#also april is there who is someone we know is in the mesmer collective or whatever thats called

[where-is-caithe]

hey fellas we all know the tower is gone, right, but all the elementals and some of the villagers are gone too.

[d-noona]

THE PLAYBOY ASSIGNMENT

Summary:

Persuading a millionaire to part with a fortune seemed like mission impossible. Especially as the man in question turned out to be Min Yoongi - April's first love.

Eight years ago, Yoongi had stormed out of her life, believing she was having another man's baby. Convincing him otherwise, whilst sweet-talking him into helping a worthy cause, would be tricky. Even more so when he insisted negotiations take place in the bedroom! Suddenly, April was struggling to remember that the playboy assignment was business not pleasure!

Min Yoongi x Original Character

MASTERLIST

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2

Even as she raised her head to look at him, April told herself it was impossible. The Min Yoongi she'd known hadn't even owned a necktie, much less a pin-striped suit, and he was far more likely to flash a rude slogan on the front of a sweatshirt than his initials embroidered on a cuff.

Impossible.

She'd set herself up, that was what happened. The walk through the cemetery had prompted her to think of Yoongi -and once those memories had been activated, all it took to set them spinning out of control again was a baritone voice and a chance monogram...

It was quite a coincidence, those initials. But the voice was easily explained; this man did sound a little like Yoongi - or, to be more accurate, her eight years old memory of Yoongi.

April fixed a smile on her lips so she could properly greet a man who was not - who could not be - Min Yoongi.

And she looked up into a pair of cat like brown eyes, surrounded with long, dark, curly lashes. Eyes she had thought, once or twice, that she could drown in. Including that eight years ago in the cemetery, when he had kissed her so long and so well that her scattered senses had allowed the worst idea of her life to look like a winner.

Yoongi's eyes. It was impossible -but it was also undeniable.

"Well," he said. In his rich baritone, the single word seemed to carry an entire encyclopedia of meaning. Or did it only seem that way to April's guilty conscience?

Not guilty, she reminded herself. She'd been foolish, yes - and impetuous and perhaps even idiotic - but she had nothing to feel guilty about. She held out her hand to him and willed her voice to stay steady. "Yoongi."

His hand was warm firm and strong. April's fingers felt fragile and shaky in his grip.

Namjoon stared down at her. Though he was obviously thunderstruck, he recovered in moments. "You know each other? But-but that's wonderful! Old friends, I suppose?"

Prompted, April stumbled through the introductions.

"Min Yoongi," Namjoon said thoughtfully. "I don't believe I've heard the name."

"Oh, of course April wouldn't have mentioned me." Yoongi said. Only the slightest emphasis set the last word apart, but there was no more doubt in his voice than there was humor in his smile.

Irritation surged through April's veins. His meaning could hardly have been clearer even if he'd come straight and said they'd been lovers. Of course, if he had, she could not only have denied it, but any listener would have doubted his motives. This was far more cunning. The implication was perfectly obvious - she could see from the expression in Namjoon's eyes that he'd gotten the message loud and clear. And yet, Yoongi hadn't really said a thing.

:No. I don't believe I ever brought up your name." she said coolly. "You were hardly important enough."

Yoongi lifted his eyebrows. "But of course, my dear. What else could I have meant?"

That you were important to talk about, which was precisely what Namjoon may be thinking about right now. April's annoyance was mixed with reluctant admiration at the way he's so neatly boxed her into a corner. The Yoongi she'd known had been as transparent as glass. Just when -and how - had the man learned to be so smooth?

Not that it mattered. April told herself firmly, what Namjoon - or anyone else thought.

Yoongi turned back to Namjoon. "It's rude of me to bring up ancient history. You shared Si-Hyuk's interest in art, you said?"

The tinge of irony in Yoongi's voice was so subtle that April almost doubted her own ears, despite the demonstration she'd just suffered at his hands. For an instant she wondered if he'd recognized Namjoon's name, and therefore doubted the casualness of his interest. But she concluded it wasn't likely; The Moonchild was far from prominent as yet, and it's director was hardly a household word across the country. Then she followed Yoongi's gaze over Namjoon's shoulder to one of Si-Hyuk's favorite and most recent acquisitions, and knew why he was feeling ironic.

"I find his taste - shall we say, interesting?" Yoongi went on. "Personally, I'd probably use that thing to wipe the mud off my shoes."

April braced herself.

The work was a long way from being her favorite. The artist - and she used the term loosely where Kim Taehyung was concerned - had used a housepainter's brush to smear three slashes of blood-red pigment on a huge white canvas, and then left it to drip. April thought it looked like something from a butcher's shop. Namjoon, on the other hand, considered the painting a master work. When he'd taken April to the gallery to see Si-Hyuk's new purchase, Namjoon had been shocked by her lukewarm reaction. He'd spent the next half hour instructing her on artistic genius and the intricacies of expressionistic symbolism - at least April thought that's what he called it. Her eyes had begun to glaze only a couple of minutes into the lecture.

She couldn't wait to see Yoongi's reaction to that same speech.

Namjoon, too had turned to look at the painting. "Oh, well, that sort of thing," he said tolerantly. "Si-Hyuk would have his little jokes now and then."

April blinked in surprise, remembering the outlandish price he'd told her Si-Hyuk had paid. Then the metallic taste of fear rose in her throat. She'd forgotten, just for a moment, Namjoon's implication that he only dabbled in art. Surely, she thought, he wasn't crazy enough to continue that charade, now that he'd had a chance to take Yoongi's measure...

"Not all collection is blatant," Namjoon went on. "Si-Hyuk actually had a few art pieces which aren't half bad."

A voice in the back of her brain told her to stop him, no matter what it took, before he offered Yoongi a favor by taking the problematic pieces off his hands. But she was mesmerized by the pressure of Namjoon's fingers on her elbow, and unable to protest.

'Blatant," Yoongi murmured. "What an interesting choice of words."

"In fact," Namjoon went on, "If you're looking for someone to help value things for the estate-"

"That's very thoughtful," Yoongi said. "I wonder where Jung Hoseok went. He's the one who'll handle all that." He glanced around the foyer, his six extra inches of height giving him the advantage of being able to look over most of the crowd, and gestured to someone April couldn't see.

Jung Hoseok. The name hit her like a rock. Hoseok was Si-Hyuk's attorney - the one Namjoon had talked to about the will. If Jung Hoseok recognized Namjoon's name...

Namjoon, however, seemed unconcerned. His smile was firmly in place.

A tall handsome man hurried up. "You wanted me, Yoongi?"

"Hoseok, I'd like you to meet April..." Yoongi paused.

Doesn't he even remember my name? April through irritably. "Park," she said coolly.

"Still? Or again?"

April felt marginally better. Yoongi's hesitation made sense after all: there was a good chance that in eight years she'd have married - and perhaps divorced, as well. At least he hadn't assumed she'd married Namjoon; maybe she should award him a point or two for that.

"Still."

"What a shame," Yoongi said softly. "I seem to remember you were determined to have a wedding. And with good reason, too."

Fury rose in April's throat. And if he solicitously asks what went wrong with my plans, she thought grimly, I'll strangle him.

But Yoongi had moved straight on to introduce Namjoon. "He offered to help appraise Si-Hyuk's collection, Hobi."

The attorney stretched out a hand. "That's very generous of you Mr. Kim. Your opinion would be valuable. As the director of the Moonchild-"

Namjoon's fingers tightened on April's elbow; it was the only sign of surprise she could detect. "Actually," he said casually, "I didn't exactly volunteer my services. The time constraints which come along with my job prevent me from doing appraisals. What I meant to say was, if you'd like to help valuing the estate's art, I'm sure April would be happy to pitch in."

April opened her mouth to protest, and closed it again. She felt like a balloon with a slow leak. Now she knew that the tightened grip of Namjoon's hand hadn't been due to surprise after all; it had been more in the nature of a warning. He'd had this planned all along. She could feel Yoongi's gaze drifting over her face, appraising her every feature, every expression. "And April is...qualified?" he asked.

She couldn't stay silent any longer. "Namjoon, I hardly think that I-"

"Nonsense," Namjoon said firmly. "Of course she's qualified. Don't underestimate your talent, April."

"Or your resources," Yoongi added, very gently. "You know Hoseok, I believe I believe I might take more of an interest in Si-Hyuk's collection myself -under the circumstances."

His hand still on her elbow, Namjoon guided April across the foyer and into the broad hallway that led toward the dining room at the back of the house. Most of the crowed had moved on toward the buffet tables, and for a few moments, in the shadow of the staircase, the two of them were completely alone.

"I think that went very well," Namjoon said.

The note of self-satisfaction in his voice grated on April's nerves. "Then all I can say is that I'd like to see your definition of disaster. The only that could have made it worse as if you'd offered to buy everything outright at some bargain-basement price."

Namjoon tipped his head to one side and considered. "It's an idea. Min might actually have gone for it."

April went on ruthlessly. "But Mr. Jung Hoseok would know you were trying to scam his client, and then you'd be in the soup and the museum would lose all credibility."

"That's an interesting point," Namjoon mused. "Why he knew me, I mean, I didn't mention the museum when I called about the will. Si-Hyuk must have told him about me along the way. April do you really believe I'm so short sided I'd try to pass myself off as an amateur?"

