like this!?

Torao Mido: No, go stand at the front! Strike an imposing pose! Go!

Haruka Isumi: Imposing!?

Torao Mido: You're a kid, so you can get away with it! Now go!

Haruka Isumi: Seriously!?

[Knock knock]

???: Excuse me. May I come in now?

Haruka Isumi: ...Uh... No? We need you to wait outside some more.

???: I'm coming in.

Haruka Isumi: Why!?

Minami Natsume: This person seems very forceful.

Torao Mido: Yeah, seriously.

Toma Inumaru: ...I've got a real bad feeling about this.

[Door opens]

Shiro Utsugi: It's very nice to meet you. I'm Shiro Utsugi, from Tsukumo Productions.

Shiro Utsugi: I'm ŹOOĻ's upcoming chief manager.

Shiro Utsugi: It's a pleasure to be working with you all.

Haruka Isumi: .......

Torao Mido: .......

Minami Natsume: .......

Toma Inumaru: N-nice to... Ow! 

Haruka Isumi: Not yet.

Torao Mido: Too early!

Minami Natsume: We should observe the situation some more.

Haruka Isumi: Hmph, Utsugi-san, was it?

Shiro Utsugi: Thank you for memorizing my name so quickly, Isumi-san. You may also call me Shiro, if you prefer.

Torao Mido: ...He's coming on real strong.

Minami Natsume: ...So he is.

Haruka Isumi: ...No, thanks! You're only here because the higher ups told you to come, anyway.

Shiro Utsugi: Of course I'm not. Even among Tsukumo's long, rich history, you are one of their greatest breakout hits in years.

Shiro Utsugi: I could not be more honored to work with you. I'm very happy to be here.

Shiro Utsugi: Now if you don't mind, I'll continue my self-introduction. I'm 35 years old, 178 centimeters tall, single, and my favorite type of food is anything with fish.

Shiro Utsugi: Ever since graduating, I've been working overseas in one of the offices that belong to Tsukumo's parent company.

Shiro Utsugi: However, when Ryo-kun was made president, I was made to fly back here...

Toma Inumaru: You know Ryo-san?

Shiro Utsugi: Well... I wouldn't quite call us childhood friends, but we've known each other for a long time.

Shiro Utsugi: I can't say we got along particularly well, either...

Haruka Isumi: I bet...

Shiro Utsugi: As you know, much has happened this past December. That is also when I got a call from Ryo-kun.

Shiro Utsugi: He wanted to leave ŹOOĻ in my care. It surprised me as much as it probably surprises you. He must've cared about you a great deal.

Toma Inumaru: ...About us?

Shiro Utsugi: Yes. He's quite unpleasant, no?

Minami Natsume: Yes.

Haruka Isumi: Hey, hold on..! We can't say that for sure.

Shiro Utsugi: He's a terrible person. He used his company's talents for selfish revenge, only to crash and burn.

Shiro Utsugi: But, in the end, he did care for you. I plan to meet the expectations he's placed on me.

Minami Natsume: ...I see. So you're here on his request.

Shiro Utsugi: I've heard all about you. Even before that, I was keeping an eye on your work out of pure interest.

Shiro Utsugi: Ryo-kun told me you're extremely wary of people, yet easy to trick.

Torao Mido: ...And what do you think now that you've finally met us in person?

Shiro Utsugi: Some of his descriptions of you I completely understand, while others still elude me.

Shiro Utsugi: I don't expect you to trust me in a day. Let's take our time.

Shiro Utsugi: Now, did you have any questions?

Haruka Isumi: .......

Torao Mido: .......

Minami Natsume: .......

Toma Inumaru: What... kinda work do you wanna do with us?

Shiro Utsugi: Something that'll appease both your and your fans' wishes.

Shiro Utsugi: You've had to force yourselves into things more than enough by now, so I don't plan to make you do anything you don't want. I think you're appealing enough as is.

Shiro Utsugi: Though if there's one thing I'd like, it's to get you to BorW again next year.

Minami Natsume: You want us to win the grand prize of the idol category..?

Shiro Utsugi: I want you to win the grand prize of the whole event. I'm sure you can do it. You're very cool, with a talent for both singing and dancing.

Haruka Isumi: .......

Haruka's Thoughts: He's praising us a lot...

Toma's Thoughts: He's so nice...

Torao's Thoughts: Maybe he's not a bad guy, after all...

Minami's Thoughts: Now I'm even more suspicious of him...

Shiro Utsugi: Did you want to ask anything else? If not, then... Ah, but first.

Toma Inumaru: W-what is it... sir?

Torao Mido: Don't lose yet. Get too polite with him and you're done for.

Toma Inumaru: Whaddaya want?

Shiro Utsugi: Haha, relax. I don't bite. I just genuinely like you guys a lot.

Haruka Isumi: N-now he's the one getting all casual with us.

Shiro Utsugi: You've had to deal with Ryo-kun up until now. How could you be scared of little old me?

Minami Natsume: We're not scared.  

Shiro Utsugi: That's good to hear. I can't let you in on the details just yet,  but there's going to be big happenings  in the entertainment world this upcoming  year.

Toma Inumaru: Happenings?

Shiro Utsugi: Specifically, in the idol industry. Ryo-kun did raise quite a bit of commotion before he left, after all.

Shiro Utsugi: In order to regain our trust, we'll have to make moves across the entire industry. Though all of this should be kept off record for now.

Shiro Utsugi: We'll need good connections to make it in the entertainment world from now on.

Shiro Utsugi: On that note, I need you to do something...

Shiro Utsugi: Please go drop by at Takanashi Produtions.

Haruka Isumi: Takanashi Productions? You mean IDOLiSH7's agency?

Shiro Utsugi: Precisely. Your schedules should be open on the day I need you to go, and you'll even get a little reward for it if you do.

Shiro Utsugi: What do you think?

Toma Inumaru: I don't mind...

Shiro Utsugi: Thank you. And the others?

Haruka Isumi: Well, if Toma's going...

Torao Mido: If Haruka and Toma are going...

Minami Natsume: If the others are all going...

Shiro Utsugi: Thank you. I'll be there as well, so let's all enjoy their New Year's party together.

Shiro Utsugi: Well then, please excuse me.

ŹOOĻ: ........

ŹOOĻ: That was nerveracking...

- - - -

Banri Ogami: ...That's enough for now!

Rinto Okazaki: Phew..! I'm so tired..!

Kaoru Anesagi: I can barely stand! I don't know how you can still keep dancing, Takanashi-san, Ogami-san...

Tsumugi Takanashi: I do muscle training regularly!

Banri Ogami: And I sometimes join MEZZO" for their lessons! What about you, Utsugi-san?

Shiro Utsugi: I...

Shiro Utsugi: I'm not sure I can keep going for much longer.

Kaoru Anesagi: Neither can I...

Shiro Utsugi: My age must be getting the best of me... All this moving around is making me realize just how incredible our idols truly are.

Rinto Okazaki: Me, too! They're really something! And Kinako-chan is working just as hard!

Kinako: Myu myu~!

Banri Ogami: Sir, are you feeling alright?

Otoharu Takanashi: ...I'm...

Otoharu Takanashi: ...Fine...

Banri Ogami: You don't look fine at all! You can barely talk!

Otoharu Takanashi: Thi... this is... my first... full rehearsal...

Tsumugi Takanashi: Why don't you go rest in the corner for a while?

Otoharu Takanashi: ...I told Yaotome-kun... that I'd film us... and send him the video so... I could brag about it...

Kaoru Anesagi: President Takanashi, you're acting like a schoolboy with a grudge...

Banri Ogami: I suppose we could all use a break. If anyone needs a drink, I'll go get something.

Rinto Okazaki: We've all got our own water bottles, so we should be fine. Let's go sit down over there.

Kaoru Anesagi: Heh. You want us to sit in a circle? I haven't done anything like this since my school days.

Shiro Utsugi: I wonder where the end of the circle will be... Where would you like to sit, President Takanashi?

Banri Ogami: I don't know if this person's being rude or polite...

Otoharu Takanashi: I... I'm... fine sitting... anywhere...

Banri Ogami: Then let's all form a circle around the president..

Otoharu Takanashi: W-why me..? Hey, Banri-kun... Don't treat me like I'm a zoo animal...

Banri Ogami: I-I'm not! I thought it'd make you feel like our chief!

Kinako: Myu myu~!

Otoharu Takanashi: Come here, Kinako. I'll be fine if I get to rest up with you...

Tsumugi Takanashi: Oh, Dad...

Shiro Utsugi: You were the best Sogo Osaka you could've been.

Shiro Utsugi: You must've had a rough time with Riku Nanase's role too, Takanashi-san.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Well... It certainly puts a bit of pressure on me to be the center.

Tsumugi Takanashi:  Did you have a hard time playing Mitsuki-san's part?

Shiro Utsugi: I suppose. You can't dance like him without being especially energetic, so I had to wring out all the youthfulness in me.

Banri Ogami: Perhaps we should've swapped your and Okazaki-san's roles?

Rinto Okazaki: As a fellow glasses wearer, I'm afraid I can't let Yamato-kun’s  role go to someone else.

Kaoru Anesagi: Hehe, now you're just being silly.  

Kaoru Anesagi: ...This feels weird. I never thought I'd be in Takanashi Productions' lesson room, sitting in a circle on the floor.

Rinto Okazaki: Though we see each other often at work, we rarely get a chance to talk properly.

Shiro Utsugi: May I ask how the rest of you ended up in this line of work?

Tsumugi Takanashi: I'd like to know, too. Why did you become a manager, Anesagi-san?

Kaoru Anesagi: I have two older sisters. They're both beautiful and stylish, with a passion for fashion.

Rinto Okazaki: If I remember correctly, your sisters...

Kaoru Anesagi: ...Did amateur modeling, yes. Though just for a short while.

Banri Ogami: I had no idea!

Shiro Utsugi: It's no wonder. Beauty must run in the family.

Kaoru Anesagi: Hey, I don't want someone from Tsukumo sweet talking to me.

Shiro Utsugi: I know our company doesn't have the most honest reputation, but I'm being sincere here. This is just how I personally feel.

Kaoru Anesagi: ...Then again, I suppose it doesn't feel bad to receive compliments, even from you.

Shiro Utsugi: I'm glad to hear that.

Kaoru Anesagi: In any case, hearing stories from my sisters is what made me want to work in the entertainment industry.

Kaoru Anesagi: It's so beautiful, brilliant, harsh, and relentless, yet gentle... I was so happy when I first got to work at Yaotome Productions.

Rinto Okazaki: And then you got to be the manager to  the president's son and his idol group. You're really something.

Kaoru Anesagi: Heh. Pretty incredible, huh? What about you, Ogami-san? Based on some of the rumors I've heard, your reason was quite dramatic, was it not?

Banri Ogami: Right... And it's not that I don't want to talk about it, but it is a long story.

Rinto Okazaki: That's true. It's the kind of story that would take one novel, or maybe three volumes of manga to tell...

Banri Ogami: What about you, Okazaki-san? I know your older brother is the president.

Rinto Okazaki: Yes, he is. Rather than having a particular interest in the entertainment world, I wanted to help him with his business.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Your brother must've been very smart, then.

Rinto Okazaki: Oh, not at all. If anything, I was always the smart one, while he was the troublemaker.

Rinto Okazaki: He set up an event company, and then a talent agency... Perhaps because he met Banri-kun and Yuki-kun.

Rinto Okazaki: I once asked my brother why he decided to set up a talent agency.

Kaoru Anesagi: What did he say?

Rinto Okazaki: He said that since we live in an age where being in the public eye and taking responsibility of your actions is getting more and more risky...

Rinto Okazaki: ...It'd be thrilling to work in an industry with lots of young people who are saddled with those risks.

Kaoru Anesagi: ...Oh, gosh... Maybe he does say smart things sometimes. I'm tearing up.

Banri Ogami: Exactly... They're all really, really cool.

Tsumugi Takanashi: It's really nice to hear someone in this business say that, especially someone who's the president of a talent agency.

Rinto Okazaki: His words are what inspired me to get on board. And he wasn't wrong, the entertainment world is indeed very thrilling.

Rinto Okazaki: What about you, Utsugi-san? What inspired you to get into showbusiness?

Shiro Utsugi: ........

Kaoru Anesagi: What, is it something you can't say..?

Shiro Utsugi: No, I was just feeling a bit shy.

Kaoru Anesagi: Shy!?

Shiro Utsugi: My reason is a bit childish, like something you'd hear from a teenage fan.

Shiro Utsugi: I wanted to offer my support to work so hard to shine on stage.

Tsumugi Takanashi: ...I know the feeling... I started out like that, too.

Shiro Utsugi: Started out..? Do you no longer feel that way?

Tsumugi Takanashi: Of course I do. My idols are very dear to me, and I still want to support them. That hasn't changed a bit.

Tsumugi Takanashi: I know we're only training for a small dance number at a New Year's party... But practicing like an idol has only made that feeling stronger.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Real idols must be doing even more difficult and incredible things than this.

Kaoru Anesagi: Right... Just learning how to sing and dance is taxing enough.

Kaoru Anesagi: At least, it should be. Which is why I want to take care of anything else for them.

Kaoru Anesagi: Whether it snows or rains spears, I'll get them to their next venue safe and sound.

Banri Ogami: Same here... I want to keep them safe, if just this once.

Banri Ogami: They have so much talent and so many ambitions. I want to protect them, so they don't get hurt anymore.

Rinto Okazaki: And I want them to smile. Both on and off work. I want to help them be happy.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Right!

Shiro Utsugi: It's so nice to hear this sort of talk. Let's all do our best for the party.

Shiro Utsugi: I was a bit intimidated when I dropped by here to make my introductions, only to be drafted for a musical number...

Tsumugi Takanashi: I'm so sorry about that.

Banri Ogami: So am I.

Shiro Utsugi: But I realize how a group like IDOLiSH7 came out of an agency like this, now.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Utsugi-san...

Shiro Utsugi: Takanashi-san. You're the one who made them into the stars they are, yes?

Tsumugi Takanashi: Y-yes.

Shiro Utsugi: I'm very happy I got to meet you. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Tsumugi Takanashi: I do, too!

Kaoru Anesagi: Alright, break time's over! Do you think you can keep going, President Takanashi?

Otoharu Takanashi: Of course!

Kinako: Myu myu~♪

Rinto Okazaki: Getting to perform for 16 idols is like a dream come true!

Rinto Okazaki: We'll master MONSTER GENERATiON in no time!

All: Yeah! 

- - - -

Tsumugi Takanashi: And before we knew it, the day of the party had arrived. 

- - - -

Gaku Yaotome: Sorry, I need you to heat this up for me.

Yuki: Can you heat this up for me?

Iori Izumi: In case you can't tell, I can only fit two pots or pans on this gas burner!

Yuki: Just take this one off it for a second...

Iori Izumi: Nii-san is about to deep fry the chicken in that!

Gaku Yaotome: This one...

Iori Izumi: Keep special steel at the back of the line!

Mitsuki Izumi: What's going on!? Why is the kitchen so full!?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: We brought cheese dak-galbi!

Momo: And we brought curry!

Iori Izumi: I'm preparing for the stew and fried chicken.

Mitsuki Izumi: None of these are New Year's foods... Oh well!

[Door opens]

Tamaki Yotsuba: We've got a whole sea bream!

Riku Nanase: We got it from the fish market!

Mitsuki Izumi: Ooh! Now there's something that fits on a New Year's table!

Sogo Osaka: We got one bottle of sacred wine...

Nagi Rokuya: And a bag of sowing beans, to drive away bad spirits!

Gaku Yaotome: Don't you think it's a little early for the beans?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Are the decorations ready? 

- - - -

Yamato Nikaido: And, done! This should do it!

Yamato Nikaido: Sorry for making you guys help out, too.

Tenn Kujo: I don't mind.

Minami Natsume: Thank you for the invitation.

Torao Mido: Where's IDOLiSH7's manager? Y'know, the girl with the fluffy hair.

Yamato Nikaido: Off somewhere with Banri-san.

Toma Inumaru: Maybe they're planning a surprise?

Haruka Isumi: A suprise?

Tenn Kujo: Like making kusudama or mochi pounding sets for all of us.

Haruka Isumi: I like kusudama! I've never gotten to pull one open!

Mitsuki Izumi: Food's ready!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeaf, foofs reafy!

Riku Nanase: Foofs reafy!

Yamato Nikaido: Tama, Riku, no sneaking food from the table!

Toma Inumaru: Curry and fried chicken! What a feast!

Torao Mido: What, no zouni soup? I thought this was a New Year's party.

Yuki: The curry turned out great, though.

Yamato Nikaido: Sure looks like it.

Mitsuki Izumi: I tried some, and it was amazing!

Nagi Rokuya: This stew is delicious! It has beef, and a hint of sweetness.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Sogo-kun, this dish is nice and spicy!

Sogo Osaka: It looks great! Do you like this dish, Tsunashi-san?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: It's not for me, it's for Anesagi-sa...

Otoharu Takanashi: Ladies and gentlemen!

All: .......!

Haruka Isumi: W-who was that!?

Iori Izumi: I believe that would be the president of our agency...

Otoharu Takanashi: Happy New Year!

All: .........

Momo: Happy New Year!

Gaku Yaotome: Ah... Happy New Year.

Toma Inumaru: Happy...

Otoharu Takanashi: All together, now! Give it another try! Go!

All: Happy...

Otoharu Takanashi: Happy New... Ah, wait, you're supposed to say it after me...

Momo: Why do I feel like I'm watching a newbie MC flail around on their first job ever...

Yuki: The first time's always the hardest.

Otoharu Takanashi: Happy New Year!

All: Happy New Year!

Otoharu Takanashi: Thank you for this past year! We hope to have another good one with you, so...

Otoharu Takanashi: We'll sing to you!

