#Manifesting high grades and a great graduation party

[yarrystyleeza]

So, apparently, I'm starting college next Monday, I'm truly exhausted, but I want to excite myself for the new year, it's my senior year and I wanna make it unforgettable but I have no idea how. I'm just rambling rn.

[aka-ashi-keiji]

Bittersweet

Akaashi Keiji

soft angst, unrequited love

a/n: this was for a school assignment lmao but i really really enjoyed writing it, even though love stories are def not my forte :(( but angst definitely is, so enjoy!!

Keiji, such a beautiful name. This was the name of someone who you held so closely to your heart, but weren’t necessarily as close to his. Despite this fact, the fondation in which your friendship was built off of will always overpower your sense of heartbreak as you realize that not all the feelings you feel for Keiji are reciprocated. The earliest memories your mind encapsulated revolved around the amount of time you spent with him as a child. Your mothers being best friends and your houses set on the same street, you each had a “built in best friend”, as your parents would like to tell you. And it was true, he was your best friend all through the enjoyable years of grades kindergarten to fifth. As well as staying through the hell bound years of grades six to twelve. 

The core memories accumulated through the daily interactions between you two, stood out so brightly in your mind even years after graduation. Racing each other down hills even though those races always ended with either you or both of you with scraped knees. the scars still graced your skin and were visible under the skirt you wore to your office job day in and day out. Spending time sat in the shade provided by your house, in the backyard as your backs faced each other. On these days of your early preteen years, Keiji would bring you a new book every time, insisting that you would adore it. You nearly always did, and when you think about it now you’re not entirely sure if you truly did like these books, or if you just adored the person sitting with his back to yours as he read the same set of words. 

Despite whether you adored the books or if you adored him subconsciously, this admiration soon became a conscious thought that consumed your entire being. It all started with the garden of flowers that grew near the back door. Tiger lilies, roses, tulips, all varieties of each end of the color spectrum, definitely the second most beautiful thing that took part of Keiji’s household. The first being obvious, but nonetheless beautiful. But one specific flower soon had woven its roots of beauty and simplicity into your mind. Forget-me-Nots were simple, easy to overlook, kinda like Keiji and yourself. But when examined closely, they were completely immersed with beauty. Or, that’s what he would tell you everytime he handed you a bundle of these precious plants. Every morning since fourth grade, you would walk with Keiji to school. Every single one of these walks began the same. Around when you both were first years in high school, you finally asked. 

“Why do you give Forget-Me-Nots every morning?” 

To which he replied with, “Maybe if I give you them enough, you’ll never forget me.”

At this point in time, you had become conscious of the romantic feelings you had for keiji, but you could see it in the way he looked at you and in the way he gazed at the girl who sat next to you in English. His eyes weren’t tainted with the same love you felt for him, his eyes only became tainted when they were focused on her. 

You had read about this, the emotion of something much worse than a breakup. Unrequited love. The concept only existed in stories you read with the person who manifested this fictional feeling into your reality. But that feeling started to dull as his closeness started to become tainted just as your eyes had been for so many years. This had started your third and final year of high school, after the girl you sat next to in english had dumped him on his birthday. You were at that party, you watched it happen, You watched as she laughed with another the next day, while Keiji wept into your shoulder. You had never seen such genuine and painful tears spring from his beautiful dark blue eyes. His eyes were no longer tainted with that love, but instead flowed through to his actions. 

He started to linger longer after walking you home, bringing books over ‘just because’. He stayed for dinner now on the days where he would normally be out on a date, and not just on the weekends like before. Everything that unrequited love had taken from you, was now slowly making its way back into your life. The taint that still clung to your eyes seemed to force yourself to see the same emotions through his actions. Maybe this unrequited love was finally starting to go both ways. You knew in the back of your love sick brain that you were just being hopeful, and that he most likely was just being himself and his love was still only platonic. But a heart that had been bruised so many times can only handle the bleeding inside for so long. 

Your emotions had begun to spur your actions, linking your arms with his in the halls at school, legs over his lap as you both read on the couch, the grazing of your knuckles when you two walked too close together. He too, mimicked these habits. His head finding its way to your shoulder as you two studied, squeezing your hand when he sensed your unease, and even the smallest glance of his daring eyes seemed to hold yours for a second longer than would be comfortable, but it was comfortable with him. Even though the words never came from Keiji’s lips, you could’ve sworn you felt them with every move. I love you too. 

One day however, your feelings became too great to live in your mind. The love that manifested in fourth grade in his backyard was finally going to be voiced and accepted into the world. This day was like any other school routine, but the excitement and nausea was the catch. You waited patiently to hear Keiji’s strong but subtle footsteps come into earshot as you waited on your porch. Once they had, your heart nearly pulled you to his side, the giddiness concerning Keiji. 

“Are you alright? Are you cold, you're shaking.” He asked quietly as he began to take off his uniform blazer. Oh only if he knew. He placed it over your shoulders and began to reach back to the side of his school bag as you softly thanked him. What happened next was something so completely normal, but it still made your cheeks dust pink everytime. And today was no exception. He held out a single bundle of the precious flowers, his soft subtle smile gracing his face. You smiled back brightly as you took them, and with that you started your commute. 

You nervously picked at the stems as you fought the urge to just blurt out your confession. You nearly decided against it, but you shook your head as you promised to go through with it. You owed it to yourself, after all the years of pain you unnecessarily had put yourself through. And even though you knew you had to come clean, you still feared that maybe this was just a side effect of a love sick brain and a heart damaged by an emotion you read in a teen fiction book in seventh grade.  But that taint in your eyes never left and it remained glossy as ever. So as your steps fell in time with Keiji’s, you spoke. 

“I like you” 

He slowed down a bit and turned his head to see you staring at the gift he had given you. “What?” You both had stopped in your tracks now. Slowly but surely, your eyes connected to his and with one look, the taint had spread through your body and infected your heart. 

“I like you, or actually I love you.” You stammered out, the weight that sat so heavily on your head and heart finally receded. But soon returned as the air around Keiji was filled with silence. “That’s what I wanted to tell you.” You spoke again, hope filling your voice. You smiled at him as his eyes had suddenly become a shade darker. 

“Oh.” One word, that’s all you got. And that one word shattered the taint that covered your heart, and bruised it once more. 

“Oh?” you questioned, silently begging for more of an answer. Hoping for the answer you wanted. But you knew you wouldn’t get. His eyes still bore into yours, your smile fading along with any hope of this going the way your feelings had told you it would. 

After the few seconds that felt like eons, his explanation finally fell from his lips. The words gentle, but still sharp enough to draw blood. 

“Y/n look, y’know I care about you and I’ll always be your best friend but it’s just that-” 

You cut him off, you knew what he was about to say and if he said it, it would’ve split your heart in two. You saying it didn’t dull the damage as much as you hoped. 

“You still love her, huh?” You asked quietly, your heart pumping adrenaline into your veins, every muscle in your body working together to keep tears from falling. You didn;t want the answer even though you already knew it. You knew it from the start, you knew that fictional emotion wasn’t fiction and unfortunately, it was permanent. But you couldn’t blame yourself, you were sick, too love sick for your own good. And something you wished that book had told you, was that unrequited love could be deadly. 

A single nod was all it took. And when you think about that day now, you remind yourself that you should really listen to the thoughts that stick around long enough. The thoughts that don’t deter even when you have the strongest of feelings. You didn’t know how to feel, or what to say. In all honesty, what could you do? So you did the one thing you had mastered over all these years, you hid your true feelings.

“Okay, that’s alright!” You said brightly, beginning to walk once again. His steps fell in time with yours, and he even tried to apologize, apologize for being honest. But you assured him that it was okay, that you two were okay. You couldn’t be mad, but that didn;t stop you from being broken. It was true, your friendship continued as always, never letting the side effects of unrequited love over power the strength of the love manifested in your friendship. 

You both soon graduated, promising to keep in touch. And that you did. You both began to travel quite a lot after university, your jobs moving you all around the globe. But the tradition of the flowers that grew in Keiji’s backyard never ceased no matter the distance. They may have not shown up everyday, but they made their way to you on most occasions. 

On one very specific day, the day your first company launched, the bouquet of the dainty little flowers made their way to your office desk. However this time, they came with a note. 

“You didn’t forget me yet did you? I always knew you’d do great things. Congratulations y/n, come visit soon. I have some new books I think you’ll adore. 

- K.”

You could never forget him, you couldn’t ever forget Keiji even if you wanted to. The memory of him brought you back to that emotion that only existed in the fiction books you read in seventh grade. It wasn’t fiction, it was most definitely and undeniably real. Unrequited love was bitter, but with Keiji it was also sweet. And that’s something you could never forget. 

************************************************

a/n pt. two: as an akaashi simp and stan this hurt my heart.

part two is under construction :))

[omoi-no-hoka]

Hey! I saw your blog today and I love it very much!! I see you're an open person so, I also have a question: HOW does one survive studying japanese at uni?? I'm in my first year and only my second (online haha) semester and we started out with Minna no nihongo 1 but we're supposed to finish Minna 2 by the end of this semester, same with Basic Kanji book 1 in the first sem and now Basic Kanji Book 2, all while also learning mostly of Japan's history and others in this semester. Exams will kill me

Hello! I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog! I am open to a fault lol. Let me recount my meandering journey through uni, illustrating my feelings through gifs of Noel Fielding because he is my celebrity crush.

Uni is such a difficult time for so many people, trying to figure out who you are now and who you want to be later. It wasn’t until my senior year that I realized what I wanted to do. I started writing out my university experience and it got super long, so allow me to just summarize my “Lessons Learned” here and you can read the rest if you want to know all the dirty deets lol. I double-majored in Japanese and English, so I think that my experience can perhaps be useful to people who are majoring in things other than Japanese as well. 

Hard-Learned Lessons from Uni

Do not choose a course of study because it is “practical.” Choose it because it is something you love. Seriously. Nothing is more important than this point. Do not choose a major because “I’ll make a lot of money” or “My parents are telling me this is good for me.” 

If you are learning multiple languages at once, you must give your brain time to organize what you learned from one language lesson before moving on to the next. You can do this by waiting a couple hours between lessons, getting up and walking around, studying one language in different space from the other, etc. Otherwise, it all becomes a terrible mess in your head.

It’s okay not to know what you want your career to be. It’s okay not to have a specific plan. Life works out one way or the other.

I know how expensive uni can be. (It’s been six years since I graduated and I’m still making hefty loan payments.) But don’t feel like you have to take a full courseload every single semester and graduated asap, particularly if the classes are hard and/or you are working. I took the maximum credit hours allowed every semester on top of working RIDICULOUS hours and it nearly killed me at one point. I’m not kidding. 

It is not unusual to have an identity crisis and/or mental breakdown. Take care of yourself. Know when you are nearing breaking point. Seek out the help of professionals. Most universities have psychiatrists and therapists that will see you very cheaply. 

Surround yourself with good people and look out for each other. 

Do not rely on substances to ease your suffering because sometimes the remedy becomes the malady. Not saying you should avoid all parties or anything square like that, but just don’t be one of those people that parties every night and gets in over their head. 

Let me preface this by stating that I’m an American, and our universities are stupid because they force us to take a ton of “general education” courses that are irrelevant to our majors, and many students spend their first couple years taking only a couple courses related to their majors and minors, and try to focus on getting those stupid gen eds out of the way. 

Year 1: Oh Shit, This Is Harder Than I Thought It Would Be

I come from a town of less than 2600 people. Our high school prepared its students for the following career paths:

joining the military (boys only)

becoming a farmer (boys only)

welding, carpentry, or other practical jobs (boys only)

becoming a housewife (girls only)

So basically I coasted through high school never having to study anything because it was one great big joke, only I thought I was like super duper smart because I was in the top five of my graduating class of 48. LOLLLLLLLLL

I entered university as a German major, Japanese minor. (Japanese was not offered as a major at my uni). I had never studied German previously, but I studied Spanish and French in high school and I just had this feeling that German and Japanese were the languages for me. 

The first semester, I had Japanese 101 and German 101 back to back, in the EXACT SAME CLASSROOM. I can’t stress enough how much of a mindfuck it was to go from thinking about Japanese for 50 minutes, having a 10 minute break, and then trying to switch your brain to German. IN THE SAME ROOM. It actually gave me headaches to try and make that mental jump. Managed to pull through the year with A’s in both, but German was much more of a challenge to me than Japanese. Which was really unexpected. 

I also flunked several gen eds because I didn’t give a shit about them and skipped them and got placed on academic probation and was nearly kicked out of uni because of my poor grades

Basically, I was such a weeb that I had watched enough anime with subtitles and sung along to enough anime songs that I had absorbed about 90% of the first year’s worth of Japanese vocab and grammar through osmosis. I really did have the power of God and anime on my side.

Year 2: The Year of the Mid-Midlife Crisis and Mental Breakdown

There really is no gif that will encapsulate the level of turmoil I went through that year. I looked really hard for one, trust me.

It became apparent very quickly that I could not keep up with German. I ended up dropping it early in the first semester, which meant I had to choose a new major. Thinking of what would be practical to pair with a Japanese minor, I went for International Business for a semester, took Accounting, and realized that I HATE The Man, corporate bullshit, and also numbers as a concept.

All I knew at this point was that I liked Japanese but couldn’t make it a major. I also knew I didn’t want to transfer universities. So I kept taking gen eds, just barely passing them because to this day I cannot bring myself to put effort into something I do not care about, and also taking more classes related to my Japanese minor. It was the Japanese classes that saved my GPA and kept me from getting kicked out of uni.

At the same time, I took a creative writing course because that’s been a hobby of mine since elementary school, and I kinda thought about an English major, but then was like, “Eww I don’t wanna be forced to read books I don’t give a shit about. And also, what will I do with that degree?”

Also, at the same time, I was working full time, and often getting stuck working from 2 pm to 7 am (Yes, 15-hour shifts, because the overnight dude would call in sick last minute and I’d be begged to cover his shift), and then dragging myself to classes and drooling on the desks because I’d fall asleep.

Also also, I started to have possible hallucinations? To this day I don’t know what was going on, but either I was legitimately going crazy, or there was a demon following me around and being quite rude to me, making light fixtures fall and shatter inches from my head, throwing papers around my room, opening and closing doors, turning lights off and on, coming to me in dreams and doing some really, really traumatic things to me in them, and just standing in corners staring at me at all hours of the night. Had me so scared that towards the end of the school year I was waiting to sleep until sunrise, when it would go away. And no, I was not using any mind-altering substances of any sort. Not even going out and getting drunk. 

So, yeah. Year Two was a hard one that I can’t believe I pushed through. Probably the darkest year of my life, I’d say. What got me through it? An unhealthy amount of energy drinks, friends, and my love of Japanese. Also Aerosmith.

Do I still see that demon? No. He vanished when the school year ended and I moved out of the dorms. Do I believe in the supernatural? Yes, to an extent. Do I think that what I was seeing was actually a demon? I honestly don’t know. I have had actual supernatural experiences verified by multiple witnesses, and a few years before Year 2, several friends and myself had seen an entity similar to what was following me around. But this one in Year 2 only did things when I was alone. So it could have all been in my head, and I will never know. 

Since then, I have been diagnosed with general anxiety and also a form of insomnia that keeps me from sleeping through the night, and I know that my anxiety manifests itself in psychosomatic ways. In other words, my mind will take my anxiety and turn it into a physical symptom that feels real in every way, but is actually not occurring. So far it’s manifested as: sensitivity to sunlight, the symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, half of my face going numb, and headaches in my left eye. Once I realize that the symptom is just my anxiety, I can force myself to ignore and overcome it. But then my anxiety finds a new form to manifest, and the cycle repeats a few months later. It could be that my stress caused me to see this demon for a while.

