#Red Tarpaulin

[mizgnomer]

Behind the Scenes of The Star Beast - Part One

Excerpt from Benjamin Cook's Star Beast Set Visit in DWM 597:

There’s a buzz in the air in Camden Town tonight as the market vendors shut up shop. Businessmen wait on the bridge by the lock. Students rush from the Starbucks, buskers busk. Tourists jostle for a selfie spot, next to the bronze statue of Amy. At the northernmost point of Camden High Street, a man with a mohawk folds away his cardboard placard (‘HELP A PUNK TO GET DRUNK’) and heads across the road to buy a Red Bull from the 24/7. Three men in North Face jackets, one on a stepladder, yank a tarpaulin sheet off a police box. Security guards change shifts. On Gin Alley, people are still queuing for meat and noodles. A woman in a Kermit tee leaves Oddballs carrying a unicycle. Rose Noble buys a bagful of eyes. Outside Cyberdog, two silver robots, three times the height of the average human, stand vigil. A different crowd is gathered here too, dripping in scarves, bowties, and pinstripes. A dog barks. A neon sign flickers. David Tennant arrives. Some people cheer. Others clap. A boy in a beanie hat drops his falafel. An ambulance siren wails in the distance. Two-hundred phones are held aloft. “What a rock star,” says Doctor Who’s executive producer, Phil Collinson. “I still can’t quite believe David is back on the Doctor Who set.” Neither can he. “It’s mental,” says David, grinning. “We’ve got three more months of this.” It’s mid-May 2022, and he’s donned the vintage Converse once more to play the Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, in three hour-long 60th Anniversary Specials. They began filming in Cardiff last week. A few days ago, he recorded his half of the regeneration from Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor.

I’ll post additional parts in the coming months with the  #whoBtsBeast tag. The full episode list is [ here ]

[art-that-fucks-you-up-tournament]

Behold, a bracket!

Text form below the cut because trying to copy all the 256 into the alt text sounded.... horrifying. Warning for 128 matchups, seriously, this list is long, and so I've avoided adding the artists until the polls.

a note: the pinned post has started misbehaving, so only open polls will be directly linked. closed polls instead have the results page linked in the set header, all the polls are linked from there

Set 1

The Lament for Icarus (Miao He) vs The Lament for Icarus (Herbert Draper)

The angel came to me in a fever hallucination, perched upon my bed as I returned from the bathroom. vs Sweet Brown Snail

Figures vs A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery

Happy Shoppers vs Hubble Deep Field

Lovers Painting vs Bath Curtain

Dr. Helen Taussig vs Une Martyre

Orangoutang étranglant un sauvage de Bornéo (Orangutan strangling a Borneo savage) vs Can’t Help Myself

Rape vs Technicolor Hiroshima

Set 2

A Walk at Dusk vs Based on “Autoportrait with the Model” by Maria-Rayevska Ivanova

Diary Page vs Les Jours Gigantesques (The Titanic Days)

Dead of Night vs You Won't

Christina's World vs Bobby

Untitled (I’m Turning Into A Specter Before Your Very Eyes And I’m Going To Haunt You) vs Two Sisters (On the Terrace)

Sharecropper vs Lustmord

The Parca and the Angel of Death vs Untitled (Zdzisław Beksiński)

Stress vs The Fallen Angel

Set 3

Device to Root Out Evil vs Travelling Light

Diana vs Fifty Days at Iliam: The Fire that Consumes All before It

The Plains, from Memory vs Exotic Bodies

Doubting Thomas vs Self-Portrait in the Bathroom Mirror

Empty Nest vs Somebody Fell From Aloft

Anguish vs If I Died

Cat in Obsolete Bath vs You're Not Boring Anymore

Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) vs Untitled (billboard of an empty unmade bed)

Set 4

There Will Be No Miracles Here vs Symphony of the Sixth Blast Furnace

Fox Hunt vs Tarpaulin

Khajuraho Group of Monuments vs Ranakpur Jain Temple

ปราสาทสัจธรรม (The Sanctuary of Truth) vs Grande Panorama de Lisboa

Heroic Head of Pierre de Wissant, One of the Burghers of Calais vs The Weather

The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit vs If this is art

Statue of Vincent and Theo van Gogh vs Jeanne d’Arc écoutant les voix (Joan of Arc listening to the Voices)

Fountain vs Judith Slaying Holofernes

Set 5

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) vs Cave of El Castillo

Chauvet Cave Bear vs Uffington White Horse

Laocoön and His Sons vs Winged Victory of Samothrace

Crouching Aphrodite vs Statue of Taweret

Guardian Figure vs Kūya-Shonin (Saint Kuya)

Ancient Greek doll vs Arena #7 (Bears)

Enbu (炎舞) (Dancing in the Flames) vs Yearning Shadows

Belfast to Byzantium vs Freedom

Set 6

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayan vs Portraits

The Blood Mirror vs Nighthawks

Electric Fan (Feel it Motherfuckers): Only Unclaimed Item from the Stephen Earabino Estate vs "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw vs Forgotten Dreams

Saint Bride vs Pixeles (a group of 9 works)

War Pieta vs The Sunset

The Handmaidens of Sivawara Preparing the Sacred Bull at Tanjore for a Festival vs Ajax and Cassandra

Nāve (Death) vs Abstraction

Set 7

Yes vs Meeting on the Turret Stair

Hacked to Death II vs Stańczyk

Closeness Lines Over Time vs Voice of Fire

The Maple Trees at Mama, the Tekona Shrine and Tsugihashi Bridge vs Portrait of Sir Thomas More

Survival Series: In a Dream You Saw a Way vs Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre

Death blowing bubbles vs The Kitchen Table Series

Painting 1946 vs In the Grip of Winter

Untitled (Black and Gray) vs NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt

Set 8

Blue Plate Special vs Red Cedar

Palace of Fine Arts vs Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

Le Château des Pyrénées (The Castle of the Pyrenees) vs Susanna and the Elders, Restored - X-Ray

Moby Dick vs Viva la Vida, Watermelons

Venus Envy Chapter One (Of the First Holy Communion Moments Before the End) vs how to look at art

St. Sebastian vs Untitled #12

Carroña vs The invincible one

Untitled (Two Dogs) vs The Dog

SECOND HALF

Set 9

David (Donatello) vs David (Michelangelo)

The Other Side vs The Temptation of St. Jerome

Seated Woman with Bent Knees vs Starry Night

Headdress - Shadae vs Untitled for the Image Flow's Queer Conscience exhibit

Woman with Dead Child (Frau mit totem Kind) vs Les Amants (The Lovers)

Siroče na majčinom grobu (Orphan on Mother's Grave) vs You Make My World a Better Place to Find

Fighting Against SARS Memorial Architectural Scene (弘揚抗疫精神建築景觀) vs Fallingwater

Resting vs The Hull

Set 10

Olive Trees vs Worship

Glow vs Wheatfield with Crows

Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X vs Untitled (He Plays Very Badly)

D.I.Y. by John Wiswell vs The Tragedy

Judith and the Head of Holofernes vs Beethovenfries (Beethoven Frieze)

The Memory of Me (How Could I Forget) vs oh god i had a really big epiphany about love and personhood but i’m too drunk for words

I am happy because everyone loves me vs 瀕危形態 (Endangered Forms)

Three Scaffolders vs Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan

Set 11

San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk vs Water-Lilies, Reflection of a Weeping Willow

The Grief of the Pasha vs Monolith in Vigeland Sculpture Park

Passion vs Space Diner

Hamlet and Ophelia vs Two Earthlings

Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth vs Seer Bonnets

Photograph from "SNAP OSAKA" Collection vs Clytemnestra after the Murder

“Untitled” (Perfect Lovers) vs The Lovers (TIE)

Kedai Ubat Jenun vs Orange Store Front

Set 12

The Apotheosis of War vs Portrait of the Dancer Aleksandr Sakharov

Julie Manet vs Mouth

The Icebergs vs Kaleidoscope Cats III

Maman vs Caza Nocturna (Night Hunt)

The Book of Kells Folio 188r: Luke carpet page vs Ardagh Chalice

Yusuf and Zulaikha vs Dome of the Rock mosaics

Rowan Leaves and Hole vs Untitled (prisonhannibal)

Le Désespéré (The Desperate Man) vs The Dedication

Set 13

Deimos vs Dog and Bridge

The Mocking of Christ vs Prudence

The Broken Column vs Siberian Ice Maiden shoulder tattoo

Transi de René de Chalon (Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon) vs Head of Christ