Yamato Nikaido: You're kidding, right?

Mitsuki Izumi: Wow, our president's really something..!!! But who's "we", anyway!?

Sogo Osaka: Banri-san, and...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Our manager!?

Riku Nanase: Even our manager!? Iori, did you know about this?

Iori Izumi: O-of course not.

Nagi Rokuya: Wow! What an extraordinary surprise!

Tenn Kujo: Come to think of it, Anesagi-san is nowhere to be found...

Yuki: Nor is Okarin.

Toma Inumaru: Nor is our manager...

Otoharu Takanashi: Please sit down and listen to...

Otoharu Takanashi: MONSTER GENERATiON! 

- - - -

Rinto Okazaki: ......! The intro is playing!

Banri Ogami: Let's go, let's go! You first, Anesagi-san, then our president!

Otoharu Takanashi: Okay! Let's give this our all!

Kaoru Anesagi: Right! But I'm already getting butterflies!

Tsumugi Takanashi: So am I!

Shiro Utsugi: So am I. Ah, why don't we do something first?

Kaoru Anesagi: Do what?

Rinto Okazaki: Yes, what?

Shiro Utsugi: Put all our hands together, and...

Tsumugi Takanashi: Form a circle! Let's do it!

Banri Ogami: Alright, now for a cheer from our president!

Otoharu Takanashi: Very well! I'm a bit nervous, myself. Ahem, uh...

Kinako: Myu myu!!!

Tsumugi, Banri, Kaoru, Rinto, & Shiro: Yeah!

Otoharu Takanashi: Hey, Kinako..! 

- - - -

Tsumugi's Thoughts: As we ran out to the tune of the song, we could see everyone's faces.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: Some of them looked shocked, some were laughing, some even looked concerned...

Tsumugi's Thoughts: Because of their expressions, I nearly burst out laughing, went completely red in the face, and felt my heart beat even faster...

Tsumugi's Thoughts: But I still danced just like I'd practiced, to the best of my abilities.

Yamato Nikaido: Ahaha! You're so cute, manager!

Iori Izumi: J-just try not to fall over...

Gaku Yaotome: Ahaha! This is amazing!

Gaku Yaotome: Am I right, Nanase?

Riku Nanase: Yeah...

Tsumugi's Thoughts: Having their eyes on me made me nervously focus on remembering my parts of the song and dance.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: It was all I could do just to keep up. But it was so much fun.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: They must've all felt the same way. No, even better.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: They got to stand in the spotlights of a huge stage, while a crowd of people cheered them on.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: They only had that moment to dance, and they made the most of it.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: It was incredible.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: I loved it.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: With each awkward step, I felt more and more joy that I could work with the people I admired so much.

Tenn Kujo: Anesagi-san, you're incredible!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Incredible and stylish!

Momo: Ban-san, you're so cool!!! Waaaaahhh...

Yuki: M-Momo, don't cry... Okarin, give us some fanservice!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Gimme some, too!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Whoa! That guy I don't know gave me some! I'll totally be his fan now! Who is he, anyway!?

Haruka Isumi: T-that's our manager...

Toma Inumaru: Was he already buddies with the managers from all the other agencies..?

Torao Mido: That rabbit is amazing! It's dancing to the song with everyone  else! Look, Minami.

Minami Natsume: ...I'm sorry... But since I was bitten by a rabbit, I don't like them very much...

Riku Nanase: Kinako doesn't bite anyone! Look! She's giving you fanservice!

Kinako: Myu myu~♪

Tenn Kujo: Not bad.

Sogo Osaka: Wow! Our manager, Banri-san, and even the president are all dancing!

Mitsuki Izumi: Ahaha! This is so much fun..! Happy New Year!

Nagi Rokuya: Happy New Year!

Toma Inumaru: Happy New Year! And great job!

[Applause]

Tsumugi's Thoughts: The song ended, and as I gasped for air, I looked over at our audience again.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: Their kind smiles warmed my heart thoroughly.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: I never knew the sight they saw from their stage was this wonderful.

Tsumugi's Thoughts: I laughed bashfully, and just as I was going to speak out to them...

Tsumugi's Thoughts: Okazaki-san started the song back up again.

Rinto Okazaki: This time, we'll all dance together!

Toma Inumaru: Wait, right now!?

Gaku Yaotome: Sounds good to me! Let's dance!

Otoharu Takanashi: ...Huh!? I... I don't know if I still can...

Banri Ogami: Ahaha! Go rest up, sir. Momo-kun, get over here!

Momo: Waaaahhh!!!

Yuki: Stop making Momo cry!

Kaoru Anesagi: Hehe, I wasn't a half bad dancer, was I?

Tenn Kujo: You were great. Next, you can dance with me...

Riku Nanase: Tenn-nii, let's dance together! I'll teach you all the moves!

Tenn Kujo: Just who do you think you're talking to? I probably have them memorized better than you.

Kaoru Anesagi: Oh, Tenn. There's no hiding that happy look on your face, you know.

Nagi Rokuya: Hi, girl. Did you enjoy dancing in my stead?

Kaoru Anesagi: Nagi-kun..!!!

Nagi Rokuya: You were very talented. You danced as if you were my shadow itself.

Kaoru Anesagi: Gosh... I'm so happy... I mean, no I'm not! I really don't care either way!

Torao Mido: Sogo, doesn't your dance go like this?

Sogo Osaka: That's right. Ah... but your wrist should move more like this.

Torao Mido: Like this?

Sogo Osaka: Yes, like that.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Let me join in, too. We can all dance together!

Sogo Osaka: T-Tsunashi-san!

Torao Mido: Yo, Ryunosuke.

Sogo Osaka: You call him by his first name despite being younger than him?

Torao Mido: Doesn't your unit partner call him "Ryu-aniki", despite being younger than all of us?

Sogo Osaka: He at least adds the "aniki" suffix to the end...

Torao Mido: And you think that's an acceptable honorific?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Stop fighting! Let's all joing hands, make a circle, and dance together!

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Oh? Whose hand is this?

Shiro Utsugi: Hello there. I must say, having the Ryunosuke Tsunashi hold my hand is making my heart race more than is appropriate for a man my age.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Huh!? Um...

Torao Mido: That's our manager, by the way.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Oh! It's nice to meet you.

Kinako: Myu myu myu~♪

Iori, Tamaki, & Haruka: Say!

Kinako: Myu myu myu~♪

Iori, Tamaki, & Haruka: Shout!

Yamato Nikaido: Amazing..!

Mitsuki Izumi: She's singing..!

Kinako: Myu♪

Iori, Tamaki, & Haruka: High!

Kinako: Myu♪

Iori, Tamaki, & Haruka: High!

Yamato Nikaido: And she's doing it perfectly..!

Mitsuki Izumi: The whole thing..!

Otoharu Takanashi: Huff, huff... Ahaha!

Minami Natsume: Are you alright, President Takanashi? Let me get you a glass of water...

Otoharu Takanashi: Ah, thank you. So, you're scared of rabbits?

Minami Natsume: You overheard our conversation?

Otoharu Takanashi: They have very strong teeth, so it must've hurt. But you don't have to worry about our Kinako.

Otoharu Takanashi: If you ever feel like making friends with a rabbit, you can come over to play with her anytime.

Minami Natsume: President Takanashi... I will. Thank you for the invitation.

Minami Natsume: And thank you for the wonderful surprise.

Otoharu Takanashi: I'm glad you liked it. I know we're only drinking   water, but... Cheers.

Minami Natsume: Cheers.

Tenn Kujo: ...Ahaha! Nice one, Riku.

Riku Nanase: Thanks!

Tenn Kujo: The song is almost over. I'll need you to be our MC.

Riku Nanase: Okay!

Riku Nanase: I want to wish you all a Happy New Year one more time!

All: Happy New Year!

Riku Nanase: I want to keep this monster generation going for another year with all of you!

Tenn Kujo: Me too.

Yuki: Damn straight.

Haruka Isumi: We'll beat you next time!

Shiro Utsugi: ...It's the start of a new era, after all.

Riku Nanase: Everyone!

Riku Nanase: Let's have a good year together!

All: Yeah! 

The End.

[crazy-loca-blog]

Hello, hello! This week, we are going on a little:

Home Tour!

Notes: Answer the following with pictures (dialogue from your characters is optional!). Collages are highly encouraged if you want to answer a question with multiple pictures because tumblr mobile only allows 10 total pics. Otherwise, tumblr on a desktop lets you add multiple pictures (non-beta)!

For both:

What does the outside of the home look like? (Front/back yard, garden, pool, etc)

Living room and home office (if any)?

Kitchen and dining room?

Bedrooms? (Master, guest, others)

Other rooms?

Do you own your dream home? If not, what does that dream home look like?

What is your favorite room to spend time in with each other?

Masterlist

~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

Ethan: Why does this feel like we're doing MTV Cribs?

Casey: What's that?

Ethan: You have to be kidding me... every kid and teenager on the nation watched that show in the late 90's.

Casey: Ethan... you do remember that I'm 10 years younger than you, don't you? Also, I can't imagine you as the type of teenager who would watch MTV.

Ethan: I didn't watch it... my girlfriend did.

*The doorbell rings*

Casey: That explains a lot... Bree is here!

Casey: Hey, Bree! Welcome to our home!

Bree: Hey guys... wow, this home is impressive! Can you tell me more about it?

Ethan: We got this place shortly before getting married. We agreed that we wanted to have a new beginning at a new place, so we moved in here right after the wedding.

Casey: We got this two-story duplex because it had everything we were looking for: plenty of space with a beautiful view, a nice kitchen, and enough rooms for his dad and my brother to stay here with us when they come to visit.

Ethan: It's also close to Edenbrook, which is important for us if there is an emergency and we are needed at the hospital.

Casey: And even though this wasn't something that we were looking for, there are three outside areas that are exclusive to us and that we fell in love with: a terrace that I´ve been in charge of renewing because it was a mess, a secluded patio and the rooftop and its pool, which is Ethan's favorite place.

Ethan: Swimming after a long day of work helps me clear my mind. The fact that the pool also has a view of Boston Common makes this place very impressive, too.

Casey: True... most of the time I go to the pool with him, but I can't swim, it freaks me out, so he's definitely the one who makes the most of it.

Ethan: I've tried to teach you...

Casey: And we always get distracted... you should stick to teaching medicine, Dr. Ramsey *smirks*

Casey: Then we have the living room. It is so big that decorating it was a nightmare... but we love the result. By the way, have you seen the paintings? Both were a gift from Evelyn, our patient in the diagnostics team.

Ethan: We don't use it a lot when it's only the two of us here, but it is the area we use the most when friends and family come to visit.

Bree: I can imagine a lot of people in this place and still having room for plenty more...

Casey: Me too! It's so sad that we weren't allowed to have a housewarming party here.

Ethan: If it's anything like the party you had during your intern year, maybe it's for the best...

Casey: Hey! How do you know about it? You literally *imitating Ethan* "had to decline my inivtation"...

Ethan: Is that you imitating me? I love you, but that was awful... of course I knew it because I could hear every nurse talking about it the next day... how did you manage to have all those people there?

Casey: I have no idea... but it was epic...

Ethan: One of the areas where we paid especial attention while looking for a home was the kitchen. We both enjoy cooking together, so we needed it to be comfortable enough for both of us. The fact that the dining room is right next to it is very practical, too.

Casey: And he was very specific about something...

Ethan: You're going to tease me forever with that...

Bree: I remember Casey telling that Ethan can't make pancakes...

Ethan: This is embarrassing... and pointless... *rolls his eyes*

Casey: This gorgeous man who happens to be my husband, had a dishwasher that he used even before I moved in to his old place... only because he hates doing the dishes...

*Bree and Casey laugh in unison*

Casey: Trust me, the water bill has dropped a lot since I moved in with you...

Ethan: I wouldn't be so sure... we don't use it in the dishwasher, but we take long showers...

Casey: Ethan! *begins to blush*

Ethan: I think I've just won this round, sweetheart *smirks*

Casey: This is the area of the house where we spend most of our time... because... uh... *blushes furiously*

Ethan: It's funny to see you blushing... I'm sure that Bree knows exactly what married couples do in a bedroom... *smirks*

Bree: Of course I do... you sleep... a lot... after those exhausting shifts, that's exactly what I'd do... *smiles*

Casey: We enjoy the view, too... anyway, the bedroom has three areas... there is of course, the area where we... sleep... then there is our bathroom where we take long showers... *winks at Ethan*

Ethan: ...and then there is what I call "Casey's chaos area"... or the closet. And it's only fair to say that yeah, I may hate doing the dishes, but she's the worst when having to fold her clothes... so Bree, don't even try to open her closet's door...

Bree: Okay, I won't *chuckles*

Casey: Lucky me for having a husband who offers as tribute to fold my clothes

Ethan: As lucky as I am for having a wife who volunteers to do the dishes...

*They stare at each other for a long, long time... Bree wonders if they forgot that she is right there with them*

Ethan: One of the things we agreed we wouldn't have when we were looking for a place was a home office, because we didn't want to bring the work home.

Casey: So we decided to make a change and we turned the office into a small living room for us to read, to watch TV... basically, a place to get cozy. And yeah, it became my favorite room in the house.

Ethan: Of course, the original plan of not having a home office failed. So we ended up building a small office, very secluded, that we avoid like the plague. We only use it as a very last resource.

Bree: Guys, I love the amount of books you have... they're almost in every single room of the house!

Ethan: Trust me, we didn't realize how many books we had until we moved to this place.

Casey: We don't watch much TV, but we both are heavy readers. Of course, the medical books are a must.

Ethan: And we finally have two guest rooms. They both look exactly the same, and one of them is for my dad and the other one is for Oliver, Casey's brother.

Casey: We love having them at our place, you know? We all four have this little family and we have a great relationship. So the main reason behind the guest rooms is us wanting them to visit more often.

Bree: Guys, your house is impressive... but I need to know... is this your dream home?

Ethan: It's perfect for this moment of our lives.

Casey: Exactly. We both love this place and we can't see ourselves living anywhere else... but we've been talking about the possibility of expanding our family in the future...

Ethan: It's a secret though, we haven't told anyone but you about it... *they smile at each other*

Bree: Really? That's great news, congratulations, guys! I feel honored!

Ethan: And the problem is that we both grew up in houses, so we don't know if a penthouse and a kid are compatible.

Casey: Exactly... but going back to your question, for me, this is more than I ever dreamed of. None of us grew up surrounded by luxuries, and I personally never had expensive stuff before coming to Boston, so this is definitely something that I'm not used to, and I don't think I ever will. But I think I'm speaking for both of us here, we're more than grateful for all of this.

~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

A/N: If you can read this post, then it means my Internet came back to life and that you have a lot of patience lol. Thanks a lot @jamespotterthefirst for sending these questions and contributing to my weekly procrastination quote. Loved it!

[black-quartz-sphinx-judge-my-vow]

Exalted 3e Villain Analysis

When I was first going through the various Adversaries of the Righteous, I skipped right past Adeimantus, because I’m shallow. His art just isn’t evocative. But ho boy! Beneath that pale, bland exterior lurks a villain worthy of an entire campaign. So let’s talk about that.

Adeimantus is the ruler of a utopian City from the Shogunate named Beimeni-Ta. A city which was consumed by the Wyld ages ago. It now creeps into Creation like an infection transforming cities and slums into itself.

What a great freaking idea, wow. The sidewalks the towers, the people all transform into echoes of a golden age lost to time. Can’t you just see the brick back alley suddenly becoming a marvelous marble tunnel? The building torn halfway between one style and material and the next? The crowds of excited peasants waiting for their shacks to complete their transformation into mansions? Now that’s a threat! How do you even deal with something like that? Do you burn down the infected part of your city to keep it from spreading? Do you jail the new citizens to stop the from singing the praises of utopia, and converting more people to their cause? Or do you go after the Raksha that’s behind it all?

What I like most about Adeimantus is that he’s totally on the up and up, at least in my interpretation. He’s not doing this because he wants to eat every baby in Creation. He genuinely wants everyone in the world to live in his perfect city. So much in fact that he has a charm that not only changes the city to match the desires of an individual, but he himself changes to match that desire.

After the players have defeated Adeimantus and sent his city back to the mists: “That’s alright, we’ll start over as many times as you need. This is all for you.”

Which brings another terrifying aspect of Adeimantus into view. When he vanishes, so too does the city, and all of it’s people. Any buildings and individuals changed by Beimeni-Ta get whisked away to the Wyld, even victory can mean that a entire slice of a city is amputated. Spooky.

As far as a combatant, meh. If you’re using Adeimantus to beat people down, you’re doing it wrong. Although he does have a knife that can make you ugly to anyone who can read, which is fun. His main power in combat comes from his ability to summon battle groups of his followers to attack the pcs. Plus ya gotta involve the city itself in any combat you do. Potholes open up beneath your feet, shingles slide off the roofs onto your head, and other such irritants. Maybe give the city it’s own initiative, and stat block, why not?

His real strength comes from his ability to manipulate intimacies. Not only can he instill them in people through their dreams, but he can also make you disregard any that make you oppose him. Very fun, and could be interesting if you have players who are very dedicated to rp. Otherwise think of all the NPCs you can target, and turn against the players. Now that’s high drama. Solars want to live in Utopia too right?

Especially since as I said before Adeimantus is a chill dude. He doesn’t want to resort to violence, he rules a utopia, and wants to share it’s bounty with the world. Of course his Utopia ends up being pure madness when it returns to the Wyld, but no one seems to be dissatisfied.

So I’ve gushed on about this beautiful bald man long enough. What are some ways you can use him in a game?

1. A world saving device was once held in Beimeni-Ta, and it’s needed once more. Do you: look for a city infected by Beimeni-Ta. Crusade into the wild to reclaim the lost city. Or maybe infect a nearby city, long enough for the vaults of Beimeni-Ta to manifest.