Should I have consulted a psychiatrist and gotten help? YEP. If you find yourself struggling like that, seek help please. 💕

Year 3: Adrift But Afloat

I moved out of the dorms and into an apartment with my best friend, a Japanese girl I met in the dorms freshman year. I will call her Setsuko. Setsuko is basically the reason I graduated uni. She memorized my class schedules and took copies of exam dates, woke me up, forced me to go classes instead of skipping, forced me to go to the library and study with her, and cooked me dinner most days since she didn’t have to work like I did. I can’t express enough how much she did to improve my life outside of school and work, and how much that improved my mental health. She also acclimated me to lots of subtle things about Japanese culture just by living with her, and this helped me later when I moved to Japan. Thank you, Setsuko. 一生の恩人。

I was still doing those bullshit 15-hour overnight shifts way more than I should have, and also had the maximum courseload.

The Japanese classes got a lot more difficult in Year 3. But I loved them. They were the only classes I never skipped. I took more classes towards the minor like Buddhist Philosophy and Japanese History, which I really enjoyed. While polishing off more gen eds, I thought over what to do with my major. 

My family and friends all told me that I should become an English teacher. I had always been good at words and at explaining things. But I didn’t really like the idea of being a high school teacher. I became an English major, though, because I knew that I didn’t hate English. Took grammar classes and HOLY SHIT did I hit my stride.

I realized that I didn’t like English lit. I liked linguistics. So I focused heavily on all grammar and linguistics courses, taking the bare minimum of literature courses required for the major. My GPA improved substantially. 

Yet I still was consumed with this nagging fear. It was Year 3 and I still had no fucking idea what I wanted to do when I graduated.

Year 4: Clarity At The 11th Hour

Urged on by my “Don’t you dare get one of those stupid arts degrees that won’t get you a paycheck” parents, I decided that the most “practical” degree would not be “English,” but “English Education.” I began taking the English Ed classes with linguistics, grammar, and second language acquisition classes. The goal was to become a qualified English high school teacher who could also do ESL (since I had Spanish and Japanese under my belt more or less). 

At the same time, I entered into Independent Study for Japanese with two other students. We were tasked with reading Izu no Odoriko, a classic short story. Independent study was its own beast. It required a lot more concentration and work on my part, obviously. But because Japanese was my first and foremost passion, I centered my efforts on those courses, and then on the others.

The process of getting certified to be an English teacher was lengthy and expensive in my state. This meant my graduation would be further prolonged, and I was worried about money, because I was already about $50,000 in debt at the time, despite working those fucking overnight shifts all the time that were eating me alive.

Then, during the summer vacation when my 4th year ended, I got a scholarship and went to Japan to study abroad. Education majors had the option to study abroad in several countries, and as luck would have it, one of them was Japan, and it was Setsuko’s HOMETOWN! The study abroad program itself was the first month of summer vacation, and Setsuko said, “Okay, just come stay at my house for the rest of summer vacation!”

Never have I said “yes” quicker in my entire life.

On the train headed from Sapporo to the town where I would be actually staying during my studies, I looked at the lush rice paddies and mountains in the distance and my entire heart just hummed with this “This is where you’re meant to be.” I knew then and there that I would move to Japan upon graduation.

What would I do there? Well, teach English, obviously.

My three months in Japan effectively aligned my entire life. My path had materialized before me. It was a roughly hacked, hard-to-see path through thick underbrush, but I could see it nonetheless. 

Year 5: Let’s Hurry It Up, I’m Ready To Live

Come Year 5, all of my Japanese classmates that had been with me since freshman year were gone and I was alone. My professor taught me Classical Japanese through independent study, and it was the must grueling course I took my entire five years there. But I found it invaluable and am eternally grateful to him for teaching me, because you see Classical Japanese a lot more than you’d think you would in everyday life. Particularly in formal settings. 

I still wanted to get certified to teach English in American high schools, because while I knew I wanted to go to Japan for now, I didn’t know if I wanted to spend my entire life there and I wanted a solid job opportunity when I came back to the states at some point.

However, the more education courses I took, the more I saw that the American education system was just as full of red-tape and The Man’s bullshit as corporate America, something else I rebuke with every fiber of my being. I also realized I’d need to take a 6th year of university, and that just wasn’t financially feasible for me. So I switched to a plain old English major with a heavy focus on linguistics and second language acquisition, and continued classical Japanese. 

I took the remaining 3 gen eds online in the summer, graduated, popped up to Chicago to do a month-long intensive course to get the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages issued by Cambridge.) It’s the most widely accepted and revered certification for teaching English as a foreign language.

So in the span of five years, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a focus in linguistics and SLA, and what is technically a major in Japanese Studies. 40 credit hours were required for a major, and I completed 42 credit hours tied to my minor, so while it isn’t listed on my diploma as a major, I did the coursework. I also got a CELTA Pass B, which only 20% of applicants achieve and never expires. The grand total for all of this was roughly $100,000 USD in loans.

Post-Graduation

The week I came back to my hometown from Chicago with my CELTA in hand, I packed my suitcases, threw a going-away party, and then flew to Sapporo, where I began my first job after uni, teaching English to children aged 0-18 at a private English conversation school. I did that for three years before changing careers and becoming a Japanese-English translator/interpreter for a global company. 

So how useful have my choices during university proven to be?

I’m sure I don’t have to explain that studying Japanese helps me tons with translating Japanese to English or living in Japan lol

Studying English grammar, linguistics, sociolinguistics, and second language acquisition has allowed me to recognize minute nuances that can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful business negotiation when interpretation is necessary.

My background in education also means that I know how to present information clearly, concisely, and in a way that engages the audience. I am known as “The PowerPoint Pro” at work lol. 

I also have a keen eye for performance evaluation, behavior analysis, and improvement action plans. 

I offered English conversation lessons to coworkers for over a year, and now that is being done in other branches across the company! (Well, they were before COVID haha.) 

I DO NOT RECOMMEND WORKING THE HOURS I WORKED WHILE IN SCHOOL. My grades suffered and I wish I had worked less and focused more on classes. However, by working 15-hour shifts and doing full days of classes, I developed a very good tolerance for overtime, which comes in handy in the Japanese workplace. Just last month I had three 15 hour days in the same week. Sweet, sweet overtime pay. 

All of these facets have culminated in me earning a pretty nice promotion to 正社員 seishain back in February, which means I get nice benefits and basically my job is guaranteed until I die or the company goes under.

Should I decide to return to America someday, I will probably not go into the education field. Too much red tape. I will likely continue translation/interpretation for companies, because it isn’t too difficult and pays well. Though ideally I’d love to just make a living sharing cool information about Japanese and stuff, and maybe writing those stories that are bouncing around in my head when I should be working haha.

Do I think the debt is worth it?

Well, I don’t think I had any other option than to take out those loans. I didn’t have the means to learn the things I wanted to learn unless I went to university. 

Unless Japanese work visa requirements have changed, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in order to obtain my sub-type of work-visa, so I needed a degree of some kind no matter what. 

Frankly, if I hadn’t gone to that university and met my best friend Setsuko, I don’t think I’d be where I am right now, living the life I am now. So just having met her is worth any price to me. 

Paying off all the loans is daunting, especially when yen is weak to the dollar. There were months I had to ask my parents for help, especially early on. But now I’ve got multiple loans paid off, my salary has increased, and the “omg i have money and no supervision so I can buy whatever I want” idiocy has mostly gone away. But I did get a super sweet pair of blindingly silver Converses a couple days ago that I definitely didn’t need

Do I have any regrets regarding my time at university?

I still regret dropping Old English for a stupid English Ed class. Seriously, how cool would that have been? But I still have the textbook, workbook, and I contacted the professor last week and she was kind enough to send me a syllabus. God bless her. So now I’m working on that bit by bit, which is fun.

I wish I hadn’t been such a cocky, naive idiot my first year. Thinking I could just “show up for tests” was the stupidest thing. It messed up my GPA, and my parents forbade me from retaking classes so I couldn’t go back and fix my mistakes. I think I graduated with a 3.4 overall GPA out of 4, but my English major GPA was 3.9 and my Japanese GPA was 4.0. So it’s pretty frustrating to have those gen eds and my dumbfuckery mar my transcript like that.

I really didn’t party at all. Most all of my friends were straight-laced Japanese exchange students, and I was also working ridiculous hours so I just didn’t really have the time. A part of me feels like I missed out on that part of the college experience.

Recently I’ve been putting more effort into improving my creative writing by reading a lot of books on the subject. Not a small part of me wishes that I had gone with a Creative Writing major instead of English major, because I still would have studied all the grammar and linguistics. Then again, I do believe that creative writing can be self-taught.

I wish I hadn’t worked as much as I did. There were a lot of times I couldn’t complete assignments or I missed lectures because I was just so drained. It wasn’t even good money.

Well...I did not intend for this post to become as long as it has. I’ve been cooped up in my apartment with nothing but two goldfish for company for over a month now and I think I’m a bit stir-crazy. Thank you to anyone and everyone who bothered to read all of this and become my therapist for a bit haha. Love you all. Stay safe and well. 💖

[ewoodx]

ETHAN WOOD SEASON 2 !!

[GREGG SULKIN , MALE , HE/HIS ] do you hear [PHENOMENAL BY EMINEM ] coming from the beach ? oh, that has to be [ ETHAN WOOD] . they are a [ TWENTY TWO ] year old [PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER ] from the outer banks, and they’ve been living there for [TWENTY TWO YEARS ] . they were chosen to be on the show because they are a [ KOOK] , but really , I heard it’s because they can be [ ILL TEMPERED  & DEMANDING ] . if you get to know them though , they’re pretty [PROTECTIVE & ENERGETIC] . they might become a quick audience favorite due to their [ SIGNATURE SMIRK, PRETTY BOY CHARM & RIPPLING PECTORALS]

Hello lovelies! I’m Ally && this is the updated bio for Ethan Wood, your favorite arrogant, frat star with a hot temper && a secret heart of gold..I promise ;) Shoot me a message if you’re interested in plotting.

STATS;

Full name;  Ethan Alexander Wood

Age; 22

School; UNC

Birthday; August 19th

Height; 5’11 but he’ll tell you he’s 6ft

Parents; Olivier and Daphne Wood

Siblings; two brothers: Julian (older) & Damian (younger)

Occupation; Striker for Inter Miami CF 

Location; the eight, OBX and Miami during the soccer season

Sign; Leo

(+) ; protective & energetic.

(-) ; ill-tempered & demanding

Sexuality; heterosexual

Pogue or Kook; Kook

Character Inspiration;  zach siler (she’s all that) chuck bass (gossip girl), mickey milkovich (shameless), damon salvatore (vampire diaries) tim riggins (friday night lights) asher adams (all american) billy hope (southpaw) joe kingman (the game plan) maui (moana)

EARLY YEARS;

Ethan Wood was born and raised to do one thing and one thing only: play soccer. Being the middle child of legendary University of North Carolina starting forward Olivier Wood and renowned athleisure wear designer Daphne Wood, there was only one path for this budding young soccer prodigy. And it was to follow in daddy’s footsteps donning the prestigious Carolina blue and white of his father’s alma mater. 

His childhood was pleasant, raised on his family’s estate in the coveted Eight and filled with family getaways and father/son trips to UNC/Wake Forest rivalry matches. Matches that he hoped to one day play in. Young Ethan was a natural talent and he picked up the game rather quickly, spending every free moment practicing in the yard or scribbling down strategies. He wanted nothing more than to make his father proud and carry on his legacy. 

HIGH SCHOOL;

Ethan was sent to one of the finest private schools on the island that money could buy. Of course, he wasn’t there for his grades and what he lacked in brains, his skills on the field made up for. He made varsity soccer his freshman year and then went on to become captain during his senior year, reveling in all the perks that came with being a star athlete: parties, hookups, popularity. As Ethan’s athletic abilities along with his ego continued to grow, so did his competitive edge, arrogance, and hot temper which is known for getting him into trouble on and off the pitch. He’s no stranger to an alcohol induced bawl and struggles to keep his temper under control. 

COLLEGE;

It’s no secret that in the OBX money talks and Mr. Wood had deep pockets. A library donation and a legacy later, Ethan finally realized his dream and secured a spot on his beloved UNC soccer team. His temper being the reason for the trouble in the first place. It didn’t take long for him to become the frat star worthy of his reputation. Sure, he had to overcome those pesky freshman years, team hazing, and locker room banter, even spending the half a season on the bench for his hot headed temper. Nonetheless, he managed to make a name for himself even if slightly tarnished.

SEASON ONE; 

Fresh off his college graduation, Ethan returned to the Outer Banks with his sights set on playing professional soccer in the upcoming season. Before entering the real world in the fall, he joined the show for one last hurrah and boy did he get what he signed up for. The summer was filled with all sorts of shenanigans, parties, booze, and hook-ups. 

Ethan rounded out the first season of OBX rather unscathed, save for a secret hook-up and an unlikely friendship that he formed with a pogue. He gained some notoriety from the show and it was a perfect launch for his new life in the public eye.  

POST SEASON ONE 

Ethan started footy training in the fall after the reality show ended, and he currently plays for Inter Miami CF, a team owned by David Beckham himself. He took up residence in Miami for the soccer season (come visit him !!  or come to one of his matches) and traveled the country with his team becoming the soccer star he always wanted to be. His rookie season was one for the books, and if you thought his ego couldn’t get any bigger, check again. 

In his off time, Ethan maintained his growing popularity by making appearances at all the Miami hot spots and keeping up a rather impressive social media presence, constantly posting his fitness routines and workouts in addition to his nights out. This earned him a reputation off the pitch, and his name managed to find its way into the local papers and magazines. He did his best to keep in touch with his friends from the show despite his busy schedule, and even visited the OBX whenever he could. 

With his first professional soccer season in the books, Ethan couldn’t resist returning to the reality show for another summer, much to his PR team’s dismay who are working to clean up with reputation, not add to it. 

POGUES VS KOOKS

Ethan got into his fair share of Pogues vs Kooks scuffles back in high school. Nights filled with stupid boyish banter, booze, and blows. He likes to think he’s above all the rivalry now— playing pro ball and all—  but sometimes he still struggles to truly let go of the past and be the bigger person. He’s an athlete though and though, and rivalries are all just a part of the game. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS;

the rival; To say Ethan is competitive is the understatement of the century and he and this person have a rivalry for the ages. The two don’t like each other and this person never fails to get under Ethan’s skin. It could have even started back in school and carried over to now. Perhaps the reason Ethan had some trouble getting into UNC for soccer? Bonus points if they have to put all their differences aside and work together at some point for a common goal. [OPEN]

the hook-ups; Ethan really isn’t the type to stick around after a hook-up and is usually out before the sun comes up, never wanting to get attached. If anyone wants to give him a much deserved slap upside the head, let me know! [OPEN]

let’s make ‘em jealous; There’s no denying that Ethan and this person have chemistry. They are super flirty and all over each other, but in reality it’s all a rouse. They aren’t really into one another and are merely using each other to stir up some drama, cause a scene, and make the ones that really do catch their eyes jealous.  [OPEN]

the real bros; for those looking for a second muse, Ethan has two brothers xD. Julian and Damian (names can totally change!) He has one older brother who rejected the athlete/UNC/kook life leaving Ethan with the pressure to fill daddy’s soccer boots. They had a fall out and their relationship is shaky at best. Ethan also has a baby bro who he is definitely closer with. They get on rather typically through harmless banter and school boy shenanigans. He also has an innate protectiveness over him because he is older. [OPEN]

the tutor; Ethan isn’t the brightest bulb and only maintained good enough grades to stay on the soccer team. Though he was never the easiest student, Ethan has a great deal of respect for this person and appreciates all the work they put into him. Not to mention, is their BIGGEST hype-man if he ever runs into them outside his coursework. [CLOSED]

the workout partner; being a professional athlete means that Ethan is very into keeping in shape, even when he’s hungover. This could go two ways:1.) These two bonded over their love of the gym and they push each other to bring out the most of one another. It could even be a bit of rivalry, too! 2.) Ethan took this person under their wing (a trainer of sorts) and is helping them work out and keep healthy during the show. [CLOSED]

the almost maybe;  Ethan isn’t really into the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing, a big supporter of the motto: no strings, just sex. But this one girl somehow managed to wiggle her way into his GASP, heart. To say it scares the shit out of Ethan is more than just an understatement and even though sparks flew Ethan isn’t sure he’s ready to give up his soccer star lifestyle for her just yet. This could be a new relationship that manifests on the show or one from the past that he is forced to revisit now that they are sharing a summer house together. [CLOSED]

the role model; Ethan didn’t really have many positive role models to look up to growing up, mainly just his father and his toxic masculinity. This person helps Ethan balance all that out and helps him deal with all those pesky emotions he was taught to keep suppressed inside in order to “be a man.” This person also keeps him in check and isn’t afraid to give him a much needed smack to the upside of the head when necessary [CLOSED]

Totally open to anything !! && would love to get Ethan into some more drama this season xD Basically building him up, so I can take him down. Whoops! 