The Day vs Spirit of Haida Gwaii

Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571 vs Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন (National Parliament House)

Juventud de Baco (Bacchus Youth) vs Barges on the Seine

Oath of the Horattii closeup vs Visit hos Excentrisk Dam (Visit to an eccentric lady)

Set 14

Christ Crucified (With Donor) vs St. Francis

Thunder Raining Poison vs Piazza d'Italia

The Grove vs Among the Waves

Pintura Mural de Alarcón vs Sagrada Família stained-glass windows

Noonday Heat vs La Dame à la licorne (The Lady and The Unicorn)

Matroser i Gröna Lund (Sailors in Gröna Lund) vs Gielda Plakatu

Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks vs The Garden of Earthly Delights

Kuoleman puutarha (The Garden of Death) vs Haavoittunut enkeli (The Wounded Angel)

Set 15

i've wasted a lifetime pretending to be me vs da oracle

minus #37 vs Panel from Fun Home

Excerpt from illustrated edition of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner vs La Mort de Marat (The Death of Marat)

The Veil vs Düsseldorf 4 (Museum Kunst Palast)

Capriccio vs Zodiac calendar for La Plume

The official imperial portrait of empress dowager Cixi vs José y Maria

Blooming Lilacs vs Lágrimas De Sangre (Tears of Blood)

An Interlude vs Boy Staring at an Apparition

Set 16

Mermer Waiskeder: Stories of the Moving Tide vs The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Art Nouveau interior

Unfinished Painting vs To Arms!

Memorial to a Marriage vs The Island

Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn vs A Few Small Nips

Saturn Devouring His Son vs Guernica

Fairy Princesses vs Lamentation over the Dead Christ

Mummy with An Inserted Panel Portrait of a Youth vs Little Girl Looking Downstairs at Christmas Party

Agnus vs The Cup Of His Murders Is Flowing Over And In His Coat Shall Be Many Curses

[unhonestlymirror]

This Thursday, Lithuania celebrates Freedom Day - 30 years ago, the last units of the occupying Soviet army were withdrawn from the country. On this occasion, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said that Lithuania had gone through a difficult and painful path to independence.

"No aggressor has the right to veto the self-determination of free people, no regime can stifle the desire to create their own future, even if it is done with the use of weapons and violence - cruel and physical or silent and prolonged, inspiring fear, destroying faith and trust. In the long run, this is doomed to failure because the will to resist evil is something that can not be disarmed or taken away," the head of government is quoted in the message.

The prime minister also notes that in 30 years Lithuania has become a member of the most important unions, and she believes that the day will come when Ukraine, which is now fighting the occupier, will join them.

Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen said that exactly 30 years ago, the last Soviet tarpaulin boot left Lithuania only thanks to the decisive will of the country's citizens and the strength of diplomacy. “For 30 years, we have been building our state the way the free people wanted it. We have become much stronger than when heavy Soviet weapons and columns of invaders moved along the streets of our cities outside Lithuania."

"Now we are making the history of a free state and do not give anyone the opportunity to doubt it. And this year's Freedom Day slogan is "Red Army Go Home!" We are also chanting for the victory of Ukraine!” - V. Čmilytė-Nielsen congratulated Ukrainians.

[bullet-prooflove]

Taken!Series Part Four: Meth Mountain - Angel Reyes x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @withakindheartx @wakeama @witches-unruly-heart @keyweegirlie @trhett21 @annetje @infinity-mars @emily2003alzaga @danzer8705 @im-just-a-mississippi-girl @thatonesexycancerian @expir3dl0v3  @appreciatelove @the-wandering-lunatic @weiwei0210 @anime-weeb-4-life @multifandomloversworld @harperdoodle @cheyrenee @fanfic-n-tabulous @stressed-chas @@daydreaming-belle @est1887 @prettyinpunk85 @adaydreamaway08 @thanossexual @briefpersonenemy @creativitybeware @crimeshowjunkie @librarian1002 @mortal--soul @buddinglinguist @spookyboogyuniverse @spaghettificationandpretzels @nu1freakshow @thebaileybugle @legally-a-bastard @bonsaijoons @sclitvdes @justreblogginfics

Taken!Series:

Part One: Mother - Tragedy strikes when Angel leaves you and Valeria alone for the evening.

Part Two: Bleeding Out - Angel returns home to discover what happened at the house.

Part Three: Touch & Go - Angel discovers where Valeria was taken.

It’s a clusterfuck.

Almost the worst-case scenario that Angel can think of because Meth Mountain, it’s a law unto itself. It’s a self-sustainable settlement, hosted and frequented by addicts and people on the fringes of society. It’s wild and unpredictable.

Bishop has managed to reach an accord with the local authorities. The police won't go up there but the M.C can, they won’t interfere with that so long as the M.C don’t bring trouble down the mountain. Nobody wants an infant on Meth Mountain, they all know it won’t end well.

The thought of Valeria being raised with a bunch of meth heads destroys Angel; he can’t imagine what Skye was thinking but then that’s the point isn’t it? Everything she has done up to this point has been impulsive, Skye doesn’t think ahead.

They split into two men teams, it’s easier to cover more ground that way, especially amongst the ramshackle dwellings. This early in the morning most of the addicts are out of it, too high to question why armed men in hoodies are slipping in and out of their dwellings.

Angel and EZ have just cleared their first assigned section when Angel hears the cries of his daughter. He would know that sound anywhere, it’s different this time though, rawer, more agonising. He knows every single one of the noises his child makes and this, this sounds anguished. It tears at him deep inside, clawing through his heart so the blood leaks out into his chest.

He looks to EZ, who tilts his head towards the next structure along. It’s barely more than a piece of corrugated iron with flowers painted on it and tarpaulin. EZ goes first, his gun peeking through the plastic sheeting that acts as a door, Angel follows up the rear, the sound of Valeria’s cries intensifying as he steps inside.

His gaze comes to rest upon the baby, his tiny daughter wrapped up in several bath towels, squared away in blue and white cardboard box that used to contain oranges. The diaper bag that Hank’s mom made has been left untouched alongside of it.

Angel lowers his weapon, tucking it into the waistband of his trousers before he steps into the mess, his boots crunching over the fast food wrappers. He reaches for Valeria, her face screwed up and red, tears leaking down her cheeks. Her nappy is heavy, and her tiny stomach rumbles loudly, he remembers you feeding Valeria before he left, he guesses she hasn’t eaten since then, almost six hours ago.

“Hey, hey.” He whispers as he clasps his daughter close, his lips brushing over her featherlight hair. “I got you, Daddy’s got you.”

He slings the diaper bag over his shoulder, before turning to face EZ. His brother indicates towards the bundle of clothes on the sofa. It takes him a second to realise it’s a person, slumped across the couch.

Skye…

She’s pale, her skin white with a blueish tinge, there’s a needle sticking out of her arm, a tourniquet tied just above it.

“She’s in rigour. She’s been dead for hours, looks like an OD. She probably put the needle in as soon as she got here.” EZ tells him, shaking his head before meeting Angel’s gaze. “What do you wanna do with her?”

Valeria’s already starting to settle, her sobs turning to whimpers as Angel sways gently, shushing her.

“Nothing.” He says, his palm smoothing over the baby’s back. “Let the natives have her.”

Love Angel? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Interested in supporting me? Join my Patreon for Bonus Content!

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[viiixs]

Hi bbg do you write for Requiem WuChang?👉👈

What if,,Their s/o got ambushed and then Requiem came to the rescue..

«🥼» MODELING ISSUE I

PART 1 OF 2 PARTS. (PART 2 LINK SOON!)

. . . RQ!XIE BI’AN & RQ!FAN WUJIU X READER … – warnings: heavily implied violence, mentions of alcohol, blood.

! — Note at the end of post! + scenario only.

«🥼» SCENARIO

……………………………

“This car ride is rather long, don’t you think?”

Bi’an mumurs as He looks out the window, crimson eyes soon falling to the Chauffeur driving upfront.

“Are we almost there?” Bi’an asks as the Chauffer’s eyes look at Requiem through the front windscreen.

The said man looking now at the Location app upon hearing Requiem’s question, He gazes back at the steering wheel.

“Just a little bit more, Sir Xie.”