2. Beimeni-Ta begins to arise within Great Forks. How does the city of a thousand gods react to such an intrusion? Is the draw of Utopia enough to tempt even a deity? Or do they hold firm as more and more of their followers join the cult of Adeimantus?

3. Every Winter Adeimantus visits a struggling village in the north, and provides them with supplies needed to survive the harsh winter. What scheme is he up to? It’s been generations since he started doing this, and no apparent harm has been done. The villages are convinced he’s a benevolent god of winter, how will they react when the players try to destroy him before he can corrupt their village?

4. Beimeni-Ta is ruled not only by Adeimantus, but also a Senate of Demons. So this Fair Folk, has an alliance with demons, as well as a permanent city in the Wyld. There’s something deeply interesting going on with Adeimantus. In his Stat block it does say the Senators are Raksha too, but I much prefer him being a complete weirdo. But as for plot hooks. A city has already fully fallen to Beineni-Ta. Now there is only one thing left to do. Characters must introduce a bill to the demon senate which will revoke the city’s hold on creation, at least this part of it. Can the pcs, get it through sub-committees, and over come a filibuster lead by a second circle demon?

5. Burns 100 Poets is a monk of the Immaculate order who has thrice vanquished Adeimantus from creation. He carries the weight of the many poets he’s killed to keep Adeimantus from spreading his corruption. He is retired now nearly 200, and works day and night to craft the poems which could have been were it not for his diligence. He may hold valuable information in how to stop Beimeni-Ta from spreading. However this gentle poet of an old man may suggest methods the pcs would consider frightful.

Finally let’s talk about a campaign that has Adeimantus as it’s big bad.

I call this one: Lookshy, Rise of The Shogun.

The basic premise of it being Beimeni-Ta was a city during the Shogunate Era, a pretty important one. Reclaiming it would finally give The 7th Legion reason to accept a new individual as Shogun.

Act 1

The Players, Dragon-Blooded protectors of Lookshy are tasked with looking into strange happenings around the city. The marching band plays a song hundreds of years out of date, a new building appears seemingly out of nowhere. Things escalate when a section of the city’s rampart’s becomes infected with shiny new lightning ballista. Suddenly the General Staff is torn on how to deal with the situation. with some opting to let the infection spread to access Beimeni-Ta’s ancient resources, to others wanting to combat the plague before it’s too late. The group is forced to navigate this tenuous situation, while beating back Adeimantus’ growing cult, and corrupted gentes. Culminating in the final confrontation with Adeimantus, and a member of the general staff he’s corrupted. Adeimantus vanishes with his pawn defeated, and takes however much of Lookshy he’s corrupted away with him, back to the wild. The walls are breached, the city is in ruins, the army is divided, and things are looking dire. Were The Realm not crippled by The Scarlet Empresses’ disappearance, this would be the end.

Act 2

After a brief recovery clarity comes to the surviving populace of Lookshy. The Shogunate Bureaucracy has records detailing this Beimeni-Ta many of the afflicted citizens were rambling about. It was once a seat of power for the Shogunate a place of immense importance, that fell into the Wyld never to be seen again, until now. Most importantly it was the final resting place of The Imperial Seal. The stamp with which The Shogun made words on paper law. With it, a simple document can be stamped and a new Shogun can be appointed, the shogunate will live once more. If only Beimeni-Ta can be dragged back out of The Wyld. If only... we could find it.

No maps of Beimeni-Ti’s location survive, only records of military assignments. Letters for a general to withdraw from the defense of the city, a general by the name of Tepet...

With the only lead they have the players are sent under cover to The Realm to find what they can about Beimeni-Ta from it’s ancient defenders. There’s investigation, spy work, a heist. All of which ends in a social confrontation with Tepet’s ruling Council which presents them with an offer: fulfill their oath to the Shogunate, regain their honor by retaking Beimeni-Ta.

Act 3

The impossible has happened. The players have convinced Lookshy to break with tradition, and march on the Wyld. House Tepet has given their only legion to the cause. The two armies of the Shogunate unite like something unseen in anyone’s time, and march through the river lands towards the end of the world. It’s a long grueling march, through an untold number of kingdoms. The centuries of Lookshy’s political favors, and military threats fray with each border they cross. Threats seeks to divide them with armies and from within. The Lookshy soldiers see their Tepet allies as traitors, and the Tepet aren’t too fond of the scavengerland barbarians either. The players must use their genius to get their army through in one piece. Until they reach, the border marches.

Act 4

From here on it’s all out warfare. The players and their small army must reclaim creation step by step enduring every machination the Wyld can through at them, from raining lava, to forests of grass as tall as a warstrider, and as sharp as a blade. All until they lay siege to Beimeni-Ta. At last the jewel is within their sight. They just have to overcome Beimeni-Ta’s endless militia of maddened citizens, their 100 Demon Senate, and of course Adeimantus fully empowered by the wyld and Beimeni-Ta itself. Who can with but a look, a touch, who’s very presence beckons you to join him in Utopia, in oblivion.

And what are the rewards for such an epic journey? A brand new city to rule over? The title of Shogun, and resurrections of the shogunate? An arsenal of first age weapons from the shogunate’s richest city? Who’s to say what dreams await you in Beimeni-Ta? 

Only Adeimantus knows.

Only Adeimantus can show you the way.

[sad-sweet-cowboah]

My Little Secret part 8

Summary: Filled to the brim with curiosity, you find out more about Arthur’s life and, well, afterlife. All the while you share some tender moments with him.

Warnings: It’s just fluff kiddos.

For the first time you could not wait to get to work. Excitement and anxiety took hold of you in anticipation of your next meeting with Arthur. Even when you woke up the next morning, your mind still reeled with the amount of information you received the night before.

Not only was Arthur a vampire, but he was also a famous outlaw. A double whammy that classified as both interesting and terrifying. You had so many more questions, an incomprehensible amount that would not even be covered in just one night.

As you headed out of the building, you heard a voice call to you from across the courtyard. You turned to see Sam jogging toward you, a huge smile on her face. She slowed down to fall in step with you.

“Hey Y/N!” Sam greeted somewhat breathlessly. “So… tell me how it went!”

“How what went?”

“Your date, silly!” Sam giggled. “Come on, give me all the juicy details!”

“Oh,” you said rather sheepishly. God, what could you even say? “It was… interesting.” You finally answered.

Sam’s eyes narrowed in suspicion at your tone. “What happened? Did it turn out he was a douche?”

“No not at all!” you rebutted. “The opposite actually. I learned… so much more about him than I thought I would.”

Sam’s eyebrows raised. “Ooh, did you sleep with him?”

“No Sam,” you sighed. “He’s just such a peculiar guy. So much more different than anyone I’ve ever dated before, but that’s what makes him so interesting.”

“Different how?” Sam pressed with curiosity.

You hesitated, unsure how to exactly word it without giving too much away. You thought for another moment before speaking again. “He doesn’t follow a conventional lifestyle, has a whole completely different diet even. Had a bit of a… wild past.”

“You make it sound like he’s part of a convent or something.” Sam said with a giggle.

You rolled your eyes, knowing full well it was the complete opposite. Could he even step foot inside a church? “That he definitely isn’t. But I’m still learning more about him, he said he might swing by my work later.”

“Wow, sounds like he’s really got a thing for you, visiting you while you’re sticky with liquor,” Sam laughed. “Next thing you know you’ll be walking down the aisle!”

You scoffed and gave her a gentle elbow nudge, though you couldn’t hide the smile on your face. “We’ll see how it goes.”

You spoke with Sam for a few more minutes before parting ways. You had a few hours until work and a large load of homework that weighed you down both physically and mentally. You made your way back to your apartment and settled with a cup of tea, ready to pore into your studies.

It impressed how much you’d gotten done in the span of two hours. There was only a month left in the school year, meaning final exams were soon around the corner. You were taking the time to wrap up projects you should have completed already, only your mind had been too warped thinking of Arthur. You managed to keep thoughts of him at bay until you were satisfied with the amount of work you’d completed for the day.

As you ate dinner and prepared for work afterward, your mind was flittering with questions you were preparing to ask him. Hell, what would be the first one? How many could you get through before your break was up? Would he still be around after you clocked out for the night?

You stopped yourself. There was still a chance he may not show up tonight at all, which spurred you to wonder about his job. What did his job entail specifically, and what jobs did vampires even hold? Were they something completely crazy or were they jobs similar to what regular humans had? You found yourself pondering too deeply, as an hour passed and you had an entire discussion with yourself on theoretical vampire politics.

Good thing you didn’t have a roommate.

You left afterward, your mind on autopilot as more questions and theories spread through it. You considered his life beforehand and how much you’d learned: an infamous outlaw from one of the most notorious gangs in history who made his mark in more ways than one in the state of Lemoyne. Why was he turned and when? Records mention he was last seen alive in 1899, assumed to have died. So what events transpired to lead to his final moments as a human?

Maybe you should write them all down when you have a chance.

You arrived at work sooner than you anticipated. Despite it being a weekday, it was karaoke night at the bar, which meant a usually heavier crowd. Tuesdays were generally a favorite night to work since you had to appreciate the patrons who were drunk enough to go up and sing. You settled yourself behind the bar as the first few of the night began to pile in. The sun was low in the sky, and you wondered when exactly he would wake up.

You kept yourself busy for the first few hours, passing out multiple beers and bar snacks while listening to the entertainment. The karaoke crowd was always the same few people, all of which had decent voices so it wasn’t a dreadful evening. You found yourself glancing at the door every time it opened, once again feeling both excitement and disappointment when you found each new body was not him.

Until it was.

You swore the atmosphere changed the moment Arthur stepped in. He seemed to have a different gait than everyone else, you noticed. Light on his feet and quick moments that reminded you almost of a big cat. You guessed in some weird way, he was.

His eyes locked onto you and smiled, making his way over to the bar. Once he reached it he pulled up a seat, placing himself in front of you. “Hey Y/N.” he greeted.

“Hey yourself,” you responded with a smile of your own, leaning on the bar. “Glad you came.”

“Glad I haven’t scared you off.” He jokingly countered.

Your smile widened, and you glanced back at your other coworkers in case any of them were watching. “So…uh, want a drink?” you offered with a shrug.

Arthur hesitated for a moment with a thoughtful look. “Did say I’d indulge, but I’d hate for a good whiskey to go to waste.”

You giggled at his reply. “Alright Mr. Morgan, you gonna sing instead?” you tilted your head toward the DJ booth. An older man stood up there, singing some old country song.

Arthur turned toward the show in curiosity, observing the man for a good moment before he shook his head. “I ain’t much of a singer,” He chuckled. “Least not in a long time.”

“Well, I guess you can just enjoy the entertainment then,” you said and then dropped your voice. “By the way, my break’s in an hour. I’ll be out back.”

He nodded once, flashing a subtle smile before he moved away from the bar.

And that next hour moved much slower than you liked. Despite having enough patrons to keep a steady workflow, your eyes kept drifting over to Arthur. He would watch the singers, nod his head to the beats of the songs, but would otherwise keep to himself. He moved around every once in a while, sometimes passing by you to briefly catch your gaze before wandering off into the crowd.

Once the clock struck to the next hour, you practically leapt over the bar to escape. After a quick bathroom and drink break, you made your way outside into the humid air. Even though the place was air conditioned, the amount of people would often make the air feel stuffy. You breathed in and leaned against the cool brick wall, your eyes scanning across the parking lot. Within moments you caught the familiar sight of his motorcycle, and you remembered with a jolt you’d left it behind at the restaurant last night.

“Hey.”

You flinched from his voice, turning to see him appearing out of the darkness almost silently. “Jesus,” you breathed, resting your hand over your heart. “You scared me.”

“Sorry,” he said with a slight chuckle, sidling up to you. “I tend to forget I don’t move like a normal human.”

Normal human. Those words sent a shiver up your spine, stirring up those memories of last night. A predator with a human face. You shouldn’t be afraid at this point, and you grounded yourself by reaching for his hand and interlacing your fingers with his. He didn’t hesitate to reciprocate. Little touches and moments to remind you he still has human emotions.

“How was your day?” he asked quietly.

You shrugged. “Same old, school then work. Boring as usual. How was yours?” you began, then realized it was a stupid thing to ask. “I mean – shit.”

He smiled in amusement. “Been nice so far, I get to see you.” He answered.

“Do you work tonight?” you asked next, thankful he didn’t make a fuss from your stupidity.

Arthur shrugged. “I’m on-call, I guess you could say. That don’t stop me from enjoying life’s pleasures though.” He gently raised your hand to his face, planting a sweet kiss on the back of it. Your heart fluttered in response.

“On-call,” you repeated. “Are you a doctor or something?”

“Or somethin’,” he replied lowly. “Anyway, I believe you had more questions to ask?”

As soon as he said that, your mind completely blanked. That entire mental list had disappeared within an instant. You frowned, trying to think of one, just any one, and failed. “Uh –” you paused. “What’s your favorite color?” you blurted out, inwardly cringing at yourself.

Another chuckle rumbled in his throat. “Blue, like the sky durin’ the day,” he answered with a sigh. “Somethin’ I miss a lot.”

Oh, maybe that wasn’t a good question to start with. “Sorry.”

He shook his head, smiling at you once again. “You’re alright, sweetheart. Got about 150 years’ worth of memories, ya know.”

Over a century. It however spiked up some of the prior inquiries you had. “So… what was your life like before you – er, turned?”

He leaned his head back against the wall, tilting his head up as his eyes searched the night sky. A look of faint longing crossed his face. His lips parted for a moment though no words accompanied it, as if he were trying to search for the right ones. “Well, I…” he trailed off, fixing his gaze to you. “How ‘bout you tell me what ya know, Y/N. That way I can confirm or disprove.”

The turnaround surprised you, however it made sense. Facts can become fiction over the course of time. “I know the most obvious, that you were an outlaw. You ran with the Van der Linde gang. You committed some heinous crimes of your time.”

Arthur nodded. “Any bounty poster or internet search coulda told ya that. What else?”

You took a deep breath, taking mental steps backward to the past few weeks. The museum in Saint Denis, Shady Belle, the library. Every place visited told the same story of him, the same few factoids without delving much into his personal life. It felt as if you were being quizzed.

“To be honest, there’s not much about you in history,” You admitted. “At least from what I’ve seen so far.”

“Wouldn’t expect otherwise,” he mumbled. “Back then people like me were a blemish to society, best left forgotten over time.”

“So were you really as cruel and heartless as history says?” you continue.

His smile turned rueful. “There was a time that I thought I was. I hurt a lot of people, killed even more…” he turned his head to face forward. There was an emotion in his eyes you couldn’t detect. “But I weren’t some killin’ machine. Didn’t like doin’ it, but I had to. I… we helped people too. As Dutch used to put it, ‘we save people that need savin’.”

“Really?”

He turned to look at you once again. “That surprise ya?”

“I…” you hesitated in thought. “A lot is surprising me these days.”

He huffed out hollow laugh. “Fair ‘nough. That life led to some interestin’ adventures. Robbed banks, trains, stagecoaches. Lived in multiple states when tryin’ to escape the law. Met some interestin’ folk along the way, took in a lot of ‘em too.”

“That’s something I learned, that many of you were just people looking for something better.” You remarked.

“Yeah, a bunch o’ lost souls fed with the promise we’d have a better life, only it ended with more bloodshed. Some were luckier than others, got out to live peacefully. Me, well…” he trailed off once more and gestured to himself with his free hand.

“You were turned.” You finished for him.

“Yes.” He nodded.

It fell silent between the two of you, and you pondered what to ask next. You chewed on your lip for a moment as a myriad formed in your head, many of which could possibly seem too prying or personal. Should you ask more about his life as an outlaw or about after he turned?

“You okay?” he asked, taking note of your silence.

You blinked, turning to look at him. “I am, I just…I’m not sure what to ask next.”

“Haven’t scared you any, have I?” he cautiously asked.

You shook your head. “Not since last night,” you joked with a giggle. “But there’s so much more to find out, like – when were you turned?”

“1899.” he said simply.

Well that made sense. “Okay, so how old are you?”

“36, like I said,” he continued. “Well…that’s how old I was when I turned. But I’ve physically been on this earth for 157 years.”

“And you don’t age?” you pondered, your eyes once again observing the faint wrinkles and scars that decorated his face.

“Nah, I’ve had this same unfortunate face for the past 121 years.” He shrugged.

You frowned at his response. Why did he always seem to talk down about his looks? “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Acting as if you’re hideous when you’re not.” You pointed out.

Arthur shook his head in disbelief, a dry half smile crossing his lips that highlighted it. “Old habits I guess. Never had a high opinion o’ myself, hadn’t changed much over the years. Still surprises me that you wanna be with me, all things considerin’.”

You sighed heavily, reaching to take his other hand. You held them both, meeting his eyes directly as he stared at you in faint curiosity. “Arthur, I happen to think you’re easily one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met, that’s the truth. And…vampire, outlaw, whatever or not…I think you’re worth being with.”

Surprise shadowed Arthur’s face at your words, and then a shy smile crossed his lips as he ducked his head, expressing a short laugh. “You’re sweet, Y/N. Too sweet for my own good…” he let out a low breath and tugged you toward him, which you offered no resistance. His hands broke from yours and his arms wrapped around your waist, holding you so lightly to draw you in for a kiss.

You melted to his touch immediately, your own arms sliding around his neck to lock him to you. His lips moved against yours with little effort, his hands tightening just a smidge. His cool touch sent tingles along your bare skin. Your fingers threaded through his hair, prodding him to deepen the kiss. His tongue briefly met yours, sparking something deep in you that you wanted to chase.