Shoot me a message if you’re interested in plotting.

[revivalrp]

KING OF THE GODS, GOD OF THE SKY, LIGHTNING, THUNDER, LAW, ORDER, AND JUSTICE.

You’ve inherited the Olympian’s LEADERSHIP SKILLS but also their RUTHLESSNESS.

NAME: Silena Katrakis

AGE: Thirty

OCCUPATION: Lawyer

PLACE OF BIRTH: Larissa, Greece

GENDER & PRONOUNS: Demigirl & she/her

FACECLAIM: Priscilla Quintana

ABILITY: WEATHER MANIPULATION

They can manipulate, control, and affect the weather, this includes the ability to generate various natural phenomena or control the intensity of the weather in highly concentrated (inside room) or vastly extended (continental) areas. It has four main factors: air manipulation, electricity manipulation, thermal manipulation and water manipulation. Distance, mass, precision depend upon their knowledge, skill, and strength. This power may be emotion-based, and therefore it becomes unstable if the user gets emotional and they may not be able to control the weather after they cause the effects to manifest.

PLAYED BY ANA.

ABOUT:

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them – Silena Katrakis was and is all of them, constructed to be such. Born with a silver spoon on her mouth, the one and only daughter to the Mayor didn’t even know how to walk and talk before great expectations were thrust upon her. The Katrakis family was no stranger to wealth, attention and being given everything in a silver platter, something that came with having a surname with such a rich history in a town like Larissa.

With contacts and influence all over, even before he became Mayor. It’s no secret that Alexandros Katrakis is a charming man. It’s true that he puts the interest of “his people” on the table when figuring out what his next move was but, at the end of the day, looks were all that mattered to him. And so, he shaped his daughter to be the perfect scapegoat of his obsession with controlling everything and everyone, graving into Silena’s mind that she had to be perfect, look perfect and talk as if she was the embodiment of perfect – her family was untouchable, he’d tell her as a pep talk every time he had a violin audition.

Silena was seen as a perfect daughter; a perfect smile, a person of many traits, with eyes and a smile that could charm anyone. It wasn’t a surprise when Silena climbed the social ladder so early in the game; freshman year in high school and she already had an army of people wanting to be her and a battalion of others wanting to be with her. She was a natural leader, a lover of the spotlight — people loved and feared her. Silena inherited her mother’s beauty and her father’s charm, and enough confidence that no one’s words could tear her down. Only her father’s disappointment present in every “you could have done better”.

She would never be good enough. That’s what she realized when she turned fifteen, almost going on sixteen, and all that she had done, all that she had achieved in school among her peers and with the grades on her file; no matter what she did, no matter who she influenced in school and how many people she knew she could have with a snap of her fingers – nothing would ever be enough for her father. So, Silena acted out; she thought that if she wanted her father to notice her as perfect as she was then, that she’d have to show him what he’d have to go through if she hadn’t been as perfect as he wanted her to instead. Silena never thought of consequences because, like her father had taught her, there were no consequences for people like her.

It was only when her father threatened to cancel her sixteenth birthday party that she behaved; but not because she had truly changed. She pretended; she pretended like she regretted every single thing she had done that had gotten her to that point, she apologized and she hugged her father as tightly as she never had before – and that had been the first time she had manipulated her father, do to him what he kept doing to her year after year after year. And, though she never said it out loud, it felt good to be the winning party at that time.

After everything and after the little break she had from caring what people said in high school, she came back stronger than ever and more convinced that she was more powerful than ever – it was if her reign in high school had become more and more tailored to perfection by her; she began only trusting a handful of people, keeping her friends close and her enemies at arms’ length.

She climbed the social ladder further and further. She had almost everyone wanting to take her to the school dance, but she only wanted one girl in her arms and she was going to make sure she was her date. For weeks they hung out and Silena had started to develop some serious feelings all the while making sure that everything was perfect for the night of her life (she was naive back then); she made sure that she had the best dress, the perfect ride to the dance – she deserved it. On the night of the dance, her date stood her up – she waited for an hour before she decided to call one of her friends and see if she was at the dance; the friend’s answer made Silena angrier than ever. Her date, the girl that she had started to care so much for, had gone to the dance with another one of her friends. Silena wanted to call her, ask her why she had done it but she couldn’t give her another opportunity to shame her, could she?

It had started to rain and her emotions started getting the best of her without her even realizing it. And so, she planned; Silena made sure that both of them would feel how it was like to not give her the respect she deserved – she had worked weeks and weeks for that one night and that was how they repaid her? When they finally came back to school, Silena made sure she made their lives hell, without lifting a finger. She was delivering justice (her own version of it, anyway) and she would make sure they knew who had punished them. Silena was unforgiving – just like his father. Did she feel bad for what she had done to them? Did she feel bad for ruining their high school life in their senior year? Not at all. What she did was justice.

After she graduated, she told her father that she was enrolling in Law school with a scholarship. At first, her father didn’t like it – but then saw the advantage of having one on his side and so made sure, again, that his daughter would be the best of the best. Being a lawyer was what called the most to her, being able to deliver her own justice, or at least playing a big part in the whole procedure was enough to make her feel powerful. During law school, she was always at the top of her class. With her father’s ruthless and reckless nature and her mother’s beauty, she was a force to be reckoned with.

The way she was in high school only got heightened. Year after year, she’d grow colder – learning how to compartmentalize her emotions not because she needed to in order to be a good lawyer (fully believing that her emotions were what would lead her to win every case) but because she knew that she had to in order to stop her father from being such a big influence to her.

After she graduated, she joined a small office and has been working there for years, building a name for herself in the legal sphere and wearing her confidence on her sleeve; Silena acts untouchable and that’s how she feels — she makes sure to become the person she’s always aimed to be.

ABILITY OVERVIEW:

Weather manipulation is a powerful ability, however, it is driven by emotions – if they’re angry, storms will appear, if they’re happy, the sun will be shining and if they’re feeling sad, the sky will turn grey and snow will begin falling and she won’t be able to control the outcome until she stops feeling. They can manipulate, control, and affect the weather though it requires a certain level of expertise to be able to keep it in check and not at all emotion-based.

Even though Silena has a lot of control over her emotions and she’s learned to compartmentalize her emotions, especially if she’s getting beat on the court. Silena has been playing a bit with her abilities, not because she likes them (just yet) but because she craves a type of control she can’t have if she doesn’t know what’s going on with her. Although she’s learned how to control them, in a basic way, because of the training she’s put herself through in order to reclaim some semblance of control, she’s still very green.

When the time comes Silena will use her ability to carry out her own justice when it comes to more personal matters, and she won’t hesitate to bring someone to justice by using them. When Silena has better control of her powers, she will use them for her personal gain. If she’s not feeling like doing something with her family, she’ll make it rain – she’ll use her ability recklessly sometimes and others, she’ll give it great thought.

Not only does her ability depend on her emotions but it depends on the energy she uses to achieve her goals. When her control eventually develops, if she does something small like creating pouring rain or making it windy, she won’t feel tired at all. If she decides to go for something bigger however – like a storm that extends to the whole region or a hurricane – she’ll feel more exhausted at the end and need longer to recover.

[thatonegirlwhodoesthings]

End Of Year Review

Last time I was here I was way more of a mess yet I had way too much hope and, thankfully, I was right in having hope. Now, here I am at the end of the year in December and so much has changed but that comes with graduating and transitioning into college. Here is my end of year review in which I express what I learned about the world and about others that has impacted what I know and thought I knew about myself. 

I spent half of my July unsure if I was even going to have the opportunity to actually go to college. I worked so hard and was so scared but when July 15th came and I paid my first bill to my school I knew that this was my opportunity. I also knew I needed to work really hard to be able to stay so, on top of this new pride in knowing I was actually, officially going to be going to college, I needed to take on more responsibility and got a second job. July is when I really started working my first job and it was new and exciting. Getting called in on my days off, having something to do and with this came a new sense of pride that I was working towards what I wanted. I became, to some extent, less reliant on my mother. Having two jobs allowed me to prove to myself, and other (but mostly me) that when I want something, I will work for it. 

August was eventful. As it was getting closer to move in day, closer to me finally achieving a goal that has been MONTHS in the making, life around me seemed to fall apart a little bit. I was so focused on my goals and did not have the time or energy to dwell on the domestic abuse my mother was facing, forcing us, just months before one big transition in my life, to make another one. My mother and I were forced to leave our home and move in with her friends because it was the only way she could feel safe in the face of her abusive substance abusing boyfriend. While it was not the easiest thing to go through or witness for a second time in my life in a minimal amount of years, staying focus and having something I was working towards and looking forward to was helpful. Halfway through the month, after finishing at both my jobs and learning so much not only about pushing myself but also about the usefulness of saying no, I packed my things and moved 3 hours away to NYC for school. I was 18, not too naive but eager to learn and experience new things. Orientation in itself was an experience. I met so many new people and some ending up having such an impact on my life, even if they no longer exist as a necessary part of it now. They were relevant when I needed them and aided me for the time being. 

September was when things started to pick up speed. If you told me in September that what happened would happen, I would tell you you were insane. I lost a friend, who even after only knowing a few weeks, was a person who was there for me, just turns out we were not meant to stay friends and that is okay.More importantly, I became closer with other people I had met and even met somebody knew who holds his own special place in my heart.  I also, to my pleasure, had my first sexual experience with a girl while I was drunk and I would never trade that experience for anything. Even if I could not remember her name after and can barely remember it now. This night was actually the first night I really talked to him. Yes, I met him. He, had my heart thumping in September, filled with joy after experiencing this new moment with somebody I had never had before. He caused plenty of useless confusion for me that I know cannot even remember but without it, probably would not be where we are today. 

October, my birth month, was nice in its own way. It was when I began getting close with her. Not only with her though, but I also got to know other people I had not known that well. I am forever grateful for these people as they created a community that I feel I could be apart of, while not having to always be apart of. Distance, I learned, is necessary for me. I need space from people in that being around the same ones constantly drives me crazy. This fact, is something I truly got comfortable with around this time. I also, against my free will, got closer with him but that's alright. I had a pleasant birthday and, came out to my longtime friend. She is great and I love her. I, being a little bitch, had to use ridiculous analogies to come out but it is difficult when somebody has known you a certain way for so long. You do not want to alter that image they have of you and possibly ruin the relationship. Her, being the bestest friend ever, was supportive and it unlocked this part of my life that I had been wanting to tell her. I finally had that chance. 

October was disappointing still, in some ways, in that I did not do as well as I would have liked on my midterms. I was at school to do well and succeed, to further my education. And here I was, blowing that aspect off. It manifested itself in my less than satisfactory grade on my psych midterm. However devastating that was, it encouraged me to study for my other midterms which, thankfully, I did much better on. It was a reminder that procrastination got me nowhere and I needed to focus. It lead to me taking more thorough notes the second half of the semester and studying more. 

While the first half of October leading up to my birthday was eventful in itself, Halloween was its own ballpark. You see, a week before I kissed her for the first time while I was tipsy and then went to him. It, for the first time, brought up a real issue I had to deal with. I like these two people and I do not want to hurt either of them. Halloween, I went to a party with her and, as a drunk dumbass, made out with her. I enjoyed it but it did nothing but confuse me. 

November was filled with me going back and forth between him and her. I did not know what or who I wanted and while that part has not changed, I am dealing with the situation in a healthier way, to some extent at least. It was also filled with me getting my first writing job and therefore, my first step in the door to working with authors in the future and possibly writing myself. Furthermore, it taught me, more than anything, the absolute necessity of communication but we are still working on that one. It was also the first time I went home since August and it was interesting to see how nothing really changes when you leave. I feel as if I could leave home for years and come home and be completely unfazed. Everything is a cycle here. It is nice to be somewhere and go places where everything is always new. I don’t think I want to be stuck watching these cycles anymore now that I know how much more interesting life can be. I went to a wedding too and it was so beautiful. It reminded me that even if for a moment, love does exist, no matter what it turns into. It is so tragic how we let bad experiences way more heavily upon us than the good. Anyway, the wedding was great and it made me excited for when I marry my wife. So many people were complaining but I thought it was beautiful anyway. Watching those little moments between the bride and groom, even if nobody was sober, was so impactful. That is what I want from my wife and I want to not be afraid to let myself have it. 

In December, I came back to campus a wreck. I spent a week long break barely talking to anybody and ignoring the two people who had the most impact in my life. The worst thing is me getting way too high my first night back and then having to have a serious conversation with her. I think she did not notice, but that night is blurry to me. A positive from that however, thanks to her, we were back on good terms after not speaking for two weeks and it brought us, to my displeasure, closer. That’ll be painful later but for now, all is good. Until I face the reality that there is a small possibility that I'll never see her again but that's neither here nor there and I have no right to be selfish and make that situation about me. I am concerned about her and hope she is okay or as okay as any college student can be. I just want to see her happy honestly. She deserves that at least. He I did not talk to for two weeks as well. Not talking to him until a week after I got back, I got drunk and was like alright I need to see him, after listening to Marvin's Room and crying which is my civil duty as an over-dramatic light skin. I then got more drunk and forced us to talk about our feelings. Now, we are in a better place we have been in awhile.

 I left for break in a really good mindset. I feel as if I am in a good spot with the relationships in my life. I am the best mentally I have been in a while and honestly, have little stress. I am going to soak in this place for as long as I can. 

So, how would I rate my year overall. As far as learning goes and accomplishments, I would give myself a ⅘ stars. I accomplished so much and have learned so much. I have done so much and experienced so much. I accomplished things that, if you told my bum ass a year ago, I would say no, I did not do that because I would have never tried. Mentally I would give this year a ⅖. I have had some of my lowest lows that I have had in a LONG time. I believe that comes with big changes and new experiences though. It was just me trying to figure things out and, hopefully, in the future I will be able to process and handle similar situations better. I appreciate this year for everything it gave. Everything it taught me. Everyone it brought in and took out of my life. This will be a year I look back at and call life changing and I am so thankful for that. 

Thank You 2019. 

[luxalstreimart]

Lux Alstreim (main)

♰ BASIC INFORMATION:

Full Name: Luxanna Serafine Fibonacci Alstreim

Nicknames: Lux 

Gender: Female 

Age: 29

Hometown: Florence, Italy

A mortal who is a conduit for a goddess

CHARACTER APPEARANCE

FACECLAIM: Antonia Lydia

Hair: Blonde

Skin: Olive

Eyes: Emerald Green

Height: 5′9

Weight: 120 lbs

PERSONALITY:

Lux is known to be highly impulsive. She would often do the first thing that pops into her mind without thinking about any of the consequences. She is also quite impossible to read and her moods are often erratic. She developed a habit of never settling down in one area and would often move from one country to another. 

