#all jokes aside this weather has been reviving me

[wickedwayofthings]

Very serious business today at the b&j park 💀

[hanazou]

matching onesies with him.

Books : Dazai | Chuuya | Oda

Shelf : Mixed

Genre : Fluff, domestic

Note : I did this of my own accord because I am, in fact, a softie

Dazai Osamu

This clingy crackhead.

Dazai will be the first to come up with the idea. It's actually a random one and he asked it so spontaneously, he doesn't expect you to actually say yes.

"Sure, why not?" You agreed.

He's both surprised and elated, and he didn't hide this reaction at all.

"Oh, darling!" He wrapped a hug around your neck. "You always revive my heart with your love!"

You both will be enthusiastic about picking the onesies and agree to surf the net instead of looking from shop to shop since Dazai is under the supervision of a certain angry Kunikida

It almost feels like babysitting. Not that you hate it right? Should you get an identical pair with different sizes? Or complementary ones?

Dazai will call the customer service to ask if they have black crow onesies since crows represent death in some cultures. The response is obviously no and it's obvious that the customer service was confused.

"That's a shame," Dazai whined disappointedly, shoulders dropping. "Wouldn't it be both cute and poetic if we had a double suicide while wearing matching crow onesie? Two achievements in one!"

At that point you wouldn't even be surprised anymore. You will just take the phone away from him to apologise and thank the customer service. You have to convince Dazai that you won't find a onesie of that kind

"Wait, don't tell me," You stared at him. "The reason you want to get onesies is just to wear a matching crow pair?"

"Is it?" He grinned mischievously. "Maybe you're right, maybe you're wrong, but I just want to match with you."

Other ADA members will wonder what you and Dazai were doing, Kunikida the most. He isn't exactly curious, more like suspicious. What's that good-for-nothing Dazai up to now?

Eventually you find a pair of identical ones. Kind of rare designs too! Guess what?

Crabs! In red! The little eyes on the hood!

It will take less than a week for the onesies to arrive in a small box. When it does Dazai will pull out a cutter so energetically Atsushi will think he's going to pull a suicide attempt with it

"AAH! Dazai-san! No!"

Nothing will happen aside from Dazai stabbing the box (while making sure he doesn't cut the onesies inside. he's good with blades, ex Port Mafia and all)

The crab pincers for your hands are soft like mittens and so smooth???? Imagine sweaterpaws but with crab pincer mittens (!!)

It will take everything in you to stop Dazai from wearing it that instant since a client Fukuzawa talked about will be coming. You will need Atsushi's help to take it off him but let's not talk about it

Both of Dazai's legs are already in the onesie too..

It seems like Kyouka wants one. Yosano and Naomi will tell Atsushi to buy the girl one and match with her

When Dazai and you go home together, he will be so excited to wear the onesies immediately. Dazai will be light on his feet.

And when you finally put yours on? Pictures. Dazai will take lots of pictures of you. You're a piece of art and he wants pictures so he can recall the image anytime

"Oh, dearest~ How is it possible for you to be so cute?" He began his dramatic poses, a hand over his head while spinning like a ballet dancer.

You both will take a lot of couple pictures.

"Love, you are so adorable I want to eat you!"

"Is it me who's cute or the crab?" You teased back.

When Dazai makes a troubled expression to answer your question, you will have to pinch him 💢

If you can cook crab soup, wouldn't it be funny to make and eat one with Dazai while wearing crab onesies? He will be so clingy when you do it, like an old school married couple; when you cook, he'll be bugging you while hugging from behind. It feels cozy, don't blame him

You have to be keen with your eyes so you won't miss Dazai secretly pouring ajinomoto to the soup. Get him a healthier diet, I'm begging you.

"Look, the crab is red like us." He pointed at the soup. "And like your face when I do this." He took advantage of you turning your head to peck your cheek.

He will also pinch your nose with his pincer mitten. "Boop!" It's a challenge. Boop his nose back.

You think he's already as clingy as he can be, huh? Wrong. You are absolutely wrong. If he previously sticks around you like a magnet, this time he's glued to you.

Even in the shared living space, he won't let you go. Is it the softness of the onesie under his touch, the warmth, or your cuteness? Well, it's all of them. What then?

Snuggles.

You both cuddle together in the futon until falling asleep together. You feel twice as warm.

He's the big spoon, let him feel the smoothness of the onesie while feeling your heat. And for once, the double suicide joke stopped for the rest of day. That's how much this impacts him, and you're proud of him.

Nakahara Chuuya

Matching with Chuuhuahua in a onesie? You lucky fella.

You have to be the one initiating it with Chuuya. Baby boy will be like "Eeh?" at first. He's not against it at all but more like, confused. The request is out of the blue

"Come on, why not?" You tilt your head. "It will feel so soft to cuddle with?"

That's it, that's the spell for him to agree

Mans is a Port Mafia executive, you can't go out from shop to shop in a mall to get your onesie with his schedule, so you have to settle with online shopping with this guy too

Only when he has time to spare from beating up people

You will sit together on a couch at the headquarters once Chuuya and you don't have missions. It's a good chance to relax and unwind together too

Chuuya knows best where to find clothes, including onesies. There are so many options! Dinosaurs, frogs, bears, Sanrio characters, Doraemon, Pikachu, Line characters, pandas, unicorns, penguins!! (I should stop fantasizing Chuuya in each of them)

Chuuya will act cool and chill about it at first, but he actually got invested in choosing and thankfully he isn't a crackhead unlike a certain someone

He has a good fashion sense I don't accept criticism, and this side of him will jump out while both of you scroll the catalogue. He nails both street wear and mafia outfits daily, so you can bet he'd pick the best onesies for you both

"This one doesn't suit you," He moved to the next option. "These are the only colours available? Pass.", "What's with the unnecessarily long tail?", "Oh maybe this? Wait, I don't like the stripes."

Of course, he will listen to your opinion too but since you feel he's better at this, you just either nod or shake your head with him

You have to be careful with your words when picking the size (this is much more valid if you're taller) or he'll go "I'm not that short!"

Kouyou and Mori (+ Elise) will catch you both on the couch together while browsing, comfy and all, and Kouyou asked what you two were doing. Chuuya's face will be as red as wine.

When you want to explain, his gloved hand will cover your mouth and he frantically shakes his head, screaming "Don't!" silently.

But alas, while you want to tell him there's nothing to be embarrassed of, Kouyou will take the phone from your hand with a curious grin and a "What's this~?"

Chuuya will just accept fate at that point, growling to himself and all

Kouyou and Mori won't expect to see a catalogue of onesies, apparently. The "Huh," on their faces are hilarious, and Mori will be instantly inspired to get a full set for his Elise-chan, much to her distaste.

While Mori and Elise are going at it, Kouyou will actually share her opinions. Chuuya will crawl out from his burrow of embarrassment and listen to her with you.

"Rather than identical ones, these would be much better. They have variety." Kouyou said. And you both will agree. You both have been eyeing a specific pair anyway

You both will decide to get complementary ones! Chuuya's will be a brown teddy and yours a white bunny! (Try googling Line's Brown and Cony, they're cute you won't regret it) Kouyou will totally agree with the decision.

When the package arrives, both of you will open it together. Chuuya's eyes for clothes are never wrong, the quality is immaculate. So warm and smooth, not a seam out of place.

Imagine the blush on Chuuya's face when you put on the white bunny onesie. The bunny ears on the hood! The fluffiness! His flustered face!

He will be slightly hesitant to put his own on, but when he does, you swear you can die from the cuteness. Want to see more cuteness? Tease him about it, and maybe he'll tickle you down until you're too breathless to tease him.

Chuuya doesn't want to say it explicitly but it does feel really comfortable, it's suitable for winters too.

As usual, Chuuya will be the big spoon. You will melt into his warmth and the smoothness of his onesie, and you can tell he's enjoying it too, from the way he'll drag his hand all over you to feel the smooth fabric

"It's a good thing we listened to ane-san's suggestion, hm?" You asked. "I didn't exactly like the matching penguin pairs."

"Yeah, this isn't bad at all." Chuuya admitted, snuggling his chin into the crook of your neck. "You're so warm."

Oda Sakunosuke

First off I'm Odasaku's lover before I'm anything else.

When the weather gets cold, it's your idea to get onesies for the kids. They could use some cute onesies to sleep in.

Unlike Dazai and Chuuya, Odasaku will have time to spare to go shopping with you. Being the handyman of Port Mafia has its good sides, after all.

The atmosphere is identical to a date! You both meet up at evening after work, have a simple dinner first, then start the shopping. Shopping for the kids' onesies with him makes you feel like a parent doesn't it?

Odasaku and you will make sure not to pick flimsy, thin, or rough ones. Only the best for the kids. Both of you put your keen eyes to use, examining every considered piece

Odasaku and you will definitely discuss whether to get five identical or different ones. After considering that the kids have different personalities, choosing different pieces will sound more ideal. You both will grant them the liberty of picking themselves.

"We just have to make sure they don't fight over it." Odasaku said.

Lion, dinosaur, piglet, panda, and penguin. That's what you both will choose!