Bi’an hums in acknowledgement as His gaze darts towards you in a questioning manner.

“Are you doing alright?”

He pats your head, looking at you with a soft gaze. He and Wujiu decided to bring you to one of their photoshoots for a campaign hosted by the Agency They recently signed up for. They were currently heading to the destined location as You and Requiem sat comfortably at the backseat.

This only happened since You were curious about what They do behind the scenes when they were modeling, since most of the time you usually get left alone in your shared Apartment.

The Curiosity Blossomed overtime as you started seeing your Two Lovers in Advertisements, Tarpaulins and even in Magazines more frequently, They were also trending online at one point! you just had to ask the Two what They usually do or whats up with Their sudden spike of popularity. You told them that you wish you can see them doing actual modeling. Fortunately, Requiem invited you to their next– now current shoot They’ll be doing. This is great, Considering how You’ll see them both at their full potential as models!

You nod in reply to His Question. a smile graces his lips.

“Thats good.”

His red eyes gazes at you before it moves to Fan Wujiu, Who is currently resting his head on the window next to your side.

“How about you, Wujiu. you okay?”

He looks at Wujiu who’s currently resting his head on his palm, staring mindlessly at the window.

“Mhm.”

Wujiu mumbled in reply.

Bi’an smiles at Him before sitting back on His seat. Humming Comfortably, satisfied with both your replies.

“Ah, I have a question.”

Bi’an and Wujiu’s eyes are now on you, curious gazes while Their eyebrows are raised.

“What is it?”

“How long have you guys been yknow… doing modeling? just curious.”

He thinks for awhile.

“Oh. quite awhile now actually... some agency asked us if we wanted the opportunity to star in Their upcoming Advertisement… We didn’t really have anything to do. never knew it would be such a hit.”

“So much so Wujiu had to mute His phone with How much Emails We’d get from the different agencies..”

Bi’an chuckles.

“so why not?”

Wujiu gives him a small glare.

“They’re annoying, okay?”

“I didn’t say they weren’t now… did I..?”

you and Bi’an share a small laugh as Wujiu looks away playfully rolling his eyes while facing the window.

.

.

.

The Car soon pulls over.

“We’re Here.”

Wujiu’s Cerulean eyes examine the Building from His window and raises an eyebrow suspiciously. It looked too empty to be deemed as the “Popular Agency.” in this city. but brushed it off as you Three got off the Car, although the suspicion still lies.

The Car soon drives away as you both were now left alone standing infront of the building.

Bi’an examines the building with an expectant look.

“Not what i was expecting… it looks different than it did with the Email they sent.”

“Looks bland as Hell.”

“Can’t disagree with you there…”

“well, whatever.” Bi’an shrugged as He looked at you with a smile

“Are you excited, ___?”

you smile back at him before nodding.

“Lets go now, yes?”

“Okay.”

You three walked inside the building… it was… quite desolate, in a way. there stood one employee at the front desk, Her gaze immediately going to you Three, almost… panicked.

“Hello. we are here for the campaign shoot.”

The Employee looks at Bi’an before nodding.

“Ah… yes, Requiem… correct?”

“Thats right.”

“and… who?”

She points at you expectantly as Bi’an looks at your direction.

“Ah, a special guest. no worries.”

Bi’an smiled as Wujiu stares at the Employee with a harsh glare. this feels… a little too off. It’s quite… desolate. in this place. There weren’t any people apart from the Front desk Herself, not too mention, it feels like someone is watching them.

it doesn’t feel too right.

“I-I see… alright then… i’ll just call our campaign manager to come down and we’ll get started.”

She reaches towards the telephone.

“They’re here.”

Suddenly, a group of men appeared out of nowhere and tackled Both Bi’an and Wujiu.

“What the…?!”

Wujiu and Bi’an tries to fight off the sudden group of men tackling them as you stare in shock and back away a little.

“what the hell…?!”

You kept backing in fear as your arm suddenly gets roughly grabbed by the perpetrators, trying to drag you away from Requiem.

You look in shock as you attempt to fight back to struggle out— albeit it wasn’t fruitless as you managed to kick one of the men, who only snarled in return. giving you a harsh glare.

“Agh- you-!”

He drags you now harshly as Wujiu and Bi’an look at you almost panicked.

“Wujiu- Bi’an-“

“___!”

They both called out to you while still trying to hold back the men. It was difficult as the group had blunt objects while Bi’an had the Umbrella. He was using it as some sort of shield while trying His best to not get hit across the face with the objects the men were using against them. Wujiu was in the middle of punching some of them in the face, barely almost evading their hits.

In a Fortune, Wujiu saw the vase from the counter and grabbed it.

“Duck!”

immediately throwing it to the man Bi’an was currently trying to hold back, Hissing from pain from the shards of glass that came from the impact of the throw, Bi’an managed to successfully shove the man off as He assisted Wujiu with the men that were surrounding Him.

while….

The Men that were dragging you away had enough of your struggling and eventually hit you across the head by swinging you across the head with a blunt- you hisses in pain as your consciousness slowly started to fade- as much as you wanted to fight back your vision darkening, it was useless as your vision faded to black. as you slumped back on the floor now unconscious.

The two men that were dragging you sighed exhaustingly, almost in relief.

“God… thank god. so damn stubborn. what do we even do with Them…? Don’t we only need to deal with Requiem?”

The man near him only shrugged.

“Can’t we just let them go? This isn’t even what the boss told us to do!”

“We can’t just release them. idiot. They can snitch on us and i’m not in the mood to deal with the authorities right now.”

He looks at you and scrutinizes your face.

“Besides. Requiem wouldn’t just bring some random person. Who knows, Judging by His concerned yell for this person earlier, we can use it to our advantage…”

………………

“Shit…”

Wujiu breathes out as He and Bi’an finally finished fighting off the other men. bloody traces stained throughout the entire Lobby, unconscious bodies along with shattered glass and more unpleasantries as They both slump back on the floor, using the wall as a support.

Bi’an stares at Wujiu with an almost relieved smile.

“.. Nice Aim earlier.”

Wujiu stares back at Him.

“It was Tough luck… Thank god we managed to fight them off.” He breathes out.

It was a moment of silence as Bi’an opens His eyes for a second, before it suddenly widens.

“…wait.”

“..Wujiu”

Bi’an nudges Him

“Wh-?”

Requiem suddenly becomes more alert at the sudden realization.

They checked their surroundings and then suddenly remembered.

“wait…”

“____!” They shouted your name as They searched throughout the entire Lobby and when they saw nothing, staring at the Direction the culprits took you while They were occupied with the men- they immediately went there.

They searched throughout the entire building for any sign of you. Despite the Exhaustion that came along the fight– They couldn’t just leave you! They searched frantically, no traces of you throughout the building. checking every crevice for no answer.

after a little while of searching. They came to the conclusion that You were brought along by them.

as much as They didn’t like it, but it was their only choice.

They grit their teeth at the conclusion and hope those damn bastards don’t do anything bad to you. They need trace your current location… and They know who They could rely on for this type of situation.

Nitre.

“Bi’an, call the Chauffeur, Immediately!”

……………

(hideout of true proof)

“Seems like i finally won against you.” True Proof smiles at the Female infront of Her as She stares at Bloodfan, dangling the Queen piece infront of Her as she smiles in reply of her defeat, putting Her fan down on Her lap as she claps.

“Well played, Demi. you’ve certainly gotten better at chess since we last played.” The woman only grins in response of Bloodfan’s words.

“Of course… its a great way to pass the time.”

True Proof walks to one of Her cabinets in Her office.

“Missions have been a pain in the ass haven’t they? why not treat this to a glass of wine? you need to loosen up more.” She pops open a wine cork and starts pouring on Her glass. “My treat.”

Bloodfan shakes her head. “Thank you, but I Don’t Drink.”

True proof chuckles

“Still the Teetotaler, huh..?”

Bloodfan nods. “Perhaps a certain… member of ours would like this.”

True proof raises an eyebrow.

“Ah.. let me guess?”

“Wujiu!”

“Bi’an.”

“…”

They both share a hearty laugh at their contrasting response, the four of them were very close friends ever since from Highschool to starting an entire Group. They remained close since.

“They’re really different with the effects of Alcohol… huh..?” The said hearty laugh soon dies down into small giggles as Bloodfan nods.

“Wujiu’s drunken state can almost rival yours.”

“Hey… I’m not that bad when I get tips-“

“Wheres Nitre?!”