GENERAL CHARACTER INFORMATION:

Relationship Status: dating someone

Place of residence: Villa Bramasole, Florence, Italy

Place of Birth: Milan, Italy 

Occupation: Art Curator, Artist, Sculptor

Group/Guild/Clan affiliation: Italian Art Society

Wealth Status: Upper Class 

CHARACTER ABILITIES AND PROFICIENCY:

Oil painting

Watercolor painting

Pastel painting

Acrylic painting

Hot wax painting or Encaustic painting

Spray Painting

Fresco secco paintings - wall painting technique

Gouache - opaque watercolor medium

Enamel paintings

Tempera paintings (are very long lasting)

Sand Painting

Marble Sculpting

Clay Pottery Making 

HISTORY/BACKGROUND:

Parents: Alessandro Rossi and Carlotta Fibonacci (mortal)

Grade School and Middle School: Marymount Private School - Florence

High School: Hollywood Arts (freshmen year), St Louis School Milan Private School (sophomore to senior year) 

College: Bachelor of Art in Fine Art Painting at Royal College of Art

Graduate School: Master of Philosophy in Arts & Humanities at Royal College of Art

EARLY LIFE

Luxanna was born on the 29th of October. She was the only biological child of a Sicilian oil magnate (who was rumored to be connected to an underground mafia organization) and a French-Italian wine company heiress. She grew up in her maternal grandfather’s vineyard which was popularly known as the Marchesi di Fibonacci and was located on the outskirts of Florence, Italy. 

As a young girl, she grew up to be very sociable and had a handful of friends during her primary school years but the main highlight of her childhood years remains to be her closeness to her family. She was showered with affection by almost her entire family. Her father indulged her with weekly trips to other European cities and would never say no to any of her desires despite going against her mother’s wishes. This would later lead to her selfish behaviors and tendencies to have difficulty in handling rejection. On the contrary, her mother was a fiercely disciplinarian figure in her life which made Lux have a hard time developing utmost affection for her. Even at such a young age, her mother pressured her heavily in the hopes of making her a classy society lady when she grows up (just like herself ). She was often pressured to excel in different aspects of her life such as academics and extracurricular activities like her violin lessons, gymnastics, and her equestrian training.

Due to differing parental techniques and irreconcilable differences, her mother and father grew more and more distant from each other as the years gone by. Lux would often watch them quarrel in front of her and she knew that her parents couldn’t be in the same room without quarreling. She developed a habit of escaping to her grandmother’s villa whenever the arguments escalated and as a way to comfort her, her grandmother would often give her a set of brushes and a few pieces of paper while her grandfather helped her paint figures on the sheets of paper. This made her fall in love with painting to which her mother didn’t approve of because Luxanna neglected her lessons in school just doodling on the back of her notebook.

On her 11th birthday, her grandmother gave her a set of natural China-bristle paint brushes. The present gave her so much excitement which drove her to paint abstract-shaped flowers all over her bedroom wall. The next morning, her mother found her sleeping across the bedroom floor covered in splotches of acrylic paint. Nevertheless, she was heavily scolded and her mother took away her brushes. This made her harbor feelings of hatred for her mother and it was also the event that severed the final string that was barely holding her parent’s loveless marriage together. 

TEENAGE YEARS 

When her parent’s divorce was finalized after a 2 years of dispute over the shared properties, it was timely that her father struck a temporary deal with a petroleum oil company based in Los Angeles. She knew right away that she would rather move out of Italy and live with her father than stay with her mother. She was enrolled in a high school in downtown Los Angeles and was taken back by the cultural difference. There was no denying that she stood out from the high school due to her conservative upbringing and her innate childish innocence. Later on, she managed to charm most of her schoolmates and she finally integrated to the status quo. Her core values were slightly tainted with the influence instilled by her new friends and her dysfunctional relationship with her mother worsened upon hearing the news of her mother’s engagement to another man. It also didn’t help that her father started dating a young actress who was in her 20s. She felt alone and it drove her to develop a habit of experimenting with weed and alcohol. She was soon caught by her father and after the contract was done, they moved back to Italy but this time, they stayed in Milan where her paternal grandparents are. 

She was sent to a boarding school in Milan and it was a struggle for her to reintegrate back to her original culture. It took her a few months to settle back in and for some miraculous reason, she finally stopped her rebellious tendencies. She found a great support system with her friends and she started to heal from the wounds that her mother imposed on her early childhood years. Spending most of her year in Milan made her miss Los Angeles so her father enrolled her in the prestigious summer art camp where she made friends with individuals from all over the world and was even able to get acquainted with different art mentors. This exposed her to more art styles and helped develop some of her art techniques. 

COLLEGE YEARS

She was admitted to the Royal College of Art based in London. Being the daughter of a successful businessman from a well-connected family made it easier for her to secure a spot in such a competitive field and it was a well-known fact that her uncle is the chancellor of the college of arts.  Despite being doubted by some of her classmates, she managed to excel in her academics and even qualified for a scholarship. She also joined a sorority club and a young artist organization wherein she met her closest friends. She was known to be enigmatic and kept her contact to a minimum with some of her classmates due to distrust. She was often seen to be working late in one of the school studios during the weekdays and would often spend her time in various cities during the weekends. She would sometimes attend college parties with her sorority sisters but it wasn’t exactly her cup of tea. She preferred the company of older individuals as she admired their wisdom and wit.

She soon graduated with high accolades and applied for her Masters degree in the same university. As expected, she also graduated with honors and eventually, learned how to be more trusting of other people. She made the bold decision to move back to Florence near her grandparent’s vineyard and started her first real job as an art curator in Uffizi Gallery which is located in Firenze, Florence, Italy. 

TRAGEDY STRIKES

One faithful night, she was on her way home when a jealous Sicilian woman followed her. She had been mistaken as the mistress of a Sicilian mafioso for she also bore the same Greco-Romanian looks as the mistress. The wife of the mafioso decided to take the matters in her own hands and hit the back of the young Luxanna’s head with a wooden club. The first strike immediately knocked her down on the dirt road and she lost consciousness from the hardness of the strike. The woman clubbed her one more time before running away from the scene after being spotted by one of the bystanders. 

She was brought to the hospital by the bystander and she suffered from a traumatic blow through her head for which the significant damage through her brain induced a comatose state. 

HIDDEN DIVINITY

The goddess “Theia” is the titan goddess of the sight and heavenly light. Her true form currently resides as an immortal being in Etro but she would often have mortal conduits for whenever she seeks to visit the Earth. Unlike her fellow titans who are brooding and power-hungry, she is seen to be a merciful goddess and often take pity in the souls of young females. 

Despite her abilities to grant immortality, she does not interfere with the normal physiologic ages of her conduits and cause further upset in the balance of the universe. She also refuses to take over numerous hosts at the same time and would often just settle on a single host until the body of the host ceases to exist.

Her most recent conduit’s body, a fire bender named Summer Natsumi de Luca, died from a tragic car accident and the divine essence left her body once her newly deceased soul was taken by the angel of death. Realizing what just happened, the titan goddess was immediately drawn to the life essence which was pouring out from the dying, Luxanna Alstreim. She arrived at the hospital room and watched as she was slowly drifting from the dead and the living with a blank expression. ‘How young and pitiful!’ she said to herself. She approached her with a calm demeanor and held her hand to see every inch of her memories. She watched as the memories replayed and felt all the hurt and angst that she manifested during her life. She deemed her to be kind-hearted and a suitable candidate to encase her mortal side. 

The angel of death soon arrived to claim the young Luxanna but stopped in his tracks when he saw Theia holding her hand. A smile was spread across his seraphic yet gloomy face and he teasingly uttered, “My dear goddess, when will you ever stop giving chances to these mortals?”. She flashed an all-knowing smile and whispered, “She still has a lot potential, Azrael.” The angel of death shook his head and let out a deep sigh. He knew he wouldn’t be able to convince her to stop as he had been failing to do so for the past millennia. He said, “I believe master Hades would not be pleased once he finds out about this and I hope to not be punished for this!” She leaned her head closer to the face of the young Luxanna and she whispered, “Hush now, my child. You have my full-protection and besides, Hades would hesitate to bring me any harm. I have his full adoration.” She closed her eyes and planted a soft kiss on the pale lips of the young lady. The mortal essence of the goddess immediately filled her and she awoke with tears streaming down her face. She had been claimed by the goddess and surges of memories came back to her. She had been revived but it held a curse, she was doomed to remember some of the memories from the latest conduit. 

PRESENT TIMES

She currently lives in Florence, Italy and works as an art curator for the different museums all over the city. She still gets nightmares from the old conduit’s memories but she chose to never speak about them. During the merging of Theia’s soul, she also inherited some of the titan goddess’ memories and for that, she became aware of the existence of Theia’s family in mortal forms. She would later reunite with the Astrals and eventually, change her mortal name to ‘Alstreim’. 

Unlike the former conduits, she is aware of the goddess’ spirit flowing through her and uses this to her advantage by regularly asking for the goddess’ blessings. In return, Theia would be able to inhabit her body in order to visit her daughter’s mortal home whom she had been been cursed not to enter (For more backstory about Theia, please read on her biography). 

DISCLAIMER: 

- The backstory of Luxanna was heavily inspired by Mary Corleone’s in the Godfather III. 

- The goddess Theia’s personality was inspired by Granmamare from Ponyo. 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

[louisfeatharry]

* newly added fics to my fic rec page as of 10/04/17 (30 fics in total) all fics are larry unless specified otherwise • more recent recs

✨ indicates favorites of mine!

a love like legend by butterflylungs (2k) [au, ou, soulmates, angst]

Harry and Louis are soulmates destined to lose each other.

All this Delusion in our Heads by mmaree (30k) [ziam, au, amnesia, neighbors/roommates, exes to lovers, angst]

the one where Zayn contracts amnesia, Liam has regrets, and the entire universe conspires against them…until it doesn’t.

✨ cupid’s defence by rhuubarb (116k) [au, fantasy & supernatural, slow burn, fluff]

In which Harry is Cupid, Louis and Liam own a law firm, and they're all getting sued.

Even When We Fight by threeturn (30k) [lirry, au, university AU, enemies to lovers]

University AU. Liam's the star of the debating society until Harry shows up and steals the spotlight. Meanwhile, Niall's in love, Zayn lives while he's young, and Louis looks after his friends.

✨ Every Story Has Its Scars, Ours Is a Brand New Start by Rearviewdreamer (57k) [au, hurt/comfort, kid fic, secret relationship, angst]

Life as a devoted husband and an amazing father turned out to be a little different than Louis had expected. Everyone tells him it doesn't have to be that way; that he's worth more and that he's so much stronger than any one person trying to keep him down. It's all just words though until he meets the one person who makes him truly believe it.

Golden Like Sands of Time by afirethatcannotdie (51k) [au, summer, fluff]

AU. Harry and Zayn are spending the summer on an island, and there's a plethora of booze and bonfires and boys. Or in Harry's case, just one boy.

Green Eyes (I’d Run Away With You) by salem (31k) [lirry, au, university AU]

After a frenzied party results in an accidental switch up of phones, Liam and Harry welcome each other temporarily into their lives as they casually chat about meeting up to switch back. It’s not hard to get to know each other while they wait, but when what should have been an innocent blip in each of their lives turns into months of endless texting, meddlesome friends, pot noodles, too much Shakespeare, and plenty of confusions, their feelings are put to the test.

Heaven’s Just Begun by sweetlullabies (35k) [au, fluff]

Harry is wholly convinced he's quite literally a sad excuse for a young adult, but this doesn't seem to stop the "boy next door" from developing the world's biggest crush on him.

✨ Hiding Out in the Kitchen by LittleMousling (28k) [au, famous/nonfamous, coming out, friends to lovers, fluff]

Harry's in an internationally famous boyband with his three best mates, he gets laid on a pretty regular basis, and he's headed to Australia in a week. He doesn't need anything else, and he certainly doesn't need a boyfriend. If this nice guy he met in a coffeeshop wants to date him, great—but that's all it is. Right?

✨ Homegrown by casuallyhl (51k) [au, friends to lovers, fluff]

a gardening AU where Harry is new to town and the newest volunteer at the local gardening club, Louis is the attractive grandson of one of the members, and the nosy volunteers hatch a plan to get them together.

It’s All Brand New Because of You by supernope (16k) [au, summer, fluff]

Louis starts a new job as a summer camp counselor at the local aquarium and Harry is a biologist who really likes teaching people about the ocean.

left all the stars in your city nights by petals (23k) [lirry, au, university AU, secret relationship, coming out]

“He’s got a roommate?” Niall asks, frowning.

“Yeah, but he usually only hangs out with grad students. I mean, it’s a smart plan all things considered. I think there’s like a rule that all graduate students have to TA, so like, it probably helps him with his grades or something. I don’t know. I’ve met him a few times but Zayn swears he’s great," Louis explains.

Liam nods, taking another drink from his glass, turning in time to see Zayn. He smiles at him but his smile falls immediately when Harry steps out from behind him, standing there smirking at Liam. He remembers him, obviously. They just fucked last night.

Fuck.

Liam’s screwed.

living love in slow motion by jmcats (39k) [ziam, au, growing up together, friends to lovers, pining, coming out, fluff]

they've been tucked into each other's side since they were five years old... and Liam's been a little in love with that and much more since then

Manifest Destiny by Anonymous (15k) [au, historical, friends with benefits, fluff]

Louis is a Pony Express rider and Harry runs a station along the trail.

never mind the odds (i’m gonna try my luck) by spit_on_me_larry (64k) [au, enemies to lovers, pining]

Louis Tomlinson is going to be the journalistic voice of his generation. He’s just waiting for his editor to realize it. For now, he’s stuck writing fluff pieces for the Life and Style section of London Now Newspaper.

His latest assignment is more of the same rubbish: a profile of Harry Styles, plastic surgeon and one of London’s most eligible bachelors. Louis is intent on writing something smart and biting and unexpected; if it makes Harry look like an idiot, that’s just the price of good journalism. That is, until Louis gets to know Harry and realizes he might be kind of perfect.

Featuring Louis as a writer/workaholic, Harry as a plastic surgeon with a heart of gold, Zayn and Niall as Louis’ colleagues and long-suffering best mates, and Liam as everyone’s favorite pediatric surgeon and Harry’s right-hand man.

No Place Without You by fackinglouis (19k) [au, neighbors/roommates, pining, university AU]

Harry's in love with life and he's in love with the world.

Louis' in love with Harry and he doesn't think there's anyway he can possibly compete.

A Wanderlust AU in which Harry doesn't have a permanent home and stays with Louis when he visits NYC.

Pyar dhosti hai (Love is friendship) by backonefish (39k) [au, road trip & travel, angst, pining, fluff, friends to lovers]

When Zayn and Harry's thesis project hits a snag, they feel a bit hopeless. Liam's just gotten out of a relationship. Louis is stuck wondering if Harry will ever open his eyes. And Niall's still searching.

This is a story of love and friendship. Of five boys who travel to India on a quest to find themselves and each other.

Ridiculous by scottmcniceass (24k) [ziam, au, high school AU, enemies to lovers, neighbors/roommates]

They are every cliched high school story. The jock and the rebel. The popular boy and the outsider. They shouldn't fit, and they definitely shouldn't work, but they sort of do anyways.

Sonnets Behind the Flame by jmcats (55k) [au, high school AU, road trip & travel, enemies to lovers]

Liam has been anticipating a weekend away at Louis' family's cabin for years. It's nothing but wilderness, bonfires, football, his best mates, alcohol, and an escape from their last year in Sixth Form. Oh, and Niall has invited Harry Styles and Zayn Malik along. The same Zayn who's a complete prick to Liam's mates. The same Zayn that Liam has spent so many years hating, he doesn't know the reasons anymore.

Suddenly, Liam doesn't think this is such a brilliant idea after all.