"It looked to me as if you were making a pretty good stab at it."

"I did nothing of sort, I simply didn't boast of my position, my education, or my background. If the man wanted to draw conclusions..."

April stood her ground. "You deliberately tried to convince him that the Kim Taehyung canvas was worth less."

"I was being diplomatic. Feeling out his tastes. Trying to establish a bond. All good gallery owners do that sort of thing, or they'd never sell a single piece. It's no thanks to you, by the way, that I read him so clearly. Why didn't you tell me you knew him?"

"Because I didn't know it myself until it was too late to run," April admitted.

"You look a little stunned," Namjoon said. "What was that stuff about weddings, anyway? You didn't marry the man, did you?"

"No." April's throat was dry, her voice taut.

"That's good. If you had, I'd really wonder about your judgement. I grant you, for a couple of minutes I was a bit unsure about him, myself. His clothes weren't bad, not at all. And the name...I wonder how somebody like that ended up with such an aristocratic name. There was once an Empress that had the same last name as his."

"Funny," April muttered. "My mother asked almost the same thing once."

"But I knew as soon as he looked blankly at that magnificent Kim Taehyung canvas that my first instinct was right." Namjoon shuddered. "The very idea of threatening to wipe his feet on it! I only hope Kim Taehyung doesn't hear what I said about his work!"

"I doubt the two of them hang around the same circles."

Namjoon laughed. "That's certainly true."

"And all good gallery owners talk that way, don't they, to gain the customer's confidence?" April didn't even try to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. "Namjoon, about this assignment you've saddled me with...Surely you don't expect me to pass myself off as a staff member, because I won't do it."

"Oh no. We'll refer to you as -let's see..."

She cut in ruthlessly. "We'll call me exactly what I am - the museum's public relations representative."

"Actually," Namjoon mused, "that's ideal. Because of your inexperience..."

"I thought you told Yoongi I was qualified?" April smirked.

Namjoon shrugged. "I didn't say expert. So any errors can easily be passed off..."

"Are you saying you want me to make errors?"

"April, my dear, you'll have all the of the museum's resources to draw on. And I can expect you to use all the expertise the Moonchild can provide you, including me."

"I suppose that means you'll make the errors? Never mind." She is starting to get frustrated as she throws her hands up in surrender.

"I'm still determined to end up with this collection April. So just remember, if you value things high, you'll have to raise the money to pay for the and explain to the board why they're worth so much."

"And if I value them low, I'll end up looking like a fool!"

"Oh I doubt that," Namjoon said easily. "Didn't you see the way he was looking at you, sort of like a hungry wolf? I imagine, if you play your cards right, you'll be able to keep Min Yoongi from asking any questions at all."

[365days365movies]

April 8, 2021: Swiss Army Man (2016) (Recap: Part One)

Don’t think about the Boy who Lived.

Daniel Radcliffe is a talented actor with a wider range than he’s given credit for. He’s been working since childhood, and has picked up quite a lot over time. While most famous for...a certain role that will go unnamed...he famously started his stage career in 2007 with the musical Equus, and that later progressed to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Endgame.

Meanwhile, he also made appearances of television in varied roles, live-action and animated. He started his career in an adaptation of David Copperfield in 1999, voiced a character on The Simpsons three separate times, hosted Saturday Night Live in 2012, and also currently has an excellent role in the anthology series Miracle Workers.

And MEANWHILE, he also had quite the robust film career, especially after...the role which shall not be named. There were a few films made during that time period, like December Boys and The Woman in Black, but most of his time was understandably taken up, as was his public image. That, of course, ends in 2011. The first time I saw him in a role outside he who shall not be named was in the film Kill Your Darlings, about the collegiate career and romance in the life of famous gay poet Allen Ginsburg. It was very good!

The same year, 2013, he starred in Horns, a unique fantasy film that I considered watching for Fantasy March. His film career would be full of ups (The F Word, Trainwreck, Lost in London) and downs (Victor Frankenstein, Now You See Me 2, Playmobil: the Movie oh God REALLY JESUS). And right in the middle of those came one of his most famous weird roles. And that’s today’s focus. And I’ve been wanting to watch it for YEARS. And while we’re talking about him, let’s talk about this film’s other star: Paul Dano.

Dano’s career also began young, and in the opposite way to Radcliffe’s: in theatre first. After a stint on Broadway at the age of 12 (GODDAMN) in Inherit the Wind, as well as several other productions, he transitioned to film in 2000, around the same time that Radcliffe started as well. Eventually, he gained acclaim with his role in Little Miss Sunshine, and then...anybody else in the mood for a milkshake right about now?

Yeah, I haven’t seen that movie, but I really should this year. Consider it on my list...at some point. I’ll figure it out. Anyway, Dano’s role in There Will Be Blood only increased his acclaim, and found him acting in a number of indie films. Dano’s definitely not a blockbuster guy, but that’s not to say that he completely avoids them either. He’s been in Knight and Day, Cowboys and Aliens, and Looper, which all fall under that category. And except for the last one...they aren’t especially good, either. 

But again, he was also in 12 Years a Slave, Okja, Wildlife, Where the Wild Things Are, and Meek’s Cutoff, and all of those were critically acclaimed, and some almost reached blockbuster status themselves. So I don’t really know how to feel about his upcoming role as...the Riddler.

Yeah, we’ll see, but I’m holding my breath. Dano’s great, and I love the Riddler, but...I dunno. Like I said, we’ll see. But in the meantime, that’s enough navel-gazing. Let’s watch Swiss Army Man! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

We begin at sea. If you have thalassophobia, this is already terrifying for you. After seeing many plastics floating on the ocean, covered in written messages, we make our way to a deserted island, where Hank Thompson (Paul Dano) is committing suicide after being stranded there for so long.

However, as he does, he spies someone lying on the beach. The rope snaps, and Hank runs over to greet the body, hoping that he isn’t dead. Unfortunately, after a very loud burst of flatulence, it’s pretty damn clear that this is a dead body. And yes, this is Daniel Radcliffe, but I’ll introduce him formerly when the time comes.

Hank’s sad that the guy isn’t alive, but still speaks to him about his hopes and dreams in the past. He’d always wanted a life of parties and friends and love, and imagined that he’d see that kind of life in a flash before he died. Instead, he only saw the body, who responds with yet another fart. But with that, Hank goes back to trying to hang himself. 

And as he does...the body keeps interrupting with its INSANE gas. Like, it’s so bad that the body keeps shaking as if it were alive. The body washes into the sea, and its flatulence begins to propel it away from the shore. Hank sees this, and he uses the humming he was doing to make the Intro Song, which is strangely mesmerizing? Like, literally soundtrack-worthy, I’m not kidding. He also grabs a piece of his noose, uses it to grab onto the body, and rides it as the farts propel them both far away from the beach. It’s absolutely absurd...and kind of great. And then the titles play.

Hank wakes up on the short of a different island, or possible a larger land mass, and is overjoyed by the change in scenery. He shouts his name to the world, and credits the body with his rescue. No longer stranded in the Pacific, as far as we know, he tries to use his phone, to no avail. He decides to head out and look for help, grabbing a bag of Cheetos that washed up alongside them, bids the body farewell...and then comes back for it.

Carrying the farting body on his back (and kind of treating him as if he’s alive), he wanders through the forest to find help. He wonders if the gas is the result of decomposition (likely, if excessive), or if its the body’s soul leaving it. Either way, the trudge forward. They settle in a cave for the night, as it rains heavily outside. As Hank is want to do, he hums to himself, and shares more of his personal life with the body, as he sings to it. And yeah, I’ve been linking to these songs, because the soundtrack is genuinely fascinating to me.

Morning comes, and Hank awakes to a raccoon prying at the body, which he subsequently chases for food. In his desperation for food and water, he’s once again about to leave the body in the cave, but notices it leaking copious amounts of water from its mouth, which it had collected from the cave walls overnight. And yes...he drinks it. Which is absolutely disgusting when you think about it, which I now choose NOT to.

In the process, Hank squeezes the body for more water, and air escapes his mouth in such a way that it sounds like it’s speaking a name: Manny (Daniel Radcliffe). From that, Hank gets the body to speak his name and a simple greeting, but grows frustrated from the inability of the body to speak properly. This leads to him being a bit abusive towards him, reminding him unfavorably of his own father. Ooh, character revelations, me like.

Anyway, he apologizes to Manny for treating him that way...and Manny responds. Which FREAKS HANK THE FUCK OUT, understandably, and he punches Manny and flees the cave. As he comes back, Manny is indeed speaking outright, which is either a miracle or Hank just straight-up hallucinating. Either way, Hank asks Manny to try and remember his past life, but all he can get is the vague recollection of the Jurassic Park theme song. But Manny can’t remember the movie itself, which is when Hank says the most correct line ever said in all of film.

You’re goddamn right. Anyway, from, there, Hank tries to teach Manny about the ways of the world, and the nature of life and death. And the resulting conversation is absolutely fuckin’ ridiculous, and I love it all. Through the process, Manny learns about the world, and Hank asks him to help get home.

In the process, Manny inadvertently insults Hank, causing to walk off and once again look for help, only to eat poison berries and throw up for a sec. The two reunite, and their conversation turns to the topic of sex. See, there are some magazines in the cave that they’re in, which prompts some questions about women, sex, and love. To both of their surprise, this conversation causes Manny’s heart to beat! Spurred on, Hank continues, and Manny’s heart appears to reawaken...as does his penis. That’s a link to the soundtrack, I promise.