True Proof flinches at the harsh swing of Their office door, Turning around immediately revealing two yet familiar disheveled men clearly in a raging state of anger despite one’s nonchalant expression.

“speak of the devil…” Bloodfan mutters as she opens Her Fan to conceal Her half of her face.

It was no more than Requiem Themselves.

“Nitre… Nitre! where is She?!” Wujiu yelled angrily. gripping the door with such frequency that it looked like He can break it if He wished. He looks around the room before hitting the door.

“Where is She damn it!”

“Woa, woa, woa! calm down! what’s going on with you both? what happened?” True Proof asks in concern as She steps closer.

“Ambush. They took ____ with them.” Bi’an grips the umbrella harshly.

“Turns out that the said ‘Model Agency’ was just a phony to Lure us to their plan.”

“damn bastards.”

Their anger was conspicuous in every way possible, Damn it… Wujiu already knew something was wrong; yet His intuition was correct. They shouldn’t have left their guard down– even if the Invitation sounded harmless, looks can be deceiving, and Requiem learnt it the second time.

“We need Nitre, We need to track down those asses.”

Note: OH MY, OH MY GOD. (bite me reference)

this request made me so happy, it made me jump in excitement, made me drop my phone and made my jawdrop. i love rq wu chang sm this request was so YUMMY. i loved writing it (sorry it took awhile i keep procrastinating on my requests)

theres more coming up btw part 2 will be posted tomorrow. … its 12 am im so tired and my wrist is hurting and this is… not proofread

AND I CAN FINALLY VALIDATE MY REQUIEM MODELING HC TEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHQUFAQOVQPQ (<- stupid) AGH. but i just wanna thank u anon ily and yes bbg i do write for requiem.

🧍 hope i did this request with justice because i’m currently going through 82728 (more or less) second hand embarrassment from my writing ESPECIALLY THE FIGHT SCENE. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WRITING FIGHT SCENe so llease …spare me.

update: part 2 will be delayed. i need to rewrite some stuff💥💥

[kendrene]

For your mini fic: Ava and Beatrice, things you said in the grass and under the stars

Beatrice leaves Europe all-together, after.

She tries not to. Lingers for a while. Drifts from city to city, country to country, but the sun shines too brightly over Venice's canals and Paris - which Ava had said they should visit together after the war - well, Paris is a haunting.

An ocean later, another landmass crossing, Beatrice hits the West Coast, slowly working her way north where pliant sand gives way to a jagged coastline. Basalt cliffs against which the waves rage. Incessant. Hungry. The sea a low roar in her ears, never too far. Persevering even when she wanders inland, past jasper-studded beaches, and into the woods beyond.

The forests themselves are old, teeming with life both new and rotting. Fog never quite lifts off of the trees, a layer of it, gossamer-thin, persevering even on hotter days.

Beatrice settles down, and grief settles alongside her, the one companion she can tolerate in newfound solitude. It's a worn blanket. A beloved jacket she cannot bear to leave the house without. She grows new habits, easy when all of her days look the same.

She spends a lot of time hiking, getting a feel for the land. Brings books down to the beach to read; in the sun when she can, under a piece of tarpaulin hastily erected in between two trees if it rains.

It nearly always does.

Sometimes Beatrice reads aloud. Imagines it is Ava she is reading to, all the stories and facts about the cosmos Ava didn't have the chance to discover for herself. She reads until her throat is dry and sore. Reads until her voice is drenched in loss, and her heart bleeds for all the things she's lost.

Reads until daylight gives way to the first smattering of stars and the words on the page are blurred by lack of light, perhaps by tears, into a smudge.

The air is wet and salty, whips like the edge of a sharp knife against the soft skin of her cheek. Beatrice packs her book, rolls up the tarpaulin. Picks the now familiar way back in total dark.

She stumbles. Trips over something yielding. Something that snags at her ankles and brings her down to her knees, a rock catching the heel of the hand she throws out to steady herself, cutting open her palm.

It's debris, Beatrice thinks. A large piece of wood. Maybe seaweed.

It is not.

It's a body.

It's Ava. And she's not breathing.

"No. No. No.' Beatrice has prayed, she has begged for Ava to come back but not like this. Not to lose her right away again. "You can't die, please." A sob rips from her, unchecked, even as she turns her over. "I can't lose you again." Beatrice will not think of her as a corpse.

Ava's skin, her lips tinged blue by the frigid waters of the ocean and not divinium. Beatrice's mouth seeking. Ava's tasting of saltwater and the abyssal things that cannot stand to be brought into the light. Ocean waves crashing around them and over. The tide coming in - a bitter, a cold a cruel baptism. Her hands red with the cold and hurting flat to Ava's chest, pushing, pushing while her mind falls into mechanical routines.

"Breathe, goddammit." Bea's own lungs burning, alight with the effort of wrangling life back into another being. "Please Ava don't go."

"Not...going." A cough. Water sputtering down Ava's chin. Her own hand rises weakly, slick around the curve of Beatrice's cheek. Light, molten gold, shearing through the night to wash over them both. "Not going anywhere." Ava's other hand grips Beatrice by a shoulder, tugs her down to sprawl rather inelegantly over her chest. She's not exactly warm, but she's not cold anymore. The Halo brightens to a shine that makes a mockery of dawn. "I'm home."

[rockethorse]

Day eight: A random object recolour/mesh edit dump!

First up is a mesh edit of this wheelchair ramp by beosboxboy. I really liked the concept of this, but originally it had a huge “wheelchair access” sign standing off to the side, which made it difficult to place and, ironically, less accessible. So I got rid of it in Milkshape.

Then, as it had always bugged me that it didn’t align properly with foundations even though it so easily could... I learned how to tweak that, too.

If you have the original by beosboxboy you’ll have to delete it to use this one. You can find it in Deco > Sculptures for §2,500.

Next up - I always loved this tarpaulin/canvas “rug” converted from TS3 by Misty-fluff, especially for placing under yard sale items. Unfortunately, it was a bit too high off the ground, and it clipped really noticeably with any objects on top of it. So again, I lowered it a tiny bit, and figured I’d share.

The recolours are NOT included - you can get them over at misty-fluff’s original download post. Let my file override hers.

Now onto the Maxis object recolours!

Here are some first-aid kit recolours for the non-reflective medicine cabinet that came with Apartment Life (original in the bottom right for comparison) and one “hazardous materials” recolour I thought would work well for medical labs or hospitals.

You’ve got the typical red cross, and then - if you would like your game to comply with the Geneva convention - a green cross, then a white cross on a blue background taken from the hospital in The Sims 3. Finally you have a few made using the TS2 icon for the Medicine career, the white-on-red version of which turned out to be my favourite overall, surprisingly.

These are extremely simple recolours of the H&M wall banner (original on the left) to use as a green (or blue) screen for your aspiring influencer/gamer/streamer Sims.

And finally - some practical, everyday recolours of the “Mystic Dust” craftable reagent from Apartment Life (last swatch), because normal people own mortars and pestles too. You get black stone, a coppery sort of thing, grey and brown granite, cherry wood, marble, green stone, white porcelain, and then five cute retro colours.

They’re all grinding the same thing - probably sesame seeds.

You don’t need any mesh, but remember that you’ll need a buyable reagents mod to get it from the catalogue if you don’t want to have a witch craft one.

Download all mesh edits & recolours @ SFS

[blueberrypancakesworld]

Paint yourself and your entire being

Ethan x housekeeper!reader

warning : kinda fluff/comfort, kiss, mentioned of masturbation unreliable narrator/story, no use of y/n

Summary : After everything that had happened Ethan realised that he couldn't run the house alone, an artist had to focus on his work…but since the housekeeper was with him his inspiration seemed to be completely different until the moment the ink glass shattered and blood mixed with the black liquid and two strangers met.

info : i watched the film a few weeks ago and although confusing i liked the atmosphere, i hope it doesn't get too confusing otherwise i would watch the film first but i'll do my best. Well I hope to see some Caleb finds on tumblr have fun reading ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The house when she first saw it was engaging, the old stone overgrown with plants, the pool covered with a tarpaulin and the driveway completely untidy as if someone had walked in and just scattered the stones all over the place.

It was a state of affairs that didn't fit in with the place or with the person who had hired her, the artist, the author and painter Ethan, a young man in his late twenties, she had found a few books with expressive drawings but apart from that hardly anything, it seemed as if he had no private life apart from his profession.