The Summertime, The Butterflies, All Belong To Your Creation by PumpkinspiceLou (11k) [au, kid fic, fluff]

When Louis decides to help out a lost little girl at the park, he never expected it would lead him to finding his home.

these wings (are made to fly) by orphan_account (35k) [au, friends to lovers, pining, fluff]

Despite the fact that he’s good at his job, Louis’ problem is that he’s constantly on the move and puts everyone else’s needs before his own. Add probationary crew member Harry Styles into the mix, and Louis is definitely in trouble. Flight attendant AU, minus the mile high club.

this relationship we’re staging by dancesongsoul, lookatyourchoices (44k) [au, pining, fluff]

West End AU in which Louis is a former Royal Shakespeare Company actor looking for his way back to the top, Harry is an actor best known for his work in unknown bits of experimental theatre and being the darling of London's new age theatre scene, and Simon Cowell is the renowned director who brings the two of them together.

to feel your heart as it’s keeping time by wearecities (36k) [lirry, au, bakery AU, fluff]

Harry owns a bakery, Niall and Louis are sickeningly in love, Zayn hates clip-art and Liam’s the only one that laughs at Harry’s jokes.

✨ Two Steps Behind by sacredheart (38k) [au, growing up together, high school AU, pining, fluff, angst]

Louis is two years younger than his neighbors, Harry, Liam, Niall, and Zayn, and he grows up bending over backwards to get their attention and acceptance. Especially Harry's.

✨ we may fall (but we get up again) by jmcats (58k) [ziam, au, weddings, movie AU, enemies to lovers, fluff]

a 27 Dresses AU where Liam is everyone's favorite best man and he just might be madly in love with his boss ... and maybe with an arrogant writer who hates weddings as much as Liam loves them, too

we were boxing the stars by justaboat (30k) [lirry, au, university AU, sports, summer, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, pining]

au. liam and harry play football and their feelings have a bad habit of getting in the way.

✨ what this world is about by isntrio (34k) [au, high school AU, secret relationship, historical/past setting, angst]

An eighties American high school AU; there are first times, football games, and feelings.

Alternatively titled: the beginning.

wild card (nobody, nobody) by dramaturgicallycorrect (30k) [lirry, au, sports, movie AU, sports, fluff]

Harry is Britain’s Best Chance and Liam is a wild card at the Championships, Wimbledon.

you could be my cure by jmcats (41k) [ziam, au, university AU, fluff, prose]

Nothing about Zayn is traditional, especially not the way he falls in love with Liam, or everything before and after that

Yours Faithfully, Friend by badjujuboo (20k) [lirry, au, famous/nonfamous, exes to lovers, pining]

Small gigs turned into larger ones, radio interviews turned into playing on Chatty Man and that Irish program where Niall was treated like a superstar. It got to the stage where even Liam couldn't remember the last full week he'd spent in their home. Harry tried to be there, but it wasn't as if he could come out to every show. The last few times when he would have been able to because they were playing close, Harry'd had exams and Liam understood why Harry couldn'tcome along. He did. Even if it hurt to look up and not see Harry mouthing along to the words, doing his dumb dance moves at the front of the crowd. He just wanted Harry to himself, was all. It was irrational to be annoyed that Harry couldn't be there all the time, no matter how much Liam wanted him to be.

Love is easy, relationships are not. Somewhere along the line, Liam forgot that.

[cyberstadic-blog]

10 Great Ideas to Get Gorgeous Wedding Flowers

From the bands to the shoes, from the meals to the flowers, weddings come at no small cost. It only is practical that current wedding brides and grooms-to-be opting for to penny-pinch whenever we can. Wedding plants often end up being the first casualty of the budget-minded couple's matrimonial programs, but there are numerous methods of the trade that may enable you to luxurious your wedding ceremony with floral bliss rather than break your budget. Use these excellent tips to reduce spending and get the largest value for your money!

1. Choose Plants in Season

This is a crucial money-saver. Additionally, it is important to bear in mind that blossoms look and smell best when they may be fresh and in season. This is also true for roses. But if you have your center set on a specific flower that keeps sentimental value for you, it might be smart to plan your wedding ceremony around the period it'll be in seasonal bloom. Although flowers in season will provide you with a beautifully scented bouquet, be careful with the flowers you decide to use in any centerpieces at the reception. The fragrances which come from bouquets as gardenia, jasmine or freesia can be overwhelming and might not be the best choice for dining tables. Overpowering blooms may also mix up any allergy symptoms that your guests may have.

2. Do-it-yourself

When contemplating the intimidating task of preparing and designing the marriage floral arrangements by yourself, take the time to fully consider all of the obligations that will come with such a task. Questions that you may want to consider are:

Am I motivated enough?

Will I have sufficient time to set up bouquets/centerpieces before the ceremony?

How much cash am I going to save vs. how much work is included?

A lot of women find that, in the eye of saving cash, they finish up learning an expensive lesson. It's important to keep in mind the many difficulties associated with coordinating what may be the most crucial event you will ever have. You might be in a position to find a member of family or person in the marriage ceremony who be prepared to help you assemble your floral plans and bouquets. Think about the fun you'll have spent your last time as a bachelorette with your very best friends!

When you are industrious enough to visit it alone, there are extensive quick programs in floral design that exist through neighborhood schools and arts-and-crafts stores such as Michaels.

The internet is an excellent resource to benefit from, as well! Internet sites such as save-on-crafts.com offer free instructional lessons that will let you know not only which plants work best in a bouquet but provide valuable steps made to help you put your preparations together successfully. You could also want to check on for marriages that'll be held on a single day like yours. It’s likely that good you could talk about the trouble of the wedding ceremony blossoms with another few seeking to do the same!

Remember, however, that even if deciding on the "budget wedding bouquet", understand that it is an extremely key facet of the wedding ceremony and really should be a manifestation of the bride's personality. Make an effort to keep a feeling of balance between your bridal dress, the bridesmaid's dresses, the wedding ceremony bouquets, and adornments and the bouquet.

From that true point, the other flowers, like the bridesmaid's flowers, the flowers at the reception can follow the theme and undertake the components of the bride's bouquet. Current colors for 2006 are chocolates with pale red, baby blue or mint green. Colors generally follow the styles of interior development.

Consult a florist. This may cost up to $100 in discussion fees, but their prosperity of knowledge will put in a professional polish to the completed product. Invest the into consideration the fact that florists can generally charge three times the cost a wholesaler would and charge additional labor charges for creating and assembling the blooms, you'll still be saving cash.

Buy your plants from a wholesaler. Wholesalers sell their plants a lot more cheaply when compared to a florist will. If you opt to offer a floral wholesaler, it is important to know that grading is used by the system. Whenever choosing your blossoms, ensure that you select Grade 1 bouquets. You must locate many floral wholesalers online. OnlineWholesaleFlowers.com offers "Wedding in a Package" deals of varying sizes that include all the blooms essential to create the appearance that you would like. Budget-Bride.com has an identical package, which even includes items like the cake knife and ring pillow!

If you're engaged and getting married in the springtime/summertime time, go to the farmer's market and talk to the flower suppliers. Find out if indeed they grow the plants that you will be looking for and do not be timid to ask if indeed they have ever done wedding ceremonies. Always make sure to inquire further what they do with the blossoms that they don't sell. You may be in a position to get huge amounts of these for a steal!

Take a look of FREE UK Delivery www.osianatheflorist.co.uk

Tip: Use masses of 1 flower to display the flower's beauty.

3. Use an educational school

Most high colleges and schools have horticulture classes that focus on looking after and arranging bouquets and vegetation. For a little charge, you could hire these aspiring florists who be delighted to focus on your agreements. The educators of such a course will become your back-up and, as a bonus for you, will have considerable experience and oversee assembling your project.

4. Have a Garden Wedding

Consider getting the wedding ceremony and/or the reception in a lovely garden! Have you any idea someone who has a beautiful yard and would be honored to sponsor a marriage there? You will see no dependence on plans if you already are encircled by lush greenery and blossoming blooms. Prepare yourself, though! With regards to the local climate (or enough time of 12 months you possess your wedding), you may want to utilize either awnings, patios or advanced white open-air tents in the event OUR MOTHER EARTH decides to become wedding guest!

5. Lessen attendants

By choosing fewer attendants, you won't have to provide as many bouquets and boutonnieres. Since small ceremonies are in vogue, it'll be an all-natural development to balance the wedding ceremony with a far more intimate marriage party. Many lovers favor a secluded establishing with soft, glowing candles or lamps to give a devastatingly passionate theme. These more romantic, family-focused gatherings are also beneficial because they help the groom and bride to stay in their budget.

Additionally, it is very elegant to have your bridesmaid carry an individual blossom tied with a bit of satin ribbon. Select a blossom that matches one particular in the bride's bouquet, or that signifies a particular meaning for you.

6. Avoid getting your wedding on or near any occasion

Plants are usually popular around Valentine's Day, Mother's day, proms, graduations and other special vacations. As a result of this, prices rise significantly and certain flowers are often impossible to find. As if this is not enough bad information, florists tend to be extremely occupied during vacations while they frantically make an effort to match their increased business. Will they be remaining with plenty of time to put the required attention into the flowers?

You may take great benefit from this if planning your wedding around the Christmas holidays. It is a safe wager that most locations, either interior or out, will be festively embellished before you appear!

7. Use alternative centerpieces

It isn't essential to adorn every desk with a high-priced floral centerpiece. Candles are beautiful and offer an amazing atmosphere! Try submerging an orchid (or bloom of preference) in a cup container filled up with drinking water and float a candle at the top. Also attractive is putting river rocks at the bottom of the glass box, adding drinking water and floating a blossom on top. Use orchids, roses, peonies, gerberas or camellias.

A dramatic and stunning effect can be made up of an inexpensive, rectangular reflection (similar to the ones made to hold on a bedroom door). Place the reflection reflective-side-up and allow it run the space of the desk, putting tealight candles at even intervals down the guts. Sprinkle colored glitter or rose petals over the surface. The result isn't just attractive, but units the firmness for your reception.

Suggestion: Search the internet and publications for great ideas on option centerpieces.

8. Rent outdoor plant life or small trees and shrubs for an inside garden effect

Decorate with greenery. Many nurseries enable you to rent vegetation for your wedding which is much cheaper than buying them. This will help you to fill up the area with greenery and make plants pretty much unneeded. Use trees and shrubs to fill large spaces, and ivy garland to gracefully drape over the tops of doorways.

9. Let Your Blossoms Do Two times Duty

In case your ceremony and reception are in two separate places (or even two separate rooms), allow floral arrangements that decorate the ceremony do double duty by with them to also decorate the reception! Find out if your florist can transport and set up the flowers at the reception following the ceremony is completed. There is certainly usually sufficient time taken between the two, and you may save an unbelievable timeframe and money by "recycling" your beautiful, fresh blossoms!

10. Your investment corsages

Corsages aren't as trendy with modern wedding ceremonies as they were in the past. 21st-century Mothers are trendy and do not always want a bloom pinned to them. Ask first.

You have waited your complete life to attain this day, and it ought to be as stunning as you always imagined it might be. A ceremony with no soft, sensitive beauty and perfume of bouquets would end up like using a wedding cake without icing. Although paying the original retail price for wedding blooms will set you back a lot of money in materials and fees, utilizing these great costs conserving tips could keep the floral preparations from becoming one of the very most expensive items on your finances checklist.

[projectgaiarp-blog]

Full Name: Quincy Kenneth Poole Nicknames: Q, Level: Trainee Species: Metahuman Age: 22 Date of birth: September 23, 1995. Home Town: : Silver Spring, Maryland Occupation: Infiltration/Extraction Trainee Faceclaim: Jack Falahee

Personality: ESTP – The Entrepreneur Quincy’s personality happens to be a lot like his abilities where he’s always energetic and always trying to be the life of the party. He’s a social butterfly and can never sit still for long periods of time otherwise it drives him crazy. You can always find Quincy laughing or having a smile on his face, trying his best to be an entertainer using his blunt and earthly humor. Quincy can get along with most people but he can be overwhelming to individuals who may not be as social. Quincy has a hard time being serious, which raises a great deal of red flags. He dives head-first into every situation. Many people underestimate his intelligence and are surprised when they realize just how intelligent he is despite his personality and actions. Quincy is a very impatient person and is very risk-prone because of it, he often leaps before he looks which brings some problems. He can also be insensitive to others at times due to emotionally charged situations being an uncomfortable place for him, which means he has a hard time expressing his own feelings/emotions. Biography: Quincy Kenneth Pool was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and is the youngest son in his family. Quincy was considered the Golden Child of the family, and that was because he always chose to put his parent’s happiness and expectations before his own. Quincy was heavily involved in sports, had excellent grades, and always did whatever his parents told him to do. He grew up watching his older brother be outcasted from the family for being different and Quincy didn’t want to make that mistake because he could see the damage it had caused.

Quincy watched as his brother’s abilities manifested, always praying that he would never have abilities because it would mean living in a society where he would be hated not only by his peers but his family. His parents engrained this fear and hate in him toward people with these abilities. Quincy was never that close with his brother Mal as their age difference was a wide gap. His parents did their best to hide Mal’s abilities from Quincy and the time when they sent him to a psychiatric home, but Quincy was well aware of the situation. He knew that his parents would go to the extreme to hide their son, and he wasn’t going to let that happen to him.

When Quincy discovered his ability of manipulating electricity at the age of 14, it was a complete accident. Quincy has Type One Diabetes, and when he did his routine of putting insulin in his body through a needle the pump shortened out. Quincy thought nothing of it until he was given another pump but this time the pump disintegrated in his arms with electricity shooting out of his hands. Quincy was given the same curse that his brother held, and he did his best to hide it from his parents. To this day they aren’t’ aware, but Quincy has had to lie and live his life trying to control and make sense of moments that could not be explained. He lived his high school and college life hiding his abilities.

Quincy lived his life hiding his abilities even through High School and college, being afraid to attempt to use his powers because of how cursed he saw himself. He still lived under the microscope of his parents when he was accepted into college on a sports scholarship playing soccer. Quincy wasn’t able to live the normal life of a college student because he worked, lived at home, played sports, and did classwork. He was bored out of his mind with his routine, and always looked forward to graduation to finally be on his own.

When Quincy graduated he had plans on going to serve in the military like his mother, with plans of being able to travel and serving as a high ranking officer. Quincy was very athletic and head-strong, and went through basic training with flying colors after granted acceptance. Atlas managed to discover Quincy’s abilities in a way he still hasn’t understood to this day and noticed how well he’d done on the stealth and infiltration exercises. The offer to join that division of Atlas was a chance he couldn’t pass up, but he knew that his parents had to be under the assumption that he was still serving in the marines. Being with Atlas for a short time has taught Quincy that having abilities isn’t an awful thing, but that’s something he still prefers to not get back to his family.

Powers: Electrokinesis: Quincy has the power to manipulate electricity that runs through his body and from sources where electricity is already flowing. Quincy’s powers are heavily offensive by allowing him to use electricity to attack others and objects where electricity is flowing. He is able to administer small to medium sized shocks with a great deal of focus and able to shorten out items that that used electricity. With little effort his is ability to charge objects where an entire hand has to be on the object to charge it. For Quincy to be able to have direct control over items that he can’t touch he must have physical contact with the surface (example, if he wants to have direct control over the lights in a ceiling fan he must touch the wall with his hand in order to have that form of control).

Electrical Empowerment: Quincy is able to channel electricity through his feet and fist in order to gain more strength and even enhance his speed. Currently, Quincy is able to run at a quicker pace than the average human but not enough to be unseen when running at the moment. He is also able to fight with his feet and hands with electricity being used as a weapon. They are very visible and his hands and feet appear as conductors with the electricity showing.

Weaknesses:

Because Quincy lives in a world that is dominated by electricity he has to be careful with his powers as there are times when his powers are too strong and out of his control. Electricity is always running through his body, and he can even lose control in his sleep or on complete accident in a stable or constant environment.

Quincy has to be careful when directly in contact with large bodies of water. Quincy all together avoids contact with rivers, pools, oceans, etc. in fear that he will kill others or shorten himself out which will lead to serious injury and possibly death. He’s not afraid of water, but afraid of the effect that water can have on him and others. Quincy’s abilities are also useless if he’s in contact with objects and materials made of metals where electricity cannot flow.