Hank and Manny both freak out, as his little Manny seems to have a mind (and motility) of its own. But in the ever absurd nature of this movie’s premise, this too has a secondary function: it’s a compass. Yup. And that prompts the next step of their journey, which is full of a conversation about fetishes and masturbation. Yeah, Hank’s surprised about that, too.

This leads to a conversation about his parents, as well as somewhat traumatic parts of his childhood, including his mother’s premature death. This makes Hank upset, and he lashes out at Manny, who briefly returns to being dead until Hank apologizes. As they go on, however, they encounter another denizen of the forest: a bear. This causes the two to fall off a cliff, and causes Hank’s phone to fall out of his pocket and turn on, allowing Manny to see the picture of a girl on his background.

Manny’s enraptured by the picture, and constantly asks to see her again, as Hank continues to struggle for food. The problem is that Hank needs to conserve the power on the phone, but Manny asks if Hank can dress up as the girl in order to help him remember, and bring him back to life to help save them both. He does so reluctantly, but Manny calls him beautiful, to which Hank reacts positively. This not only helps Manny come to life a little more, but also leads Hank to shave to look more convincing for Manny...and possibly for Hank, too.

As these two engage on a fake date and create a fake bus (while Manny listens to a fake self-sung cover of Cotton Eye Joe that I’m putting on my playlist), this is a good time to mention the one thing I know about this movie...maybe. I don’t quite remember where I heard this, but I have heard that this film is possibly a commentary on the transgender experience, or at the very least that Hank is transgender, but hasn’t come to terms with that as of yet. Now, I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I have heard that, and I’m definitely interested to see if that’s the direction this goes. This scene definitely seems to somewhat confirm this theory. Also, I will say (as I have said before when watching The Danish Girl), I’m a straight dude of the cissexual sort, so this is in NO WAY in my wheelhouse, but I still figured I’d mention it.

We’re also at the halfway point now, so this would seem like a good time to pause for Part 2! See you there!

[tmnt-veelicious]

Across the Stars - Ch.2

URG, this chapter is small and yet it took me time to write it... I hate beginnings :’D Oh wellzzz, time to meet the others ! Heads up, next chapter might contain mentions of anxiety/panic attack. Also I’ve added links in this chapter regarding Vee’s tattoo and a reaction she has at some point (OF COURSE IT’S A VINE HAHAH) Have fun reading <3 First Chapter --> HERE Next Chapter --> HERE

She got green-lighted for a meeting three days later, meeting up with April right after work, following the reporter deep down the bowels of New York city's sewers. Vee couldn't deny being nervous, the exctasy of being shown things and beings that were so out of the ordinary fueling her with renewed energy. She still wondered if all of this was nothing more than a dream, but soon her thoughts shifted as they stumbled upon the infamous lair. The place was huge, the ceiling as high as the surroundings extending to many opened and closed rooms. It wasn't as much filled with water as Vee first thought, but it still had a slight 'sewer charm' that kept the woman grounded in this new world. ''Vee!'' She recognized Donatello's voice, turning to him with a wide smile. Although it did falter a little as she spotted three other turtles beside him, all impressive in size and look. April did warn her earlier, but she did not expect them to be so imposing. Donnie offered to take the woman's coat out of courtesy, revealing Vee to be wearing a black long-sleeved turtle neck shirt and jeans. She oddly felt smaller than she already was, her eyes still locked on the three other turtles. The one she noticed the most was wearing a red do-rag, his whole body being a mountain of muscles. He looked intimidating and severe, gazing down the human as if constantly judging her. Then she could see another one wearing a blue mask, this one looking more collected and slightly less muscled than the other. Vee couldn't help feeling a strong sense of leadership in him, mostly dued to his posture and general calmness. And finally she spotted the orange masked one, always showing a smile. He was smaller than the others, but still taller than Vee without any doubts. She already categorized him as an extrovert, a people-person, an explosive energy seeming to emanate from his sole being. ''So, that's Donnie's girlfriend?'' scoffed the red masked one. Vee froze. ''Wh-?'' ''If you mean by that a friend that happens to be a girl, yes she is,'' corrected Donatello with a frown as he was back by the woman's side. ''Aw come on D, the way you keep talking about her, we thought you guys were already a thing,'' chided in the small one with a mocking tone. If looks could kill...! Donnie was staring down at his brothers, trying to get them to stop. He did change the subject around, gesturing the other turtles to Vee, presenting them, from blue to red and finally orange. ''Forgive these buffoons.... Here's Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo.'' Vee smiled in response. ''Nice to meet you all! My name is Véronique.'' ''Veh-what now?'' cut the big one, confused. ''It's a French name, Raph. She's French Canadian,'' sighed Donnie, reajusting his glasses. ''Ooh, Canadian,'' said Michelangelo. ''The land of maple syrup and moose riding!'' ''And we also live in igloos,'' added Vee with a playful smirk. ''Sorry if my name is a mouthful of nonsense. You guys may call me Vee.'' The orange masked turtle nudged Raph. ''Look, she even says sorry, just like a true Canadian,'' he commented. ''Okay Mikey,'' cut the soft, yet authoritarian voice of Leonardo, finally speaking up. ''You've mocked our guest more than enough.'' His blue eyes went to April, catching the reporter's attention. ''April, can I have a word with you?'' As both of them moved to a quieter place, Donatello took the opportunity to show Vee around the place, shooing his two other brothers away as he knew they wouldn't stop pestering him. *** ''I don't know what to think about all of this,'' started Leo, crossing his arms before him, staring down with a quick sigh. ''… She looks nice but...'' ''But?'' pressed April with half of a smile. ''Can we trust her? Who knows if she'll go around telling people about us? It's already good enough that we have you, Vern and Casey around, but now a new human presence equals new possibilities or troubles.'' ''Woh, easy there.'' April tried her best to sound reassuring. ''I can already assure you that you can trust her. … You should give Donnie more credit; he wouldn't have met her if he knew she'd be trouble. You knew he was talking to her and yet you didn't stop him.'' ''Well, yeah, because he was trying to find information about her. I didn't want someone with a criminal record to go live with you, if she ever had one. Plus she moved from another country, that's a bit suspicious.'' April mimicked his position, showing a blank stare. ''That's called a new life experience, Leo. I don't see how that can be a bad thing.'' The turtle stayed silent, trying to think of a good comeback. His eyes trailed around the lair, soon spotting Donatello and Vee... ''Give her a chance, for Donnie's sake,'' added the woman gently. ''… They seem to get along pretty nice and I think it'd be good for you guys to see a new face around here.'' You should give people more credit, echoed chief Vincent's voice in Leo's head. He looked back to April, still serious. ''One mistake and she won't be allowed here anymore.'' *** Vee couldn't hide her grin as she spotted Donatello's workplace: two desks facing one another with plenty of screens showing various things. ''Oh wow!'' she let out in awe. ''I've never seen that many screens for one desk, let alone two!'' ''I do a lot of surveillance and multitasking so they come in handy!'' beamed up the tall mutant with a smile, as if proud he could impress the woman. The human continued to look around until she came near his lab part, a soft ''ooh'' escaping her lips. She always have had a fondness for science, her curiosity always pushing her to stay informed about its many subjects. She rolled up her sleeves to her elbows, out of habitude whenever she would get to touch things and be careful, and proceeded to check out a beaker and other tools. ''This is amazing,'' she added. ''All this super secret setup, this cool lair! You guys are truly like some sort of super heroes!'' Donnie was now showing a shy smile, but it quickly faded out as his eyes spotted something on Vee's left forearm. He came to her, carefully taking her wrist in his large hand, examining her skin which showed a tattoo, a sentence. He didn't remark Vee who was now looking up to him with large eyes, surprised by his behavior. Being this close again, she could now notice how tall he actually was, the top of her head hardly reaching his shoulders... ''I remember you saying you have tattoos, but I never really got to see them,'' he said, mesmerized by it, a finger slowly going over the letters. Vee was blushing hard, letting out a small laugh. ''Yeah, I have four of them and I plan to get more,'' she said. Donatello looked up to her, then realizing that he was probably a bit too close, his hands suddenly letting go of the woman's arm. He cleared his throat, standing straight. ''What does it mean? That's Latin, isn't?'' he asked. The human showed a comforting smile. ''Indeed! It means 'You are here for a reason'. … It's a lil' something I try to remember when things go bad.'' Their eyes met, Vee suddenly feeling her heartbeat increase. She couldn't help moving forward, next gently taking one of his hands, getting to sense his skin's texture. She noticed how slightly distressed he looked, most probably not used to people approaching him like this. ''… It's funny,'' calmly started the woman. ''I thought I knew you after all of those months of talking, but now everything feels new. … I'm still trying to figure out if any of this is real or not.'' His other hand came over hers, the ghost of a smile coloring his traits. ''It is very real, I can assure you,'' Donnie started. ''… I'm sorry about all the secrecy.'' ''Why did you finally accept to meet face to face?'' The turtle slightly sticked out his tongue a few times, thinking, Vee instantly knowing this was the cutest thing she would ever witness in her life. ''It just felt right,'' he finally said. ''I mean, it's easy talking with you. I don't need to rephrase everything I say, compared to whenever I speak to my brothers. We share many interests... Do I need to go on?'' Vee snorted a small laugh. ''See! We even have the same freakin' laugh. Unbelievable,'' he added, chuckling. Yeah, okay. This was no dream. The woman was finally starting to feel more at ease, her hands still inbetween his. She couldn't help noticing how warm he was, even though being a reptile.... ''Hi! Would you like a cup of tea?'' said a new voice. Vee looked towards the source, a surprised gag suddenly leaving her as her body twitched, now seeing a giant rat holding two small cups. Donatello realized he never mentionned this newcomer... ''Ah, uh, Vee, this is master Splinter. He's my dad.'' The woman looked surprised for a second, next taking her time to observe the rat. He was slightly smaller than her, his fur showing some grey and his black eyes were strangely expressive. She showed a smile, trying to be polite. ''W-why yes, tea sounds nice!'' she replied, next being handed a cup. The brew smelled nice, calming her nerves instantly. She did not hesitate to take a sip, green tea being one of her favorite kinds. ''Thank you for the cup, the taste is absolutely delightful,'' she added next. ''Polite. Just as expected from a Canadian,'' said the rat, amused. Okay he's the father, alright, thought Vee, trying not to spit her sip. She could hear Donnie grumble, probably cursing the entire world. ''Does everyone have to embarrass me today?'' he simply said. ''Do not fret over this, my son. I was simply approving your choice of guest. At least she didn't try to attack me like Casey did.'' ''Well, yeah, that's why I took her away from Mikey and Raph before she got any bad ideas,'' replied the turtle, now showing a smile. ''Even if I wanted to try,'' added Vee. ''I'm no ninjas like you all. The only thing I can manage to do is get bruises by simply looking at a wall.'' Both snorted, Vee's clumsiness having been brought a certain number of times in their previous discussions over the last few months. The woman's heart fluttered for a moment as her eyes met his, somehow glad she could finally share moments like this in flesh and not before a screen... ''Donatello did mention you are an artist, but I was curious as to what kind exactly?'' next asked master Splinter. Vee grinned with a small frown, still looking at Donnie. ''Well, it seems like I'm a popular choice of conversation around here.'' The turtle wished he could disappear. Vee turned back to the rat, her traits calm and soft. ''I am mostly well-versed in music and drawing, although I tend to touch writing in my free time. I try to be as versatile as possible so I can take on many offers and possibilities. … I tend to believe knowledge is the most powerful tool I can have.'' Splinter smirked at the mention of this, a small chuckle escaping him as he eyed the turtle. ''Well if that doesn't remind me of someone!'' Donatello sighed, visibly annoyed: ''Dad, please...'' ''Don't worry, the old rat that I am will stop pestering you,'' said the other, already turning to leave. He did nod at Vee, a smile still on his lips. ''It was nice to finally meet you and you are always welcome in this house!'' As soon as he was out of sight, Vee threw a new playful grin towards Donnie, cocking an eyebrow. ''A lot of your family members seems to hook us up already. Should I take this as a sign?'' The turtle blushed, soon hiding his face in his hands, grumbling before finally speaking: ''They revel themselves in my misery, please don't pay any attention to them.'' ''Well, disregarding that, they all seem fine so far,'' added the woman, taking a new sip of tea. Donatello looked down to her, somehow amused. ''… I don't understand. How can you be so calm about all of this?'' he asked. ''Your reaction is just so … different!'' Vee shrugged: ''If I'm willing to believe aliens could exist, why not mutants? My curiosity strangely overrides my fear right now and I can't help being in awe when facing all of this.'' ''Huh, I can already hear Raph's voice saying 'We're not a freakshow'.'' ''And I don't believe you are either.'' She was now before him, her free hand on one of his arms, her thumb slowly stroking his skin. Their eyes met, Vee's gaze tender, smiling softly. ''… Donnie, I value you first and foremost for who you are, not what you are. You're probably not used to hear this, but it's true. We spent many months talking and developping a friendship.... The fact that you're showing me all of this, who you truly are, only deepens the trust I have towards you.'' The mutant showed a same smile, his hand coming over hers, subconsciously craving for any contact. ''Thanks... that means a lot.'' For a moment, everything felt at peace, the world shutting down around them. Nothing else mattered as they had found eachother. Finally...