But when he stood in front of her at the beginning of the year, the spring only slowly ending with the snow, the bright eyes looking at her, the short hair that she could see resembled a bright autumn day, she was taken in, ,,Glad you're here…the house needs care after all…when time passes like this" he had asked her into the house then, her room shown large enough that it was almost half of her small flat.

The longer she followed him through the house, trying to remember what she saw, she only slowly realised that it was actually only the outside that he needed to get cleaned, ,,I'll take good care of everything, you can go about your work in peace," she assured him when they arrived back outside her room.

His look was almost one of gratitude, a gratitude as if he had something inside him that was causing him trouble but he had only turned away with a nod and so it had been for months, from the spring when she took care of the outside of the house, ordered people, helped herself and yet always knew that he was watching her.

Whether she was at the pool or on her day one look behind her she always saw Ethan standing at the window, his hand on the glass where he held his pencil, the balcony where he looked at her never saying hello, never saying anything, always just looking at her like she was another piece of the house.

As if she was like a drop of colour that he could look at and create into something that his mind would time…and maybe at some point she would find herself thinking that it was her.

The longer she stayed in this house as the sun set and the sound of food rippled around the kitchen, Ethan stood behind her, leaning in the doorway, his bright eyes fixed on her, the tip of his thumb pressing painfully sweetly on the tip of the pen until he bled and seemed to wake from his trance.

,,You're bleeding…Ethan" she had said as she stood in front of him with the plate of paste, the red blood staining the edge of the plate and her eyes unable to tear herself away from his liquid until he had to tear himself away from her in what felt like a stupor.

The creaking of the house calling her back as she stood back in the kitchen with nothing in her hands, ,,I know,” she heard his reply as little more than a whisper as if his voice had been lost in the house before she made herself dinner.

Since the summer it always seemed to be the meeting together in the kitchen, in the garden or even in her room when she opened the window to let in the cool night air when she went to sleep she was moved by something bright, a light no sound just a light that seemed to come from the garden.

But as she watched it, she watched Ethan approach her room out of the light, his hand reaching out through the window to take hers and engage her in a kiss, a kiss that robbed her of her sleep and woke her up to the chirping of birds.

So it went on and on until she was busy trimming the hedge in the summer after she had run new euqipment and heard a splash, a splash that sent fear through her body ,,It's just him and me who else?" she asked herself and gripped the hedge trimmer tighter as she walked towards the pool and almost screamed when she saw a woman swimming in it.

A woman…a someone…a person who seemed to be standing between Ethan and her - it was his sister.

A sister she had never seen in photos, a sister who only wanted to stay for a few days, but days with such people who come with bad things always seem longer.

Longer and longer, the next brighter and more confusing, and even Ethan found his voice again, trying not to let his sister distract him from his work, ,,So you're looking after him, are you?" Alice had asked her as the younger girl watched her work in the garden. It was like a new thing to Alice, as if a secluded territory had simply been torn apart by force.

She knew that Ethan wasn't at home, no, she sensed that something was wrong with him since Alice had been here, ,,I'll look after the house and make dinner, that's all," she replied, looking into the dark sunglasses that lay in front of the others' eyes.

It was as if the few words with Ethan meant so much more than those words between her and Alice, like a snake eating itself, until she heard shouting from the house, an altercation she became the observer to as she went back into the kitchen and watched the two of them.

She watched the back and forth between the siblings, the shouting, the holding on only to push each other away again because they couldn't stand the closeness. It should have just stayed like that, him and her and not his sister turning up and not leaving.

But in this back-and-forth, Alice finally pulled away when Ethan slammed the door in her face and told her to leave, the angry young woman turned round without a word and left, whether she disappeared into the house or went back to the car, she didn't care what she cared about was the clanging and crashing that soon followed from the artist's room.

As if something had been broken, like she had fallen or someone had deliberately thrown something, she went to the room and knocked on the door but got no answer, ,,Ethan?" she asked, saying his name as she opened the door and closed it behind her.

Seeing what she thought was another kiss, a larger drawing in black ink and red, but as she looked at the redhead's pale blue skin, the blood dripping from his hand, the ink mixing with his blood on the floor and an observant look watching her as she reached for a cloth she still had with her from the kitchen.

,,Does she hurt you? That's not a work of art, is it?" she asked, clasping his bloodied hand and trying to get the ink out of the blood as best she could, but he seemed to barely move, too fixated on her, his muse, this being he had commissioned…she who was now in his room, his realm.

He shook his head, his free hand, stained with a few inky spirits, went to her cheek as if he didn't trust himself, barely touching her until she slowly, as if it was the right thing to do, as if someone was making her nestle her head against his hand.

The ink was cool but he seemed as warm as a person could be who was right in front of her, bright eyes flashing with excitement at her reaction, ,,She comes and goes…but you, you've become my muse," he replied in a whisper, his voice laced with indifference when it came to his sister but the touch of his bloody one against hers made her feel the small cuts, she almost shuddered when she could feel his insides.

They both didn't move from the floor instead her eyes took her eyes off his as she saw a bidl that had fallen to the floor from his auraster or whatever he had done, a picture of tunte and blood, a shimmer of beauty as she looked at the naked woman on it.

A woman of her appearance looking at her while her hands disappeared between her thighs, her hips seemingly moving and a warmth and eroticism emanating from the drawing-almost as if he had been with her every night while she indulged her lust and modelled for him, a muse for his drawing.

,,See, it's always been you," he pointed out, running his hand over hers, blood and ink staining it as their heads leaned against each other, a moment between them before he engaged her in a long-awaited kiss, finally touching, touching and touching.

He held her tight and she enjoyed being held by him forever as she stroked his wound feeling his shudder knowing that he needed this something and she knew no matter what it was, whether it was the light, whether it was his sister or whether it was her she would give him everything as his muse that he needed knowing that she would stay with him forever no matter what happened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[calcitration]

@geopfert / Pieck: "Just take her, please."

Picture the mother defeated. Pieck sits on the cot, her fingers laced into her hair unwashed hair. It falls in dry strands, obscures where she is pressing hard into her eyes, where the headache screws holes into her brain. She has been sitting there for too long, sunken into herself, a discarded doll with pointed shoulders. While the makeshift crib bears the miserable wails of a child.

Pieck doesn't look. Is too ashamed, too tired to look. She hides in the palms of her hands and lets her mind leak out of her ears, liquified by sleep deprivation and migraines. Her shirt is dirtied, swollen and raw teats soaking it with wasted milk. She's cried already and is now too dried up to attempt it a second time. Her eyes are red-rimmed, punched black and blue by sleepless nights. Colic, said the one doctor she could find who'd give her and the crying little creature writhing in her arms the time of day. She doesn't know what that means. She was sent away, told to give it time. But the child keeps screaming and Pieck can't bear her weight anymore.

"I can't do it, Annie. I can't. I don't know how. I don't know what to do." She rasps out, a confession she flicks at her like a pebble. She chokes on a half-swallowed breath. Such helplessness leaves her so cruel, so resentful. It's not the child's fault. It can't be. How could it be? And yet, every scream balls up in her stomach like a hateful fist.

"Just... Take her away."

A tarpaulin-domed den, drenched in a scent Annie associated with burrows or caves – primal places, floors lined with fur and bones. Dirt and piss. The intimate, viscera-tang of a mother’s innards. Blood and milk. The lattermost bloomed in wet, sticky flowers on Pieck’s chest, her body reduced to a leaking, deflated thing. Some small, bruised part of Annie died of second-hand shame and was grateful for the distraction of those piercing wails. Such a wretched sound must hit Pieck like a bullet, like a train that kept on coming.

“What a racket you’re making…”

Annie murmured darkly, peering at the bundle lying at the heart of the cobbled-together crib. It heaved and writhed with unpractised misery. Through it all, Pieck sat with a faraway and feral look on her face, fingers twisting in the stiff, dirty hair that cloaked her like a burial shroud. Two people were drowning, which one to choose?

“You just need sleep.”

This isn’t you, she wanted to emphasise. Years apart had left them almost strangers, but still she knew enough of Pieck to understand such overwhelm was uncharacteristic.