He then parted his lips from yours, pulling his head back just enough to look into your eyes. Those blue-green hues were so gorgeous that it left you breathless. One hand left your waist to rest on your cheek, his thumb smoothing across the raise of your cheekbone. “Forgot what it was like to be like this…” he murmured.

“Like what?” you whispered, your mind still reeling.

“Bein’ sweet on someone,” he said, and noted your look of confusion. “Bein’ in a relationship, I mean.”

You tilted your head. “How long has it been for you?”

“Long time,” he sighed. “Lost count in years when they start to mold together.”

Your eyebrows raised. “Really? I find that hard to believe with someone as good looking as you.”

He exhaled a small chuckle. “I’ll admit some women have…tried over the years. Never did look at ‘em twice.”

“So what makes me different?” you ask, smiling a little.

Arthur tucked a lock of hair behind your ear, his smile mirroring yours. “You’re the first person to speak to me in a while. I tend to avoid most folk, but I won’t turn down a good conversation. Somethin’ about ya jus’ kept drawin’ me back. Your curiosity ‘bout me. Your excitement ‘bout your dreams n’ ambitions. And I ‘spose one o’ us has to be pretty.”

You giggled shyly, turning your eyes away from him for a brief moment. “Didn’t think I wasn’t all that special either.”

“Gotta say you’re wrong, sweetheart.” Arthur said to you. “More interestin’ than me.”

You laughed at his statement. “Now that I highly doubt, Mr. Morgan.” At that same moment, your phone vibrated in your pocket. It was the alarm you’d set to remind you to get back to work. Shoot, had your break passed that quickly? You sighed heavily and retrieved your phone to turn it off.

“Guessin’ you gotta get back inside.” Arthur said as a statement rather than a question.

You nodded solemnly, peering back up at him with disappointment. “I still have so much more I wanna find out.” You murmured.

His other hand raised to rest on your cheek, gently cradling your face in his grasp. “Always next time.”

You nodded. Tomorrow you had a morning class, which meant no time for idle chitchat after work. You were also working the next two nights, and it wouldn’t be fair to have him come here a second night when he had no concrete reason to stay other than to talk to you. “I’m free on Friday, if you wanna meet up again.”

A warm smile touched his lips. “Sure, where?”

“My house, doesn’t seem very proper to go out somewhere conventional when only one of us can eat.” You pointed out.

He laughed at your response. “’Spose so. Anyway, I won’t keep ya much longer…” he leaned forward to place a kiss on your forehead before his mouth traveled down to meet yours, eliciting such gentle tenderness in nearly made your head spin. He stepped back, releasing you. “Go on. Don’t want ya gettin’ in trouble.”

God, all you wanted to do was to stand out here and kiss him forever. Biting back a sigh, you bid him goodbye before glancing at the parking lot. The motorcycle stirred up the thought you had earlier. “Oh, you got your bike back. I forgot about it last night…”

“There’s perks of bein’ what I am,” he replied with a small smirk. “Cars n’ such ain’t a necessity to us, they’re jus’ fun to drive around.”

That certainly set an ease to the momentary concern of accidentally stranding him. “What, you turn into a bat?”

He snorted. “Nah, that’s jus’ fiction. Some things we made up ourselves.”

You tilted your head in confusion. “Well, alright. Even more to find out. See you Friday, Arthur.”

He nodded, the amusement still plain on his face. “See ya Friday, darlin’.”

[malereader-inserts]

Sand Grains

Fandom: Avengers Pairing: Peter Parker x Male!Stark!Reader Summary: How much love is there? Well, it depends on how many sand grains there is in the world Word Count: 4,025 (Oof this is a long one guys) A/n: Okay, this bitch has been reading all the Field Trip trope in AO3 and lemme me tell you something, I love them, especially all the Avengers showing up at random times of the day like yes - so this is inspired this insert. CIVIL WAR/INFINITY WAR/ENDGAME NOT COMPLIANT (we’re all family here)

Peter has a great life.

He has a loving aunt, a weird second family, the two best friends ever, and a devoted boyfriend. He could not ask for a better life. He adored you, you were the most handsome person he’s ever laid eyes on and the smartest person. Well, at least for your age of nineteen. Being a year younger than you means that he still had school, bummer for him, but it was very easy to conceal the relationship between you and him.

It wasn’t because you weren’t ready to come out as a couple, you weren’t mentally prepared of the teasing the team had come up with. But, your moments were much more intimate. Especially that time when he first said those three special words.

“I love you,” He had said, as you turned around in his room with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, is that so?” There was a playful tease to your voice,��“How much?”

“Every sand grain in the world,” He replied as you look taken aback, your eyes flickering above his head to process what he had admitted before you turned your attention back to him.

“Wow, that’s a lot,” You breathes out as you leaned closer to him, inches apart, “Then I love you, just a grain more.”

You mostly hang out his apartment in Queens, with his aunt taking the night shift, you’re at his for movie nights or just nights where you don’t have to conceal your relationship. Peter comes over to the Stark Tower, which was sold for a bit before your dad rebought it to spite Ross before he got detained, to do some interning.

Wednesdays are strictly interning, Fridays are Avenger bonding and the weekends are a mixture of both. Peter had his own room in the Stark Tower when he sleeps over for the weekend, starting on Friday and leaving on Sunday night. Which means he gets to see your face quite frequently.

He adores watching you tinkering in your part of the lab, advancing the tech for the Avengers. He also watches you get trained to take over the Stark Industries as Pepper and Tony had been coaxing you in your training. On top of that, you get training with the Avengers.

But, it was Wednesday and after dinner, he’ll be going home soon.

“Pete,” You hummed, knocking on the glass window next to the glass door, “Dinner.”

He looks up from his update on the Spider-man suit, “Coming, what is it?”

“Steve made Mac and Cheese whilst Natasha made Pot-roast Bombay chicken,” You explained as Peter and you make your way to the dinner table, “They were having a competition who is the better cook, try and not get in the firing line.”

“I’ll try not to.”

Peter loves hanging around with his second family, they were loud and fun. So, his happy mood was dampened quickly the next day.

“Alright guys,” Mr Harrington vocalised at Decathlon team meeting, “I’ve managed to snag us a field trip to the one and only, Stark Towers.”

“You- what?” Peter mutters under his breath.

“He said-” MJ started as Peter gave her a look, “You need a better hearing.”

She was teasing, she knew full well of his superhero status. Permission slips were being handed out and Peter bolted out of school to avoid Flash from taunting him anymore. He got home in record time as May was there to greet him.

“How’s school, kid?”

“Not bad, got a thing for you to sign,” Peter waved the sheet that needed signing, though by his look on his face May could tell he wasn’t happy, “A trip to the Stark Tower.”

“Oh honey, is that why you looked all glum?” May asked, grabbing the sheet and scanning it before promptly signing it off, “Why don’t you ask (Y/n) to come over, that always cheer you up.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, don’t act stupid now, Pete,” May laughs as he tilts his head in disbelief, “I know a smitten boy when I see one and it certainly wasn’t MJ that caught your attention this time.”

Sure, he had a slight crush on MJ for a bit but in his current situation, he loved you with all of his heart, if not more. Though his shoulders relax that his aunt had known, she wasn’t mad nor disappointed. 

“Well, call him, I’m sure he’ll make up an excuse to come see you - I always wonder how that boy gets a lot of freedom.”

“(Y/n) has good lies,” Peter replies, “I once witnessed him lie to the team about being at conference meeting out of the country but had decided to take a holiday to India because he was getting sick and tired of the team.”

May shake her head as Peter calls you up, without a doubt you had come up with an excuse and had got at his apartment within half an hour. Hugging him tightly as you greeted May with a hug.

“You two have fun in the living room, no funny business going on our I will call your dad (Y/n).”

You put your hand up in defence, “I promise May, there is nothing funny than a good comedy film.”

May nodded in approval, as she shoos you off the living room, you smile at Peter, who looked down. 

“I’m guessing this is about the trip, huh?” You asked, slinging your arm over your boyfriend.

“You know?”

“Yeah, everyone knows and I mean they know,” You emphasised, “Listen, it’s next Friday, there’s nothing to sweat, you know other than the impending embarrassment...”

Peter groaned, “This is the worst, it’s just my luck, Parker luck!”

“Hey, at least you get to prove that kid wrong, no?” You bumped shoulders with him, “I love you.”

“Oh, yeah how much because it’s hard to believe.”

You chuckle as you tenderly kissed his cheek, “With all the sand grains in the world.”

Peter looks up at you as he relaxes under you, letting out a wistful sigh, “I love you too, just a sand grain more.”

The days that were leading up to the trip had been eventful, with the team teasing and coming up with plans in front of Peter on how to embarrass him for the whole weekend. They even had started to tease Peter on a crush on MJ, and whilst Peter continues to redden it had contributed to the teasing.

Whilst you came off a little bit annoyed, which has caused the team to ask about why you had suddenly dislike MJ. So, over the weekend, you were actively ignoring or leave the room once they started to mention MJ.

“Come on, Petey,” You drawled out, ruffling his hair on Wednesday’s dinner, it was in two days that he will be back to face his death, “It’s not gonna be that bad.”

“Isn’t it Steve’s job to be optimistic about stuff like this?”

“Hey, the old man has been bouncing walls to embarrass you, give it to him,” You sat down at the dinner table next to Sam as Peter rolls his eyes whilst Steve calls out a ‘hey’ at being called old, “You’re staying after the trip, yeah? Don’t forget to have May have a note to leave you here.”

He had dreaded the day to come, sitting by Ned and the window with MJ behind, he was hoping that he could vanish out of thin air. 

“Hey, Penis Parker,” Flash’s voice echoed.

“Flash, that behaviour is not acceptable,” Mr Harrington had warned, though it wasn’t going to stop the teenager from his bullying.

“You’re ready to be exposed for all your lies?” The boy had asked.

Whilst the rest of the team had rolled their eyes - whilst they hadn’t believed Peter and his internship they weren’t going to harass him every minute of the day. The only people who believed him was Ned and MJ, even Mr Harrington was sceptical of the whole thing and warned Peter not to say anything about this fake internship around Stark Industries to embarrass Midtown High.

So, when they had stepped off the bus, he wasn’t surprised to get pushed past by Flash, who got off the bus before Peter but held back just to dig at Peter. Ned had patted Peter on the shoulder with a reassuring smile as MJ started to scowl at Flash as she was captain of the team she took her role very seriously.

“Hi Midtown!” A preppy girl greeted the small group, her name was Emily, Peter had worked with her on some of her intern projects, “I’m Emily and I’m an intern at Stark Industries, I will be your tour guide of the day.”

Peter sighs, straightening his back as he listens to Emily rant about how they will be not allowed to take any pictures unless said otherwise. 

“You will all be given a visitor pass, these passes allow clearance to certain aspects of the tower. Level one and two have the lowest clearance, level ones are usually tourist, visitors on tours such as you guys. Level two are guest who frequently visits so they could be friends and family of people who work here.”

“What level are you?” Cindy asked as Emily smiles softly.

“I’m level four, there are ten levels in total. Level three and four are usually interns or on the business side of the Industries such as sales. Usually starting interns or starting employees of the business management start at three before ranking up to four. Levels five to seven are the scientist in research and development or better known as R&D, like level three and four, they can be ranked up depending on how well they work.”

“What levels are the Avengers?” Abe asked.

“I was about to get to that!” Emily chirped, “Level eight are Lab directors, they oversee the whole lab they work in, check on interns work and all. Avengers are level nine and level ten are only to the Starks, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, James Rhodes and anyone who have a connection to them that needs a full grant to areas of the tower.”

Flash was about to ask an important question before she had started to hand out passes before smiling at Peter. Flash was about to exclaim why Peter hadn’t been given a Level 1 pass that was a plain white card held in a black lanyard.

“We will be passing a metal detector, it’s for FRIDAY - Starks’ AI, to make sure you are safe to enter the building.” She had explained, swiping her pass like so and passing through the metal detection.

“Emily Robinson, Level 4: Intern,  all clear.” The AI voice had startled the team before Emily had beckoned the group to pass.

The group was passing through until they had noticed that Peter was pushed back with MJ and Ned coming through with white passes but with a blue, a white and red lanyard around their neck.

“Ned Leeds, Level 2: Frequent Visitor, all clear,” Friday sounded slightly warmer, “Welcome back Ned!”

MJ was quick to scan her pass and walk through, “Michelle Jones, Level 2: Frequent Visitor, all clear,” whilst the Decathlon team looked shocked MJ just rolls her eyes, “Welcome back MJ!”

Peter sighs and scans his pass, which was a light blue with the lanyard designed with red and blue with intricate details of spider webs, “Peter Parker, Level 10: Personal Intern, all clear.”

Peter had sighed out in relief when Friday hadn’t called out he was an Avenger, but then again, he was never called out as an Avenger if he as entering from the entrance like a normal person.

“Welcome back, Peter, the Starks have been informed of the arrival.” Friday had warmed her voice, Peter almost senses a smile in the tone despite being only an AI.

“WHAT!” Flash had exploded, that was one for MJ’s sketchbook.

“Miniboss has sent down a message, Peter, would you like to hear it?”

Peter chuckles at your nickname, you were either referred as Mini boss by FRIDAY or Mini Stark by the rest of the team, you don’t seem to mind it despite being grumpy about the nickname. Peter was sure you were secretly fond of the nickname.

“No, he can wait.”

He knew you couldn’t wait, it’s a Stark trait that you and your dad cannot wait. But, he was going to do it anyway, because admittedly he was a little shit. This was only the start of the tour and he was ready to end himself.

“Okay, but he said sand grains but I don’t understand.”

“I understand perfectly, thanks, Friday.”

He smiles to himself, at least you were trying to cheer him up.

He wishes the day couldn’t get any worst but it had. He had run in with each Avengers so far. Steve and Bucky coming down at the museum of the Avengers History to say hi to Peter, who turned red when they heard a girl gasp only to find it was only Ned.

Sam came down a few minutes later after Steve and Bucky tried to answer questions only to rile the Decathlon team to ask more questions. They all leave grinning and ruffling his hair.

“I’m showing Tony the PSA videos,” Peter muttered, unhappy as the three men just continue to grin.

“Bold enough of you to think I haven’t shown him already.”

Peter glanced at Sam with a raised eyebrow, “Hey, don’t look at me, blame Mini Stark on making these two old men catch up with the memes.”

Trust you to make Steve and Bucky too aware of the teenage world.

“See you later, squirt,” Steve beams, “I’m making tacos tonight.” 

Then, after the Decathlon team had gotten over Peter’s interaction with three Avengers,  they still haven’t gotten over Peter bantering with the Avengers. As Flash was about to hurl more abuse to Peter about his fake internship, despite many people telling already it was true, he refused to believe it. 

“Hey, Penis-” The elevator door slide open earlier than usual, they were not at their stop.

“Oh, hey,” Peter offers weakly, his voice breaking, “Hi Nat.”

“Hey ребенок паук,” She smiles, entering the elevator, turning to MJ, “Hey MJ.”

Natasha gives Peter a side glance as Peter rolls his eyes, knowing what she was trying to insinuate, no doubt that you would have heard this hint in your little lab. He can’t seem to shake off the rumours that he doesn’t like MJ in that way without becoming red.

“Good thing, (Y/n) isn’t here,” Natasha hums, “I don’t understand why he’s in a foul mood lately every time we mention MJ, didn’t know he dislikes the girl.”

 MJ raised an eyebrow at Peter, who looks at her with a sheepish smile, “He hears everything, Nat, you know that.”

“Still, that kid needs to sort himself out, he’s just as petty as his dad.”

“I heard that,” Your voice grumbled through the ceiling as Peter’s classmate jumped, “I’m not that petty.”

“You’re pretty petty,” Peter responds back, only to get a string of grumbling from your end.

Natasha chuckles, “Hey Stark, you better get a move on with fixing my bites or I’ll have Parker do it for me.”

The group had gaped at the Avenger, who affectionately bumps his shoulder and the elevator doors slide open.

“This is your stop, ребенок паук, enjoy the rest of your tour,” She teased as Peter’s ears flared hot.

For a split second, he had forgotten that he was on a school trip. The elevator door closed ominously as Peter noticed that they were on the R&D labs, well, one of the many labs.

“Does the rich boy not like me?” MJ asked, though on the outside she seemed like she couldn’t care less however on the inside, she was offended.

“No, he does, but the team thinks I have a crush on you and it’s getting to him so he avoids any conversations with you in it,” Peter explains as MJ nods.

It was his Parker luck that he would run into Bruce and Clint eventually. Clint had been poking at Bruce’s work before greeting Peter as hyper as he could. Bruce tiredly sighs before waving to Peter. The two Avengers leaving their interaction short.

“I can’t believe you, dickwad,” Flash hissed, obviously infuriated that Peter hadn’t been lying, “What money did you give to let you in? Did your aunt sucked dick-”

“I wouldn’t finish that Flash,” Peter growled dangerously low, a sudden protective instinct had washed over him, he will not take May slander.

“Or what, Penis?” Flash taunted.

Peter was about to punch him but Emily had called over that they were going to do a Q&A with Tony, himself as if Peter couldn’t want to bury himself in a hole even more.

Flash scoffs and shoves Peter into Ned, “Ignore him, Pete, he’s just being a dick.”

“He insulted May.”

“He insulted May?” Ned exclaims, “Changed my mind, punch him.”

“That’s not like you to say,” MJ interjected but shrugged, “But, I’m for it.”

The team had sat down in a conference room, it wasn’t just Tony speaking up but it was the rest of the team who had been notified about the bullying that was going on for the rest of the day. Even, Pepper managed to show up despite being very busy. 

“You’re telling me that Parker, puny little Parker actually does work for you?” Flash exclaims as Peter stands up with Flash.

Just as Tony was about to snap at the kid Peter had interrupted, “You know, Flash, you’re gonna wish that it was them that was scowling at you and not him.”

“Who-?”