[travelcenter-uk]

Visiting Malta 2021: A Perfect Guide to The Heart of the Mediterranean

Apparently, the buildings that we jumped from one to another in Assassin’s Creed are real. The vintage streets? They are real too!

And where are they located? You’ll see them when you are visiting Malta!

Well, if you are not a big fan of Assassin’s Creed, you are still staying on this article with me.

Because Malta is not selectively good, It is a destination for everybody!

If you are planning on visiting Malta in 2021, I also must tell you that at the Travel Center, you can actually get your holidays customized. So, once you get your complete guide to visiting Malta from the article, you know whom to call right away!

But, first, let me give a break to your sceptical thoughts about Malta.

Why should you be visiting Malta out of all the other tourist destinations in 2021?

Malta is a country best known as the ‘sun and sea’ holiday destination.

Good food? Sunshine? A good mixture of culture and adventure? It has everything covered for you. Whatever your travel style, maybe, you can always be sure to find something for you in here.

Additionally, the small country also gives you significant experiences, if you are visiting Malta for Island hopping!

Yes. Malta constitutes three unique Islands; Malta, Gozo and Comino.

No time for Island hopping? You can still have an all-round experience visiting the fascinating cities like Valetta, Mdina, Victoria and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua!)

Cutting it short.

Just add Malta to your bucket list already because it’s a destination that words cannot merely explain. You know destinations like Dubai or Croatia that you must visit yourself to experience true beauty? Malta is such!

(But of course, with a touch of a fairy tale, and extra culture!)

I know it’s already in your bucket list now, so let me tell you what you need to know next.

Choose the best time to visit

It is a crucial topic because you obviously don’t want to invest your money on a trip to nothing.

So… here are the best times when you MUST visit Malta;

April, May and June: It is the period of early Summer and Spring, so it gives you the best weather. Luckily, it is also the period where some of the best annual events in Malta are hosted, and the country is in its utmost beauty!

July – September: Best period to visit for those on a budget because you can beat the high tourist season. Malta is less busy, and you can get some of the best Malta flight deals and offers!

Oh, speaking of deals of offers, you need to grab the special deal for Malta from Travel Center right away!!!!

And then, I’ll tell you what places you can visit, about the Beaches in Malta and what you can do in this fun-filled destination!

Great. If you are done checking the deal out. Here’s what I promised you for.

The most unique things to do in Malta for some unforgettable Maltese experiences

Do you sense the excitement in my tone here? Because that is how mesmerized I have been from the time I explored this country. I mean, these honey-coloured streets and exceptional locations in the country cannot go unexplored!!

Besides exploring the exceptional beauty of the Maltese streets, this is what you should be doing!!

In Malta

Visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Definitely, the best spot for the art and culture seeker! Because, how can you come to a boiling pot of culture and not seek art and culture? (Sounds bland? But that’s the truth!)

The Cathedral is located in Valletta and stands out for its impressive Baroque frescos, 3D statues, vaulted ceilings decorated by Mattia Preti, the well-known Italian Baroque artist.

It is also home to some of the internationally recognized artworks of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, including ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist.’

You can either visit the Cathedral for the artworks and architecture or do so to have a final tranquillizing time on your final day while visiting Malta.

Explore the countryside vibes at Siggiewi

Siggiewi is a town formed on a plateau in the 14th century. It’s great to have this on your ‘Things to do in Malta’ or ‘Places to visit in Malta’ list because it gives you an actual getaway from the happening side of the Islands.

Siggiewi takes you through a series of ‘countryside vibes’. There are a few selected landmarks in this town that you’ll be lucky enough to visit when you reach the destination;

The Inquisitor’s summer palace

The Parish Church

Verdala Palace

Ghar Lapsi

If your interests actually aren’t in these landmarks, then Siggiewi also is one of the most beautiful parts of Malta that gives you the chance to take a scenic walk around!

Climb the Dingli Cliffs

You know this picture that we have in mind about getting lost in nature? (Just feel it with me, even if you don’t!)

Because that’s how you can actually know Dingli Cliffs!

It attracts you through rocky trails to reach the cliff, then nearly makes you disappear into the sky… and the sea!

That’s probably why it is called the place in Malta where the sky and sea meet!

This location is for the breath-taking views (no doubt!) So, I would suggest, you either go for the sunrise or the sunset. Depending on your type!

Discover the Blue Grotto

You know this picture that we have in mind about getting lost in nature? (Just feel it with me, even if you don’t!)

Because that’s how you can actually know Dingli Cliffs!

It attracts you through rocky trails to reach the cliff, then nearly makes you disappear into the sky… and the sea!

That’s probably why it is called the place in Malta where the sky and sea meet!

This location is for the breath-taking views (no doubt!) So, I would suggest, you either go for the sunrise or the sunset. Depending on your type!

Tip: To experience the actual blueness of the water, visit the spot in Summer. It’s in its glorious views, morning through midday!

Experience a maritime getaway at the Grand Harbour

To one of the most essential experiences in visiting Malta! You can’t really come to a Mediterranean country and not cruise the Med, can you? That is why you need to add the Grand Harbour to your list when you are visiting Malta in 2021!