As always, Annie chose obedience. Taking the desperate order between her teeth she lifted the infant – Zofia – and held her gingerly, scooped against the bird bones of her own brittle chest. Annie was the colour of a fish belly, all mean features and hard angles sharpened by hunger, ringing hollow at her roots. She was not built to coddle something so soft, so new. Still she tried, swaying faintly where she stood, gazing dubiously into the stiff nest of blankets. Zofia arched and raged against her with surprising strength, hands clenched into tiny pink fists. How had her father ever weathered such inconsolable crying? How he had resisted the urge to smother her, to drown her in the same pail as the miller’s kittens?

Attention returned to Pieck, who sat shell-shocked, defeated by the squall of her unhappy baby.

“You need to rest. When you’ve done that, get cleaned up. Wash your face. Drag your fingers through your hair. Pull yourself together – because it isn’t just you anymore, is it?”

Annie meant it kindly, meant only that Pieck couldn’t afford to unravel, not even in these impossible circumstances.

“I can take Zofia. For a while, anyway. Then I’ll bring you something to eat.”

[syncopein3d]

Left Alone 7: Riddles

Tropes/content warnings: M for mature themes overall. Vampire whumpee/caretaker, male whumpee/caretaker, non-binary whumpee/caretaker, general morbidity. There will be a lot of play with, and discussion of, the concept of consent in this series, as it applies to many topics. There will be angst. Vampire biting can be painful, platonic, or NSFW and I'm not sure what direction that will take, but Tolly will definitely continue to fantasize about subtextually or literally sex-murdering Arden, as vampires often do.

If you would like to be added to, or removed from, the tag list of this series, please let me know!

Part 6: Regeneration

Tolly drank.

The taste of cold pig’s blood only got worse as his senses grew more acute, but more years rolled away. His face began to gently fill out, flesh and muscle building over the bones under his questing fingers. By the time he had consumed the full gallon, eight to sixteen ounces at a time in between washing with body wipes, he looked to be in his mid-thirties. He held up the lantern to look at his reflection in the metallic surface. He had a high-boned, angular face, but it was the face a living man would have, a face he knew. He was still unnaturally pale, but he might pass for someone alive and very ill. His lips, unfortunately, were still fuller than he felt was masculine, but it couldn’t be helped.

Now his irises were pale green, if he tilted the lamp so light could reach into the deep sockets under a heavy brow. Flecks of amber showed, if one were to look very closely. The hand that shoved the empty gallon jug into the bag in front of him was a big man's hand, bony, with old scars across the knuckles. The talons were still not human. They were yellowish now, at least, but it needed a special grooming kit to trim them.

It took almost the entire box of body wipes to remove the accumulated grime, scrubbing himself until his new skin felt raw, but at last he was satisfied that his flesh matched his new hair. He used the last few on his chair and table, naked in the cold air that he could actually feel now, before he put the books and lantern there. Only then did he dress. The clothes were loose and there were no shoes – he imagined Arden furtively hurrying through a thrift and forgetting, as if anyone would care they were buying things too big for them – but the sensation of clean, intact fabric against his body was so overwhelming that he had to pause and just stand for several minutes, unbreathing, as the tears flowed.

He staunched them with his sleeve at last. There was no one to see his weakness, something that Nicholas would have rolled his eyes at. Come now, Bard. Are we not men?

There was a blue tarpaulin folded in the bottom of the shopping bag. Arden had forgotten to mention this, or Tolly had upset them before they got to it. He stood staring at the eye-searingly bright color for a while before he opened the package and smoothed it out over his rug. Now there was a clean place to roll out the mummy bag. That was black, with a dark red flannel lining.

Tolly shamefacedly considered bringing Marguerite de Valois into the bag with him. It was the 1969 Limited Editions Printing, probably worth less than $60 in this decade, but that was a lot of money to Arden. It wasn’t as if he tossed and turned in that sleep of death, but he should treat his savior’s belongings with respect.

Your savior. The one you are planning to deliciously murder the moment you are free from this cell?

Yes, but they brought me books. Soft things.

Perhaps there is a way to let them live. Perhaps there is a way to have just a taste.

But I WILL have a taste. Even if I have to wait. Nicholas will not win, damn his eyes. I need it. I need it!

In the end, gratitude and guilt momentarily won out and he sat at the table with the lantern, carefully smoothing each page as he read. When he began to grow heavy, he lined it up carefully with the others, all arranged on the table. Then he nudged the trash bag as close to the barrier as he could and crept into the sleeping bag. He had debated if he was allowed to keep the shopping bag, but ultimately decided Arden would have said if they needed it back. He left it sitting carefully folded under The Collected Sherlock Holmes.

With the sleeping bag zipped, and the hood up, there was soft flannel around him on every side. Tolly turned on his side and buried his face in it, sternly abjuring himself not to shed further tears that might dampen the fabric.

Perhaps because he had fed so much, he did not dream that day. When he woke, even the taste had perished from his mouth and throat, burnt up. His teeth were clean. He realized, as he looked at them in the distorted curve of the lantern, that with a little effort he could retract his canines again. They withdrew politely to a length that even a mortal would find ordinary. They were still sharp, but most people wouldn’t notice that.

He combed his talons through his hair as beat he could. He wasn’t happy with it, but it would have to do. He wasn’t sure he would even see Arden that night. He still forced down the lingering fear that they would not come back at all. He had mismanaged their last conversation, but –

The basement door opened. Tolly’s head came up, nostrils dilated. To his immense shame, the canines he had just retracted betrayed him immediately as the scent of human blood wafted down ahead of Arden’s footsteps. His sense of smell had fully recovered. He could identify the brands of their deodorant, shampoo, makeup – cheap except for the eyeliner.

As they drew nearer, he could hear their heart beating, too: light, slightly fast. In another day he would be able to tell it apart from the sound of every other heart on earth.

He brought the chair back in front of his rug, turned it around so he could sit with his arms resting on the back, and turned the lamp on, moving slowly and deliberately. It had been so long since he’d heard a heart beating.

Descending footsteps paused at the click and at the light washing out into the basement, but Arden eventually resumed. They stopped in front of the barrier, one hand resting on the outside doorpost. Today they had a gray cotton hoodie on over their baggy shirt and jeans. They looked at him from heavy, puffy eyes, taking in the changes.

“You’re different now,” Arden said. There was a note of uncertainty. They had begun by talking with a dusty, withered corpse. Now they were faced with someone who looked barely older than themselves, bigger, broader, so very male when they so very much did not want to be that, Tolly thought. He had been right to present himself below their eye level. His present form was more threatening than the old one.

Tolly inclined his head, trying not to be distracted by a living thing exhaling into his space. Coffee. Water with electrolytes and a little artificial sweetener. Nothing else recently.

“I am substantially better. I will always be in your debt for that,” he said.

“I told you, you paid me much more than it was worth.” Arden looked at Tolly’s hands, eyes roving over his scarred knuckles, his talons. He watched color rise into their face as their heart accelerated just a little.

“Not to me,” Black Tolly said.

“What ring were you talking about?” Arden asked abruptly. “The first time I saw you, you said something about a ring, too.” They were paler than usual. He was certain it wasn’t just the light.

“The Eye of Rule, Nicholas called it,” Tolly said. “You’ll know it if you see it. The star ruby is ten carats. I’m certain he would have wanted you to have it, if he left you this house.”

“He left me a message,” Arden said. “In the piano. He used to hide messages for me there when I was a kid. If I could guess which key he’d give me a star sticker, and if I got enough stars he’d give me something. It might be candy, or a book or – for a while I thought he was working up to something creepy.” They turned away abruptly, and then swayed, grabbing at the post of the door. Tolly was acutely aware of the vein pulsing in the back of their hand.

“You’re not well,” he said gently. “How long since you’ve slept? Since you’ve eaten?”

“The whole thing is just too weird. I can’t - that’s not what I came down here for,” Arden said. Tolly was still, debating with himself. One stumble and they were both done for. But he didn’t want to scare them away again, either.

“He wouldn’t have hurt you,” Tolly said. “I wouldn’t call him a good man, but he wouldn’t have interfered with a relation or a child. I’m sure he had plans for you, but not like that.”

“I think so, too. But I don’t know what this means. I hoped, since you knew him – “ They made an awkward gesture, reluctantly turning back to face him.

“Of course,” Tolly said. “Read me the message.”

They dug into a pocket for a folded piece of paper and opened it up with shaking hands.

“If you want to earn a star,

The key to a greater gift,

You’ll have to risk a red one

And abandon all your thrift.”