“Me,” You dryly commented at the doorway, eyes were drawn up to you, noticing a terrifying glint in your eyes, “Eugene Thompson, right?”

“You know me?”

“Oh yeah, kid,” You commented, despiting being a year older than him and taking strides to be uncomfortably close to him, Peter winces, “You’re the kid that’s bullying my boyfriend, my boyfriend who was supposed to tell me or May or anyone on the Avengers that if his bullying got worst.”

“Yeah, about that...”

“Not now, Pete.”

“See, we could all endure a 45 minutes presentation that I’ve made on why Peter Parker is fucking-”

“Language-” Tony scowls as the team smirks at the inside joke, but it had dropped that you weren’t dropping 

“Wonderful, smart and amongst everything else that you could never be. I love that kid with all my heart, I love him with every grain of sand in the world. I’ll be damned if anything bad happens to him. So, what do you value more? Your fingers or your toes?”

There was a splutter of fear as the Avengers almost had an uproar when you had threatened the kid, the Decathlon team too afraid to challenge a Stark as Peter stood awkwardly watching his boyfriend confront his bully.

“Or, we could do it the easy way where you get on your knees, beg for forgiveness, though Peter will not be taking it, and admit that Peter Parker is always going to be ten times the man you’ll never be.”

Flash looks at Peter as you pressed a heavy finger on Flash’s chest to make him look at you.

“You will never have an opportunity at Stark Industries, and don’t get me angry or I will ruin your chances for any Ivy Leagues or MIT or Caltech.”

“You can’t do that!” Flash gasped, whining like a little kid.

“Why not? Going to run to daddy to sue us? Don’t worry, our lawyers are already suing you for assaulting a valuable member of Stark Industries, right babe?”

Peter reddens as eyes look over to him, “He might have bruised a few ribs when kicked me off the ropes in gym class.”

“Peter!” Tony and Pepper stressed out, as Avengers was even taken back with this revelation.

“Is there any other injuries your sustain to him?” Steve asked, concerned.

“I’ll tell you later,” Peter murmured, leaving the Avengers uneasy.

“And you-” You looked over your shoulder, turning away to look at the teacher, “See whilst you were lecturing Peter to not tarnish Midtown’s reputation, you and Flash have done an incredible job at doing so... What teacher ignores bullying?”

“I-I-...?”

“I can answer that!” MJ calls out, looking smug as she was gathering source for her sketchbook, “Flash’s parents contribute a lot to the school, telling him off would put that on the line.”

“You could have focused on students’ mentality, students in general, but no you rather feed to a kid’s ego and in a way, contribute to the bullying, and man,” you looked in distaste, “You’re a bit old to be called in the principal office at your age.”

“What?”

“You’d be lucky if you still have a job,” You shrugged, looking smug, “Made a few calls and turns out bullying is not tolerated in the school, which has been messaged through on Steve’s PSA.”

“I think that’s enough, babe,” Peter pleaded you looked at him, your shoulders deflating, you had been surprised that no one had stopped you from ranting.

“Alright,” You hummed softly, your eyes softening at Peter who smiles at you, “Only after this.”

You had a good right hook on Flash’s jaw, the Avengers quickly jumping off stage to the scene but you had backed off to go around the table to meet Peter. 

“You just right hooked him.” Peter spoke astonished as you grinned at him, “You’re lucky I love you, but that was embarrassing.”

“Oh? Well, the kid needed his ego knock down a notch,” You snaked your arms around him and pulled him close.

He buried his face in your neck as you chuckled, watching Emily frantically moving the Decathalon kids out and back to the entrance. You knew that you’re going to get a lecture from one of the guys in the room.

“Look after him Stark! He’s had a bad day,” MJ calls before being the last one to exit.

“No problem MJ!” You grinned as Peter groans, “Come on, Petey I can’t be that bad!”

“You just sucker punch a kid-” Bucky exclaims but there was evident amusement in his tone.

“He’s a year younger than me, it’s fine Buck.”

“I admit that was a good hit,” Natasha complimented, “Little bastard deserves it.”

“It’s fine, there’s no video evidence of anything and Peter’s classmates all signed a form about things being slipped out, I might have slipped in some extra stuff.”

“You planned this!” Peter exclaims, burying his face out of your neck as he looks at you.

“Well, not exactly, I wasn’t expecting to punch him but he said some stuff about May but the whole rant thing was planned,” You explained, “Am I the greatest boyfriend or am I the greatest boyfriend.”

“He really is your kid, Stark,” Sam commented, “He’s all cocky now.”

Peter shakes his head, “I love you with every sand grain in the world.”

You chuckled, kissing his temple, “And I love you, just a sand grain more.”

“Okay, was anybody going to tell me that Peter and (Y/n) were dating or was I just supposed to witness the cutest shit ever myself?” Steve asked out loud, quoting that one meme Peter had heard from.

“Language, Steve,” Bucky teased.

You and Peter looked at each other before looking at the superfamily.

“You got to stop teaching the old men memes, (Y/n),” Peter chuckles, you shrugged, holding his hand.

“Can’t help it,” You looked at your dad and offered him a sheepish smile as he looked annoyed, “I can explain?”

“You have a lot to explain young man.” Tony doesn’t use his father voice a lot, but the Avengers cringed because they knew Tony meant business, “I want a full rundown of your relationship with Peter, start to now, not missing details okay? Yay, girl time!”

This was going to be a long weekend, but Peter spares you a glance again and relaxes into your side. But, at least he has you and his large love for you.

[caracalfeather]

WARNING- Cats and Birds is a mob AU fanfiction of the Arcana game, and is not meant for young audiences and is not meant to offend anyone. Some writing choices were made so characters are out of their canon way of acting and thinking. Please do not be offended by character choices made by the authors and content creators, this story was made for fun and in the way we wanted it to be. The story was not hijacked by any of the authors to make any ships or characters overshadow any other. All content contained in this story has been agreed upon and accepted by all parties in it’s creation.

TW- Cats and Birds contains scenes that may not be suitable with some readers, including themes of violence, smoking/drug use, sex, cursing and various other strong themes. Special warnings for scenes will be posted with chapters. Proceed with caution and Reader’s discretion is advised.

23

Months past, and after everything was said and done Lyra called Rose from out in the park which separated the shop from her apartment.

“I figured you’d call.” Rose chuckled. She was in a car, music playing behind her.

Lyra laughed on the other end, “how did you know it was me?”

“I have your number saved in my phone.” She smiled “What’s up?”

“Well...I thought you’d like to know that Julian and I are getting married.” She smiled, “I wanted to invite you to the wedding. If you have the time.”

“I'm actually going to spain…” Rose sighed “So i don't think i can...”

“Really?” She frowned, “that’s a shame, Julian really wanted you to come.”

“I know…Alright. I'll try to make it.” Rose chuckled

“You better.” Lyra chuckled,”otherwise Madeve is going to throw a fit”

Rose laughed “Noted. I have to go.. Be Careful….okay?”

“I will.” She sighed, “have fun in Spain, oh and if you visit France….please don’t look me up.”

Rose Laughed “Trust me. Neither of us wants to go that deep in history. I'll see you later lyra.” with a chuckle, she hung up.

Lyra smiled and looked up at the clouds coming in. She retreated back into her apartment and sat out on the fire escape with Madeve.

A few more weeks passed, and surprisingly, Rose showed up. She stood at the back during the beautiful ceremony, trying to look a little happy for them.

Lyra and Julian were both in tears. They could hardly say their vows without breaking down. They had both wanted this to happen for so long and now that it was. It was just so surreal. The park between their home and their little shop was the perfect place to host it. They couldn’t have asked for better weather. As the vows were said and the official kiss was shared Julian and Lyra turned to their friends, new and old. Lyra caught sight of Rose first and her smile got brighter as she waved to her slightly, just before Julian swept her off her feet and down the aisle.

Rose couldny help but chuckle at the sight. He was finally happy, thank the gods. She followed the crowd to the reception, staying back to watch everyone party. She hadn't planned on staying long, she had business to take care of.

Julian stood next to her, “you made it after all.”

“Yeah. Lyra called and convinced me to think about everything. So I decided to show up.’’ She looked at the beautiful bride and leaned against the wall “...Finally made the right choice on who to marry.”

Julian shook his head. “I should’ve done it 7 years ago.” He turned to her, “you never answered my question...so I’m going to ask again. Are you pregnant?”

She sighed and glanced at him “...I was.” She left it at that, turning away.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, “oh gods Rose I’m so sorry.”

“Don't pity me.” Rose moved his hand away and looked at him “And...only one died, if that's what you thought.”

Julian’s eyes flashed, “one? Oh wow….if there’s anything that Lyra and I can do...we would be more than happy to help.”

“I'll remember that.. But for right now, you need to focus on being a good husband for her.” Rose looked at him “You were shitty to me. And I was shitty to you. Do not hide shit from her ilya, it only hurts people. And she doesn't deserve to be treated the way I was.”

“You’re right.” Julian sighed, “still it’s exciting knowing that I’m a father. Anyways...you deserve happiness Rose. I hope you’re finding it in Spain, and with our child.”

Lyra came running over, practically tripping over her skirts, she laughed and opened her arms to hug Rose. “I’m so glad you could come!!”

“I'm glad i could too! You're so beautiful.” Rose hugged her back and sighed “I'm afraid I can't stay long, I have business to attend to outside town.”

“Well thank you for coming regardless!” She smiled, Soren, one of the men in Julian’s mob who was now living life in Spain, ran over to Lyra seeing her trip. He grabbed her by the shoulder and examined her, “Lyra Honey! Are you ok?!? Your hem didn’t tear did it? Your hair looks good,” he circled her muttering to himself before approving Lyra with a nod. “You’re fine sweetie. Pretty as a Princess.” Swing Rose his smile changed to a smirk as he flared out his cape. “Well, Well...long time no see Kitten.”

“Don't make me cut your throat Soren. You know not to call me that.” Rose huffed and crossed her arms “...Plume says hello by the way. He figured you’d be here.”

“Of course I’m here honey.” Sorren smiled, gesturing to Julian and Lyra with a proud smile, “who else was going to make these two look fabulous on their big day. And for the last time.”

Lyra blushes and Julian laughed. Before returning to the guests Soren frowned at Rose. “Hey if you see that asshole of a brother of mine anytime soon tell him to come see me. I miss seeing my stupid twin’s dark himbo face everyday.”

Rose laughed and nodded “Will do. He’s pretty happy from what I hear.” She looked after Lyra and Julian with a soft sigh “Well.. I have to go.” Without a goodbye, she disappeared. She had things to do.

Later that night, a storm had started, making the rain pour hard. Outside, someone buzzed the newlywed’s apartment, camouflaged in the night rain. No one could have guessed that the cat was still there. After one final look at the bundle, she ran off.

After a few long hours of lovemaking the storm rolled in. Lyra was cowering against Julian as the storm raged on he lifted his head from the fort he constructed in the bedroom.

“Who the hell is out in this weather?”

Lyra clung to him, “please don’t leave.”

He hushed her and kissed her forehead. “I’ll only be a minute my sapphire.”

Actually putting on some pants he went out the building, searching the doorway for whoever interrupted their night of peace.

The basket was barely noticeable in the night, all you could see was the dark green bundle, holding a tiny whining little girl and the note on her blanket. The wind howled with her whines.

Julian cursed under his breath, he picked up the note and opened it. Sitting down on the steps as he pulled the little angel close.

“Ilya. No child should have to live the life we did. Please. Take care of our little girl. Her name is Vela. After the stars.~ R” it read. Vela nuzzled into his warm chest. She looked exactly like ilya, with a mix of light auburn curls.

He looked down at her with a smile, “Rose you sly cat. She is perfect.” Julian stood up and went back to his home.

Lyra was very excited to have Vela. Rose gave her the one thing she could never have. As soon as Julian explained Lyra welcomed Vela into her arms as if she were her own. And the storm...didn’t bother her for the rest of the night. They just sat in silence, the three of them, today had been the greatest day of their lives. It was only the beginning of the great future The Raven and his Songbird always wanted.

End

Years later

Spain was peaceful compared to the streets of LA. Rose sat on a balcony, sipping some coffee as one of her men, Vice, came to stand next to her. “So. We have the plan set in motion. We just need someone who can do the job.” Rose sighed, setting down her cup “Well i cant call plume, and Naga is busy…” Vice handed her a piece of paper “If i may… We could always employ him again.” Rose was quiet, examining the text and photo in hands before smiling “Vice. Get my phone. We have a bird to find.”

Miles away, out of sight and out of mind. The cell phone of an old friend rang. Looking over his shoulder at his wife he ducked into the kitchen.

“Whatever you want, it doesn’t concern me. The Black Raven is out of commission.”

Rose chucked into the receiver “Oh come on old friend. Is that any way to greet The Queen of spain?” she shited the phone slightly, sitting down “But really…. We need the Raven back. Immediately.”

[findmeinpops]

FindMeInPops’ 12 Days of Ficmas: Day One - Pen Pals

I’ve actually tried to post this twice already today but it keeps glitching? I don’t why but hopefully third time’s the charm 🤞🏻.

It’s that time of year again where I try to pump out a drabble or one-shot for each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas! I have a couple already written but some of them will be written by prompt and on request - I have a prompt list that I’ll reblog now, if you want to take a look - so bare with for any editing errors! Enjoy, my loves, and have a happy festive season :)

And a quick fyi for those who prefer AO3, my 2019 12 Days of Christmas collection is at this link and should be uploaded with an hour of this being posted.

Prompt: Two friends have exchanged letters since a childhood letter exchange program and one delivers their Christmas letter in person this year

Ship(s): Cheryl Blossom x Toni Topaz

Rating: T

CW(s): reference to child abuse (not detailed)

‘Dear Cheryl,

Merry Christmas, gorgeous! At least, I hope this will get to you before Christmas. Can you believe that we have now been speaking for seven years… It seems like yesterday that I sent the first letter. Eleven year old me had no idea that that one letter could lead to the best friendship that she would ever experience.

Right now I am actually sat at the table in my trailer, it’s not very warm, what with the snow beginning to fall, but I managed to get hold of an old oil heater from a garage sale which helps somewhat. If it gets too bad, Jughead and Betty have me to stay with them for a while but I feel bad with taking up their spare rooms when there are Serpents more in need of it than me. Once I’ve written this I’m heading to the Whyte Wyrm for the Christmas party, they often have a fire going so I can hide in the warmth there for a little while.

How’s the new house? At least it’s big so you don’t have to interact with your mom too much. As for a job, you could try a local corner store or bar, at least until you’ve got a little money under your belt.

I’ll be having a similar Christmas to you. Jughead and Betty have invited me over, I’ll probably just pop in for Christmas dinner and leave it at that. I don’t know what I’ll be doing otherwise but I will be thinking of you. I wish that I could get you out of that house, maybe I can come over to NV when I have saved more money from these jobs I’m taking on and help break you out. Maybe the bar’s open over Christmas, they should pay more for that, right? I won’t have anything to do so might as well put my time to good use.

I love you so much, Cheryl, hang in there, we’ll work something out together and, if not, the Serpents may be able to lend a hand, especially if you head back here with me.

Merry Christmas, my love,

TT x’

I held the letter tight in my hands, the paper crumpled from the number of times it had been folded and refolded it, the corners fiddled with, and pulled in and out of my bag.

I was doing the correct thing, right? I wasn’t insane or delusional...right? It was too late for that, I tried to remind myself - I was here now.

I readjusted the large holdall digging into my shoulder, as I tried to work up the nerve to knock on the door. I had raised her fist so many times but could not seem to actually do it.

The lights were on inside so, in theory, she should be home.

What if I had the wrong address? Oh God, what if she didn’t even want to see me?

Movement inside jolted me from my thoughts as heavy footsteps shook the small building, the lights switched off as keys jangled inside.

Half of me considered bolting but there was no time and nowhere to hide.

The front door swung open, almost hitting my nose and I stumbled back almost slipping in the frosty grass.

“Hello, can I help you?” A familiar sweet voice asked.

I recognised it from the one time I had snuck away from my mother when we had been in town and made it to a payphone. We had never managed it since but I still remembered that voice like it was yesterday.

“Are you alright?” She questioned further before pausing. “Hang on, let me turn the porch light on, I can’t see you.”

With the click of a switch, a blinding light turned on above me before Toni appeared in the doorway. Goodness, she looked better than the picture she had sent me last month.

She no longer had the pink stripes, but her black hair still fell in soft curls down to her waist, delicately framing her face. She was dressed to go out for the evening, it was Christmas Eve after all. Smokey makeup and pretty pink lipstick, a tight black dress hugging her figure, paired with fishnets and heeled boots, she looked drop-dead gorgeous.

“Wow,” was all Cheryl could get out in disbelief that her TT was actually in front of her.

All the fighting and struggle seemed worth it for just this moment: to be free from my she-witch mother and to be in the presence of my love. Yes, I loved her and it was only confirmed by finally being able to properly see her and hear her voice - all I wanted to was gather her in my arms and hold her.

Without TT, I did not know how I would have gotten through the last six years.

“Cheryl?” Toni’s jaw had dropped open, her body frozen in shock as she tried to process what she was seeing. “Cheryl? Seriously, is that you?”

She suddenly moved, flying down the steps and jumping down so we stood in front of one another; she grabbed my arms, holding me at a length in front of her, thoroughly inspecting every aspect of me, no doubt seeing the doozy of a bruise which decorated my cheek, curtesy of mother dearest.

“Yes, it’s me TT.” My voice barely a murmer but it brought her gaze back to my face, her eyes flitting between each of my eyes, her mind probably running a million miles as hour.

“Oh baby.” She whispered, tears beginning to slip from her eyes as she ran a thumb over my unmarred cheekbone before throwing her weight at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and burying her face against my chest. Despite the throb it brought about in my injured leg, I happily took the burden. TT was here, she was in my arms.