It is not only one of the spectacular ports in the world, but it is also the best maritime getaway that you’ll experience when you are visiting  Malta, given that it has a remarkable ‘port-of-call’.

Yes! That is what is going to give you a safe and scenic cruising experience in the Mediterranean!

In Gozo

Take a look at the Marsalforn salt pans

Ever heard of the ‘subtle art of… collecting salt?’

Whether it’s a yes or no, you need to be here in Gozo when you are visiting Malta, to check it out!

What looks like chequerboard in the picture below are the salt pans. Simply, where the salt is collected from the Meditteranean. (Mediterranean Salt!)

So, next time when you are visiting Malta, you should go to the salt pans!

Watch the art of lace making at the Village of Sannat

If you are someone who loves everything about ‘lace’, then the Village of Sannat is a must-visit for you. So, when you are visiting Malta, you’ll have the unique experience of watching lace being made in every nook and corner of the Sannat village!

What is adorable about this village is that you’ll find elderly women seated outside their homes (I’m not sure why it makes my heart so happy!) leisurely, making delicate shawls, table mats or handkerchiefs with lace edges!

Tal-Massar Winery

It is one of the best tourist attractions in Gozo, that allows you to take a wine tour and learn the making of wine and the history of the vineyard!

When you are visiting Malta, you’ll notice for yourself the beauty of the vineyard that is open to a spectacular view of the sea from far away!

In Comino

Blue Lagoon

For those who know the ‘Blue Lagoon’ specially for Iceland or the best thermal spring therapy, this Blue Lagoon in Comino is a different experience!

I’ll tell you why.

There’s nothing so ‘hidden’ about the Blue Lagoon in Malta. Everything beautiful about this lagoon is as transparent as its crystal-clear waters!

It is also the perfect spot in Comino for jagged cliffs, ferry rides and… cruising!

At this Blue Lagoon, you can also go swimming or just be the nature-lover you are and walk the (rocky) moon-like surface.

Santa Marija Caves

This one’s for the adventure-seekers, waiting to fuel their thirst for more unique adventures. When you are visiting Malta in 2021, I’d recommend you to choose the Santa Marija Caves in Comino Island, as your diving spot for the extra thrill!

It’s already the most sought-after spot for the deep-water soloists, so you can’t be an exception!!

By ‘extra thrill’, I also meant the amount of climbing you could do in the cave that offers you good grips to follow the routes that’ll take you down into the crystal-clear water. If you love how thrilling it sounds, then add it to your list of things to do in Malta, right away!

Or, if you are looking for places more specific…. then I also have lists of unique places to visit in Malta with your romantic partner and family. There’s also a separate topic for the LGBT waiting to explore the number one country that has made LGBT rights legal and official!

First,

For those who are visiting Malta with their romantic partners​

Mdina

If you are looking for a ‘silent city’ that could give you and your lover an undisturbed experience when visiting Malta, then Mdina is for you.

You can either book one of the best hotels/resorts in the city and spend your holidays relaxing away or visit the old-fashioned streets of Mdina with your better-half, in silence.

It’s always great to choose a silent city as a getaway with your partner if you want to show them your loud (or… loved) feelings for them!

Fomm Ir-Riħ

If you ever promised your partner to take them into a world far away from reality, then Fomm Ir-Rih is what you meant! (That’s a little exaggeration there)

But, this off the beaten track location in Malta is the perfect adventure that you can embark with the love of yourself. It’s an excellent pick if both of you are adventure lovers!

Sa Maison Garden

Again, an off the beaten track spot for a secluded and tranquil time with your partner.

It’s a literal ‘get lost in nature’ location, where you can either stroll the entire garden together hand in hand or just picnic and have a relaxed time spent together, away from the bustling streets.

Valetta

Not sure if it’s just me, but the city’s title ‘Valetta’ itself gives me the vibe of a romantic city.

Well, it is actually true, because Valetta is a fairy-tale city that is best for you to start or progress your love story!

Take your partner through the golden streets of Valetta and fill their hearts with the colours of this city.

One day wouldn’t just be enough to traverse this city’s exceptional beauty.

Next,

For those who are visiting Malta with the family

Popeye Village​

The most-visited family entertainment park in Malta, which includes many kids’ activities, swimming areas, boat rides, eateries and more!

Bov Adventure Park​

A free park in Malta that offers many fun activities like climbing frames, swings, a picnic area, water fountains and much more! It also has a resting space for parents with a café.

Esplora

Infotainment at its best! Esplora is an Interactive Science centre in Malta that keeps your kids entertained until you visit some of the landmarks around the location!

Mediterraneo Marine Park

Another favourite family entertainment spot in Malta!

Here, you can just sit back and enjoy watching some of the fun shows featuring dolphins and sea lions.

And finally,

For the LGBT visiting Malta

The excellent news for you is Malta itself!

Being the number one country for LGBT, Malta has some of the best experiences waiting for you to encounter on your visit.

So, if you are visiting Malta in 2021, you can freely enjoy anythings to do in the country.

But if you want something extra-special, then here are some of the best spots you must not miss out;

The Michelangelo Club Lounge in Paceville

The Birdcage Lounge in Rabat

The Monaliza Lounge in Valletta

Now that I have given Malta to you in its fullest, you may be wondering why I had not mentioned any beaches on the list! You got me.

I saved some of the best for the last!

The top 4 beaches in Malta you must visit!

Golden Bay Beach​

Yes, it is as Golden as it is named. The Golden sands of this beach make you want to stay in it forever. Not if you don’t love the beach vibes as much as I do, but this beach is for everybody!

If your ideal definition of a ‘beach’ that could make you happy is the space and the unspoilt surroundings, the Golden Bay has it for you!

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay​

The name of this bay actually translates to ‘Apple’s Eye.’

That is probably why the beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta!

Although not as wide as the Golden Beach, the Tuffieha Bay has its own uniqueness due to its secluded nature!

Mellieha Bay​

This is Malta’s largest sandy beach!

Unlike the ‘untouched’ and ‘raw’ beaches we saw above, this one is the most frequently visited beach in Malta.

It is in the middle of the most happening location dedicated for a prime holiday  for those who are visiting Malta.

Ramla Bay​

It’s another ‘untouched’ beauty of Malta that you should have in your list while visiting Malta!

It’s well-known for symbolizing the ancient Malta that had the most’ undisturbed and tranquil’ environment.

This natural beauty, just like the other unspoilt beaches in Malta, has clear waters that are recommended for swimming.

Apart from that, it is also an excellent location for snorkelling!

Now stop to breathe.

If you already have the list of things to do in Malta and places to visit in Malta ready, then you have something extra-special coming your way.

This one is for the ardent music lovers!!!

Here’s a list of;

Music Festivals in Malta you must attend if you are visiting Malta any day!

Lost and Found​

Usually held by the St Paul’s Bay, it’s a literal music blast with electronic, house and techno beats echoing amidst breath-taking backdrops of cultural Malta with ancient castles on the coastline!

For more information on dates, line-up and tickets, check out their official website.

Summer daze Malta​

The Summer Daze Malta is the authentic Mediterranean music and dance festival that you must attend if your genre is Electronic, House or Pop!

It is usually set up grandly at the Ta’Qali National Park or by the St Paul’s Bay, but if you are interested, you can stay up-to-date with information from their official website!

Isle of MTV Malta​

It’s a blast of various music genres and world-famous artists! You wouldn’t want to miss out on the Isle of MTV Malta if you are visiting Malta in 2021.

So, stay up-to-date from the information they provide on http://www.isleofmtv.com/ their official website.

Malta Pride

It’s more of a ‘Pride Festival’ than just specifying it as a music festival! With many more surprises included, the Malta Pride is literally a Pride Day celebration that holds a Pride Parade along with an open-air Party on the street and a colourful concert.

It’s also a great opportunity with fun and music, to raise awareness on the LGBTIQ Health-related issues! If you don’t want to miss it out when you are visiting Malta in 2021, then keep yourself updated with information from the Gay Malta official website.

Earth Garden​

The Earth Garden is definitely in the list of Music festivals that you must attend at least once before you die! So, on visiting Malta, don’t miss the opportunity!!

It is usually held at the Ta’Qali National Park and specifies the World, Reggae and Electronic genre.

Check their official website for dates and reserve your tickets early. This music festival attracts people from all over the world!

It’s impressive that you have come this far to know about Malta, so here’s your final Maltese treat from me;

The unbeatable taste of the Maltese Cuisine

If you are someone like me, you definitely know your taste buds well.

And if you know your taste buds well, then you should definitely be in Malta right now feasting on the Maltese cuisine!

Trust me, it’s one of the best Mediterranean treats you MUST try at least once in your lifetime!!

If you think I am overstating, go ahead and check it out for yourself!

Now when you do, according to my travel guide to Malta, you’ve got to cover;

The Traditional Maltese Cuisine

Ftira

What looks like bread ring is the traditional Maltese bread that is usually served with potato, tuna, olives, onions or other preferred fillings. You can either eat it like a stuffed loaf, pizza or a sandwich depending on your liking!

Soppa tal-Armla

A great soup that could warm you during the winter months, and also an easy recipe to grasp!