“For someone who considered himself so clever, he never did learn proper meter, but he always loved riddles and tricks.” In spite of everything, he couldn’t keep a reminiscent tone from his voice. “I’m not sure what ‘risk a red one’ would mean, but Nicholas liked coins. Did he ever give you one?”

“More than one. But he probably knew I would still be carrying around the two aegina drachmas,” Arden said. A smile twitched onto their lips and away, there and gone like lightning. Tolly found himself momentarily stunned, not quite hearing part of the next sentence.

“- Not real, they’re replicas, but I loved them as a kid because they have a turtle and you can feel it with your fingers.” They dug in another pocket and came out with two irregular round coins, each with a turtle so thick it was almost three dimensional molded into one side.

“Is there anything in this house you can fit one of those into?” Tolly asked.

“Sure, this place is incredibly cluttered. But the red thing means something dangerous or not allowed. He’d give me red stars for touching the stove or getting into his room, things like that, and if I got five red stars, he said I wouldn’t be allowed to visit for a week. I never did,” they added, eyes blankly focused on the middle distance.

“If I were you, I would start in his closet or bath, then,” Tolly said.

They nodded, the very dark eyes flickering back to his face. “Thanks. I, uh. I ordered you a phone. It’s pay-as-you-go, so it’ll work until you can pick a carrier. It’s supposed to get here tomorrow.” Their eyes darted to his socks. “Shit. I should get you some shoes, too.”

“When I have a phone, I can order my own things to this address, if you don’t mind the annoyance of deliveries,” Tolly said.

“Not a big deal, Tolly. Like I said, it’s the least I can - ”

“Not a safe thing to continue saying to the monster in your basement,” Tolly said.

“But I’m out here. And you’re still stuck in there,” Arden said. “Are you thirsty? How often do you need a drink?”

Tolly caught himself looking at Arden’s throat and politely redirected his gaze to their face again. “Oh, I’ll always be thirsty,” Tolly said dryly. “It is the nature of the beast. But I can maintain in my current health on about sixteen ounces of animal blood or four ounces of human blood per week. The other gallon should last me eight weeks in sedentary conditions, if you wouldn’t mind bringing me a glass in a few days. Go on. Find the ring. Eat and sleep, please.”

“Yeah, yeah.” They waved him off, looking away, but they were blushing again.

Part 8: Faint

@fleur-a-whump, @bitchaknso

[aquanomad28]

Saturday, November 16, 2024

I'm thrilled to share with you a remarkable story behind the Santuario di Padre Pio in Cebu, a place that has captured my heart. This is my second visit to this sacred haven, and I'm still in awe of its beauty and significance.

For years, a devout priest, dedicated to Padre Pio's legacy, wanted to build a sanctuary in his honor. They considered various locations, but each plan faced insurmountable obstacles, delaying their dream.

The priest prayed fervently for guidance. He asked Padre Pio for a sign: "Let me see roses inside your sacred place, where no flowers are allowed, within this hour.

And then, the impossible happened! A nun appeared, carrying a bouquet of vibrant red roses, and placed them before Padre Pio's image.

The priest knew Cebu was the chosen location. With renewed conviction, they built the sanctuary, and every obstacle vanished.

The Santuario di Padre Pio in Cebu stands as a testament to Padre Pio's loving intercession and guidance.

I vividly remember my first visit to the Santuario, touching the glass enclosing Saint Padre Pio's relic. Tears flowed effortlessly, like a faucet. Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand on my head, but I didn't have time to open my eyes to see who it was. In that moment, I felt an extraordinary energy that intensified my heartfelt emotions.

As I approached the altar table, I noticed a beautiful display of rosaries. I wondered if they were offered by visitors or had a special significance. My curiosity led me to examine them closer.

That's when I spotted a plastic envelope on the left side of the altar. Without opening it, I examined it with my eyes and noticed it contained a photo and mementos. To my surprise, I saw that the person who left it was celebrating passing her licensure exam. It was a heartfelt testimony to the power of prayer and Saint Padre Pio's intercession.

The glass-encased image of Madonna delle Grazie looked stunning, lit up by natural light from outside.

I invited my colleagues, Mariel, Micah and Jenky, to join me on a weekend outing, knowing they were seeking a distraction from their worries. They enthusiastically agreed to visit the sanctuary with me.

What struck me was Jenky, who's been preoccupied, observing me write down my thoughts after praying. Without my suggestion, they mirrored my action.

A candle-lighting area with prayer displays on overhead tarpaulins.

Capturing their moments outside, I couldn't help but smile at the photos of these three incredible women. Their distinct personalities shine through, and their love for each other endures despite imperfections and misunderstandings. Wishing their friendship continued growth and strength. May God bless them and their loved ones.

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

POLICEMAN CLOAK - The tarpaulin cloak is still hanging on the railing. The white rectangle of the Revachol Citizens Militia is clearly visible on its back.

Grab the cloak. [Leave.]

POLICEMAN CLOAK - As your fingers touch the tarpaulin it almost feels like the cloak wants to deliver a message of comfort through your fingertips...

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Easy: Success] - *I will shield you from the elements and give my life for yours* -- that's what the cloak is relaying.

RCM PATROL CLOAK

+1 Esprit de Corps: Taking back the streets +1 Shivers: Know thy neighbourhood

A police cloak made from heavy tarpaulin. It would be nigh wind- and waterproof if there weren't three bullet holes scattered on the surface. The signature white rectangle of the RCM covers the garment's back.

Pretty good, although I'm not sure it's better than the Lounge Jacket at the moment.

Collecting rainwater.

All around you, great machines in quiescence.

White pine trees are printed onto the screen covering. Looks like a forest under snow.

Numerous empty bottles of *Commodore Red* and *Potent Pilsner*.

At least three packs worth of cigarette butts.

NIGHTWATCHMAN'S BOOTH - This is the nightwatchman's booth. The name on the door reads *René Arnoux*.

"So this is where René works. I'm gonna look around." (Search the booth.)

[Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - "If you must." The lieutenant looks around. "But please hurry -- we're pretty easy to spot up here."

NIGHTWATCHMAN'S BOOTH - Nothing incriminating catches your eye. The cabinets are clean and their sparse contents meticulously organized. There's a framed photograph on the table.

Take the picture.

Leave the picture alone.

NIGHTWATCHMAN'S BOOTH - It's a black and white photo of a young couple out in a street fair. The man -- René -- is dressed in a Royal Carabineer uniform. The girl is young and very pretty. She is smiling playfully at the camera.

Item gained: Photo of a Happy Couple

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - René looks like he's about to smile. This photo must be tied to some good memories.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Why did you take that picture of René?" the lieutenant asks, glancing at the photo.

[thecglcatalog]

Election Week Deal: The Toy Soldier Sale

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Through November 8, take 25% off the adult-baby items on this page with the code “BRO.”  They’re ideal for helping former disaffected young men – and even legitimate military veterans! – feel out their new identity as your age-regressed little pet.

Sparkle Camo Underpants.  Sweet little Y-front cotton briefs come in a seven-pack with two each of green, tan, and grey camo, plus a bonus pair in white.  Edge trimming is metallic, and a pretty scattering of matching glitter dots adorns the backside.  Specify trim color: Perfect Pearlescent, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver.

First Responder Slut Tees.  Let baby show his respect for the things he values without losing sight of his new purpose in life. These transparent mesh tees are slightly cropped and adorned with the names of military and public services.  Standard jersey short sleeves, crew neck amplify the contrast with the humiliating overall look!  Specify FIRE DEPT (white/red), ARMY (tan/green), COAST GUARD (white/navy).

Water Pistol Onesie.  Gun culture may have been important to your little toy’s life, so let him explore that interest in an age-appropriate way with the Water Pistol Onesie.  Multicolored plastic squirt guns, many of them in the process of ejecting a stream and splash, tumble all over this super-soft cotton flannel onesie.  Four multicolored crotch snaps to coordinate; lapped shoulders; three-quarter sleeves.

Mommy’s Tough Guy Onesie.  Ringer-tee snap-crotch bodysuit in T-shirt jersey has “Mommy’s Tough Guy” in applique letters on the front.  Also available in “Daddy’s Tough Guy.”  Jersey with short sleeves, crew neck, five-snap crotch.  Lettering and ringer details are white.  Specify body color: Heather Grey, Dark Red, Ocean Blue, Iceberg Green.