Odasaku is a man who doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeves, so you relied on his eyes when it comes to him. You will see love and sincerity. He picks each piece with careful consideration.

The store clerk will throw an unexpected (yet clichéd shoujo) question at you both. "You picked such good choices. We have sets for adults too, why not match with your children?"

Odasaku and you will widen your eyes. First of all, parents? And match? Both of you stare at each other in confusion. Should you get two get a pair for yourselves?

"Why not?" Odasaku eventually said.

Odasaku's will be a brown dog and yours a white cat (remember that one official art of Odasaku with puppy ears? <3)

Odasaku and you will immediately visit the kids and give them their onesies. Their excitement in picking one for their own made you smile, and you can see the joy in Odasaku's eyes when the kids thanked him and you. He doesn't smile, but you don't need him to just to know he's glad his children love your pick. The way he pats their heads already speaks volumes of love.

Thankfully no kid wrestled to get what they want. You were especially concerned Kousuke will compete with someone

Odasaku will bring a secondhand polaroid he once bought at Yokohama's flea market to take pictures of the kids. You will herd the children to gather for the picture while Odasaku looked for the right angle in the other side of the room.

"Why don't you stay there for the picture too?" Odasaku asked you, half of his face behind the camera.

You kneel behind the kids and put your hands on Sakura and Yuu's shoulders, the ones who stood on the far left and right. That much is enough to warm Odasaku's heart, but when you too, smile for the camera, he freezes for a while to take the sight with his eyes

The picture comes out nicely. You will end up convincing Odasaku to take more but with him in it, together, all seven of you. You would need the curry diner owner's help to take the picture

"Sakunosuke, smile, will you?" You held his shoulder while you both kneeled behind the kids for the picture. He would be a little stunned

He smiles, but it was faint. Nevertheless, you recognise the content in his eyes in the photo, and it's enough.

When it's just the two of you in the living quarters, you will have to remind Odasaku that he too, bought a onesie. He will gladly put it on him since you look so eager, he's curious how it feels too

Your heart stops when he put on the hood with the puppy ears. You will have to fight back the urge to attack him with cuddles right there and then when his confused and innocent face matches the onesie so much!

"You're adorable," You smiled half teasingly, taking in the look of confused Odasaku who looked down at his onesie. The weight of the material felt right, it's like a cozy blanket.

"Try to put yours on," He says. When you did, his heart also missed a beat. The kitten ears on your head! The pure snowy white on you!

Odasaku is a bear hugger and when he hugs you, his embrace will feel tighter than usual. It's no surprise, he likes you and cats, and the way you interacted with the kids that day played tricks on his heart. You hug him back and ruffle his head while he mumbles his thank-you's at you

That night's sleep will be filled with nothing but cuddles of love and adoration. Yes, Odasaku is the big spoon, but you will also hold his arms tighter around you as you both drift into the night, chatting about life.

[vraelgard]

A week has passed, with Lilliana’s fears of more frequent attacks becoming a reality. The princess herself was doing all she could, even donning a suit of armor that had not been seen since the days of Queen Blossom. She makes it no secret about what she plans to do, and citizens watch in awe as she strode, sword in hand, towards the Eastern Gate, accompanied by Lady Ebony and Count Ivory. 

"Are you sure about this? Your magic can be a little...volatile," Ebony says quietly as they reach the entrance. 

"It's what I was born to do. Let us go," Lilliana replies, and the three enter the forest that lies beyond Terra's walls.

Strangely, there are no beasts to attack them as they head to Tenebrae's temple, their travel expedited by what powers Ebony and Ivory had left. The forest of Blackgrove is painfully silent, every twig that snaps below Lilliana's heel sounding as if it's going to draw the attention of a beast to them. Upon reaching the temple, Lilliana pauses a careful distance away, eyeing the beast that remains guarding it. 

"I will make quick work of this," she promises. 

She steps forward, eliciting a growl from the monstrous creature that guards the temple as it fixes its gaze on her. Still, she does not falter, drawing her sword and pointing it at her enemy. A pause, as Lilliana readies herself, heels digging more firmly into the earth.

"Lux dea, duce me, et disperdam malum…" 

With her incantation, Lilliana bounds forward, guided by the divine light and pierces the beast. Her movement is too quick to follow, but the beast unleashes a pained howl before abandoning its post and disappearing into the darkness.

"That was amazing!" Ebony says, rushing over to Lilliana.

Lilliana, however, looks winded, and she sinks to her knees as she attempts to recover herself. 

"I didn't banish it fully...my magic is…" she lets out a noise that's half between a sigh and a groan. "The Goddess help me, my family has the worst magic in this country."

"Still, we can now check on Tenebrae, so I believe we can consider this a success," Ivory points out. He helps Lilliana back to her feet, and the three step carefully into the temple.

What greets them is a scenario Lilliana would only have dreamed of in nightmares. 

Standing in front of the altar is a stone statue of Tenebrae, his mouth open in a silent cry, his hand outstretched as if trying to get something back. But aside from the temple of the goddess, there are no statues of the sages inside. 

"Oh no," whispers Ebony.

Ivory takes a moment longer to examine the scene before turning to the others with a grim expression.

"Tenebrae...has been petrified. And the moonstone is missing."

*     *     *

Lilliana paces back and forth in front of the petrified Tenebrae. Ebony sits on the steps that lead up to the altar, chin in hands, as she watches Lilliana's movements. Ivory, in the meantime, is continuing to examine the Sage.

"It's peculiar," he says finally. "It's as if someone used a magic that's not...based in the elements. But combined it with Dark magic...turning Tenebrae's power against him."

Lilliana stops pacing, turning to face Ivory. She crosses her arms and fixes him with a glare.

"Alright, then how do we fix this? I cannot allow a permanent night to rule over Vraelgard. We need Tenebrae back," she says.

"Maybe the Ciemnica witches have a solution," Ebony suddenly pipes up. "They're like, the closest magic users to Tenebrae that would know how to deal with something like this, aside from his Mage."

"Speaking of which, where is Moonlight?" Lilliana asks. 

Ebony and Ivory exchange a look and a shrug. 

"She aided in my first attempt to fight off the beast," Ivory says to Lilliana. "Assuming she's heard that we've gained entry…"

"Let me call her," Ebony offers. She pulls out her phone, quickly selecting a contact and putting it on speaker.

After three rings, the phone picks up.

"Lady Ebony? Has something happened? Is there a new development?"

"Uh, yeah, actually," Ebony says. "We got into the temple. Tenebrae's...been petrified and...the moonstone is gone."

There's a long silence on the other end.

"You defeated the beast?" Moonlight asks, sounding surprised. 

"Not exactly, it kind of...ran away after Lilliana smacked it with one of her spells," Ebony says, and Moonlight sighs. 

"...I see. I can't help but find it peculiar that it would give up so easily." She's quiet for a moment longer as there is the faint sound of rustling paper, followed by a small "ah." "...Assuming these notes are correct, I do believe I know of a way to revive him. You will need components of darkness, and the mirror of the Ciemnica witches. I doubt it will be easy to obtain, but Princess Cica will likely hear you out. I will send you a list, and I will come to meet you at the temple."

With that, the call ends, and a couple moments later, Ebony receives a text message with the components list. She frowns at it before showing it to Lilliana and Ivory.

"Some of these are really hard to get, and I don't know how we'd manage them on our own," Ebony says. "What d'you think, Lilliana?"

Lilliana skims the list, taking note of the trickier items. It's true, they wouldn't have enough people to collect them, not with the monsters still on the loose. But…there is another solution. She looks at Ivory.

"Do you trust me?" she asks.

"Of course," he replies without a moment's hesitation.

"...Very well. I believe it is time we turn to some outside help." 

*     *     *

The foreigners of Terra will suddenly find themselves receiving a text message from Princess Lilliana. Peculiar it wouldn't come in the form of a video message, but the instructions are clear.

The Sage of Darkness, Tenebrae, is petrified, and his elemental gemstone is missing. We have reason to believe that it was stolen by someone who is behind the beast attacks and disappearances that have plagued our city as of late. As it is imperative that Tenebrae be cured and balance restored to our elements, I humbly ask for your help.

All of you will now find you have access to the forest of Blackgrove. In the forest are a demon clan, led by a demon woman named "Shi," and the Ciemnica Witch Clan ruled by Princess Cica. They can be negotiated with for their respective items. The rest come from creatures in the Blackgrove area. Please use caution when retrieving them. Once you have obtained an item, bring it to Tenebrae's temple, and give it to the Mage of Dark, Moonlight.

Thank you for your assistance,

Princess Lilliana.

*     *     *

Sitting perched on a tree branch is a young woman with bubblegum pink hair and cat ears, otherwise blending into the darkness with her black clothing. Her partner stands below her, nonchalantly lighting a cigarette before looking in the same direction as her, the shadow beneath his eye not covered by an eyepatch betraying his exhaustion. 

"Things are getting interesting, aren't they Will?" the woman asks, swinging her legs back and forth. "Do you think we'll be busy tonight?"

"Depends on how many of them die," her partner replies. "And I told you not to call me that."