The soppa tal-armla (also known as Widow’s soup) is a soup made of vegetables, pulses and then topped with sheep’s milk cheese.

You can either enjoy the soup alone or try it with some fresh Maltese bread!  

Torta tal Lampuki

I am not sure why the titles of all the traditional foods sound like the ‘Minion language’ to me, but this traditional dish is for the seafood lovers!

‘Lampuki’ is a most-sought-after fish in Malta, that the locals love cooking in different ways.

The Torta Tal Lampuki is basically a fish pie that they stuff with well-cooked and garnished Lampuki.

Pastizzi

Like pasta and pizza put together. But wait, that’s not the dish!

Pastizzis are usually made to look like croissants. They are rolled pastries in a flaky texture, traditionally stuffed with salty ‘ricotta’ or ‘mushy peas.’

Gbejniet

Say ‘cheeeeeeeeese!’

Gbejniet is literally cheese that the Maltese people cannot go a day without in every meal they consume. If you are visiting Malta in 2021, be traditional and try out the Maltese cheese, all you can during the stay!

Kwarezimal

Kwarezimasls are oblong-shaped Maltese biscuits made using almonds, honey and selected spices.

They are usually served hot during the Easter and Lent period, mostly topped with a thread of local Maltese honey, unsalted pistachio nuts or roasted almonds (preferably chopped).

Imqaret

One of the yummiest fried pastries you’ll find in Malta, filled with dates. The unique blast of flavour you’ll encounter is when the citrus notes infused in the pastry tingle your tastebuds on every bite!

Biskuttini tar-rahal

They are some of the must-tries from the traditional biscuits in Malta, that’ll remind you of gingerbread.

It has a nice balance of spices, citrus and sweet!

As a result of the recently-formed partnership with Travel Center, you’ll have access to an extensive array of affordable holiday deals. Get in touch with us now to learn more about the best bargains in store.

Malta maybe the size of a heart compared to the size of the Mediterranean, but it cannot be explored in one visit.

Read More:- Visiting Malta 2021: A Perfect Guide to The Heart of the Mediterranean

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- Travel Center UK Blog

[caveartfair]

The NASA Photographers Who Bring the Cosmos to Earth

Astronaut Terry Virts waited 10 years to go to space. The former Air Force pilot joined NASA in 2000, the year that the International Space Station (ISS) welcomed its first long-term residents, but a series of unfortunate events—a surplus of new hires in the late 1990s; the fatal Columbia descent in 2003—caused a backlog of rookie astronauts who were delayed in leaving Earth’s atmosphere.

On February 8, 2010, Virts finally piloted the Endeavour shuttle into Earth’s low orbit, heading for the ISS to deliver two new modules for astronauts to live and work in. One was the Cupola, a domed observatory that offers 360-degree views around the station. While it was only a 13-day mission, Virts would get to know the Cupola intimately as the best place to take photographs of Earth, which he continued to do during his next journey, a 200-day expedition.

NASA astronaut and space photographer Terry Virts taking photos in the international space station’s Cupola from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts/NASA and National Geographic.

During his time on the ISS, Virts obsessively captured the colors and textures of Earth. Upon seeing the intense blue of the planet from space for the first time, he felt as though he “had been raised in a black-and-white world” and “was seeing color for the first time,” as he wrote in his book View From Above (2017). Virts set the record for the number of images taken by a single astronaut in space—319,275—and continues to share them on his Instagram.

But Virts is just one of the many astronauts and researchers who take pictures from beyond our planet. NASA’s scientists—as well as their international and private-sector counterparts—remain our gatekeepers to the universe; they capture the only views of space that most of us will ever see. And though they may not be considered professional photographers in the modern sense, they are following in a much older tradition: the explorer, setting out into the unknown, armed with a camera.

A multitude of swirling clouds in Jupiter's dynamic North North Temperate Belt is captured from NASA's Juno spacecraft. © NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Gerald Eichstädt/Seán Doran.

View of Jupiter captured by NASA’s Juno spacecraft on the outbound leg of its 12th close flyby of the gas giant planet, 2018. © NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Gerald Eichstäd/Seán Doran.

When pioneering Apollo astronauts first photographed the moon from its orbit in 1968, they brought bulky Hasselblad cameras and Kodak film magazines—a far cry from the digital technology that Virts had access to aboard the ISS. Even more unthinkable now are the images from 1965’s unmanned Mariner 4 spacecraft, which took four days to send back 22 grainy monotone pictures of Mars.

Today, NASA keeps up with the voracious speed at which we consume images with over 24 million gigabytes of stored data, which includes a seemingly unlimited stream of new shots of outer space taken by the rovers on Mars (rest in peace, Opportunity), the Juno probe orbiting around Jupiter, and astronauts on the ISS.

NASA’s scientists remain our gatekeepers to the universe; they capture the only views of space that most of us will ever see.

NASA astronaut Donald Pettit believes that what has remained universal about exploring new terrain—be it in space or on Earth—is the notion of a select few trailblazers returning to share their experiences far and wide. And photography, since its inception, has become crucial to that process. He points to the black-and-white documentation we have of the Arctic and Antarctic explorations that took place shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Images serve as scientific data, but equally importantly, they shape public perception, something Pettit understands well. “Being in space is an incredible experience, and you want to be able to share that with people who don’t have the opportunity,” he said.

But how can one possibly understand the infiniteness of space, a concept entirely foreign to the inhabitants of our tiny rotating rock? According to space historian Piers Bizony, that’s up to NASA to determine. As he wrote in Taschen’s volumeThe NASA Archives (2019), “NASA’s task is to bring such mysteries within reach of human understanding so that everyone can appreciate at least some of the universe’s grandeur.”

Photographing the moon

NASA was founded in 1958 in reaction to the Soviet Union’s surprise launch of Sputnik, an intrepid, beach ball–sized satellite that became the ire of U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower and formally kicked off the U.S.–Soviet Space Race. In quick succession, the U.S.-branded Explorer 1 followed Sputnik; then, men followed the satellites. The cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin became the first person in space in April 1961; astronaut Alan B. Shepard became the second in May that same year. NASA’s solo Mercury missions were succeeded by two-person Gemini missions, and the duration of flight times grew as the agency prepared for future Apollo spacecrafts to successfully leave Earth’s orbit.

Walter Schirra, one of the seven Mercury astronauts (and the only one to also fly on Gemini and Apollo missions), was largely responsible for the advent of NASA’s space photography. In 1962, he suggested bringing his own Hasselblad 500C on the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, and after NASA’s engineers made some heavy modifications to the camera, his request was approved.

Left: A mesmerizing reflection of the sun shapes Florida's silhouette, Apollo 7; Right: Charles Conrad Jr. and Alan L. Bean photograph each other during their soil research, Apollo 12. Images from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

That auspicious experiment led to a long and fruitful relationship between the space agency and Hasselblad. The Swedish camera company began producing custom cameras based on the astronaut’s needs, with features such as larger, simplified buttons; automatic advancement of film; and anodized matte surfaces to prevent blinding sun glare. (Hasselblad also scrapped traditional viewfinders, since they were of no use to someone wearing a space helmet.) The Hasselblad Electric Data Camera (HEDC) was specifically designed for the extreme temperature fluctuations on the surface of the moon, and it also included a Réseau plate, an interior glass panel with crosshair markings that appeared on the contact prints and were used to calculate distances and dimensions of sites of interest on the moon.

These modified medium-format cameras would become critical tools for the nearly 30 astronauts in the Apollo program, which ran from 1968 to 1972 and held the world’s collective attention. Not only did the photographs provide tactical data (such as the Earth’s weather patterns) or potential lunar landing sites, they fundamentally changed how humanity saw its home planet.

The first spacewalk of the Apollo program, Apollo 9. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Australia's coast with Princess Charlotte Bay and part of the world's largest coral reef system, Great Barrier Reef. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Left window in Command and Service Module, Apollo 12. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Charles Conrad Jr. just about to board or exit the Lunar Module through its external ladder, Apollo 12. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Stratton crater on the moon, Apollo 11. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

An astronaut peeking through a hatch to start his Extra Vehicular Activity, Apollo 9. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Earth during Earth orbit phase, Apollo 11. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Aldrin’s boot during soil mechanics test, Apollo 11. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Portrait of Eugene A. Cernan by Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

Over the course of 11 missions, Apollo astronauts embarked on a series of firsts: the first time men orbited the moon (Apollo 8), the first men to land on the moon (Apollo 11), and, sadly, the first (and only) rolls of film that were left on the moon (Apollo 12).

Each mission came with a list of images to capture. For the moon missions, the astronauts were given charts, called “targets of opportunity,” which mapped out sites to capture and how best to capture them, including which film, lens, and camera settings to use.

Some of the images taken for scientific purposes have become iconic. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin’s photograph of his space suit’s footprint, for instance, shot during the first moon landing in 1969, was actually taken to examine the nature of lunar dust. The photographs that astronauts took with their extra film have been equally important, such as Earthrise (1968), one of the most famous views of our home.

Earthrise, taken from lunar orbit, Apollo 8. Image from the book Apollo VII–XVII. Courtesy of NASA.