Adult Baby Military Hats.  Irresistibly adorable little caps to adorn baby’s head – and strip former symbols of power of their masculine mystique.  Cavalry Stetson is slightly too small for most adult heads, but has an adjustable chin strap; its signature badge and tassels are baby pink.  Police-style Patrol Cap has black patent leather brim and strap, your choice of navy body with gold teddy button or powder blue body with rhinestone heart button.  Sailor Hat in neatly starched white cotton has an embroidered anchor and pins to the hair at a jaunty angle.

Shooting Stars Spanker.  Your little patriot probably associates stars with rewards for valor.  Give him a gold star for naughtiness instead with this super-stingy spanking rod of flexible nanoplastic, which has cutout stars that leave a distinct red mark on his bottom. Specify color: light red, butter, sky.

Clothespin Soldiers.  With the ideas he was given about masculinity, baby might struggle for a while to relax into doll play.  Help him transition with a set of clothespin-doll toy soldiers!  They’re modern spring clothespins with an extra steel rod to hold a wooden bead head.  Little felt military uniforms and painted jackboots turn them into cute and classic toys – that have a pinchy bite sure to make his nipples snap to attention.  Set of 6.  Specify coat color: classic red, powder blue, or sparkle pink.

Tarpaulin Nursery Softies Gift Set.  Whether he associates them with field tactics or camping, crinkly tarps are a sweet personalization for his new nursery!  Two throw pillows with steel grommet corners and a folding nap mat are packed inside a toy box with matching upholstery, steel grommet finger loops, fitted lid.  Specify blue plastic tarp, Olive Drab nylon canvas, or Tactical Black nylon canvas.  The box arrives tied with a burlap ribbon that secures a miniature tarp teddy on top!

Tin Tank Baby Walker.  Adult-sized version of a first-year essential shaped like an antique tank!  Stand-up bouncer on locking casters has a stretchy-springy supporter in the middle.  Lower your slave through the top hatch into the seat and let him push himself around with his knees, or lock the casters and tie his ankles to the eyebolts in the back of the play tray so he can’t reach the floor and has to stay where you put him.  Play tray includes toy periscope, swiveling toy cannon, buttons to push that produce “whoosh” and “bang” noises, some interesting unmarked dials (they’re actually a thermometer/barometer), and a recessed slot for a snack, puzzle, or board book.  Plastic and molded metal; specify color: buff, black, olive drab.

Cavalry Charge Play Set.  Adult baby boy rides to the rescue!  Spring-frame wooden bouncy horse has a screw port for a dildo at the rear of its saddle (and another one between the hind legs for display … or multi-slave play, for that matter).  Slide your little man’s hole onto the dildo, hand him the vibrating rubber sword (don’t worry, it’s too flimsy for him to hurt himself!), and top off his look with baby cavalry hat and a white clip-on play cape attached to his nipples or onesie shoulders.  Charge! Also includes a nylon Rocking Horse Girth in Tactical Black for keeping him on the horsie.  Specify horse finish: white/red accents, pine/black accents, stained oak.

Soldier Peg Doll Anal Trainer.  Special edition hole-gaping practice toy has five subtly contoured peg dolls in a row, from a two-inch cadet to a nine-inch general!  It’s carved from smooth wood with a glossy wipe-clean finish that won’t absorb lube.  Specify your peg soldiers’ painted uniforms: green forest camo, buff desert camo, black with gold accents.

[inaris-mage-of-storms]

Okay, I'm still not making much headway on chapter four of HYH, but I needed to write something or I was going to explode. So have a little bonus scene for the first story instead. :D It takes place somewhere after the mineshaft adventure but before the meteor shower.

}{

"And that one's the Gilded Goose," said Scott, pointing up at the sky with one hand while the other entwined with Jimmy's. "She's only visible at the height of summer. Then she moves on, and when winter approaches its peak the Red Wolf takes her place."

Jimmy gazed up at the pattern Scott pointed out in the stars, his thumb absently moving over the back of Scott's hand. "I can't believe how many there are," he said. "I bet if you combined every story from every place, there wouldn't be a single star left that wasn't part of something bigger."

"No, probably not," agreed Scott. It was one of the many things he liked about traveling; every region he visited saw the same stars in a different way, and every story he collected made the tapestry above that much richer. "Are there any that you know?"

"Just that one," said Jimmy, pointing in another direction. "I don't know any stories, but it's called the King. There's his sash, and over there is his crown."

"Oh, wow," said Scott, recognizing part of the constellation. "He overlaps with the Ocean Queen. You can't see the full pattern from here, but she's the most recognizable thing in the sky if you're near the Shallow Sea. They share a crown, I guess."

Jimmy laughed. "Maybe they were in love. Be a strange pair, though, a king of the mesa and a queen of the ocean."

Scott smiled. "Maybe they were." He lay his head on Jimmy's shoulder. "And now they get to dance together for eternity."

"Sounds kinda nice," said Jimmy, and pressed a kiss to Scott's hair. "Speaking of dancing, I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to when we went to town."

"Eh, it's alright," said Scott, then smirked. "I enjoyed what we did get to do much better." He didn't raise his head to see if Jimmy's ears were turning red, but he assumed they were from the squeak Jimmy made, and he laughed softly.

"Still," said Jimmy, "you said you like dancing. I just think it's a shame you didn't get to do something you – oh!" He sat straight up, the movement dislodging Scott from his comfortable position. "Wait, I forgot! There should be - " He jumped to his feet and darted over to the barn. Scott followed, curious, and watched as Jimmy dug around a corner where it seemed a variety of objects had been stored out of the way.

"Here it is!" Jimmy lifted a tarpaulin to reveal an old phonograph, then opened a chest below it and took out a record. "Let's see, how did this work again?" he muttered to himself, and after a moment of fidgeting with it, music filled the barn and spilled out into the night air as he successfully got the disc in place and spinning.

Jimmy grinned triumphantly, then went to where Scott stood in the doorway and offered his hand. "I, uh, don't actually know how to dance," he said as his grin turned sheepish. "But would you do me the honor of being my partner?"

Scott laughed, delighted by the music and Jimmy's eagerness. "I would love to," he said, and took Jimmy's hand. "Come on, I'll teach you."

He guided Jimmy through the steps of a simple waltz, and it didn't take long before they were swaying together in a comfortable rhythm. Once Jimmy had an idea of what was expected, his hold on Scott was confident and strong, but never lost its gentleness. Scott watched the moonlight slide across his face as they turned, and the way Jimmy gazed at him made him feel like his heart would drift away to dwell with the stars above if it got any lighter.

Scott's smile dimmed as a realization settled against his ribs. I can't do this to him.

Jimmy was not the first person to look at Scott like they were holding the entire world in their arms. It was another of the things he liked about traveling; sometimes when he found someplace to stay for a while, he got lucky and also found a pretty boy to have a little fun with. He would spend a few weeks pretending to be swept away by flattery and attention, until his admirer conveniently revealed the location of a hidden stash of gold or gems, and Scott's visit conveniently came to an end.

It should have been as simple as it always was. Jimmy should have been just like every other lover swept away by Scott's charm. Scott never dreamed anyone would be able to sweep him away in turn.

The record ended, and Scott and Jimmy drifted to a stop. "How was that?" asked Jimmy with a grin. "Was I okay?"

Scott smiled, feeling a pang in his chest at how easily his arms slipped around Jimmy's neck and Jimmy's arms slipped around his waist. "You were wonderful," he said softly.

Jimmy's grin brightened at the praise, and he pulled Scott into a kiss. Scott leaned into him, fingers caressing the nape of his neck, and he never wanted to let go.

He needed to let go.

In the end, Jimmy made the decision for them. "It's getting late," he said as he pulled away. "Let me get that back where it goes, and we'll go to bed."

Scott stepped back and watched Jimmy disappear into the barn again. "Thank you for the dance," he said when Jimmy returned, and their hands found each other again as they headed back to the house.

"You're welcome," said Jimmy, and pulled Scott's hand up to his lips. "I'll be your dance partner whenever you want. I can't imagine ever wanting to dance with anyone else."

Scott laughed, and he blamed the weakness of it on the late hour. "I'm sure you'll have plenty of dance partners in the future, and better ones than I am."

Jimmy's laugh was far warmer. "Impossible," he said, dropping to a near whisper as they entered the quiet house. "You're everything I could ever want."

series masterpost