The two of them stare in silence at the monster they've been watching as it roams the forest of Blackgrove. It doesn't seem to take note of the two of them, or perhaps it simply doesn't care.

"It's such a pain we have that promise to the princess," the woman says, stretching her arms over her head until her shoulder lets out a satisfying pop.

"A bit..." agrees her partner. "But for now... we'll wait to see if any of them die."

And so they watch. And they wait.

What's happening?

Surprise! This is not fun; why did I say surprise. Tenebrae has been petrified, and the moonstone is missing! The only cure to bring Tenebrae back and end the eternal night is to gather the elemental components for a panacea. And that's where you come in! Lilliana needs your help, so the components and a general idea of how to obtain them have been listed below! Do you want to fight for them? Sneakily grab them? Whatever works for you! 

Who is Moonlight?

Moonlight is the Mage of Darkness, the most powerful sorceress of Dark magic in particular, and has dedicated her life to serving Tenebrae! There are Mages for every element, but peculiarly no one seems to know who the Time and Space Mages are… Regardless, Moonlight will be waiting at the temple for you to bring her components!

Will we die?

Some of you may die, but that's definitely a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Even though Lilliana managed to get rid of the beast outside the temple, the attacks are no less frequent upon the city. There are also plenty of beasties roaming the Blackgrove forest, so it's best to be careful.

Can we still write Part 1 starters during Part 2?

Absolutely! Of course, if you just want to remain in the city during Part 2, not much has changed with the situation, sadly. 

Will we be allowed to explore Blackgrove further after the event?

Yes, but only if you're of Commoner rank or above! While Blackgrove is temporarily open to those of Novice rank, Travel Visas will only be given at Commoner rank after the event. And without a Travel Visa, you can't leave Terra. Sorry!

Who are the man and woman at the end of the post?

Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy? Joking aside, you will learn their names, who they are, and what they do with the event conclusion. So look forward to that :)

What are the components and where do we find them?

Blood of a Blackgrove demon - easy enough, find a demon who lives in Blackgrove, and kindly ask for a bit of their blood. You can always take it by force, but they'll prooooobably get pissed at you for that. So you better be prepared to fight. How do you find the demons? Well, your best bet is to either call out that you request a meeting with one, or to try to find where they live, somewhere to the northern part of Blackgrove.

Slime of a Darkness Blob - peculiar creatures that make their home in Blackgrove are what appear to truly just be...literal blobs of darkness. While they're entirely friendly (and...harmless), they do occasionally secrete a slime used as a component in many spells and potions. They might not really understand if you ask nicely, but maybe your kind tone will get across?

Feathers of a Raven - peculiarly large ravens make their home in Blackgrove, and these are the ravens Moonlight requires feathers from. The birds themselves do not take kindly to outsiders, but they're known for leaving their feathers behind places. 

Fur of the Beast - one of the most difficult items to get, you'll need to fight a monster and survive. More than that, you'll need a patch of its fur. Of course, it's not required to kill it, but it might be easier that way. 

Mirror of the Ciemnica witches - the hardest item to get, as it has been passed down from one witch princess to the next for generations. From her grandmother to her mother, and from her mother to her, Princess Cica is unlikely to trust such a precious heirloom to just anyone. This would be best acquired if you have every other component first–and promise to give it back to her. 

NOTE: If you wish to attempt to get the mirror of the Ciemnica witches, send a message to the masterlist for further instructions on how to do so! Otherwise, this will be handled at the end of the event! 

Part 2 will run from midnight, May 16 to 11:59 p.m. May 30th!

[galfridus1]

NNT Side Cast Week Day 6: Suffering/Peace

I love this week. Here’s some Guilonica.

Of course it was raining. Veronica sighed dramatically, pulling up the collar of her coat and staring with undisguised irritation up at the gloomy, grey sky. This day only occurred once a year - thank goodness! - and on each of the last three occasions it had bucketed down, water pooling on the cobbled streets to create dirty puddles. Liones was a beautiful city, but not in the rain and the cold, and the citizens shivered as they waited, huddled together like young birds in a nest, wet hair plastered to their scalps.

But despite the weather everyone was there, standing in the kingdom’s large, central square. Her eyes swept over the crowd, picking out the city’s Holy Knights, Grand Master Howzer standing slightly in front, wearing his dress armour and an uncharacteristically sombre expression. It was three years to the day since the Second Holy War had ended, three years since Liones had lost a princess and Britannia had gained a goddess. And the cost had been worth it, of course, although it was dear. Today they remembered Gustav and Denzel and all the many, many others who had lost their lives in battle, who had never got to see the bounty of peace.

And this year, Veronica thought proudly, Liones’ memorial would include all of those who had been killed as a result of the demons’ struggle for power. She remembered the meeting she had chaired in her capacity as Margaret’s heir, the way she had argued that the knights of the new generation, so cruelly lured to take demon blood into their bodies, should also be treated as heros. She felt suddenly warm, a glow spreading through her to ward off the chill of the near-sleeting rain. She had won. The committee had expressed their doubts and dissension but her arguments had carried the day. Today, Holy Knight Dale was listed alongside the fallen, his name shiny and newly carved in the obsidian stone memorial which took centre stage in the square.

“Are you sure about this, Your Highness?” an advisor had asked, his head bobbing nearly as much as his adam’s apple. “There is a tumult or feeling against the new generation. That Guila for instance…”

“That is enough!” Veronica had stared at the man imperiously, putting every ounce of her authority into her voice. “Lady Guila is an esteemed knight of this kingdom and she will be spoken of in terms of the highest respect. She trained me, I will remind you,” she added furiously, not even pausing for breath. “I might not be here if it were not for her help.” Veronica had gained some satisfaction from the way the advisor had withdrawn his opposition immediately, his mouth having stayed shut for the rest of the meeting.

But despite her victory, Guila was nowhere to be seen. With Veronica’s new edict having been made law, Guila should have been with the others, standing alongside Jericho, Gilthunder and Griamore, her head held high, dark eyes flashing despite the low light. The princess bounced on the balls of her feet, stretching her neck as high as it would go in an effort to search more of the crowd from her position on the temporary wooden platform erected for the ceremony. But there was no sign of the raven black hair, no glimpse of the pink and silver armour Guila preferred, and Veronica felt her heart sink with disappointment.

She was on the point of abandoning her post in favour of searching for the missing knight when Margaret swept gracefully onto the platform, a thin gold circle crowning her head. The Queen of Liones looked graceful, poised, her mouth curved in a regal smile.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the queen addressed the crowd to rapturous applause, “it is my pleasure to open today’s celebrations. It has been three years since the end of the Holy War; three years of peace, prosperity and hope. It is thanks to you that we, as a people, have been able to move forward, to rebuild our lives and to grow.” The crowd cheered at this, several of those assembled raising foaming steins of ale into the air as they hollered.

Veronica tuned out the rest of her sister’s speech. She was suddenly tired, the familiar drone doing nothing to enliven her spirit; she had given up looking for the face she so wanted to see. She almost missed the gasps from the crowd, the shift in the air as Margaret cleared her throat.

“Lady Guila, would you please join me,” Margaret said kindly and Veronica felt her brain suddenly snap into focus. Her eyes swung away from the crowd to the platform, her jaw falling slack as she saw Guila step forwards, the knight’s long, sleak, black hair swaying with her gait.

[[MORE]]

“It is time to set our fears aside,” Margaret said, her voice commanding and her jaw set with determination. “For too long we have scapegoated others when things have gone wrong, when the rains have fallen too heavily or the crops have been spoiled. The pride we had in ourselves - that we had for all of us who fought side by side to protect Britannia - has slowly eroded since the war. It is about time we got it back. The new generation were saved, were revived, and battled hard to save Liones. And there has been no difference between those who lost all trace of demon blood in their veins and those who had no choice but to retain it. We must not forget that.”

Margaret flashed a smile at Guila, who stood with her back ramrod straight and her lips pressed together into a thin line. Veronica felt her heart sink in her chest; she knew Guila well enough to see that the knight was not just angry, she was furious, her calm exterior hiding a tumult or rage. The princess could help but feel her disappointment, her brows drawing together into a scowl. Did Guila not realise what her sister and she had gone through to achieve this breakthrough for her? Had she no concept of how much easier their lives would have been if they had stayed away from this fight?

Margaret’s announcement was met with scattered applause, which gradually grew and built into a genuine sense of celebration. The Holy Knights led the citizens; many made a point of smiling and waving at Guila and Howzer even punched an enthusiastic fist into the air. The people relented in the face of such enthusiasm, though Veronica could see that many faces were wary, that many glanced up at Guila covertly, their gaze lingering on her black eyes. Some clearly clapped more out of politeness than agreement. It would be a long slog yet before true equality was achieved for those like her former mentor who had not been purged of demon blood.

Margaret shaking Guila’s hand signaled the end of her speech. The assembled people began to break apart, the sudden bustle and noise pounding on Veronica’s ears as the citizens queued for sausages and ale, joking and laughing and slapping each other on the back. Children wove through the cluster of legs, chasing the odd pigeon that had braved the morass in search of some food. The air was alive with chatter and the tang of alcohol, thick with the aroma of roasting meat and melted cheese. The princess moved quickly, but Guila had gone, no doubt lost in the milling crowd.