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

Could you guys please find me some more teacher!stiles fics (not professor ones though!!) Thank you so much x

Here you go and our tag. - Anastasia

Just when you think you're in control by trilliastra

(1/1 I 1,685 I Teen I Sterek)

While Josh rushes to grab his things and Stiles tries to clean some of the mess on Josh's table, the door opens with a bang and suddenly Derek Hale is running inside, disheveled and clearly upset.

Stiles would feel sorry for him – and in another situation, he would even stop to admire Derek's perfect body and face – but he crushed a little boy's heart and that's unforgivable.He stops in front of Stiles. “Is it over?”“Clearly.”

-In which Stiles thinks Derek is the worst uncle when he's, actually, the best.

Pining and Prospective Prom Dates by Mynuet

(1/1 I 2,926 I Teen I Sterek)

After a minute of clenching his fists and opening and closing his mouth, Stiles finally said, “I just got asked to prom.”

If he’d had time to prepare, Derek might’ve managed to stifle the laugh. Stiles was clearly outraged. “Sure, laugh it up, with your perfect beard and everybody you’ve ever met swooning over your impossibly good looks. I’m traumatized.”

Derek was now laughing so hard he was crying, bent over the desk and pinching the bridge of his nose to try to get some control. The wounded noise Stiles made did not help.

You put a Hallmark on my Heart by giantteenwolforgy

(1/1 I 3,325 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles is funny and smart and kind and is also his daughter's teacher and his boss's son. On the list of people who are off-limits, Stiles has held the top spot for as long as Derek has known him.

Since Derek is Derek, Stiles also happens to rank number one on the list of people Derek is in love with. Seriously. His life is like a bad Hallmark movie.

Sweet Eyes by bleep0bleep

(1/1 I 3,587 I Explicit I Sterek)

The first time Derek meets Stiles, he actually meets Stiles' ass first, which is shaking obscenely an inch away from his face.

The first time Stiles meets Derek, it's Career Week and he's introducing a Dr. Hale to his second grade class.

Mr. Stilinski by alisvolatpropiis

(1/1 I 6,461 I Explicit I Sterek)

But he’s never really forgotten Wade or those guys from college, definitely not Brayden, the motorcycle-driving musician who devastated him senior year. He hasn’t forgotten the way a fuck-it-all attitude draws him in like a moth to a flame, speaks to his own rebellious nature that has always manifested as abrasive sarcasm and clever manipulation of rules and half-truths. And even though he’s never really forgotten, he’d thought he’d gotten over the bad boy thing, had grown out of it.

But then, in his last class on the first day at his new job teaching English at the high school he graduated from fifteen years ago, Derek Hale walks into his classroom and Stiles feels like he's out in the parking lot back in 1995, nearly tripping over his own feet with stunned attraction, immediate and shockingly powerful. His lust is tinged with the familiar but long forgotten thrill needing to get closer to that mysterious cool, compounded infinitely now because this dangerous-looking bad boy is his student.

if you're not here to turn the lights off (i can't sleep) by losingmyangelgrace

(1/1 I 7,234 I Explicit I Sterek)

“Honey! I’m home!” Stiles shouted into the empty apartment as he moved quickly through to the kitchen, dumping his backpack onto bench before crossing to the fridge and crossing off another day on the calendar. A month and a half. That was how long was left until Derek came home, until he was safe. Everyday felt like a lifetime to Stiles.

Christmas Kisses by Dexterous_Sinistrous

(1/1 I 8,362 I General I Sterek)

Stiles loves Christmas; he always had and always will. He tries hard to bring Christmas cheer to all the students and their families. There is one student's parent, in particular, who he is trying to impress the most.

Letters to Santa, baking, and mistletoe kisses couldn't prepare Stiles for the Christmas party he knew he'd never forget.

Because Stiles' mom was right: Christmas kisses are a mighty powerful thing.

To Feel Your Heart as It's Keeping Mine by Vendelin

(1/1 I 8,563 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles and Derek have been dating for four months, when Derek gets in an accident and loses all his memories from the past year and a half. Now, he’s once again the Derek Stiles used to despise, and even worse, Derek thinks that he still hates Stiles’ guts.

Run Stiles, Run by justiceandmight

(1/1 I 9,385 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles runs a race, and runs into love.

(More like, Derek Hale and his awesome Jedi costume makes Stiles trip face-first into love. Stiles scrapes his elbows and knees, and probably his dignity along the way. Which sucks. Ugh, stop laughing Scott, this is serious.)

You Will Only Break My Heart by stannigram

(9/9 I 11,915 I Mature I Steter)

Peter didn't think he could fall this hard for someone, or that he could miss someone so bad. He certainly didn't think that that person would by his teacher, Mr. Stilinski. He also didn't think they would end up having sex in the first floor bathroom and yet here they are a year into a hidden relationship sexing it up in the bathroom. He didn't think that losing him would hurt this bad.

Air Mail. by Handsofred

(3/3 I 20,229 I Not Rated I Sterek)

‘’Oh my god’’ Stiles breathed out as heavy booted footsteps faded away down the hall. ‘’oh my god’’

‘’Stiles?’’ Allison asked as he scrambled around the desk searching for the last letter before he was thrusting it at their faces.

‘’It’s him…my soldier…it’s him, it’s Mattie’s dad’’ He told them, his eyes wide as Allison took the letter from him, ‘’oh my god, oh my god and I fainted in front of him…oh Jesus Christ’’

When it all falls apart by Dark_K

(10/? I 38,747 I Mature I Sterek)

It would be great to say it happened gradually, that it occurred slowly, and that, one day, Stiles woke up and realized he didn’t have the same friends anymore, but that’s not how it happened, because this was real life and things never happen in simple ways in real life.

You've Got Mail by Shinhia

(18/18 I 56,532 I Mature I Sterek)

Stiles Stilinski is one of the few people left who still likes to write letters, no matter what advanced technology has given us in 2014.

For Stiles, there’s nothing like receiving a letter or writing one. Feeling the paper under your hand, letting the ball of your pen glide along the surface, the sound of them both when they make contact with each other. There’s a romanticism, a beauty in it that texting or emailing won’t ever be able to recreate.

It’s with these thoughts in mind, after another very bad and hurtful break-up, and another restless night, that Stiles decides to pick a random place on the map of the United States, and find someone to write to. That’s how he ends up finding Derek Hale.

Or

The story where Stiles and Derek are strangers who exchanging letters, fall in love, and wonder if they’ll ever meet in real life.

[legendofgrump]

Talk bout dem OCs, drop your rant. Wanna hear their stories yo

omg who are you because you just flattered me hardcore. Ahh I’ll put them under a cut so I don’t make everyone hate me with non-fandom stuff. And if you wanna ask more questions or anything, I have a blog specifically for talking about my OCs which is @meme-team-adventures​ !!! (But also if you don’t that’s cool too, I know not everyone is into that ahhh I’m rambling already). Anyway!! 

Most of them have rp/ask blogs which I’ll also link to when I mention them if you’re Really into it for some reason, but I haven’t done anything with any in a while and some of them might be kinda bare.

ANYWAY (part 2)

@confused-snail which actually just used to be my personal blog (and also my main blog goddammit) turned into an rp blog for a self-insert. So Snail is a 29 year old freelance artist. They’re nonbinary/demiboy who got bottom surgery so they could have a dick and sometimes they still get dysphoria over their chest (which they will one day get the surgery to remove) but they’re generally okay with how they look! They’re very aggressive and abrasive and also very controlling. They have the hardest time giving other people control because they kinda use it to avoid getting hurt like they did in a past relationship. Anyway they’re a pretty big meme most of the time. They love eating, sleeping, and they’re always down for some sex, especially with their boyfriend Daniel, but they exclusively top as part of their constant need to be in control. They get irritated kind of easily if you push the right buttons, but are generally pretty lazy/laid back and chill. They LOVE to laugh at stupid memes and stuff. And they also have pretty cool piercings and kind of lowkey wanna get a tattoo but they’re not really sure of what. They got a degree in art, though their grades were pretty bad because they weren’t in a good place during college, but they did graduate which they’re really proud of!

@death-and-fireflies I don’t know if he really counts as an OC but he might as well haha. But basically I had this Grump AU where everything was basically the same except that Dan was an immortal harbinger of lost souls that manifested in the form of fireflies. He’s blind, but his eyes glow really bright yellow (just like the fireflies that float around his head) and he’s lived on his own kind of nomadically for the longest time. He’s generally quiet and reserved and a little shy because he deals a lot with the dead and usually the living don’t want much to do with him, but he’s also really thoughtful and a little philosophical and very kind! He cares very much for the souls that he’s destined to take care of and his entire life purpose is to help them move on and get whatever unfinished business they have out of the way so they can finally find peace. He currently has a boyfriend named Kenry and a (basically) adopted daughter named Alice who kind of help him live his life without all the constant anxiety and hopelessness that comes with dealing constantly with the dead and some very talkative souls.

@wolf-in-sarcasms-clothing Marianne is a monster girl who kind of resembles a spider? I mean not technically because...not at all. But we call her a spider/bug babe so just roll with it. But she has four arms and one eye and very sharp teeth. And also she eats humans. Funny, right? She used to live in a heavily secluded cave system with the rest of her kind, where they were apart from humanity and only hunted wild animals and that worked. But then a companion that Marianne had used and manipulated her until she got so angry and felt so betrayed that she ate them and got kicked out of her clan and banished from the caves. So she kind of wandered into the human world until she stumbled across Daniyal and (separately) Kenry, who both kind of took her in despite her threatening to eat both of them at first meeting. She loves physical affection (pets, hair playing, scritches) and once given this affection, she’s much more like a big, dumb doggo that likes to play and cuddle and is basically a six foot tall lap dog.

@flirtbot3000 Originally spawned because I kept sending all of my friends’ muses/rp blogs flirts and pick up lines, so I just made a character for it. Andy is a pleasure bot designed for platonic, romantic, and sexual affection depending on the desires of the person they’re with at the time. Though most often they just end up having sex haha. But they’re a cute android that is extremely compliant and loves to please whoever they’re with and they legitimately also just enjoy having sex in general. They’ve done a lot of things in their life, such as being a pinup girl, modeling for magazines and fashion lines, and just straight up doing porn, and they enjoyed it all! But then they also accidentally fell in love with an interdimensional farm boy named Daniyal who accidentally turned them human when they had sex and then had sex with them again and turned them back into an android. But they love him regardless and the two are very happy together and it’s really pure and cute.

@of-bats-and-lovers (This one kind of links to two OCs but I’ll explain that hold on to your pants.) Beauregard (or just Bo is fine) is a bat boy that is rich as hell and lives for parties and meeting people. His biggest goal in life is to find his One and Only true love darling. But it’s kind of difficult because he had this person and then he lost her and just can’t seem to get over her. All of his riches came from when he was a thief and criminal with his true love, so they’re all stolen or at least not legally obtained. But, y’know, he keeps that under wraps. He likes partying and drinking (he’s kind of a heavyweight, but that doesn’t stop him from getting buzzed) and just generally having a good time. He’ll “fall in love” with anyone that gives him a smile or says something nice and then will fall out of love the morning after and go into a bit of a depressed mood that he’ll cheer himself up from by going to a party. (And thus the cycle continues.)

Esky is the Bonnie to Bo’s Clyde and the love that Bo lost to a big stand off with police and a well-aimed bullet. Or at least, that’s kind of what he thinks. Esky was shot and declared dead, but actually, y’know, wasn’t. So when she woke up in the morgue, very confused and alone, she made her escape and went on the run so as not to get caught and actually killed. She heard that Bo was also declared dead (which wasn’t true at all. He escaped and the media declared it because they didn’t want people to panic that this great criminal was still on the run) so she focused on getting herself to safety. The two have kind of been looking for each other ever sense, but also at the same time thinking that the other is dead so the search is fruitless.

@interstellar-superstar Venus is an alien from an unspecified location is space that came to earth and became an international pop star. She sings really well and is a positive and peppy girl, so the people adore her. But it also kind of taxes her because she has to hide the fact that she’s not from earth for fear of the government taking her and experimenting on her or at the very least, locking her up. She has a third eye and her skin is actually bright yellow, but luckily she can cover the eye with her hair and the general public believes that the yellow skin is just extreme dedication and a lot of body paint. So for the most part she’s okay, but there’s always a bit of stress with interviewers finding out about her true home. She’s also very easily confused about basic earth culture because she’s a sheltered celebrity and kind of fell into stardom from the moment she came to earth. So she has no idea what things like french fries are. Or memes. Or anything of the sort. And she also has no idea about basic geography, so she’ll just spout out random locations whenever someone asks her where she’s from. And the answer is always different. It’s adorable. She’s currently in a poly relationship with two cuties, Charlie and Avery, and she loves them both very dearly.

The next three are all from @here-queer-full-of-cheer and they’re all friends and roommates. They’re also all in a poly relationship with Danny Sexbang called polybang or Sexbang’s Angels so just that’s great too.

Nikki is a laid back guitarist that dropped out of high school to pursue a music career with her band. They’re semi-successful, at least locally, but they’re really trying to make it in the big time. She’s desperate to make this all work out because she wants dropping out of high school and never going to college to be worth it, especially since it kind of disappointed her family and makes her look bad to a lot of dumb soccer moms that need her to know their opinions. She loves music more than anything. Listening, writing, performing, she loves the whole process and always gives it the full attention it deserves. She’ll block off entire chunks of time just to listen to a new album, laying on her bed with her eyes closed in the dark just so she can full appreciate it.

Bailey is a nonbinary artist with a degree in specifically Color Theory. They love painting, especially with oil and acrylic, and uses big dramatic colors and shapes. They’re actually really good at realism, though they mostly paint scenes and locations, rather than like portraits or anything. (Not to say they wouldn’t paint those things, though.) They’re also really into the abstract and are currently experimenting with that. Also! They’re really bubbly and sweet and friendly, especially with small children. They love supporting their friends and just being chipper and happy in general. Also they have the raddest bright pink hair with a partly shaved blonde half and it’s really cool okay.

Megan is kinda cold and calculating and currently working on her PhD in physics. She puts a lot of pressure on herself and her academics and tells herself that she has to spend most of her life studying/working if she wants to get the grades she wants and graduate. A lot of the time she puts her health to the side in favor of studying and will go too long without eating or sleeping because of an essay. But she’s really passionate about what she’s doing and loves every second of the knowledge she gains. She’s a little rough at showing affection and generally has a hard time saying it in person. A lot of the time, if she has something important or generally sappy to say, she’ll write it down in one of her many, many journals that she uses as a diary/vent place, and then show it to the person she has to say the thing to, because she finds it easier to get her thoughts down on paper than to say them. But she does feel love deep in her cold, cold heart haha. Also she’s super kinky ;)

@cookie-dough-boy is a little trans sheepie boy named Cookie. He’s very soft and chubby, but also extremely full of anxiety and self-doubt. He cares about his friends more than himself and will put them before himself no matter what. He’s a total momma’s boy that will constantly call and check on his mom or visit her just to see how she’s doing and he loves her more than anything else in the world. She taught him like all of the recipes he knows and basically how to be an adult in general and he’s so grateful for her. He’s a little coffee shop barista and kind of hates his job because he works with pricks, but the customers are usually pretty nice to him, which makes it kind of worth it. Plus he gets paid, so. And he’s dating a very edgy, 2cool4me guy named Mortar who you would not expect to actually be involved with him at all but it’s really cute and they’re soft together it’s great.

The last three have no blogs because they’re pretty new OCs, but descriptions anyway!

Blythe: She’s the goddess of deception and also a beautiful trans prankster that loves fucking with mortals in little, inconvenient ways, like enchanting underwear drawers not to open or making arcade cabinets shoot out quarters. She’s generally pretty chill and likes humans well enough, but she still has a Goddess Complex where she kind of feels like she’s above them just in general. But she treats them fine, she just gets a little arrogant sometimes. Also she’ll do humans favors like try to talk them into Valhalla and stuff because she knows all the gods and goddesses and has cool connections so why not. She’s immortal and has really big, cool wings, that are even taller than her own six foot self like wow she’s got a massive wingspan.