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” She kept whimpering against my shirt, it broke my heart.

Dropping the hold-all onto the frozen floor, I reciprocated her embrace, one hand finding its place in the small of her back and the other on the back of her neck.

“It’s alright, I’m here.”

I wasn’t alright an hour ago, but now I was. I was still just as beat up and everything at ‘home’ was still as it was but I was here with TT in my arms.

“You’re here.” Toni whispered pulling back, wiping tears from her cheeks before noticing the smudged eye make-up on my top and deciding to give up her futile efforts.

“You’re here...how are you here?”

“It’s a long story.” I answered. “One for inside in the warmth but, long story short, I’m eighteen and stole some money from a visiting rich uncle, taking the first flight to New York.”

I crouched down and picked the bag back up before swinging it back over my shoulder, wincing slighly as it met yet another developing bruise.

“Alright,” Toni offered her hand, which I gladly took,, “let’s go inside and get you into some clean and comfy clothes. We’ll drink hot cocoa and you can tell me what you need to but I’d also rather like to take you to the doctor,” at the rapid shaking of my head she backtracked, “or at least Mr Jones, he won’t ask too many questions and will be able to sort him out but you can trust FP, he might even left you join the Serpents.” She squeezed my hand before leading me back into her trailer.

Not all was right in the world but I was with my TT and that was all that mattered.

[amwritingmeta]

MCM Comic Con London

Heyyyy, my loves!

I went to my first ever Comic Con on Sunday. I know! First ever?? How could this be? What did you make of it? Did you hug a Storm Trooper? Did you get lost in this huge enormous vast building with huge enormous vast rooms filled with huge enormous vast groups of people? Did you pet the TARDIS? Did you meet RAPUNZEL? DID YOU SEE DEADPOOL?? DARTH VADER?? Did you make a friend? Did you dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?? Do tell!!

Alrighty, then! (I’m afraid I’m going to prove a huuuuuge disappointment) (but there’s Misha panel commentary further down m’kay?)

So, here’s what I learned about myself from visiting Comic Con: I like small, intimate spaces with assigned seating.

Yeah. I know. Told you that you’d be disappointed. 

It’s basically why I haven’t been to Comic Con before tbh. I knew I’d enjoy milling about and looking at merchandise and graphic novels and oh the fan art and seeing the TARDIS (I did see her but I did not pet her) and R2D2 (he moved around and talked to people and everything) *feelings* and passing Darth Vader in the hallway (true story) and just being in a space filled with people nerding out together like YES. My heart was very full. 

But.

(oh here it comes)

My nerdy heart is pretty much sequestered by SPN. While I enjoy the original Star Wars very, very much because epic (obviously) and have enjoyed Doctor Who (on and off) and while I’m a big GoT fan (yes I shall remain so thanks to the books never mind what they did on those final two episodes of the show but also do not get me starts on what they fucking even DID) and I fucking love Disney and anime and animation of any kind, and have a huge respect and interest for the artistry of graphic noveling, that’s just not my world. 

(I do want to start reading graphic novels though and I’ve been so close to ordering the BtVS ones but... anyone have solid suggestions or advice on where to start, hit me up in DM) (I’ve read a few where the art has been unspeakably gorgeous and just mh!)

But because I’m not deep in anything even approaching a multi-fandom attitude, they just don’t grab at me, you know?

So though I’m so fucking happy that I went - truly am (and nope I did not dress up and though I know I’d enjoy it because who wouldn’t enjoy dressing up as Kahlan from Legend of the Seeker? End of the day, the dressing up is more fun when going with a group of people...) (anyway) - it’s not quite my cuppa. That being said, if Misha comes again next year *dirty* then I’m there. I mean, it’s one tube ride from my place. How the fuck could I not? 

Okay, before those three sentences make me say things I’ll regret in the morning, let’s talk about The Panel!

I’m actually going to open with something that Misha kind of threw out there in the middle of the panel because it made me so excited: he may direct in S15! Ahahahah yes please! I really hope he gets to!

Now, what else?

Highlights for me were:

Him talking about the fandom in his warmest tones, which is something he does on the regular, but he spoke of the positivity of the intensity of our community and how he thinks it’s been really cool to be a part of it and to do charitable work together (hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars into worthy causes over the years, so kudos, guys, kudos) It’s a wonderful, surreal phenomenon. *his words* *and so very true* (and we all know this is how he feels, but it’s always lovely for him to restate it)

Ruth sending a video message and prompting Misha to talk about when Amara carved the I Am Coming message into Cas’ chest (and Misha thinking Lucifer carved the message and promptly dismissing us correcting him) *snortlaugh* Has everyone heard this story? Because I actually hadn’t. That Misha was making corresponding noises and facial expression to really convey the message and the only thing was that the top brass at the CW were conducting their yearly set visit and were, in fact, standing at the monitor watching him. *MCM audience laugh track* *aw Misha*

Talking about how close the cast is and how much they enjoy JiB, and how they laugh themselves into shape in the Green Room every year. Admittedly the six pack is a lie, but the aching stomach muscles are a truth. *not jealous because the rest of us are having Just As Much Fun In Our Corner* >.>

When asked what he’ll miss most about the show: the fun they have on set and the people, including the crew, since they all know each other so well and have grown up together. But also he’ll miss the Supernatural community. He knows it won’t go away immediately, but, as these things go, it will dwindle. He’ll miss the fire and intensity that is there when the show is on the air. 

Which is fair, because there will be a dropping off, there will be a slowing down, it’s inevitable, but I honestly can’t see this family ever just dispersing entirely. And I almost wanted to get up there and suggest to him that they consider keeping the JiB torch burning, because giving this community of ours a few set points of warmth each year where people (if they so choose) get to interact with them while also getting to reunite with people we don’t otherwise get to see often and to have those points of warmth to aim for and gather around is a sure-fire way to keep the flame alive. Right? I’m not expecting them to continue doing the con circuit because omfg no, but to have one or two points a year...

Anyway.

Misha trying to do a Scottish accent makes him sound like a leprechaun with a lisp. *ehehe*

Misha telling us that the writers gave them the option to draw out the story for another two-three seasons, or land it in one kick-ass final season, and they all chose one kick-ass final season, which makes me so happy for them, that they get to finish strong and on their terms. It’s so well-deserved.

(I think I’m just going through the panel moment-by-moment at this point) (the panel was apparently the highlight)

Him talking about The Adventurous Eaters Club - the cookbook he’s writing with Vicki that I cannot wait to read, tbh, because I do believe kids often say no at the dinner table because they’re trying to stay in control of the situation, rather than them not really wanting to eat, and as a grown-up, recognising this and relenting control and allowing them free reign to be a part of building their dinner from the ground up and getting them excited about food and understanding the process of actually creating a meal is so damn healthy. Well, if that’s the objective of the cookbook! Just what I’m taking from the premise, but, hands against heart, I adore them both.

Talking about his favourite vehicles for Cas and saying that he’d love for Cas to get a smart car and squeeze Sam into the passenger seat and omfg PLEASE yes. *the imagery is so  e n t i c i n g*

Going full-meta and talking about Cas’ travails going to get the fruit of life without his wings in S13, looking up a flight on Expedia, sitting squished into the middle seat, saying no thank you to food, getting through customs with that bag of fruit, probably getting held up. (quite impressive actually because this happened more than a season ago and clearly he’s given the story gap some thought) (and he remembers) (astonishing) 

*^^^ sarcasm, guys* *sarcasm* :)

If Cas gets to be happy, he will die (my addition: unless he’s, you know, human) :P

Cas’ wings are rainbow (and I’m immediately thinking of them almost like peacock *shhhh don’t even start* feathers that shift tone in the light so that they shimmer rather than are divided up into single colour feathers in a rainbow pattern) (wow I took that seriously af) (but mh gorgeous wings!)

Maison is a goddamn rockstar. *not literally but internally* :)

Okay, so that’s the panel done. And dusted. *sparkly*

And then I met up with a friend of a friend who I’d actually met briefly at JiB - her name is Katie - and I stood in line with her as she waited for Misha autos and I met the loveliest Scottish bloke named Oliver, mostly because I desperately needed to charge my mobile and just said out loud “Does anyone have a mobile charger” and the blessed man turned around and said “Yes, I have one”, so he lent me his mobile charger and was gushing over his photo-op with Misha (it really is the most adorable photo ever) and Oliver was entirely flustered with happiness and just *my heart strings* and then he fucked off and didn’t come back for his charger! 

He just disappeared! Without as much as a by-your-leave!

So we waited. And waited. It was terrible. Having to stand there. Not knowing. Okay, kidding, but we did wait and wait and tried to look for him, but he just didn’t come back.

But just now, ten minutes ago, he followed me on Twitter!! I just accosted him going OMG IT IS YOU IS IT NOT! Do I have your charger?? And it is he and now I don’t have to have a guilty conscience anymore, though I did ease it by thinking that he was the one who literally effed the fuck off and didn’t return. Anyway. What drama, huh? Guess that’s Comic Con, for you. And I got to add the resolution! *sweet*

It was a grand old indoor day and then we went down to the river for food and lots of alcoholic really-really-tasty beverages and good company. 

The End.

[deeahhnuh]

2019!

I've done this year-in-review thing since 2007! 2007-2012 are over on my old LiveJournal, and 2013-on are right here on my Tumblr. :)

2020. 2020! That year sounds space-age or something lol, and not like it's just, well, tomorrow. Happy New Year, Tumblr!

What did you do in 2019 that you'd never done before?

Not too much, lol! I guess I just kept doing the things I usually do, but tried to do them better/improve them (when it comes to work!), or do more of them (fun times and family times!).

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Every year I mention that I don't really make New Year's resolutions - more like little goals all year! - but hey, it's a new decade! This year I think I will make a resolution that I will hold myself to. In 2020, I resolve to work hard - like really hard - on being healthy! Eat right, exercise, lose weight, work on maintaining less stress - be good to myself! I know everyone makes that kind of resolution, but it's a good one for a reason. :)

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Aw, no new babies this year!

Did anyone close to you die?

Sadly, yes... my uncle (my dad's oldest brother) passed away in May. ♥ We also lost a beloved neighbor in August.

What countries did you visit?

Lol, none!

What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

I seemed to lack the ability to chill this year, haha - I stressed out about everything! :O So I’m ready to go with the flow better in 2020!

What date(s) from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Can’t think of any big dates, but this December marked 5 years since I graduated (and gave a speech at the departmental ceremony, to toot my own horn lol!) from the University of Maryland! Time is bizarre - 5 years feels both forever ago and also not that far back!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I’ve been working in the registrar’s office at a community college for three years now! I love it, and I’m proud of the work I do!! :)

What was your biggest failure?

Everything’s a learning experience of course lol, but thankfully I didn’t goof too bad this year! ;)

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Oh my goodness, I started off the year with a thumping in my right ear (the name for it is “pulsatile tinnitus” - which somehow makes it sound scary!). :O Happily, that mess dissipated in a few months’ time, but it sure did worry (and annoy) me! Other than that - all good! :)

What was the best thing you bought?

I was very fortunate this year to buy a few things that really made me smile!

I do love a perfume! Dior Addict is a stunning, spicy vanilla (I love ‘em sweet!) that really hits the spot.

I’m also pleased, on the “I stan goofy dance music” front, to have found a couple of old Ministry of Sound compilations that I’ve had bookmarked on Amazon for awhile - they came back in stock this year and I snatched ‘em up. Anthems Sound of Dubstep (2012) is brash and obnoxious fun, and Sessions Ten (2013) is slightly less brash but just as obnoxious so I love it. They’re both releases from the Australian arm of MOS!

Oh and one of my fave used record stores had a copy of one of DJ Rap’s “Bad Girl” CD singles with mixes I didn’t have; I was kinda shocked to see it and very very happy to buy it! It was only 99 cents. Wow!! I do like a ridiculous deal! :)

Whose behavior merited celebration?

My mom is amazing, as always, and so are my dad and brother! I love my fam!!

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

No one!

Where did most of your money go?

See above - my more frivolous spending went toward perfume and goofy dance tunes, haha!

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I will never, ever forget opening a very special present for Christmas this year. I love and adore It’s a Wonderful Life, and I even wrote a paper about it in college. I used a fabulous book as one of my sources - The It’s a Wonderful Life Book by Jeanine Basinger - and since then I’ve always had it in the back of my mind to purchase it someday. It’s a fantastic keepsake kinda thing for a fan of the movie. Unfortunately it always seemed to be out of stock, or way too expensive to consider, so over time I kind of just put it on the back burner.

But just a few days ago on Christmas morning as we all opened gifts, I tore wrapping paper off a box, pulled off the box top, and bam - there it was. Decorative tissue paper obscured it, but I could see the book cover peeking through - The It’s a Wonderful Life Book! My mama, the best mama, found this awesome book for me! My Christmas - my year! - was made! ♥

What song will always remind you of 2019?

Here’s a Spotify playlist of the songs that I loved this year; most are old releases lol. New(er) songs and albums I loved this year:

“Like Sugar” by Chaka Khan. Funky!

“Lost in the Fire” by Gesaffelstein feat. The Weeknd. Cool and atmospheric!

“Lights Up” by Harry Styles. Boy band guy makes good lol! Great tune.

Mazy Fly (2019) by SPELLLING. Dark, richly layered, weird, beautiful.

The Destroyer - 1 and The Destroyer - 2 (2019) by TR/ST. Two EP-ish releases that make up a whole album-ish listen. The Destoyer - 1 slightly edges out the second release, but I just like hearing so much synthy TR/ST goodness!

Compared to this time last year (2018), are you:

Doin' all right, and hopeful for a great start to 2020!

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Listen to more albums - new or old! The last few years I seem to listen to a handful of albums a year, then spend the rest of my music-listening time playing dance music compilations. Ah well, maybe I'll catch up on my massive "to listen" list in the next decade lol!

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stress (see above lol) - but I'm def working on it! :)

How did you spend Christmas?

Family time!! ♥

What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2019?

Nothing, yay lol!

How many one-night stands?

None lol

What was your favorite TV program?

My silly cartoons! Family Guy, American Dad, Bob's Burgers, and SpongeBob SquarePants (lol idk, nostalgia is hard to kick!) still make me laugh even though I am otherwise a perfectly reasonable adult. :)

Bravo's Real Housewives - all of 'em! - crack me up and bring the totally ridiculous drama!

The Orville is fantastic, one of my fave more recent shows. I love the cast! Each episode really adds to their stories and builds the show's world. Looking forward to the next season!

Emergence is a great new sci-fi show with a strong cast - especially the sensible, big-hearted lead Allison Tolman - and suspenseful storyline!

I haven't seen the first season, and to be honest I don't think I'd be able to explain what the heck it's actually about because I'm easily confused, but American Gods caught my attention this year! The cast is excellent - even if the plot escaped me, lol, I really got into the characters.

And What We Do In The Shadows! Such a delight!!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

I love a classic, slightly minimal style, but I'm just happy to look decently put-together lol!

What kept you sane?

My fam, my entertainment stuff (music, movies, TV, magazines), working with wonderful colleagues... ♥

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No! :O

What was the best book you read in 2019?

The It’s a Wonderful Life Book was probably the best book I read (well, most of it!) this decade. ♥

What was your greatest musical discovery?

SPELLLING is awesome - definitely an artist I'm excited to hear more from!!

What did you want and get?

I won't say The It’s a Wonderful Life Book again! :)

On a more serious note, I had my first MRIs in a while for MS maintenance - my previous neurologist retired and my new doctor wanted to get a baseline. I was very, very anxious about getting the results. My former doctor last ordered an MRI in 2011, so this was definitely a good and highly necessary step, but very nerve-wracking! I'm so fortunate to not be experiencing symptoms - and haven't since my initial occurrence of optic neuritis in '09 (though I was actually diagnosed with MS in 2011) - but what might the MRIs (brain and T- and C-spine) reveal?

I wanted to receive good results - a report of stability, not progression. And would you believe it? I did. My (amazing!) neurologist gave me the greatest news I had all year - stable, no new lesions, all good!! Of course this is for now - who knows about the future? - but I'm thrilled, and thankful. As this year ends and I reflect on all the good, this takes the cake!!

What did you want and not get?

Pffft, nothin' lol! I've got so many lovely things and reasons to be thankful - who could ask for more?!

What was your favorite film of this year?

Lol I did not see many new movies, but of the '19 films I saw, my fave was Knives Out! I only just saw it yesterday - what a fun way to close out the year! Fantastic cast, clever story, funny - just all-around entertainment.

I also loved Yesterday. All the Beatles references and the obvious affection for the group and their fans just felt like a great big hug! So good!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Girl I'm well and truly a thirty-something now - 33!! I had fun! I did lots of little fun things with my fam - like shopping, watching movies, that kind of good stuff!

What three things would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Like I said above - who could ask for more? Not me! :)

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I'm late to the David Harbour bandwagon - but better late than never!

And also Daniel Craig in Knives Out was a good thing.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Ew, there's something stirring like every hour or so.

Who did you miss?

Losing my grandmother at the end of last year really colored a lot of this year... and then losing my uncle added more shadows. ♥♥♥

What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019?

I always answer this one with a twist on the Pet Shop Boys song title and my life philosophy - "Happiness is an option." So here we go! The chorus of the song acknowledges that "it is not easy," and some times are definitely like that. This year had those moments, and next year will too, because that's how life is! It is often not easy.

But! The last bit of the chorus follows "it is not easy" with "happiness is an option." Things can stink, but they can be okay too. That's what "happiness is an option" has always meant to me, and it means that just as much this year. Maybe even more!!

What quote can be used to sum up your year?

See above haha! "Happiness is an option” has been my fave quote for years, and I’m gonna keep on living it! :)

[caladhel-iarian]

Talking to Dhel is like going to dinner at Dick’s Last Resort

General Information—— —

FULL NAME:  Caladhel Ia’rian.