Out of the corner of her eye, Veronica could see Griamore striding towards her, the over-large muscles in his arms and neck flexing as he walked. True man always followed her around like a lost puppy. The saliva in her mouth was suddenly sour, and she grimaced before jumping down from the platform, ignoring the shouts of surprise and her sister’s irritated cluck as she darted into the crowd. She was never anonymous, but the people of Liones respected her enough not to kowtow before her as she all but pushed past them, knowing her preference to be treated just like the other Holy Knights of the city.

Still, it took Veronica a while to make her way to the edge of the group, the formal dress she had consented to wear now crumpled and mud-splashed as a result of her exertions. It was then that she saw her, a lithe young woman dressed in armour, long back hair swinging across her back. The knight was moving at pace, making her way towards the city gates. “Guila, wait!” the princess called desperately, hating the way her voice caught in her throat. She was half annoyed, half surprised to see the figure in front of her stop, but Guila did not look round as Veronica ran up to her.

“What do you mean by disappearing like that?” Veronica asked crossly when she finally came alongside the other. She could hear the childish pout in her voice, and she bit her lip with her agitation, taking several deep breaths to try and calm the emotion swirling within her. But it was to no avail; her heart pumped loudly, the blood in her ears pounding with the beat and she could feel her face flush red as Guila still avoided her eyes.

There was a pause, and Veronica was on the point of shouting her irritation when Guila finally said, “The ceremony had ended, Princess Veronica. I was not aware that my presence was required further.�� The voice was flat and uninviting and Veronica felt her insides boil.

“Aren’t you a bit grateful?” the princess yelled, not caring that Guila’s lips pressed even more tightly together as the knight’s eyes flashed with an unmistakable anger. “Do you think it was easy, getting that damn law passed? Do you think…”

“Do you think I want you to fight my battles for me?” Guila interjected coldly. Veronica stopped, the words she had prepared stuck in her throat and she had to force her to mouth to close once she realised it was hanging open. Then, to her surprise, Guila drew herself up, the knight’s face settling to an expressionless mask. “I apologise for my outburst, Your Majesty,” she intoned. “It was unbecoming of me. I will take my leave.”

“You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Veronica said hotly as Guila began to move away. “Look, I don’t understand why you’re so upset,” the princess pleaded, her shoulders relaxing as Guila once more paused in her stride.

Guila spun round on her heels. “I do not need your pity.”

Veronica gasped. She suddenly felt lost, the anger draining away in an instant. “It’s not like that,” she insisted to Guila’s stony face, wishing her former mentor would show her some warmth. “I don’t pity you,” she added truthfully. “I just wanted…”

“What did you want?” Guila peered at her, something like curiosity showing briefly in her features before her face smoothed over once more.

Veronica took at sharp breath, feeling the cold air in her lungs. It was only then she realised that was still raining; and that her coat was heavy with droplets, while Guila’s hair was plastered to her cheeks. “I wanted you to be welcome in Liones,” she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper. “I wanted you to have some justice and to be treated like the hero you are. I wanted… I wanted to spend some time with you. You’ve avoided me, ever since the rumours began,” Veronica blurted out in a rush.

“You could not be seen with me,” Guila replied. “I would have damaged your reputation.”

“Do you think I give a damn about that?” Veronica felt her face flush once more, her hands curling into fists. “We both know it was bollocks. As if you and the others of the new generation could have soured the milk? It’s just crazy!”

Guila smiled, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards slightly. “Nonetheless, accusations like this tend to stick. It does not matter whether they are true or false. I decided it would be better not to tarnish your name.”

“As if I care about that?” Veronica shouted. “And who said you got to decide that anyway? Why didn’t you ask me what I wanted, how I felt?”

“I could say the same,” Guila remarked, her face set once more. “I did not wish to be paraded in front of the entire kingdom as some sort of symbol…”

“That wasn’t my idea!” Guila looked at Veronica sharply as the princess continued, “I don’t know why Margaret cooked that up, but it was nothing to do with me. All I wanted was to see you again!” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and Veronica clamped her mouth shut, seething inwardly at her indiscretion.

Guila cocked her head to one side. “Why?” she asked, her brows drawn together in puzzlement.

Veronica inhaled deeply. “If you must know,” she declared, “I missed you, alright? Liones hasn’t been the same without you around. It’s been pretty miserable actually. I just wanted you to come back,” she added, her voice quavering slightly, relief flooding through her as Guila’s expression softened and the knight stepped towards her.

“But I can’t,” the knight said simply and Veronica felt her heart sink, desperation clawing at her insides. “The change of law will not alter hearts,” Guila explained with a shrug to the shoulders. “I will still be regarded with suspicion.”

“I don’t care!” Veronica took several paces towards Guila, closing the gap between them. Before she knew what she was doing she held Guila by the arms, and their lips were pressed firmly together. The world spun on its axis, Veronica forgetting to breathe for a moment as she tasted honey and thyme and felt the gentle touch of Guila’s fingers as they slid into her hair. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the sensation, one which she had been dreaming of for so long she had lost hope it would ever actually happen.

Veronica felt a mixture of confusion and relief as Guila pulled back, taking the opportunity to replenish her lungs with oxygen. She looked at the knight, trying to read her expression, gritting her teeth as she failed to read the other’s thoughts. She was on the point of snapping when Guila said softly, “It will be difficult. You must be aware of that. If you associate yourself with me…”

“I said I don’t care!” Veronica stared at Guila, her hands pressing into her hips. “I… I love you,” she muttered shyly, “and the public stuff never mattered to me, you know that! I just want to be with you, whatever.” Veronica held out her hand involuntarily, and was on the point of withdrawing it when, to her surprise, Guila took it, her hold unexpectedly warm and firm.

“I want that too,” Guila whispered. Veronica pulled the knight into her arms, their faces pressing together as the rain eased off and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. They held one another close for several minutes before breaking apart, then heading back towards the castle, their hands entwined.

[promiscuous-jalapeno]

I searched through your blog quickly and didn't see this already asked, sorry if it had been. How would the RFA react to an MC who surprises them by sending flowers and lunch to their work on a hard day? I live for cheesy romance 😂 lol

~Me too…me too. This is like one of the cutest things you can do for your significant other and it really makes someones day! 

◉ Yoosung 

His heart had almost burst with love  

At first, he thought the delivery must be for one of his coworkers, surely 

Until it was placed in his office 

He immediately started blushing as he looked over the flowers and food and card 

The women he works with started flocking in the doorway 

“Oh! Dr. Kim! You’re so lucky to have such a loving spouse!” the girls coo 

 “Y-yeah…you’re right,” he rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed and still blushing 

In all honesty he was loving the fact that everyone he works with could see how much you both loved each other

He felt really lucky 

When he is finally alone he lets himself sniff the flowers 

And takes a couple bites of the food, savoring the flavors 

He closes his eyes and thinks of only you 

Practically walking on air for the rest of the day 

You’re in for some intense snuggles when he gets home 

◉ Jumin 

He had been bouncing around all day

From paperwork to meetings to more paperwork to conference calls 

The hour had grown very late 

And when he heard the gentle rapping on the door followed by the light footsteps of his assistant, he didn’t even bother to look up from his stack of paperwork 

“For you, Mr. Han”

She placed everything on his desk and left as quickly as she came in 

It wasn’t until he smelled the food that he realized how hungry he was, and that he hadn’t eaten at all that day 

He smiled happily at the card 

Miss you, don’t work too hard my love 

Although still busy, he set work aside immediately

If you were thoughtful enough to send this for him, he could spare some time to enjoy it 

He finished up what he was working on, more quickly than usual 

And raced home, hoping to catch you before you fell asleep 

◉ Zen 

You knew how exhausting the all day rehearsals had been for him when you decided to send him his flowers and lunch

They were just about to break for a bit when the delivery approached him 

He was about to refuse, thinking it was from a fan

Until he saw the handwriting on the card and recognized it as yours immediately 

This is the most excited he’s ever been at rehearsals

Aside from actually seeing you there 

He was so happy, he started going around and showing everyone your card and what you sent him 

Bragging about you to everyone 

When he made it to his dressing room he took a selfie for you with the flowers and food in the background 

Jagiya…how can you be so cute when i’m stuck here at work! I’m so lucky to have you looking out for me

Mass texting you and the RFA as he eats 

Bragging again about how delicious it is and how he can ‘taste the love’ 

The whole thing revived him for the second half of rehearsal and all he could think about was getting home to kiss you 

◉ Jaehee 

This was the last thing she was expecting 

The weather had gotten a bit colder so she was swamped at the cafe 

On top of the fact that she had never kicked the habit of living from convenience store food she would pick up on the way to work 

Which wasn’t the best source of nutrition…

And out of nowhere, a man came to the counter carrying a large hot meal and a bouquet 

Jaehee almost dropped the milk carton she had been holding 

“Oooh, someone has a sweetheart,” a customer teased 

Jaehee started to blush furiously when the rest of the customers sighed and giggled, and she glanced at her employee so he could take over 

She brought it to her back office and sat, immediately drawn in by the smell 

Of course you ordered from her favorite food place 

Well…a few minutes couldn’t hurt, she thought 

Blushing once more imagining you, and how kind you were to do this for her, she savored every bite while staring at the flowers fondly 

When the day was finally done

She wordlessly collapsed into your arms, tightening her embrace around you 

“Thank you…”

She nuzzled into your neck 

◉ Saeyoung 

He had a habit of overworking at the shop 

And…resorting to HBC and PHD Pepper so…you decided finally that he needed to eat something substantial

Even if it wasn’t at home 

Of course, like the sneak he is…

He knew you were ordering for him 

(annoying lol) 

BUT 

That didn’t stop his heart from melting, knowing you were thinking of him so much 

Mostly it just made him feel guilty 

He waited for the arrival, set the flowers up on his work bench and right after, he called you right away, 

“If my honey sends me food, I want you to hear me enjoy eating it!!”  