Cleona: She’s a smol chubby mechanic girl that loves tinkering with tech and being a general dork. She likes reverse engineering things and figuring out how they work and go back together, but she’s also a bit messy and sometimes the things she’s taken apart can’t get put back together because she lost pieces/they got mixed in with another thing that needs to be put back together. She’s very very gay and also super friendly and chill in general. Also she wears these really big, clunky combat boots that are way to big for her smol feets because she wants to be taller. But they don’t fit her like at all, and there’s a running gag that she just always has asinine bullshit shoved insider her boots.

Maxim: Asshole. 100% irredeemable fuckhead. The personification of anxiety, basically, that will universally fuck with you until you no longer want to live on this planet. He’s a piece of shit that does it just for the hell of it. He’s also from the world behind mirrors that’s a reflection of the Real World (I’m sure you’ve heard this trope before lol). He can put his voice into people’s heads and fuck with them from there until they feel like they’re going insane from all the insecurity he’s putting in their heads and whatnot. And he’s just...the actual worst. He has no redeeming qualities. He’s an immortal demon boy that gets a kick out of making people’s lives horrible. Also he really likes hot pockets.

[thesinglesjukebox]

BENNY BLANCO & JUICE WRLD - GRADUATION

[1.64]

Vitamin F...

Will Adams: A series of "what if"'s manifested, each one worse than the last. What if Juice WRLD sang "Graduation (Friends Forever)"? What if one recreated the spoken outro from "Gossip Folks" except not funny? What if you cast yourself in your high school movie cliché video as a teacher who claims to have slept with the popular clique? What if that were meant to be a joke instead of horrifying? What if music was a mistake? [1]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: Just like everything Benny Blanco does, "Graduation" is both desperate and incompetent. Releasing a song that samples "Graduation (Friends Forever)" in a desperate ploy to get played at edgy grad parties? Desperate. Doing so in September, months and months away from any graduation of note? Incompetent. Getting Juice WRLD, the rap-scene embodiment of teen angst, on your high school grad party banger? Desperate. Letting him do a verse that makes him sound like he's simultaneously still in high school and like he's never been and has based his portrayal on teen movies from 2005? Incompetent. Benny Blanco and Juice WRLD are both artists that are easy to come down on for moral reasons of misogyny and for making music for teenagers, but "Graduation" sucks even as a dumb, hateful song for teens. It's neutered and rote, the kind of music that you can't even act out to well. It's as if Blanco tried to reverse-engineer his way to relatability, but failed to even follow that path properly. It's a song for no-one, a bad time for all. [0]

Ian Mathers: Both Vitamin C and Animal House-style freeze frames deserve better. [0]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: The Vitamin C interpolation is crass, but it's intentional: Juice WRLD does a reversal of that song's anticipatory nostalgia and draws a line between miserable adolescent experiences and life thereafter (hence the crucial change from "As our lives change/Come whatever" to "As our lives change/From whatever"). This is a song for high school students, sure, but it's mostly for those who have survived their teens to find that Adult Life can be much of the same. Your high school graduation may be in the past, but the drudgery of life now comes without a summer break; to release this song around the time high schools commence points to that grim reality. It feels as juvenile as the numerous high school/college films of the 1990s/2000s, which consequently makes it feel like one of the most blink-182 songs that Juice WRLD has made to date. If the Can't Hardly Wait-inspired "Going Away to College" was Mark Hoppus thinking about the transition from high school to college, then "Graduation" is Juice WRLD thinking about the transition from high school to the working world. [6]

Michael Hong: INTRODUCTION: In 1999, Vitamin C released the infamous "Graduation (Friends Forever)," which depending on your experience of elementary school is a warm slice of nostalgia or was a slightly annoying mainstay of eighth grade. Benny Blanco samples this for his collaboration with Juice WRLD. METHODS: Juice WRLD raps petty jabs at former classmates, completely atonal to the theme of the sampled track. Somehow worse? Benny Blanco invites a friend on probably the most inessential spoken word bit ever shoehorned into a track that takes it to new levels of disturbingly appalling. RESULTS: A completely embarrassing trainwreck. CONCLUSION: Benny Blanco and Juice WRLD peaked in high school. [0]

Isabel Cole: The juxtaposition of "Graduation"'s mawkish earnestness with gleefully juvenile vindictiveness is funny enough that I laughed out loud, and I like the exhausted way he grates through all the TIMES we spent toGETHer. Unfortunately the bland sentimentality of the second verse is less appealing than the mean-spirited swagger of the first, and the whole thing is bogged down by vocal warps that don't add anything and casual misogyny. There's a whole thesis in the fact that two male artists chose to cap off a song about the myopia of high school misery with a skit about catty teenage girls. [5]

Joshua Lu: If you're going to flip Vitamin C's classic into a raunchy and douchey "fuck you" to high school bullshit, you could at least make it funny and not reliant on tired misogyny. I'm concerned Lil Dicky is becoming an influence. [2]

Alfred Soto: I counted twenty seconds before the bittersweet sing-song melody yielded to insulting the bitch for the crime of being poor. But never fear! He wants credit for yielding to the jungle fever. I like pettiness and dumb hooks as much as the next fellow, but "Graduation" insists on a sincerity that would've horrified the Beastie Boys in 1986. [0]

William John: I can handle the delivery of the chorus of Vitamin C's high school standard in a mannish howl, as it sounds not unlike the throng of boys who shouted it arm-in-arm at my final high school assembly many years ago. Overlaying it with urgent, gulping, very loud breathing noises is, however, an unconscionable triggering of my misophonia. [0]

Joshua Copperman: So this is what Booksmart was to people that hated Booksmart. [1]

Scott Mildenhall: American pop culture does such a great job of making America seem horrible that it's a wonder reality even tries to match it. The obsession with graduations is but one tiny part of it, but Juice WRLD touches on plenty of the other cultural clichés that make American school seem at best wearing and at worst terrifying: proms, intercoms and threats of bombs. "Graduation" is rank, all told, but maybe the country should take some of the blame. [3]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[twxntrash]

Dance of Grey Ch. 2

Now in the perspective of the nervous blood-mage cinnamon roll with 0 self esteem.

Honestly, Dakota wasn’t sure why he had ever expected things to magically become great after he got accepted into the academy.

He sat, slumped over his desk, waiting for class to begin as students gradually filled the classroom. It had been about a week since the first day and already his classmates had formed their own little groups of friends and cliques among each other. It was weird how easily people were drawn to one another, like magnets to metal or something.

Except him. He was the other magnet that kept all the others away.

That’s how it had always been. In grade school all the other kids stayed around him because they didn’t like his power, in middle school he was teased relentlessly on the days that they chose to acknowledge his existence. All because of his power.

Any power that involved blood was usually pretty looked down upon. Most powers like that needed one party to consume the blood of the other party, but not every blood-based power was like that. His power was full control over his own blood. From the smallest drop to gushing wounds, he could manipulate his blood in a variety of ways, harden it, and still control it if someone else consumes it.

But that seemed to make matters worse for him, especially when he was younger and had little control over his power.

It was no secret that Dakota was a walking ball of anxiety and fear. He’d freak out easily when he was a kid, have frequent panic attacks, and when his power first manifested itself when he was a kid, those freak out sessions would cause his blood to go out of control, piercing through his own body, hurting himself and those who got too close.

It earned him a stigma that he could never shake off.

He had hoped that when he got accepted into Garrick Academy, some miracle that was, that he’d be able to find a place where he belonged, surrounded by students who didn’t care what kind of power he had. But even then, even now as he sat in the classroom, not a lot of students tended to look his way. He’d get a polite smile and greeting now and then, a few ‘nice work’ during the training exercises, but just the obligation ones.

For the most part, his classmates ignored him, no one ever reached out.

But, he couldn’t put all the blame on them, he never really reached out to the others, either. Too scared to after all the years of being bullied and treated as an outcast, scared of being laughed at for his attempt to befriend someone.

He sighed, picking at the sleeves of his uniform and watched his classmates tiredly.

A lot of them were loud and energetic in the way only high school students could be, and others were quiet and studious, already sitting down and reading over textbooks or looking over their homework for last-minute mistakes. What was more, they all had such cool powers while his was just… his. It really matched him if he was being honest, an awful power for an awful person, just as useless as he was.

How did he even get into the academy when there were so many others with a better power than his?

Over by the wall he could see the Dae twins bickering as they usually did, their powers were fire and ice from what he understood. James, a student with Stoneskin, a power that let him harden his skin, was talking pretty enthusiastically about something to Ian, who both was able to take on cat-like attributes and looked extremely uncomfortable.

Dakota could also smell smoke from behind him and didn’t have to look behind to know which student that was, and the hair on the back of his neck raised in only the way that static could cause, telling him what other student was talking a few seats behind him. Elizabeth and Cody, Smokescreen and Electricity respectively.

There were other students in the room with other powers that were just as amazing. Beast-Out, Siren’s Song, Elasticity, Sensory, metal manipulation, speed, strength and so many more powers that he couldn’t name.

His blood abilities were so pale in comparison.

Blood related powers were never good and Blood Control was likely among the worst. He probably only got accepted to meet a quota.

He hated himself for thinking that, but it was probably true. His mother had told him over and over again that he’d never make the cut for being a hero, not with the kind of power that he had. His was one that villains only ever had, it was a mark for a bad apple to have a power that involved blood as a necessary part. A sign they’d be no good.

But, whenever he saw the heroes on the news, smiling and laughing, so brave and courageous as they threw their all into helping others… he wanted to be like them.

He wanted the kind of courage they had, to be able to smile like them despite everything, to stand there and say “Never fear, I am here!” and have people look at him with hope in their eyes and the knowledge that everything would be okay now.

He just wanted to feel confident in himself and feel accepted by the world. That was the reason he chose to go here, why he wanted to be a hero.

But now that he was here at the school, he knew that dream had been nothing but a fantasy. All his classmates were well on their way to becoming the next top heroes, beloved and looked up to by the people. He’d be lucky if the school gave him a job as part of the faculty out of pity after graduation.

Why did he have to be like this? So negative and pessimistic? He could already hear his mother’s voice telling him that this was why he was never going to make friends here, why he’d always be alone.

Maybe it’d be better if he just dropped out? Then the school can fill his seat with someone more worthy. He was just a waste of space, anyways. He already knew he was going to be the worst student in this class, his test scores were subpar and his results during the training they’d done so far always left him in last place.

He knew the other students were always laughing to themselves whenever his name came up beside the number 20 after their teachers listed their ranking after each training session. His power was always useless no matter what they did.

He hated it. He hated it so much.

Dakota’s head was hurting and he just wanted to curl up and disappear. Laying his head on his desk, he closed his eyes and just tried to tune out the chatter of the rest of the class. At least when Ms. Katherine, their mentor teacher, arrived then the class would quiet down and he could start focusing on the lessons of the day and hope he managed to skirt by on the afternoon training.

It would have been better if he applied at one of the less well-known hero schools, or better yet, had just gone to a regular high school instead of letting his dreams dictate what he did.

He let out a quiet sigh as he moved his arm to rest over his head, but gave a small jump when his elbow bumped into his bottle of water, knocking it to the ground. He could hear it quickly rolling across the floor as he lifted his head.

Pushing himself up, Dakota scanned the floor for his bottle and before he could even get out of his seat to pick it back up, one of the students whom it had rolled close to had knelt down to pick it up instead.

“Here,” she said closing the distance between him and her, handing the blue plastic object out to Dakota while she smiled softly, brushing some pastel pink hair from her face. Kotone Kobe, one of the students he was certain had the most potential out of the class and would make a  great hero.

He couldn’t meet her eyes and held out his hand to take his water bottle back, “T-thank you,” he murmured, a slight stammer in his voice as he put the bottle back on his desk, hoping to not knock it over again. She was just doing it to be nice and would move on to talk to the other students soon enough. That’s what most did if they bothered to give him a bit of kindness.

But instead, she pulled up a chair from the desk next to his and sat down, still smiling as she studied him. “You’re not much of a talker, are you?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Dakota paused and looked at her, startled by the fact that she was talking to him without a reason for it. Maybe someone dared her to interact with the class looser, that was the only plausible explanation he could think of, but he couldn’t see any of the other students watching them to make sure she followed through with the dare.

She wasn’t saying anything either, and he realized with a start that she was waiting for him to reply.

Feeling his face heat up, Dakota tilted his head down to look at his lap rather than face her, “I… sorry, I’m…”

“A little shy?” Kotone finished in an offering tone and he found himself nodding. That was one way to put it. “I can understand the feeling. Plus, everything is still pretty overwhelming. It’s kind of hard to understand how everyone can be so relaxed and at home so soon.”

She was one to talk. She had been one of the first to settle in after the first day, having quickly reached out to the other students and integrating herself among the class.

Before he could say anything in response to that, not that Dakota was going to in the first place, unable to even find the words to make a reply, Kotone had held a hand out to him and she was still smiling. He noticed that her smile was warm, like little kisses from the sun, warming the cold numb he had felt inside since day one.

He hesitated to take her hand, but he did. Hers was so much smaller than his and so much warmer, her grip was gentle, enough so that he could slip his hand free if he felt uncomfortable.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I thought it was really cool how you used your power during all the training we’ve been through these past few days,” Kotone said as she gave him a soft squeeze and then let go of his hand. “I’ve never gotten to see a power like that, it was amazing.”

She was lying. That was his first thought, there was no way that anyone would genuinely be impressed by his awful ability. No one had ever used cool or amazing to describe his power, or the self-mutilation he had to go through just to use his power.

Creepy, uneasy, bad. Those were the words he was used to others using to describe it.

But, looking at her face, he couldn’t find a trace of lie or mockery in her expression. It felt genuine, honest. It filled his chest with a weird feeling that he couldn’t quite explain.

“You’re just saying that,” Dakota mumbled, his cheeks turning pink again as he looked away from her.

Kotone shook her head and leaned forward in her seat to get closer to him. “No, I’m serious,” she said with a firmness in her voice. “I’ve never seen someone who was able to manipulate their blood, it’s really impressive. I mean, sure you were beyond awkward out there in the field like that, and the exercises that Ms. Katherine and Hercules put us through weren’t exactly suited for a power like yours, but you did really well!”

His face just got redder and redder the more that she kept talking, he could feel the blood in his face practically bubbling from how hot it was getting. This was the first time anyone had ever complimented him this much and it was embarrassing, he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to react.

“You did so much better than I did,” Dakota pointed out, rubbing the back of his neck. Kotone usually scored up in the top ten during all the rankings at the end of their training, so much better than him.

But, Kotone was laughing as she shook her head. “Not really. Did you not see me trip and fall flat on my face during the 100 meter dash? Or jumping and smashing face first through the wall during the obstacle course?” she rubbed her face as though she could still feel the ache. She… had hit her face into a lot of things during the training, that was true. “Not only that, my power only works if I get hurt. It’s useless if no one gets a hit on me.”

“That’s not too different from mine,” Dakota mumbled before he could stop himself, “I have to get cut to use mine safely, not that it’s really safe in the first place.” Why was he trying to find common ground with this student who was so much cooler than him? He felt embarrassment swelling within him.

But his classmate kept laughing, it wasn’t spiteful or mocking, it was like she was actually enjoying the conversation. “Hooray team ‘Must Get Injured To Be Useful’,” she said in a playful tone as she raised her fist halfway up into the air. Dakota found himself smiling softly at it, but it fell when she let out a gasp.

“I got you smiling, victory!” Kotone cheered. “You have such a nice smile, too, you should smile more often.”

His face flushed and he looked away from her so quickly that he felt his neck crack.

“Sorry, sorry,” Kotone said, still laughing but reaching out to assure him that there was no harm intended. “I’m just teasing you.”