If astronaut William A. Anders of Apollo 8 had not bothered to take photographs beyond his “targets of opportunity,” we would have missed out on Earthrise, which shows our humble planet emerging from the all-encompassing darkness of space. That portrait of Earth—a fragile, lonely entity—became a rallying image to preserve our planet, and was named one of Life magazine’s “100 Photographs That Changed the World.” Anders is often quoted as saying: “Despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the Moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth.”

Capturing Earth from above

The Bahamas and Carribean. Photo by Terry Virts from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts and National Geographic.

Today, we can see views of Earth through the lenses of astronauts aboard the ISS, such as Virts. Astronauts use photography for practical purposes—to troubleshoot technical issues with Houston, or to take images that can help with future missions or research—but they often take photos for pleasure, too, which are then added to NASA’s archive. In Virts’s photos, captured during his 200-day mission from 2014 to 2015, the world’s most complex natural environments are rendered in stunning textures and colors. Central Yemen becomes ripples of red-and-orange hues, juxtaposed against the purple-and-cream lightning strikes of mountainous territory. The Caribbean is a vivid swathe of crinkled turquoise with a smattering of cotton-white clouds.

It’s only fitting that Virts, who retired from NASA in 2016, delivered the Cupola module that he and other astronauts, like Pettit, would use to add innumerable images to NASA’s archive. Both astronauts have nurtured a deep love for photography since childhood, and used their time aboard the ISS to captivate a wider audience with their imagery, from Pettit’s popular “light-trail” images—technicolor long exposures of the Earth—to Virts filming the 2016 IMAX movie A Beautiful Planet while on board.

A long-exposure image from Pettit’s “Star Trail” series. Courtesy of NASA/Don Pettit.

Taking photographs aboard the ISS is a wholly different experience than taking pictures on Earth (so much so that Pettit produced a technical guide for ISS residents). Astronauts now have access to a host of Nikon digital bodies and lenses, as well as a RED Epic Dragon for 4K video and a Panasonic 3D camera. And while such advancing technology has simplified some issues that Apollo photographers grappled with, there are still plenty of issues it can’t resolve—such as the challenge of capturing mercurial weather systems on Earth, or countering the extreme lighting conditions of an orbiting station that experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets per day. The ISS, after all, is a small satellite hurtling around the planet at 17,500 miles per hour, which comes with its own set of photographic challenges to work through, from white clouds blowing out the exposure to focusing on a moving target 250 miles below.

An infrared photo of Earth from the ISS. Courtesy of NASA/Don Pettit.

Looking up at Earth with all seven Cupola window shutters open. Photo from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts/NASA and National Geographic.

Pettit’s setup of Nikon DSLR cameras in the cupola. Courtesy of NASA/Don Pettit.

Clouds swirl over the Nyuksensky District of western Russia. Photo by Terry Virts from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts and National Geographic.

Photo by Terry Virts from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts and National Geographic.

But nothing beats the view. Virts was awed by the Namib Desert’s thousand-foot-tall sand dunes, the cyclonic cloud patterns over the Aleutian Islands, and lightning storms at night, which look like a “string of firecrackers going off,” as he wrote in his book. In May 2015, the station flew through the aurora australis, or “southern lights,” which he wrote was “surreal, supernatural even, and one of the most unearthly experiences of my life.”

Virts’s experience was amplified on spacewalks, during which he strapped on a GoPro housed inside a temperature-controlled, pressurized enclosure while working on his tasks on the ISS exterior. “The view is so emotionally powerful that it’s hard to capture,” he recalled of the spacewalk. “It takes your breath away. You actually can’t imagine it unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes.”

The aurora borealis over the U.K. Photo by Terry Virts from the book View from Above, published by National Geographic, 2017. Courtesy of Terry Virts and National Geographic.

While Virts shared with the world his privileged view of the planet, it’s science and international cooperation that makes it possible (Virts’s second ride to the ISS was on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft with one Russian and one European crewmate). Sharing his day-to-day on social media was important to him, he said, because “at the end of the day, all of those things don’t matter unless people know about them.”

Seeing beyond humanity’s reach

While astronauts regularly make trips to space, given that we haven’t quite cracked traveling at the speed of light, humankind hasn’t been able to personally explore much of the solar system. Instead, we send out probes to fly past our celestial neighbors, or orbit around a single target for an extended period of time.

Early probes in the 1960s included tiny labs to process and scan the film they captured; the probes then beamed back the data by assigning the “light” and “dark” part of the images as binary code. The process was incredibly slow and arduous, taking hours to transmit a single frame. Today, advanced digital sensors capture multiple scans of targets through red, blue, and green filters, and full-color images are assembled on Earth. Stereoscopic and VR cameras have also widened our view of far-flung places. These images play a crucial role for NASA, especially when it comes to sharing new discoveries with the public.

Sand dunes often accumulate in the floors of craters. In this region of Lyot Crater, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) shows a field of classic barchan dunes on Jan. 24, 2018. Courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona.

In fact, in recent years, NASA has begun to employ the help of citizen scientists to study NASA’s data or process images, among other duties, including assembling full-color images from the agency’s raw data. “These keen-eyed and industrious individuals have located hitherto unknown asteroids, processed pin-sharp panoramas of the Martian surface, and unveiled hidden patterns in the atmospheres of Saturn and Jupiter,” Bizony wrote in The NASA Archives.

One person working with these citizen-scientists is Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, who has worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for more than 40 years. During her career, she has been a part of some of the most important studies of inner and outer planets: the pioneering (and ongoing) Voyager 1 and 2 missions, which launched in the 1970s and flew past the outer planets; Cassini, which began its mission to Saturn and its moons in 1997, and ended in 2017; the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, whose HiRise camera has studied the Red Planet since 2006; and Juno, which is responsible for the stunning new views of Jupiter that currently pop up in your news feed.

Saturn’s rings are perhaps the most recognized feature of any world in our solar system. Courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.

Juno didn’t actually require a camera for its mission, Hansen-Koharcheck said, but the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, was determined to bring one. “It would be dumb to go all the way to Jupiter and not bring a camera,” she said, with a laugh. They asked Malin Space Science Systems to build an outreach camera—one whose primary purpose is to engage the public—that would fit on the payload. “In a way, that was such a freedom,” Hansen-Koharcheck said, because they didn’t have to engineer a camera to meet specific mission requirements. “We could do anything.”

“It would be dumb to go all the way to Jupiter and not bring a camera.”

That freedom had its limitations, however. Previous probes sported a large telescope with a narrow-angle camera, but Juno wasn’t designed to carry such a weighty optical instrument. And because the spacecraft continuously rotated, the camera wouldn’t be able to take and assemble composites of individual images. If they wanted to capture Jupiter’s poles in their entirety, it would require a 58-degree field of view, which is far wider than previous probe cameras.

“It turns out, that was a brilliant decision,” Hansen-Koharcheck said. The wide field of view allows for jaw-dropping detail over a much larger area. “That’s part of what makes these images so stunning. I’d like to say that we thought of all that ahead of time, but it did not occur to me until I was looking at the pictures,” she added, with a laugh. And since there isn’t an imaging team on the Juno mission, citizen scientists in particular have played a meaningful role in processing its images.

Jupiter's moon Io is dwarfed by the planet it orbits, as seen by the Cassini spacecraft en route to Saturn. Cassini’s 13-year tour of the ringed planet changed the course of planetary exploration. © Courtesy of NASA.

Hansen-Koharcheck and her team post both raw and lightly processed images of the planet online, which anyone can download and edit, and then submit their processed versions to NASA. Submissions can range from yellowish, true-to-color images to eye-popping enhanced renditions to some very abstract, creative takes.Hansen-Koharcheck is one of two curators who choose which submissions to highlight. The images picked up by news outlets are typically of the eye-popping, enhanced variety, lifting Jupiter’s muted, swirling atmosphere in bold blue and copper. They’re a far cry from the images that Hansen-Koharcheck helped capture from Voyager 1’s flyby in 1979, which, in mysterious black-and-white, looked like they could have been plucked from TheTwilight Zone.

Jupiter seen by Voyager 1 probe with blue filter. One image was taken every Jupiter day (approximately 10 hours), 1979. Courtesy of NASA via Wikimedia Commons.

Jupiter’s south pole as seen by NASA’s Juno spacecraft from an altitude of 32,000 miles. © NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Betsy Asher Hall/Gervasio Robles.

In the past few decades, our understanding of the solar system has radically shifted. The agency has sent probes to every planet, landed rovers that take images from the ground on Mars, and is beginning to prepare for manned missions to the Red Planet.

“Over the space of my career—so, over 40 years—[the planets and their moons] went from being little pinpoints of light in ground-based telescopes to being worlds,” Hansen-Koharcheck said. Take Jupiter’s moons, for example. There’s Io, with its volcanoes; Ganymede, with its craters; and Europa, which “probably has an ocean underneath that icy crust,” she said. There’s also Callisto, which is peppered with craters—“and we have names for those craters,” Hansen-Koharcheck emphasized. And Titan, Saturn’s moon, was once “just a little brown smudge in the telescope,” she continued, but now they’ve found that it’s “a place that’s so much like Earth; it’s stunning.”

An update of Hubble’s famous image The Pillars of Creation. Vast towers of dust and gas at the heart of the Eagle Nebula provide material for newborn stars. The blue colors represent oxygen, red is sulfur, and green stands for both nitrogen and hydrogen. The pillars are bathed in ultraviolet light from another cluster of stars located just outside the frame. Courtesy of NASA/ESA.