But all the while 

He was making his way home to you 

You guys were joking around on the phone still when he snuck quietly into the house 

Unbeknownst to you 

He couldn’t help but scare you, once he saw you sitting on the couch unaware 

“Hey!” he screamed, jolted at your shoulders a bit and laughed when you jumped up like 5 feet 

Before you knew it he was sitting close to you on the couch, the traces of laughter showing through his warm smile 

“I thought…it would be best if we shared this food,” he held the containers out

│Ko-Fi│Like what you read? You can help support me °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

Thank you for reading!

[sordidpassionsandlockedemotions]

~Tis the season for winter fics~

Based on songs x,x

The first time Magnus heard a trace of music was when his boyfriend was texting with his siblings and there was this loud noise for a few seconds followed by the audible noise of ‘seriously Max’. Probably mainly meant just for himself more than anything course Magnus heard it because had been returning with a book from his office. 

Second was when he was about to knock on the Institute office’s door some distant music along with the sound of Alec shoving his phone into a drawer. He didn’t ask what was going on didn’t see a reason to probably some odd holiday thing or prank between the Lightwood children. Instead just stuck with the usual knocking,poking his head in and saying hello. Followed by eventually a kiss once his boyfriend was up and close to him. 

Happened again several times but the most memorable was when he sat on the couch chatting with the other and Isabelle poked her head into the office shouting the words,”Sunshine on my shoulders!” Followed by a groan from his boyfriend but a slight smile at the same time before he got up with a pillow to smack his sister with eventually returning from whatever dropping back onto the couch. 

“To explain Max revived some dumb Christmas songs in a group text,making fun of how I hate most holiday songs then we’ve all descended into madness because it provides entertainment.” Alec ran a hand through his own hair blowing air dramatically out of his mouth. “New tradition I suppose anyways Izzy likes shouting the lyrics at me to get me to sing along with her also was hiding from Jace who she changed all his ringtones to different parts of them.” Could tell Magnus found it slightly amusing even if was probably still strange to witness their antics even be involved sometimes because he was basically family after all everybody kept asking Alec when they’d get engaged somehow. 

Later that night Alec pulled out his phone while they were snuggled up onto the couch. Opening up his stash of Christmas music which got some chuckles at the basic rock versions with little add ins of normal ones but almost singing along to the start of the first current Lightwood song choices of antics. Then a very confused expression shifting into a face palm hearing the lyrics,change of song. By the last one Alec was only barely holding in the urge to sing along as song two started. Meanwhile his boyfriend was shaking his head a little but the light in his eyes clearly said found it amusing. 

They finished their drinks snuggling up closer turning on whatever choice of movie Magnus wanted since it was his night which was fine with Alec as turned his phone on silent setting it aside. 

Alec’s little brother,mother was back in New York for the holidays so his boyfriend texted saying might not be able to have dinner but would certainly be back earlier in the night than most nights. It was the next day when Magnus stopped by the morning had been shorter than most because the small look in Alec’s eyes that spoke of guilt over what happened to his little brother so he wanted to go there earlier to spend time. Unlike Magnus who merely just wanted a bit of time,provide distraction a bit when he halted outside the open door instead of knocking on the frame to poke his head in hearing voices. 

“Max let it go you’re the youngest of course there’s fuss when you nearly die twice one of us has to be redeemable we all know that’s you.” It was clearly a sort of joke that dry humor his boyfriend had sometimes,”Besides welcome to the group we’ve all gone through it except you’re talking the one sibling who hardly got the gentle fussing.” The sound of a pillow being thrown and caught Magnus wasn’t really eavesdropping just really didn’t want to interrupt,or go back through the crowds of Shadowhunters around to leave.

“Fine whatever so I heard your boyfriend’s joining us for swapping presents.” A raised brow hearing that bit of information from the younger Lightwood. “I mean if you asked him yet swear I’ll be on my best behavior besides I even got him a gift because you know family now even if nobody expected you to get a serious relationship first personally thought Izzy but then again you really set high standards again.” 

“I’ve been meaning to ask him and normally I’d worry over that but alright cool probably a better gift than what I got I bet.” A pause before his boyfriend spoke again,”Yeah sorry menace to society if could skip your usual fuss about missing my almost wedding,and being slightly out of loop so far away.” 

“Well Alec you’re a dork so probably got something mediocre and hey you should’ve had me there also yes it’s annoying because you could have been engaged I’d only know via gossip or mom.” 

“I would let you know kiddo and right well can be there whenever if I get married to Magnus look forward to you fighting with Jace over who gets to help out.” 

Finally Magnus knocked on the frame walking in,”Hey Alexander,Max.” Alec stood up tossing the pillow onto the couch. Walking up to him meanwhile Max just gave a slight wave before focusing back on the phone in his hand probably playing a game by the looks of it.

“Hey Magnus.” Wrapping an arm around him hugging him briefly maybe unsure about kissing him per usual but then gave him a peck. Magnus was still a bit lost in the thoughts of being invited to their family get together,the way the two spoke of him,and that little bit about the two of them getting married. “Guess should ask you in person now if you are down for the family gift swap really just an excuse to eat cookies,candy and not work for a night.” 

Max was paying attention but playing uninterested on his phone while the two talked about it then Alec had to leave to deal with something real quick just leaving them in silence till Max sat up staring a moment,”Never did say sorry for the way I acted to you when you threw my party which thanks it was cool,and for helping with me after what happened.” Going quiet a moment before playing with his phone again,”Also for making Alec happier which is whatever.”

“It’s fine and you’re welcome though really that last bit’s a fair amount his doing more than anything.”

They were lounging around the loft Magnus had decided to change up some of the decorations around meanwhile Alec was just texting with his siblings on his phone mainly to make sure the three of them weren’t causing too much chaos which considering the highlight of the conversation was Max’s swearing he did not touch Clary’s art supplies relatively tame. Up until the other three grew uncharacteristically silent leaving Alec to wonder if they were all plotting something. 

With an eye roll put his phone aside standing up head hovering near his boyfriend’s shoulder then wrapping his arms around Magnus’ waist. Then couldn’t help himself,”Out of the darkness and into the sun-somehow I forgot it’s snow I’m made from.” Singing it in a whisper next to his boyfriend’s ear okay bit cruel but Magnus only seemed slightly started before deciding to return the favor. 

“Why are there so many songs about snowmen.” 

Hardly lasted very long before they both collapsed on the couch going from messing around,laughing to a conversation about Christmas presents which honestly somehow the two went together easily.

Alec was as close to Magnus could be walking through the portal to the Institute bit worrying about the family get together but wouldn’t be a chronic over thinker if he didn’t.  The arm draped around him pulled him a bit closer Magnus kissing his head,”So Alexander any organization to this or in Lightwood fashion is it just chaos?” He stuck his tongue out at the teasing but had to think for a moment before answering. 

“Depends but I think Izzy’s got it all figured out otherwise may just do the general assemble the one’s for each person together or hand them over I honestly have no clue.” Once at the steps just grabbed his boyfriend’s hand tugging him into the Institute past various Shadowhunters exiting,entering into the main area grateful for the warmth inside as opposed to the weather they just walked through. “Never been the lead expert should go without saying most involvement I had was when they were little and became the reason we do it later in the night instead of early morning or whatever.” 

Everybody exchanged hello’s Alec glanced over at Jace,”Thought you invited Clary?” 

“She had plans I of course will collect any presents for her since have permission to put them in her room.” Izzy rolled her eyes meanwhile Max hardly glanced up from his phone but eventually the trio stopped bickering mainly when a pillow nearly caught air.

The presents were pretty small or just little things of course Alec wound up with the obligatory something related to grumpy cat would have to glare at Simon for introducing his siblings to that. Then just this or that Alec of course got Max a good amount of comics,Izzy some phone case she’d been hinting at,and Jace a new holster because his last one had gotten wrecked.  

The real highlights was Max handing his gifts to Magnus and Alec which boxes opened to reveal two necklaces. Some lesser used runes made of metal on leather necklace cords both went together and supposed were also protection oriented. “I made them technically even fit together make another rune though when that’s the case.” Only explanation he offered before going back to flipping through the comic he had picked out to read. 