NICKNAME(S):

Dhel.

Dek.

Hardass.

The Ice Prince.

Smokestack.

Ladle.

Daddy. This is an excellent way to ensure he never talks to you again. Use with caution. And by caution, probably don’t ever call him this if you like his company.

Various other silly, syrupy endearments his brothers come up with on the fly.

TITLE(S):

Crown Prince Caladhel.

Master Caladhel.

Professor Ia’rian.

AGE:  305. Roughly the equivalent of a human in his mid-to-late 30′s.

BIRTHDAY:  October 29.

RACE:  Highborne. Yes, he has distinctly Sin’dorei colouring. But take a look at his ears, his height, his build, his face--he is not Sin’dorei. 

GENDER:  Male.

ORIENTATION: 

Heteroflexible.

Sapiosexual. 

Demisexual.

MARITAL STATUS: 

Married to his work.

(He’s single. Good luck changing his mind.)

Physical Appearance—— —

HAIR:

Thick, black as pitch, and silky. Mostly straight, though the jagged ends tend to swoop in all directions. He has two long strands that drape over his shoulders and touch his abs, long bangs (often swept to one side in a ponytail), and the rest is a choppy mess.

EYES: 

The irises are a rich chocolate brown with gold flecks. If they didn’t glow lime green, they’d resemble a deeper, darker tiger’s eye stone held up to the sunlight.

His eyes are narrow and almond-shaped, and they slant up at the outer corners. They’re also rimmed in black lashes thick enough and long enough to make many women envious.

HEIGHT:  8′ even. He’s a big boy.

BUILD: 

Many students express surprise when first confronted by this professor. They expect withered, hunched old men with beards longer than table runners, or frail, fragile dolls who would shatter in a stiff breeze. Instead, they get an enormous, broad-shouldered elf who looks like he could probably swim the entire Great Ocean without getting winded.

While he’ll never resemble a walking refrigerator, if you catch him naked, you’ll find plenty of lean, defined muscle. Dhel has a swimmer’s build.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: 

A lip piercing that he doesn’t always wear.

Glasses. If he’s not wearing contacts, he’s wearing his glasses. Otherwise, he can’t see his hand in front of his face.

Tattoos. Many, many tattoos.

Knotty scars around his ankles, his heels, and his soles.

He has a birthmark on the tip of his right big toe; it resembles a bird with wings spread.

Both cheeks dimple when he smiles.

His smile is crooked; the left side of his mouth pulls up higher.

You’ll rarely see him without a cigarette and a cloud of purple smoke hanging around.

TATTOOS:  Left arm:

Family crest on the inside of his forearm (a massive tree on a hill with the sun rising behind it).

Infinity symbol curling around his wrist. It looks like a musical staff.

Musical staff around his bicep. The staff contains notation and a few lyrics.

A trio of fox kits chase a red butterfly down the outside of his forearm.

Right arm:

Azure cloud serpent Ouroboros on the outside of his forearm.

Marionette with cut strings on the outside of his bicep.

Words from his favourite poem on the inside of his forearm.

Fleur de lis on the inside of his wrist.

A Punch ‘n Judy stage with the titular characters on the inside of his bicep.

From his neck down, he is covered in runic tattoos that are only visible when he uses magic. They glow a vivid violet during his spellcasting. 

PIERCINGS:  A lower lip piercing. He doesn’t always wear it.

COMMON ACCESSORIES: 

Cigarettes.

Pen and paper.

Eyeglasses.

A mithril ring on a simple silver chain around his neck. The ring is shaped like an ivy vine set with emerald leaves and tiny moonstone flowers.

A string of jade prayer beads wrapped around his wrist like a bracelet.

Books.

A briefcase and/or messenger bag filled with folders. The folders contain assignments he needs to grade and outlines for future assignments he can give his students.

Personal Information—— —

PROFESSION(S):

Crown Prince and Heir Apparent.

Vocalist, pianist, and lyricist for the rock band, Dysphoria.

Adjunct professor for the Sunfury Spire (Silvermoon) and the Violet Academy (Dalaran). 

He teaches World Mythology, Ancient Runes, and Advanced Evocation for the older students during the fall term, and general education for the kiddies during spring and fall terms. 

On occasion, he also teaches ballroom dancing as an afterschool elective.

HOBBIES: 

Collecting books.

Reading everything he can get his hands on.

Writing poetry and short stories he never publishes.

Ice sculpting.

Working on the book he does plan to publish.

Traveling and urban exploration.

Baiting people with harsh banter.

Tutoring kids.

Tea ceremony (both teaching and indulging in).

Making paper lanterns.

Solitary walks.

Playing piano.

Pointing out all your faults.

SKILL(S): 

Natural inclination for frost magic.

Conjuration.

Evocation.

Singing.

Playing piano.

Undefeated champion of hide and seek.

Making people upset.

Making people cry.

Born to teach.

Martyrdom.

Being an asshole. He’s real good at it.

Likes to think he’s great with words.

Despite how acerbic he is around adults, he’s fantastic with kids. 

Observant. Probably too observant.

Analytical to the point of paranoia.

Pointing out your flaws.

Hypocrisy.

Scrying.

Making a damn good cup of tea.

He’s a walking, insulting bag of dicks, but he’s surprisingly good at picking out gifts for people.

Getting pissed off faster than you can blink.

Fashion. The man’s a snappy dresser. Just as snappy as his mouth.

LANGUAGE(S): 

Thalassian.

Darnassian (ancient and modern).

Shalassian.

Gutterspeech.

Taurahe.

Common.

Zandali.

Pandaren.

Orcish.

RESIDENCE: 

He owns a penthouse apartment in Silvermoon. It’s located near the Court of the Sun and he shares it with both Lin and Bren--and the rest of his family whenever they come to visit.

He also has a penthouse apartment in Dalaran, smack in the middle of Runeweaver Square.

In the Brydydd Theatre outside Tranquillien (Ghostlands), an entire suite of rooms has been set aside for him.

Back in his homeland, he still has his private suite in the royal palace.

BIRTHPLACE:  Sunset Palace on Skyfire Isle. It sits at the end of Morning Glory Lane in the capital city of Berl’din Mor.

RELIGION: He’s about as religious as a rock.

Relationships—— —

SPOUSE: 

Unmarried--whether by choice or because no one can put up with his acid tongue, who knows? 

If you’re interested in getting him down the aisle, best of luck to you.

CHILDREN: 

None at the moment. But he’d love to have a large family of his own.

Because his genes are just as dominant as the rest of him, if he ever knocked a woman up, she can expect that her first child will be children, either twin boys or triplet sons. His line has bred true in this fashion for countless generations.

PARENTS: 

Taenaran Ia’rian (father).

Sumire Ia’rian nee Ker’anith (mother).

SIBLINGS:  In order of age:

Calaglin Ia’rian (triplet and elder brother by two minutes).

Calabren Ia’rian (triplet and younger brother by two minutes).

Ylinderwyn Ia’rian (sister).

Kethian Ia’rian (sister).

Istaunna Ia’rian (sister).

Kouwin Ia’rian (brother and twin to Kouyuu).

Kouyuu Ia’rian (brother and twin to Kouwin).

Yenchul Ia’rian (brother and twin to Tevryn).

Tevryn Ia’rian (adopted brother and twin to Yenchul).

Phirayaela Ia’rian (sister).

OTHER RELATIVES:  Too many to name here. Suffice to say, he comes from an enormous clan and holidays are busy. Both his grandmothers are still living, as well as his many-times great-grandmother.

PETS: N/A

Traits—— —

•extroverted / introverted / in between.

•disorganized / organized / in between.

•close minded / open-minded / in between.

•calm / anxious / in between.

•disagreeable / agreeable / in between.

•cautious / reckless / in between.

•patient / impatient / in between.

•outspoken / reserved / in between.

•leader / follower / in between.

•empathetic / indifferent / in between.

•optimistic / pessimistic / in between.

•traditional / modern / in between.

•hard-working / lazy / in between.

•cultured / uncultured / in between.

•loyal / disloyal / unknown / in between.

•assertive / timid / in between

Additional Information—— —

SMOKING:  never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never/ sometimes / frequently / to excess.

Extra—— —

FACECLAIM(S):  Aoi of the GazettE (Shiroyama Yuu). But mostly, I just draw him.

VOICE CLAIM(S):  His own, I suppose.

ALIGNMENT:  Chaotic. 

NAME PRONUNCIATION:  Caladhel

CULL-uh-dell

CULL-ay-dull is also a possible pronunciation, but this is considered obscure and doesn’t really see use anymore.

Ia’rian

YAH-ree-ahn

IN GAME NAME: 

I don’t really play WoW anymore, but if you’re interested in him and you play Final Fantasy XIV, you can find him on Balmung under the name Kaito Fujiwara.

Otherwise, you can hit me up on Discord. Ask me for it. But be warned that I am slow to respond both because I have projects to work on and I make drafts of all my posts; I want to give you the best I can write.

OTHER:

You May Know Them If:

You’re a fan of music and you follow any bands around Azeroth and/or Eorzea. He and his band have been featured a few times in a popular music magazine called “Azerothian Axes.”

You’re a Magister/Magistrix. He’s part of the Conclave of Mages in Silvermoon and a decorated war veteran.

You ever attended classes at the Sunfury Spire or the Violet Academy; he’s taught there for several years now.

You also teach classes at either of these locations.

You’ve been to music concerts, including the concerts held each month in the Darkmoon Faire. He and his band have performed on this stage.

You’re friends with a girl who’s had her heart broken by this icy bastard and you’re out for some revenge.

You grew up in Silvermoon and played with the other kids. He’s probably kicked your ass at hide and seek.

Rp Hooks:

Find him in a bookstore and he’s more likely to be mellow enough to carry on a conversation with you. He likes books. Get him talking about them.

Find him in his favourite cafe in Silvermoon and he’s probably sitting at a table alone, grading student papers. Be smart in your approach and he’s less likely to try to bite your head off. Tea is a good way to get him interested.

If you’re a fan of his band/music, interact with him after the show. Approach him during the meet and greet. Just be sure he’s around his brothers or he’ll probably say some unpleasant things. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t bring him gifts. Or do, if you’re the sort of person who really enjoys conflict.

If you’ve ever taken one of his classes, talk to him. Ask him about his lectures. It’s a surefire way to get his attention and if you can speak with him intelligently, you’ll get on his good side. Or at least not on his “I wish you’d fall off the face of this planet” side.

Are you the adventurous, treasure-seeking type? Meet him on one of his journeys to collect ancient knowledge from ruined cities and tombs. Just be wary of his brothers lurking in the shadows.

Have kids who are fond of wandering off when you’re a little distracted? They are a bazillion percent safe with Dhel. Let your kid approach him and they’ll find a stern but gentle caretaker who will protect them while he helps them find their lost parent/sibling/nanny/governor. Just be ready for him to give you a tongue lashing for being an inattentive adult. And definitely do not call him “daddy” unless you never want to see him again.

Dhel is pointing out your flaws.

[its0katka]

A Personal History of Mountains

I’m five years old, seven years old, thirteen years old, and I drive through mountains to get to my cousin’s house an hour away in Duchess County. I know they aren’t really mountains though, because they aren’t tall enough, or craggy enough. They don’t look like the mountains I see in books and on TV. 

I’m used to tall things because of living in New York but the skyscrapers are oftentimes too tall and give a warped perspective on what tall actually is. Nature is different, though. Nature is real.

They look pretty in the fall when the leaves change colors, but when it’s summer they just look like oversized bushes, in the winter they are a dead bark brown. They aren’t rolling, it’s usually one large dome and then normal-sized foliage otherwise. Sometimes they look pretty when they are covered in snow.

I try not to think about mountains because one time I tried to hike Bear Mountain and I hated it.

I’m 20 years old and I’m flying to Ghana. We transfer planes in Germany and as we fly south, we cross the alps. I don’t know which alps, but we’re so high up above them that all we see is snow-capped tops and sharp peaks clearing the sky. I remember how excited I was to see them, because they looked like real mountains, and I was so close to them.

In Ghana I went on another hike to Mount Afadjato. I thought it’d be fine because I’d done a hike to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh the summer before, and that was alright, it was the same amount of time (two hours up, an hour down) and I figured I was spry enough to do it.

I wasn’t. I fell behind the group quite far, especially when trying to walk down the mountain. I was suffering badly with the elevation. I was wearing Crocs. 

Arthur’s Seat was 822 ft tall. It had stairs along the way, and safety ropes. Mount Afadjato 2,904 ft tall. It had nothing but steep climbs, slippery rocks, and a worn train. I lost my footing at one point and slid down the mountain, I thought I was going to die. The group went to a cave the next day and I opted to stay home and try to watch the Ghanaian version of American Idol on the TV we had that never really worked.

I’m 22 and living in Žilina, Slovakia. I was provided with a three bedroom flat all to myself, for the modest price of $400 Euros a month. My Independent Study stipend pretty much covers the rent, I have to use my personal funds to buy food but it’s not too bad because I don’t have a fridge, so I basically have to eat vegetarian, eat out, or not eat at all.

From my balcony (yes, I have a balcony, yes, it’s where I keep my milk, cheese and yogurt to stay cold in the frigid November temperatures), I can see the Malá Fatras, a Slovak mountain range that’s popular with skiers. I love standing out on the freezing balcony looking at it because these are the tallest mountains I’ve ever seen, and the closest I’ll ever get. It makes me feel normal, like the world is not so vast, like there are borders and boundaries and it’s somehow cozy, in a weird way.

One weekend, all employees of Stanica are gone on holiday; Dusan goes on a trip to Bratislava with his girlfriend, Audrey and Helen go to Budapest. I am on my own except for Ints, who offers to hang out with me while everyone is gone, who makes sure to take me out to bars and have a good time, who drags me out to a mountain nearby to go see some castle ruins, except that I’m hungover as hell and the walk up is steep as hell and we stop for a cigarette break halfway through and I admit that I’m dying and I’m sore and dehydrated and can’t go on, can we please go home?

We stop at a bar on the way home and have warm beer. We go out later that night and I scream at him drunk in the snow because I want to have sex with him but he keeps saying he has a girlfriend but no one has ever met her, ever, not even his closest friend Aldrick and everyone keeps saying to me, “Wow are you Ints’s girlfriend?” and it killed me every time.

Years later I would understand that he was doing the right thing, he liked me but he was doing the right thing and knew it would be bad if we got involved. 

I’m 28 and on my honeymoon and we make a stop in Lake Como. I’m still not feeling 100% health-wise, and I welcome the chance to relax along the lake. Our Airbnb is a time capsule, it’s a separate room and bathroom attached to the home of a spry Englishwoman who married an Italian man and basically gets to see out her days in their Sala Comacina flat, with paramount views of Lake Como and a water taxi stop down the road. 

It’s more beautiful than anywhere I’ve ever been. The air is clear and crisp and warm, the Italian alps are visible in the far distance, snow capped and a stark comparison to the emerald green, sloping hills along the lake. When the sun sets, it turns them brilliant neon colors of pink, orange and purple.

We dine on prosciutto pizza and grilled fish at a place where the tables and chairs are made of plastic, and the local teenagers drop by for cokes. I take a picture and post it. Someone asks, “Is this a painting?” No, it’s reality.

I’m 30, and we’re driving through Switzerland, exhausted and half sick but determine to visit Berggasthaus Aescher, the famous building built into the side of a mountain, which serves food if you’re lucky enough to get there. I’ve done all the research, including figuring out how to get there by car, through winding roads and up steep elevations and narrow streets where the Swiss sports cars zip around like it’s no big deal except if you aren’t careful enough you may well drive off a cliff because there are zero barriers, dude.

We see old people, old people, riding bikes up the hills and I just feel really bad about myself, in comparison.

We find pockets of green space, sprawling hills with farms and cows, so many cows, cows everywhere and adorable cottages and I just keep wondering, “Oh my god what does one do here to occupy their time, especially with all of these insane hills and narrow roads to climb?”

Finally we reach Ebenalp and the cable car that will take us to the top of the mountain. All the way there we’ve been surrounded by tall crags and ranges of snow-peaked geo wonders. I can’t stop taking photos of them because this truly is the closest I’ve ever been to a real mountain. It’s 5,380 ft high and I wonder how on earth it’s possible for this cable car to bring us up so steeply and yet be so smooth and yet never just one day fall apart and crash.

We get to the top and realize we are sorely underdressed; I, in a thin sweater and a designer purse, Handsome Man in a long sleeve shirt and dress boots. Everyone else around us is wearing legit hiking gear — industrial boots, heavy coats, snow pants, bandanas. All of the things I read about Berggasthaus Aescher said it was an 15 minute hike to the guesthouse. I am winded in the first five minutes and I am walking down, not up.

At Berggasthaus Aescher, we realize it’s too late to buy food because the last cablecar leaves at 5:30pm, and if we miss it, we must hike all the way down, and who knows how long that’d take and what condition we’d be in by the end. We take some marvelous photos and retreat back where the steep climb has me stopping several points through to catch my breath. I see old women and little kids hiking and wonder what the hell is wrong with me.

I really liked Switzerland when we were there, it was this crazy place where everything was so expensive and no one looked like each other and the language, what even was it, and we paid $40 for pad thai at a takeout place, and Handsome Man got food poisoning because he didn’t cook his fondue meats well enough.

But what I can’t stop thinking about are those mountains, and valleys, where it’s just you and the land and the animals and the nature, and it’s so beyond beautiful and peaceful and you wonder how anything could ever be wrong there, and it’s not wrong there, it’s perfection.

[dangertoozmanykids101]

My Very Own Doubtful Guest, Chapter 1

"It came seventeen years ago - and to this day

It has shown no intentions of going away."