Slowly, Dakota let himself look back at her. “So, um…” he struggled to find his voice, to voice the question that had been on his mind. “Why are you talking to me, anyway?”

“What do you mean?” Kotone asked.

He fidgeted with his hands, rubbing at the palms and fingers, twisting his wrist in his own grip. “You’re cool, nice,” pretty, very pretty, “and so much better than I am. So why are you wasting your time talking to the class loser? There’s got to be other students worth your time more than I am? Like Casey?”

She looked at him, studying him before leaning back in her seat and giving a hum as she stared at the ceiling. “Dunno. You seemed like a nice person, and I like meeting nice people,” she said and gave a shrug. “Do I really need a reason other than wanting to be your friend?”

Dakota stared at her like he didn’t quite hear her right, and so Kotone, still smiling that sundrop smile, continued speaking. “I hope we can be friends.”

Friend?

It was almost laughable that someone wanted to be his friend.

But, it’d be bad if he refused her, even if he didn’t fully believe her wanting to be his friend. No one ever did and she probably was just interested because he was different or new compared to what she was used to.

“It’s…I’d like that,” Dakota admitted. He would like to be her friend, even if he wasn’t sure it would last. He’d never had one, after all. But, Kotone’s smile seemed to grow even brighter when he said that, and he felt that weirdly warm feeling in his chest again.

[crissyxstorm-blog]

߷ - I thought I saw CAMILLA LUDDINGTON in New Orleans, but it was just CRESSIDA 'CRISSY' STORM. SHE is a 29 year old WITCH. I heard that they were COMPASSIONATE but also FIXATED. I believe they are marrying TIMOTHEE CHALAMET.

Crissy grew up in a small town in Nevada with her mother, father and brother.

Her mother wasn’t happy though and up until Crissy was sixteen, she pretended otherwise.

Then she left the family, and their father in return spiraled into alcoholism.

Their grandmother came in now and then to take care of the family, telling the two kids that their father were a witch, and that they would inherit his gifts.

Neither believed her and mostly ignored and rolled their eyes at her stories.

Crissy was a popular girl in school, the type to have perfect grades but also the perfect boyfriend, being crowned the homecoming queen.

She and her brother actively covered for their fathers alcoholism and kept pretending everything was perfectly fine at home, even when they had to pick up extra jobs outside of school to cover bills.

When Crissy’s older brother reached puberty, his powers spiked, and their grandmother moved in full time. Now neither of the siblings could deny what she had tried to tell them.

Crissy however refused to listen to her grandmother. Refused to believe or acknowledge it when her powers spiked as well a short time after. In response she started drinking an partying with her friends. She was seventeen and coming home at all odd hours, pissing her grandmother and father off.

Though Crissy’s magic manifested in other forms, as she began having vivid and terrifying dreams, dreams of fire, smoke and screams.. Premonitions as she would later learn the dreams were.

Because she was so adamant in her refusal to use magic, her powers became dormant.

While partying and drinking Crissy was also trying to cope with the fact that her mother and father had, after about a month of ugly fighting, split up and were divorcing. And of course that her mother had left them, and most importantly, her, behind, choosing to leave town. 

At the time she was hooking up with her high school boyfriend, not being careful about protection. She began to feel ill. Bloated and sick in the mornings.

Crissy had three months of school left when she found out she was pregnant. 

When she told her grandmother, they had a huge falling out, and fought even more viciously than before. She wanted Crissy to have an abortion, and as soon as her father and brother learned the truth, they too thought she should terminate the pregnancy. 

As a result Crissy barley spoke to any of them, and swore she would pack up and leave town the minute she graduated.

Three days before her graduation, when she was walking home from school, Crissy came to find her entire childhood home going up in flames, presumably with her entire family inside. Her terrible dreams had come true.

The fire was too extensive for the paramedics and firemen to find more than remnants of her fathers and grandmothers teeth. Her brother’s however, they could not find, though Crissy still believes him to be dead.

She got her diploma and moved to Boston, working, and giving birth to her son Dennis. He was born several months premature and Crissy spent a lot of nights in the hospital while he was sick and in need of care.

She choose not to tell her old boyfriend about having his baby. Mainly because she was scared of having to negotiate and argue with someone else about how to live her life and how to be a good mother.

It was during those months in the hospital that she realized what she wanted to do with her life. Become someone who saved lives.

She spent almost two years working odd jobs to save up for medical school while also raising Dennis.

Once she had the money, she applied for Med School at Boston University, working to become a surgical intern at Boston Medical Center, wanting to be a surgeon.

Three years into her studies, Crissy got pregnant again. Her boyfriend at the time had a bad temper and had beat her up once before, landing her in the hospital with breaks and bruises.

When she found out she was carrying his child, she up and left Boston, transferring to California, convinced that he wouldn’t be a good father.  Once more convincing herself her children would be better off with her.

In California, Crissy met and befriended a fellow medical student who would be a nurse and the two bonded quickly, agreeing to rent an apartment together.

The girl helped Crissy raise her son and daughter when she was born, and keep life somewhat afloat with a five year old and a toddler on top of the 9 year education she had just embarked on to reach her goal. 

Though a few years after her daughter was born, Crissy’s magical powers resurfaced with a strength and wildness that easily overwhelms her.

She has been using amulets and enchantments from other witches she’s paid off to suppress her magic, but she realizes she can’t go on like this forever.

Crissy had two years left of her surgical residency when the council called her to NOLA for the marriage peace treaty.

Once more she transferred, this time to Tulane University in New Orleans.

While she isn’t happy about being jerked around a third time, Crissy is working very hard to complete her education and raise her son and daughter the best she can. 

She’s scared that she will harm her kids with her powers and that’s been her main reason for doing everything she could to keep them locked away.

She still has vivid dreams and nightmares, and a lot of these come true, days or weeks after she’s dreamt them.

Crissy is very direct, brutally honest and often overly curious. Her curiousness can come across as intrusive as she loves to get to the bottom of things, or just won’t relent until she has the truth plain and simple.

She obsesses over her work and is very focused, while she also kills herself to be a good mother and present for her kids.

While her job pays okay, she has loans, hospital bills and insurance to still pay for so she’s had to be very careful with her money and isn’t the type of girl to splurge or by herself a lot of things. All she has goes to her children.

Once in a while when she has a night off, she loves to go out, have a great time and pretend she didn’t spend all her twenties in school and raising two kids.

She sort of feels as if she missed out on her youth, though she is loath to admit that because she loves her daughter and son more than anything, and doesn’t regret them at all.

[morsmordrehasbeensaved]

CONGRATULATIONS HALEY, YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AS LUDOVIC BAGMAN WITH THE FACECLAIM OF NAT WOLFF!

Haley! You absolutely blew us out of the water with this application - but what else is new when it comes to your writing, if I’m being honest. We adored the personality you wrote for Ludo so much, it fit everything that we had in mind for him perfectly and went far beyond it. His biography was wonderful to read too, and helped explain exactly why he is the way he is and acts the way he does. Overall, we are super excited to have him join the gang!

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

♔ OUT OF CHARACTER INFO ♔

NAME/ALIAS:

Haley, but you already know that!

AGE:

20!

PREFERRED PRONOUNS:

She/Her

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY:

You guys already know this too, but CST and a 7/10

TRIGGERS:

REMOVED.

ANYTHING ELSE:

REMOVED.

♔ IN CHARACTER INFO ♔

FULL NAME:

Ludovic Felix Bagman

BIRTHDAY AND AGE:

April 20th is Ludo’s birthday. He’s seventeen right now, and will be 18. He is a Taurus-Aries cusp, with a Leo moon.

PRONOUNS:

He/Him

SEXUALITY/ROMANTIC ORIENTATION:

Ludovic is bisexual and biromantic. He’ll be with pretty much anybody, really. He’s not picky at all.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

I’m fine with him just being on the Quidditch team! He’s too much of a slacker for anything else!

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

+ Athletic: Ludovic has always excelled at anything physical and it’s why he was made captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. He works hard at improving his body, perhaps harder than any other thing. He finds great joy in not only quidditch, but physical fighting, wrestling, and rough-housing.

+ Clever: Ludovic has a mind that can find the strangest solutions to a problem. His intellect manifests in a multitude of ways, though he mostly takes advantage of it when he needs to come up with an excellent lie or excuse.

+/- Talkative: Ludo spent too much of his childhood not talking, so now that he’s surrounded by people he wants to constantly be conversing.

+/- Loud: Going hand in hand with his love for conversation, Ludo can also be louder than the average person. His voice fills the room and his laugh is even louder.

=/- Care-free: Ludovic’s life motto is “go with the flow”. If something happens, it was always meant to happen. There was nothing anybody could have done about it, so why spend time worrying about it? This is good sometimes. He doesn’t sweat the small things and you’ll find it very hard to get him in a bad mood. It’s also detrimental, however, because he finds it hard to care about literally any bad thing. His grades? His future? The war and the future of wizarding society? Not his problem.

- Cowardly: Ludovic has a well-known gambling problem and he also has a tendency to talk a little too loudly about things that might get him trouble. This is all fine and dandy, until he’s confronted by it. If Ludo is faced with a fight that he knows he cannot win, he will instantly try and find another way to escape unharmed, even if it means kissing up to whoever he may need to.

- Irresponsible: Ludovic, quite literally, does not care whatsoever about any of his responsibilities, save for Quidditch. He will skip class, come to class drunk, not do his homework, or just blatantly cheat off of someone. It’s currently his biggest problem and one that the staff of Hogwarts vehemently hates.

BIOGRAPHY:

For most of his life, Ludovic Felix Bagman lived in the mountains of Scotland, in the same home that his mother grew up in. Susan MacCrain was a first-year Ravenclaw whenever she met Heinz Bagman, a third-year Slytherin. Heinz was from Germany, where the Bagman family estate resided. He was a pureblood, and although he didn’t put much stock into all of the purity nonsense, he was still proud of having only wizard-blood run through his veins. Susan and Heinz were busy people. They both held high-ranking positions in the Ministry of Magic. Heinz was the Head of the Department for Magical Transportation and Susan was a senior employee within the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. She ran the Muggle-worthy Excuse Committee, a job befitting of her background. Because they held such time consuming jobs, their sons Otto and Ludovic, spent most of their days and nights alone.

Despite their solitude, Otto and Ludo grew up as happy boys. Otto was four years Ludo’s senior, but this did not stop them from playing together every chance they got. Their home was surrounded by hills and mountains and these boys left no stone unturned. They explored every inch of their property and mapped out all of the best climbing spots together. It was a picture-esque, dreamlike childhood. When Ludo was seven years old, Otto went off to Hogwarts. This was the beginning of his change. For the first time in his life, he was truly alone. Oh, sure, he had the family house elf, Loosey, but she was no fun to play with. All she did was fuss over him and tell him that what he was about to do was dangerous. It was because of Loosey that he got into flying and Quidditch. Neither his parents, nor Otto, had ever been big fans of flying, but they did have a broom or two in the shed, should they ever need one. Loosey had warned him not to fly them without parental supervision, but he had ignored her. It was one of these brooms that Ludo was riding when he fell in love with flying.

Everything changed for Ludo that day. He wasn’t so bothered by his solitude. It meant he had time to practice. Day in and day out, Ludovic soared through his family’s land, ducking between trees and avoiding the more dangerous branches. Soon enough, Ludo could perform even the most dangerous of moves. It was then when he truly fell in love with Quidditch. He tried out every position. Keeper was alright, though it was hard to practice alone. He had to order Loosey to throw apples through the middle of two trees so that he could try to and block it. He quickly moved on to Chasing. This was much more fun, but still, he never quite got completely into it. Seeking was a no-go from the beginning. Too boring. Ludovic wanted action and adrenaline. Beating was perfect for him. He had so much fun flying through the air, smashing at rocks with his bat. He longed for the day that he would be able to hit a true Bludger.

Time continued to pass until one day, Ludovic received his much awaited letter from Hogwarts. He’d always wanted to go to school, especially after hearing all of Otto’s stories. Hogwarts sounded like so much fun, even the school work! When the moment finally arrived to board the Hogwarts Express, Ludovic sat with Otto and his friends and when the Sorting Hat was placed upon his head, he was sorted into Ravenclaw. It was the house of his mother and brother and for awhile, no one questioned his placement. Ludo had always been a clever boy. Primarily, he used his intellect to escape from sticky situations, but it came in handy for school work too. He made plenty of friends throughout the entire school. Ludo was not picky when it came to who he associated with. Good, bad, rich, poor, young, or old. Even as an eleven year old, he had friendships that spanned all years and houses. Though, to be fair, a good deal of his older friends came from his brother. For his first few years, that was who he mainly spent his time with. Sure, he was friendly enough with Rookwood, D’Eath, Bones, and his other housemates, but it was the older Ravenclaw boys that he truly fell in with.

It was their influence that first planted the seed of irresponsibility in Ludovic. To this day, Otto Bagman regrets allowing his little brother to spend so much time with people far beyond his age. They introduced him to everything that a child should not be introduced to; drugs, sex, and alcohol primarily. Ludo was but eleven the first time he smoked a cigarette, twelve the first time he was drunk, and thirteen when he saw someone naked who was not himself. This might not have been a problem for everybody, but Ludo loved his brother and he looked up to him, so if he was doing all of these things then they must not be all that bad, right?

The years continued to go by and finally, Otto Bagman graduated Hogwarts, leaving fourth-year Ludo behind. It was this moment that he truly began to spiral. Otto had always been a good student and he had always encouraged Ludo to do his schoolwork. Sure, he drank like any teenager did, but he met his responsibilities and always encouraged Ludo to do the same. Perhaps he could sense the troublemaker within Ludo, or perhaps he just felt that was what an older brother was supposed to do. In his absence, Ludovic floundered. He was angry and upset. His brother and all of his friends had moved on to bigger things, leaving him alone at school. Hogwarts did not seem so fun anymore. Sure, he had Quidditch… but he didn’t have any close friends. He quickly took steps to remedy this. He mimicked his older brother and began throwing parties whenever he could. After a Quidditch match (no matter if it was a win or lose), after an exam, or even just because. He didn’t need an excuse. He succeeded in the end by forming a trio with Emma Vanity and Marlene McKinnon. The three became renowned at school as the premier party throwers and their poker games were considered to be legendary.

Finally! Ludovic had created a life for himself outside of his brother. Only, the life he had created was not so good for him. Without his brother’s help, his grades began to slip. He quickly became known as slacker amongst his teachers and they were ever-so disappointed, since O.W.L’s were only a year away. His teachers were constantly bombarding him, wanting to know what had happened? Where had that clever boy gone? He didn’t like the constant questioning and began to act out as a result. His attitude and irresponsibility landed him in detention more times than he could count. These bad habits persisted for another year before his family finally caught wind. Unfortunately, as much as they cared for their son, his parents never really had had time for him and they didn’t do anything. Otto tried his best, begging his brother to apply himself, but Ludovic only ignored him. He liked the life he lived and he didn’t feel like changing it anytime soon.

Now, he was a seventh year, only one year away from graduating. He had his eyes set on becoming a professional Quidditch player once he left school and was determined to win every game he could, because the scouts would surely be watching. Life after Hogwarts was a little daunting, but he was looking forward to. Sure, there was a blood-purity war brewing, but he didn’t mind. He was friends with everyone, muggleborn and pureblood alike. This war did not affect him, therefore, he paid it very little mind. All he wanted to do was play Quidditch, kiss a good-looking person, and maybe have a drink along the way. There was no reason for the war to get in the way of that.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

1. Taurus-Aries cusps are described as having a dominant personality. You always know when they’re in the room. They can be good leaders if they choose to be and do not like to submit to the authority of others.

2. Ludovic’s moon sign is in Leo, which means that at his most internal, he has the tendency to approach life in the most fun way possible. He also can be very selfish and focused on himself.

3. Ludovic made great grades on his O.W.L’s, despite his dismal class grades.

4. His favorite color is purple