“Thanks Max course when did mom let you near the equipment to do such a thing?” His mother looked like she had no idea meanwhile Max just gave a shrug muttering something about a fireplace,using runes,and some allowance spent. But quickly forgotten about in the various chatter,gifts being swapped. Jace thought a moment before smacking a bow rather violently on Alec before pushing him a bit towards Magnus. 

“My yearly good deed didn’t get you two presents because all I have to offer is a very begrudgingly remark that you two are actually not terrible together.” Alec smacked Jace with a pillow which then prompted in the two bickering,Izzy chatting with Magnus,and Max debating with his mother about if he had to have a curfew. Eventually things settled down again but then it didn’t last long because while Magnus was opening a gift from Alec not the biggest one,or last one but something he’d already wrapped so you know the moment the scarf was visible Max muttered probably his best remark of the night. 

“Owner of a perfect scarf.”

Alec hardly even could glance at his brother before he with a smug smile scooped up all his presents,”NIGHT!” Shouting then running out of the room with also a good amount of candy,some cookies probably not actually going to bed but rather making an exit. There was some laughter but then Alec’s mother figured she should go make sure he does go to bed. Leaving just the four of them and only Alec left without one last gift from Magnus. Who with a flash of magic produced a pretty big box which made Alec wonder what possibly could have been inside. 

Opening it to his bow,and quiver raising a brow curiously meanwhile Izzy began to snicker a bit before coughing as inhaled some hot chocolate. “My bow and quiver Magnus?” Holding them in his hands to see if anything was different but not that he could really tell. Having completely forgotten about the deal he had made ages ago with his boyfriend. 

“Technically were mine they’re all yours again and I added some enchantments should fire faster,the quiver holds more arrows too.” Ah hugging Magnus gratefully before setting them down after that was the clean up and just chatter of sorts till Alec’s energy wore down to being almost dead asleep against his boyfriend which led to joking protests that the two of them should just leave. One portal followed by Alec not even taking a minute to wind up in bed stuff all piled in a corner tugging Magnus into bed with him. Then passing out after a very murmured I love you to Magnus. 

Who was up just a while longer thinking about things before closing his eyes to fall asleep. Realizing just as he drifted off if you put the runes together in a certain way made the marriage rune so apparently now Isabelle aside,even Max was certain they were that meant for each other apparently. 

[meanderingandrambling]

super cool character headcanons meme - all four marauders and/or Dumbledore and McG

ALL OF THE ABOVE

Okay this is gonna be under the cut because this is gonna be a looooooooooong post.

Let’s start with the Marauders

Sirius Black

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Obviously he doesn’t use an iPod, but I’d like to imagine he’d be into the wizarding equivalent of punk. Now of course, he’s the right age to be around right at the beginning of the scene and while I imagine wizarding music would be somewhat separate from muggle music, Sirius would probably sneak out to a muggle club just because it would piss off his family.

In any case he would definitely be listening to the wizarding equivalent of Queen, the Sex Pistols, the Damned, and David Bowie. Well, he’s just be listening to David Bowie. David Bowie was a wizard and there is nothing anyone can say to convince me otherwise. As for specific songs I’ll just throw out a couple muggle ones I can see him getting into:

London Calling-The ClashBlitzkrieg Bop-RamonesKiller Queen-QueenStarman-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

Oh man, where is this kid not falling asleep? He can fall asleep anytime, anyplace, and under any conditions. Though I think he’d tend to doze off right in the middle of the hallway. He’s between classes and sleepy? Why bother heading back to Gryffindor tower when there’s hardly any traffic in the Charms corridor this time of day?

I think he’d also turn into a dog and sleep under James’, Remus’, and/or Peter’s bed if he thought he could get away with it.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Surprisingly I’d think he’d be really good at charades. He’s just so expressive.

the emoticon they’d use most often

Smiling poop

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Falling asleep everywhere, extremely out of it, and grumpy. He slumps down on his hands and will just flip off anyone who tries to talk to him.

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Firewhiskey

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

I suspect he’d like to be a dog. I actually headcannon that this is a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma from his abusive family, and that was how he originally realized it might be a good strategy in Azkaban. He becomes a dog and naps in the sun.

Otherwiese plays obnoxiously loud music and jumps about for a while.

what they wanted to be when they grew up

Not their parents

their favorite kind of weather

Storms

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

Oh it’s…not the best. Stealing from your answer I think he sounds like he’s howling or barking. Still tried to get James, Remus, and Peter to form a band with him though.

how/what they like to draw or doodle

Goofy pictures or obscenities, especially when in his friends’ line of sight. He liked to try and get Remus to laugh during class with his doodles. It rarely worked. James however, was always cracking up. Also stealing from you again, he definitely doodles the smiling poop emoji.

James Potter

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Like Sirius I could see James being into punk, though not as much. He’d accompany Sirius on his excursions to underground shows, but more out of a quiet curiosity. He’s really more of a prog-rock. He’s definitely really into Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. He also listens to Bowie.

So for James:

Black Dog-Led ZeppelinDogs-Pink FloydBaba O’Riley-The WhoRebel Rebel-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

Like Sirius, James is pretty good at falling asleep when and wherever he can, though he’s not just gonna pass out in a hallway. His favorite forbidden sleep spot is in the library when he’s meant to be studying. Especially if Remus is there to be annoyed.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Quidditch

the emoticon they’d use most often

Winking

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Just miserable. You have to drag him everywhere.

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Butterbeer

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Honestly? He’s likely to take out his frustrations on whatever poor sap’s nearest. Though he started to grow out of that in his later years at Hogwarts. He’s since found listening to music while he stares at the ceiling and noshes on chocolate frogs a much better coping mechanism. That and a good broomstick flight.

what they wanted to be when they grew up

Pro Quidditch player

their favorite kind of weather

Bright, blustery days

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

Nothing special. He can carry a tune, but just barely

how/what they like to draw or doodle

Abstract shapes and repetitive patterns. He finds it soothing.

Remus Lupin

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Remus has fairly eclectic tastes and unlike James and Sirius he’d pretty much only listen to wizarding music. He’s more of a folk and folk-revival type of person. Well that and whatever the equivalent of Fleetwood Mac is in the wizarding world (though we all know Stevie Nicks is a witch).

Rhiannon-Fleetwood MacBattle of Evermore-Led ZeppelinWitch’s Promise-Jethro TullMoonage Daydream-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

Aside from the train? Remus likes to doze off outside under the trees on lazy sunny days.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Trivial pursuit/any pub quiz ever

the emoticon they’d use most often

O_O

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Poor thing is just kinda a zombie. Wanders around in a daze, sometimes the other Marauders have to sort of guide him to class.

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Tea or hot cocoa

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Chocolate and a good book

what they wanted to be when they grew up

Honestly his childhood was sort of…strange what with being a werewolf and all. He rarely had a concrete image of his adulthood because he had trouble seeing past his condition. He did have fantasies of being an author for a while though.

their favorite kind of weather

Mild, soft sunlight interspersed with periods of light showers

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

I actually think Remus has quite a nice voice, though he rarely sings

how/what they like to draw or doodle

Oddly elaborate scrolling patterns. Primarily of plants and flowers.

Peter Pettigrew

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Like Remus Peter mostly listens to wizarding music, his tastes tend to be fairly eclectic in tone. Also for some reason I think he’d be pretty into the Rolling Stones? Yeah, I dunno either.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction-The Rolling StonesMy Generation-The WhoStairway to Heaven-Lep ZeppelinWord on a Wing-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

I actually think Peter would have a difficult time sleeping and is the least likely to just doze off where ever. On the rare occasions he does decide to let himself drift off he, like James, is likely to fall asleep in the library.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Poker

the emoticon they’d use most often

Simple smiley

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Suggestible and just kinda out of it. Like Remus he’s gonna just drift through the day.

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Butterbeer

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Very long naps under a heavy pile of blankets

what they wanted to be when they grew up

Though it certainly wouldn’t suit him young Peter dreamed of being an Auror

their favorite kind of weather

Warm, sunny days

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

Nothing special, he has difficulty singing loudly

how/what they like to draw or doodle

Really elaborate doodles, more like illustrations. He’s quite good actually.

Albus Dumbledore

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Dude has been around for a very long time and has very eclectic tastes in music. Seriously, he’s all over the place.

Gotterdammerung, it’s always difficult to separate out operas but I have the third act in mind-Richard WagnerIt’s Always You-Frank SinatraEleanor Rigby-The BeatlesSpace Oddity-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

He’s pretty good at falling asleep wherever, but his most likely dozing place is his office (wherever it happens to be) or else out by the lake.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Risk

the emoticon they’d use most often

Unicorn

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Goofy, their propensity to silly jokes and puns goes through the roof

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Butterbeer

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Organizing his sock collection while munching on some lemon drops

what they wanted to be when they grew up

Great

their favorite kind of weather

Partially cloudy and mild

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

Very fine, soothing and soft

how/what they like to draw or doodle

He’s not the greatest artist but he likes drawing people

Minerva McGonagall

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Though she mostly like wizarding music she actually would listen to a surprising amount of muggle stuff.