---The Doubtful Guest by Edward Gorey

A shiny silver Lexus pulled up in front of a California bungalow, nestled precariously into the western side of San Leandro Hills. The car door slowly opened and an exceptionally tall, lean man stepped out, stretching his hands up so high that he might've touched the heavens if he went up onto his tiptoes. His shirt, already a bit disheveled from driving in the car for an hour was fully pulled free, exposing his narrow waist after such a stretch.

He glanced around at his surroundings, as he continued to stretch his back, twisting this way and that, rolling his head forward in attempt to relieve the lingering stiffness in his neck. A little voice in his head scolded him: 'Buck up, old man! Stop whining and tuck your shirt back in so you don’t look like a hobo.' Meanwhile, a second little voice piped up: 'Or just take the shirt right off. Imagine, old man, how nice a massage would feel for those knots in your back. If you play your cards right...' For the moment, he chose to go with voice number one, and tucked his shirt back in. Voice number two was right that a massage would feel great. But today required diplomacy rather than a Don Juan.

His curly, dark blonde hair was brushed back off his face. His beard was trimmed short and more reddish brown than blonde. Of course, with a couple stray gray hairs invading his chin these past couple years, the beard may look blond again at some point. Or it might at least from a distance, he reassured himself occasionally.

The neighborhood was quiet, with narrow curvy streets that twisted awkwardly between the eclectic mix of houses. The buildings were uncomfortably close together and only set back a few feet off the street. This made it feel more overcrowded than it really was. Luckily most people were still at work, meaning a parking spot was available right out front. In a few more hours, once everyone was home for dinner, the closest available parking spot might be blocks away.

An older woman was working in the yard across the street. She had stopped working to watch as he stretched and unrolled his sleeves before putting his suit jacket back on.

He waved when he saw her, shouting, "Greetings, Mrs. Dixon! Your garden has never looked so lush! I can smell the roses from here!"

As soon as he spoke with that hypnotic British accent and flashed his million dollar smile, it was obvious that she recognized exactly which prince charming had stepped out of that luxury car. Mrs. Dixon's face lit up, as she waved back.

"Well, hello Tom! What a sight you are!" She started walking toward him, already giggling with excitement to see the man.

He quickly reached back into his car, and popped back up with a bright yellow sunflower in hand. Jogging over to the woman, he handed her the sunflower with a slight bow and a warm smile.

"For you, my Lady Dixon. To match your bright and sunny smile."

"Oh Tom. You are such a charmer! Now come down here to give an old lady one of those manly bear hugs. Why have you stayed away so long?" She held onto him stooped over for her as long as he would let her. Once he pulled away, she started rubbing his arms. "My goodness! You have really grown up and out! Heavens to Betsy, Tom! Look how beefy you are now! Last I saw you, you were still just a skinny, lanky boy. Look at you now! I'm going to put you to work, with all that muscle. You just let me know when you have time. I've got a list a mile long for ya."

"Will do, Mrs. Dixon! I'll be happy to help with whatever you need while I'm here." Waving to her, he walked back to the car while still wearing that smile that could melt an iceberg.

He would be happy to help her out. She had always been very kind to him, and generous. She could bake sweets fit for a king, or a Prince Charming, and his sweet tooth was no secret. The table in her home was always covered with cakes, pies, and cookies needing to be tested. It was a task which he happily obliged with raving feedback whenever given the opportunity.

He only grabbed one bag out of the trunk, he could bring the rest of his stuff in later. It was probably best if first impressions implied that he was just here for a short visit. Grabbing the bouquet of flowers from the front seat and locking the car door before glancing at his reflection in the car window, he ran fingers through his hair. It was a curly mess right now, so the motion was more of habit than a genuine attempt to fix anything. Taking a deep breath, a small smile crept onto his face as he finally started up toward the door, one step at a time.

He stood there a moment, staring at the house and gathering up one last much needed morsel of courage. With one last deep breath, he began the short walk up the steep driveway and even steeper steps toward the front porch.

The house looked the same it had ten years ago. Wow, had it really been ten years since he'd been back here? Had it been ten years since they'd even spoken? It was good to be back.

At first glance, very little had been added, changed, or improved. A few new plants out front and a new tree along the side, but otherwise it had the same pale yellow stucco with white trim. The window sills were peeling again. Maybe he could give those a quick scrap and paint while he was here. It would feel good to help out a little. Maybe a little home repair would help mend any broken bridges or residual hurt feelings.

He continued to just stand there, still staring at the house as a few moments turned into a few more minutes. A normal, considerate friend would have called first to ask if they could come visit. But when had he ever been a normal friend, let alone considerate. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the thought of how surprised she would be to see him after all this time. He could guarantee it wouldn't be a pleasant surprise at first.

She never enjoyed his spontaneity. In fact, she outright despised things that weren't planned out. That's what made surprising her all the sweeter, wrenching her out of her comfort zone. It wouldn't be any fun if it was easy. Besides, she would soften up and come around, eventually. She always did but until that point, he'd enjoy every moment of riling her up.

He fondly remembered how beautiful she was when she was angry and flustered. Of course, frequently he was the cause. Closing his eyes, he took a brief moment to remember those moments of perfection when she would finally forgive him.

Nerves and excitement mixed and made his heart beat faster. The whole drive from the airport he had imagined how it was going feel to sweep her up into his arms again in a tight bear hug. Yet as he stood there at the door, he just hoped she would still answer it once she realized it was him.

The doorbell still had tape over it. Maybe that was another thing he could fix while he was here. After a firm rap on the door, he waited while shifting his weight from foot to foot. Turning, he took in the view. It was breathtaking, absolutely breathtaking. Even on a hazy afternoon like today, the other side of the bay was still visible.

The view could look so different depending what time if year it was. They had spent so many hours sitting out on the porch, talking late into the night, watching the city lights twinkle, the planes pass over head, and the stars shift slowly as the night hours flew by.

After a few minutes of staring off into the distance, a car driving by pulled him from his thoughts. He turned back to the door and gave another hard knock. This time he heard commotion inside. Several voices shouting at each other could be heard before movement in the window caught his eye. A little curly blonde head with two eyes and a nose peeked out from behind the curtain.

Well, this was a surprise.

__________________

This is a reblog, since I can't find anything in my scroll anymore and Tumblr won't let me search my own blog.

This is also posted on AO3.

[paranormal-teapot]

There’s A Ghost, Loose In The Hospital!

Okay so, this is gonna be my post about GHOSTS IN THE HOSPITAL! Haha no but for real. Also warning, looooooong post. Wow so long.

Basically this comes in two parts, part one is about the OLD hospital that was built in the 1930s as a children's hospital by the former Governor of my state. It was mostly built to serve children with polio, but accepted children with many types of orthopedic ailments. This building was later converted into a veterans home in the 1980s when the children's hospital was moved south to, and I'm giving a big hint about my location here ya'll, Los Cruses.

So ghosts? Yes. The staff at the veterans home, as well as visitors, have heard the pitter patter of little feet running around, and even seen children that were later found to not belong to anyone. The worst and creepiest story I've heard was from a friend of mine from high school.

He told me his mom used to work up at the veterans home. She said that while she was working there she would wipe down tables and when she came back around they would have children's hand prints on them. Now keep in mind that children do probably go up there to visit but she reported this happening even when there hadn't been any visitors, child or otherwise. I think she also worked graveyard, so do with that what you will.

Also the "New" children's hospital in Los Cruses is ALSO supposedly haunted! But I'm not here to talk about other hauntings in my state, just my town thx vry much.

On to our current hospital.

The current hospital was built in the 1950s on the top of a very steep fucking hill. the hospital was originally a 15 bed critical care facility and is now a 25 bed critical care facility w/ physical therapy room, mental health facilities, two clinic areas and an emergency room (recently renovated and expanded!). As well as an upstairs surgery facility.

The building used to host nuns who resided in the area which is now, fittingly, the behavior health area on the second floor. Original stain glass is still 100% intact up there and in what is the old sanctuary. So basically your sitting in old nun rooms when you go to talk to a counselor and your using in a treadmill where 100s of people prayed for the safe recovery of their loved ones. That alone is kind of haunting.

Despite the countless lives that have passed through, and sometimes ended, at the hospital, I've only ever read about the one haunting. The nuns. Though they technically left the hospital years ago, they used to work comforting patients and cooking meals. Supposedly, people sometimes smell the nuns brownies long after the kitchen has closed, and even if no brownies have been made. I can confirm I've never seen brownies in the cafeteria, or smelled them being baked while the kitchen was open. But I've also never smelled the brownies any other time, so if the nuns are around, they know I'm up in the air about ghosts and are currently respecting my space.

After checking up on some sources to confirm the haunting, I've learned that several other things have been reported happening in the hospital. Though please mind the fact that, I have local people I've heard talk about the haunting nuns and their delicious ghost brownies. I have heard of only one of these other haunting, and I think it may be a standard hospital haunting story that you get with most places.

That said, it's said that staff have experienced linen closets opening by themselves. TBH this one sounds implausible. WHY? Even if you are positive you aren't on a slant around here, you probably are. Also most of the doors in the hospital are heavy? Like really solid. Not saying it hasn't happened but its easy to get spooked at a hospital like this one, trust me, I was sitting in a waiting area with other people right there in broad daylight with all the lights on and I still started to have a panic attack!

Another haunting, beds moving up and down all on their own in empty rooms. I have no explanation for this one. TBH a lot of the beds in the hospital are modern, like most if not all. The new ones are easy to move up and down....if you, ya know, have feet or hands that can push on the pedal/lift bar. Spooky.

More people like haunting include shadows that you see out of the corner of your eye, that disappear when you turn to look at them head on. Standard haunty stuff.

And a disembodied baby's cry that happens when a woman is about to give birth. I heard this one but tbh it sounds like something you hear about all the old hospitals. Like standard ghost baby cry's to signal new life. Shrug.

These stories all change depending on what site your looking at too. Like babies just crying for no reason. Ghost babies. And just like all the doors moving when no ones there. Much creepier given what I told ya'll about how heavy some of those doors are. And random electronics going off, pretty normal for a haunted place.

Probably most creepy is that the stories go from nice nun brownie smells to actually SEEING NUNS in the kitchen area. Ugh creepy. Definitely hope that one isn't true.

K so here are my personal feelings about the hospital and junk. These are abstract in some cases because I've never seen or heard anything but I tend to get....kinda feelings about this stuff? That sounds fake as shit and super dumb and sketchy but whatever I can't help it. All I know is that day or night, when I'm in an old part of the hospital, upstairs or down, I feel mega creeped. The nuns actually don't bother me at all, ghost nuns that bake brownies and just chill sound pretty all right in the grand scheme of things.

But as I mentioned I've never seen the nuns and I've also never smelled those delectable brownies. But I've felt kinda like I was being watched in the stairwell that leads from the old nun rooms to the old downstairs nun rooms? Thank god for elevators, I hate all the stairwells in that place tbh.

Day or night the only thing I feel upstairs is either angry (like I'm not angry something else is) and panic. Angry, like ghosts who DON'T want people wandering around disturbing them. It's not really aggressive? Just like, the ghosts of a buncha irritable grandpas is chilling in the upstairs, just let them rest and grumble about the weather hurting their old people joints okay? The panic is hard to place? I've only ever felt it in the waiting area that was once one of the nurses stations, in the east end of the upstairs area. To be fair, this station is right outside the surgery area. But today was the first time I'd ever seen that area or even knew it existed, I was super excited to get pics of it. But also when I think of that area I get very nauseous. There was an area filled with rooms just before the surgery area that was kinda light teal that 100% makes me get a lump in my throat. Not a good area, people def died there? Unpleasantly. The actual surgery room felt way less like, oof, ya know? But that teal area was wow nope.

Nurse station = Panic? Teal area = Worse panic/nausea because PEOPLE DIED AND IT WAS NOT A GOOD TIME, Surgery = Strawberry Milkshake but kinda sinister. Patient rooms=Grumpy grandpop wants to nap just leave him be? Stairwells = I would rather die in a fire than get accosted by stairwell ghosts, or go on the elevators alone.

As for the downstairs.... in the general downstairs area I feel an unpleasant shadow lurking just all over the damn place. If it's night and your walking around it's a super unpleasant feeling and is worse when you have to pass a room that’s door has been left open and that is completely dark. Sometimes florescent lights flicker too. Because light bulbs are not forever and they run an entire hospital so... like it happens....but its creepy.

That's just about it kiddos. That’s the entire haunty mess. I hope you enjoyed this!

[keywestlou]

CLASS NOT CRASS

What a difference four years makes. The Inauguration yesterday was a class act. It was wonderful to be back where we belonged. America rose from the dust.

Ashamed I am not to tell you I cried a bit. I spoke with several friends afterwards and this morning. Males and females. They all cried.

It was a new day and we knew it!

Amanda Gorman was a hit. Wow! Only 22 years old. A National Youth Poet Laureate.  Her appearance, words, delivery…..Everything perfect.

She and Biden have something in common. Speech disorders. Stuttering.  You would never have known it yesterday.

Where they found Amanda interesting. She was recommended by Jill Biden.

Amanda’s career is made. She will be an adult Poet Laureate in due course. She will pen America’s history for years to come.

Melania can’t win.

She left Washington yesterday morning in a black outfit. When she departed Air Force One in Palm Beach she was wearing a colorfully patterned Gucci dress.

Her new life had begun.

Some social media enthusiasts were critical of the cost of the Gucci dress. Retails for $3,700. Her business alone. If you have it, spend it.

Two points of interest regarding Proud Boys. Considered the top terrorist group in the U.S.

Its leader was arrested yesterday on several federal charges arising out of January 6.

He or some other person in leadership “pulled a Trump.” They turned on Trump. They were disappointed in his conduct and comments late in the game. Labeled it as “fleckless.”

Poor Donald. Everyone is leaving him. Deservedly so. He turned on many. It’s the old story. What goes around comes around.

Just because the terrorists did not attack yesterday does not mean they will not in the future. It does not take much in the way of brains to understand you don’t initiate a battle when the other side expects you to. Twenty five thousand National Guardsmen sufficient reason to be dissuaded.

This is the lull in the storm. The National Guard, etc. will leave in due course. Biden and his team will not. They will be ready for the next onslaught, however.

As of tuesday evening, Trump had given pardons and commutations totaling 143.

Steve Bannon should not have received a pardon. A bad guy through and through. His goal in life is to wreak havoc on established governments and bring them down.

He should have pardoned Giuliani. The man prostituted himself for Trump at every turn.

I believe also he should have pardoned his children. Ok to leave Jared swinging. However children are deserving of a father’s protection wherever possible.

Trump could not have pardoned himself. In my opinion it would not have been legally correct. Even if legal, it would have done him no good. The Manhattan DA and the Southern District of New York will get him. This year!

Biden showed an immediate toughness yesterday.

Peter Robb was appointed some 3 years ago as counsel for the National Labor Relations Board. A 4 year term. He had roughly 10 months to finish.

Biden wanted him out. The position a very important one. The Counsel alone decides which labor disputes are heard by the entire Board. Robb has been aggressive in providing the board with a pro business agenda. He cared little for labor.

To place his conduct in perspective, Robb was Reagan’s counsel when he fired the air traffic controllers.

Here is how Biden’s toughness exhibited itself. He wanted Robb out. Labor wanted Robb out.

Soon after being sworn in, President Biden had a letter delivered to Robb. Resign or you will be fired at 5 o’clock.

Robb refused to resign. Replied with a letter that might be described as a challenging one. Like take your best shot.

Robb is finished. He was out of his job at 5 pm.

There are many reasons why locals did not want cruise line ships coming to Key West. Besides ruining the waters.

The cruise line ships were at the bottom of the ladder economically. Generally, the cheapest to buy a ticket for.

Locals describe the passengers as “polyesters.” They spend very little money on shore. They buy T shirts and drink beer in local bars.

Evidence of their cheapness is most return to their ship for lunch. It’s already paid for. Then they return to Duval.

They are of no economic value overall to the community.

It was recently announced that 2 carriers were soon to fly into Key West. You might say great! Increased business!

Not all locals do.

A local’s opinion was shared in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Low-budget airlines are now coming to Key West! Now the trash is going to fly in versus float in.”

I do not necessarily agree with the “trash” verbiage. However, I can understand the feeling.

Former President Ulysses S. Grant was in Key West this day in 1880. His parade down Duval was received with thunderous enthusiasm.

Following the parade, he was guest of honor at a dinner at the Jefferson Hotel.

The Jefferson Hotel was unknown to me. I did a little research.

Its location on the 100 block of Duval. The bank building still sits on the corner of Duval and Front Streets. Then there is the driveway entrance into Hogsbreath. On the other side of the driveway is where the Jefferson Hotel sat.

Three stories high. The Grant visit at a time when Duval Street itself was dirt. The sidewalks brick.

There was a fire at the Jefferson Hotel in 1957. The 2 photos I found did not reflect serious damage. However, I could not ascertain whether the building sitting where the Jefferson Hotel did is the same structure.

My thinking is yesterday. I always thought a whack on the ass was appropriate punishment when wrongdoing by one of my children was serious. Otherwise, their mother took care of the discipline. She was guilty occasionally of a whack also.

Today, I would be arrested for what I did yesterday.

I subscribed to the Biblical “spare the rod and spoil the child.”

I used the palm of my hand in exercising punishment. One good hard swat. Sometimes it hurt my hand more than one of their bottoms.

In May Johnson’s time, people did worse in punishing their children.

On this day in 1897, May was at Mrs. Sewell’s for tea. A Sewell child was named Dot. May wrote in her diary: “Dot, behaved like the Dickens, so her Papa whipped her with the razor strap.”

Corporal punishment! Child abuse today. Good for some jail time.

Enjoy your day!

  CLASS NOT CRASS was originally published on Key West Lou