A Hubble view of the Lagoon Nebula, a stellar nursery 4,000 light-years away. At the center of the photo, powerful radiation from a young star 200,000 times brighter than the Sun creates ridges and cavities in the surrounding gas and dust. Courtesy of NASA.

This 2004 Hubble Ultra Deep Field image shows 10,000 galaxies. The smallest and reddest are the most distant, in time as well as space. They existed when the universe was just 800 million years old. Courtesy of NASA/ESA.

Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel navigates near the Hubble Space Telescope on the end of the shuttle’s robotic manipulator arm, controlled from inside the flight deck of STS-125 Atlantis in May 2009. John Grunsfeld signals to his teammate from just a few feet away. Courtesy of NASA.

The first six of 18 ���flight-ready” primary mirror segments for JWST being tested in a super-cold cryogenic chamber at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. JWST is a joint mission between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Courtesy of NASA.

For images beyond our solar system—beyond the range of probes—we have telescopes. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into low orbit in 1990, and it reaches beyond human imagination, bringing us mind-bending images of neighboring galaxies that look like the glittering eyes of storms, or nebulae thousands of light-years away. Its most famous image pictures the latter: Pillars of Creation, photographed in 1995 and again in 2015, shows a towering formation of interstellar dust in the Eagle Nebula, some 7,000 light-years from our planet. Telescope gazing may be the closest we ever get to time travel.

As this story is being written, the Hubble’s successor, the James Webb Space Telescope—a collaborative endeavor from NASA, the CSA, and ESA—is being built and is slated to launch in 2021; NASA is in the stages of researching habitable 3D-printed homes for people who will touch down on Mars; and Voyager 1 and 2 soldier on. Both spacecrafts reached interstellar space in 2012 and 2018, respectively, making them the only man-made objects to ever leave the heliosphere, though their cameras have long been discontinued. It’s uncertain when, or if, humans will ever be able to join them, but if that time comes, those first explorers will certainly have cameras in tow.

from Artsy News

[tessalivesandbreathesbooks]

Love at Last

So here it is, as promised: my first fanfiction, Love at Last. I’ve never written anything in my life so I’m quite nervous to be posting this and letting you all see it, but I think it was about time I tried. I hope you all like it!

I want to thank @lovecakeandmore for her help and support (seriously, what would I be doing without you?? Not posting this, that I’m sure XD) and @feyresardothien and @sparkleywonderful for your kind words yesterday. Oh and @terlovesbooks because she’s amazing!

Love at Last is a high school AU whose characters belong to SJM’s world, not to me. You’ll find characters from both ACOTAR and ToG whose lives you’ll learn as the story progresses. Some characters might not make an appearance, such as Manon or Elide, mainly because I haven’t got as far in the real books yet and I know I’d not make a fair representation of these character’s personalities. They might appear in the future, I don’t know. The ships I’m supporting in my story are all canon: Feysand, Rowaelin, Nessian, Elucien and Morazriel.

Chapter 1

Feyre's POV

This lesson had to be the most boring one in the history of time. They were learning something about politics, but at this point of the day she couldn't care less. She's been quite distracted lately and it probably had something to do with the hot, blond guy sitting right in front of her.

Tamlin. Her boyfriend.

Feyre couldn't believe yet how lucky she was. They have been dating for a month now, ever since that party at his house. The day of the party Elain had helped her dressed and she had looked stunning: she had worn a slinky dark-red dress with plunging neckline and thigh high split that had left little to imagination. Tamlin had been mesmerized all night and when he had finally come to talk to her (he had taken his time, looking at her from afar, making her feel like a precious object of some unreachable realm), they hadn't stopped in all night. They had laughed and talked and laughed some more and when he finally accompanied her to her house, he had kissed her. The kiss had been sweet, but also breath-taking. Just perfect.

Feyre looked at her watch. 1:55 PM. Only five more minutes, only five minutes and we can go. The teacher was talking about something, but she had long ago disconnected. Today, for lunch, she had agreed to meet Nesta, Elain and Mor in the cafeteria and she knew Nesta was going to be mad if she arrived late. But then, Nesta was always mad for one thing or the other.

She looked up to find Tamlin watching her, with his head turned. She smiled, he smiled back. I'm so lucky.

The teacher cleared her throat.

"Ms. Archeron, we all know Mr. Spring is really handsome, but can you please stop ogling him for a minute?" Feyre was about to open her mouth to protest, but the teacher continued. "I have something I'm sure you'll all want to hear, mainly because 45% of your grade depends on it. As you all know, every year, we do a final exam with all the content of the subject. This year, however, I want to try something different. I want you all to work in groups of three and prepare a whole project whose content I'll randomly divide and select for each one of you."

Feyre looked around. Most of the students were already not-so-subtly talking and making plans as to who who is going to work with who. She looked up at Tamlin again only to see him looking right back at me with his brow arched. She nodded. Of course they were going to work together. And as a third person they could choose Lucien, perhaps?

"Before you make your plans, know I'm choosing who you're working with too." With that, the bickering stopped. The teacher looked around."In fact, the groups are already done and posted on the wall in front of my office. Please, go check them right after this class to know who you are going to work with. The deadline is May 27th and today is April 20th, so you have more than a month to do it. Please, don't give me rubbish, alright? You know I have low tolerance for stupidity."

The bell rang and the students started to talk to one another again. The teacher said something like "good luck" or "goodbye", but nobody really paid attention anymore. They were all too busy rushing to go see who their next partners were going to be.

Feyre got up slowly, not really caring, because if Tamlin wasn't her partner, she didn't really care who she was working with. Unless she had to work with ... but no, she wouldn't have such bad luck. She shook her head.

"Are you okay?" asked Tamlin, coming to her, planting a little to kiss her on the cheek.

"Perfect. Let's just go see those papers to get this over with."

He smiled. "Don't be mad, it's not as if being partners means anything."

She glared at him. "I'm not mad. I just don't understand why we can't choose who we're working with. This freaking project represents 45% of our marks, we should be able to decide. It's important." She started to collect my things, putting them back into her bag as neatly as possible. When she was done he took the bag away from her, swinged it over his shoulder and winked.

"Give me that. I'm not letting my girlfriend carry anything, she’s way too pretty for that.  And let's go to see the lucky bastard that gets to work with you."

When he took her bag she practically swooned. He was right, of course. Who cares who they were working with in a stupid project? They were together anyway. No matter what happened, he'd always be hers and she'd always be his.

They were talking and laughing and about to round the corner when suddenly Feyre’s worst nightmare came into view. Tamlin growled next to her.

"Why, isn't it Feyre darling and the most charming tool on Earth?" Rhysand, aka the biggest prick on the planet, looked straight at us and smirked.

"Shut up, Rhysand if you don't want to see your blood spilled on the floor."

"Always threatening, always angry ... don't you ever get bored? I would. But again, you can't compare my mind to yours I'm afraid."

At that, Tamlin jumped and he threw a punch Rhysand easily intercepted. Oh, how much she hated the prick. Tamlin leaned to throw another, but she put herself between them, stopping him.

"Enough!" She looked at Tamlin whose gaze was dark with a promise of pain and then back to Rhysand. "Just go."

Rhysand just looked at her, his violet eyes deep and intense, and shook his head. He sighed and smiled a sad smile. "This is definitely going to be an interesting experience."

Feyre was about to ask him what he meant by that, but Tamlin took hand and started walking, leaving Rhysand staring after us, his brow slightly arched. Tamlin muttered something like "leave the idiot alone" and kept walking and walking until they were out of earshot. Then he turned towards her and said, with a hatred and anger so deep it made my blood run cold, "Feyre, you are not to talk to him, am I clear?"

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I said. You. Don't. Talk. To. Him. EVER." He grasped her by the arm. Feyre winced. "Do you understand, Feyre?"

"Tamlin, you are hurting me ... "

"I asked you a question!" He growled. The pressure on her arm increased and she was afraid. There were moments when Tamlin lost control of himself, when he became so angry he looked more like an animal than like a person ... but he had never taken it out on her. He had never treated her like that before ... he had never  look at her like that, with such deep possession. It was ... terrifying.

"I ... I understand. I won't talk to him. Please, let me go."

Tamlin looked at her for a few more minutes and then he nodded, easing the pressure on her arm. Tamlin closed his eyes and breathed in and out, slowly and deeply ... and then he hugged her. She stiffened.

"I'm sorry, I just ... I can't bear anything happening to you. And you know, Rhysand. He's ... unpredictable." And then he kissed her, a passionate kiss full of love and need. " I promise I won't let him hurt you." His hands went to her hair and he held her there while he kissed her again. She moaned and leaned in to deepen the kiss. They kissed and kissed, mouth against mouth, their breaths mingling into each other until they heard someone clearing his throat next to them. Tamlin growled in annoyance and looked up to find Lucien, rather flustered, looking at them.

"Hi, ehhh ... have you seen the papers? With the partners?" Lucien looked worried.

"Not yet Lucien, can't you see we're busy?" Tamlin leaned to kiss her again, shutting Lucien up, but then Lucien said, "I'm her partner."

Tamlin blinked and narrowed his gaze. "Good for you. But why do I care?"

Lucien gulped. "Because her other partner is Rhysand."

And then hell began.