What a Little Moonlight Can Do-Billie HolidayPiece of My Heart-Janis JoplinThou Hast Left Me Every Jamie-Karine PolwartHeroes-David Bowie

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to

Hahahahahaaaaa…oh man, I cannot imagine McGonagall falling asleep when she’s not supposed to, but perhaps a little catnap by her office window.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at

Most things really, but for some reason I see her as a pretty fierce bridge player

the emoticon they’d use most often

Not much for emoticons. Perhaps the thumbs up once when she wants to appear approachable. It backfires horribly.

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Shot, cranky, sharp

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever.

Tea

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

A long walk through a hilly landscape

what they wanted to be when they grew up

PM

their favorite kind of weather

Wild, windy, and cloudy

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?)

Pretty good, warm and lilting. She rarely sings.

how/what they like to draw or doodle

Small surprisingly detailed landscapes or animals. Lots of crosshatching.

[ecoorganic]

'Ted Lasso' and the Journey From Viral Promo to TV Series

Jason Sudeikis reprises his role as a befuddled coach in England, with his viral NBC promos evolving into a full-on TV show. He explains the story of how it happened.

There’s a scene in Ted Lasso, where the title character–Jason Sudeikis’s American football coach who abruptly turns into a Premier League manager–sprints to the assistant referee in the middle of a crucial match after raising his flag for an offside call.

“Come on, now! What do you mean? How’s that offside?” complains Lasso, with his characteristic Kansan drawl as the linesman looks at him with confusion.

“What?” asks the official.

Lasso gets closer. “No, I’m serious. How’s that offside...I don’t understand it yet.”

This lack of complete understanding and across-the-pond confusion is one way to describe the essence of Apple TV+’s latest sitcom, which originated from a 2013 NBC Sports promo. That's where Sudeikis introduced his character as part of the network’s acquisition of the Premier League broadcast rights. 

The idea was simple. Lasso, an intense, wide-eyed college football coach from Kansas City arrives in London and enters the alien world of the Premier League. In the promos, he takes over Tottenham (the following season,

he returns as head coach of youth girls' team St. Catherine Fighting Owls), questioning why players don’t wear more pads and teaching the art of flopping. He has no knowledge of the game or its cultural and historical significance. It was a satiric outlook at two different worlds seen through the eyes of a naïve American, and for NBC, it was a way to both attract a loyal, knowledgeable soccer fan as well as appeal to a new audience. 

In the end, it worked, as both promos (2013 and 2014) went viral and gained a tremendous amount of attention. Combined, the videos have generated more than 20 million views on YouTube and helped the network build a strong foundation for its Premier League audience.

It’s been six years since those promos aired, and soccer in the U.S.–without Ted Lasso–has grown tremendously in popularity. So how was the character revived? 

“I guess it’s a dozen little things that go right that you’re willing and ready to receive,” Sudeikis told Sports Illustrated. “After doing the second video (in 2014), it really unlocked elements of the character that we found very, very fun to write and portray and view the world through. So, one day in 2015, my partner Olivia (the actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde) came up to me one day and said, ‘You know, you should do Ted Lasso as a show,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know,’ but then after marinating on it, I thought maybe this could happen.”

In spring of the same year, Sudeikis got together with his creative partners and writers, Joe Kelly and Brendan Hunt–the three of them started together with Chicago’s well-known improv group The Second City and Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago; Hunt also plays Lasso’s assistant coach and confidante Coach Beard–and powered through for a week to see if they could create a show out of it. 

“When you have a germ of an idea, you don’t know if it’s something you say out loud or if it’s a tweet or a letter or a screenplay, who knows," Sudeikis said. "So, we sat down, and we were able to bang out a pilot pretty quick in that week. As well as outlining six to 10 episodes of the first season. And that let us know, ‘O.K., there’s something here.’”

Despite the excitement for the idea, that’s all it was at that moment–an idea without a home. So, life continued, and the three friends left Ted Lasso alone for a few years and diverted their focus to their respective careers. 

“But that allowed us to get a little space from it, and low and behold, the showbiz gods looked and smiled down on us and brought Bill to our doorstep,” Sudeikis said.

"Bill" is Bill Lawrence, the experienced television writer, producer and creative force behind award-winning shows such as Scrubs, Cougar Town and Spin City. Lawrence entered the frame in 2017 when he and Sudeikis played pickup basketball a couple of nights a week and one night, the idea of Ted Lasso came up. After a few more chats, he read the script and the concept and was immediately interested. 

“I wanted to work with Jason Sudeikis, he just cracks me up. I thought he was awesome on SNL, whenever he shows up in a movie, I’m immediately into it and he seems like that dude you want to hang with,” Lawrence said. “I’d also seen those sketches, the promotional videos for the Premier League back when he did them and I thought they were so funny, and he said, 'What if we made that character three-dimensional and really rounded him out?' Ted Lasso can still be goofy and funny, but we could also have our version.”

And this was critical for Sudeikis. In the commercials, Lasso’s unawareness is funny and often endearing, but for a show, there had be more to him for the audience to not just laugh, but also root for him. 

“I think Scrubs is a fantastic show. You can put the 10 best episodes of it up against any show,” Sudeikis said. “Bill writes male characters and relationships so beautifully, his use of music and dealing with heavy duty issues of life and death. And now, two years later, here we are talking about it. It’s actually really gonna happen and I can’t kind of believe it.”

Not only is the show happening (it premieres this Friday), but it also succeeds in its mission. Ted Lasso is warm, it’s funny and–like the main character–it has heart. Unlike the commercials, where Ted’s biggest trait is his buffoonery, the show celebrates his relentless thirst for hope. He is a man with passion, dignity and someone you for whom you cheer. Lasso is the eternal optimist, whose naivety is both a strength and a weakness, and just like J.D from Scrubs, Lasso is vulnerable (in the show, he actually leaves the U.S. to escape from a troubled marriage) and aches for comfort. That’s what he offers his new team in return–an arrogant, underachieving Premier League side controlled by a scorned owner. It’s not Tottenham this time around, but the fictional AFC Richmond.

Lawrence sees Lasso as the perfect example of the inspiring teacher. A sports version of Robin Williams's John Keating from Dead Poets Society, where his personality is a weapon against cynical reporters and resentful fans who naturally express their disgust at the thought of an American with no knowledge of the game taking over their beloved club.

“We all grew up with a favorite teacher or a favorite coach. They put us on a path. These people never force you into doing anything. It’s just good folks,” Lawrence said. “Me and Jason overlap cause we also like doing shows with heart and because it’s such a dumpster-fire time in the world, Jason really wanted to do a show that was hopeful and optimistic, and most sports movies have that. That’s what's at their core. It’s the underdog. We were trying to capture that optimism and hopefulness that comes with those iconic figures from your life, whether it’s a coach, a teacher or a parent.”

If there's a coach in the real Premier League that emits optimism and hopefulness, it's Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, and Sudeikis admits that Lasso's character in the show is partly inspired by him. 

“Man. When I heard about him taking his squad to go do karaoke, I was like, ‘hellooooo, story idea…’” said Sudeikis, who also admires Pep Guardiola. “I really love those coaches. I really like the way they handle themselves as leaders of an organization. They are guys who I would follow into a fist fight.”

Sudeikis loves the game but fully admits he still needs to do more before calling himself a hardcore, scholarly fan. 

"I love the sport. My joke has been that I have a deep appreciation for it but a shallow understanding. But that’s why I keep company with Brendan and Joe, who know their stuff,” Sudeikis said. “But it’s still all new to me. Every time I go to see a match, I buy a kit for me at the gift shop and a kit for my little boy. I’m ready to be a fair-weather fan for whoever needs it [laughs]. I know people hate for me that, but that’s the truth.”

The showrunners put together a cast with colorful characters who add depth to the multiple plots. There’s the tough-as-nails veteran midfielder Roy Kent (surely inspired by Roy Keane and played by Brett Goldstein), the narcissistic Man City loanee Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), the charismatic duo of Dani Rojas (Mexican star played by Cristo Fernandez) and Nigerian forward Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh). Nick Mohammed (who can be seen in Sky TV/Peacock’s Intelligence) also shines as the quiet kitman. It’s also refreshing to hear NBC’s Arlo White serving as the show’s commentator throughout AFC Richmond’s season.

But if there’s someone aside from Sudeikis's Lasso who steals the show, it’s Keeley Jones, the confident and no-nonsense TV celebrity/model/PR guru played by Juno Temple. She was the only actor who didn’t audition, as Sudeikis, who knew her work, wanted her in the show from the get-go. 

“I met Juno with Olivia when they were on Vinyl (Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese’s 2016 HBO show), so I’ve done karaoke with her. I’ve been in a room with her. I knew her,” Sudeikis said. “She’s so fun and dynamic and just pro-female. She’s just a kick-ass that lives with an excitement that’s fun to be around, and that’s a little bit of what the character had.”

In the end, Ted Lasso is exactly what an audience needs right now. It’s a story that makes you laugh and reminds you to smile at adversity. It’s a lesson that’s less about football management and more about unity, and the script works because it takes a hold of our differences and embraces them as one. And it echoes Lasso’s favorite Walt Whitman quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.”

Lasso is heroic, not because he commands respect but because he earns it. He is kind, because he doesn’t know any other way. But like us, he is also vulnerable, and that’s why we can relate to his journey.

“He’s more white rabbit than white knight, but he’s actually becoming the change he wants to see in the world, without any agenda,” Sudeikis said. “And these days, that’s unusual, both in real life and on television.”

from Blogger https://ift.tt/2CirCh7

[ecoorganic]

'Ted Lasso' and the Journey From Viral Promo to TV Series

Jason Sudeikis reprises his role as a befuddled coach in England, with his viral NBC promos evolving into a full-on TV show. He explains the story of how it happened.

There’s a scene in Ted Lasso, where the title character–Jason Sudeikis’s American football coach who abruptly turns into a Premier League manager–sprints to the assistant referee in the middle of a crucial match after raising his flag for an offside call.

“Come on, now! What do you mean? How’s that offside?” complains Lasso, with his characteristic Kansan drawl as the linesman looks at him with confusion.

“What?” asks the official.

Lasso gets closer. “No, I’m serious. How’s that offside...I don’t understand it yet.”

This lack of complete understanding and across-the-pond confusion is one way to describe the essence of Apple TV+’s latest sitcom, which originated from a 2013 NBC Sports promo. That's where Sudeikis introduced his character as part of the network’s acquisition of the Premier League broadcast rights. 

The idea was simple. Lasso, an intense, wide-eyed college football coach from Kansas City arrives in London and enters the alien world of the Premier League. In the promos, he takes over Tottenham (the following season,

he returns as head coach of youth girls' team St. Catherine Fighting Owls), questioning why players don’t wear more pads and teaching the art of flopping. He has no knowledge of the game or its cultural and historical significance. It was a satiric outlook at two different worlds seen through the eyes of a naïve American, and for NBC, it was a way to both attract a loyal, knowledgeable soccer fan as well as appeal to a new audience. 

In the end, it worked, as both promos (2013 and 2014) went viral and gained a tremendous amount of attention. Combined, the videos have generated more than 20 million views on YouTube and helped the network build a strong foundation for its Premier League audience.

It’s been six years since those promos aired, and soccer in the U.S.–without Ted Lasso–has grown tremendously in popularity. So how was the character revived? 

“I guess it’s a dozen little things that go right that you’re willing and ready to receive,” Sudeikis told Sports Illustrated. “After doing the second video (in 2014), it really unlocked elements of the character that we found very, very fun to write and portray and view the world through. So, one day in 2015, my partner Olivia (the actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde) came up to me one day and said, ‘You know, you should do Ted Lasso as a show,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know,’ but then after marinating on it, I thought maybe this could happen.”

In spring of the same year, Sudeikis got together with his creative partners and writers, Joe Kelly and Brendan Hunt–the three of them started together with Chicago’s well-known improv group The Second City and Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago; Hunt also plays Lasso’s assistant coach and confidante Coach Beard–and powered through for a week to see if they could create a show out of it. 

“When you have a germ of an idea, you don’t know if it’s something you say out loud or if it’s a tweet or a letter or a screenplay, who knows," Sudeikis said. "So, we sat down, and we were able to bang out a pilot pretty quick in that week. As well as outlining six to 10 episodes of the first season. And that let us know, ‘O.K., there’s something here.’”

Despite the excitement for the idea, that’s all it was at that moment–an idea without a home. So, life continued, and the three friends left Ted Lasso alone for a few years and diverted their focus to their respective careers. 

“But that allowed us to get a little space from it, and low and behold, the showbiz gods looked and smiled down on us and brought Bill to our doorstep,” Sudeikis said.

"Bill" is Bill Lawrence, the experienced television writer, producer and creative force behind award-winning shows such as Scrubs, Cougar Town and Spin City. Lawrence entered the frame in 2017 when he and Sudeikis played pickup basketball a couple of nights a week and one night, the idea of Ted Lasso came up. After a few more chats, he read the script and the concept and was immediately interested. 

“I wanted to work with Jason Sudeikis, he just cracks me up. I thought he was awesome on SNL, whenever he shows up in a movie, I’m immediately into it and he seems like that dude you want to hang with,” Lawrence said. “I’d also seen those sketches, the promotional videos for the Premier League back when he did them and I thought they were so funny, and he said, 'What if we made that character three-dimensional and really rounded him out?' Ted Lasso can still be goofy and funny, but we could also have our version.”

And this was critical for Sudeikis. In the commercials, Lasso’s unawareness is funny and often endearing, but for a show, there had be more to him for the audience to not just laugh, but also root for him. 

“I think Scrubs is a fantastic show. You can put the 10 best episodes of it up against any show,” Sudeikis said. “Bill writes male characters and relationships so beautifully, his use of music and dealing with heavy duty issues of life and death. And now, two years later, here we are talking about it. It’s actually really gonna happen and I can’t kind of believe it.”

Not only is the show happening (it premieres this Friday), but it also succeeds in its mission. Ted Lasso is warm, it’s funny and–like the main character–it has heart. Unlike the commercials, where Ted’s biggest trait is his buffoonery, the show celebrates his relentless thirst for hope. He is a man with passion, dignity and someone you for whom you cheer. Lasso is the eternal optimist, whose naivety is both a strength and a weakness, and just like J.D from Scrubs, Lasso is vulnerable (in the show, he actually leaves the U.S. to escape from a troubled marriage) and aches for comfort. That’s what he offers his new team in return–an arrogant, underachieving Premier League side controlled by a scorned owner. It’s not Tottenham this time around, but the fictional AFC Richmond.

Lawrence sees Lasso as the perfect example of the inspiring teacher. A sports version of Robin Williams's John Keating from Dead Poets Society, where his personality is a weapon against cynical reporters and resentful fans who naturally express their disgust at the thought of an American with no knowledge of the game taking over their beloved club.

“We all grew up with a favorite teacher or a favorite coach. They put us on a path. These people never force you into doing anything. It’s just good folks,” Lawrence said. “Me and Jason overlap cause we also like doing shows with heart and because it’s such a dumpster-fire time in the world, Jason really wanted to do a show that was hopeful and optimistic, and most sports movies have that. That’s what's at their core. It’s the underdog. We were trying to capture that optimism and hopefulness that comes with those iconic figures from your life, whether it’s a coach, a teacher or a parent.”

If there's a coach in the real Premier League that emits optimism and hopefulness, it's Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, and Sudeikis admits that Lasso's character in the show is partly inspired by him. 

“Man. When I heard about him taking his squad to go do karaoke, I was like, ‘hellooooo, story idea…’” said Sudeikis, who also admires Pep Guardiola. “I really love those coaches. I really like the way they handle themselves as leaders of an organization. They are guys who I would follow into a fist fight.”

Sudeikis loves the game but fully admits he still needs to do more before calling himself a hardcore, scholarly fan. 

"I love the sport. My joke has been that I have a deep appreciation for it but a shallow understanding. But that’s why I keep company with Brendan and Joe, who know their stuff,” Sudeikis said. “But it’s still all new to me. Every time I go to see a match, I buy a kit for me at the gift shop and a kit for my little boy. I’m ready to be a fair-weather fan for whoever needs it [laughs]. I know people hate for me that, but that’s the truth.”

The showrunners put together a cast with colorful characters who add depth to the multiple plots. There’s the tough-as-nails veteran midfielder Roy Kent (surely inspired by Roy Keane and played by Brett Goldstein), the narcissistic Man City loanee Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), the charismatic duo of Dani Rojas (Mexican star played by Cristo Fernandez) and Nigerian forward Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh). Nick Mohammed (who can be seen in Sky TV/Peacock’s Intelligence) also shines as the quiet kitman. It’s also refreshing to hear NBC’s Arlo White serving as the show’s commentator throughout AFC Richmond’s season.

But if there’s someone aside from Sudeikis's Lasso who steals the show, it’s Keeley Jones, the confident and no-nonsense TV celebrity/model/PR guru played by Juno Temple. She was the only actor who didn’t audition, as Sudeikis, who knew her work, wanted her in the show from the get-go. 

“I met Juno with Olivia when they were on Vinyl (Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese’s 2016 HBO show), so I’ve done karaoke with her. I’ve been in a room with her. I knew her,” Sudeikis said. “She’s so fun and dynamic and just pro-female. She’s just a kick-ass that lives with an excitement that’s fun to be around, and that’s a little bit of what the character had.”

In the end, Ted Lasso is exactly what an audience needs right now. It’s a story that makes you laugh and reminds you to smile at adversity. It’s a lesson that’s less about football management and more about unity, and the script works because it takes a hold of our differences and embraces them as one. And it echoes Lasso’s favorite Walt Whitman quote, “Be curious, not judgmental.”

Lasso is heroic, not because he commands respect but because he earns it. He is kind, because he doesn’t know any other way. But like us, he is also vulnerable, and that’s why we can relate to his journey.

“He’s more white rabbit than white knight, but he’s actually becoming the change he wants to see in the world, without any agenda,” Sudeikis said. “And these days, that’s unusual, both in real life and on television.”

from Blogger https://ift.tt/2CirCh7